cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Monitoring of Peptide Cleavage Using a Nanopore Probe

Here we report a rapid, label-free method for monitoring peptide cleavage. Monitoring peptide translocation through an engineered ion channel in the absence and the presence of an enzyme allowed quantitative chemical kinetics information on enzymatic processes to be obtained. In addition to its potential application in disease diagnostics and drug discovery, this peptide/protein cleavage approach is envisioned for further development as a novel rapid, label-free protein sequencing technique.
On the improvement of solid-phase extraction room-temperature phosphorimetry for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples.

Abstract This article presents considerable improvements in SPE-RTP methodology for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples. Bulky glassware and vacuum pump were removed from the previous extraction procedure [E.D. Hagestuen, A.D. Campiglia, Talanta 49 (1998) 547] by processing 10 ml of sample with syringes and stainless steel filter holders. The oven-drying step was substituted by air sample drying, which employed positive pressure to remove water excess from the extraction membrane. As a result, analysis times from 8 to 10 min per sample were obtained. No costs in levels of detection were observed. Limits of detection at the pg ml−1 level were estimated for phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and chrysene. The feasibility of identifying single components in PAH mixtures was investigated. Binary and tertiary mixtures were resolved by appropriate choice of excitation and emission wavelengths. The advantage of using excitation–emission matrix analysis was demonstrated for a six-component mixture.
Stem-cell ecology and stem cells in motion

This review highlights major scientific developments over the past 50 years or so in concepts related to stem-cell ecology and to stem cells in motion. Many thorough and eloquent reviews have been presented in the last 5 years updating progress in these issues. Some paradigms have been challenged, others validated, or new ones brought to light. In the present review, we will confine our remarks to the historical development of progress. In doing so, we will refrain from a detailed analysis of controversial data, emphasizing instead widely accepted views and some challenging novel ones.
Exertion music workshop (abstract only)

This workshop explores design assumptions about technology in music. It suggests a new technique of instrument design which integrates human-powered electrical generators. It is intended to open up for discussion the relationship between contemporary electronic instruments, requiring proximity to a power grid, or a steady supply of batteries, and pre-electronic music culture. To explore these hypotheses, some related works and theory will be briefly introduced. Then, a construction project will be undertaken, in which the group constructs prototypical electronic instruments of exertion to take home.
Alternatives for discounting in the analysis of noninferiority trials.

Abstract Determining the efficacy of an experimental therapy relative to placebo on the basis of an active-control noninferiority trial requires reference to historical placebo-controlled trials. The validity of the resulting comparison depends on two key assumptions: assay sensitivity and constancy. Since the truth of these assumptions cannot be verified, it seems logical to raise the standard of evidence required to declare efficacy; this concept is referred to as discounting. It is not often recognized that two common design and analysis approaches, setting a noninferiority margin and requiring preservation of a fraction of the standard therapy's effect, are forms of discounting. The noninferiority margin is a particularly poor approach, since its degree of discounting depends on an irrelevant factor. Preservation of effect is more reasonable, but it addresses only the constancy assumption, not the issue of assay sensitivity. Gaining consensus on the most appropriate approach to the design and analysis...
Displacement of acid—base equilibria in clay suspensions as calculated from double layer theory

Abstract The effects of the clay-water interface on the acid-base equilibria of weakly basic compounds have been calculated from electrical double-layer theory. Negatively charged clays, such as montmorillonite, interact coulombically with the cationic form of the base so that the acid-base equilibrium is displaced. The degree of displacement of the reaction, as manifested in the shift of the effective p K from the solution p K value, was calculated as a function of pH (and ionic strength), clay interparticle separation distance (i.e., suspension concentration), surface charge density, and dielectric constant of the medium. The results of the calculations are compared to the experimental results obtained by allowing tetracycline, a weakly basic antibiotic, to interact with a Na-saturated montmorillonite suspension. The agreement between theory and experiment is remarkable considering the limitations of double-layer theory when used to model a montmorillonite clay suspension. The calculations show clearly that the degree of displacement of the reaction BH + = B + H + is very sensitive to the level of background salt, only mildly sensitive to the concentration of clay and surface charge density, and not at all dependent on the dielectric constant of the medium.
Aligning the Assessment Process in Academic Libraries for Improved Demonstration and Reporting of Organizational Performance

ABSTRACT Academic libraries are facing increased demands for improved accountability while the academic library service environment is in a constant flux of transition. Aligned assessment processes focus on integrating and aligning the assessment process components of assessment, capacity, stakeholders, participation, technology and organizational leadership to improve their effectiveness and their results. Libraries that can effectively align their assessment processes to the service environment in which they operate will be more successful in demonstrating and reporting assessment of their organizational performance to stakeholders, thus increasing access to strategic opportunities and resources. doi:10.1300/J106v14n03_08
Analysis of global budgets of halocarbons

