cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity in adipose tissue metabolism: Causes, implications and management of regional adiposity

The observation that different patterns of adipose tissue distribution are associated with different metabolic abnormalities, has recently given new impetus to research in obesity. Due to several methodologic problems, however, many aspects of regional excess of adipose tissue are still poorly understood. Among them, the causes and the metabolic consequences of regional adiposity are particularly important. Heterogeneity in adipose tissue distribution may be determined by a combination of genetic and hormonal causes. Both factors may determine differences in metabolism of various adipose tissue compartments primarily by regulating LPL production, storage and release of triacylglycerols, and aromatization of androgens. Furthermore, changes in adipocyte sensitivity to hormones such as, sex steroids, glucocorticoids, insulin and adrenergic hormones may also regulate fat distribution in various adipose tissue compartments. The metabolic heterogeneity of adipose tissue from various compartments, particularly the differences between the "portal" and subcutaneous adipose tissues, may account for several metabolic abnormalities associated with "upper body adiposity". However, no direct evidence is available to confirm this hypothesis. Recent advances in the methodology to study adipose tissue distribution (mainly CT and MRI) may provide the necessary tools to evaluate the true impact of adiposity in various compartments on intermediary metabolism and to identify a "morbid" adipose tissue compartment. These observations may help in designing better therapeutic strategies targeted towards regional adiposity and its metabolic complications.
Human somatotropin: Noncovalent interactions of the natural NH2-terminal 1–134 segment with synthetic analogs of the COOH-terminal fragment

Three analogs of the COOH-terminal fragments of human somatotropin (HGH), namely [Nle170,Ala165,182]-HGH-(150-187), [Nle170,Ala165,182]-HGH-(152-187), and [Nle170,Ala165,182]-HGH-(154-187), have been synthesized by the solid-phase method. The synthetic analogs were complemented with the natural NH2-terminal fragment [Cys(Cam)53]-HGH-(1-134) to form recombinants with HGH activities, as revealed by the rabbit liver membrane receptor binding and the Nb2 lymphoma cell assays.
Fundamental coal combustion mechanisms and pollutant formation in furnaces

This article discusses how knowledge of fundamental mechanisms in coal combustion will aid in the design of p.f. combustion systems that allow for fuel variability and low pollutant emissions. Attention is paid to the fate of trace species. Wall, tangentially and cyclone fired systems are described, and pollutant abatement by aerodynamic control or staged combustion is discussed.
Reconstruction of surface topography using Fourier phase of structured light

A variety of techniques have been previously developed for surface topography reconstruction using CCD video images and various image processing algorithms. These include passive stereo disparity estimation using sub-area image correlation, confocal imaging (depth from focus), as well as structured light techniques. These approaches are compared on the basis of theoretical height error and algorithm complexity. A simple post-processing scheme based on the use of Fourier phase of structured light is then described, and results are shown from height measurements of tens of microns over areas on the order of a centimeter. A diode laser source is used in conjunction with a fan-beam refractive element, appropriate optical filtering, microscope, and CCD camera. This approach has application to long working-distance microscopy, closed-loop numerical control of machining, and retinal surface topography for early disease detection. Our approach offers a simple, low-cost, and real-time method of surface topography visualization and closed-loop machine tool control. Reflected laser beam quality and associated digital image filtering are considered with respect to the nature of possible surface materials measured.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reliability of Piezocone Penetration Test Methods for Estimating the Coefficient of Consolidation of Cohesive Soils

The current piezocone penetration test (PCPT) interpretation methods were evaluated for their capability to estimate the vertical coefficient of consolidation (cv) of cohesive soils reasonably by using the piezocone dissipation tests. Seven PCPT methods were evaluated. Six sites in Louisiana were selected for this study. At each site, in situ PCPT tests were performed, and soundings of cone tip resistance, sleeve friction, and pore pressures at different locations were recorded. Piezocone dissipation tests also were conducted at different penetration depths. High-quality Shelby tube samples were collected close to the PCPT tests and were used to carry out a comprehensive laboratory testing program. The (cv) values predicted by the different interpretation methods were compared with the reference values determined from the oedometer laboratory tests. The results of this study showed that two methods can estimate cv better than the other prediction methods.
Über Elektrolysen von Nitraten in Acetonitril

Untersucht wurden die Anodenvorgange bei der Elektrolyse von Silbernitrat und Cadmiumnitrat in Acetonitril an Pt-Elektroden. Bei der Elektrolyse von Silbernitrat in Acetonitril trat eine Braunfarbung auf, die auf die Bildung einer Verbindung zwischen Silber(II) und N2O5 zuruckgefuhrt werden konnte. Durch Zugabe von Anilin wurde nachgewiesen, das an der Anode intermediar das NO3-Radikal bzw. dessen Dimeres, das N2O6, auftritt. Zu dem gleichen Ergebnis fuhrte die Elektrolyse von Cadmiumnitrat. Erschwert wurde die Klarung des Anodenprozesses einmal durch den Wertigkeitswechsel des Silbers und zum anderen dadurch, das das an der Kathode abgeschiedene Cadmium mit der Cadmiumnitratlosung reagiert. Die verschiedenen Reaktionsmoglichkeiten in Zusammenhang mit den auftretenden Elektrolyseprodukten werden diskutiert.
Beck′s Coloring of a Commutative Ring

