cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct fluorescent staining and analysis of proteins on microspheres using CBQCA.

Background General methods for accurate determination of microsphere surface protein loading are needed for applications from protein arrays to molecular assembly studies. Current methods include bulk absorption measurements of stained microspheres or use of known fluorescently tagged binding partners, which limit sensitivity and general applicability, respectively. Methods Microspheres bearing covalently coupled proteins were stained with 3-(4-carboxybenzoyl)quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (CBQCA) using different incubation times and dye concentrations to determine optimal staining conditions. The CBQCA fluorescence of microspheres (measured by flow cytometry) bearing known amounts of protein were used to generate standard curves of CBQCA fluorescence response versus the amount of microsphere surface protein. CBQCA was also used to stain noncovalent protein interactions. Results Maximal labeling was attained within 1 h with 1 mM CBQCA. Linear fluorescence response occurred between 8 × 104 and 1 × 106 proteins/microsphere. CBQCA staining did not disturb noncovalent protein interactions. Conclusions We have developed methods using CBQCA and flow cytometry to quickly and simply quantify the amount of protein on the surface of a microsphere. Importantly, this approach could be extended to other formats (e.g., chips). Further, because it does not disturb noncovalent protein–protein interactions, it may be possible to use this approach to detect protein interactions without the use of purified prestained probes. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Cauchy–Khinchin integral inequality

Abstract This paper discusses some Cauchy–Khinchin integral inequalities. Khinchin [2] obtained an inequality relating the row and column sums of 0-1 matrices in the course of his work on number theory. As pointed out by van Dam [6] , Khinchin’s inequality can be viewed as a generalization of the classical Cauchy inequality. Van Dam went on to derive analogs of Khinchin’s inequality for arbitrary matrices. We carry this work forward, first by proving even more than general matrix results, and then by formulating them in a way that allows us to apply limiting arguments to create new integral inequalities for functions of two variables. These integral inequalities can be interpreted as giving information about conditional expectations.
New Evidence on the effect of human capital on economic growth

We improve results of the Mankiw, Romer and Weil (1992) augmented neoclassical growth model by considering broader measures of human capital. Compared with the MRW results, our approach increases the explanatory power of the model and the speed of conditional income convergence.
Large-scale (20 l) culture of surface-immobilized Catharanthus roseus cells.

Surface-immobilized C. roseus cell cultures were grown in a 20-l modified airlift bioreactor operated at 0.51 vvm (kLa ∼ 8 h−1) under various gassing regimes [air, 2% (v/v) and 5% CO2]. Extracellular ammonium, phosphate, and nitrate ions as well as carbohydrate uptake and pH value of the medium were monitored together with on-line dissolved oxygen concentration, conductivity of the medium, and carbon dioxide production rate (CPR) of the cultures. Cultures supplemented with 2% CO2 showed higher nitrate (5.0–7.0 mmd−1) and carbohydrate (3.3 g l−1 d−1) uptake rates and biomass production (μ ∼ 0.24 d−1, yield ∼0.33 g dw g CHO−1 and 7.4 g dw L−1) as compared to air (3.6 mmd−1, 2.1 g l−1 d−1; 0.20 d−1, 0.25 g dw g CHO−1 and 5 g dw l−1) and 5% CO2 (2.0–3.6 mmd−1, 2.0 g l−1 d−1; 0.11 d−1, 0.20 g dw g CHO−1 and 5 g dw l−1) cultures and as reported previously for suspension cultures. In addition, air and 5% CO2 cultures displayed incomplete carbohydrate uptake and, more important, phosphate and ammonium ion release into the medium at the end, which was ascribed to loss of viability. This was not observed for 2% CO2 immobilized bioreactor as well as shake flask control suspension cultures, which suggests that sparged C. roseus surface-immobilized cell cultures require 2% CO2 supplementation of the gas phase for both maximum growth and retained viability. The maximum CPRs of all cultures were in the same range (2.1–2.8 mmCO2 l−1 h−1). However, the estimated maximum specific CO2 production rates of 2% CO2 and 5% CO2 immobilized cultures (0.6 mmg dw−1 h−1) were lower than those found for air-sparged immobilized cultures (1.0–1.3 mmg dw−1 h−1). These rates are significantly higher than those reported in the literature for C. roseus cell suspension cultures performed in bioreactors gassed with air (∼0.2–0.55 mmg dw−1 h−1).
Additional investigations fail to alter the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in subjects fulfilling the Rome criteria.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed by the presence of a constellation of symptoms fulfilling the Manning or Rome Criteria, after exclusion of organic disease. To exclude other diagnoses that might contribute to the abdominal pain or bowel symptoms experienced by subjects with IBS, numerous screening algorithms have been advocated, incorporating lactose hydrogen breath tests, thyroid function tests, fecal ova and parasite determination, and colonic endoscopy/radiography. The utility of these tests in uncovering alternative diagnoses, other than IBS, was examined in 1452 patients. METHODS: Data were combined from two large multinational studies of IBS patients. All patients exhibited symptoms meeting the Rome criteria for IBS for at least 6 months before study entry. If prior evaluation had been > 2 yr previously, patients underwent colonic endoscopy/radiography at study entry. In addition, thyroid function tests, fecal ova and parasite determination, and a lactose hydrogen breath test were performed. RESULTS: Lactose malabsorption was diagnosed in 23% (256/1122) of patients. Colonic abnormalities were detected in 2% (7/306) of patients; in four patients, colonic inflammation (n = 3) or obstruction (n = 1) may have contributed to symptoms of abdominal pain or altered bowel habits. Abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were detected in 6% (67/1209) of patients, of whom half were hypothyroid and half were hyperthyroid. Positive fecal ova and parasite tests were noted in 2% (19/1154) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of screening tests in 1452 patients with an established history of IBS revealed an incidence of lactose malabsorption comparable to that in the general U.S. population and a low incidence of thyroid dysfunction, ova and parasite infestation, or colonic pathology. The limited detection rates, added costs, and inconvenience of these tests suggest that their routine use in the diagnostic evaluation of established IBS patients should be scrutinized.
Semiclassical analysis of low lying elgenvalues. III. Width of the ground state band in strongly coupled solids

