cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane disordering is not sufficient for membrane permeabilization by islet amyloid polypeptide: studies of IAPP(20-29) fragments.

A key factor in the development of type II diabetes is the loss of insulin-producing beta-cells. Human islet amyloid polypeptide protein (human-IAPP) is believed to play a crucial role in this process by forming small aggregates that exhibit toxicity by disrupting the cell membrane. The actual mechanism of membrane disruption is complex and appears to involve an early component before fiber formation and a later component associated with fiber formation on the membrane. By comparing the peptide–lipid interactions derived from solid-state NMR experiments of two IAPP fragments that cause membrane disordering to IAPP derived peptides known to cause significant early membrane permeabilization, we show here that membrane disordering is not likely to be sufficient by itself to cause the early membrane permeabilization observed by IAPP, and may play a lesser role in IAPP membrane disruption than expected.
Theoretical calculation of two-photon absorption cross sections in atomic oxygen

Two-photon absorption cross sections for transitions from the O${(\mathrm{}}^{3}$P) ground electronic state to the 3p ${}^{3}$P, 4p ${}^{3}$P, and the autoionizing ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$(${\mathrm{}}^{2}$D)3p' and ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$(${\mathrm{}}^{2}$P)3p'' states have been calculated by explicit evaluation of the perturbation-theory summation using matrix elements calculated from configuration-interaction wave functions and sum rules to correct for truncation. The role of different contributions in the summation has been analyzed. For the 3p ${}^{3}$P state, a cross section of ${\mathcal{J}}_{J\mathcal{'}}$${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}^{(2)}$(J'\ensuremath{\leftarrow}J) of (1.319\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}35}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{4}$ has been obtained, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental value for the quantity ${\mathcal{J}}_{J\mathcal{'}}$${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}^{(2)}$(J'\ensuremath{\leftarrow}2)${G}^{(2)}$ =(2.66\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.80)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}35}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{4}$, given in the companion paper, if the photon statistical factor, ${G}^{(2)}$, is evaluated in the chaotic field limit (${G}^{(2)}$=2).
Sodium Chloride and Tripolyphosphate Effects on Physical and Quality Characteristics of Injected Pork Loins

Whole, boneless pork loins were needle-injected to a final concentration of up to 1.5% NaCI and/or 0.45% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in a 4 x 4 factorial, randomized, complete block design. Percent weight gain, internal meat pH, purge loss, final product yield, cook loss, Warner-Bratzler shear, expressible moisture, and total moisture were determined. Response surface methodology was employed to create regression models and identify optimum ingredient parameters for each characteristic. NaCl and STPP Improved weight gain, purge, final product yield, and moisture content. Predicted Warner-Bratzler shear was reduced approximately 50%. A salt-phosphate interaction was observed for weight gain, purge, cook loss, and expressible moisture.
Thrombinbildung vor und nach Nierenübertragung bei Uraemie

Uraemische Patienten weisen einen spezifischen Gerinnungsdefekt auf, welcher durch eine mehr oder weniger ausgepragte Hemmung der Plattchenfunktion charakterisiert ist. Dieses ist von einer Reduktion des Prothrombinkomplexes und einer masigen Verlangerung der Thrombinzeit begleitet. Ubertragung einer neuen, gut arbeitenden Niere fuhrt in jedem Falle zu einer vollstandigen und anhaltenden Beseitigung der Gerinnungsstorung. Haufig tritt vorubergehend in der Posttransplantations-Phase eine Ubergerinnbarkeit auf. Abstosung der Niere fuhrt zu einer erneuten Verschlechterung des Blutgerinnungsprozesses. Als wertvollstes Verfahren fur die Erkennung der Gerinnungsstorungen in Uraemie und die Veranderungen, welche durch Nierenubertragungen herbeigefuhrt werden, erwiesen Reihenuntersuchungen mit dem Thrombinbildungstest, das dieser Test sowohl Hypo- als auch Hyperkoagulabilitat widerspiegelt.
Origin of the supermodulus effect: artificial ordering considerations

Abstract The supermodulus effect, an increase of the elastic moduli by several hundred per cent above homogeneous solid solution values, has been experimentally observed in metallic superlattices composed of transition and noble elements. An underlying mechanism will be qualitatively presented which unifies the experimental observations and theoretical computations produced to date. The approach will be based on the metastable configuration of atoms which results from the artificial ordering created during material synthesis.
Fast Surface Crystal Growth on Molecular Glasses and Its Termination by the Onset of Fluidity

Organic glasses can grow crystals much faster on the free surface than in the interior, a phenomenon important for fabricating stable amorphous materials. This surface process differs from and is faster than the glass-to-crystal (GC) growth mode existing in the bulk of molecular glasses. We report that similar to GC growth, surface crystal growth terminates if glasses are heated to gain fluidity. In their steady growth below the glass transition temperature Tg, surface crystals rise above the amorphous surface while spreading laterally and are surrounded by depressed grooves. Above Tg, the growth becomes slower, sometimes unstable. This damage is stronger on segregated needles (α indomethacin, nifedipine, and o-terphenyl) than on crystals growing in compact domains (γ indomethacin). This effect arises because the onset of liquid flow causes the wetting and embedding of upward-growing surface crystals. Segregated needles are at greater risk because their slow-growing flanks appear stationary relative to li...
Correlation of core electron binding energies with the average potential at a nucleus: carbon 1s and extended Hückel theory valence molecular orbital potentials