Abstract It is well known that analysis of global budgets of halocarbons can provide estimates of their atmospheric lifetimes. Furthermore, such analysis may yield information on the interhemispheric mixing rate. The release rates of anthropogenic halocarbons, the average global concentrations, the ratio of hemispherical averages and the rate of change of these ratios are the principal data base for such analysis. These global averaged quantities are derived from a data base of local measurements which may or may not be sufficient to provide global coverage. A generalized analysis allows one to test the consistency of measurements and the global average theory. The sensitivity of derived results for atmospheric lifetimes is shown and the technique for analysis is illustrated with applications to CFCl 3 and CH 3 CCl 3 . The lifetime analysis for CFCl 3 shows considerable sensitivity to uncertainties and variabilities in the data. Nevertheless these data are shown to be consistent with an average interhemispheric transport time of 1–2 years. The data for methylchloroform are shown to be consistent with an atmospheric lifetime of 11.3 years.
Convergence of an iterative procedure for large-scale static analysis of structural components

The paper proves convergence of an iterative procedure for calculating the deflections of built-up component structures which can be represented as consisting of a dominant, relatively stiff primary structure and a less stiff secondary structure, which may be composed of one or more substructures that are not connected to one another but are all connected to the primary structure. The iteration consists in estimating the deformation of the primary structure in the absence of the secondary structure on the assumption that all mechanical loads are applied directly to the primary structure. The j-th iterate primary structure deflections at the interface are imposed on the secondary structure, and the boundary loads required to produce these deflections are computed. The cycle is completed by applying the interface reaction to the primary structure and computing its updated deflections. It is shown that the mathematical condition for convergence of this procedure is that the maximum eigenvalue of the equation relating primary-structure deflection to imposed secondary-structure deflection be less than unity, which is shown to correspond with the physical requirement that the secondary structure be more flexible at the interface boundary.
The relationship between advertising and content provision on the Internet

Explores the question of whether the traditional practice of bundling advertisements with content will prevail or become less common on the Internet. Given that revenue from advertisers is desirable to content providers, the answer mainly depends on whether advertisers will choose to deliver their advertisements by bundling. The decision to bundle in turn depends on the response of customers to bundling and to other advertising strategies. In particular, the relationship between advertising and content provision on the Internet may be affected by this medium’s distinctive characteristics, which affect the choices of advertisers and the response of customers. Thus, one needs to investigate the choices of advertisers, the behavior of customers, and their dependence on the distinctive technological features of the Internet.
WAVE PACKET DYNAMICS OF PHOTON- AND ELECTRON-STIMULATED DESORPTION OF AMMONIA FROM SURFACES

Abstract Time-dependent quantum mechanical calculations have been carried out for the photon- and electron-stimulated desorption of ammonia from metal or semiconductor surfaces. The desorption is facilitated by a short-lived complex which excites the NH 3 inversion mode. The desorption yield and its isotope effect have been obtained from a wave packet on two-dimensional empirical potential energy surfaces. The translational and vibrational distributions of the desorbed ammonia are also calculated. The desorption mechanism includes both direct and predesorption, but the latter predominates. It is shown that the quantum desorption dynamics is much more complex than the simple MGR model.
Meteoritic, solar and terrestrial rare-earth distributions.

Meteoritic, solar and terrestrial rare earth distribution abundance in chondritic or ordinary stony meteorites
Effect of CO on VO2 of carotid body and chemoreception with and without Ca2

This study was done using high PCO (> 500 Torr at PO2 of 120 Torr) in the carotid body perfusate in vitro, and recording simultaneously the activity of the whole carotid sinus nerve (CSN) and VO2 of the carotid body. In the cascade of excitation of CSN by high PCO in the dark [light eliminated the excitation; S. Lahiri, News Physiol. Sci. 9 (1992) 161-165], Ca2+ effects occur at the level of neurosecretion after the level of oxygen consumption, according to the following scheme: CO-hypoxia-->VO2 decrease-->K+ conductance decrease-->cell depolarization-->cytosolic Ca2+ rise-->neurosecretion-->neural discharge. Thus, a part of the hypothesis was that [Ca2+] decrease, being a downstream event, may not affect VO2 of the carotid body. Also, to determine to what extent the intracellular calcium stores contribute to cystolic [Ca2+] and chemosensory discharge with high PCO, we tested the effect of interruption of perfusate flow with medium nominally free of [Ca2+] on CSN excitation and VO2 of the carotid body with and without high PCO. High PCO in the dark decreased carotid body VO2, independent of [Ca2+]o. CSN excitation was always enhanced by high PCO, and its sensitivity to perfusate flow interruption. Also, nominally Ca(2+)-free solution increased the latency and decreased the rate of rise and peak activity of CSN during interruption of perfusate flow, but CO augmented the responses. This reversal effect by CO suggests that Ca2+ is released from intracellular stores, because CO has no other way to excite the chemoreceptors than by acting on the intracellular stores.
Engineering research in composite and smart structures