A commutative ring R can be considered as a simple graph whose vertices are the elements of R and two different elements x and y of R are adjacent if and only if xy = 0. Beck conjectured that χ(R) = cl(R). We give a counterexample where R is a finite local ring with cl(R) = 5 but χ(R) = 6. We show that if A is a regular Noetherian ring with maximal ideals N1, ..., Ns, such that each A/Ni is finite, then for R = A/Nn11 ··· Nnss, χ(R) = cl(R). Finally, we give a complete listing of all finite rings R with χ(R) ≤ 4.
A representation of local time for Lipschitz surfaces

Suppose thatD ⊂ ℝ n ,n≧2, is a Lipschitz domain and letN t (r) be the number of excursions of Brownian motion insideD with diameter greater thanr which started before timet. ThenrN t (r) converges asr→0 to a constant multiple of local time on ∂D, a.s. and inL p for allp<∞. The limit need not exist or may be trivial (0 or ∞) in Holder domains, non-tangentially accessible domains and domains whose boundaries have finite surface area.
Restoration and fusion of laser-range camera images

In this work we introduce Markov cross entropic priors in the Bayesian restoration and fusion of laser range images. These cross entropic priors are used to model smoothness of the surfaces and linearity of the discontinuities. The priors are defined over a pair of coupled Markov random fields representing the corresponding pixel and line processes. Gibbsian maximum a posteriori estimates are then found using simulated annealing. Range image data are discussed, and results are presented for synthetic range images.
Exploring gestural mode of interaction with mobile phones

The study explores the users' perceptions to a novel interaction method with mobile phones. We study responses and reactions of participants towards gestures as a mode of input with the help of a low fidelity prototype of a camera mobile phone. The study uses an approach inspired by participatory design to gauge the acceptance of gestures as an interaction mode.
Is empiric cholecystectomy a reasonable treatment option for idiopathic acute pancreatitis

The treatment of idiopathic acute pancreatitis is challenging owing to its varied etiology. This Viewpoint discusses the use of empiric cholecystectomy as a definitive treatment option for idiopathic acute pancreatitis caused by occult gallstone disease, and compares cholecystectomy with other treatment options including biliary sphincterotomy and medical therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid.
Control of citrus green mold with Aspire is impacted by the type of injury

Abstract Aspire, a formulation of the yeast Candida oleophila registered for postharvest application to citrus for the control of green mold ( Penicillium digitatum ), competes with the pathogen for nutrients at injuries to prevent infection. A major factor affecting efficacy is how quickly and well the yeast colonizes injuries to the fruit surface, including minor injuries involving only oil vesicles. Colonization of puncture-related injuries that either encompassed oil glands or individually ruptured glands was achieved within 1–2 days at 21°C. Colonization of puncture injuries by C. oleophila was comparable after 2 days at 21 and 30°C, but no colonization occurred at 13°C. Ruptured oil glands were colonized more effectively if treated 7 h after injury rather than immediately. Peel oil was toxic to cells of C. oleophila but not to spores of P. digitatum . Candida oleophila colonized punctures more uniformly than individually damaged oil glands, and provided more effective control of green mold originating at punctures than at oil gland injuries. Incubating treated fruit at 30°C for 2 days before storage at 21°C enhanced the control of green mold, and control was significantly improved by the addition of Aspire in one of two trials.
The Angiotensin AT 1 Receptor Mediates Vasoconstriction in Fetal Umbilical and Systemic Arteries

The Angiotensin AT 1 Receptor Mediates Vasoconstriction in Fetal Umbilical and Systemic Arteries
Effect of probenecid on dyphylline elimination

Dyphylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator with such a short a biologic t½ that development of practical dosing regimens has been difficult. Because its rapid renal elimination suggests active secretion, the effect of 1 gm probenecid on single-dose elimination kinetics of dyphylline was determined. Twelve subjects (six male, six female) participated in a crossover design. Subjects were their own controls and received dyphylline, 20 mg/kg orally, alone and after probenecid. The dyphylline t½ increased from 2.57 ± 0.45 to 4.88 ± 1.2 hr, whereas the elimination rate constant decreased from 0.276 ± 0.056 to 0.150 ± 0.037 hr−1 after probenecid. There was no significant change in the dyphylline apparent volume of distribution. Dyphylline total body clearance fell from 173 ± 20 to 95 ± 12 ml/kg · hr. The combined use of these drugs may lead to a practical dyphylline dosage schedule in aminophylline-hypersensitive patients or those incapacitated by theophylline gastrointestinal side effects. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 33, 822–825; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.112
Presenting problems among treatment‐seeking gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are at risk for a variety of clinical problems amenable to psychotherapeutic intervention. However, many psychotherapists may be unaware of the difficulties faced by this population. The purpose of this article is to familiarize therapists with presenting complaints common to psychotherapy-seeking gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. Some of these problems include homophobia among family, peers, and authority figures (often expressed at school or at work), depression, suicidality, social anxiety, and body image disturbance. We illustrate these important issues via four case examples.
A Surprising “Folded-In” Conformation of a Self-Assembled Arsenic-Thiolate Macrocycle