Abstract Binding energy shifts spanning a range of 9 eV for carbon 1s electrons in twenty different environments have been correlated with the properly calculated average potential at the carbon nucleus due to the other nuclei (with nuclear charges appropriately reduced by their core electrons) and the valence electrons in molecular orbitals from extended Huckel theory. The linear least squares correlation thus obtained gives a good fit to the shifts, as contrasted to a more scattered fit obtained with calculated carbon atomic charges. A brief discussion is given of the results and of implications for this approach of using valence molecular orbital potentials for core electron binding energy shifts in other cases.
Language and politics in Spain's Basque provinces

Since its inception in the 1890s, the Basque nationalist movement has put great emphasis on the Basques’ distinctive language, Euskera, to draw clearly the dividing line between Basque and Spanish political interests. This article discusses the extent and patterns of Euskera usage today, and analyses factors affecting contemporary usage of Euskera. The article concludes with an analysis of the four post‐Franco elections in the Basque country. It would appear that the Basque Nationalist Party is growing only slightly in areas where Basque is widely spoken, but is making significant gains in areas of low usage, a fact that seems to portend a reversal in traditional Basque political patterns.
Analytical probabilistic modeling of initial failure and reliability of laminated composite structures

Abstract An analytical approach based on the theory of stochastic processes is developed for the stochastic initial failure analysis and reliability predictions of thin-walled laminated composite structures. The probability of initial failure is calculated using theory of rare passages of the random strain vector field out of the prescribed region of allowable states. The region is limited by the ultimate strain surfaces adopted for each individual layer in the laminate. The surfaces, in their turn, are defined in terms of the scatters in the ultimate strains for the composite layer. Reliability function of a composite layer having random elastic characteristics and loaded with random in-plane tractions is determined through the probability of its initial failure. The reliability function of the laminated composite structure is then calculated through the failure probabilities of individual layers, using the weakest link model. The proposed approach allows one to solve diverse stochastic problems and requires substantially less computational expenses than Monte Carlo simulation technique. The approach may be invaluable for a quick evaluation of various competitive design projects when considering laminated composite structures under the reliability constraint. Applications of the developed approach are illustrated on the examples of reliability predictions of laminated composite cylindrical shells under the effect of random internal pressure and laminated composite plates under random biaxial loading. Numerical results reveal specific probabilistic phenomena related to the effects of ply lay-up, scatters in mechanical and strength characteristics and random loading histories. Results obtained from the developed analytical approach are compared to those calculated with Monte Carlo simulation technique.
Control and benefits of CP4-57 prophage excision in Escherichia coli biofilms

Earlier, we discovered that the global regulator, Hha, is related to cell death in biofilms and regulates cryptic prophage genes. Here, we show that Hha induces excision of prophages, CP4-57 and DLP12, by inducing excision genes and by reducing SsrA synthesis. SsrA is a tmRNA that is important for rescuing stalled ribosomes, contains an attachment site for CP4-57 and is shown here to be required for CP4-57 excision. These prophages impact biofilm development, as the deletion of 35 genes individually of prophages, CP4-57 and DLP12, increase biofilm formation up to 17-fold, and five genes decrease biofilm formation up to sixfold. In addition, CP4-57 excises during early biofilm development but not in planktonic cells, whereas DLP12 excision was detected at all the developmental stages for both biofilm and planktonic cells. CP4-57 excision leads to a chromosome region devoid of prophage and to the formation of a phage circle (which is lost). These results were corroborated by a whole-transcriptome analysis that showed that complete loss of CP4-57 activated the expression of the flg, flh and fli motility operons and repressed expression of key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and of enzymes for lactate utilization. Prophage excision also results in the expression of cell lysis genes that reduce cell viability (for example, alpA, intA and intD). Hence, defective prophages are involved in host physiology through Hha and in biofilm formation by generating a diversified population with specialized functions in terms of motility and nutrient metabolism.
The Protected Area of Hanford as a Refugium for Native Plants and Animals

The US Department of Energy's Hanford Site, by virtue of its large size of 1,450 km 2 (560 mi 2 ) and conservative use of undeveloped land, provides a sanctuary for plant and animal populations that have been eliminated from, or greatly reduced on, surrounding areas primarily as a result of decades of intensive agriculture. This paper describes Hanford Site biota with emphasis on fishes and other animal wildlife that are currently surveyed as part of a continuing environmental monitoring programme.
The protective effects of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone on canine brain stem ischemia.