Abstract The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research in composite materials and smart structures in a number of NSF Directorates. NSF funding covers such areas as engineering, materials, physics, chemistry, computer sciences, education, bio- and geo-sciences, social, behavioral and economic sciences. Since World War II, significant amounts of basic research and technology have contributed to the long-range financial well-being of the country by the development of high-tech products. In this paper, discussions of NSF research projects in composite materials and smart structures are presented. The results of this research are intended to be part of the improvement in the Civil Infrastructure System (CIS), in the “clean car” and in improved safety and reduced costs of civilian aircraft and in better quality of life for all. Most of the cited examples are related to the CIS, clean car and improved aircraft just to keep the size of the report to a manageable level. Of course, several projects are generic and typical NSF-type research that is sufficiently basic as to be of use in these projects, but also have a wider application.
An evaluation of suspension culture systems for the growth of murine lymphoblastoid lines expressing TL and Thy‐1 alloantigens

As a prelude to our studies on TL and Thy-1 differentiation alloantigens, three murine lymphobhastoid cell lines were examined for expression of these components. Optimal conditions for their mass culture were also determined. Several suspension culture systems were evaluated: (a) 50 ml through 500 ml Wheaton and Bellco spinner flasks as well as 1, 4, and 8 liter Wheaton flasks modified for semicontinuous culture conditions, (b) 3 liter Chemapec Vibrofermentor, and (c) 14 liter New Brunswick fermentor. Utilizing these types of vessels the optimal culture conditions were evaluated as to the effect of: (1) pH, (2) initial concentration of cell inoculum, (3) types of media, and (4) methods of gassing and gas mixtures on the rate of growth and alloantigen expression. This study demonstrated that cells could be cultured on a semicontinuous basis up to densities of 2–4 × 106 cells/ml if a vessel of appropriate dimensions was utilized, the appropriate medium selected, and the pH controlled by CO2 and air overlay. Once these parameters were established the growth of a given cell line was highly reproducible: Under optimal culture conditions the expression of Thy-1 was maximum while the cells were in the exponential stage of growth and reduced during the lag and stationary phases of growth. The expression of TL did not vary as significantly during the various stages of growth. One cell line grown in medium supplemented with 10% horse serum expressed lass Thy-1 than those grown in medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. The factors affecting cell growth and alloantigen expression have been considered in the design of a large-scale suspension culture facility for culturing 1000 liters of cells per week.
Characterization of glucocorticoid receptors in S49 mouse lymphoma cells by affinity labeling with [3H]dexamethasone 21-mesylate

Abstract Glucocorticoid receptors in wild type and mutant S49 mouse lymphoma cells were affinity labeled with [ 3 H]dexamethasone 21-mesylate and analyzed directly by sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of receptors in cytosol from wild type cells and nuclear transfer decreased (nt − ) mutants was 97,000 (97kDa). The molecular weight of receptors in cytosol from nuclear transfer increased (nt i ) mutants was 48 kDa. The 97 kDa receptor in cytosol from wild type cells was digested by chymotrypsin to a 40 kDa steroid-binding receptor fragment but the 48 kDa receptor in cytosol from nf mutants was resistant to digestion by chymotrypsin. In addition to the 48 kDa receptor, cytosol from nt i mutants contained 40 and 18 kDa receptor fragments. Cytosol from the nt − mutants also contained 18 kDa receptor fragments. The 40 and 18 kDa receptor fragments were present in multiple subclones of a nt i mutant cell line. Formation of these receptor fragments was not prevented by protease inhibitors and was not increased by extended incubation of cytosol samples. Both 48 and 40 kDa forms of the receptor, but not the 18 kDa form, could be activated and bound by DNA-cellulose.
Thermal neutron analysis technology

This paper describes the application of thermal neutron analysis (TNA) to a variety of non-intrusive detection problems. TNA is based on the analysis of neutron capture gamma rays from particular elements which are indicative of the material of interest. TNA was developed for detection of concealed explosives in airline luggage during the late 1980s and is now being investigated and tested for new applications. These applications include detection of drugs in passenger luggage, detection of explosives and drugs in small packages, detection of liquid explosives in bottles, and detection of buried land mines and unexploded ordnance. For explosive, land mine and UXO detection, the TNA is based on the 10.8 MeV capture gamma ray from nitrogen, whose high density is uniquely characteristic of modern high explosives. For detection of drugs, the use of capture gamma ray signals from both hydrogen and chlorine (from hydrochloride drug salt) have been investigated, and a specific set of features based on these gamma ray signals selected for the detection algorithm. The research and test results of this wider application of TNA, carried out over the last year are described.
An Evaluation of Clusters in the Glaucomatous Visual Field