The synthesis and crystal structures of two new macrocyclic compounds, As2(L2,5)2Cl2 and As2(L2,3)2Cl2, are described, where L2,3 and L2,5 are dithiolate ligands. For each compound, several diastereomeric isomers are possible (anti-“aligned”, syn-“aligned”, anti-“unaligned”, syn-“unaligned”), as shown by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, but only one is crystallized out of solution. For As2(L2,5)2Cl2, only the anti-aligned isomer crystallizes, as expected based on steric arguments and backed up by DFT calculations. Surprisingly, for As2(L2,3)2Cl2, an anti isomer crystallizes in which one As−Cl unit has folded into the macrocyclic cavity. While this goes against steric arguments and DFT calculations, this conformation best fills the space within the cavity, avoiding the entropic cost of a large void.
High performance continuously tunable top-emitting vertical cavity laser with 20 nm wavelength range

The authors demonstrate the first micromechanical tunable top-emitting laser with a continuous wavelength tuning range of 20 nm centred at 926 nm. For 11 nm of the tuning range, its threshold current and peak output power are 0.92 mW.
X-ray microscopy of novel thermoplastic/liquid crystalline polymer blends by mechanical alloying

SUMMARY: Incorporation of liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) into commodity polymers remains a challenge in the design of high-performance, low-cost polymeric blends. Blends of a thermoplastic polymer and a nematic LCP are produced here by mechanical alloying. Functionality sensitive X-ray microscopy reveals LCP dispersions as small as 100 nm in diameter. Intimate mixing remains upon subsequent melt processing, indicating that mechanical alloying is suited for applications such as recycling.
Mediastinal and thoracic complications of necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck.

Mediastinal and thoracic extension of head and neck infections are rare but occur even in the modern antibiotic era. Early intervention is paramount to successful clinical outcome. 111Indium-labeled white blood cell (WBC) scan, a new imaging modality, appears to play a role in complementing computed tomographic (CT) findings, demonstrating early extension of disease, and following therapeutic efficacy. Together, the CT scan and WBC scan aid in directing early intervention and extent of surgery in this disease of high-potential mortality. We report 3 cases of deep head and neck infection complicated by mediastinal extension, including mediastinitis, pericardial effusion, and tampon-ade, empyema, and respiratory failure. Early surgical intervention included neck drainage, tracheostomy, thoracotomy, and pericardiotomy. While usually associated with greater than 50% mortality, all of the patients in this series survived. Based on our experience, we recommend prompt aggressive surgical debride-ment in treating mediastinal complications resulting from head and neck infections.
On the algebraic and geometric foundations of computer graphics

Today's computer graphics is ostensibly based upon insights from projective geometry and computations on homogeneous coordinates. Paradoxically, however, projective spaces and homogeneous coordinates are incompatible with much of the algebra and a good deal of the geometry currently in actual use in computer graphics. To bridge this gulf between theory and practice, Grassmann spaces are proposed here as an alternative to projective spaces. We establish that unlike projective spaces, Grassmann spaces do support all the algebra and geometry needed for contemporary computer graphics. We then go on to explain how to exploit this algebra and geometry for a variety of applications, both old and new, including the graphics pipeline, shading algorithms, texture maps, and overcrown surfaces.
Stimulation of globin synthesis by RNA purified from reticulocyte supernatant fraction.

Abstract Rabbit reticulocytes were preincubated in sodium fluoride to dissociate polyribosomes to 80S ribosomes, and RNA was phenol-extracted from the supernatant fraction of these cells after removing ribosomes. This purified RNA was fractionated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and found to contain a fraction corresponding to 6S to 14S which induced formation of polyribosomes active in protein synthesis and specifically stimulated rabbit α- and β-globin chain formation at least 2.5-fold in a cell-free system containing ribosomes prepared from fluoride-treated rabbit reticulocytes. No stimulation of protein synthesis was observed with addition of the RNA fraction to a cell-free system containing ribosomes prepared from reticulocytes not preincubated with sodium fluoride. Addition of this rabbit fluoride RNA to a mouse cell-free system stimulated amino acid incorporation into protein, but no formation of rabbit globin chains was detectable.
Social network structure, segregation, and equality in a labor market with referral hiring

Abstract We examine the effects of social network structure on inequality in a model of referral hiring that focuses on groups rather than individuals. More random social networks yield higher employment rates than less random ones if the population is integrated or job vacancy information flows are random. However less random social networks allow for better containment of job information inside a group in a segregated population with non-random job information flows, resulting in higher employment rates. We report on the robustness of these findings with respect to the size of minority and majority groups and the amount of social segregation.
Stability of Reactor Control Systems in Coupled Core Reactors

