cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser-induced breakdown in liquid water: Influence of repeated laser pulses on plasma formation and emission

We have experimentally investigated the influence of repeated laser pulses on laser-induced breakdown (LIB) in water following a focused 1064 nm laser pulse, for repetition rates between 0.5 and 20 Hz and up to 100 pulses. LIB plasma image data are collected as a function of repetition rate and laser pulse number, using an intensified CCD camera with sub-nanosecond camera-laser timing. Each pulse induces multiple breakdowns, shockwaves, and macroscopic cavitation bubbles. These effects disappear by the time the next pulse arrives. Even so, we find that the water target retains effects from previous pulses that persist up to roughly a second and that modify subsequent LIB properties including plasma location, spatial extension, and total emission intensity. We quantify the effects by tracking the first moment of the plasma emission intensity, which we call the “center of intensity” (CoI). Three distinct reproducible repetition-rate-dependent phases are identified with repeated pulses. In particular, (1) with initial pulses, emission intensity decreases and the CoI broadens and propagates downstream from the laser focus reaching a maximum axial distance away from the focal point, (2) with additional pulses, the CoI narrows and travels back upstream toward the laser, and (3) with continued pulses, the plasma gains back a portion of the lost intensity and the CoI reaches a steady state position, not at the focal point. Two possible causal effects are highlighted; particle inclusion concentration changes and microbubbles in the laser path.
Comparison of disc and wire electrodes to restore cough via lower thoracic spinal cord stimulation.

OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and effectiveness of wire (WE) vs. disc (DE) electrodes to restore cough in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN Clinical trials assessing the effectiveness and clinical outcomes associated with two electrode systems to activate the expiratory muscles. SETTING Inpatient hospital setting for DE or WE electrode insertion; outpatient evaluation of cough efficacy and instructions for home use. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-nine subjects with SCI; 17 participants with DE and 12 with WE implants. INTERVENTION Surgical implantation of WE or DE to restore cough. Daily application of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) at home. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Airway pressure (P) and peak airflow (F) generation achieved with SCS; clinical parameters including ease in raising secretions, incidence of acute respiratory tract infections (RTI) and side effects. RESULTS P and F achieved with DE and WE were not significantly different. For example, at total lung capacity (TLC) with participant effort, P was 128 ± 12 cmH2O and 118 ± 14 cmH2O, with DE and WE, respectively. The degree of difficulty in raising secretions improved markedly in both groups. The incidence of RTI per year fell from 1.3 ± 0.3 and 1.3 ± 0.5-0.3 ± 0.1 and 0.1 ± 0.1 for DE and WE groups, respectively (P < 0.01 for both when compared to pre-implant values and NS between DE and WE groups). The only significant side effect i.e. short-term autonomic dysreflexia was also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of this investigation indicate that both DE and WE result in comparable degrees of expiratory muscle activation, clinical benefits and side effects. Importantly, SCS to restore cough can be achieved with use of WE which can be placed using minimally invasive techniques and associated reduction in cost, surgical time and overall risk.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00116337., NCT01659541, FDA IDE: G980267.
Variation in Practice Patterns of Current Rhinoplasty Surgeons for Nasal Valve Compromise.

Background: To compare practice patterns of rhinoplasty surgeons with the 2010 clinical consensus statements (CCSs) on nasal valve compromise (NVC) and delineate what variables may affect such prac...
All-Interval Structures

All-interval structures are subsets of musical spaces that incorporate one and only one interval from every interval class within the space. This study examines the construction and properties of all-interval structures, using mathematical tools and concepts from geometrical and transformational music theories. Further, we investigate conditions under which certain all-interval structures are Z (or GISZ) related to one another. Finally, we make connections between the orbits of all-interval structures under certain interval-groups and the sets of lines and points in finite projective planes. In particular, we conjecture a correspondence that relates to the co-existence of such structures.
A Semiparametric Method for Valuing Residential Location

This paper is motivated by automated valuation systems, which would benefit from an ability to estimate spatial variation in location value. It develops theory for the LRM, a semiparametric approach to estimating a location value surface. There are two parts to the LRM: 1) an OLS model to hold constant for interior square footage, land area, bathrooms, and other structural characteristics; and 2) a non-parametric smoother (local polynomial regression, LPR) which calculates location value as a function of latitude and longitude. The LRM was fit to geocoded hedonic sales data for six towns in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. The estimates yield substantial, significant and plausible spatial patterns in location values. Local peaks and valleys in location value identified by the LRM are close to points identified by the tax assessor, and they are shown to add to the explanatory power of an OLS model. Out-of-sample MSE shows that the LRM with a first-degree polynomial (local linear smoothing) is somewhat better than polynomials of degree zero or degree two. The optimized LRM reduces MSE from the OLS model by about 5% while adding information on statistically significant variations in location value.
Immunity to Dictyocaulus viviparus in Calves: III. Vaccination with Larvae Attenuated by Triethylene Melamine (TEM) or X-irradiation and Protection against Field Challenge

