cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imperatoxin Induces a Biphasic Response in Ca2+ Sparks

Imperatoxin induces a biphasic response in Ca2+ sparksImperatoxin A (IpTxa), isolated from the venom of the African scorpion Pandinus imperator, has been shown to specifically activate ryanodine receptors (RyR) and to be capable of translocating across cell membranes. IpTxa enhances [3H]ryanodine binding to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and stabilizes subconducting states in single channels. We previously demonstrated that IpTxa alters the amplitude of calcium transients in intact field-stimulated cells, causing a rapid increase in transient amplitude. This is followed by a gradual decrement in amplitude to a new steady state at lower amplitude than in control. The current study seeks to clarify how IpTxa acts on RyRs to perturb Ca2+ handling in cardiomyocytes. We employed visualization of IpTxa-modified Ca2+ sparks in saponin-permeabilized cells to facilitate direct titration of RyRs with known concentrations of IpTxa, ranging from 500pM to 50nM. In addition, we modified our sparks protocol to enable a comparison of the caffeine-releasable SR Ca2+ load before and after treatment with the toxin. Our results demonstrate that IpTxa induces a biphasic RyR response, typified by a transient increase in spark frequency, amplitude, FWHM, and FDHM, which is rapidly followed by a sharp decrease in the same parameters. Comparison of pre- and post-toxin caffeine-releasable SR Ca2+ consistently reveals that SR content has been reduced as a result of IpTxa perfusion to approximately 75% of control. These results are consistent with the biphasic response observed in Ca2+ transient experiments. We believe that IpTxa sensitizes RyR to luminal Ca2+, leading to increased Ca2+ release and subsequent depletion of Ca2+ from the SR. Our findings have exciting implications for translational research into cardiac diseases such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, in which acute RyR hyperactivity is hypothesized to trigger arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death.
Development of a Stochastic Free Edge Delamination Model for Laminated Composite Materials Subjected to Constant Amplitude Fatigue Loading

A stochastic delamination growth model with parameters written in terms of fracture mechanics, material, and laminate structural parameters is developed for composite laminates subjected to constant amplitude cyclic loading. The model captures the discrete stochastic nature of the delamination growth process in laminated composite materials. Experimental data obtained using AS4/3501-6 coupons with a laminate stacking sequence of [±45/90/0], verifies that the model predicts the mean and variance associated with the delamination growth. Changing only one parameter in the model enables the model to predict delamination growth behavior at several load levels. Two parameters are identified that could possibly expand the model's predictive capability to include laminate geometries other than those used to correlate the model.
A MODEL OF NURSE‐MIDWIFE AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN COLLABORATIVE CARE IN A COMBINED ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY SETTING

Certified nurse-midwives and family physicians share a philosophy of family-centered maternity care. Collaboration between the two disciplines, however, has not been common. Collaboration can enhance the primary care and maternity care options available to clients of such collaborative practices. Advantages and barriers to collaboration for both types of practitioners, as well as suggestions for successful collaboration, are discussed.
Chemotherapeutic agents for controlling plaque and gingivitis

There has been a vigorous search for many years for chemical agents that could supplement or even supplant patient-dependent mechanical plaque control and thus reduce or prevent oral disease. 5 categories of agents or approaches have been considered: (1) broad spectrum antiseptics, (2) antibiotics aimed at specific bacteria, (3) single or combinations of enzymes that could modify plaque structure or activity, (4) non-enzymatic dispersing or modifying agents and (5) agents that could affect bacterial attachment. The success of these approaches can be evaluated clinically by the use of standard scoring methods for measuring plaque and gingivitis and their safety established by soft tissue and microbiologic examination. Antiseptic agents have received the bulk of the attention over the years. At present, only 2 antiseptics, the bis-biguanide, chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex) and a combination of phenol related essential oils (Listerine), have developed sufficient supporting data in 6-month (or longer) studies to gain the approval of the Council On Dental Therapeutics of the American Dental Association. On the basis of short-term studies, cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc and copper salts, sanguinarine and octenidine warrant continued study as does stannous fluoride at an appropriate concentration. On the basis of current research, a new generation of more specific antibacterial agents that interfere with attachment to pellicle can be developed. It is hard to predict, however, that they will affect gingivitis, at least until there is more information on what specific organisms should be targeted.
Did Chaucer know the ballad of Glen Kindy