We used a statistical cluster analysis to analyze patterns of loss in 76 visual fields with typical glaucomatous defects to identify natural groupings of test locations in the visual field. Eleven clusters in the Octopus Program G1 (Interzeag, Inc., Northboro, Massachusetts) visual field were thus defined. In a separate population of 70 early glaucomatous and 70 age-matched normal visual fields, the local mean defects within these clusters and the global mean defect were calculated to assess their relative abilities to discriminate between the two groups. The 11 clustered mean defects collectively had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 93%; the global mean defect had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 91%. Additionally, we examined the long-term fluctuation clusters of test locations compared to the long-term fluctuation of individual test locations. Four hundred ten visual fields of 93 clinically stable eyes of 67 patients with glaucoma, as well as 210 visual fields of 105 eyes of 105 normal subjects were studied. In the stable glaucoma group, mean fluctuation of clustered test locations was 3.5 dB 2 , and mean fluctuation of individual test locations was 7.0 dB 2 . In the normal group, the respective values were 0.6 dB 2 and 1.8 dB 2 . Cluster analysis was effective in detecting localized loss and in dampening long-term fluctuation. We studied the use of clusters in distinguishing normal from glaucomatous as well as stable from deteriorating visual fields.
CRITIQUE THAT! ANALYTICAL WRITING ASSIGNMENTS IN ADVANCED MATHEMATICS COURSES

ABSTRACT This paper describes writing assignments from a modern algebra course which were used to foster the development of proof-writing skills. Each assignment consists of proofs and mathematical work supposedly written by fictional characters, where the proofs are designed to illustrate common misconceptions, difficult points, and typical writing flaws. Students critique the fictional work and write short essays on their analysis. The response from students has been very favorable, especially among future teachers.
Effects of Crowding on the Elderly: A Preliminary Investigation

Elderly people living in dense urban environments experience many brief but repeated episodes of crowding in a number of settings. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine what effects, if any, short-term crowding involving close physical proximity has on the elderly. While men and women were more affected physio logically by the close physical proximity condition and reported feeling more crowded, they did not find the experience particularly aversive. These elderly subjects were not the least bit disturbed by bodily contact. In fact, they responded more positively to the members of their crowded group and rated the environment as "cozy." Results are discussed in the context of current theories of aging, control, and crowding.
Sperm Motility of Northern Pike and Chain Pickerel at Various pH Values

Abstract The activity of sperm from northern pike Esox lucius and chain pickerel Esox niger was observed at pH 3.9, 4.5, 5.4, 6.0, 6.4, 6.9, 7.4, and 7.9. The sperm of the northern pike remained motile for shorter periods of time than that of the chain pickerel (P = 0.01). Northern pike sperm was not observed swimming actively at pH values less than pH 5.4 and showed a strong trend toward increased time of activity with increasing pH. For this species, minimum motility occurred at pH 5.4 (28 seconds) and maximum motility was found at pH 7.9 (67 seconds). In contrast, chain pickerel sperm was acid-tolerant, swimming actively for periods of over 90 seconds at pH 3.9 and 4.5. Maximum sperm motility for this species was at pH 6.9 (137 seconds). Motility time for chain pickerel sperm was reduced at the two most basic levels tested: 109 seconds at pH 7.4, and 81 seconds at pH 7.9. Substantial variation in sperm motility time occurred between the two chain pickerel males tested, but not between the two northern ...
Coronary Artery-to-Pulmonary Artery Fistula in a Case of Pulmonary Atresia With Ventricular Septal Defect

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) can be associated with varying pulmonary artery connections. The origin of pulmonary blood flow can vary greatly among patients, and some case reports have described the presence of left coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula. Two cases of patients found to have coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula in the settings of PA-VSD are reported.
America cannot afford to abandon its cities

Abstract When and where is local development not possible? When should places be assisted in their decline? When should they be enabled to develop? In this article I argue that public authorities should rarely give up on economic development in neighbourhoods, cities and regions that have been damaged by decline and decay. Such equitable policy is the decent thing to do, it protects even those who are better off, and in the long run it is efficient for the whole society. Using examples mainly from the United States, the paper argues that public policy often pushes in the opposite direction, working to make poor places and poor people invisible and to subsidize precisely those who need assistance the least. Better policies are available, but they are complicated politically and global trends mitigate against them.
Distinguishing between cis/trans isomers of monounsaturated fatty acids by FAB MS.

Fast-atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode can be used to unambiguously distinguish between cis and trans isomers of monounsaturated fatty acids by the relative signal strengths of an intense pair of ion signals. Under normal FAB ionization/desorption conditions, the deprotonated molecules (i.e., [M − H]-) of six fatty acids underwent charge remote fragmentation. A characteristic fragmentation pattern of two intense peak clusters of peaks with three weak intervening clusters of peaks are used in each case to identify the position of the double bond. The possibility of resonance electron capture occurring during the FAB process is discussed.
Intra-operative ultrasound localisation of a parathyroid adenoma

In around 85% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, thecause is a solitary parathyroid adenoma. Pre-operative detectionand localisation of an adenoma is often achieved through thecombined use of ultrasonography and radiolabelled nucleotidescans of the neck. The use of intra-operative ultrasonography canfurther assist in localisation, helping to minimise the need forexcessive exploration of the neck.
If the Drinking Age Were Lowered, What Then? A View From the Year 2020