Calves vaccinated with D. viviparus larvae either with triethylene melamine (TEM) or by X-irradiation were exposed together with unvaccinated calves to a heavily infected pasture. Severe clinical disease occurred in the unvaccinated calves resulting in 3 fatalities out of 8 calves. Vaccinated calves withstood the challenge showing moderate clinical signs with lower respiratory rates, minimal faecal larval excretion and increased body weight gains compared with unvaccinated controls. Both types of vaccine produced similar responses.
Green’s function retrieval in a field of random water waves

Abstract It has recently been demonstrated using a variety of wave types that cross-correlating time series of apparently random waves measured at two locations yields an estimate of the Green’s function that describes the wave field generated at one of those locations and measured at the other. This procedure can be described as random wave interferometry. In this paper random surface gravity wave interferometry is described theoretically, demonstrated using numerical simulations, and investigated experimentally using both wavetank measurements and ocean wave measurements. Simulations and wavetank measurements are in good agreement with theoretical predictions, but the ocean-measurement-based cross correlations do not yield the predicted structure. Possible explanations are discussed.
International central adjudication committee in the PLATO trial: independent body of experts or friendly family picnic?

The International Central Adjudication Committee (ICAC) is responsible for blinded independent assessment of complex clinical events in randomized trials. In this study, we analyze the constituence and impact of the ICAC in the PLATO trial. The PLATO ICAC was entirely governed by two academic institutions, Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) and Uppsala Clinical Research Center (UCRC). Both co-chairman, all coordinators and half of the adjudicators in the PLATO ICAC belonged to either DCRI or UCRC. Among the other adjudicators representing USA, Canada and Australia, majority had DCRI ties, including at least five former Duke cardiology fellows. Furthermore, both co-chairmen are listed as adjudicators, representing obvious conflict. In the PLATO trial, the sponsor representatives were involved in selecting the ICAC members. Finally, 21 out of the 50 adjudicators represented Sweden, the homeland of the PLATO sponsor and primary investigator. Heavy selection bias in the ICAC constituence, lack of indepen...
Identifying a series of candidate genes for mania and psychosis: a convergent functional genomics approach.

We have used methamphetamine treatment of rats as an animal model for psychotic mania. Specific brain regions were analyzed comprehensively for changes in gene expression using oligonucleotide GeneChip microarrays. The data was cross-matched against human genomic loci associated with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Using this convergent approach, we have identified several novel candidate genes (e.g., signal transduction molecules, transcription factors, metabolic enzymes) that may be involved in the pathogenesis of mood disorders and psychosis. Furthermore, for one of these genes, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 3 (GRK3), we found by Western blot analysis evidence for decreased protein levels in a subset of patient lymphoblastoid cell lines that correlated with disease severity. Finally, the classification of these candidate genes into two prototypical categories, psychogenes and psychosis-suppressor genes, is described.
Interpreting treatment-effect estimates with heterogeneity and choice: simulation model results.

Abstract Background: Researchers using observational data in health-services research use various treatment-effect estimators to reduce the bias associated with unmeasured confounding variables and have focused on estimate differences to indicate the relative ability of these estimators to mitigate bias. However, available estimators may identify different treatment-effect concepts; if treatment effects are heterogeneous across patients and treatment choice reflects "sorting on the gain," then treatment-effect estimates should differ regardless of confounding. Risk-adjustment approaches yield estimates of the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT), whereas instrumental variable approaches yield estimates of a local average treatment effect (LATE). Objective: The goal of this article was to use simulation methods to illustrate the treatment-effect concepts that are identified using observational data with various estimators. Methods: We simulated patient treatment choices based on expected treatment valuation to observe estimates of both ATT and LATE. Different model scenarios were run to isolate the effects of both treatment-effect heterogeneity and unmeasured confounding on treatment-effect concept estimation. Models were estimated using standard linear and nonlinear estimation methods. Results: We show that the true values of the underlying treatment concepts differ if patients (with the help of their health care providers) make treatment choices based on expected gains, and that distinct estimators produce estimates of distinct concepts. In scenarios without unmeasured confounding, both linear and nonlinear estimation models produced estimates close to the true value of the concept identified by each estimator. However, nonlinear models suggested additional treatment-effect heterogeneity that does not exist in these scenarios. Conclusions: Our results suggest that, to ensure clarity and correctness of treatment-effect estimate interpretation, it is important for researchers to state the treatment-effect concept that they are trying to identify before beginning estimation. In addition, theoretical models of treatment choice are needed to provide the foundation linking treatment-effect estimates to treatment-effect concepts and to justify instrument selection.
Synergism of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and concanavalin A in the activation of thymic lymphocytes.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a category of antigens now widely considered as B cell specific mitogens, enhanced the activation of murine thymic lymphocytes by Concanavalin A (Con A). Thymocytes cultured with LPS and Con A simultaneously display a two- to tenfold enhancement of DNA synthesis throughout a 6-day culture period: LPS alone is not mitogenic. Thymus cells pretreated with LPS for 1 hr respond to ordinarily submitogenic doses of Con A. The responding thymus cell population is ϑ positive an cortisone resistant. The enhancing effect of LPS is obtained only when LPS is introduced before or simultaneously with Con A; the addition of LPS even 20 min after cells were exposed to Con A produces no augmenting effect. LPS appears to “stabilize” the responsiveness of thymocytes to Con A, in that cells incubated in serum-free medium rapidly lose the ability to respond a Con A, whereas LPS treated cells do not suffer a loss in responsiveness.
Effects of shipworm on the performance of ancient Mediterranean warships

