cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lunar Surface: Identification of the Dark Mantling Material in the Apollo 17 Soil Samples

Evidence indicates that Apollo 17 sample 74001, a soil consisting of very dark spheres, is composed almost entirely of the dark mantling material that covers a large region of the southeastern boundary of Mare Serenitatis. Other Apollo 17 samples contain only a component of this material. The underlying basalt in the Taurus-Littrow valley appears to be an extension of material forming the low-albedo ring around part of Mare Serenitatis and much of the surface of Mare Tranquillitatis. The surface of this basalt region is spectrally distinct from areas with dark mantling material. These results are derived fromn telescopic and laboratory measurements of the optical properties of lunar soil. Digital vidicon color images are used to map the extent of these material units in the Taurus-Littrow region.
Understanding Solidification Kinetics and Microstructural Development of a Lead-Free Composite Solder

This paper presents and discusses the solidification of Sn-Ag eutectic solder and the effect of cooling rate on its microstructure formation with and without addition of nanosized copper powders. The composite solder mixture was mechanically mixed, and subsequently melted in an aluminum crucible placed in a temperature-controlled furnance, prior to promoting solidification. For all cases significant undercooling of the melt was observed prior to solidification. A reduction in the solidification temperature occurred by the addition of copper nanopowders. Optical microscopy observations revealed the microstructure of solders, in the as-solidified condition, to be appreciably altered by the addition of nanosized copper powders. The copper nanopowders were precipitated as an intermetallic compound. The average size of the intermetallic compound decreased as the cooling rate increased. These results suggest that adding nanosize metallic powders may significantly alter and/or improve solder joint properties.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
CaMKII in cerebral ischemia.

Ischemic insults on neurons trigger excessive, pathological glutamate release that causes Ca2+ overload resulting in neuronal cell death (excitotoxicity). The Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a major mediator of physiological excitatory glutamate signals underlying neuronal plasticity and learning. Glutamate stimuli trigger autophosphorylation of CaMKII at T286, a process that makes the kinase “autonomous” (partially active independent from Ca2+ stimulation) and that is required for forms of synaptic plasticity. Recent studies suggested autonomous CaMKII activity also as potential drug target for post-insult neuroprotection, both after glutamate insults in neuronal cultures and after focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. However, CaMKII and other members of the CaM kinase family have been implicated in regulation of both neuronal death and survival. Here, we discuss past findings and possible mechanisms of CaM kinase functions in excitotoxicity and cerebral ischemia, with a focus on CaMKII and its regulation.
Factors Affecting In Vitro Protein Binding of Etoposide in Humans

Clinical studies have demonstrated that the plasma protein binding of etoposide, a widely used anticancer drug, is extensive (~94%), highly variable among patients (10-fold range), and significantly related to serum albumin and total bilirubin concentration. The present study was designed to more thoroughly evaluate factors likely to affect etoposide protein binding under controlled in vitro conditions where single variables could be changed. Protein binding was determined using an equilibrium dialysis method with tritiated etoposide. The binding of etoposide was similar in serum or plasma, and heparin had no effect on binding. Etoposide binding decreased with increased pH, but no clinically significant difference was noted within the range of physiologic pH. Etoposide binding evaluated in single-source donor plasma was concentration-dependent over a concentration range of 1 to 250 μg/mL Etoposide binding parameters determined in normal human plasma were characterized by a single class of binding sites of moderate affinity (K = 2.88 ± 0.47 × 104) and high capacity (nP = 5.07 ± 0.5 × 10−4; where n is the number of binding sites). The etoposide binding ratio was significantly correlated with albumin concentration (r2 = 99%, p <0.05). The characteristics of etoposide binding in a 4.0-g/dL solution of human serum albumin (K = 3.56 ± 1.22 ± 104 and nP = 5.58 ± 0.16 × 10−4) suggest that the single class of binding sites is on albumin. Bilirubin caused a significant decrease in K, consistent with competitive binding, but only at higher bilirubin concentrations. Collectively, these in vitro data provide insights into the clinical variables most likely to alter the plasma protein binding of etoposide and corroborate previous clinical studies demonstrating a correlation between etoposide binding and serum albumin or bilirubin concentrations.
How Advertising Works on the WWW: Modified Elaboration Likelihood Model

Abstract This paper develops a model called Modified Elaboration Likelihood Model to understand how people process advertising on the Internet. An empirical study verifies the new model by examining several variables influencing voluntary exposure or clicking of banner ads. These variables include (a) level of personal and product involvement, (b) the size of a banner ad, (c) relevancy between the content of a vehicle and the product category of a banner ad, (d) attitude toward the vehicle, and (e) overall attitude toward Web advertising. The findings document significant relationships between these variables and clicking of banner ads and support the hypothesized model.
Dynamic mechanical measurements with the eccentric rotating disks flow

The forces generated by flow between eccentric rotating disks (ERD) are examined experimentally. ERD experiments are presented for severalNewtonian and viscoelastic fluids with viscosities ranging from 30 to 240 000 poise. The effects of disk separation, radius, misalignment, and eccentricity are studied. ERD data is compared to the dynamic shear moduli,G′ andG″, defined by small amplitude deformation in oscillatory shear flow. Results confirm theory that the two measurable shear forces generated in the ERD do measureG′ andG″. No significant boundary or inertial effects were noted, but in some cases instrument compliance can be significant. Normal stress measurements in the ERD are also reported.
Evolutionary biology: to work or not to work.