A smooth periodic potential, V, with one minima per unit cell, is considered. Let Δ(λ) be the width of the ground state band for −Δ + λ^2V. It is rigorously proved that lim(λ→∞) − λ^(−1) ln Δ(λ) is given by the minimum action among all instantons connecting two distinct minima of V.
No-carrier-added (NCA) synthesis of 6-[18F]fluoro-L-DOPA using 3,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-7,7,8a-trimethyl-[6S-(6α, 8α, 8αβ)]-6,8-methano-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one

3,5,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-7,7,8a-trimethyl-[6S-(6α,8α,8αβ)]-6,8-methano-2H-1,4-benzoxazino-2-one (2) was investigated as chiral auxiliary for asymmetric NCA nucleophilic synthesis of 6-[ 18 F]Fluoro-L-DOPA. Direct condensation of 3,4-dimethoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluorobenzaldehyde (1a) or 6-[ 18 F]fluoropiperonal (1b) in the presence of NaH with 2 gave the corresponding [ 18 F]-3-[(2-fluorophenyl)methylene]-3,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-7,7,8a-trimethyl-[6S-(3Z,3α,6α,8α,8αβ)]-6,8-methano-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one derivative 3a or 3b as a single stereoisomer. L-Selectride® promoted hydrogenation of the olefinic double bond of these derivatives, in presence of tertbutyl alcohol, afforded the corresponding [ 18 F]-3-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-3,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-7,7,8a-trimethyl-[3S-(3α,6α,8α,8αβ)]-6,8-methano-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one derivatives (4a,b) without affecting the orientation of diastereofacial discrimination. Deprotection of the derivatives 4a,b yielded 6-[ 18 F]fluoro-L-DOPA (e.e. >90%, 3% radiochemical yield (EOB), total synthesis time 125 min, specific activity >2000 mCi/μ mol). Direct deprotection/reduction of the compounds 3a,b provides the enantiomeric mixture of 6-[ 18 F]fluoro-D,L-DOPA (10-12% radiochemical yield) and, after chiral separation, 6-[ 18 ]fluoro-L-DOPA (e.e. 98%, 4-5% radiochemical yield). A cold enantioselective synthesis of 6-fluoro-L-DOPA has been effected with total chemical yield 15% (e.e. 93.4%)
Predicting elasticity in nonclastic rocks with a differential effective medium model

Can a theoretical inclusion model — specifically, the differential effective medium (DEM) model — match experimental velocity data in rocks that are not necessarily made of inclusions, such as clastics? It is indeed possible in some cases by using an almost constant inclusion aspect ratio (AR) within wide ranges of porosity and mineralogy. We approach this question by using empirical velocity-porosity equations as proxies for data. By finding a DEM inclusion AR to match these equations, we find that the required range of AR is narrow. Moreover, a constant AR of about 0.13 can be used to accurately match empirical relations in competent sand, shale, and quartz/calcite mixtures. This finding can be utilized practically to predict VS from VP ; describe velocity-frequency dispersion between low-frequency and ultrasonic experiments; predict the dry-frame elastic properties from ultrasonic data on liquid-saturated samples where Gassmann’s fluid substitution is not applicable; predict the attenuation of P-wave v...
Predicting Entry-Level Categories