L'auteur recense les sources classiques mentionnant le ver de mer, ou taret, afin d'etudier les dommages crees par les galeries creusees dans le bois des navires par ce mollusque, l'impact de cette infiltration sur le deroulement des batailles navales, et les moyens entrepris pour remedier a ce probleme dans l'Antiquite
Comparison of Image Processing Resource Allocation for Multi-Target Tracking of Dismounted Targets

Dismounted targets can be tracked in urban environments with video sensors. Real-time systems are unable to process all of the imagery, demanding some method for prioritization of the processing resources. Furthermore, various segmentation algorithms exist within image processing, each algorithm possesses unique capabilities, and each algorithm has an associated computational cost. Additional complexity arises in the prioritization problem when targets become occluded (i.e., a building) and when the targets are intermixed with other dismounted entities. This added complexity leads to the question "which portions of the scene warrant both low cost and high cost processing?" The approach presented in this paper is to apply multi-target tracking techniques in conjunction with an integer programming optimization routine to determine optimal allocation of the video processing resources. This architecture results in feedback from the tracking routine to the image processing function which in turn enhances the ability of the tracker.
The lower sulphides of hafnium at high temperature

Abstract The compounds HfS and Hf 2 S were prepared by high temperature annealing. The symmetries and lattice parameters of these compounds were determined.
Isolation, complementation and preliminary phenotypic characterization of temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus type 2.

Abstract Eight temperature-sensitive ( ts ) mutants of herpes simplex virus type 2, isolated following mutagenesis with 5-bromodeoxyuridine, were assigned to seven nonover-lapping complementation groups (A through G). Partial phenotypic characterization of the mutants at the nonpermissive temperature (38 °) revealed the following: (1) Mutants of 3 complementation groups had a DNA − phenotype, the remaining being DNA + . (2) The DNA − mutants were deficient in DNA polymerase activity, whereas the DNA + mutants were not. (3) Two mutants, one DNA + and one DNA − , failed to induce thymidine kinase. (4) Except for one DNA − mutant, all mutants synthesized physical particles; however, only DNA + mutants synthesized enveloped particles. (5) Mutants belonging to 4 complementation groups were markedly more thermolabile than the wild-type virus, suggesting that they possessed alterations in viral structural proteins.
Luminescent Emission from an Organic Solid with Traps

On the basis of a nearest-neighbor random-walk model for exciton propagation, we calculate the timedependent luminescent emission from an organic phosphor containing exciton traps. For the situation in which the traps themselves also emit a characteristic luminescence, we also calculate the time dependence of that luminescence. The results agree qualitatively with recent measurements of the time dependence of the fluorescence of tetracene-doped anthracene; detailed comparison yields reasonable values for the lifetime of each phosphor and for the time the anthracene singlet exciton spends on one site. There is no need to postulate a long-range energy-transfer mechanism.
Validation of the propensity for angry driving scale.

Problem: This study examined the validity of the Propensity for Angry Driving Scale (PADS; DePasquale, J. P., Geller, E. S., Clarke, S. W., and Littleton, L. C. (2001). Measuring road rage: Development of the Propensity for Angry Driving Scale. Journal of Safety Research, 32, 1–16) in predicting aggressive driving. Method: The PADS and the Driving Anger Scale (DAS; Deffenbacher, J. L., Oetting, E. R., and Lynch, R. S. (1994). Development of a driving anger scale. Psychological reports, 74, 83–91.) were administered to 232 college student volunteers with measures of aggressive and risky driving. Results: Convergent and discriminant validity of the PADS were supported through relationships among measures of similar constructs. The PADS significantly (p<.05) predicted moving tickets, minor accidents, aggressive driving, risky driving, and maladaptive driving anger expression, above and beyond gender, miles driven per week, and trait anger. Discussion: Findings suggest that the PADS is a useful predictor of aggressive driving and has some advantages over the DAS. Impact on Industry: The PADS is an effective predictor of aggressive driving that complements established measures like the DAS and provides researchers with another valuable tool for the assessment of aggressive driving.
Calcium sensitivity of hybrid complexes of muscle myosin and Physarum proteins.