Coercion, not kinship, often determines who acts altruistically in an insect colony. But underlying affinities for kin emerge when coercion is removed: kin selection is what turns suppressed individuals into altruists.
Disordering of Raft Domains by DHA and EPA observed with Solid-State Deuterium NMR Spectroscopy

Research continues to examine the health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) found in fish oils. The major bioactive components are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5), with 20 carbons and 5 double bonds, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6), with 22 carbons and 6 double bonds. However, their molecular modes of action remain unclear. A suggested hypothesis is that these fatty acids are incorporated into membrane phospholipids and modify the structure and organization of lipid rafts, thus affecting cell signaling. We used solid-state 2H NMR spectroscopy to compare molecular organization in mixtures of 1-palmitoyl-2-eicosapentaenoylphosphatidylcholine (PEPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoylphosphatidylcholine (PDPC) with the raft-stabilizing molecules sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol. Our spectra for PEPC-d31 and PDPC-d31, analogs of PEPC and PDPC with a perdeuterated palmitoyl sn-1 chain, showed that DHA has a greater tendency than EPA to incorporate into raft-like domains enriched in SM and cholesterol. By using PSM-d31, an analog of SM with a perdeuterated N-palmitoyl chain, we now directly observe one of the raft-forming molecules and analyze the effects EPA and DHA have on molecular order within the raft. These results will add to the growing information on how EPA and DHA differentially modify lipid domain organization in bilayers.
The public acceptance of nanomedicine: a personal perspective.

Limited understanding of a subject leads to limited perceptions, including misinformed biases and associations. In regard to the field of nanotechnology, prior biotechnologies have harmed public perception of nanotechnology through association alone. While public bias is slow to convert toward truth, it is likely that the medical applications of nanotechnology will foster a renewed interest and trust in the field through the prolonged escape from death. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
On the Reversibility of Randomizers and Derandomizers in Aeronautical Telemetry

Data may be recovered when randomization and derandomization are applied in the reverse order as long as the initial register conditions for both the randomizer and derandomizer are identical. In the (very realistic) case where the initial register contents for the derandomizer are not known, simple procedures for identifying the correct initial conditions are described. The procedures leverage the presence of frame synchronization words in the telemetry data.
Application of advanced computational technology to propulsion CFD

The Internal Fluid Mechanics Division of the NASA Lewis Research Center is combining the key elements of computational fluid dynamics, aerothermodynamic experiments, and advanced computational technology to bring internal computational fluid dynamics (ICFM) to a state of practical application for aerospace propulsion system design. This paper presents an overview of efforts under way at NASA Lewis to advance and apply computational technology to ICFM. These efforts include the use of modern, software engineering principles for code development, the development of an AI-based user-interface for large codes, the establishment of a high-performance, data communications network to link ICFM researchers and facilities, and the application of parallel processing to speed up computationally intensive and/or time-critical ICFM problems. A multistage compressor flow physics program is cited as an example of efforts to use advanced computational technology to enhance a current NASA Lewis ICFM research program.
Role of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin (rhTSH) in the Treatment of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Since the introduction of radioiodine (RAI) for treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) more than 50 years ago, prolonged periods of hypothyroidism were routinely used as part of the treatment regimen. Recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) was introduced in the 1990s as a tool to elevate the serum TSH without the need for thyroid hormone withdrawal and symptomatic hypothyroidism. After being initially approved as a diagnostic tool for use in RAI scanning and stimulated thyroglobulin testing, rhTSH was approved as an adjunct to RAI remnant ablation in patients without distant metastases in Europe in 2005 and in the US in 2007. Following successful use of rhTSH for diagnostic purposes, it has been extensively studied for use with therapeutic doses of RAI in the setting of RAI remnant ablation and is now an integral part of DCT therapy. The use of rhTSH in clinical practice in the last decade was coupled with the growing interest in an individualized, risk-stratified approach to the management of patients with DCT. While traditional treatment for DTC included surgery and RAI therapy for all patients, many more recent studies demonstrated the value of selective use of RAI only in patients who will probably benefit from treatment. This manuscript reviews the evolving role of rhTSH in the current risk adapted climate of thyroid cancer management with particular emphasis on the use of rhTSH as an aid to RAI therapy.
A translocation t(2;14)(p11.2;q32) involving rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain and kappa light chain genes in B-cell lymphoma.