Entry-level categories--the labels people use to name an object--were originally defined and studied by psychologists in the 1970s and 1980s. In this paper we extend these ideas to study entry-level categories at a larger scale and to learn models that can automatically predict entry-level categories for images. Our models combine visual recognition predictions with linguistic resources like WordNet and proxies for word "naturalness" mined from the enormous amount of text on the web. We demonstrate the usefulness of our models for predicting nouns (entry-level words) associated with images by people, and for learning mappings between concepts predicted by existing visual recognition systems and entry-level concepts. In this work we make use of recent successful efforts on convolutional network models for visual recognition by training classifiers for 7404 object categories on ConvNet activation features. Results for category mapping and entry-level category prediction for images show promise for producing more natural human-like labels. We also demonstrate the potential applicability of our results to the task of image description generation.
A Pilot Study of Naltrexone and BASICS for Heavy Drinking Young Adults

Heavy drinking young adults often have limited motivation to change their drinking behavior. Adding pharmacotherapy to brief counseling is a novel approach to treating this population. A small open-label pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of offering eight weeks of daily and targeted (i.e., taken as needed in anticipation of drinking) naltrexone with BASICS (brief motivational) counseling to heavy drinking young adults; to assess the tolerability of the medication in this population and to obtain preliminary efficacy data. The sample (N = 14) showed strong adherence to study appointments and medication taking, supporting the feasibility of this approach. Overall, the medication was well-tolerated. Significant reductions from baseline were observed in drinks per drinking day and in percent heavy drinking days and these gains were maintained one month after treatment ended. A significant decrease in alcohol-related consequences was also observed. Findings from this small pilot study suggest that naltrexone in combination with BASICS represents a promising strategy to reduce heavy drinking among young adults.
Immunohistochemistry of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the cat nucleus tractus solitarius.

Abstract Using a new antibody directed solely against the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) molecule, distribution of GABA was studied in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the cat. Both immunoreactive puncta and cell bodies had a homogenous distribution within the nucleus. The one exception was in the parvocellular subdivision where very little immunoreactive puncta, but numerous immunoreactive cell bodies, were found. Results of this investigation provide immunohistochemical evidence of GABA's localization in an autonomic nucleus involved in cardiovascular regulation.
Hyperaldosteronism and pheochromocytoma: new tricks and tests

Hyperaldosteronism, previously thought to represent only 1% to 2% of cases of hypertension, may cause as much as 25% of hypertension in a primary care setting. The renin/aldosterone ratio is the best test for initial screening, followed by localization if possible. Aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone, and surgery are the mainstays of treatment. Pheochromocytomas are rare, but because they are a curable cause of hypertension and potentially fatal if not found, important to diagnose. Clinical presentation is variable; however, if symptoms are present, they usually include hypertension, hyperhydrosis, headaches, or palpitations sometimes occurring in dramatic fashion. Once a diagnosis is entertained, appropriate laboratory confirmation is essential. Positive laboratory confirmation then leads to localization of the tumor for eventual surgical removal. New biochemical tests and imaging procedures are making the difficult job of diagnosing and finding these tumors.
Experiments with acoustic solitons in crystalline solids

We have used the picosecond ultrasonic technique to study the formation of acoustic solitons. In these experiments, a longitudinal acoustic pulse is generated at one surface of a sample. After the pulse has propagated across the sample, its shape is modified as a result of phonon dispersion and nonlinearity. We have found that the change in the pulse shape can be described by the Korteweg--de Vries equation. The experiments have been performed on Si, MgO, \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz, and sapphire. For each sample, we have observed fully developed acoustic solitons, with pulse shapes that are in reasonable agreement with the results of computer simulations.
The Disintegration of an Organization: A Dialectical Analysis

Innisfree, an alternative free school (K-8), existed for about 4 years. Ideographic methodology and dialectical analysis indicates the values and ideology of Innisfree members and the collectivist structure of the school led to ideological and structural contradictions. Ideology constrained structural and process changes that contributed to the school's disintegration. Organization leaders and members were unaware of the contradictions and hence they could not be overcome.
Data monitoring committees and capturing relevant information of high quality

The integrity and credibility of randomized clinical trials, designed to provide a definitive evaluation of therapeutic interventions, can be substantially enhanced if periodic review of results on the relative efficacy of treatments is conducted by a data monitoring committee (DMC). The role of the DMC can include some important activities which promote obtaining relevant information of high quality. In the final stage of study development, these include review of protocol-specified study objectives and design, and review of procedures planned for capturing high-quality data and for reporting to the DMC. At analyses during the trial, these include careful review of data completeness and accuracy to assist in early detection and resolution of evolving problems.
Fungal Malignant Otitis Externa Due to Scedosporium Apiospermum

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is an infection of the external auditory canal that invades the skull base. Aspergillus species fungi were the pathological organism in 21 of 23 reported cases of fungal MOE. We report on a 21-year-old man with end-stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and fungal MOE caused by Scedosporium apiospermum. Fungal MOE is most common in patients with end-stage AIDS and hematologic malignancies. Granulation tissue is not a common finding in these patients, and the infectious process often starts in the mastoid air cells or middle ear space, as opposed to the external auditory canal. Surgical debridement and amphotericin B are the mainstays of therapy; resolution of the infection depends greatly on the severity of the underlying disease.
Direct observation of quality of care in residential settings