1. 1. A myosin-actin hybrid complex was used to study actin-associated calcium sensitivity of a “cytoplasmic” actomyosin. The approach should be generally applicable. 2. 2. Low salt extracts of Physarum polycephalum contain actin which remains in solution after centrifugation at 46 000 × g or at 100 000 × g for 1 h. The actin was precipitated by the addition of muscle myosin to the supernatants and detected in the hybrid complex by electron microscopy, sodium dodecyl sulfate gel analysis, superprecipitation and activation of the myosin ATPase activity. Actin was also precipitable from high speed supernatants of brain tissue or platelets. 3. 3. The hybrid complexes from Physarum possessed 1.5–5-fold calcium dependency which could be removed by washing. Reincubation of the washed complex with concentrated wash solution resulted in high calcium sensitivity. On sodium dodecyl sulfate gels, unwashed complexes from Physarum contained high molecular weight material in addition to bands of molecular weights less than actin. The bands in the size range of 39 000 to 18 000 were primarily lost from the Physarum complex concomitantly with loss of calcium dependence. 4. 4. When the Physarum supernatants were made 40 mM in MgCl2, precipitates were formed containing actin which possessed calcium sensitivity which was also lost on washing with low ionic strength solutions. This calcium dependency was partially reversed by the addition of desensitized rabbit actin to the precipitate before assay. 5. 5. Conclusion: calcium regulation of actomyosin in Physarum is mediated primarily by factors that are bound to the actin component. The regulatory factors are soluble in low salt buffers. The molecular weights of the polypeptide chains of several of these factors are similar to those of the troponin polypeptides of striated muscle. In Physarum but not in platelet or brain a prominent polypeptide chain of approx. 55 000 molecular weight also occurs which coprecipitates with the hybrid complex and which is not easily removed.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry Studies of Clathrate Hydrate Formation

Differential scanning calorimetry was applied to investigate the formation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and cyclopentane (CP) clathrate hydrates. An emulsion technique was developed to determine the hydration number and the enthalpy of CP hydrate dissociation to liquid water and liquid cyclopentane, which were found to be 16.8 ± 0.7 and 82.3 kJ/mol CP, respectively. The hydration number corresponds to the theoretical number of 17 if all of the large cavities in the structure II hydrate are occupied. Experiments with water-in-CP emulsions did not identify homogeneous nucleation for the hydrate since ice and hydrate always formed together on supercooling. With water-in-heptane emulsions, for which no hydrate forms, the homogeneous ice supercooling limit was −37.8 °C. With the CP emulsion, ice and hydrate formed close to this temperature. For bulk THF/H2O solutions, even at the hydrate stoichiometric molar ratio of 1:17, ice and hydrate were found to form in the same crystallization event upon cooling, which imp...
Tar-bonded dolomite magnesite brick based on alekseev dolomite

Raw dolomite from the Alekseev source has a relatively low silica content, and its chemical composition completely satisfies the requirements of MRTU 14-06-28-63 as a raw material for the production of unfired tarred dolomite refractories. Alekseev dolomite can be considered a well-sintered raw material for industrial use. Its firing under industrial conditions at 1700°C yields a well-sintered dense powder. During the tests of the prepared unfired tarred dolomite-magnesite products using Alekseev dolomite in a 50-ton oxygen converter, the life exceeded that obtained in converters of the same capacity at the Krivoi Rog Metallurgical Factory. The Alekseev dolomite can be used as a raw material for the production of unfired tarred dolomite refractories.
A change in permeability and uptake of [14C]uridine in response to fertilization in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs.

Abstract 1. 1. The extent to which the unfertilized Strongylocentrotus purpuratus egg is permeable to uridine has been investigated by experiments measuring the partitioning of [ 14 C]uridine between the inside and outside of the cell while the eggs remained suspended in the radioactive uridine and after the eggs were washed with ice-cold sea water. It was found that very little uridine entered the unfertilized egg. After fertilization, the label became concentrated in the egg and depleted from the environment. The label was not lost from the eggs by washing with sea water. 2. 2. Uridine uptake after fertilization has been in part characterized by its time course, dependence on exogenous uridine concentration and response to 2,4-dinitrophenol. A lag phase, acceleration phase and constant accumulation phase was found in the rate of uridine uptake which reached a plateau within the first hour of development. Once the maximal rate of accumulation was attained, fertilized eggs were shown to be very efficient in concentrating very small amounts of exogenous [ 14 C]uridine. As the concentration of uridine was raised beyond 0.5–1.0 μM in the sea water, there was no further increase in the rate of uptake. 2,4-Dinitrophenol-inhibited uridine uptake. At −3° only a very small amount of uridine penetrated into the eggs, and they did not reach equilibrium with the outside concentration, indicating penetration involves more than diffusion. 3. 3. Most of the radioactivity taken up by the fertilized egg remained soluble in ice-cold 0.2 M perchloric acid. No appreciable free [ 14 C]uridine was detected inside the fertilized eggs. The soluble radioactivity was identified on the basis of anion-exchange column chromatography to be in the form of phosphorylated nucleosides, primarily triphosphates. 4. 4. The observations are believed to indicate that fertilized eggs accumulate uridine by phosphorylating the nucleoside at the surface of the cell, a process which may be deficient in unfertilized eggs because of lack of phosphate donors or of the necessary enzymes.
The Third World in the System of States: Acute Schizophrenia or Growing Pains?

