cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Western blot detection of epidermal growth factor receptor from plasmalemma of culture cells using 125I-labeled epidermal growth factor

We have developed a novel Western blot procedure for the detection of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors within a complex mixture of membrane proteins. Purified cell membranes from either human placenta or cultured A431 cells were solubilized, resolved by electrophoresis, and electroblotted onto nitrocellulose paper. With 5-15% gradient gels, electroblotting was completed in 2 h and both the high- and low-molecular-weight proteins were transferred evenly onto the nitrocellulose, as indicated by the radiolabeled protein markers. Upon hybridization with 125I-EGF, the membrane receptor was identified as two adjoining bands on the nitrocellulose of 150 and 170 kDa. Binding of 125I-EGF to the immobilized membrane receptor was specific and was displaced by excess unlabeled EGF. The receptor signal on the autoradiogram was optimized when 1% hemoglobin and 0.05% Tween 20 were present during the hybridization. The ligand-binding activity of the immobilized receptor was not affected by sodium dodecyl sulfate detergent or ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, but was drastically reduced by either heat denaturation or the addition of dithiothreitol to the membrane samples. Using this method, we were able to demonstrate that no noticeable difference was observed between the pre- and postphosphorylated EGF receptors in their ability to bind to 125I-EGF. Because it allows both identification and purification of a receptor from a mixture of proteins, this protocol should have general application in characterizing various receptor-ligand systems.
Active anaphylaxis to a foreign protein induced in mice by the transfer of tissue from animals previously injected with the protein.

Following single intravenous injections of a foreign protein antigen, bovine γ-globulin, into mice and rabbits, antigenic material persisting in the liver could be detected for several weeks. Ground liver tissue—taken from the mice and rabbits, just mentioned, either 4 or 6 weeks after injecting the antigen—when transferred repeatedly, at 2 or 3 day intervals, to the peritoneal cavities of normal, or unilaterally adrenalectomized, recipient mice, rendered the recipients sensitive to active anaphylaxis when they were challenged after a suitable interval by intravenous injections of the original antigen. The work throws some light on the state of the antigenic material that persists for 4 to 6 weeks in the livers of the donor animals. Obviously it is sufficiently unchanged, at least in its reactive groups, to engender in the recipient mice antibodies capable of reacting with the original antigen.
Concurrency & object-oriented programming

This paper serves as an introduction to concurrent and distributed object-oriented systems. This is a relatively new area, with few commercially available systems. Even those systems that are available have not yet stood up to the 'test of time'. Available information on those few systems that are commercially available, as well as several research efforts, is summarized and analyzed.
Asbestos-mediated membrane uptake of benzo[ a ]pyrene observed by fluorescence spectroscopy

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL evidence indicates that particulate matter, such as asbestos, can increase the health risk from exposure to chemical carcinogens. For example, asbestos insulation workers show an eightfold increased disposition towards lung cancer; non-smokers had only a slightly increased risk of lung cancer, whereas the smokers had a 92-fold increased risk1,2. These data indicate that 90% of the asbestos related cancers are the result of the co-carcinogenic effects of cigarette smoking and the inhalation of asbestos fibres. We have now examined one possible mechanism of co-carcinogenesis—the ability of particulate matter to increase the rate of cellular uptake of benzo[a]pyrene (BP). We used fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the ability of two particulates, silica and asbestos, to adsorb BP, and to deliver the carcinogen to model membranes. The surface area of the asbestos sample was 60-fold less than that of our silica sample. Surprisingly the asbestos sample showed a greater ability to adsorb BP in a monomeric state than silica. Most importantly BP which is adsorbed to asbestos is more rapidly transported into membranes than BP which is adsorbed to silica. Thus increased cellular exposure to carcinogens, resulting from the presence of particulates which can adsorb and deliver these carcinogens to cells, may be involved in the process of co-carcinogenesis.
Pericyte-Based Human Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts

The success of small-diameter tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) greatly relies on an appropriate cell source and an efficient cellular delivery and carrier system. Pericytes have recently been shown to express mesenchymal stem cell features. Their relative availability and multipotentiality make them a promising candidate for TEVG applications. The objective of this study was to incorporate pericytes into a biodegradable scaffold rapidly, densely and efficiently, and to assess the efficacy of the pericyte-seeded scaffold in vivo. Bi-layered elastomeric poly(ester-urethane)urea scaffolds (length = 10 mm; inner diameter = 1.3 mm) were bulk seeded with 3 x 10(6) pericytes using a customized rotational vacuum seeding device in less than 2 min (seeding efficiency > 90%). The seeded scaffolds were cultured in spinner flasks for 2 days and then implanted into Lewis rats as aortic interposition grafts for 8 weeks. Results showed pericytes populated the porous layer of the scaffolds evenly and maintained their original phenotype after the dynamic culture. After implantation, pericyte-seeded TEVGs showed a significant higher patency rate than the unseeded control: 100% versus 38% (p < 0.05). Patent pericyte-seeded TEVGs revealed extensive tissue remodeling with collagen and elastin present. The remodeled tissue consisted of multiple layers of alpha-smooth muscle actin- and calponin-positive cells, and a von Willebrand factor-positive monolayer in the lumen. These results demonstrate the feasibility of a pericyte-based TEVG and suggest that the pericytes play a role in maintaining patency of the TEVG as an arterial conduit.
Effect of clays and cement on the solidification/stabilization of phenol-contaminated soils