Direct-observation procedures were used to objectively and efficiently assess several classes of service provided for individuals residing at two state facilities for the developmentally disabled. Time samples were taken of the condition of the clients' physical environment and of the clients themselves. The ongoing behavior of both clients and staff also was recorded. Each residence was observed at least three times during both regular work hours and evening/weekend hours. Results showed that both facilities scored high in the categories regarding the physical condition of the living areas, as well as the categories concerning the condition of the clients. Greater variability was seen in the data on client and staff behavior. More generally, the results indicate that time-sampling procedures can be used efficiently to collect data on multiple aspects of service delivery for large numbers of individuals.
Properties of Ultra Low Density Polyethylenes

With the new metallocene catalyst technology, ethylene copoly mers of unprecedented lower densities are being introduced rapidly. Since these very low density polyolefins offer interesting mechanical properties, a systematic investigation into their thermal and mechanical properties was made. It was found, for example, that despite the low densities achieved, wide compositional variations existed between materials. A comparison was also made between the thermal mechanical properties with optical properties, with the conclusion that compositional homogeneities are required for good optical properties.
Uptake of tritium-labeled norepinephrine in brain and other tissues of cat in vitro.

Slices of cat cerebral cortex, heart, and spleen that have been incubated in media containing approximately 5 to 25 mµg of dl -norepinephrine-7H 8 per milliliter contain levels of isotopic amine greater than those in the medium. The effects of norepinephrine concentration, reserpine, and ouabain on the uptake suggest that the amine enters cells both by diffusion and by a concentrating miechanism that is saturated at low levels of norepinephrine. The drugs inhibit the latter.
Ganas: From the Individual to the Community, and the Potential for Improving College Going in the "Land That Texas Forgot"

This study explores college-going ganas in the South Rio Grande Valley of Texas within the context of Frierian liberatory praxis. During focus groups, current and former high school students discussed their experiences developing ganas regarding college going and discussed how parental support was integral to ganas formation. The participants also identified structural barriers preventing ganas from becoming college going (e.g., teachers handcuffed by standardized testing). Students wanted to change these conditions, demonstrated the ability to organize, but had also been taught that they were incapable of creating social change. Implications are discussed.
Generalized method for characterizing mechanical loads in mobile devices

This paper presents the concept and design of a test vehicle for characterizing applied mechanical loads on small form-factor devices. These loads can include forces, moments, and torques. A case-study utilizing a version of this test vehicle is discussed. The test vehicle weighs 100 grams and has a form factor similar to commonly available media players like Zune HD. Specific usage scenarios were selected to represent extreme loading conditions. The resulting multivariate, stochastic data were analyzed using the Bounded Johnson System distribution. This statistical treatment eases the use of the empirical data in subsequent analysis, such as determination of the appropriate in-lab loading conditions to quantify the mechanical robustness of a product.
A Follow-up Evaluation of an Undergraduate Community Mental Health Worker Training Program

(1981). A Follow-up Evaluation of an Undergraduate Community Mental Health Worker Training Program. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 28-31.
Detection of visual signals by rats: effects of signal intensity, event rate, and task type.

Abstract Animal models of human cognitive processes are being developed for investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of these processes and for identifying potential therapies for intoxication and neurodegenerative diseases. One promising method involves assessment of sustained attention in rats by use of a discrete-trial signal detection task. Several psychophysical and procedural factors have been identified in the literature that affect sustained attention in normal human subjects. Three key parameters that affect the level of performance, and whether that performance level deteriorates over time, include the quality of the signal, the event rate, and the type of task employed (simultaneous or successive discrimination). These three parameters were manipulated in this study to assess the degree of similarity in the behavior patterns engendered in rats by this signal detection task, in relation to the behavior observed in humans performing a variety of sustained attention tasks. Signal quality was manipulated by varying the increment in the intensity of a lamp (duration=300 ms), and event rate was varied among values of 4, 7, and 10 trials/min. The ‘standard’ detection task was used as a simultaneous discrimination and a successive discrimination task was designed in which a dim light flash was defined as a non-signal event and any of three brighter flashes were signal events. Accuracy of signal detection was quantified by the proportion of correct detections of the signal [P(hit)] and the proportion of false alarms [P(fa), i.e., incorrect responses on non-signal trials]. P(hit) fell with decreasing signal intensity, increasing event rate, and was lower in the discrimination task compared to the detection task. P(fa) increased with increasing event rate, but only in the detection task. A decrement in P(hit) across trial blocks was observed in the discrimination task primarily, and was most evident with a high event rate and dim signals. These data confirm that these tasks assess process(es) in rats that are very similar to those considered as sustained attention in humans.
C-reactive protein and the incidence of macular degeneration: Pooled analysis of 5 cohorts