This paper argues that the contexts in which Geoffrey Chaucer (in The House of Fame) and Gavin Douglas (in The Palice of Honour) refer to the legendary Welsh harper Glascurion (or Glaskeryane) suggest that they may well have known a story about him close to that of the surviving ballad Glasgerion (also called Glen Kindy). Chaucer implies that Glasgerion’s music gave him power over the physical world, and links his name with apprentice harpers, while Douglas associates him with the music of love—all details exemplified in the later ballad tradition.
The Caspase-3 Precursor Has a Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Distribution: Implications for Apoptotic Signaling

Caspase-3-mediated proteolysis is a critical element of the apoptotic process. Recent studies have demonstrated a central role for mitochondrial proteins (e.g., Bcl-2 and cytochrome c) in the activation of caspase-3, by a process that involves interaction of several protein molecules. Using antibodies that specifically recognize the precursor form of caspase-3, we demonstrate that the caspase-3 proenzyme has a mitochondrial and cytosolic distribution in nonapoptotic cells. The mitochondrial caspase-3 precursor is contained in the intermembrane space. Delivery of a variety of apoptotic stimuli is accompanied by loss of mitochondrial caspase-3 precursor staining and appearance of caspase-3 proteolytic activity. We propose that the mitochondrial subpopulation of caspase-3 precursor molecules is coupled to a distinct subset of apoptotic signaling pathways that are Bcl-2 sensitive and that are transduced through multiple mitochondrion-specific protein interactions.
Use of Unconventional Dialysis Access in Patients With No Viable Alternative

Background Hemodialysis patients who have exhausted all of the conventionally used veins for vascular access, including arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, and traditional catheter access sites, present a challenge to the treating physician. Transhepatic and translumbar inferior vena cava catheters have been used in these patients who have no other access site option. The objective of the study was to examine our experience with translumbar and transhepatic approach for catheter-based hemodialysis access in patients who have exhausted all other options. Methods A retrospective review was performed from June 2000 to May 2011 of all patients who underwent transhepatic or translumbar inferior vena cava catheter placement for the purpose of hemodialysis. Data abstracted included previous access procedures, duration of use and patency of dialysis catheters, catheter-related complications, and mortality. Results Seven patients were identified. Four patients underwent transhepatic access and three underwent translumbar access. Five patients were female and two were male. The mean age was 44 years. The etiology of renal failure was diabetes in four patients, congenital hypoplastic kidneys in two patients, and acute glomerulonephritis in one patient. A mean of 14 (range: 11–18) dialysis access procedures were performed before catheter placement by transhepatic/translumbar interventions. The initial device service interval for all patients ranged from 15 to 658 days, with a mean of 295 days and a median of 245 days. Total access site service interval ranged from 15 to 790 days, with a mean of 380 days and a median of 245 days. Conclusion Translumbar and transhepatic venous access is a viable long-term alternative route for catheter-based hemodialysis access in patients who have exhausted conventional options.
Cloning and molecular characterization of the beta toxin (phospholipase C) gene of Clostridium haemolyticum

Abstract The phospholipase C (PLPC) gene from Clostridium haemolyticum was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. Primers were selected from a consensus sequence of closely related clostridial PLPC genes and used to amplify an 871-base pair internal segment of the gene. The internal sequence was used to design nested primers that, together with adapter-specific primers, were used to amplify upstream and downstream sequences. The sequences of upstream and downstream segments were aligned with the internal segment to obtain the entire gene sequence. Primers were selected from the aligned sequence, and the entire gene was amplified, and the PCR product was inserted by ligatation into the pCR ® 2.1 plasmid. An open reading frame that encodes a 399-amino acid protein, containing a 27-amino acid signal sequence, was identified (GenBank Accession Number AF525415). The molecular weight of the active protein was 42 869 Da. A 16-amino acid N-terminal sequence, determined by Edman degradation, exactly matched the putative amino acid sequence of the gene product. Together, N-terminal peptide sequencing and tryptic digestion followed by MALDI-ToF mass spectroscopy verified 48% of the amino acid sequences of the active beta toxin. Comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences with Genebank databases demonstrated that the beta toxin of C. haemolyticum exhibits high homology with other bacterial PLPCs. The N-terminal portion of the beta toxin contains zinc-binding residues common to clostridial and other bacterial PLPCs, and it shows 34% homology to the N-terminal domain of bovine arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase. The C-terminal domain of the beta toxin protein shows considerable homology with the C-terminal domains of C. novyi type A PLPC, C. perfringens alpha toxin, C. bifermentens PLPC, although the percent identity between the N-terminal regions is much higher overall than that in the C-terminal domain.
Population aging in the People's Republic of China☆