Chromosomal translocations associated with immunoglobulin (IG) loci are characteristic of mature and immature B-cell neoplasms [1]. Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangement is the most c...
Location of Melamine Resin in Treated Wool Fibers

A dye-staining and sectioning technique has been developed which permits, for the first time, a direct, visual determination of the location of melamine resin in treated wool fibers. The resin appears to be distributed uniformly within the fiber structure. Techniques are described and the results are illustrated by photomicrographs (one in color).
Picrotoxin but not bicuculline antagonizes 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced inhibition of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.

Abstract The inhibitory effects of iontophoretically applied serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) on Purkinje cells were examined in the presence of the GABA antagonists picrotoxin and bicuculline in vivo and in vitro cerebellar preparations. Continuous application of the GABA-mediated chloride ionophore antagonist, picrotoxin, at currents that induced significant antagonism of GABA-elicited inhibition of Purkinje cells decreased the inhibitory effects of serotonin significantly in the same neurons. Bicuculline, an antagonist of GABA receptors, exerted different actions on serotoninmediated inhibition of Purkinje cells. Continuous iontophoretic applications of bicuculline antagonized the inhibitory effects of GABA on Purkinje cells significantly, but failed to induce significant attenuation of serotonin-mediated inhibition. The inhibitory effects of serotonin on Purkinje cells were examined also in the presence of nipecotic acid, an inhibitor of GABA reuptake, and a low Ca 2 -high Mg 2+ medium, which blocks synaptic transmission. Under these circumstances, serotonin-mediated inhibitions were not influenced significantly, indicating that its inhibitory effects do not involve release or reuptake of GABA. These results indicate that there might be a linkage between the actions of serotonin and GABA.
Leptin receptor-induced STAT3-independent signaling pathways are protective against atherosclerosis in a murine model of obesity and hyperlipidemia.

Abstract Aims Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has been shown to exert both beneficial metabolic effects and potentially adverse vascular effects in preclinical studies. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effects of leptin receptor signaling pathways on atherosclerosis in the setting of obesity and hyperlipidemia. Methods and results Mice were generated with deficiency of apolipoprotein E ( ApoE −/− ) and either wild-type leptin receptor expression ( Lepr +/+ , ApoE −/− ), mutant leptin receptor expression defective in all leptin receptor signaling pathways ( Lepr db/db , ApoE −/− ), or mutant leptin receptor expression with selective deficiency of leptin receptor-STAT3 signaling ( Lepr s/s , ApoE −/− ). At 27 weeks of age (including 7 weeks on a Western diet), Lepr db/db , ApoE −/− developed severe obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and increased atherosclerosis compared to Lepr +/+ , ApoE −/− mice. Despite similar obesity and hyperlipidemia to Lepr db/db , ApoE −/− mice, Lepr s/s , ApoE −/− developed less atherosclerosis than Lepr db/db , ApoE −/− mice. Adipose tissue macrophage content, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fatty-acid-binding protein 4 levels were also reduced in Lepr s/s , ApoE −/− mice compared to Lepr db/db , ApoE −/− mice. Conclusions In a mouse model of obesity and hyperlipidemia, leptin receptor-mediated STAT3-independent signaling pathways confer protection against atherosclerosis. These differences occur independently of leptin effects on energy balance.
Scanning-tunneling-microscopy-enhanced oxidation of uranium deposited on the basal plane of graphite

Abstract Uranium metal was deposited onto the basal plane of graphite by pulsed excimer-laser ablation in a UHV system equipped with Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Low deposition coverages inaged by in-situ STM show the formation of clusters of varying sizes on the surface. Thicker films (estimated to be 20–30 monolayers) were also investigated by STM in-situ and in air immediately after removal from the UHV system. Imaging in air was found to be possible for up to one hour, even though the expected oxidation rate at room temperature should lead to the complete oxidation of a uranium film to UO 2 in a few minutes. Films estimated to be thicker than 50 monolayers, however, were not imageable at all, suggesting that thin films consisting of clusters exhibit reactivities that are different from bulk samples. STM-enhanced oxidation in air was observed for thin films if the tip was held at a negative potential with respect to the sample. Possible mechanisms of enhancement are discussed.
GTP hydrolysis in intact rod outer segments and the transmitter cycle in visual excitation.

THE light-sensitive dark current of vertebrate retinal rods is the main metabolic load on the receptor cells, turning over the cytoplasmic Na+ every 1–6 min (refs 1–4) and the cytoplasmic ATP as often as every 20 s (refs 5,6). However, a second process in the rod outer segment (ROS), the transmitter cycle, probably demands metabolic free energy during visual excitation. Photons absorbed in the intracellular rod disks reduce the dark current traversing the nearby plasma membrane by altering the cytoplasmic level of a diffusible intracellular transmitter substance7–10 that may be free Ca2+ (refs 11–14). As tens to thousands of transmitter particles must be released and removed in a single photon response15–17, the transmitter cycle should cause fast metabolic events in ROSs even when they are isolated from those parts of the receptor cells that sustain the dark current. We report here that light causes ROSs to destroy GTP and form GDP at a rate sufficient to meet the predicted requirement of the transmitter cycle. Briefly, ROSs with intact plasma membranes and normal cytoplasmic nucleotide content were isolated within a few seconds from live frog retinas; aliquots of the ROS suspension were exposed to flashes of light, and the cytoplasmic levels of ROS nucleotides monitored as a function of time. The experimental procedure permits changes in cytoplasmic nucleotides in ROS to be distinguished from those involving nucleotides in the suspending medium or bound to rod disk membranes that are not enclosed within an intact plasma membrane.
A technique using electrons and photons in the radiotherapy of orbital neoplasms.