Importance This study adds to the evidence that elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) predict future risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This information might shed light on underlying pathological mechanisms involving inflammation and could be of clinical utility in the identification of persons at high risk of AMD who may benefit from increased adherence to lifestyle recommendations, eye examination schedules, and therapeutic protocols. Objective To investigate the relationship between hsCRP and future risk of AMD in US men and women. Design Pooled analysis of prospective nested case-control data from the Women's Health Study and 4 other cohorts, the Physicians' Health Study, Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study, Nurses' Health Study, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Setting A prospective nested case-control study within 5 large cohorts. Participants Patients were initially free of AMD. We prospectively identified 647 incident cases of AMD and selected age- and sex-matched controls for each AMD case (2 controls for each case with dry AMD or 3 controls for each case of neovascular AMD). Main Outcome Measures We measured hsCRP in baseline blood samples. We used conditional logistic regression models to examine the relationship between hsCRP and AMD and pooled findings using meta-analytic techniques. Results After adjusting for cigarette smoking status, participants with high (>3 mg/L) compared with low ( Conclusions and Relevance Overall, these pooled findings from 5 prospective cohorts add further evidence that elevated levels of hsCRP predict greater future risk of AMD. This information might shed light on underlying mechanisms and could be of clinical utility in the identification of persons at high risk of AMD who may benefit from increased adherence to lifestyle recommendations, eye examination schedules, and therapeutic protocols.
Early Peristomal Skin Complications Reported by WOC Nurses.

Purpose The range of peristomal skin complications reported in the literature varies from 10% to 70%. Inconsistent terminology as well as a lack of a standardized tracking tool may account for this variability. The purpose of this study was to describe peristomal skin complications seen by WOC nurses over a 1-year period using a standardized data collection tool and using the peristomal terminology developed by the WOCN Society. Methods A prospective research design was used to describe peristomal skin complications of ostomy patients seen within the first 2 months of ostomy surgery by WOC Central Virginia Affiliate nurses. The WOC nurses completed a peristomal skin complication form on each ostomy patient that was seen within 2 months of the original ostomy surgery regardless of whether or not he or she had a peristomal complication. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Subjects and setting Twelve WOC nurses saw a total of 89 patients over a 12-month period. Subjects had a median age of 61 years (range, 1-91 years). The sample included 46 females and 43 males. All patients were seen in the central Virginia area. Thirty-two patients were seen in hospital, 31 were seen in a home health setting, and 26 were seen in outpatient clinic. Results Forty-two patients (47%) had peristomal complications. The types of ostomies seen were 37 colostomies, 33 ileostomies, and 15 urinary conduits. Thirty-one patients had chemical damage to the peristomal skin (irritant dermatitis), 5 had mechanical injury, and 4 had Candida infections, 1 had an allergic reaction, and another had pyoderma gangrenosum. Conclusions Research studies that describe peristomal skin complications over time and over multiple settings are limited. A central data repository using a standardized tool may be one way to monitor them and then begin to look at standardized evidence-based peristomal skin care.
Flow of a generalized second grade non-Newtonian fluid with variable viscosity

A modified constitutive equation for a second grade fluid is proposed so that the model would be suitable for studies where shear-thinning (or shear-thickening) may occur. In addition, the dependence of viscosity on the temperature follows the Reynolds equation. In this paper, we propose a constitutive relation, (18), which has the basic structure of a second grade fluid, where the viscosity is now a function of temperature, shear rate, and concentration. As a special case, we solve the fully developed flow of a non-Newtonian fluid given by (11), where the effects of concentration are neglected.
EUV analysis of polar plumes

Three polar plumes were studied using Skylab Mg x and O vi data. The plumes lie within the boundaries of a polar coronal hole. We find that the mean temperature of the plumes is about 1.1 × 106 K and that they have a small vertical temperature gradient. Densities are determined and found consistent with white light analyses. The variation of density with height in the plumes is compared with that expected for hydrostatic equilibrium. As is the case for other coronal features, polar plumes will be a source of solar wind if the magnetic field lines are open. On the basis of the derived plume model and estimates of the numbers of plumes in polar coronal holes, it appears that polar plumes contain about 15% of the mass in a typical polar hole and occupy about 10% of the volume.
Sub-picosecond measurements of primary electron transfer in Rhodopseudomonas viridis reaction centers using near-infrared excitation

Abstract Rate constants for the primary photoinduced electron transfer reactions within the reaction center protein of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas viridis have been measured using transient optical absorption spectroscopy following excitation of the primary donor P960 directly with 950 nm laser flashes. The time resolution of the experiments was 0.45 ps. The reduction of BPheo b as indicated by absorption changes at 543 nm exhibits monophasic kinetics with a 1.7 × 10 11 s 1 rate constant following direct excitation of P960. Spectral changes at 805 and 835 nm due to perturbations of the intermediary BChl b occur synchronously with those at 543 nm. There is no evidence for formation of BChl b − as a distinct chemical intermediate preceding the reduction of BPheo b .
Rapid spatial and temporal controlled signal delivery over large cell culture areas