For combating not only general deviations in total power, but localized flux (power) perturbations as well, separate control systems are designed for separate cores of the coupled-core reactor. In this paper conditions are obtained for global asymptotic stability of a coupled core reactor including its control system. The results obtained here for stability are in the form of the weaker Popov condition, which allows the determination of stability geometrically in the frequency domain. An example of a coupled core reactor with typical parameters is given to illustrate the ease involved in the determination of stability.
Empirical Bayes testing for mean life time of Rayleigh distribution

Consider a Rayleigh distribution withpdfp(x|θ) = 2xθ - 1 exp(- x 2/θ) and mean lifetime μ = √πθ/2. We study the two-action problem of testing the hypothesesH 0: μ≤ μ0 againstH 1: μ > μ0 using a linear error loss of |μ- μ 0 | via the empirical Bayes approach. We construct a monotone empirical Bayes test δ n * and study its associated asymptotic optimality. It is shown that the regret of δ n * converges to zero at a rate $$\frac{{\ln ^2 n}}{n}$$ , wheren is the number of past data available when the present testing problem is considered.
Sexual Debut Timing and Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adulthood

The association between sexual debut timing and depressive symptomatology in adolescence and emerging adulthood was examined using data from Waves I, II and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Respondents who reported never having sexual intercourse at Wave I and were 18–22 years of age at Wave III were included (n = 5,061). Twenty percent of respondents experienced early (<age 16) and 49% experienced typical (ages 16–18) sexual debut. In bivariate analyses, pre-debut depressive symptoms were associated with earlier sexual debut among female but not male adolescents. In models adjusting for demographic characteristics and pre-debut depressive symptoms, sexual debut was positively related to adolescent (Wave II) depressive symptomatology, but only among female adolescents age less than sixteen. However, sexual debut timing was unassociated with emerging adult (Wave III) depressive symptomatology for both male and female respondents. Findings suggest sexual debut timing does not have implications for depressive symptomatology beyond adolescence.
Higher symmetries in string theory

Abstract The importance of symmetry in string theory is discussed, and an approach to the investigation of the subject is described. Symmetries arise from appropriate automorphisms of the operator algebras of conformal field theories, and it is shown that there is a symmetry for each dimension one primary field. These symmetries include the conventional gauge invariance as well as spontaneously broken symmetries that mix particles at different mass levels.
Synthesis, reactivity, catenation and X-ray crystallography of Ag+ and Cu+ complexes of anthraquinone-based selenoethers: A luminescent chemodosimeter for Cu2+ and Fe3+

Abstract Reaction of the PhSe− anion with 1,8-bis(2-bromoethoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione, 1,5-bis(2-bromoethoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione, 1,8-bis(2-bromoethylethyleneoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione in 1:1 ratio generates 1,8-bis(2-phenylselenoethoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (2), 1,5-bis(2-phenylselenoethoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (3) and 1,8-bis(2-phenylselenoethylethyleneoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (4). The reaction of 2 with a methanolic solution of Ag(CH3CN)4BF4 and Cu(CH3CN)4BF4, yielded metal complexes 5 and 6, respectively. 3 formed a 1D coordination polymer (7) with Ag(CH3CN)4BF4 in a 1:2 ratio. The anthraquinone in 3 exhibits π–π interactions with distances in a range of 3.512–3.840 A. 2 acts as a chemodosimeter for Cu2+ and Fe3+ as it undergoes an aryl ether cleavage with Cu2+ and Fe3+, and produces the luminescent 1-hydroxy-8-(2-phenylselenoethoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (8). Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in 8 is responsible for the red–orange (λmax 595 nm) emission. The X-ray structures of 5, 6, 7, and 8 are reported along with cyclic voltammetric analyses of new organoselenium compounds.
Stimulation by oleic acid of incorporation of L-[4,5-3H]leucine into very low density lipoprotein apoprotein by the isolated perfused rat liver

Abstract Livers from normal fed or fasted (24h) rats were perfused in vitro to determine whether fatty acid affects the biosynthesis of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apoprotein. Oleate stimulated VLDL triacylglycerol output and increased incorporation of L-[4,5- 3 H]leucine into VLDL apoprotein in both the fed and fasted groups. The increased incorporation of [ 3 H]leucine was mainly into VLDL-apoprotein E. The total mass of VLDL apoprotein secreted was also stimulated by oleate proportionately. These data suggest that fatty acids may stimulate hepatic synthesis and/or secretion of the VLDL apoproteins and that apo E, may be required for the formation and secretion of triacylglycerol in the VLDL.
Integrating region growing and edge detection using regularization

We propose a segmentation approach which integrates region growing and edge detection in a regularization framework. Our method is a modified active contour model and uses region statistics in addition to gradient information. We formulate the active contour model using a Bayesian approach. We have implemented this integrated approach and characterized its performance on synthetic images and on 36 short-axis cardiac ultrasound images. The resulting boundaries are compared to true boundaries in the case of the synthetic images and to manually outlined boundaries in the case of ultrasound images. The results are also compared with those obtained using the balloon force to expand the active contour model. We found that our integrated algorithm detects boundaries more accurately than the active contour method using a balloon force. Furthermore, the integrated algorithm is less sensitive to the placement of the initial contour inside the LV cavity than the active contour algorithm using a balloon force.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The cardiac-muscle specific enhancer-promoter of slow/cardiac troponin C binds HMG-2