(1987). A Technique Using Electrons and Photons in the Radiotherapy of Orbital Neoplasms. Acta Oncologica: Vol. 26, No. 6, pp. 492-493.
Positiveness of Self-Concept and Ideal Self as a Function of Age

(1970). Positiveness of Self-Concept and Ideal Self as a Function of Age. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 117, No. 1, pp. 57-67.
Self-Assembly of α-Helical Coiled Coil Nanofibers

The α-helical coiled coil is one of the best-studied and most well-understood protein folding motifs. In particular, the coiled coil can be made to self-assemble into a nanofibrous architecture with many potential applications in biomimetic engineering and elsewhere. The key to the assembly of such nanofibers has been the formation of “sticky ended” dimers through careful selection of electrostatically charged amino acids. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time that sticky ended dimers are not a prerequisite for α-helical coiled coil nanofiber formation. In contrast, we show that blunt-ended dimers are able to form nanofibers with a uniform diameter of 4 nm while being hundreds of nanometers in length. Furthermore, the length and lateral packing can be controlled through selection of amino acids not involved in the coiled coil interface.
Ester Carbonyl Vibration as a Sensitive Probe of Protein Local Electric Field

The ability to quantify the local electrostatic environment of proteins and protein/peptide assemblies is key to gaining a microscopic understanding of many biological interactions and processes. Herein, we show that the ester carbonyl stretching vibration of two non-natural amino acids, l-aspartic acid 4-methyl ester and l-glutamic acid 5-methyl ester, is a convenient and sensitive probe in this regard, since its frequency correlates linearly with the local electrostatic field for both hydrogen-bonding and non-hydrogen-bonding envi- ronments. We expect that the resultant frequency-electric-field map will find use in various applications. Furthermore, we show that, when situated in a non-hydrogen-bonding environ- ment, this probe can also be used to measure the local dielectric constant (e). For example, its application to amyloid fibrils formed by Ab16-22 revealed that the interior of such b-sheet assemblies has an e value of approximately 5.6. Electrostatic interactions are ubiquitous in biological mol- ecules and, in many cases, play a key role in molecular association and enzymatic reactions. (1) However, quantifica- tion of the local electric field or how it changes inside a protein, especially in a site-specific manner and/or as a function of time, still remains a challenging task. One promising method in this regard is vibrational Stark spec- troscopy, (2) which capitalizes on the intrinsic dependence of vibrational transitions on the local electrostatic environment. This method is based on the use of an infrared (IR) probe that has a well-defined, localized vibrational mode to sense the amplitude of the local electric field through the frequency response. (3) For example, the vibrational Stark effect has been used to determine the local electric field at protein interfaces and to monitor protein conformational transitions and dynamics. (4) Although the theoretical underpinning of this
Traditional Foley drainage systems--do they drain the bladder?

Purpose: Foley catheters are assumed to drain the bladder to completion. Drainage characteristics of Foley catheter systems are poorly understood. To investigate unrecognized retained urine with Foley catheter drainage systems, bladder volumes of hospitalized patients were measured with bladder scan ultrasound volumetrics. Additionally, an in vitro bench top mock bladder and urinary catheter system was developed to understand the etiology of such residual volumes. A novel drainage tube design that optimizes indwelling catheter drainage was also designed.Materials and Methods: Bedside bladder ultrasound volumetric studies were performed on patients hospitalized in ward and intensive care unit. If residual urine was identified the drainage tubing was manipulated to facilitate drainage. An ex vivo bladder-urinary catheter model was designed to measure flow rates and pressures within the drainage tubing of a traditional and a novel drainage tube system.Results: A total of 75 patients in the intensive care uni...
Bullying victimization and adolescent mental health: General and typological effects across sex

Abstract Purpose Victims of bullying are susceptible to a variety of detrimental consequences. It remains unclear, however, whether the type of bullying victimization and the gender of the victim matter as they relate to two mental health consequences: (1) depression, and (2) suicide ideation. Methods We examined the effects of the bullying victimization experiences of 1,874 adolescents. Controlling for known predictors of maladaptive mental health, we assessed whether any bullying victimization and any type of bullying victimizations were associated with depression and suicide ideation. Each of these relationships was also compared across gender. Results Reported victimization rates varied across three types of bullying. Experiencing any type of bullying victimization corresponded with higher levels of depression and suicide ideation for females and males. Females and males who were verbally bullied experienced higher rates of depression than those who were not bullied. Female cyber bully victims experienced higher levels of depression compared to male cyber bully victims. No significant gender differences in suicide ideation emerged across individuals who experienced any type of bullying. Conclusions Assistance to victims in terms of the development and/or maintenance of their mental health must be mindful of how individuals are being victimized and the gender of the victim.
Epizootics of Entomophthora aulicae in lepidopterous pests of sorghum