Controlled chemical delivery in microfluidic cell culture devices often relies on slowly evolving diffusive gradients, as the spatial and temporal control provided by fluid flow results in significant cell-perturbation. In this paper we introduce a microfluidic device architecture that allows for rapid spatial and temporal soluble signal delivery over large cell culture areas without fluid flow over the cells. In these devices the cell culture well is divided from a microfluidic channel located directly underneath the chamber by a nanoporous membrane. This configuration requires chemical signals in the microchannel to only diffuse through the thin membrane into large cell culture area, rather than diffuse in from the sides. The spatial chemical pattern within the microfluidic channel was rapidly transferred to the cell culture area with good fidelity through diffusion. The cellular temporal response to a step-function signal showed that dye reached the cell culture surface within 45 s, and achieved a static concentration in under 6 min. Chemical pulses of less than one minute were possible by temporally alternating the signal within the microfluidic channel, enabling rapid flow-free chemical microenvironment control for large cell culture areas.
Collagen–gelatin mixtures as wound model, and substrates for VEGF-mimetic peptide binding and endothelial cell activation

In humans, high level of collagen remodeling is seen during normal physiological events such as bone renewal, as well as in pathological conditions, such as arthritis, tumor growth and other chronic wounds. Our lab recently discovered that collagen mimetic peptide (CMP) is able to hybridize with denatured collagens at these collagen remodeling sites with high affinity. Here, we show that the CMP's high binding affinity to denatured collagens can be utilized to deliver angiogenic signals to scaffolds composed of heat-denatured collagens (gelatins). We first demonstrate hybridization between denatured collagens and QKCMP, a CMP with pro-angiogenic QK domain. We show that high levels of QKCMP can be immobilized to a new artificial matrix containing both fibrous type I collagen and heat denatured collagen through triple helix hybridization, and that the QKCMP is able to stimulate early angiogenic response of endothelial cells (ECs). We also show that the QKCMP can bind to excised tissues from burn injuries in cutaneous mouse model, suggesting its potential for promoting neovascularization of burn wounds.
Intracranial vascular stenosis and occlusive disease: evaluation with CT angiography, MR angiography, and digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although digital subtraction angiography (DSA) provides excellent visualization of the intracranial vasculature, it has several limitations. Our purpose was to evaluate the ability of helical CT angiography (CTA) to help detect and quantify intracranial stenosis and occlusion compared with DSA and MR angiography (MRA). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients underwent CTA, DSA, and 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MRA for suspected cerebrovascular lesions. All three studies were performed within a 30-day period. Two readers blinded to prior estimated or calculated stenoses, patient history and clinical information examined 672 vessel segments. Lesions were categorized as normal (0–9%), mild (10–29%), moderate (30–69%), severe (70–99%), or occluded (no flow detected). DSA was the reference standard. Unblinded consensus readings were obtained for all discrepancies. RESULTS: A total of 115 diseased vessel segments were identified. After consensus interpretation, CTA revealed higher sensitivity than that of MRA for intracranial stenosis (98% versus 70%, P CONCLUSION: CTA has a higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than MRA and is recommended over TOF MRA for detection of intracranial stenosis and occlusion. CTA has a high interoperator reliability. CTA is superior to DSA in the evaluation of posterior circulation steno-occlusive disease when slow flow is present. CTA results had a significant effect on patient clinical management.
Life history focus on a malaria parasite: linked traits and variation among genetic clones

Life history theory has long been a major campaign in evolutionary ecology, but has typically focused only on animals and plants. Life history research on single-celled eukaryotic protists such as malaria parasites (Plasmodium) will offer new insights into the theory’s general utility as well as the parasite’s basic biology. For example, parasitologists have described the Plasmodium life cycle and cell types in exquisite detail, with little discussion of evolutionary issues such as developmental links between traits. We measured 10 life history traits of replicate single-genotype experimental Plasmodium mexicanum infections in its natural lizard host to identify groups of linked traits. These 10 traits formed 4 trait groups: “Rate/Peak” merges measures of growth rate and maximum parasitemia of infections; “Timing” combines time to patency and maximum parasitemia; “Growth Shape” describes the fit to an exponential growth curve; and “Sex Ratio” includes only the gametocyte sex ratio. Parasite genotype (clone) showed no effect on the life history trait groups, with the exception of gametocyte sex ratio. Therefore, variation in most life history traits among infections appears to be driven by environmental (individual host) effects. The findings support the model that life history traits are often linked by developmental constraints. Understanding why life history traits of Plasmodium are linked in this way would offer a new window into the evolution of the parasites, and also should inform public health efforts to control infection prevalence.
Sensors with on-chip signal processing for long-term stability