This article attempts to locate and understand the place of Third World states in the international system both in terms of their collective impact on the system as the "intruder" element into the Eurocentric system of states and in terms of their role as individual new sovereign states trying to adjust to an international order that can only be defined as an "anarchical society." Often the dual pressures generated by these two roles can make conflicting demands on these states' decision-making centers, which themselves are under severe internal strain due to the lack of "unconditional legitimacy" for both Third World state-structures and the regimes that preside over them. It is argued that an expanded definition of the concept of "security" is essential for the construction of any paradigm that would have sufficient power to explain why Third World states behave as they do within the international system. It is also argued that the present difficulties they face in adjusting to the system of sovereign states is analogous to the growing pains of adolescence rather than to the schizophrenia of the demented.
Phorbol esters broaden the action potential in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells

Intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal cells in rat hippocampal slices. Single action potentials were elicited by injection of brief current pulses. Bath application of phorbol esters (4 beta-phorbol-12,13-diacetate, 0.3-5 microM; or 4 beta-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, 5-10 microM) broadened the action potential in each of the cells tested (n = 9). The broadening reflected slowing of the repolarization, whereas the upstroke of the spike was unchanged. This effect may enhance transmitter release from synaptic terminals, and contribute to enhancement of synaptic transmission through activation of protein kinase C, a mechanism which has been associated with long term potentiation.
EMG biofeedback for handwriting disabilities: A critical examination of the literature

Abstract A critical examination of the literature on the use of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback for problems of handwriting is presented. Examined are the procedures, results and conclusions of clinical treatments of writer's cramp and the habilitation of writing. The major flaws in each study are discussed and conclusions drawn from the review are presented, the primary one being that EMG biofeedback of the muscles of the upper extremity has yet to be demonstrated as a treatment of choice for handwriting disabilities. The lack of a sound foundation of data is seen as the main reason for the paucity of investigations this particular area. Suggestions for further work are offered.
Blue Earth River quality monitoring using ARCHER hyperspectral data and field measurements

In past decades, remote sensing studies on water quality mapping mainly focused on lakes using medium resolution imagery. Little research utilizes hyperspectral images to assess river water quality. This study aims to assess the capability of using Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance (ARCHER) for river water quality mapping and to characterize spatial patterns of turbidity and chlorophyll in the Blue Earth River (BER) system of Minnesota. The BER was characterized by both hyperspectral imagery (HSI) and laboratory analysis of synchronously collected water quality data. The optimal bands for water quality mapping were determined using a method based on hyperspectral profiles and derivative analysis. Finally, based on the regression analysis and modelling, we mapped continuous surface water turbidity. The results revealed that the ratio of HSI band 17 to band 9 effectively determined turbidity and chlorophyll concentrations. The study also found that turbidity and chlorophyll in ...
Influence of lectins on the binding of 125I-labeled EGF to human fibroblasts.

Abstract Lectins that interact with mannose (concanavalin A), galactose (ricin, abrin), or N-acetylglucosamine (wheat germ agglutinin) block 125 I-labeled EGF binding to the surface of cultured human fibroblasts at 37° or 5°. Lectins specific for fucose or N-acetylgalactosamine, soybean agglutinin or gorse lectin, respectively, do not interfere with growth factor binding. The inhibition of 125 I-labeled EGF binding by concanavalin A at 37° or 5° could be reversed rapidly by the addition of α-methyl mannoside. The results suggest that the fibroblast membrane receptor for EGF is, or is closely associated with, a glycoprotein or glycolipid that contains mannose, galactose and N-acetylglucosamine residues.
Design principles for cytokine-neutralizing gels: Cross-linking effects