To: Parents and Students, Entering Class of 2020 From: Scott T. Walters, Dean of Students 8/20/2020 Welcome parents and students of the entering class of 2020. My name is Dean Walters, and I’m so p...
Python Tools for Reproducible Research on Hyperbolic Problems

Reproducible research in computational science is only possible if the computer codes used to generate published results are distributed and/or archived in a form that can later be used to regenerate the results and can be examined to determine details of the method used. The author discusses some difficulties in achieving this goal and surveys a set of Python tools for facilitating reproducible research on finite volume methods for hyperbolic conservation laws using the Clawpack software.
Laparoscopic Cryoablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma: 100-Month Oncologic Outcomes.

Purpose: With the incidence of renal cell carcinoma on the rise treatment options for the small renal mass have broadened. Cryoablation is increasingly used as a therapeutic option for renal tumors in select cases. However, studies with long-term oncologic outcomes are sparse. We evaluated the long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic renal mass cryoablation.Materials and Methods: We reviewed our laparoscopic cryoablation database for patients treated with laparoscopic cryoablation from October 1997 to February 2005. Patients with less than 3 months of followup were excluded from study. Patient and tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes, including complications, were recorded. Recurrence-free, cancer specific and overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves.Results: A total of 142 tumors in 138 consecutive patients were treated with laparoscopic cryoablation. Mean age of the cohort was 66.35 years. Of the patients 99 (71.7%) were male and 39 (28.3%) were female. Mean body mass ind...
Prostaglandin I2 Promotes the Development of IL-17–Producing γδ T Cells That Associate with the Epithelium during Allergic Lung Inflammation

γδ T cells rapidly produce cytokines and represent a first line of defense against microbes and other environmental insults at mucosal tissues and are thus thought to play a local immunoregulatory role. We show that allergic airway inflammation was associated with an increase in innate IL-17–producing γδ T (γδ-17) cells that expressed the αEβ7 integrin and were closely associated with the airway epithelium. Importantly, PGI2 and its receptor IP, which downregulated airway eosinophilic inflammation, promoted the emergence of these intraepithelial γδ-17 cells into the airways by enhancing IL-6 production by lung eosinophils and dendritic cells. Accordingly, a pronounced reduction of γδ-17 cells was observed in the thymus of naive mice lacking the PGI2 receptor IP, as well as in the lungs during allergic inflammation, implying a critical role for PGI2 in the programming of “natural” γδ-17 cells. Conversely, iloprost, a stable analog of PGI2, augmented IL-17 production by γδ T cells but significantly reduced airway inflammation. Together, these findings suggest that PGI2 plays a key immunoregulatory role by promoting the development of innate intraepithelial γδ-17 cells through an IL-6–dependent mechanism. By enhancing γδ-17 cell responses, stable analogs of PGI2 may be exploited in the development of new immunotherapeutic approaches.
Pricing congestible network resources

We describe the basic economic theory of pricing a congestible resource such as an FTP server, a router, a Web site, etc. In particular, we examine the implications of "congestion pricing" as a way to encourage efficient use of network resources. We explore the implications of flat pricing and congestion pricing for capacity expansion in centrally planned, competitive, and monopolistic environments. The most common form of Internet pricing is pricing by access, with no usage-sensitive prices. With a fixed set of users, we expect to see greater capacity when usage is not priced, but also greater congestion. However, with greater congestion, congestion-sensitive users might not use the resource. >
Quantum information processing: cryptography, computation, and teleportation

Present information technology is based on the laws of classical physics. However, advances in quantum physics have stimulated interest in its potential impact on such technology. This article is an introductory review of three aspects of quantum information processing, cryptography, computation, and teleportation. The author serves up hors d'oeuvres on the relevant parts of quantum physics and the sorts of quantum systems which might form the building blocks for quantum processors. Quantum cryptography utilizes states of individual quantum systems for the transfer of conventional classical bits of information. The impossibility of measuring quantum systems without disturbing them guarantees the detection of eavesdropping and hence secure information transfer is possible. In a sense, teleportation is the inverse of cryptography, using more robust classical bits to faithfully transfer a quantum state through a noisy environment. Quantum computation utilizes the evolving quantum state of a complex system, which consists of many interacting individuals. If such a machine could be built, it would be capable of solving some problems which are intractable on any conventional computer; he illustrates this with Shor's (see Proc. 35th IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science, p.124, 1994) quantum factoring algorithm. Details are given of the current experimental achievements, proposals, and prospects for the future and of the patents granted to date.
Histochemical Study of the Mucosubstances in the Canine Stomach: III. The Effects of Corticosteroids