A monolithic silicon sensor which combines a sensing element with signal-processing circuitry can provide an output signal in which the desired information is preserved, despite electrical deterioration of the connections to the sensor. With such a stable sensor, temperature dependence and nonlinearity in the sensing characteristics of the sensor can be completely compensated. Comparatively simple packaging design will serve adequately even in hostile environments, thus resulting in significant reductions in sensor cost and a corresponding increase in sensor usage.
A global computing environment for networked resources

Current advances in high-speed networks and WWW technologies have made network computing a cost-effective, high-performance computing alternative. New software tools are being developed to utilize efficiently the network computing environment. Our project, called Virtual Distributed Computing Environment (VDCE), is a high-performance computing environment that allows users to write and evaluate networked applications for different hardware and software configurations using a web interface. In this paper we present the software architecture of VDCE by emphasizing application development and specification, scheduling, and execution/runtime aspects.
PRECIPITATION OF ELECTRONS AND PROTONS INTO THE ATMOSPHERE.

A precipitated particle is defined here as one whose trajectory at the point of Observation is such that it will plunge from a high altitude into the dense atmosphere, where it most likely will lose all or most of its kinetic energy. A precipitated particle may have once been trapped, but some may also never have been trapped.
Featureless chaotic spread spectrum modulation of arbitrary data constellations

Chaotic spread spectrum communication systems provide a number of advantages for secure communications due to the apparent randomness of the underlying spreading signal. Many of these chaotic signals exhibit colored spectra, providing discernible features that enable their detection independent of the transmitted data. A recent digital chaotic circuit [1] has been shown to exhibit a truly white spectrum in addition to apparent time-domain randomness. This maximal entropy characteristic supports Shannon's criteria for maximal channel capacity communication, low probability of interception/ detection (LPI/LPD), and a compact bandlimited white spectrum. Such a signal is featureless, susceptible only by energy detection. The disadvantage of such spread communication systems, one shared equally by all spread spectrum systems, is that the channel capacity is constrained by the bandwidth increases required for spreading gain. A traditional approach to increasing bandwidth efficiency is generalizing the modulated digital signaling constellation to include multiple levels of amplitude and phase modulation, which enhances exploitable cyclostationary features unless compensated. This paper presents a framework for adapting the maximal entropy digital chaotic signal to featureless chaotic spread spectrum modulation of arbitrary discrete-time discrete-amplitude data constellations, permitting higher throughputs in chaotic spread spectrum communication systems without sacrificing any of the maximum entropy characteristics that provide LPI/LPD.
An Epimerase Gene Essential for Capsule Synthesis in Vibrio vulnificus

The extracellular capsule polysaccharide (CPS) of Vibrio vulnificus is a primary virulence factor which allows survival of the bacteria in the human host. To study the genes involved in expression of the capsule, we generated mutants that lost the ability to produce CPS following the insertion of a minitransposon into the genome of an encapsulated, clinical strain of V. vulnificus. A genomic region, from one nonencapsulated mutant, containing the transposon and flanking V. vulnificus DNA was cloned, and a probe complementary to the chromosomal DNA immediately adjacent to the transposon was used to locate this fragment in the genome of the encapsulated parent strain. The fragment, which contained a putative capsule gene, was cloned and, when supplied in trans, complemented the mutation in the nonencapsulated mutant to restore capsule production. In addition, virulence studies, using the 50% lethal dose assay, showed that the restoration of capsule production also restored the virulence of the organism. Sequence analysis of the gene disrupted by the transposon revealed that it matched a nucleotide-sugar epimerase of Vibrio cholerae O139, with 75 and 85% identities at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. In addition, computer analysis recognized epimerases of various organisms as highly similar to the putative epimerase of V. vulnificus. Finally, a combination of PCR amplification and Southern blotting showed that this epimerase is common to at least 10 strains of V. vulnificus that each express a serologically distinct CPS. Our results indicate that the epimerase gene is essential for capsule expression in V. vulnificus.
Concentrations of circulating hormones normalized to pulses of a prostaglandin F2α metabolite during spontaneous luteolysis in mares

Abstract The temporal relationships between a pulse of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF 2α (PGFM) and the concentrations of circulating hormones during the luteolytic period were studied for 11 pulses in 11 mares (Equus caballus) using samples collected hourly. Mean PGFM pulses encompassed 4h before to 4h after the peak, and hormone data were normalized to the PGFM peak (Hour 0). Concentration of progesterone decreased (P 2α do not occur in response to the natural secretion of prostaglandin F 2α .
Fuzzy logic control for parallel hybrid vehicles

In this paper, a fuzzy logic controller is developed for hybrid vehicles with parallel configuration. Using the driver command, the state of charge of the energy storage, and the motor/generator speed, a set of rules have been developed, in a fuzzy controller, to effectively determine the split between the two powerplants: electric motor and internal combustion engine. The underlying theme of the fuzzy rules is to optimize the operational efficiency of all components, considered as one system. Simulation results were used to assess the performance of the controller. A forward-looking hybrid vehicle model was used for implementation and simulation of the controller. Potential fuel economy improvement is shown by using fuzzy logic, relative to other controllers, which maximize only the efficiency of the engine.
Structure and expression of a calcium-binding protein gene contained within a calmodulin-regulated protein kinase gene.