This paper provides a factual assessment of China's population aging and its social and economic consequences. It is projected that China will have a substantially older population in the middle of the 21st century. Major policy implications concerning old age support and health care have been examined.
Chemical Sensors Based On Oxygen Detection By Optical Methods

Fluorescence quenching is shown to be a viable method of measuring oxygen concentration. Two oxygen/optical transducers based on fluorescence quenching have been developed and characterized: one is hydrophobic and the other is hydrophilic. The development of both transducers provides great flexibility in the application of fluorescence to oxygen measurement. One transducer is produced by entrapping a fluorophor, 9,10-diphenyl anthracene, in poly(dimethyl siloxane) to yield a homogeneous composite polymer matrix. The resulting matrix is hydrophobic. This transducer is extremely sensitive to PO2 as a result of oxygen quenching the fluorescence of 9,10-diphenyl anthracene. This quenching is utilized in the novel method employed to measure the transport properties of oxygen within Ulf 2matrix. Results show large values for the diffusion coefficient at 25°C, D = 3.5 x 10-5 cm /s. The fluorescence intensity varies inversely with P02. The second oxygen transducer is fabricated by entrapping 9,10-diphenyl anthracene in poly(hydroxy ethyl methacrylate). Free radical, room temperature polymerization is employed. This transducer is hydrophilic, and contains 37% water. The transport properties of oxygen within this transducer are compared with those of the hydrophobic transducer. The feasibility of generalizing the oxygen transducers to a wider class of chemical sensors through coupling to other chemistries is proposed. An example of such coupling is given in a glucose/oxygen transducer. The glucose transducer is produced by entrapping an enzyme, glucose oxidase, in the composite matrix of the hydrophilic oxygen transducer. Glucose oxidase catalyzes a reaction between glucose and oxygen, thereby lowering the local oxygen concentration. This transducer yields a glucose modified optical oxygen signal. The operation of this transducer and preliminary results of its characterization are presented.
Differential geometry of tensor product immersions II

In this article we obtain the best possible estimates of the type number of tensor product immersions and investigate tensor product immersions with lowest possible type. Several classification theorems in this respect are then proved.
Solvation Free Energies of the Nucleic Acid Bases

We present free energy perturbation calculations on the solvation free energies of the N-methylated nucleic acid bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil. This work demonstrates the importance of using thermodynamic cycles, a careful study of convergence, and the use of both single and dual perturbation topologies. We find that the calculated solvation free energies of 9-methyladenine and 1-methylthymine are close to available experimental data. Additionally, we predict the solvation free energies for 9-methylguanine, 1-methylcytosine, and 1-methyluracil. The topologies used in these perturbations can be directly applied to free energy studies of higher order nucleic acid structures.
Webmasters as mass media gatekeepers: a qualitative exploratory study

Eight college and university Webmasters in three midwestern states were interviewed to explore their communications practices and activities by applying a traditional mass media gatekeeping perspective. The results suggest that gatekeeping theory is a valuable approach for studying individuals responsible for the mediation of messages in the emerging online media. Webmasters’ personal characteristics and attitudes were found to influence their media content decisions, they share common values used to determine content and design, and they face a variety of organizational and related constraints, some exclusive to Web gatekeepers in an academic setting. Examples of gatekeeping activity and observations by the informants are presented, and suggestions for future research are included.
Formation of austenite during scuffing failure of SAE 4340 steel

Abstract Scuffing failure was induced in samples of SAE 4340 steel which had been quenched and annealed at several temperatures. Examination of worn areas using grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction revealed an austenitic phase at volume fractions of up to 60%. No dependence of austenite fraction on depth was observed for depths of up to 5.0 μm. No clear trend in austenite fraction after scuffing as a function of tempering temperature was found. One wear test was interrupted precisely during scuffing, and the worn areas of that sample showed 15% austenite. A fully scuffed sample of the same tempering temperature contained 60% austenite, while analysis of original material and contact areas prior to scuffing initiation revealed no austenite. Observations from the present work suggest that austenite formation was caused by scuffing and not the other way around. Austenite may have formed due to a rapid austenitization process, mechanical dissolution of carbides, or a diffusionless transformation. Once formed, the austenite may have been stabilized by stress or by small crystallite size, but not likely by compositional change. Use of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory was supported by the US Department of Energy under Contract W-31-109-ENG-38.
New Transistorized Sync Generator

The new transistorized synchronizing generator is described. It uses prewired modules with reduced space and power requirements compared to previous models. The following two versions are available: the 525-line, 60-field FCC system and the CCIR 625-line, 50-field system with interchangeable moduIes.
Favorable outcome of triploid neuroblastomas : a contribution to the special oncogenesis of neuroblastoma