Solidification/stabilization of phenol-contaminated soil was investigated by studying the interaction between soil, phenol and cement. The soil (with 20% kaolinite or bentonite clay) was contaminated with phenol up to 2000 mg/kg. Type I Portland cement was used as the binder (20% by weight of contaminated soil) in the solidification/stabilization (S/S) treatment. In the phenol-cement interaction studies, the effect of various phenol concentrations on cement setting time, strength and pore fluid composition was studied. Phenol increased the initial and final setting time of cement and reduced the compressive strength. More than 85% of the phenol was desorped from the contaminated soils. The compressive strength of treated, contaminated soil decreased with higher phenol content but increased with curing time. Leachability of phenol from the solidified cement and treated, contaminated soil cured up to 180 days, was evaluated using the U.S. EPA recommended Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and the American Nuclear Society's ANS 16.1 leaching test. The percentage of phenol leached from the solidified contaminated soil was independent of the initial concentration of phenol in the contaminated soil. While the TCLP tests on treated soils showed that over 70% of phenol in the contaminated soil was leached out, the ANS 16.1 tests showed less than 35% phenol in the leachate. A simple model has been proposed to quantify the phenol leached from the cement-solidified, contaminated soil during both leaching tests.
AGU Opens Its Doors, Shares Science With the Public

Imagine the United States without Los Angeles. That was the unnerving hypothetical posed by Lucile Jones to an audience of more than 100 people at AGU's annual public lecture on the opening day of the 2013 Fall Meeting. As the science advisor for risk reduction with the U.S. Geological Survey, Jones is a familiar face to many Californians—she is often interviewed in the wake of the state's frequent earthquakes. In her lecture, Jones explained that there is a high likelihood that a major quake will hit the Los Angeles region.
The ecdysial gland of the spider crab, Libinia emarginata (L). I. Ultrastructure of the gland in the male.

The ecdysial glands of mature male Libinia emarginata are pale, yellowish organs composed of lobes of epithelial cells having oval nuclei which are often eccentric and which have one or two nucleoli containing amorphous granular material and coarse strands. The plasma membrane bordering the basal lamina consists of invaginations containing microtubules which may serve to increase the surface area for metabolic exchange. Masses of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and associated vesicles are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Two or more vacuoles may coalesce. Larger vesicles lie close to the cell surface. Numerous mitochondria with tubular cristae surround the nucleus and frequently are associated with SER. A few Golgi complexes consisting of flattened sacs, cisternae or vesicles, lipid droplets and free ribosomes were seen. Adjacent plasma membranes may be in close apposition or separated by a space filled with vesicles, granules, or blood or supporting cells. This type of ultrastructure is associated with steroid-secreting cells.
Changes in mouse mammary epithelial cell size during mammary gland development.

Abstract The average volume and size distribution of mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMEC) at different stages of functional activity of the mammary gland have been estimated. During early pregnancy, the mean MMEC volume begins to enlarge, resulting in a 21-fold cell volume increase by late lactation (Day 18). Progressive increases in mean MMEC volume during late pregnancy and throughout lactation result from the appearance and progressive hypertrophy of secretory alveolar cells. Involution of the mammary tissue brings about a precipitous decrease both in the average MMECvolume and in the distribution of cell sizes established during the later phases of lactation. The progressive hypertrophy of cells particularly throughout the lactational period appear to correlate with previously reported changes in the metabolic activities of the mammary gland.
Microsurgical anatomy of the laryngeal nerves as related to thyroid surgery

Objectives The objectives were to explore microsurgical anatomy of the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves and their importance in thyroid surgery, and to examine areas of potential morbidity, means of identification, and arterial supply of the laryngeal nerves. Study Design Descriptive analysis of anatomical features. Methods Twenty-one adult cadavers, some perfused with colored silicon, were dissected for the study project. Results The right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) branches off the vagus at the level of the subclavian artery and the left one at the level of the aorta. Both ascend parallel to the tracheoesophageal groove and innervate trachea, esophagus, and the inferior pharyngeal constrictors en route. The RLN has the highest probability to pass between the branches of the inferior thyroid artery on the right side and posterior to them on the left side. The RLN always passes posterior to the cricothyroid joint. The RLN is supplied by the branches of the inferior thyroid artery. The superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) branches into internal and external branches deep to the carotid bifurcation. The internal branch passes deep to the superior thyroid artery and descends toward thyrohyoid membrane. The external branch travels deep and parallel to the superior thyroid artery to innervate cricothyroid muscle. The internal branch is supplied by the superior laryngeal artery, and the external branch by the cricothyroid artery. Conclusions The only consistent location of the RLN is when it passes posterior to the cricothyroid joint. Because of extreme variability of the inferior thyroid artery and the RLN, it is suggested that the artery be ligated either proximally or at its tertiary branches on thyroid capsule. The internal branch of the SLN is not potentially at risk during thyroidectomy unless the superior thyroid artery is ligated proximally. The external branch of the SLN accompanies the superior thyroid artery for most of its course and is at potential risk if the trunk of the superior thyroid artery is ligated outside the pretracheal fascia.
An Application of Linear Regression Analysis to Biometric Data