Objective To evaluate the influence of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), an anti-inflammatory antagonist of the production and action of proinflammatory cytokines, 26 dogs were divided into four groups and exposed to isolated, reversible brain stem ischemia in the presence or absence of alpha-MSH treatment. Methods Brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and regional cerebral blood flow were measured during ischemia and for 5 hours after reperfusion. Group I was composed of five dogs that underwent surgical preparation only. Group II was composed of seven dogs that were exposed to 20 minutes of ischemia without treatment. Group III was comprised of seven dogs exposed to 20 minutes of ischemia with alpha-MSH treatment before and during ischemia. Group IV was composed of seven dogs exposed to 20 minutes of brain stem ischemia with alpha-MSH treatment only during reperfusion. Results During the ischemic period, BAEPs were abolished in all animals within 10 minutes. With reperfusion, the BAEPs increased to approximately 36% of baseline in Group II dogs that received no treatment. However, this increase was approximately 63% in animals that received alpha-MSH both before and during ischemia (Group III). In Group IV dogs that received alpha-MSH only during reperfusion, BAEPs were increased approximately 10 to 14% more than in Group II during the late reperfusion period. Conclusion The improved recovery of BAEPs in dogs treated with alpha-MSH suggests that this peptide may have neuroprotective effects in brain stem ischemia and reperfusion injury. This effect may be caused by an antagonistic action of alpha-MSH on cytokine-induced ischemic brain damage.
Individualized assessment and intervention in bilateral siderail use

The use of bilateral siderails, similar to physical restraints, can be safely reduced by a comprehensive assessment process. This article presents an individualized assessment for evaluating siderail use to guide nurses in managing resident characteristics for falling out of bed and intervening for high-risk residents. The individualized assessment is consistent with federal resident assessment instrument requirements and includes risk factors specific to falls from bed.
TB or Not TB: Interreader and Intrareader Variability in Screening Diagnosis on an iPad versus a Traditional Display

Mobile displays may have the ability to increase the flexibility of consulting radiologists if they can be shown not to negatively influence a reader's performance in clinical tasks. The authors report a comparison of a mobile display with a larger liquid crystal display for the task of making a binary decision for the diagnosis of tuberculosis on chest radiography. Deidentified DICOM images of 240 chest x-rays were transferred from a PACS to an iPad 2 running OsiriX HD software. The images were reviewed independently by 5 radiologists of varying experience and were graded as positive or negative for tuberculosis on both the liquid crystal display monitor and the iPad. The reading sessions were a minimum of 2 weeks apart to minimize recall bias. Agreement was measured in terms of κ statistics. Overall, multirater generalized κ was 0.9694. These results suggest that there is no detectable effect of monitor type (liquid crystal display or iPad 2) on the reader's decision for the task of tuberculosis diagnosis.
Chemistry of selenium and tellurium with tetrachelate and macrocyclic ligands

Abstract Treatment of meso(tetra-p-tolyl)porphryin, H2(TTP), or Li2(TTP) with O SeCl2 or O Se(NMe2)2 in toluene or THF resulted in the formation of the diprotonated porphyrin, [H4(TTP)]Cl2 and indicated the reluctance of selenium to insert into the porphyrin core. The molecular structure of [H4(TTP)]Cl2 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and exhibited the typical saddle-shape distortion of diprotonated porphyrins. The molecular structure of (p-MeO–Ph)2Te(salen) was reexamined by X-ray diffraction. The geometry of the Te(IV) center is strongly influenced by a stereochemically active lone pair and is best described as having an AX4E disphenoid structure in which the salen oxygen atoms occupy axial positions and the two anisyl ligands reside in equatorial sites. Distances between Te and the salen nitrogen atoms are 2.852(3) and 2.984(3) A and are largely nonbonding.
Return Current Induced by a Relativistic Electron Beam Propagating into Neutral Gas

A model is described for calculating the net current resulting from a 45-kA beam of 3-MeV electrons propagating into neutral nitrogen gas. The model is unique in that it includes the detailed atomic collision processes which determine the return current, and one is able to predict radial, as well as temporal, variations. The results are compared with experiment.
Signal estimation from incomplete data

Abstract We give explicit analytical formulas for finding a signal with the known compact support from its spectrum known on a finite frequency band.
It's time for a centralized registry of laboratory-acquired infections

A recent serious outbreak of Salmonella linked to clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories highlights the dangers of working with laboratory pathogens—but it is probably not an isolated occurrence. Without a better system for reporting infections resulting from laboratory exposures, we risk seeing more of these types of outbreaks.
A Portable Handheld Oxygen Blender: A Novel Design to Reduce Early Oxygen Toxicity