There is a well-known association between patient outcome and tumor ploidy in neuroblastoma. To date, however, most clinical trials have not used this parameter for therapy stratification. Using conventional cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we investigated 36 tumors in terms of ploidy and chromosome 1 copy number (polysomy). In addition, interphase FISH for polysomy was performed on a second cohort of 440 neuroblastomas, together with the status of 1p, MYCN, and 11q. The main goals were as follows: (1) to assess the reliability of FISH to determine ploidy; (2) to illustrate associations between somy 1 and clinical/biologic factors; and (3) to investigate the role of somy 1 for predicting outcome. The comparison between karyotyping and FISH in the smaller cohort revealed 86% consistency between ploidy and polysomy (31/36). According to FISH, trisomic tumors in the second cohort showed structural chromosomal aberrations less frequently compared to di-/tetrasomic tumors (15 vs. 60%, P < 0.001). The portion of trisomic neuroblastomas was higher in stages 1, 2, and 4S versus stages 3 and 4 (55 vs. 24%, P < 0.001) and in children 18 months or younger versus those older than 18 months (55 vs. 19%, P < 0.001). Prognosis was significantly better for trisomic tumors versus di-/tetrasomic in the whole cohort [event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS), P < 0.001]. In the subgroup without abnormalities of other molecular markers, EFS of trisomic neuroblastomas was better (P = 0.048), but was most likely due to an unequal stage distribution. In further subgroups, in terms of age and stage, significance between the somy groups was not reached, neither for EFS nor OS. The multivariate analyses including age, stage, chromosomal markers, and somy 1 confirmed the lack of independent prognostic power for the copy number of chromosome 1. This study demonstrates the following: (1) FISH is a practical alternative to other more labor-intensive techniques for determining ploidy; (2) trisomic tumors correlate with younger age at diagnosis, localized stage, and the lack of structural alterations; and (3) polysomy is not an independent prognostic marker. The sharp decline of trisomic tumors after the age of 18 months supports the idea of different genetic tumor entities.
A New Parasite Threatens the Poultry Industry

Abstract A new injurious poultry parasite of great potential importance has appeared during the recent years at isolated points in the United States and Canada, and threatens to add to the parasite troubles which poultrymen are already called upon to face. This parasite, which we will call the feather mite, is closely related in form and general appearance to the common roost or chicken mite (Dermanyssus gallinae DeGeer) but is zoologically distinct from the latter species and possesses such dissimilar habits that entirely different controls are necessary. On account of its dangerous nature and the fact that a practical control has been developed it is important that every poultryman become familiar with this mite and its control, that incipient infestations may be early recognized and checked without delay. The identity of this new mite is somewhat in doubt. Entomologists are not as yet fully certain nor agreed as to the exact species . . .
Transmission expansion planning using an ac model: Formulations and possible relaxations

Transmission expansion planning (TEP) is a rather complicated process which requires extensive studies to determine when, where and how many transmission facilities are needed. A well planned power system will not only enhance the system reliability, but also tend to contribute positively to the overall system operating efficiency. Starting with two mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) models, this paper explores the possibility of applying AC-based models to the TEP problem. Two nonlinear programming (NLP) relaxation models are then proposed by relaxing the binary decision variables. A reformulation-linearization-technique (RLT) based relaxation model in which all the constraints are linearized is also presented and discussed in the paper. Garvers's 6-bus test system and the IEEE 24-bus system are used to test the performance of the proposed models and related solvers. A validation process guarantees that the resultant TEP plan is strictly AC feasible. The simulation results show that by using proper reformulations or relaxations, it is possible to apply the AC models to TEP problems and obtain a good solution.
Spontaneous calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum. A re-examination.

Abstract A recent study by Blayney and co-workers (Blayney, L., Thomas, H., Muir, J. and Henderson, A. (1977) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 470, 128–133) purported to demonstrate that apparent spontaneous calcium release in sarcoplasmic reticulum is an artifact of the uptake of murexide dye. This report demonstrates that spontaneous calcium release (1) takes place despite equilibration of murexide sarcoplasmic reticulum to a stable baseline; (2) may be reversed by addition of ATP or oxalate after release has begun. The identical phenomenon can be demonstrated utilizing the indicator arsenazo III or Millipore filtration methods. The results suggest that equilibration of the murexide with sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles must occur prior to ATP addition in order to achieve a stable baseline but that spontaneous calcium release is not an artifact.
Measurement of the motive force of the migrating slug ofDictyostelium discoideum by a centrifuge method