Abstract The cardiac muscle-specific enhancer-promoter of the slow/cardiac troponin C (cTnC) gene contains five protein binding regions, four of which bind cardiac-myocyte specific proteins. We screened a stage 11 chick embryo expression library with a double-stranded oligonucleotide probe consisting of one of these regions, CEF-1. One of the clones obtained was the chicken high mobility group protein, HMG-2. An electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed a specific binding interaction between the HMG-2 protein and the dsDNA CEF-1 probe. The cardiac-specific enhancer region of cTnC contains at least one possible HMG binding region and it is in the CEF-1 sequence overlapping a known GATA-4 binding site. Mutation of the nucleotide sequence of this HMG binding region diminishes its protein binding ability and markedly decreases its cardiac specific transcriptional activity. HMG-2 is a DNA bending protein that is predominantly found in the nucleus in proliferating cells and in the cytoplasm of terminally differentiated cells. It is an integral and stabilizing factor in the transcription activation nucleoprotein complex and is often described as an `architectural transcription factor'. It markedly stimulates the transcription of many genes, often in association with tissue-specific transcription factors. We believe that the presence of HMG-2 in the enhancer-promoter binding protein complex of cTnC augments DNA bending and facilitates the DNA binding and interaction of other tissue-specific factors (e.g. GATA-4, which also binds to this region). This would result in increased transcription of the cTnC gene during the proliferation phase of embryonic cardiac myocyte development.
Cellular Automata Based Model for Droplet Spreading Process

In this work Cellular Automata (CA) based droplet Spreading Process (SP) has been investigated. The core of the model is represented by CA based SP algorithm which implements one of the major features of fluid flow, i.e., mass conservation. We show that one input parameter (α) is sufficient for this algorithm to handle variety of droplet diameters, splat shapes, and target surfaces that the droplets impact. Further, we demonstrate constructal alternatives for viscosity and surface tension, which are scales of CA grid layers (s) and splat surface curvature (γ), respectively. We show that bigger s prevents the droplet from penetrating deep into the target surface crevices, and further variation of γ results in the desired surface tension effect. Calibration of the model is carried out using scaling relations, namely α = α(Re), where Re is the Reynolds number. Results obtained in this work showed good compliance with the experimental measurements found in the literature as well as the constructal theory of droplet impact geometry.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Methodological problems associated with research on unfair discrimination against racial minorities

Abstract Despite the passage of civil rights legislation, racial and ethnic minorities continue to experience unfair discrimination in the workplace. Therefore, considerable research in human resource management and social psychology has examined the factors thought to affect unfair discrimination in organizations [Cox, T. (1993). Cultural diversity in organizations: Theory, research, and practice . San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler]. Although research has focused on unfair discrimination, researchers have argued that the construct and external validity of the results have been adversely affected by methodological problems [e.g., Stone, E.F., Stone, D.L., & Dipboye, R.L. (1992). Stigmas in organizations: Race, handicaps, and physical unattractiveness. In Kelly, K. (Ed.). Issues, theory, and research in industrial and organizational psychology (pp. 385–457). Amsterdam: Elsevier]. Given this critique, the present paper (a) examines the degree to which recent research suffered from a number of methodological problems (e.g., obtrusive measures, non-representative samples, and demand characteristics), (b) identifies strategies for overcoming these problems, and (c) offers recommendations for advancing our understanding of unfair discrimination in organizational contexts.
Generalization of Johnson's and Talwar's scheduling rules in two-machine stochastic flow shops

The paper deals with the classical problem of minimizing the makespan in a two-machine flow shop. When the job processing times are deterministic, the optimal job sequence can be determined by applying Johnson's rule. When they are independent and exponential random variables, Talwar's rule yields a job sequence that minimizes the makespan stochastically. Assuming that the random job processing times are independent and Gompertz distributed, we propose a new scheduling rule that is a generalization of both Johnson's and Talwar's rules. We prove that our rule yields a job sequence that minimizes the makespan stochastically. Extensions to m-machine proportionate stochastic flow shops, two-machine stochastic job shops, and stochastic assembly systems are indicated.
Arterial baroreflex control of muscle blood flow at the onset of voluntary locomotion in mice