Constructs composed of cytokine-neutralizing antibodies conjugated to high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid have been shown to be effective at controlling inflammatory responses in vivo. A critical question in the development of this new class of biomaterial is whether crosslinked conjugates have similar anti-inflammatory effects, which would open up a broad range of tissue engineering applications in which the material would have intrinsic inflammation-controlling function. To test this, high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid was conjugated with monoclonal antibodies to the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in two forms of the material: viscous, non-crosslinked polymer–antibody conjugates and crosslinked, elastomeric polymer–antibody conjugates. The cytokine affinities of both constructs were validated using molecular characterization methods, and the biological activities were tested through subcutaneous implantation in Sprague–Dawley rats. In vitro, both forms of these constructs are capable of binding cytokines, but in vivo only the non-crosslinked polymer significantly reduces markers of acute inflammation compared to controls that lack the antibodies. We propose that these materials function by retarding cytokine diffusion, with the non-crosslinked polymers being capable of retarding the diffusion of cytokines in the extracellular matrix and preventing engagement with receptors. In contrast, crosslinked materials have long diffusion lengths into the gel compared with those between cells on the surface of the material, which may make them ineffective at sequestering pro-inflammatory cytokines on biologically relevant timescales. These results suggest an important design principle for preparing cytokine-regulating materials based on consideration of transport phenomena.
Compensation efficiencies of conventional tracking and higher-order beam control in extended turbulence

Conventional beam control techniques are often divided into two categories. Tracking control addresses the stabilization of the beam on a target, whereas higher-order control addresses the broadening of the beam due to atmospheric aberrations. For scenarios where strong turbulence is distributed throughout the entire propagation path, the effectiveness of conventional beam control techniques is greatly reduced over less-stressing scenarios. In this case, the effect on objective measures of beam compensation performance is not equally distributed between tracking and higher-order control. In this study, we have developed an analytic framework in which to quantify the efficiency of each type of control with respect to standard compensation performance metrics. This analysis highlights that the performance of each type of control must be assessed relative to the other. Using wave-optics simulation along with out analytic framework, we quantify the efficiency of a centroid tracker and an adaptive optics system using standard least-squares reconstruction with a point-source beacon for atmospheric Rytov parameter values of 0.1 0.5, however, conventional higher-order control is the principal source of compensation performance degradation.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Real-time imaging reveals that noninvasive mammary epithelial acini can contain motile cells

To determine how extracellular signal–regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 promote mammary tumorigenesis, we examined the real-time behavior of cells in an organotypic culture of the mammary glandular epithelium. Inducible activation of ERK1/2 in mature acini elicits cell motility and disrupts epithelial architecture in a manner that is reminiscent of ductal carcinoma in situ; however, motile cells do not invade through the basement membrane and branching morphogenesis does not take place. ERK1/2-induced motility causes cells to move both within the cell monolayer that contacts the basement membrane surrounding the acinus and through the luminal space of the acinus. E-cadherin expression is reduced after ERK1/2 activation, but motility does not involve an epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Cell motility and the disruption of epithelial architecture require a Rho kinase– and myosin light chain kinase–dependent increase in the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2. Our results identify a new mechanism for the disruption of architecture in epithelial acini and suggest that ERK1/2 can promote noninvasive motility in preinvasive mammary tumors.
Apparent involvement of protein synthesis and LH-RH in the inhibition by dihydrotestosterone of estrogen-induced sexual receptivity in the ovariectomized mouse.

Abstract Sexual receptivity in ovariectomized CD-1 mice induced by chronic daily injections of estradiol benzoate (E 2 B) was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by daily injections of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) given 4 or 5 hr prior to the E 2 B injections. Administration of the decapeptide LH-RH 6–8 hr before behavioral testing, or large doses of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin given concurrently with the DHT for 4 days, produced a significant partial restoration of receptivity in these E 2 B+DHT treated mice.
Effect of Ozone Oxidation on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Exposing single-walled carbon nanotubes to room-temperature UV-generated ozone leads to an irreversible increase in their electrical resistance. We demonstrate that the increased resistance is due to ozone oxidation on the sidewalls of the nanotubes rather than at the end caps. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies show an increase in the defect density due to the oxidation of the nanotubes. Using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, we show that these defects represent the removal of π-conjugated electron states near the Fermi level, leading to the observed increase in electrical resistance. Oxidation of carbon nanotubes is an important first step in many chemical functionalization processes. Because the oxidation rate can be controlled with short exposures, UV-generated ozone offers the potential for use as a low-thermal-budget processing tool.
Stepwise dismantling of adenovirus 2 during entry into cells

Adenoviruses enter their host cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis and acid-activated penetration from endosomes into the cytosol and deliver their DNA genome into the nucleus. Our results show that incoming adenovirus type 2 particles undergo a stepwise disassembly program necessary to allow progress of the virus in the entry pathway and release of the genome into the nucleus. The fibers are released, the penton base structures dissociated, the proteins connecting the DNA to the inside surface of the capsid degraded or shed, and the capsid-stabilizing minor proteins eliminated. The uncoating process starts immediately upon endocytic uptake with the loss of fibers and ends with the uptake of dissociated hexon proteins and DNA into the nucleus.
Glucose rapidly induces different forms of excitatory synaptic plasticity in hypothalamic POMC neurons.