Abstract Entomophthora aulicae caused 48–100% mortality in Heliothis zea larvae collected from sorghum August 24–September 6, 1978, in Tift County, Georgia. The same fungus also caused 74 and 95% mortality in Celama sorghiella larvae and 19 and 40% mortality in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae collected from sorghum August 30 and September 6 in the same area. Only 2 of 94 H. virescens larvae collected from a nearby patch of pigeon peas were killed by the fungus. This is the first report of epizootics caused by E. aulicae in pests of field crops in the southeastern United States.
Influence of Bottom Stress on the Two-layer Flow Induced by Gravity Currents in Estuaries

Abstract Baroclinic circulation in highly stratified and partially stratified estuaries is characterised by a two-layer flow: a bottom salt- water inflow and a surface brackish-water outflow. Tidal period variation of the thicknesses of a two-layer flow is observed to be associated with mixing, bottom stress and hydraulic characteristics of superposed tidal and gravity currents. Here, both analytical two-layer hydraulic equations with weak friction and a numerical model including a turbulence closure were utilised to understand the mechanism of the layer tendency within a two-layer flow under different barotropic flow conditions. It has been found that in the weak bottom friction case, a gravity current has two critical solutions at the layer thickness equal to 0·5 H and 0·292 H . The layer thickness towards a particular critical solution is dependent on the sign of the bottom stress, i.e. when the bottom stress is opposite (favor) to the bottom gravity current, its layer thickness converges to 0·5 H (0·292 H ). In the case of strong bottom stress and mixing opposing the gravity current, the solutions of the gravity current layer thickness at 0·5 H and 0·292 H will not be valid. Both mixing and vorticity produced by bottom stress erode the halocline, and produce a high velocity core in the mid-depth, which leads to the thickness of a bottom gravity current greater than 0·5 H . These internal hydraulic tendency and mixing processes, varying with time-dependent barotropic tidal current forcing, determine the tidal period variation of the gravity current structure.
Optimal design of amorphous single-junction and tandem solar cells

Abstract Computer analysis of amorphous solar cells indicates that a substantial increase in conversion efficiency can be achieved by using two-cell tandem structures instead of single-junction cells. A further increase in efficiency is calculated for three-cell tandem structures, but this increase is probably too small to justify their added complexity. Practical air mass 1 efficiencies of 16% – 17% at 1 sun can be expected for optimal two-cell structures, compared with 12% – 13% expected for single-junction cells. In optimal two-cell structures the top cell has a band gap of 1.85 eV, which is easily attainable with hydrogenated amorphous silicon films; the bottom cell has a band gap of 1.35 eV, which may be achieved with an alloy system such as hydrogenated amorphous Si 1−x Ge x or hydrogenated amorphous Si 1−x Sn x . Either two-terminal or four-terminal configurations can be used for two-cell tandem structures. The four-terminal configuration has the advantage of requiring less accurate control of film deposition parameters, since the efficiency depends less critically on the band gaps of the two component cells.
Ocular tissue engineering: current and future directions.

Tissue engineering (TE) is a concept that was first emerged in the early 1990s to provide solutions to severe injured tissues and/or organs [1]. The dream was to be able to restore and replace the damaged tissue with an engineered version which would ultimately help overcome problems such as donor shortages, graft rejections, and inflammatory responses following transplantation. While an incredible amount of progress has been made, suggesting that TE concept is viable, we are still not able to overcome major obstacles. In TE, there are two main strategies that researchers have adopted: (1) cell-based, where cells are been manipulated to create their own environment before transplanted to the host, and (2) scaffold-based, where an extracellular matrix is created to mimic in vivo structures. TE approaches for ocular tissues are available and have indeed come a long way, over the last decades; however more clinically relevant ocular tissue substitutes are needed. Figure 1 highlights the importance of TE in ocular applications and indicates the avenues available based on each tissue.[...]
Calcification of intraocular implant lens surfaces.

Calcification of octacalcium phosphate [Ca8H2(PO4)6·5H2O, OCP] on differently packaged “Ultem” and “Surefold” intraocular implant lens surfaces has been studied in vitro in solutions supersaturated with respect to OCP at pH = 7.10 and 37 °C. No mineral deposition was observed on the lenses packaged in Ultem vials even after treatment with behenic acid, one of the fatty acids identified on explanted lenses. Following treatment with behenic acid, nucleation of OCP occurred on the lenses from Surefold vials, which incorporate silicone gaskets; induction periods preceding calcification were about 6 h. No mineralization was found on the lenses in vials with other gasket materials, including polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorocarbon elastomer, and polypropylene. The results of this study indicate that both silicone and fatty acids such as behenic acid play important roles in inducing the in vivo calcification of OCP on IOL lenses; all of the lens treatment steps were necessary for nucleation induction.
Arthromyces ramosus peroxidase produces two chlorinating species