A form of mild chronic gastritis was noted prior to prednisone administration in 3 dogs bearing total gastric fistulae and previously subjected to experiments involving numerous biopsies. Prednisone administered orally to these dogs induced hyperplasia of mucous cells in the fundic and antral surface epithelium and increased synthesis of mucus by these cells. The extent of the hyperplastic response depended upon the dose of the drug and the length of time that it was administered. After prolonged treatment with prednisone, erosions and one ulcer also appeared and there was concomitant histological evidence of widespread damage to the mucoua, i.e., appearance of regenerative type cuboidal epithelium with reduced cytoplasmic mucus, exfoliation of surface cells, and inflammatory changes. Thus, in this experimental model, mucosal damage is preceded by increased rather than depressed mucus formation. The pre-existing gastritis, however, may have aggravated these changes and it must be considered in evaluation of results from histological and secretory studies using total gastric fistulae.
Femtosecond pulses generation from chromium-doped cunyite laser

Femtosecond pulses as short as 365 fs were generated from a Cr4+: Cunyite laser using a combination of a broadband semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM), chirped mirrors, and passive mode locking.
Coculture of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in bilayer and conditioned media models

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth characteristics are affected by endothelial cells (ECs) in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we compare a bilayer EC/SMC coculture model that allows cell contact with a model of SMCs growing in media continuously conditioned by ECs, but without physical contact. Bovine aortic SMCs were plated on one side of a 13-microns-thick, semipermeable membrane. Three models were compared: (1) SMCs cultured alone (with no cells on the opposite side of the membrane, O/SMC); (2) SMCs cultured with ECs on the opposite side of the membrane in a bilayer coculture system that allows physical contact between ECs and SMCs (EC/SMC); and (3) SMCs cultured in media continuously conditioned by adjacent ECs, without contact (conditioned media, CM). After cultures were established, SMCs were harvested at 7 and 14 days after plating (n = 5 cultures/day/group). SMC DNA and protein content and [3H]thymidine incorporation were measured in each group. On Days 7 and 14 after plating, ECs in both the EC/SMC and CM models stimulated SMC proliferation > 50% compared to O/SMC controls (P < 0.05). SMC density was similar for the EC/ SMC and CM models at Day 7, but SMC density was higher in the EC/SMC group at Day 14 in culture (P < 0.05). At Day 7, protein synthesis was similar in the three groups, but by Day 14, SMCs in the EC/SMC group had produced significantly less cellular protein/ DNA than SMCs in the CM group (P < 0.05), which in turn had less protein/DNA than the control (O/SMC) group (P < 0.05). SMCs in the EC/SMC and CM groups retained a thin, spindle shape with filamentous projections, compared to the hypertrophic appearance of SMCs in the absence of ECs. Electron microscopy revealed projections from SMCs which traversed the pores in the coculture membrane and made intimate contact with ECs. The degree of EC/SMC contact increased from 7 to 14 days (P < 0.05). Compared to SMCs alone, ECs in bilayer coculture or conditioned media altered SMCs growth characteristics similarly after 7 days in culture. By 14 days, however, the bilayer coculture had a significantly greater effect on SMC density and protein synthesis. The bilayer model is unique in terms of luminal/abluminal orientation of the cells, the proximity of the cell layers, and the presence of physical cell contact. Since the bilayer model amplifies the effect of ECs on SMCs, it may be more useful than conditioned media to study EC-SMC interactions.
Simultaneous isomerization and reactive extraction of biomass sugars for high yield production of ketose sugars

A desire to achieve one-pot syntheses of value-added products from biomass sugars has led to intense research efforts to convert these sugars with high yields into their ketose forms. Aldose-to-ketose isomerization has an unfavorable equilibrium, and to date, high yield conversion to ketoses in a manner that allows for further conversion economically has yet to be demonstrated. Here, a novel strategy for simultaneous-isomerization and reactive-extraction (SIRE), where the isomerization of aldose sugars and the reactive-extraction of ketoses occur concurrently in the same vessel, is presented. In SIRE, the unfavorable aldose–ketose equilibrium is overcome by selective extraction of ketose from the reaction medium maintained at the optimal pH of the xylose–glucose isomerase (XI) enzyme; the ketose sugar is back-extracted into a low pH strip solution as a pure, concentrated sugar stream. Starting with pure xylose and using Gensweet® for isomerization, best results for xylulose concentration and purification were achieved with an extraction phase of 1-octanol containing naphthalene-2-boronic acid (N2B) and Aliquat® 336. SIRE, followed by a two-stage strip, resulted in a nearly pure xylulose stream at high concentration and yield. Sugar can be concentrated in both the extraction and stripping steps by reducing the volume ratio of the sugar-receiving phase relative to the sugar-donating phase for each step. This result is significant as the separation of isomers is regarded as one of the most challenging and high cost purification processes. When implemented with biomass hydrolyzates, this technology has the potential to provide contaminant-free, concentrated ketose sugar streams without the need for energy-intensive separation and concentration schemes.
“POINTILLISM” AS A CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE

(1953). “POINTILLISM” AS A CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 5, No. 5, pp. 4-6.
Lung cancer in patients < 50 years of age: the experience of an academic multidisciplinary program.