Abstract A COMPLETE theory and practice of regression analyses, based on definite assumptions or mathematical models, has been developed by Galton (1889), Pearson (1896), Yule (1932), Fisher (1938), Deming (1943), David and Neyman (1938), and many others. In some respects a more practical approach is given by Ezekiel (1941). Eisenhart (1939) has discussed the use of regression methods in biological and industrial research. The usual assumptions are that one variable, say x, is without error and that the variance of the other variable, say y, measured from the regression curve, is uniform with respect to x. The case of errors in both variables, however, has also been treated by numerous authors, for instance Wald (1939), Deming (1943), and Kavanagh (1941). Nonuniform variance has been discussed by Brady (1938), Salmon (1938), Baker (1941 Baker (1945), and others. Dr. Benjamin Epstein has noted errors in the expressions for the variances and correlation coefficient of . . .
Concurrence of α-synuclein and tau brain pathology in the Contursi kindred

Previous genetic analysis of the familial Parkinson's disease Contursi kindred led to the identification of an Ala53Thr pathogenic mutation in the α-synuclein gene. We have re-examined one of the original brains from this kindred using new immunohistochemical reagents, thioflavin S staining and immunoelectron microscopy. Surprisingly, we uncovered a dense burden of α-synuclein neuritic pathology and rare Lewy bodies. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated fibrillar α-synuclein-immunoreactive aggregates. Unexpected tau neuritic and less frequent perikaryal inclusions were also observed. Some inclusions were comprised of both proteins with almost complete spatial disparity. We suggest that it is important to recognize that the neurodegenerative process caused by the Ala53Thr mutation in α-synuclein is not identical to that seen in typical idiopathic Parkinson's disease brains.
Living arrangements and children's development in low-income White, Black, and Latino families.

This article uses longitudinal data from approximately 2,000 low-income families participating in the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Child Development Program to examine the associations between preschool children’s living arrangements and their cognitive achievement and emotional adjustment. The analysis distinguishes families in which children live only with their mothers from children who live in biological father, blended, and multigenerational households. Linkages are examined separately for White, Black, and Latino children. Fixed effects regression techniques reveal few significant associations between living arrangements and child development. These findings suggest that substantial diversity exists in the developmental contexts among children living in the same family structure. Policies seeking to change the living arrangements of low-income children may do little to improve child well-being.
Substrate Specificity of the RND-Type Multidrug Efflux Pumps AcrB and AcrD of Escherichia coli Is Determined Predominately by Two Large Periplasmic Loops

ABSTRACT AcrAB-TolC is a constitutively expressed, tripartite efflux transporter complex that functions as the primary resistance mechanism to lipophilic drugs, dyes, detergents, and bile acids in Escherichia coli. TolC is an outer membrane channel, and AcrA is an elongated lipoprotein that is hypothesized to span the periplasm and coordinate efflux of such substrates by AcrB and TolC. AcrD is an efflux transporter of E. coli that provides resistance to aminoglycosides as well as to a limited range of amphiphilic agents, such as bile acids, novobiocin, and fusidic acid. AcrB and AcrD belong to the resistance nodulation division superfamily and share a similar topology, which includes a pair of large periplasmic loops containing more than 300 amino acid residues each. We used this knowledge to test several plasmid-encoded chimeric constructs of acrD and acrB for substrate specificity in a marR1 ΔacrB ΔacrD host. AcrD chimeras were constructed in which the large, periplasmic loops between transmembrane domains 1 and 2 and 7 and 8 were replaced with the corresponding loops of AcrB. Such constructs provided resistance to AcrB substrates at levels similar to native AcrB. Conversely, AcrB chimeras containing both loops of AcrD conferred resistance only to the typical substrates of AcrD. These results cannot be explained by simply assuming that AcrD, not hitherto known to interact with AcrA, acquired this ability by the introduction of the loop regions of AcrB, because (i) both AcrD and AcrA were found, in this study, to be required for the efflux of amphiphilic substrates, and (ii) chemical cross-linking in intact cells efficiently produced complexes between AcrD and AcrA. Since AcrD can already interact with AcrA, the alterations in substrate range accompanying the exchange of loop regions can only mean that substrate recognition (and presumably binding) is determined largely by the two periplasmic loops.
Sodium-Lithium Exchange Equilibria on Vermiculite at 25° and 50°C*