The motive force of the migrating slug of the cellular slime mouldDictyostelium discoideum was measured by the use of centrifugal force. Changes in shape of the slugs due to the use of centrifugal force were prevented by letting them migrate in an agar capillary. The motive force thus obtained was proportional to the slug volume, the value per unit volume being 5.8×106 dyne/cm3 (58 N/cm3). This is in good agreement with the value measured by the use of hydrostatic pressure.
Abstract 516: VDR overexpression restores tamoxifen responsiveness.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Breast cancer is classified as either Estrogen Receptor (ER) positive or ER negative, depending on the presence or absence of the ERα. Approximately, 70% of breast cancers express ERα, with tamoxifen being the most commonly used treatment. However, prolonged treatment often results in the development of acquired resistance, which has presented a major challenge in development of more effective therapeutics for breast cancer. While many studies have focused on understanding the mechanisms behind the development of tamoxifen resistance, few have been successfully implemented into clinical practice. To mimic acquired resistance, we have established a tamoxifen-resistant cell line by treating MCF-7 cells with tamoxifen over prolong period of time in order to select for the resistant phenotype. Our lab has preliminary data that suggest that the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7TamR) when compared to the parental MCF-7 cells. The role of VDR in tamoxifen resistance is unclear; however our preliminary data suggest that tamoxifen resistant cells transfected with a VDR overexpression plasmid displayed decrease cell proliferation when treated with tamoxifen in comparison to cells transfected with an empty vector, suggesting that restoring VDR expression may restore tamoxifen responsiveness. Data from this study will give us a better understanding about the role of VDR in the development of acquired resistance. Citation Format: Maggie C. Louie, Johnny Laim. VDR overexpression restores tamoxifen responsiveness. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 516. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-516
An early requirement for nkx2.5 ensures the first and second heart field ventricular identity and cardiac function into adulthood.

Abstract Temporally controlled mechanisms that define the unique features of ventricular and atrial cardiomyocyte identities are essential for the construction of a coordinated, morphologically intact heart. We have previously demonstrated an important role for nkx genes in maintaining ventricular identity, however, the specific timing of nkx 2.5 function in distinct cardiomyocyte populations has yet to be elucidated. Here, we show that heat-shock induction of a novel transgenic line, Tg(hsp 70 l:nkx 2.5 -EGFP) , during the initial stages of cardiomyocyte differentiation leads to rescue of chamber shape and identity in nkx 2.5 − / − embryos as chambers emerge. Intriguingly, our findings link an early role of this essential cardiac transcription factor with a later function. Moreover, these data reveal that nkx 2.5 is also required in the second heart field as the heart tube forms, reflecting the temporal delay in differentiation of this population. Thus, our results support a model in which nkx genes induce downstream targets that are necessary to maintain chamber-specific identity in both early- and late-differentiating cardiomyocytes at discrete stages in cardiac morphogenesis. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of nkx 2.5 during the first and second heart field development not only rescues the mutant phenotype, but also is sufficient for proper function of the adult heart. Taken together, these results shed new light on the stage-dependent mechanisms that sculpt chamber-specific cardiomyocytes and, therefore, have the potential to improve in vitro generation of ventricular cells to treat myocardial infarction and congenital heart disease.
Dysfunctional mitochondrial respiration in the wobbler mouse brain

The involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction promoting neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been suggested. Histopathological and biochemical mitochondrial abnormalities have been reported in both sporadic and familial patients and suggest the contention that mitochondria may play a key role promoting ALS. Animal models of ALS provide a unique opportunity to study this incurable and fatal human disease. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that alterations in mitochondrial physiology occur in the brain of wobbler mice. No significant difference was found in the respiratory control index or adenosine diphosphate/oxygen ratio values between isolated mitochondria of wobbler and control mice. When pyruvate and malate were used as substrates, oxygen consumption was decreased significantly by approximately 33% in mitochondria isolated from wobbler mouse brain compared to controls. Oxygen consumption in the presence of ascorbate and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) was decreased significantly by approximately 21% in wobbler brain mitochondria compared to controls, which suggests impairment in the function of complex IV. These findings are the first demonstration of mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction in the brain of the wobbler mouse.
Sampling Aspects of Blood Testing for Pullorum