To assess the role of arterial baroreflex control in muscle blood flow (MBF) and voluntary locomotion, mean arterial pressure (MAP), MBF, and electromyograms (EMGs) were measured in freely moving mice before (CNT) and after blocking the afferent or efferent pathway of arterial baroreflexes, carotid sinus denervation (CSD), or intraperitoneal administration of phentolamine (BLK), respectively. MAP was measured through a catheter placed in the femoral artery. MBF was measured with a needle-type laser-Doppler flowmeter and recorded through a low-pass filter with an edge frequency of 0.1 Hz. The frequency and duration of locomotion were judged from EMG recordings in the hindlimb. These probes were implanted at least 2 days before the measurements. Muscle vascular conductance (MVC = MBF/MAP) in all groups started to rise within 1 s after the onset of locomotion, but the increasing rate in CSD and BLK was significantly higher than in CNT for the first 9 s (P 0.1), the frequency of movement with a short duration of 0.1-0.4 min was higher in CSD than in CNT (P < 0.001), which was highly correlated with the reduction in MAP accompanying each period of movement (R2 = 0.883, P < 0.01). These results suggest that arterial baroreflexes suppress vasodilatation in contracting muscle to maintain MAP at the onset of voluntary locomotion, and are necessary to continue a given duration of locomotion in mice.
The importance of mucosal immunology to problems in human reproduction

The field of mucosal immunology is making rapid advances towards establishing the molecular basis of mucosal defense mechanisms and the development of mucosal vaccines. Research on the mucosal immunology of male and female reproductive tract tissues is benefiting from these advances, as well as from current investigations on specialized immunologic features of the reproductive tract. This knowledge may soon be applicable to solutions for many important problems concerning human reproduction, such as fertility regulation and the current epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
Aerosol Abundances and Optical Characteristics in the Pacific Basin Free Troposphere

During NASA's Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) mission flights in November 1989 and May 1990, a DC-8 research aircraft probed the Pacific Basin free troposphere for about 90 flight hours in each month between +72 and -62 degrees latitude, +130 and -120 degrees longitude, and up to 39,000 feet pressure altitudes. Aerosols were sampled continuously in situ by optical particle counters to measure concentration and particle size, and during 48 10-min intervals during each mission by wire impactors for concentration, size, composition, phase and shape analyses. The optical particle counters cover a particle diameter range between 0.3 and 20 microns; wire impactors extend the range down to 0.03 microns. Results of particle number, size, shape, together with the assumption of a refractive index corresponding to (NH4)2SO4 to account for the prevalence of aerosol sulfur, were utilized in a Mie algorithm to calculate aerosol extinction and backscatter for a range of wavelengths (0.385 less than lambda less than 10.64 microns). Computations for 22 randomly selected size distributions yield coefficients of extinction E(0.525) = (2.03 +/- 1.20) x 10(exp -4) km(exp -1) and backscatter beta(0.525) = (6.45 +/- 3.49) x 10(exp -6) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1) in the visible, and E(10.64) = (8.13 +/- 6.47) x 10(exp -6) km(exp -1) and beta(10.64) = (9.98 +/- 10.69) x 10(exp -8) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1) in the infrared, respectively. Large particles (D greater than 0.3 microns) contribute two-thirds to the total extinction in the visible (lambda = 0.525 microns), and almost 100% in the infrared (lambda = 10.64 microns). These results have been used to define an IR optical aerosol climatology of the Pacific Basin free troposphere, from which it follows that the infrared backscatter coefficient at lambda = 9.25 microns wavelength fluctuates between 5.0 x 10(exp -10) and 2.0 x 10(exp -7) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1) with a modal value 2.0 x 10(exp -8) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1).
Intrachromosomal gene mapping in man: Assignment of nucleoside phosphorylase to region 14cen→14q21 by interspecific hybridization of cells with a t(X;14) (p22;q21) translocation

The structural gene for purine-nucleoside phosphorylase (NP) has been assigned to a subregion of chromosome 14 by somatic cell hybridization of male and female cells containing the balanced translocation t(X;14) (p22;q21). Peripheral lymphocytes were fused to a pseudodiploid HPRT-deficient established Chinese hamster cell line. 23 primary hybrid clones (10 derived from male and 13 from female cells) were isolated and maintained in HAT selective medium. Parallel subcultures from generations 16, 24, and 40 after clonal isolation were fully karyotyped and analyzed electrophoretically for expression of the human types of NP, HPRT, G6PD, and PGK. The human NP phenotype segregated discordantly with each human chromosome except chromosome 14 and the der(14),t(X;14) translocation chromosome. In all, 8 hybrids which had retained the der(X), t(X;14) translocation chromosome under HAT selective pressure and expressed human HPRT had lost the human NP phenotype. These results indicate localization of the NP gene in region 14pter→14q21.
Theoretical Calculations of the Separation Factors in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction for the Slow Discharge Mechanism