Objective To determine if the clinicopathologic features and survival of lung cancer patients Design Retrospective review of patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma diagnosed at a single, multidisciplinary cancer center. Setting A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in urban Detroit, MI. Patients All patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma evaluated in the Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinic at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute between 1990 and 1993. Results Of 1,012 patients with lung cancer, 126 (12.5%) were Conclusions Although younger patients with lung cancer present with more advanced-stage disease, their overall survival is similar to that of older patients, suggesting that lung cancer is not an inherently more aggressive disease in patients
Virus-Induced Ca2+ Influx Extends Survival of West Nile Virus-Infected Cells

West Nile virus (WNV) infection leads to rapid and sustained Ca(2+) influx. This influx was observed with different strains of WNV and in different types of cells. Entry during virion endocytosis as well as through calcium channels contributed to the Ca(2+) influx observed in WNV-infected cells. Ca(2+) influx was not detected after infection with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and occurred only through endocytosis in Sindbis virus-infected cells. Caspase 3 cleavage and activation of several kinases, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), and protein-serine kinase B alpha (Akt), at early times after WNV infection were shown to be dependent on Ca(2+) influx. Although the activation of these kinases was sustained in virus-infected cells throughout infection, UV-inactivated WNV induced only a transient activation of FAK and ERK1/2 at early times after infection. The Ca(2+)-dependent FAK activation observed in WNV-infected cells was not mediated by alphavbeta3 integrins. Reduction of Ca(2+) influx at early times of infection by various treatments decreased the viral yield and delayed both the early transient caspase 3 cleavage and the activation of FAK, Akt, and ERK signaling. The results indicate that Ca(2+) influx is required for early infection events needed for efficient viral replication, possibly for virus-induced rearrangement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Increased caspase 3 cleavage at both early (transient) and late times of infection correlated with decreased activation of the FAK and ERK1/2 pathways, indicating a role for these kinases in extending the survival of flavivirus-infected cells.
Scanning electron microscopy of the kidney glomerular epithelium after treatment with polycations in situ and in vitro

Changes in fine structure of glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes) were examined after treatment in situ and in vitro with polycations (i.e., protamine sulfate and poly-1-lysine). Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations indicate that polycation-induced alterations of the glomerular epithelium are similar in many respects to those resulting from puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis. These alterations include the formation of junctional complexes between adjacent podocyte processes, flattening and retraction of podocyte processes, extensive folding of the slit diaphragms, formation of interpedicular microbridges, and development of irregular knobby surface-microprojections. Prolonged treatment in vitro with high concentrations of polycations results in nearly complete loss of podocyte processes and the transformation of these once elaborate cells into simple polyhedral cells. The foregoing observations support the view that pedicel loss in puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis may be due to a reduction in the glomerular epithelial polyanionic sialic acid surface coat.
Heart Failure Associated With Adult Congenital Heart Disease

The population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) now exceeds that of children with congenital heart disease. Within this relatively young population of adults in their third decade of life exist a population of patients with heart failure (HF) who, in functional status, closely resemble patients in their fifth and sixth decades of life with HF caused by coronary artery disease and myocardial ischemia. The ACHD patients currently at greatest risk for HF are those with single-ventricle physiology, those with a 2-ventricle circulation with the right ventricle as the systemic ventricle, and those with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary valve insufficiency. This article will review the demographics, diagnosis, functional capacity, and treatment of HF in the ACHD population.
Reciprocal self-disclosure in a dyad

Abstract Male subjects randomly assigned to high and low intimacy experimental conditions were asked to talk about themselves with a confederate who used scripts controlling his intimacy level. Hypotheses were examined concerning: the reciprocity of intimacy in self-disclosure; the reciprocity of conversational topics; the effect of interpersonal attraction on self-disclosure; the accuracy with which persons perceived their self-disclosures; and the consistency of self-disclosure behavior across measures and over time. The findings indicated that subjects reciprocated the intimacy level of the confederate, and that their self-disclosing behavior displayed moderate consistency in the laboratory situation. Although subjects did not reciprocate topically, subjects in both conditions manifested the same pattern of topical disclosure. Two hypotheses were not confirmed: the level of disclosure was not related to interpersonal attraction and a scale measure of past self-disclosure was not related to four laboratory indicators of disclosing behavior.
The Laws of War and Moral Judgment

Abstract : The laws of war constitute an institution about which it is difficult to have other than mixed feelings. On the one hand, it seems clear that practices as ugly as those involved in warfare should be regulated, if only to secure society as far as possible against the emergence of unchecked brutality. But when the rules that have been devised toward this end are examined, doubt is cast upon even this cheerless justification by the various reprehensible forms of damage and destruction with which they are compatible. The laws of war appear to condone violence by belligerents whose purposes are morally indefensible, and furthermore to allow a degree of suffering by those affected by war that is often out of all proportion to the apparent advantages to be had from fighting. When violations permitted by the laws of war of what moral sensibility prescribes as right are so common, and even the laws of war themselves so plainly violated, the notion of legally regulating the violence that armed forces inflict upon one another and upon passively suffering people unfortunate enough to have been visited by war may come to seem a cruel joke.
Control system of Self-Mobile Space Manipulator