Hypothalamic POMC neurons are required for glucose and energy homeostasis. POMC neurons have a wide synaptic connection with neurons both within and outside the hypothalamus, and their activity is controlled by a balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. Brain glucose-sensing plays an essential role in the maintenance of normal body weight and metabolism; however, the effect of glucose on synaptic transmission in POMC neurons is largely unknown. Here we identified three types of POMC neurons (EPSC(+), EPSC(−), and EPSC(+/−)) based on their glucose-regulated spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Lowering extracellular glucose decreased the frequency of sEPSCs in EPSC(+) neurons, but increased it in EPSC(−) neurons. Unlike EPSC(+) and EPSC(−) neurons, EPSC(+/−) neurons displayed a bi-phasic sEPSC response to glucoprivation. In the first phase of glucoprivation, both the frequency and the amplitude of sEPSCs decreased, whereas in the second phase, they increased progressively to the levels above the baseline values. Accordingly, lowering glucose exerted a bi-phasic effect on spontaneous action potentials in EPSC(+/−) neurons. Glucoprivation decreased firing rates in the first phase, but increased them in the second phase. These data indicate that glucose induces distinct excitatory synaptic plasticity in different subpopulations of POMC neurons. This synaptic remodeling is likely to regulate the sensitivity of the melanocortin system to neuronal and hormonal signals.
Covert sensitization with internal aversive cues in the treatment of chronic alcoholism.

A 58-yr.-old male who had been drinking alcohol heavily for 32 yr. was treated with covert sensitization. Covert sensitization material was obtained from his responses to the Fear Survey Schedule, which included many fears of somatic dysfunction, physical pain and suffering. During 7 wk. of treatment subject's self-reported drinking behavior was eliminated and remained so at 26-, 52-, and 78-wk. follow-ups. Apparently covert sensitization with preexisting somatic concerns can be effectively employed in treatment of alcoholism.
Themes and Verbal Claims in Cigarette and Alcohol Beverage Ads

Abstract A comparative analysis of dominant themes and verbal claims appearing in 886 contemporary magazine ads for brands of cigarettes and alcohol beverages is presented in this article. Two types of comparisons were made: (1) between-product category comparisons of themes and claims in cigarette versus alcohol beverage ads and (2) within-category comparisons of the themes and claims in ads for low tar versus regular cigarette brands and in beer versus distilled spirits ads. Striking differences in the themes used and the claims made were found not only between ads for cigarettes and alcohol beverages, but also for ads within either product category, especially for those products lower either in tar or alcohol content. Differences for brands lower in either tar or alcohol content were sometimes larger than differences between the two product categories.
Evaluation of chlorothiazide in the diuretic therapy of congestive heart failure.

NTIL RECENTLY, diuretic agents were usually administered to patients with congestive heart failure only when digitalization-often to the point of toxicity-sedatives, and restriction of activity had failed to restore compensation. The indication for their use was the persistence of such obvious manifestations of failure as rales at the lung bases or dependent edema, and their efficiency was measured by the increase in urinary output. The demonstration of the role of sodium retention in congestive failure led to the abandonment of the restriction of fluid intake in favor of decreasing the salt content of the diet. This noteworthy advance had but little effect on the manner in which diuretics were employed.
Stitching together RNA tertiary architectures.

The powerful explanatory paradigm of molecular biology requiring form to co-evolve with function has again been proven successful when, over the recent two decades, a wealth of biological functions have been uncovered for RNA. Previously considered as a mere mediator of the genetic code, RNA is now acknowledged as a key player in a wide variety of cellular processes. Along with the discovery of novel biological functions of RNA molecules, a number of RNA three-dimensional structures have been solved which beautifully demonstrate the molecular adaptability which allows RNA to participate as a key player in these functions. A distinct repertoire of molecular motifs provides a basis for the assembly of complex RNA tertiary architectures.
Solution Structure of the Phosphoryl Transfer Complex between the Signal-transducing Protein IIAGlucose and the Cytoplasmic Domain of the Glucose Transporter IICBGlucose of the Escherichia coli Glucose Phosphotransferase System