The theoretical calculations of and separation factors have been carried out on the metals Ni and Pt, following the lines of earlier calculations by Okamoto et al. The effect of variations in the metal‐metal internuclear distances and the coulombic exchange energy ratio on the separation factor was small. Tunneling corrections were also made. The calculated separation factor on Pt is in agreement with the experimentally determined value. The theoretically predicted separation factors for a slow molecular hydrogen diffusion mechanism are not distinctly separated from the values for a slow recombination mechanism. Separation factor determinations on the platinum group of metals or the temperature coefficients of separation factors on these metals should be useful to distinguish between the two mechanisms.
Effects of walking-only interventions on bone mineral density at various skeletal sites: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Osteoporosis, a common disease in postmenopausal women and the elderly, is associated with decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures. As weight-bearing activity such as walking has the potential to maintain or increase BMD, I sought in this meta-analysis to mathematically consolidate research on the effects of walking interventions on BMD. METHODS A literature search for studies examining the effect of walking on BMD in postmenopausal women and men and women aged 50 years and older was conducted. Search strategies included online literature searches, hand-searches of journals, and examination of the reference lists of articles selected for inclusion. Effect sizes were calculated for each article selected for inclusion and a meta-analysis was conducted for these articles. RESULTS Ten articles met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Walking had a significant (P < or = .03) positive effect (.32) on lumbar BMD but not on the femur or the calcaneus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results of this meta-analysis do not suggest that walking interventions alone will limit demineralization at all skeletal sites. Perhaps other forms of exercise in addition to walking should be incorporated into training regimens for patients at risk for osteoporosis.
Stoichiometric changes in the surface of (100) cubic SiC caused by ion bombardment and annealing

Abstract The (100) surface of cubic silicon carbide has been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy as a function of in-situ annealing in ultra-high vacuum. The line-shape fine structures for both the silicon and carbon Auger transitions which were destroyed by ion bombardment were readily recovered by a brief heat treatment at about 600°C. Further heating above about 1000°C monotonically decreased the Si/C ratio with increasing temperature. Comparison of the changes in the silicon and carbon Auger peak heights with the intensity for the Ar peak from imbedded argon shows that this decrease in Si/C ratio was caused by silicon depletion rather than by carbon accumulation on the surface. A systematic study of the changes in the silicon and carbon Auger peak heights as a function of time and temperature showed that the depletion occured with an activation energy of about 120 kcal/mole (5.2 eV/atom). The carbon Auger line shape indicates that as the silicon was desorbed, the carbon bonding eventually changed from carbidic to graphitic.
A current view of brain renin–angiotensin system: Is the (pro)renin receptor the missing link?

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the brain to regulate blood pressure (BP). This role includes the modulation of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) that regulates vascular tone; the regulation of secretion of neurohormones that have a critical role in electrolyte as well as fluid homeostasis; and by influencing behavioral processes to increase salt and water intake. Based on decades of research it is clear that angiotensin II (Ang II), the major bioactive product of the RAS, mediates these actions largely via its Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), located within hypothalamic and brainstem control centers. However, the mechanisms of brain RAS function have been questioned, due in large part to low expression levels of the rate limiting enzyme renin within the central nervous system. Tissue localized RAS has been observed in heart, kidney tubules and vascular cells. Studies have also given rise to the hypothesis for localized RAS function within the brain, so that Ang II can act in a paracrine manner to influence neuronal activity. The recently discovered (pro)renin receptor (PRR) may be key in this mechanism as it serves to sequester renin and prorenin for localized RAS activity. Thus, the PRR can potentially mitigate the low levels of renin expression in the brain to propagate Ang II action. In this review we examine the regulation, expression and functional properties of the various RAS components in the brain with particular focus on the different roles that PRR may have in BP regulation and hypertension.
Template-directed synthesis of oligoadenylates catalyzed by Pb2+ ions.

The Pb2+ ion is an effective catalyst for the template-directed condensation of ImpA on poly(U). This reaction generates up to 35% of oligomers 5 or more units long. Furthermore, the product is predominantly 3′–5′-linked (75%) unlike that from the uncatalyzed reaction which is more than 90% 2′–5′-linked. The significance of metal-ion catalysis for prebiotic polynucleotide formation is discussed.
Functional Interaction Between a RARE and an AP-2 Binding Site in the Regulation of the Human HOX A4 Gene Promoter

HOX A genes are induced in a temporal fashion after retinoic acid (RA) treatment in non-N-ras-transformed PA-1 human teratcarcinoma cells. However, In N-ras-transformed PA-1 cells, RA-Induced expression of HOX A genes is delayed. The mRNA for the transcriptional activator AP-2 is overexpressed in these ras-transformed cells, but AP-2 transcriptional activity is inhibited relative to non ras-transformed PA-1 cells. Constitutive expression of AP-2 mimics the effect of ras by transforming cells and inhibiting differentiation in culture. We analyzed 4 kb of the human HOX A4 gene promoter and identified seven putative AP-2-binding sites in the DNA sequence. Transcription assays with variably sized HOX A4 promoter reporter constructs revealed that a 365 bp region of the promoter, -2950 to -3315 relative to the mRNA start, controls RA responsiveness and ras-mediated inhibition of HOX A4 activity. This region contains an AP-2 binding site and a RARE. Elimination of the AP-2 site by site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the AP-2 site is involved in RA-mediated transcriptional activation of the human HOX A4 promoter in combination with the RA receptor response element (RARE). In N-ras-transformed cells, low HOX A4 promoter activity results from ras inhibition of AP-2 transactivation.
An expert system for teaching concrete mix design