Sodium-lithium exchange equilibria between dilute aqueous chloride solutions and 0.2–62 µ Transvaal, South African vermiculite were studied at 25° and 50°C using a dialysis technique. The K content of the vermiculite was reduced to < 1% of the exchange capacity of 2·14 me/g by exhaustive extraction using Na-tetraphenylboron. The thermodynamic equilibrium constants and in turn the standard free energies and heats of exchange were evaluated from the equilibrium selectivity coefficients at the two temperatures. The standard entropy of exchange, ΔS°, was calculated according to the relationship ΔG° = ΔH° − TΔS°. Similar results were obtained for Na → Li and Li → Na exchange at 25°C, thus confirming the reversibility of the reaction. Sodium preference increased with Na saturation of the vermiculite and equilibrium selectivity coefficients ranged from 6·0 to 22·0 at 25°C. In comparison, selectivity coefficients for Na-Li exchange on montmorillonite ranged from 1·0 to 2·0 and became smaller with increasing Na saturation. The standard free energy and heat of exchange on vermiculite at 25°C were −1444 and −5525 cal mole−1, respectively, resulting in a ΔS° value of −13·7 e.u. This relatively large entropy change is probably due to differences in ion hydration in the solution and surface phases.
Neofunctionalism and Neoinstitutionalism: Human Agency and Interest in Institutional Change

Neofunctionalism and neoinstitutionalism suffer from a macro bias that impairs recognition of human agency and interest in institutional change. A preliminary micro corrective organized around the concepts of institutional entrepreneurs and institutional projects is proposed. These concepts are elaborated to address three related problems: the content of institutional change; power, coalitions, and conflict in institutional change; and entrepreneurs use of accounts to legitimate their projects.
Cognitive analysis of contraceptive behavior.

A cognitive approach emphasizing the role of memory structure and information processing has particular utility for explaining why teenage and adult women risk unwanted pregnancy. The ability to anticipate and prepare for sexual intercourse is contingent on the ability to think about sexual intercourse contraception and the negative impact on ones life of an unplanned pregnancy. Thus actual risk taking or risk avoidance can be conceptualized as a function of the thoughts in a womans mind as she is presented with the opportunity to engage in intercourse. 2 classes of factors are thought to influence the accessibility of memory structures in intimate situations: 1) situational factors such as alcohol or the partner that make it difficult for the woman to think clearly or broadly about her behavior and its consequences; and 2) external factors such as the sex and contraceptive experiences of self and others education and career goals relationship goals and culture. Also significant is the contribution of spreading activation and the importance of pre-existing associations between various memory structures. Factors hypothesized to increase the accessibility of concepts relevant to the impact of an unwanted pregnancy include: partners concerns about a pregnancy; goals outcomes social status relationships opportunities and experiences that would be threatened by an unwanted pregnancy; experiences and involvement in activities relevant to valued goals; and observation of the negative impact of unwanted pregnancy on others. Research is in progress to assess predictions for contraceptive behavior based on this cognitive model.
USE OF PHOTON FIELDS WITH NONCOINCIDENT ISOCENTERS TO IMPROVE HOMOGENEITY OF DOSE DISTRIBUTION

To compare changes in dose distribution in irregularly shaped volumes treated using fields with noncoincident isocenters compared with fields with coincident isocenters. The hypothesis was that use of fields with noncoincident isocenters would result in improved homogeneity of dose distribution. We chose to test the hypothesis in canine nasal tumors because of the increased dorsoventral thickness of the caudal compared with the rostral nasal cavity. Computed tomography images from eight dogs with nasal tumors were selected. A tissue-contouring program was used to outline contours, including the mandible as a normal tissue structure and the planning target volume (PTV), divided into a rostral and caudal volume. A traditional computerized treatment plan consisting of two parallel-opposed fields was constructed for each dog. A second treatment plan using a third caudally located field having a different isocenter was constructed for comparison. Dose-volume histograms were generated and compared for each contoured structure in both plans. In all dogs the use of noncoincident fields resulted in increased dose to the ethmoid region through the caudal field. Minimum dose in the caudal tumor PTV increased as well. At the same time, dose delivered to the mandible, prone to develop significant side effects, was lower in all dogs with the use of noncoincident fields, as it was possible to reduce the dose delivered from the ventral field. Use of photon fields with noncoincident isocenters can improve the dose distribution in irregularly shaped volumes in comparison with fields with coincident isocenters. Improved tumor dose distribution was achieved with the addition of a smaller field having a different isocenter.
HONG KONG'S INDETERMINACY PUZZLE: INSTITUTIONALIST AND ECONOMETRIC APPROACHES*

During the free-issue regime (1974-1983), Hong Kong's money supply, price level and exchange rates were wholly governed by market forces. The system did not seem to have any nominal anchor. Theoretically its price level was indeterminate, engendering what is called an indeterminacy puzzle. The paper elaborates on the concept of price level indeterminacy and undertakes the question of empirical determination of the price level indeterminacy during the free-issue regime. The empirical investigation employs two distinct approaches - institutionalist and econometric. The results of the two approaches indicate the necessity of a broader approach to historical analyses. The paper also informs us about the relationship among money supply, price level and exchange rate in a regime of fiat money without a central bank. Copyright 1996 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd/University of Adelaide and Flinders University of South Australia
A competitive pixel-object approach for land cover classification