Oxygen is an essential therapeutic agent used extensively in all hospitals for patients with compromised function of the respiratory or cardiac systems. All patients (with the exception of neonates with certain heart diseases) are resuscitated with 100% oxygen. The American Heart Association Guidelines for Resuscitation state that it is essential in the post-resuscitative phase to decrease the concentration of O2 provided to keep oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) > 94%, with a goal of avoiding hyperoxia while ensuring adequate oxygen delivery. Hyperoxia has been shown to be responsible for worsening tissue injury via oxidative damage following ischemia-reperfusion. Therefore, it is important in the post-resuscitative phase to use the lowest inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) that will maintain SpO2 ≥ 94%. To address this, clinicians use oxygen blenders: devices that mix room air (21% O2) and medical grade oxygen (100% O2) to create a desirable FiO2. Current oxygen blenders have the disadvantage of being wall-mounted, bulky, and are limited to a small set of oxygen delivery devices (nebulizers, mechanical ventilators) with which they can interface. We developed an oxygen blending device capable of mixing room air and 100% O2 using the venturi principle. The device features a cylindrical body with a venturi nozzle and an entrainment window. It is handheld, portable, and machined from acrylic plastic. An oxygen blender with these features allows for appropriate oxygen therapy during patient transport. As oxygen flows through the device from the inlet orifice, atmospheric air is drawn in through the window, mixed, and then delivered to the patient through the outlet orifice. We designed the outlet orifice to have the same dimensions as the inlet orifice, allowing for universal integration with any device that connects to standard oxygen tubing. The entrainment window area can be adjusted by twisting a cover over the body of the blender, thus adjusting the FiO2 delivery. Using a venturi nozzle of 6.35 mm in diameter and an entrainment window area of 97 mm2, we achieved FiO2 ranging from 40% to 50% using input flow of 100% O2 at 6 L/min at 50 psi (via rotameter). The key feature of this device is that it can be interposed between any standard oxygen tubing allowing control of FiO2 at the bedside of the patient in hospital or during transport. Further work is needed to achieve a wider FiO2 range.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Transcriptional mechanisms of congenital heart disease

Over the past decade, clinical studies have identified a number of congenital heart diseases associated with mutations in cardiac transcription factors. Recent reports have shown that several of these transcription factors physically interact with one another, implying they might act in similar molecular pathways. In this review, we outline familial heart diseases linked to cardiac transcription factors and describe some of the emerging technologies being developed as potential therapeutics for these diseases.
Orbital Alignment and Morphology of Pentacene Deposited on Au(111) and SnS2 Studied Using Photoemission Spectroscopy

The energy level alignment at the pentacene/Au(111) and pentacene/SnS2 interfaces was determined using in situ thin film deposition in combination with X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). The organic thin films were grown by vapor deposition in multiple steps and then sequentially characterized in situ after each growth step. The pentacene/Au(111) interface is an ohmic contact that yielded a strong (0.95 eV) interfacial dipole barrier. The vacuum-cleaved SnS2 single crystal substrates provided clean, atomically flat and chemically inert surfaces, allowing for the investigation of the core level energy shifts and interface dipoles without interference from chemical reactions or effects of the substrate morphology. Low-intensity X-ray photoemission work function measurements enabled the detection of the overlayer thickness-dependent onset of charging in the UPS measurements. This allowed for precise determination of the position of the highest occupied molecular orbital of the organic mo...
Structure–property–performance relationships of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s as a polymer electrolyte for fuel cell applications

This article focuses on structure–property–performance relationships of directly copolymerized sulfonated polysulfone polymer electrolyte membranes. The chemical structure of the bisphenol-based disulfonated polysulfones was systematically alternated by introducing fluorine moieties or other polar functional groups such as benzonitrile or phenyl phosphine oxide in the copolymer backbone. Ac impedance measurements of the polymer electrolyte membranes indicated that fluorine incorporation increased proton conductivity, while polar functional group incorporation decreased conductivity. Likewise, other properties such as water uptake and ion exchange capacity are impacted by the incorporation of fluorine moiety or polar groups. These properties are critically tied with H2/air and direct methanol fuel cell performance. We have rationalized fuel cell performance of these selected copolymers in light of structure–property relationships, which gives useful insight for the development and application of next generation polymer electrolytes.
Effects of cocaine self-administration on ethanol, food and water intake in the rat

Because cocaine and ethanol are frequently abused in combination, the present study was performed to assess the behavioral consequences of concurrent access to both of these drugs. Rats trained to respond for food under a fixed-ratio 40 (FR 40) schedule of reinforcement during four, 30-min periods each day (every 6 h) were given free access to a 5% (w/v) ethanol solution and to water. Once a stable baseline of food, ethanol and water intake was established, intravenous cocaine was made available under a fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) schedule. After cocaine self-administration had been established for 10 days, the ethanol was removed from the chambers for 3 days. After the ethanol was returned to the chambers, saline was substituted for cocaine for 3 days. Following saline substitution, animals were given increased cocaine availability. Before cocaine was made available, rats consumed primarily the ethanol solution, averaging 31.7 ml of the 5% solution (4.2 g/kg ethanol), 10.2 ml of water and 148 food pellets/day. When cocaine (0.2 mg/kg per injection, i.v.) was made available, rats self-administered an average of 40-85 injections per day. Self-administration of cocaine resulted in small decreases in ethanol and food intake, as well as some changes in the pattern of ethanol intake. However, removing the ethanol from the chambers had no effect upon food and cocaine intake. Substitution of saline for the cocaine altered the pattern, but not the amount of ethanol intake. There was a trend toward increased ethanol intake during the study, which may have been related to repeated cycles of cocaine availability.
MEMS-enabled microsensor clusters

MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors and other micro-sensors are now readily available. This makes it possible to use modem manufacturing technologies to produce affordable and highly functional groupings (clusters) of the small and capable sensors. They beneficially share computational, communication and power resources. Printed circuit boards a few centimeters on a side, populated with the sensors and other components by fast pick-and-place machines, can form the backbone of clusters for many applications. Uses include, but are not limited to: small weather stations; systems for analysis of the atmosphere and water; monitors of fluid and power distribution systems, machinery operation, and the status of buildings, facilities and highway systems; and robots for a variety of applications, notably solar system exploration. The calibration of micro-sensors, and the reliability of such sensors and clusters containing them, are issues that require additional research. Micro-sensor clusters offer near term benefits that will not be supplanted soon by the "systems on a chip" currently under development.
Image-based finite element modeling of hemodynamics in stenosed carotid artery

A methodology to construct patient-specific, anatomically and physiologically realistic finite element models of blood flows in stenosed carotid arteries is presented. Anatomical models of carotid arteries with stenosis are reconstructed from contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images using a tubular deformable model along each arterial branch. A surface-merging algorithm is used to create a watertight model of the carotid bifurcation for subsequent finite element grid generation. A fully implicit scheme is used to solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations on unstructured grids in three-dimensions. Physiologic boundary conditions are derived from cine phase-contrast MRA flow velocity measurements at two locations below and above the bifurcation. The methodology was tested on image data of a patient with carotid artery stenosis. A finite element grid was successfully generated from contrast-enhanced MRA images, and pulsatile blood flow visualizations were produced. Visualizations of the wall shear stress distribution and of changes in both its magnitude and direction were produced. These quantities may become important in order to characterize healthy and diseased flow and wall shear stress patterns. We conclude that MRA can be used to obtain all the anatomical and physiologic data necessary for realistic modeling of blood flows in carotid arteries with stenosis. Our results confirm that image-based computational fluid dynamics techniques can be applied to the modeling of hemodynamics in carotid arteries with stenosis. These capabilities may be used to advance our understanding of the generation and progression of vascular disease, and may eventually allow physicians to enhance current image-based diagnosis, and to predict and evaluate the outcome of interventional procedures non-invasively.
Real-time estimation of the structural response using limited measured data

This study introduces an efficient procedure to estimate the structural response of a suspension bridge in real-time based on a limited set of measured data. Unlike conventional techniques, the proposed procedure does not employ mode shapes and frequencies. In this study, the proposed technique is used to estimate the response of a suspension bridge structure based on a set of strain gauge measurements. Finite element analysis is performed only once to set up the structural parameters, namely computed flexibility matrix, and computed hanger forces matrix. The response of the bridge was estimated without any additional finite element analysis using the computed structural parameters and the measured hanger strains. The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, on Interstate 80 in California, was selected for this study. A high fidelity finite element model of the bridge was developed using the general purpose computer program ADINA. The proposed method has been proven to have the capability to estimate any type of structural response in real time based on the measured hanger strains, and provides an important part of an integrated Structure Health Monitoring (SHM) system for major bridges.
IDENTIFICATION OF PUTATIVE SITES OF INTERACTION BETWEEN THE HUMAN FORMYL PEPTIDE RECEPTOR AND G PROTEIN

Wild-type and 35 mutant formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. All cell surface-expressed mutant receptors bound N-formyl peptide with similar affinities as wild-type FPR, suggesting that the mutations did not affect the ligand-binding site. G protein coupling was examined by quantitative analysis of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced increase in binding of (35)S-labeled guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) to membranes. The most prominent uncoupled FPR mutants were located in the N-terminal part of the second transmembrane domain (S63W and D71A) and the C-terminal interface of the third transmembrane domain (R123A and C124S/C126S). In addition, less pronounced uncoupling was detected with deletion mutations in the third cytoplasmic loop and in the cytoplasmic tail. Further analysis of some of the mutants that were judged to be uncoupled based on the [(35)S]GTPgammaS membrane-binding assay were found to transduce a signal, as evidenced by intracellular calcium mobilization and activation of p42/44 MAPK. Thus, these single point mutations in FPR did not completely abolish the interaction with G protein, emphasizing that the coupling site is coordinated by several different regions of the receptor. Mutations located in the putative fifth and sixth transmembrane domains near the N- and C-terminal parts of the third cytoplasmic loop did not result in uncoupling. These regions have previously been shown to be critical for G protein coupling to many other G protein-coupled receptors. Thus, FPR appears to have a G protein-interacting site distinct from the adrenergic receptors, the muscarinic receptors, and the angiotensin receptors.
“I haven't done nothin' crazy lately:” Conflict resolution strategies in adolescent mothers' dating relationships