Abstract We have determined the first genomic structure and characterized the mRNA and protein products of a novel vertebrate gene that encodes a calcium-binding protein with amino acid sequence identity to a protein kinase domain. The elucidation of the complete DNA sequence of this transcription unit and adjacent genomic DNA, Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses of cellular genomic DNA, and examination of mRNA and protein species revealed that the calcium-binding kinase-related protein (KRP)-encoding gene is contained within the gene for a calmodulin-regulated protein kinase, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). The KRP gene transcription unit is composed of three exons and a 5'-flanking sequence containing a canonical TATA box motif. The TATA box, the transcription initiation site, and the first 109 nucleotides of the 5' noncoding region of the KRP mRNA correspond to an MLCK gene intron sequence. Both KRP and MLCK are produced in the same adult chicken tissue in relatively high abundance from a single contiguous stretch of genomic DNA and utilize the same reading frame and common exons to produce distinct mRNAs (2.7 and 5.5 kb, respectively) that encode proteins with dissimilar biochemical functions. There appears to be no precedent in vertebrate molecular biology for such a relationship. This may represent a mechanism whereby functional diversity can be achieved within the same vertebrate tissue by use of common exons to produce shuffled domains with identical amino acid sequences in different molecular contexts.
Compression therapy in 100 consecutive patients with venous leg ulcers.

Summary Objective To evaluate compression therapy for venous leg ulcers in terms of adherence, acceptability, quality, and effectiveness. Design of study Prospective observational cohort study. Setting Vascular diseases outpatient clinic in Paris, France. Subjects One hundred consecutive patients with active or healed leg ulcers and chronic lower limb venous insufficiency stage C5 or C6 in the CEAP classification scheme. Interventions Compression systems applied in a community-based practice. Main outcome measures A standardized form was used to collect: (1) data on patient adherence; (2) objective criteria evaluating the quality, effectiveness, and correct application of compression systems and; (3) patient education and perceptions about their compression therapy. Results Patient adherence with compression therapy was high (89%), even though it was often a source of discomfort. Only 10% of patients signaled no discomfort. Drawbacks reported by patients were excessive warmth (29%), pruritus (33%), unacceptably high cost (48%), and moderate to considerable difficulty putting on footwear (64%). In the 11% of patients who did not wear their compression system, reasons for nonadherence were inadequate comprehension of expected benefits (45.5%), pain related to compression (36.4%), difficulty applying the compression system (27.3%), and difficulty putting on footwear (27.3%). Application was correct in 51.7% of adherent patients; errors in the remaining patients included slippage, failure of the bandage to extend to just under the knee (55.8%), a tourniquet effect (21%), failure of bandaging starting at the base of the toes (37.2%), and failure to cover the heel (53.5%). Full edema control was achieved in 51.7% of adherent patients. Compression was adequate overall (worn, correctly applied, and effective) in 49% of adherent patients. The most common reasons for lack of effectiveness were inadequate pressure and errors in application. Lack of awareness of potential benefits and wearing modalities of compression therapy was noted in 56% of patients. Conclusion Patients, nurses, and physicians have inadequate knowledge of the modalities of compression therapy and as a result they are not well respected. Educational programs are needed.
Effect of Dichloroacetic Acid and Trichloroacetic Acid on DNA Methylation in Liver and Tumors of Female B6C3F1 Mice

Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are found in drinking water and are metabolites of trichloroethylene. They are carcinogenic and promote liver tumors in B6C3F1 mice. Hypomethylation of DNA is a proposed nongenotoxic mechanism involved in carcinogenesis and tumor promotion. We determined the effect of DCA and TCA on the level of DNA methylation in mouse liver and tumors. Female B6C3F1 mice 15 days of age were administered 25 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and at 6 weeks started to receive 25 mmol/liter of either DCA or TCA in their drinking water until euthanized 44 weeks later. Other animals not administered MNU were euthanized after 11 days of exposure to either DCA or TCA. DNA was isolated from liver and tumors, and after hydrolysis 5-methylcytosine (5MeC) and the four bases were separated and quantitated by HPLC. In animals exposed to either DCA or TCA for 11 days but not 44 weeks, the level of 5MeC in DNA was decreased in the liver. 5MeC was also decreased in liver tumors from animals exposed to either chloroacetic acid. The level of 5MeC in TCA-promoted carcinomas appeared to be less than in adenomas. Termination of exposure to DCA, but not to TCA, resulted in an increase in the level of 5MeC in adenomas to the level found in noninvolved liver. Thus, hypomethylated DNA was found in DCA and TCA promoted liver tumors and the difference in the response of DNA methylation to termination of exposure appeared to support the hypothesis of different mechanisms for their carcinogenic activity.