This paper describes a novel remote sensing land cover classification approach named competitive pixel-object classification, based on Bayesian neural networks and image segmentation. This approach makes use of both pixel spectral features and object features resulting from image segmentation through a competitive mechanism to resolve the problem of spectral confusion caused by reflectance similarity of some land cover types that traditional pixel-based classification cannot resolve. The competitive pixel-object method reduces the unreliability of object feature information produced by over- or under-segmentation of the image through a competitive mechanism. The experiment shows that the competitive pixel-object approach produces higher classification accuracy than either pixel-based classification or object-oriented classification.
Parental Leave: Policy and Research

Parental leave, a key aspect of family policy, is a relatively new concept in the United States; it is crucial that policy development be guided by social science research. In this article we first review policy issues associated with parental leave. Following that, we consider relevant social science research pertaining to parental leave and mothers' and fathers' functioning (e.g., mental health, relationship with spouse and infant). We focus particularly on results emerging from the Wisconsin Maternity Leave and Health Project, which suggest, for example, that short leave (6 weeks or less) for women is a risk factor, when combined with other risk factors such as marital concerns, for depression. We conclude with policy implications of this and related research.
Efficient electrogenerated chemiluminescence from osmium(II) polypyridine systems containing tetraphenylarsine or diphenylphosphine ligands

The spectroscopy, electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of five osmium(II) polypyridyl systems containing either phosphine or arsine chelating ligands are reported. ECL is generated in acetonitrile and mixed CH3CN–H2O (50 : 50 v/v) solutions with tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) as an oxidative–reductive coreactant. ECL efficiencies (ϕECL = photons emitted per redox event) between 0.15 and 8.43 are obtained using Ru(bpy)32+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) as a relative standard (ϕECL = 1). The ECL efficiency is dependent on both the nature of the ligands and the solvent media. The ECL spectra are identical to photoluminescence spectra indicating formation of the same excited states in both ECL and PL.
Pregnancy Discrimination: Equality, Protection or Reconciliation?

Dismissal for pregnancy-related sickness has been justified on financial and administrative grounds for many years. Employers maintained that they should not be burdened with the financial consequences of pregnancy and maternity where this entailed long term incapacity even where subsequent dismissals infringed the principle of equal treatment. Ever since the twin decisions of Dekker1 and Hertz,2 the European Court of Justice has struggled to find an acceptable balance between the equality principle and the demands of a male oriented labour market. Hertz tipped the balance in favour of the latter by ruling that dismissal for absence after maternity leave was not discriminatory even where the illness originated in pregnancy. The Pregnant Workers Directive3 which introduced special protection for pregnant women throughout the pregnancy and maternity period, left the scope of Hertz unclear. The Court has now clarified this vexed area of law in Brown v Rentokil Ltd4 by ruling that it is direct discrimination to dismiss a woman at any time during her pregnancy for absences caused by pregnancy-related illnesses. The Court has not, however, chosen to depart from the limitations imposed in Hertz and followed in Larsson.5 Brown highlights the limitations of the equality concept in dealing with female difference in the workplace, as positive discrimination in favour of motherhood is circumscribed by artificial time limits which are left to be defined under the principle of subsidiarity. This is another pragmatic decision which recognises that, for cost reasons, domestic and work roles must conform with male work patterns outside a narrowly drawn maternity period.
City Air and City Markets Worker Productivity Gains across City Sizes

Higher nominal wages in urban areas are well-documented phenomena which imply higher productivity of urban workers. Yankow and Wheeler show that these gains come through a variety of sources includ...
Characterization and localization of myosin in the brush border of intestinal epithelial cells

The brush border of intestinal epithelial cells consists of a tightly packed array of microvilli, each of which contains a core of actin filaments. It has been postulated that microvillar movements are mediated by myosin interactions in the terminal web with the basal ends of these actin cores (Mooseker, M.S. 1976. J. Cell. Biol. 71:417-433). We report here that two predictions of this model are correct: (a) The brush border contains myosin, and (b) myosin is located in the terminal web. Myosin is isolated in 70 percent purity by solubilization of Triton-treated brush borders in 0.6 M KI, and separation of the components by gel filtration. Most of the remaining contaminants can be removed by precipitation of the myosin at low ionic strength. This yield is approximately 1 mg of myosin/30 mg of solubilized brush border protein. The molecule consists of three subunits with molecular weights of 200,000, 19,000, and 17,000 daltons in a 1:1:1 M ratio. At low ionic strength, the myosin forms small, bipolar filaments with dimensions of 300 X 11nm, that are similar to filaments seen previously in the terminal web of isolated brush borders. Like that of other vertebrate, nonmuscle myosins, the ATPase activity of isolated brush border myosin in 0.6 M KCI is highest with EDTA (1 μmol P(i)/mg-min; 37 degrees C), intermediate with Ca++ (0.4 μmol P(i)/mg-min), and low with Mg++ (0.01 μmol P(i)/mg-min). Actin does not stimulate the Mg-ATPase activity of the isolated enzyme. Antibodies against the rod fragment of human platelet myosin cross-react by immunodiffusion with brush border myosin. Staining of isolated mouse or chicken brush borders with rhodamine-antimyosin demonstrates that myosin is localized exclusively in the terminal web.
The Effect of Cation and Anion Resin Mixtures on the Salt Content of Raw Skimmilk