The solution structure of the final phosphoryl transfer complex in the glucose-specific arm of the Escherichia coli phosphotransferase system, between enzyme IIAGlucose (IIAGlc) and the cytoplasmic B domain (IIBGlc) of the glucose transporter IICBGlc, has been solved by NMR. The interface (approximately 1200-A2 buried surface) is formed by the interaction of a concave depression on IIAGlc with a convex protrusion on IIBGlc. The phosphoryl donor and acceptor residues, His-90 of IIAGlc and Cys-35 of IIBGlc (residues of IIBGlc are denoted in italics) are in close proximity and buried at the center of the interface. Cys-35 is primed for nucleophilic attack on the phosphorus atom by stabilization of the thiolate anion (pKa approximately 6.5) through intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions with several adjacent backbone amide groups. Hydrophobic intermolecular contacts are supplemented by peripheral electrostatic interactions involving an alternating distribution of positively and negatively charged residues on the interaction surfaces of both proteins. Salt bridges between the Asp-38/Asp-94 pair of IIAGlc and the Arg-38/Arg-40 pair of IIBGlc neutralize the accumulation of negative charge in the vicinity of both the Sgamma atom of Cys-35 and the phosphoryl group in the complex. A pentacoordinate phosphoryl transition state is readily accommodated without any change in backbone conformation, and the structure of the complex accounts for the preferred directionality of phosphoryl transfer between IIAGlc and IIBGlc. The structures of IIAGlc.IIBGlc and the two upstream complexes of the glucose phosphotransferase system (EI.HPr and IIAGlc.HPr) reveal a cascade in which highly overlapping binding sites on HPr and IIAGlc recognize structurally diverse proteins.
Digital pathology in clinical consultation practice.

Available FREE in open access from: http://www.jpathinformatics.org/text.asp?2010/1/1/17/68334 From the 1st Digital Pathology Summit, New Frontiers in Digital Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 14-15 May 2010
The transport of iron by rat intestine.

Abstract To define more clearly the mechanisms operate in the transport of iron by intestinal mucosa, the short-circuit technique has been applied to isolated sections of small intestine of rat. Parallel experiments have been carried out in vivo using ligated sections of the small intestine in the intact rat. Low-molecular-weight chelates are necessary to maintain iron in a soluble and permeable from. Although the rate of mucosal to serosal transport appears to be directly dependent upon the concentration of iron chelate presented to the cell, a membrane-bound facilitating carrier also participates in the process. Evidence is presented for an active serosal to mucosal component for iron transport. Metabolic inhibitors, low temperatures and anaerobiosis abolish the net serosal to mucosal flux. The chemical nature of the chelate directly affects the rate of transmembrane transport as well as the tissue distribution of the iron molecule. Iron deficiency anemia causes both a decrease in the serosal to mucosal iron flux and an increase in the mucosal to serosal component. These factors appear to be responsible for the enhanced uptake of iron observed in anemic animals.
Evaluation of Screen Barriers on Redbay Trees to Protect them from Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Distribution of Initial Attacks in Relation to Stem Moisture Content, Diameter, and Height

ABSTRACT Fine mesh screen was used to create a physical barrier to prevent redbay ambrosia beetles, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), from accessing various parts of the boles of redbay trees, Persea borbonia (L.) Sprengel, and infecting them with the laurel wilt fungus, Raffaelea lauricola (T.C. Harrington, Fraedrich, & Aghayeva). Screen barriers prevented beetles from attacking boles of mature redbay trees from the ground to 1 or to 3 m and from 1 to 3 m above ground. Untreated control trees were sampled more extensively to determine how location of initial attacks varied with height, diameter, and moisture content of the wood. Screening did not affect tree survival, and all of the trees died within 243 d from the beginning of observation. Initial points of attack by X. glabratus varied from ground level to heights of at least 6.6 m. Trees showed characteristic laurel wilt symptoms with as few as two X. glabratus entry points. The number of attacks exhibited nonlinear...
Transport properties of helium near the liquid-vapor critical point. II. Thermal conductivity of a 3 He- 4 He mixture

Measurements of the thermal conductivity are reported for an 80%3He-20%4He mixture above the critical point along several isotherms and near-critical isochores, using the same techniques and apparatus described for a study of3He. Using again the assumption that the observed conductivity λ can be decomposed into a sum of a regular and a singular contribution λreg and λsing, it is shown that along two near-critical isochores, λsing diverges. In particular, along the isochore showing the largest λ at the phase transition, the divergence is nearly the same as for3He and can be roughly characterized by a simple power law (T-Tc)−ψ with Ψ≈0.58. This observation is contrary to predictions that foresee λsing→0 asT c is approached. The relaxation times characterizing the attainment of steady state conditions after switching the heat flux on and off show a similar behaviour as a function of reduced temperature as do those for pure3He. This result might indicate a substantial coupling between concentration and entropy diffusion. In the Appendix, the correlation length for3He nearT c is calculated from heat conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat data.
Potato losses during the first three months of storage for processing

This survey attempts to define the range of U.S. potato losses and their causes during the first three months of storage. The sampling of three respondent groups included a local storage region, the processing industry, and the federal inspection service (USDA). Questionnaires indicated 64 to 150 thousand metric tons were annually lost during early storage from the total crop stored for processing. This constitutes a range of 5.6–13.2 million dollars lost in production costs. Mechanical damage, inclement weather, and disease were assigned similar causative rankings for persistent loss in early storage by all three groups; however, synergistic combinations of losscausing factors and geographic differences were also noted.