Abstract We previously reported that the hemes of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and Arthromyces ramosus peroxidase (ARP) undergo vinyl and meso -carbon modifications when the enzymes oxidize chloride ion. Here we demonstrate for ARP that, although both modifications exhibit the same pH profile with an optimum at ∼pH 4.0, monochlorodimedone suppresses the vinyl but not meso -carbon modifications. Furthermore, meso -chlorination occurs when ARP reacts with exogenous HOCl, implicating an Fe(III)–O–Cl intermediate in the reaction. These results establish that (a) the chloro species involved in meso -modification differs from that which reacts with the vinyl groups, (b) equilibration of the vinyl modifying species (HOCl) into the medium occurs more rapidly than vinyl group modification, and (c) the oxidation of chloride by ARP produces two reactive species: HOCl, which adds to the heme vinyl but not meso -positions, and a distinct second species that adds to the meso -carbon.
Control of larval development by chemosensory neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans

Larval development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by the activities of four classes of chemosensory neurons. The choice between normal development and development into a specialized larval form called a dauer larva is regulated by competing environmental stimuli: food and a dauer pheromone. When the neuron classes ADF, ASG, ASI, and ASJ are killed, animals develop as dauer larvae regardless of environmental conditions. These neurons might sense food or dauer pheromone, or both, to initiate the specialized differentiation of many cell types that occurs during dauer formation. Entry into and exit from the dauer stage are primarily controlled by different chemosensory neurons. The analysis of mutants defective in dauer formation indicates that the chemosensory neurons are active in the absence of sensory inputs and that dauer pheromone inhibits the ability of these neurons to generate a signal necessary for normal development.
Phosphatidohydrolase and base-exchange activity of commercial phospholipase D.

Abstract Base-exchange activity was contrasted to the usual phosphatidohydrolase activity of commercial phospholipase D preparation from cabbage. The former activity was assayed by measuring the incorporation of labeled ethanolamine and choline into phospholipids. The latter activity was assayed by measuring the formation of phosphatidic acid with radioactive phosphatidylcholine microdispersion as substrate. The pH optimum for the base-exchange activity was about 9.0, whereas the phosphatidohydrolase activity had a pH optimum around 5.6. The incorporation of ethanolamine and choline into phospholipid was dependent upon the amount of acceptor asolectin microdispersion present. The optimum concentration of Ca 2+ in the base-exchange reaction was about 4 m m , whereas the optimum concentration for the phosphatidohydrolase activity was greater than 28 m m . The incorporation of ethanolamine into phospholipid was decreased 50% by heating the enzyme preparation at 50°C for about 10 min, whereas the choline incorporation decreased approximately 20% and the phosphatidohydrolase activity decreased by about 10% under these conditions. Hemicholinium-3 was found to be a noncompetitive inhibitor for the incorporation of both ethanolamine and choline into phospholipid with respective K i , values of 1.25 × 10 −3 and 2.50 × 10 −3 m . The K m values for ethanolamine and choline in the base-exchange reaction were 1.25 × 10 −3 and 2.50 × 10 −3 m , respectively. The apparent K m for phosphatidylcholine for the phosphatidohydrolase activity was about 1.5 × 10 −3 m , and there was no inhibition by hemicholinium-3.
Analysis of immune complexes by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

High resolution two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis is useful for analysis of constituents of immune complexes (IC) in serum, provided that the samples for the analysis are prepared by a standardized and effective purification protocol. The details of the protocol, which involve gel permeation chromatography and adsorption with protein A-Sepharose, were worked out with a model system of radiolabeled antigen bound to antibody. With this protocol one can attain an over 50% recovery of the antigen, in a protein preparation purified over 1000-fold with respect to starting amounts in an initial 0.5 ml serum. With silver staining of the 2D gel, the model antigen was detectable at levels of 100 ng initial input. The analysis of eight normal sera and eight sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed no clearly demonstrable differences, suggesting that the latter sera did not contain homogeneous antigens exceeding 100 ng within IC. In addition to IgG, albumin was seen in all preparations, probably due to complexing with immunoglobulin. Trace amounts of other constituents of the samples appeared in some gels, and the presence of C3 related material was detectable only by Western blotting.
Pharmacotheraphy for Alzheimer's disease.

In the past 2 years, substantive advances in therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have occurred. The nature of the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors has been refined with the publication of several studies that have examined different aspects of the symptomatology of AD. Break-throughs in the basic science of Alzheimer’s disease have led to new insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeted at the secretases involved in the metabolism of the Alzheimer precursor protein. An immunization approach, in which the β-amyloid protein itself was used as the immunizing agent, has also been presented and independently validated. Other areas of investigation with disappointing results, such as estrogen replacement therapy, anti-inflammatory approaches, and several other therapeutic agents, are also reviewed.
Electrophoretic properties of esterases from susceptible and resistant strains of the housefly, Musca domestica L.