Summary The action of mixtures of cationic (Nalcite HCR, hydrogen cycle) and anionic (Nalcite SAR, hydroxyl cycle) resins upon the salt content of skimmilk has been investigated. Raw skimmilk samples were treated by the batch process with the resin mixtures, and the resulting systems were filtered and analyzed for pH, total nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus, citrate, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Some suggestions are made to explain the results obtained.
Curcumin inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 transcription in bile acid- and phorbol ester-treated human gastrointestinal epithelial cells

We investigated whether curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, inhibited chenodeoxycholate (CD)- or phorbol ester (PMA)-mediated induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in several gastrointestinal cell lines (SK-GT-4, SCC450, IEC-18 and HCA-7). Treatment with curcumin suppressed CD- and PMA-mediated induction of COX-2 protein and synthesis of prostaglandin E2. Curcumin also suppressed the induction of COX-2 mRNA by CD and PMA. Nuclear run-offs revealed increased rates of COX-2 transcription after treatment with CD or PMA and these effects were inhibited by curcumin. Treatment with CD or PMA increased binding of AP-1 to DNA. This effect was also blocked by curcumin. In addition to the above effects on gene expression, we found that curcumin directly inhibited the activity of COX-2. These data provide new insights into the anticancer properties of curcumin.
Fluctuating asymmetry and stress in a medieval Nubian population

Fluctuating asymmetry is commonly used as a bioindicator of developmental stress. This study addresses asymmetry under nutritional/systemic stress in the human craniofacial skeleton and its utility as an indicator of developmental instability. Crania from the diachronic Christian cemeteries at Kulubnarti (Sudanese Nubia) were chosen as a model for nutrition/systemic stress. Previous studies indicate that individuals from the Early Christian cemetery were subjected to greater developmental stress when compared with individuals from the Late Christian cemetery. Therefore, crania from the Early Christian cemetery should display a greater magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry than crania from the Late Christian cemetery. Thirty adult crania of comparable age and sex were selected from each population. Landmark coordinates were digitized in two separate trials and averaged to minimize error. Euclidean distance matrix analysis (EDMA) was used to measure and compare the magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry in each sample. Results indicate that crania from the Early Christian cemetery display greater amounts of fluctuating asymmetry than those from the Late Christian cemetery, as predicted. The degree of fluctuating asymmetry for each linear distance is highly correlated between the cemeteries, suggesting that all humans may share common patterns of fluctuating asymmetry in the skull. In contrast, there is little correlation between magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry and length of linear distance, between-subject variability, or measurement error. These results support the hypothesis that poor nutrition/systemic stress increases developmental instability in the human skull and that increased fluctuating asymmetry constitutes morphological evidence of this stress.
An unusual new species of Albericus (Anura: Microhylidae) from Mount Giluwe, Papua New Guinea

Abstract I describe a new species of microhylid frog from Mt. Giluwe in the Central Highlands of New Guinea. The new species is remarkable in being an inhabitant of alpine grasslands; all other members of the genus are solely arboreal or scansorial forest-dwellers. Reflecting this habitat difference, the new species is unique among its congeners in its short legs, small hands, and small digital discs, features that are typical in terrestrial frogs but are atypical within Albericus.
A Dialogical Church: Newly Born and Still Growing

tematically from biblical or historical scholarship; still others gain insight from dialogue with theologians in Third World and Fourth World countries. There is no longer just one theology. The outcome of these three tectonic shifts—American, lay, pluralistic—is not totally clear. But their occurrence marks this period as different from that which preceded the past quarter century. Furthermore, the ongoing confluence of these three shifts already sets a certain direction and inspires dreams for theology in the decades ahead. Despite these dreams, the bleak mood of my opening vignette returns with the realization that theology in an American voice is still in a fledgling state. Investigations and firings of theologians who use new idioms have already occurred at the hands of the Roman Curia and episcopal magisterium. If the original norms of Ex Corde Ecclesiae are juridically enforced, then the fledgling could be crushed, or at least seriously disabled. It has happened before to the detriment of other local churches and I long ago lost the innocence of thinking we might be spared. However, we are here to celebrate an anniversary of a journal that has charted and contributed to the growth of theology in American voices. And so I dare to hope and say: the next quarter century will witness a vital theology spoken by many new voices, even in the teeth of opposition: by lay as well as ordained, by married as well as single persons, by women as well as men, and by Hispanic, African-American, and Asian-American as well as Euro-American citizens. It will be theology done in a genuine American idiom, allowing a pluralistic church's various experiences of God to nourish the interpretation of the great Catholic heritage. It will be a theology responsive to American questions and challenging to American sinfulness, serving the search for God in this technological, pluralistic, multireligious society. Finally, if it does its job well, it will grow into a theology that will serve the world church by a prophetic, compassionate sensitivity to the many dimensions of liberty, equality, and justice for all, so that the least among the people of the world can benefit.
Design and projected performance of a flapping foil AUV