The purpose of this study was to explore adolescent mothers' perceptions of how the conflict resolution strategies in their dating relationships changed after participating in a skill-based relationship education program. The sample for this study consisted of 199 primarily Hispanic adolescent mothers who participated in 23 focus group interviews. Although our goal was not to explore the prevalence of violence in adolescent mothers' dating relationships, narratives revealed surprisingly candid descriptions of both psychological and physical abuse. On a more positive note, their discussions also highlighted how the Strengthening Relationships program taught them strategies to build and maintain healthy relationships. Four themes emerged from our analysis. Specifically, the narratives revealed adolescent mothers were both perpetrators and victims of psychological and/or physical abuse. In addition, adolescent mothers reported learning positive conflict resolution strategies. They also discussed how they were implementing new conflict resolution strategies as a result of participating in the program. A small number of adolescent mothers even reported ending abusive relationships. These findings indicate the Strengthening Relationships program was successful in changing adolescent mothers' attitudes toward and behavioral intentions regarding the use of abusive tactics.
Disaster management teams.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: All disasters, regardless of cause, have similar medical and public health consequences. A consistent approach to disasters, based on an understanding of their common features and the response expertise they require, is becoming the accepted practice throughout the world. This strategy is called the mass casualty incident response. The complexity of today's disasters, particularly the threat of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, has increased the need for multidisciplinary medical specialists as critical assets in disaster response. A review of the current literature emphasizes the expanding role of disaster management teams as an integral part of the mass casualty incident response. RECENT FINDINGS: The incident command system has become the accepted standard for all disaster response. Functional requirements, not titles, determine the organizational hierarchy of the Incident Command System structure. All disaster management teams must adhere to this structure to integrate successfully into the rescue effort. Increasingly, medical specialists are determining how best to incorporate their medical expertise into disaster management teams that meet the functional requirements of the incident command system. SUMMARY: Disaster management teams are critical to the mass casualty incident response given the complexity of today's disaster threats. Current disaster planning and response emphasizes the need for an all-hazards approach. Flexibility and mobility are the key assets required of all disaster management teams. Medical providers must respond to both these challenges if they are to be successful disaster team members.
Consumer Strategies for Purchasing Assortments within a Single Product Class

Abstract Different uses, users, and usage occasions for a given product category give rise to the possibility of multiple preference contexts within individuals and households. Each context is assumed to have a unique preference structure, and hence the consumption utility for a given alternative will be context dependent. If the most preferred alternative in one context is not the same as the most preferred in another, consumers will need to fill their “shopping baskets” with assortments of goods. In this paper, we hypothesize an Assortment Valuation Model that describes how people assemble assortments within a single product class. The basic premise is that consumers evaluate varying assortments based on the anticipated, but probabilistic, consumption utilities of the items within the assortment. Using a three-phase experiment, we provide a preliminary test of the proposed model. We then discuss the results and introduce possible directions for future research.
Protein kinase activation of heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase in rat heart.

Abstract An attempt was made to activate the capillary-bound fraction of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) with cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (PKC). Following a 30s washout period, hearts were perfused for 1 min with buffer containing heparin. Medium was collected during the second 30s of heparin perfusion. Addition of PKC+Mg-ATP to this capillary bed perfusate increased LPL activity from 6.84 ± 0.72 nmol/ml/min to 13.76 ± 1.12 nmol/ml/min (P
Evaluation ofp-F-Phe-m-bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino-l-Phe-Met-ethoxy HCl against transplantable and spontaneous murine neoplasia

The therapeutic efficacy of PTT.119,p-F-Phe-m-bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino-l-Phe-Met-ethoxy HCl, was evaluated using the transplantable L1210 leukemia and Ridgway osteogenic sarcoma tumor lines and the spontaneous C3H/StRos mammary tumor and AKR leukemia tumor models. Given in a single i.p. dose at 5–10 mg/kg on day 2 or in two injections of 5–7 mg each on days 2 and 9 to BDf1 mice with peritoneal L1210 leukemia grafts, PTT.119 increased the life spans (ILS) of the population dying of tumor by 94%–313%. In addition, 10% of the mice receiving 7 mg PTT.119 on days 2 and 9 were free of L1210 leukemic grafts when autopsied at the end of the 70-day observation period. The average life span of AKR mice with Ridgway osteogenic sarcoma grafts was significantly increased from 36–40 days to >79 days following one or two s.c. injections of 5, 7, or 12.5 mg/kg PTT.119. Administration of PTT.119 at 14 or 14 and 21 days after tumor graft not only induced regression of palpable tumors but resulted in the absence of grafts in 60%–70% of the mice in several of the treated groups on autopsy at 180 days. In contrast, spontaneous mammary tumors were less susceptible to PTT.119; an ILS of only 15%–38% was observed in C3H/StRos mice, which eventually succumbed to tumor. Nevertheless, the total regression of initial tumors and the absence of further tumor incidence (>180 days) was confirmed by autopsy in 5%–10% of the C3H/StRos mice receiving multiple i.p. injections of 5 or 7.5 mg/kg PTT.119. The drug was highly effective against spontaneous AKR leukemia; multiple s.c. or i.p. injections for a total of 15–40 mg/kg PTT.119 increased the average 25-day life span up to 723% and sustained remission in 9%–40% of the animals for >6 months.
Acid steeping of corn and grain sorghum: effect on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of acid steeping of whole corn and grain sorghum on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. In the first experiment, corn and cream, yellow and bronze sorghum hybrids were steeped in a 0.25% sulfurous acid solution (corn for 48 h at 52 °C and sorghum for 24 h at 48 °C) after which the steeping solution was discarded. Digestibility of diets containing the grains was measured with 48 barrows (27.5 ± 2.1 kg). Steeping increased dry matter (DM) and energy digestibility of corn-based diets, but had little effect or a negative effect on the digestibility of sorghum-based diets (grain × steeping interaction, P In the second experiment, corn and yellow and bronze sorghum hybrids were steeped in a 0.3% sulfurous acid, 0.1% lactic acid solution for 0, 12, 24 or 48 h. Steeping solution was discarded after steeping. Digestibility was measured with 72 barrows (36.8 ± 4.0 kg). In general, steeping for either 12 or 24 h reduced digestibility of corn and grain sorghum. However, 48 h of steeping did not affect digestibility in comparison with non-steeped grains, especially for corn and yellow sorghum (steeping time quadratic, P
Long-term in vitro operation of enzyme electrode-based glucose sensors