Abstract POULTRYMEN throughout the United States are aware of the fact that pullorum disease, which was once a severe menace to the poultry industry, is now of relatively minor importance. Progress in the control of this disease in the last half century was made possible through the efforts of many outstanding workers in the field. The methods which have been formulated for the control and prevention of pullorum disease have been highly effective in reducing the incidence of outbreaks among flocks. Egg transmission of S. pullorum has been firmly established. However, it is rather difficult to arrive at a figure that represents the incidence of this organism in the eggs of reacting hens. Hinshaw et al. (1928) found that, out of 46 reactor hens, only 45.65 percent produced infected eggs. Of 871 eggs examined from these hens, only 10.44 percent were actually infected. Mallman and Moore (1936) reported that even with …
Effects of standard energy conserving measures on thermal comfort

Abstract Building energy performance simulation programs such as DOE-2 neglect thermal comfort. They basically assume that control of air temperature is synonymous with thermal comfort control. The present study accounts for other factors in thermal comfort such as air velocity and mean radiant temperature. A 31-story office building has been studied in both Chicago and Miami. DOE-2 was used to predict the building energy performance for three energy conservation measures. The output from DOE-2 was then used to determine the consequences on thermal comfort.
The morphogenesis of cell hairs on Drosophila wings.

Abstract We describe in this paper details of morphogenesis of wing hairs in Drosophila pupae. The ultimate objective is to relate specific protein components used in hair construction to specific components produced in the rapidly changing patterns of gene expression that are characteristic for the period of hair differentiation in wing cells ( H. K. Mitchell and N. S. Petersen, 1981 , Dev. Biol. 85, 233–242). Hair extrusion to essentially full size occurs quite suddenly at about 34 hr (postpupariation) and this is followed by deposition of a double-layer of cuticulin during the next 4 to 5 hr. Extreme changes in shape of cells and hairs, probably related to actin synthesis, then occur for the next 5 to 6 hr. Deposition of fibers within the hairs and on hair pedestals follows. Formation of cuticle on the cell surface begins and continues until some time in the 60-hr range. It appears that cuticle is formed only on the cell surface and not in hairs or on the top of hair pedestals. The protein synthesis patterns associated with these events are described.
Immunostimulatory DNA Sequences Necessary for Effective Intradermal Gene Immunization

Vaccination with naked DNA elicits cellular and humoral immune responses that have a T helper cell type 1 bias. However, plasmid vectors expressing large amounts of gene product do not necessarily induce immune responses to the encoded antigens. Instead, the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA (pDNA) requires short immunostimulatory DNA sequences (ISS) that contain a CpG dinucleotide in a particular base context. Human monocytes transfected with pDNA or double-stranded oligonucleotides containing the ISS, but not those transfected with ISS-deficient pDNA or oligonucleotides, transcribed large amounts of interferon-α, interferon-β, and interleukin-12. Although ISS are necessary for gene vaccination, they down-regulate gene expression and thus may interfere with gene replacement therapy by inducing proinflammatory cytokines.
Assessment of patient preferences among men with prostate cancer.

AbstractPurpose: We developed a self-administered paper based instrument to assess patient preferences quantified as utilities for common outcomes associated with the management of prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients was invited to test a self-administered paper based instrument designed to assess preferences for health outcomes associated with the management of localized prostate cancer. The 50 patients were selected from a group of 625 randomly identified men with prostate cancer who responded to a survey instrument designed to assess health related quality of life. The 50 patients selected for this pilot project were chosen because of the wide range of responses to the quality of life survey. Patient utilities were assessed for the 5 health states of overall quality of life, problems related to prostate cancer, and problems related to urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction.Results: Patients were able to complete the assigned tasks. The self-administered instrument had high test...
Fair Hamilton Decompositions of Complete Multipartite Graphs

A fair hamilton decomposition of the complete multipartite graph G is a set of hamilton cycles in G whose edges partition the edges of G in such a way that, for each pair of parts and for each pair of hamilton cycles H1 and H2, the difference in the number of edges in H1 and H2 joining vertices in these two parts is at most one. In this paper we completely settle the existence of such decompositions. The proof is constructive, using the method of amalgamations (graph homomorphisms).
Electron‐impact induced fragmentation of partially fluorinated β‐diketones