Self-Mobile Space Manipulator (SM/sup 2/) is a simple, 5-DOF (degree-of-freedom), 1/3-scale, laboratory version of a robot designed to walk on the trusswork and other exterior surfaces of Space Station Freedom. It will be capable of routine tasks such as inspection, parts transportation, and simple maintenance procedures. The authors have designed and built the robot and gravity compensation system to permit simulated zero-gravity experiments. They have developed the control system for the SM/sup 2/ including control hardware architecture and operating system, control station with various interfaces, hierarchical control structure, multiphase control strategy for step motion, and various low-level controllers. The system provides operator-friendly real-time monitoring, and robust control for 3D locomotion movements of the flexible robot. >
Learning Civil Societies: Shifting Contexts for Democratic Planning and Governance

In their introduction, Gurstein and Angeles identify the primary purpose of this edited volume: “By exploring the theoretical underpinnings of civil society formation, we seek to understand how loc...
Pros and Cons of Adjuvant Interferon in the Treatment of Melanoma

Should interferon alpha (IFN-α) be considered the standard of care for the adjuvant therapy of high-risk malignant melanoma? For 2003, it was estimated that 51,400 cases of invasive melanoma would be diagnosed. The risk of recurrence after surgery is reported to be approximately 60% for patients with thick primary lesions (T4N0M0, American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] stage IIB) and 75% for patients with regional nodal metastases (T1-4N1M0, AJCC stage III). The observation that melanoma is susceptible to attack by the host’s immune system has resulted in the testing of a remarkably broad spectrum of immunotherapies in the adjuvant setting. Many of these approaches failed to demonstrate a significant clinical impact, until the use of adjuvant IFN-α. Conflicting data from several large, randomized clinical trials resulted in a rapid rise and then decline in the use of IFN-α in the adjuvant setting. This roller coaster has left many clinicians still hesitant to strongly recommend it, and the use of adjuvant IFNα in high-risk melanoma remains controversial. This manuscript reviews the leading arguments for and against its routine use and addresses questions regarding its role in the management of high-risk malignant melanoma. The Oncologist 2003;8:451-458
Environmental boundary tracking and estimation using multiple autonomous vehicles

In this paper, we develop a framework for environmental boundary tracking and estimation by considering the boundary as a hidden Markov model (HMM) with separated observations collected from multiple sensing vehicles. For each vehicle, a tracking algorithm is developed based on page's cumulative sum algorithm (CUSUM), a method for change- point detection, so that individual vehicles can autonomously track the boundary in a density field with measurement noise. Based on the data collected from sensing vehicles and prior knowledge of the dynamic model of boundary evolvement, we estimate the boundary by solving an optimization problem, in which prediction and current observation are considered in the cost function. Examples and simulation results are presented to verify the efficiency of this approach.
Uptake and Metabolism of Riboflavin-5′-α-D-Glucoside by Rat and Isolated Liver Cells

The effect of riboflavin α-D-glucoside, isolated from rat liver, on the uptake of riboflavin was studied using freshly isolated rat liver cells. The transport characteristics and metabolic fate of the glucoside were also determined using the radioactive compound. The initial (1-min) uptake of 1 μmol/L [ 3 H]riboflavin glucoside (2.90 ± 0.29 pmol/10 6 cells) was higher than that of 1 μmol/L [ 3 H]riboflavin (1.35 ± 0.30 pmol/10 6 cells). However, the accumulation of glucoside after 60 min was significantly lower than that of riboflavin. The presence of up to 30 μmol/L glucoside had no significant effect on the initial uptake of [ 3 H]riboflavin (3 μmol/L, 10 9 cells/L). Measurement of the kinetic parameters for glucoside gave an apparent K t value of 83.4 ± 12.4 μmol/L and a V max of 208.6 ± 17.9 pmol/(10 6 cells.min). Decreases in the temperature of incubation decreased uptake rate. Replacement of Na + with other monovalent cations did not affect uptake. The presence of D-glucose (1 μmol/L to 5.5 mmol/L) had no inhibitory effect on uptake of 1 μmol/L [ 3 H]riboflavin glucoside. The results indicate that the transport of riboflavin glucoside may not involve the transport mechanisms for riboflavin or D-glucose. Metabolic studies with isolated hepatocytes showed that the glucoside was hydrolyzed to yield riboflavin upon entry into the cell. The vitaminic efficiency of this compound was tested by feeding it to growing male rats. These experiments indicate that the glucoside and free riboflavin are comparable sources of the vitamin. J. Nutr. 125 : 2194-2198, 1995.