Abstract An expert system has been developed for teaching concrete mix design using the Personal Consultant Plus expert system development tool. Several useful features for education purposes are discussed. The system is highly interactive and allows the student to ask questions such as WHY an input data is need or HOW a certain parameter or a conclusion is derived. Several graphics images and help messages are incorporated into the system. The system contains answers to several fundamental questions on the mix design process. Programming techniques are also presented. This paper demonstrates that educational software can be easily developed using an expert system development tool.
A combination of unusual transcription factors binds cooperatively to control Myxococcus xanthus developmental gene expression

Myxococcus xanthus is a bacterium that undergoes multicellular development requiring coordinate regulation of multiple signaling pathways. One pathway governs aggregation and sporulation of some cells in a starving population and requires C-signaling, whereas another pathway causes programmed cell death and requires the MazF toxin. In response to starvation, the levels of the bifunctional transcription factor/antitoxin MrpC and its related proteolytic fragment MrpC2 are increased, inhibiting the cell death pathway via direct interaction of MrpC with MazF. Herein, we demonstrate that MrpC2 plays a direct role in the transcriptional response to C-signaling. We show that MrpC2 binds to sequences upstream of the C-signal-dependent fmgA promoter. These sequences are present in other C-signal-dependent promoter regions, indicating a general role for MrpC2 in developmental gene regulation. Association of MrpC and/or MrpC2 with the fmgA promoter region in vivo requires FruA, a protein that is similar to response regulators of 2-component signal transduction systems, but may not be phosphorylated. DNA binding studies showed that this association likely involves an unusual mechanism for a response regulator in which FruA and MrpC2 bind cooperatively to adjacent sites upstream of the fmgA promoter. We propose that this unusual mechanism of combinatorial control allows coordination of morphogenetic C-signaling with starvation signaling and cell death, determining spatiotemporal gene expression and cell fate.
A new PGE1 analogue (CL115,574) III. Effects on gastric acid and mucus secretion in man.

Abstract CL115,574, an analogue of PGE 1 , is a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in animals. The effects of this compound on gastric acid and mucus secretion were studied in 8 male volunteers. The compound was well tolerated, and its maximally effective antisecretory dose (750 μg) inhibited pentagastrin stimulated acid secretion by approximately 40% over a 2-hour period, with stimulation beginning one hour after the drug was orally administered. CL115,574 proved to have a significant and sustained effect upon the stimulation of mucus secretion into gastric juice. Considering the possible role that mucuse may play in mucosal cytoprotection, CL115,574 because of its antisecretory and mucogenic actions may prove to be an important clinical anti-ulcer compound.
INTRA‐PARTY COALITIONS AND ELECTORAL STRATEGIES: EUROPEAN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY IN SEARCH OF VOTES

How do political parties develop policy preferences and how do they change them? By examining the strategic choices of four social democratic parties in Europe, this article contends that political parties serve diverse internal constituencies. Instead of analyzing political parties as goal-oriented, rational organizations bent on winning votes or offices, the article views political parties as a vehicle for internal groups to promulgate their ideological and political preferences. Party strategy emerges from a tug-of-war between these internal constituencies and may often produce seemingly “irrational” results in terms of vote or office maximization. Social democratic parties with close organizational ties to unions representing workers in declining industries experience difficulties in adjusting their policy orientation to new socio-economic conditions as a result of resistance from such unions.
Negative regulation of the murine cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase-3 (Aldh-3c) gene by functional CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 proteins.

We have examined enzyme activities and mRNA levels corresponding to aldehyde dehydrogenase-3 genes encoding cytosolic (ALDH3c) and microsomal (ALDH3m) forms. In contrast to negligible activities in the intact mouse liver, both ALDH3c and ALDH3m enzyme activities are inducible by benzo[a]pyrene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD) in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 cell cultures. Constitutive mRNA levels of ALDH3c are virtually absent, whereas those of ALDH3m are substantial; using Hepa-1 mutant lines, we show that both ALDH3c and ALDH3m are TCDD-inducible by an Ah receptor-dependent mechanism. Basal mRNA levels of ALDH3c, but not those of ALDH3m, are strikingly elevated in untreated mutant cells lacking a functional CYP1A1 enzyme; low ALDH3c basal mRNA levels can be restored by introduction of a functional murine CYP1A1 or human CYP1A2 enzyme into these mutant cells. These data suggest that the TCDD induction process is distinct from the CYP1A1/CYP1A2 metabolism-dependent repression of constitutive gene expression; we suggest that this latter property classifies the Aldh-3c gene, but not the Aldh-3m gene, as a member of the murine [Ah] battery.
Optimization of Excitation and Detection Geometry for Multiplexed Capillary Array Electrophoresis of DNA Fragments

A new on-column excitation and detection geometry for multiplexed array capillary electrophoresis is evaluated. The detection limit is improved 100-fold for the same laser power because of more efficient coupling of the laser beam. The illumination is also more uniform over the entire array. Stray light and cross-talk are effectively suppressed by immersing the capillaries in water to roughly match the refractive index. A charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera combined with cutoff filters provides adequate sensitivity and speed for high-speed DNA sequencing based on sieving in a polymer-matrix solution.