The design and construction of a biomimetic flapping foil autonomous underwater vehicle is detailed. The vehicle was designed as a proof of concept for the use of oscillating foils as the sole source of motive power for a cruising and hovering underwater vehicle. Primary vehicle design requirements included scalability and flexibility in terms of the number and placement of foils, so as to maximize experimental functionality. This goal was met by designing an independent self-contained module to house each foil, requiring only direct current power and a connection to the vehicle's Ethernet local area network for operation. The results of tests on the foil modules in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Marine Hydrodynamics Water Tunnel and the MIT Ship Model Testing Tank are both used to demonstrate fundamental properties of flapping foils and to predict the performance of the specific vehicle design based on the limits of the actuators. The maximum speed of the vehicle is estimated based on the limitations of the specific actuator and is shown to be a strong function of the vehicle drag coefficient. When using four foils, the maximum speed increases from 1 m/s with a vehicle C/sub D/ of 1.4 to 2 m/s when C/sub D/=0.1, where C/sub D/ is based on vehicle frontal area. Finally, issues of vehicle control are considered, including the decoupling of speed and pitch control using pitch-biased maneuvering and the tradeoff between actuator bandwidth and authority during both the cruising and hovering operation.
Thermodynamic comparison of PNA/DNA and DNA/DNA hybridization reactions at ambient temperature

The thermodynamics of 13 hybridization reactions between 10 base DNA sequences of design 5'-ATGCXYATGC-3' with X, Y = A, C, G, T and their complementary PNA and DNA sequences were determined from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements at ambient temperature. For the PNA/DNA hybridization reactions, the binding constants range from 1.8 x 10(6)M(-1)for PNA(TT)/DNA to 4.15 x 10(7)M(-1)for PNA(GA)/DNA and the binding enthalpies range from -194 kJ mol(-1)for PNA(CG)/DNA to -77 kJ mol(-1)for PNA(GT)/DNA. For the corresponding DNA/DNA binding reactions, the binding constants range from 2.9 x 10(5)M(-1)for DNA(GT)/DNA to 1.9 x 10(7)M(-1)for DNA(CC)/DNA and the binding enthalpies range from -223 kJ mol(-1)for DNA(CG)/DNA to -124 kJ mol(-1)for DNA(TT)/DNA. Most of the PNA sequences exhibited tighter binding affinities than their corresponding DNA sequences resulting from smaller entropy changes in the PNA/DNA hybridization reactions. van't Hoff enthalpies and extrapolated Delta G values determined from UV melting studies on the duplexes exhibited closer agreement with the ITC binding enthalpies and Delta G values for the DNA/DNA duplexes than for the PNA/DNA duplexes.
Robust control designs for multiple bifurcations

A multiple bifurcation phenomena is observed in a two-area example power system. A local bifurcation and an interarea bifurcation develop because of the multiple bifurcation parameter changes. The dynamic behaviors of the bifurcating system are complex due to the overlapping of the two different bifurcation subsystems and are shown to be difficult to control. The double bifurcations are studied And in order to stabilize them, three kinds of /spl mu/-synthesis robust controls are designed: 1) /spl mu/-synthesis power system stabilizer (MPSS); 2) /spl mu/-synthesis SVC control (MSVC); and 3) a mixed MPSS/MSVC control. Based on the bifurcation subsystem analysis, the measurement signals and locations of the controls are selected. The control performances and the RGA matrix information of three kind of controls are compared. The conclusions are given according to the analysis and time simulation results.
Risk assessment for developing gliomas: A comparison of two cytogenetic approaches

Chromosome instability (CIN) measured as chromosome aberrations has long been suggested as a cancer susceptibility biomarker. Conventional cytogenetic end-points are now being improved by combining molecular methods, which increases the sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the assay. In this study we examined both spontaneous and gamma-ray induced CIN in lymphocyte cultures from 51 previously untreated glioma patients and 51 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched controls. CIN was assessed using two parallel methods: (1) the mutagen sensitivity (MS) assay and (2) the multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. The frequency of spontaneous breaks was significantly higher in glioma patients (mean+/-S.D., 2.12+/-1.07) than in controls (1.24+/-0.86, P<0.001) when using the FISH assay but not the MS assay (0.019+/-0.02 and 0.019+/-0.01, respectively; P=0.915). Similarly, the frequency of induced chromatid breaks was significantly higher using the FISH assay (3.39+/-1.72) but not the MS assay (0.42+/-0.16) in the patients versus controls (2.08+/-1.18 and 0.37+/-0.15, respectively; P<0.001 and P=0.10, respectively). By using the median number of breaks in the controls as the cutoff value, we observed an odds ratio (ORs) of 5.13 (95% CI=2.23-12.1) for spontaneous and 4.86 (95% CI=2.08-11.4) for induced CIN using the FISH assay, whereas the ORs were 1.32 (95% CI=0.49-3.58) and 1.28 (95% CI=0.59-2.80) for spontaneous and induced CIN using the MS assay. There was also a significant increase in the frequency of hyperdiploid cells in the glioma cases which could only be detected using the FISH assay (OR=4.0, 95% CL=0.9-17.0). By combining both methods an estimated risk of 7.0 (95% CI=1.7-25.6) was observed. There was no correlation between the breaks detected by the two methods suggesting that each method is a measure of a different event. The results indicate that using the multicolor FISH assay for detection of CIN in peripheral blood lymphocytes in glioma patients is a more useful marker for risk assessment.
In-plane anisotropy method for the characterization of the elastic properties of anisotropic materials