Abstract A model has been developed that simulates the effects of enzyme inactivation in long-term, continuously operated enzyme electrode-type glucose sensors. Predictions of the model have been verified in short-term experiments. The model suggests sensor designs to achieve long-term stability.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Drug Action on Microorganisms XX: Integrated Receptor Site Model Rationalizing Observed Microbial Rate Dependencies on Drug Concentration and Microbial Kinetics Affected by Sodium Fusidate

The steady-state generation of Escherichia coli (ATCC 12407) was inhibited by the antibiotic sodium fusidate in the drug concentration range of 0–100 μg/ml. There was no significant change in drug activity when the initial inoculum size was varied between 5 × 105 and 2 × 106 E. coli/ml. The drug activity was unaffected by varying the concentrations of ammonium ions, magnesium ions, a mino acids, dextrose, or citrate components of the nutrient broth in Anton’s medium over a fourfold concentration range and did not implicate binding to the components. The variation of drug activity with pH could be assigned completely to the action of the unionized species. Sodium fusidate was bacteriostatic up to 500 μg/ml, about five times the minimum inhibitory concentration, and the action of the drug was readily reversible on dilution. Resistant mutants of E. coli appeared after exposure of the organisms to sodium fusidate, and the numbers of such resistant organisms appeared to be a function of the inoculum size at the time of drug addition. No significant inactivation of the drug by resistant organisms was observed. The dependence of the apparent generation constant, kapp, on drug concentration in the medium is an S-shaped curve, which can be rationalized on the premise of a saturable enzymatic degradation of drug in the biophase of the microorganism. The same model, which considers the steady-state microbial generation as a consequence of rates of drug permeation into the biophase of the organism, the saturable biophasic degradation of the drug, and the reaction of drug with saturable receptor sites that leads to generation inhibition, can serve as a proper rationalization of all previously observed various generation rate dependencies on drug concentrations for different drugs. The action of sodium fusidate in combination with tetracycline, clindamycin, and 1′-demethyl-4′-depropyl-4′-[(R) and (S)]-n-pentylclindamycin is indifferent; with erythromycin and oleandomycin, it is mildly synergistic; and with novobiocin, it is antagonistic.
Synthetic boundary conditions for image deblurring

Abstract In this paper we introduce a new boundary condition that can be used when reconstructing an image from observed blurred and noisy data. Our approach uses information from the observed image to enforce boundary conditions that continue image features such as edges and texture across the boundary. Because of its similarity to methods used in texture synthesis, we call our approach synthetic boundary conditions . We provide an efficient algorithm for implementing the new boundary condition, and provide a linear algebraic framework for the approach that puts it in the context of more classical and well known image boundary conditions, including zero, periodic, reflective, and anti-reflective. Extensive numerical experiments show that our new synthetic boundary conditions provide a more accurate approximation of the true image scene outside the image boundary, and thus allow for better reconstructions of the unknown, true image scene.
Loreclezole modulates [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate and [3H]flunitrazepam binding via a distinct site on the GABAA receptor complex