The ionic fragmentation of twelve partially fluorinated β-diketones, RCOCH2COCF3 was studied with a medium resolution mass spectrometer. In addition to the anticipated fragmentation by β-cleavage, a number of interesting rearrangements are observed. [CF3COCH2CO]+., an ion common to all of the compounds investigated, decomposes predominantly by elimination of HF. When R is an alkyl group containing hydrogen γ to the adgacent carbonyl, the McLafferty rearrangement occurs. The [RCOCH2CO]+.ion eliminates neutral RH when R is phenyl, thienyl, or cyclopropyl. An intense metastable peak, absent when R is an alkyl substituent, accompanies the rearrangement in these three compounds. A number of fragments characteristic of the R substituent are also observed in many cases. This is interpreted as indicating a considerable degree of charge localization on the R moiety.
Molecular Origin and Dynamic Behavior of Slip in Sheared Polymer Films

The behavior of the slip length in thin polymer films subject to planar shear is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. At low shear rates, the slip length extracted from the velocity profiles correlates well with that computed from a Green-Kubo analysis. Beyond chain lengths of about N = 10, the molecular weight dependence of the slip length is dominated strongly by the bulk viscosity. The dynamical response of the slip length with increasing shear rate is well captured by a power law up to a critical value where the momentum transfer between wall and fluid reaches its maximum.
Prevention of dog serum-induced aggregation of pig platelets.

SummaryDog serum-induced aggregation of pig platelets in plasma has been considered to be an in vitro model for xenograft rejection. In this paper it is shown that this aggregation can be reduced or totally prevented by pretreatment of the dog serum with certain synthetic fibrinolytic agents or pentosane polysulfo esters or by adding the latter to pig plasma. The common denominator of these compounds is their complement suppressing activity.
The Forensic Application of “Brain Fingerprinting:” Why Scientists Should Encourage the Use of P300 Memory Detection Methods

Forensic P300-based memory detection methods are based on the guilty knowledge test (GKT). The GKT also taps recognition memory for crime-related details, but does so by measuring autonomic nervous...
Molecular Cloning of the Transglutaminase Gene from Bacillus subtilis and Its Expression in Escherichia coli

We cloned and characterized a gene, tgl, encoding transglutaminase in Bacillus subtilis. The tgl gene contained a open reading frame 735-nucleotides long that encoded a 245-residue protein with the molecular weight of 28,300. The deduced amino acid sequence had little sequence similarity with sequences of other transglutaminases from a Streptoverticillium sp. or from mammals. The -10 and -35 regions of a putative promoter resembled the consensus sequence for the sigma K-dependent promoter. In addition, a sequence similar to the consensus sequence for the GerE binding site was found upstream from this region. These findings suggested that tgl was transcribed in the mother cells during a late stage of sporulation. Evidence for this suggestion was that transglutaminase activity was detected in sporulating cells during the same stage. Transglutaminase activity was detected in Escherichia coli cells transformed with a plasmid for expression of the tgl gene.
Formation and Decay of a Localized Region of High Excitation in Heavy-Ion-Induced Reactions

Proton-proton correlations were measured in $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-induced reactions on $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ at 400 MeV. Measurements at both small and large proton relative momenta indicate that a significant fraction of the correlated protons are emitted from a spatially localized region of high excitation.
Competence under challenge: exploring the protective influence of parental support and ethnic identity in Latino college students.

Abstract This longitudinal study examined the protective influence of psychological and family factors on academic achievement in 123 Latino college (101 Mexican American, 14 Central American, 8 mixed Mexican/Central American) students. Three cultural resources—ethnic identity, family interdependence, and parental support—were hypothesized as protective factors that modify the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage in a positive direction. The pattern of findings suggests that Latino students with greater psychological and family resources evidence greater academic achievement. After covarying between-person differences in gender and generational status, both ethnic identity and parental support moderated the effects of low socioeconomic status on academic achievement.
pH-Dependent Structure and Properties of TiO2/SiO2 Nanoparticle Multilayer Thin Films

We demonstrate that the structure and properties of layer-by-layer assembled multilayer thin films comprising positively charged TiO2 and negatively charged SiO2 nanoparticles can be varied by controlling assembly conditions. The average incremental thickness of the all-nanoparticle thin films after a pair of 7 nm TiO2 and 22 nm SiO2 nanoparticle adsorption steps was strongly dependent on the pH of each nanoparticle suspension, varying from a few nanometers to 30 nm. The surface charge density of the adsorbing nanoparticles and that of the previously adsorbed nanoparticle layers are the crucial factors in determining the average bilayer thickness of the films. Zeta-potential measurements of polystyrene microspheres coated with TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticle multilayers indicated that incomplete charge reversal after the deposition of nanoparticles leads to a very small thickness increase at each adsorption step, whereas complete charge reversal results in significantly larger thickness increments. Other film char...
Covariance control design for Hubble Space Telescope