Abstract The soluble esterases from six strains of the housefly have been separated by electrophoresis in partially hydrolysed starch gel, according to the technique of Smithies . The separated enzymes were then classified as cholinesterases, aliesterases, and aromatic esterases by use of a series of specific inhibitors. A detailed study with a susceptible and a malathion-resistant strain showed marked differences in amount and migratory behaviour in the various stages of the life cycle but no pattern characteristic of resistance. A semi-quantitative correlation was found between the synergistic effects of a group of non-insecticidal organic phosphates and their inhibitory effects upon the cholinesterases and aliesterases of the two strains. The enzymes hydrolysing naphthyl acid phosphate are more numerous and more active in the malathion-resistant strain. The results lend support to the theory that resistance to organic phosphate insecticides such as malathion is related to higher phosphatase activity.
Helix-random coil transformations in deuterated macromolecules.

From experiments it is apparent that deuteration leads to a measurable effect on the helix-random coil transition temperature for a particular protein and synthetic polypeptide. This effect provides evidence for the presence of internal hydrogen bonds in these macromolecules, and may also provide a clue as to the mode of action of D/sub 2/0 in biological systems. In the particular examples cited, DELTA H 0 for ribonuclease, and deuteration increases T/sub tr/,. Thus delta T/sub tr/ has the same sign as DELTA H as a result of deuteration, implying that delta F> 0 for these two systems. Also, in both systems, deuteration favors the helical form. However other examples will have to be considered before it can be determined whether this is a general property of hydrogenbonded macromolecules. (auth)
Organic tissue glue in the closure of cataract incisions in rabbit eyes

We performed 7 mm scleral pocket cataract incisions in both eyes of ten rabbits. One eye of each rabbit was closed with one interrupted 10-0 nylon suture and organic tissue glue (Tisseel) and the other was closed with a conventional shoelace running 10-0 nylon suture. The eyes were examined clinically and histopathologically at various postoperative intervals. No difference in wound integrity was found between the two closures, but slightly more inflammation occurred in the eyes closed with glue than in those closed with sutures alone. Organic tissue glue may become an alternative method to suture closure of scleral pocket cataract incisions.
Imaging the distribution and clearance of a rectal microbicide gel and semen surrogate in the lower gastrointestinal tract

Background Understanding the distribution of microbicide gel and HIV-infected semen in the rectum is critical to safety evaluation of topical HIV microbicides, which once approved may be used rectally as well as vaginally. Methods A gel vehicle and semen surrogate were labelled with MRI contrast and 500 μCi's 99mTechnetium-sulphur colloid. Surrogate microbicide gel (10ml) was administered per rectum prior to simulated coitus; alternatively, semen surrogate (5ml) was injected through an artificial phallus following simulated coitus. Volunteers were supine for six hours and underwent both SPECT/CT and MRI immediately, 4, 10, and 24 hours after dosing. Results In all 5 studies, initial MR and SPECT/CT images showed label localized to the recto-sigmoid with trace amounts in the rectal ampulla. Later, SPECT/CT demonstrated signal migration up to the splenic flexure. Gel migration was most rapid in the first 4 hours, though distribution continued throughout the first ten hours. Label continued to be detected 24 hours after dosing in a distribution similar to the 10 hour study. MR was less reliable in determining distribution beyond the rectum. Conclusion Using simulated coitus and surrogate gels, gel distribution was seen as far as the splenic flexure, increased with time, and persisted at least 24 hours. SPECT/CT successfully demonstrated the distribution and clearance of rectal gel and semen surrogates to facilitate safety evaluation of microbicides when used rectally. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P60–P60; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.120
Synthesis and characterization of nitric oxide-releasing sol-gel microarrays.

Diazeniumdiolate-modified sol−gel microarrays capable of releasing low levels of nitric oxide are reported as a viable means for improving the blood compatibility of a surface without fully modifying the underlying substrate. Several parameters are characterized including: (1) NO surface flux as a function of sol−gel composition and microarray geometry; (2) microstructure dimensions and spacing for optimal blood compatibility; and (3) the effect of sol−gel surface modification on analyte accessibility to platinum electrodes. The sol−gel microarrays release biologically relevant levels of NO under physiological conditions for >24 h. In vitro platelet adhesion assays indicate that a NO surface flux of 2.2 pmol cm-2 s-1 effectively reduces platelet adhesion to glass substrates modified with sol−gel microstructures separated by 50 μm. The blood compatibility observed for these micropatterned surfaces is comparable to NO-releasing sol−gel films. When the separation between NO-releasing microstructures is redu...
Doppler color flow mapping

Le doppler bidimensionnel offre pour la premiere fois une image bidimensionnelle non invasive en temps reel de la morphologie et de la circulation intracardiaque simultanee. Il fournit des informations hemodynamiques concernant la gravite de la regurgitation et dans une certaine mesure des lesions stenosantes par la representation en temps reel du jet regurgitant ou stenotique ainsi que la taille de la derivation chez les patients porteurs de communications intracardiaques
Differential topology and nonlinear circuits