Acoustic radiation force-based methods have the ability of estimating tissue viscoelastic material properties. A limitation of the current methods exists when the estimation of the mechanical properties is performed under the assumption that the tissue is isotropic and homogeneous thus, neglecting the inherent anisotropy nature of certain tissues. Currently to facilitate the estimation of the elastic parameters of these types of tissues, it is common to assume that these anisotropic biological media can be modeled as being transversely isotropic (TI). Based on this assumption mechanical properties of these tissues are evaluated by measuring the shear wave velocity at different angles by rotating the tissue with respect to the transducer, where 0° and 180° are defined along the fibers, and 90° and 270° across the fibers. The characterization of the behavior of anisotropic materials by the abovementioned method presents numerous limitations that can be overcome by a simplified approach to estimate the TI shear moduli by measuring the shear waves in a single B-mode imaging plane. We refer to this method as In-Plane Anisotropy (IPA) technique. To investigate the feasibility of the IPA method, we used a finite element model (FEM) of the shear wave propagation in an elastic TI media, and we evaluated the anisotropic characteristics of a phantom incorporating fibrous material with preferential orientations and a sample of pork tenderloin.
Firmness and force relaxation characteristics of tomatoes stored intact or as slices

Firmness is an important aspect of the quality of fresh tomatoes. Its measurement is necessary for quality control, as well as for postharvest studies to develop procedures for preparation and handling of fresh-cut tomato slices. This study had two objectives, to determine how initial ripeness and cutting affect the textural changes in tomato tissue during storage and to develop a method for measuring textural attributes of tomato slices. Firmness and force relaxation characteristics were compared for tomato flesh harvested at six maturity stages and stored intact or as slices for 0–20 days. Measurements were made at three sites in the outer pericarp and three in columellar tissue on 7-mm thick transverse slices. Following loading, stress relaxation was recorded for 10 s. A 4-mm cylindrical probe provided more consistent firmness measurements (lower% CV) than a 6.4-mm spherical probe at harvest, and distances of 3 mm provided more consistent results than 1 mm. Therefore, stored tomato samples were tested only with the 4-mm cylindrical probe and distance of 3 mm. Fmax (maximum force) of freshly harvested tomatoes ranged from 15 to 2 N for mature green and red tomatoes, respectively. Fmax was closely related to loading energy (area), slope, and yield force; i.e. all four parameters measured elastic behavior. Fmax also was related (r 2 = 0.77–0.97) to forces at specific relaxation times. Tomatoes stored intact generally had lower CVs than those sliced before storage, although there was little difference in average firmness (Fmax) between the two at a given storage time for a given initial ripeness. A three-parameter model was developed to fit the relaxation curves: Y = 1− A ln(1 + t) − Bt/(C + t) where t is relaxation time. There was little correlation between Fmax and the three relaxation parameters (r 2 = 0–0.33), i.e. the relaxation parameters measured a different physical property, presumably viscoelasticity. The responses of the relaxation parameters over storage time were dependent on the initial maturity of the tomatoes; but values usually differed significantly between tomatoes stored intact or sliced, with tomatoes sliced before storage generally having higher values, which we interpret as having lower viscoelasticity. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
The Use of Silica Coated MnO Nanoparticles to Control MRI Relaxivity in Response to Specific Physiological Changes

MnO nanoparticles have been tested to engineer a delayed increase in MRI T(1) relaxivity caused by cellular uptake via endocytosis into acidic compartments. Various coatings on core-shell structured MnO nanoparticles were tested for those that had the lowest T(1) relaxivity at pH 7.4, a pH where MnO does not dissolve into Mn(2+) ions. The rate of dissolution and release of Mn(2+) of the different coated MnO particles as well as changes in T(1) relaxivity were measured at pH 5, a pH routinely obtained in the endosomal-lysosomal pathway. Of a number of coatings, silica coated MnO (MnO@SiO(2)) had the lowest relaxivity at pH 7.4 (0.29 mm(-1) sec(-1)). About one third of the MnO dissolved within 20 min and the T(1) relaxivity increased to that of free Mn(2+) (6.10 mm(-1) sec(-1)) after three days at pH 5. MRI of MnO@SiO(2) particles injected into the rat brain showed time-dependent signal changes consistent with the in vitro rates. Thalamocortical tract-tracing could be observed due to the released Mn(2+). Intravenous infusion of MnO@SiO(2) particles showed little enhancement in any tissue except gallbladder. The gallbladder enhancement was interpreted to be due to endocytosis by liver cells and excretion of Mn(2+) ions into the gallbladder. The MnO@SiO(2) core-shell nanoparticles show the best potential for delaying the release of MRI contrast until endocytosis into low pH compartments activate MRI contrast. The delayed enhancement may have benefits for targeting MRI contrast to specific cells and surface receptors that are known to be recycled by endocytosis.