The allosteric modulation of [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) and [3H]flunitrazepam binding was utilized to evaluate the actions of loreclezole at the GABAA receptor complex in the rat brain. Loreclezole was observed to allosterically inhibit the binding of [35S]TBPS in a dose-dependent manner with micromolar potency (IC50 = 1 microM). Loreclezole was found to have an additive effect on neuroactive steroid modulation of [35S]TBPS binding, but merely potentiated the effect of Ro5-4864 (4"-chlorodiazepam) modulation of [35S]TBPS binding. These observations suggest that loreclezole modulates [35S]TBPS binding through a site independent of the neuroactive steroid and Ro5-4864 sites on the GABAA receptor complex. The enhancement of [3H]flunitrazepam binding to the benzodiazepine receptor by loreclezole as well as the effect of loreclezole on CL218872/[3H]flunitrazepam dose-response curves suggest that loreclezole does not act through the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor complex, nor does it selectively modulate benzodiazepine receptor subtypes. The potency of loreclezole as and inhibitor of [35S]TBPS binding in rat brain was regionally dependent and GABA-sensitive. Loreclezole modulation of [35S]TBPS binding showed greater potency and GABA sensitivity in the cerebellum and thalamus when compared to other brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus and striatum. This finding is consistent with previous reports of the selectivity of loreclezole for GABAA receptor complex's containing beta 2 and beta 3 subunits. These beta subunit isoforms predominate in the cerebellum and thalamus. Collectively the evidence suggests that loreclezole modulates [35S]TBPS and [3H]flunitrazepam binding through a site distinct from benzodiazepine, neuroactive steroid, Ro5-4864 and GABA sites on the GABAA receptor complex.
Relaxation and imaging of lithium in vivo.

It has recently been demonstrated that NMR imaging can be used to record the distribution of lithium. We now report on the parameters pertinent to this imaging. Specifically, the relaxation of 7Li in aqueous solution, in agarose gel, and in vivo has been investigated. In the latter case, both the longitudinal and transverse relaxations were biexponential, consistent with the behavior expected for a spin 32 quadrupole relaxed nucleus. The overall relaxation rate was quite slow in vivo with T′1 = 3.5 sec and T″1 = 6.6 sec.
Acoustically-induced modulation spectroscopy for ultra-sensitive gas analysis

A new optical technique has been developed for ultra-sensitive attenuation measurements in gaseous media and, in particular, for determination of low levels of smoke emitted from jet engines. It is a variation on direct light transmission where the sample gas density in a cell is modulated acoustically by a speaker. The amplitude variation of the light transmission is proportional to the gas density and is insensitive to window contamination and detector instabilities. Preliminary analysis and experiments indicate that the instrument promises to measure light absorption to less than 1 percent per meter and allow measurment of smoke emissions from 1 to 100 mg/cu m. The technique has been demonstrated through the use of an absorbing gas, viz., 200 ppm of NO2 in N2 which produces 25 percent per meter absorption.
Photoreduction and Photooxidation of Cytochrome c by Spinach Chloroplast Preparations.

The photoreduction of cytochrome c by spinach chloroplasts has been noted by several investigators (12, 20, 25). In a preliminary report, we have presented evidence that aqueous digitonin extracts of spinach chloroplasts contain a cytochrome c photooxidase (22) which appears to be similar to the photooxidase present in extracts of photosynthetic bacteria studied by Kamen and Vernon (13, 14, 32). The present paper describes the behavior toward cytochrome c of whole chloroplasts prepared in hypertonic salt solution, and outlines the experiments which led to the demonstration of their cytochrome c-photooxidase activity.
Experimental equine aflatoxicosis.

Abstract Adult male Shetland ponies, two per dose level, were given aflatoxin daily at levels of 0.3, 0.15, or 0.075 mg/kg. Signs of toxicosis included inappetence, depression, tremors, and terminal prostration. Deaths occurred at 12 and 16 days (0.3 mg/kg), 25 and 32 days (0.15 mg/kg), and 36 and 39 days (0.075 mg/kg). Prothrombin time, sulfabromophthalein clearance time, total plasma bilirubin, and icteric index increased markedly before death. Elevations in plasma activity of aspartate amino transferase (AST) were observed 1 to 4 days after the start of aflatoxin administration in the high dose group; the AST activity increased significantly and was generally maintained at elevated levels in all groups. There were no elevations in blood urea nitrogen or plasma activity of creatine phosphokinase. At necropsy generalized icterus, hemorrhages, a brown to tan liver, dark reddish brown urine, and dark brown kidneys were consistently observed. Microscopic lesions included centrilobular fatty change, hepatic cell necrosis, and periportal fibrosis in all ponies. These lesions were more prominent in animals given 0.075 mg/kg and were accompanied by a mild bile duct proliferation. Bile stasis, irregularities in size and shape of hepatocytes, and binucleate hepatocytes were also present. A moderate toxic tubular nephrosis was present in some individuals. Ultrastructurally, both vascular endothelium and hepatocytes were severely damaged. There was consistent evidence of bile stasis and destruction of bile canaliculi. The clinical biochemical and pathological findings suggested that the liver was the target organ and that the renal changes were probably secondary.
Regional integration and the Asia-Pacific

Part I - regional agreements introduction and overview the threat to the system and Asian reactions the changing nature of regional trading arrangements which regional trade agreements? regional integration and federal relations. Part II - sectoral issues foreign direct investment financial services the role of regional trading arrangements in regulatory reform - the international air transport industry environmental issues. Part III - the Asia-Pacific region alternatives to regionalism - Uruguay and APEC the North American Free Trade Agreement Australian-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Agreement the ASEAN free trade area sub-regional economic zones APEC - an open economic association in the Asia Pacific region.