Several fundamental problems and conjectures in nonlinear circuit theory posed in the sixties have been satisfactorily resolved only recently. Virtually every circuit-and system-theoretic technique have been tried during the intervening years with little success. The breakthrough came only after modern tools from differential topology and algebraic geometry have become available and applied in a non-trivial way. The purpose of this lecture is to sample some of these results from several recent papers [1-6], with special emphasis on the roles played by several differential-geometric concepts and tools, such as differentiable manifolds, transversality, degree theory, Hodge decomposition, etc.
Effect of Porous Coating and Loading Conditions on Total Hip Femoral Stem Stability

An examination of femoral bone-prosthesis interface behavior under different load types is undertaken using finite-element analysis. Three-dimensional finite-element models are made of two designs of hip prostheses after implantation in a femur. Femoral geometry was determined by computed tomography scans. The models were loaded in one-legged stance and stairclimbing configurations. The implants were modeled as both smooth surfaced and porous coated. The amount of contact and the relative motion between bone and implant were calculated. It is shown that torsional loads such as occur during stairclimbing contribute to larger amounts of implant micromotion than does stance loading. Contact at the bone-prosthesis interface is more dependent on load type than on implant geometry or surface coating type.
Effect of Exchange on L to K Capture Ratios

The observed L to K electron capture ratio has been found to exceed by 5 to 25 percent the predicted ratio for all nine of the precisely measured allowed electron captures with Z between 18 and 38. Calculations presented remove this systematic disagreement between theory and experiment by including atomic states in the description of the radioactive system. The usual allowed theory of electron capture has been generalized to include atomic variables in the initial and final states. The exchange corrections are tabulated and found to be in good agreement with eight of the nine measured values. (H.D.R.)
Liquid scintillation alpha counting and spectrometry and its application to bone and tissue samples.

ABSTRACT Three methods for determination of alpha-emitting nuclides using liquid scintillation counting are compared, and the pertinent literature is reviewed.Data showing the application of each method to the measurement of plutonium concentration in tissue and bone samples are presented. Counting with a commercial beta-liquid scintillation counter and an aqueous-phase-accepting scintillator is shown to be accurate only in cases where the alpha activity is high (several hundred counts/min or more), only gross alpha counting is desired, and beta-gamma emitters are known to be absent from the sample or present at low levels compared with the alpha activity. Counting with the same equipment and an aqueous immiscible scintillator containing an extractant for the nuclide of interest (extractive scintillator) is shown to allow better control of alpha peak shift due to quenching, a significant reduction of beta-gamma interference, and, usually, a lower background. The desirability of using a multichannel pulse-height analyzer in the above two counting methods is stressed. The use of equipment and procedures designed for alpha liquid scintillation counting is shown to allow alpha spectrometry with an energy resolution capability of 200 to 300 keV full-peak-width-at-half-peak-height and a background of 0.3 to 1.0 counts/min, or as low as 0.01 counts/min if pulse-shape discrimination methods are used. Methods for preparing animal bone and tissue samples for assay are described.
A fluorescent spot test for the detection of galactokinase deficiency

Abstract A fluorescent spot test specific for galactokinase and suitable for screening is described. The test utilizes dried blood spots and a visual end point.
917-98 Regulation of Glucose Utilization by L-Carnitine in Cardiac Myocytes

L-Carnitine has been shown to protect the myocardium from ischemic injury, and also improves cardiac function in cardiomyopathies associated with carnitine deficiency and diabetes. However, the exact mechanism whereby carnitine exerts its effect is not fully understood. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of carnitine on the regulation of glucose utilization in the heart. These studies were performed by determining the effect of L-carnitine (5 mM) on the 14 CO 2 release from [1- 14 C]pyruvate (an index of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, PDH), [2- 14 C]pyruvate (an index of acetyl-CoA flux through Kreb's cycle), and [6- 14 C]glucose (an index of the oxidative utilization of glucose). in rat myocytes. Substrate Rate of Oxidation (nmol/mg protein130 min) Control L-Carnitine [1- 14 C]pyruvate 141.80 ± 8.50 212 ± 28.80 * [2- 14 C]6436pyruvate 39.40 ± 7.90 21.1 ± 4.40 * [6- 14 C]glucose 1.56 ± 0.05 0.95 ± 0.05 * Values are presented as the mean ± SD of at least three different experiments. Asterisks represent a p l 0.05 of the effect of carnitine vs control. These data show that L-carnitine stimulates PDH activity by 50%. However, the flux of acetyl-CoA and glucose through Kreb's cycle was significantly decreased by this compound. These results suggest that L-carnitine enhances the removal of acetyl-CoA produced from glucose metabolism out of the mitochondrial matrix, thereby, activating the PDH complex.
OUTCOMES IN A LARGE POPULATION OF INFANTS FOLLOWING VENOVENOUS COMPARED TO VENOARTERIAL EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT (ECLS). ▴ 1689

OUTCOMES IN A LARGE POPULATION OF INFANTS FOLLOWING VENOVENOUS COMPARED TO VENOARTERIAL EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT (ECLS). ▴ 1689