To improve the response to unexpected thermally induced disturbances, two new controllers are designed for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) using covariance control techniques. The first controller minimizes the required control effort subject to inequality constraints on the output covariance matrix. The second controller is designed to satisfy both output covariance constraints and controller covariance constraints. The importance of the controller covariance constraint is to properly scale the controller for digital implementation in the control computer using fixed-point arithmetic. We provide a technique to integrate modeling, control design, and signal processing (in HST's fixed-point control computer), since these problems are not separable. Covariance control can easily accommodate the roundoff error and computational time delay. Compared with the existing HST controller design, the results show that the required pointing error specifications can be achieved with 85% less control effort and that the error due to the finite-wordlength implementation of the controller can easily be included in the optimal control design process.
Radial optic neurotomy as treatment for central retinal vein occlusion

Abstract Purpose To review our initial experience with radial optic neurotomy as treatment for retinal vein occlusion. Design Interventional case series. Methods Patient population: five patients (four with central retinal vein occlusion and one with hemiretinal vein occlusion). Intervention Pars plana vitrectomy with radial optic neurotomy was performed in each case. Main outcome measures Best-corrected visual acuity, presence of macular edema, perfusion status, and time to venous phase of the angiogram were reviewed retrospectively. Results Mean preoperative visual acuity was 4/200. Preoperatively, the vein occlusion was perfused in one (20%), nonperfused in one (20%), and indeterminate in three (60%). Mean follow-up time was 4.5 months. Mean postoperative visual acuity was 20/400 at last follow-up. Four patients (80%) had improvement in visual acuity and one (20%) worsened. Two patients (40%) improved to 20/80 postoperatively. In four cases (80%), disk congestion improved and intraretinal hemorrhage reabsorbed more quickly than would be expected without treatment. Time to the venous phase of fluorescein angiography improved slightly in three cases (60%) postoperatively. Perfusion status as determined by fluorescein angiography was not significantly altered postoperatively. One patient (20%) had resolution of macular edema postoperatively as shown by volumetric optical coherence tomography. One patient developed choroidovitreal neovascularization and one developed iris neovascularization postoperatively, both of which responded to panretinal photocoagulation. Conclusion Radial optic neurotomy may improve visual acuity in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion, although choroidovitreal neovascularization from the neurotomy site can occur. Further study is needed to determine its role in the management of central vein occlusion.
Anomic Strain and External Constraints: A Reassessment of Merton’s Anomie/Strain Theory Using Data From Ukraine

This study provides a new assessment of Merton's anomie/strain theory and fills in several gaps in the literature. First, using the data from the sample of adolescents in an especially suitable and interesting setting, post-Soviet Ukraine, it investigates the applicability of the theory to this context and reveals that predictive powers of anomic strain may be influenced by larger sociocultural environments. Second, it evaluates the possibility of theoretical elaboration of Merton's theory through identifying contingencies such as external constraints on behavior and finds limited support for moderating effects of perceptions of risks of sanctioning and social bonds on anomic strain-delinquency relationships. Finally, it confirms that additional clarifications of the concept of anomic strain may be promising.
Improving multi-view peer-to-peer live streaming systems with the divide-and-conquer strategy

Multi-view peer-to-peer (P2P) live streaming systems have recently emerged, where a user is allowed to simultaneously watch one or multiple channels. Previous work on building multi-view P2P streaming systems requires network coding in data block scheduling within each channel, since it solves the fundamental inter-channel bandwidth competition problem at the individual peer level. Therefore, it limits the migration from existing single-view systems to multi-view systems. In this paper, we propose a new protocol, called divide-and-conquer (DAC), which provides a flexible way of building multi-view P2P streaming systems based on existing single-view systems. Specifically, the DAC protocol solves the inter-channel bandwidth competition problem at the channel level based on a divide-and-conquer strategy. Our extensive packet level simulations show that our DAC protocol achieves the three design goals: flexibility, efficiency and scalability.
Susceptibility of Mice to Infection with the Mahoney Strain of Type 1 Poliomyelitis Virus.

SummaryCriss-cross passages between mice and tissue cultures resulted in the adaptation of Type 1 (Mahoney) poliomyelitis virus to the intracerebral route in mice.
Radial growth rate increases in naturally occurring ponderosa pine trees: a late‐20th century CO2 fertilization effect?

Summary • The primary objective of this study was to determine if gradually increasing levels of atmospheric CO 2 , as opposed to ‘step’ increases commonly employed in controlled studies, have a positive impact on radial growth rates of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ) in natural environments, and to determine the spatial extent and variability of this growth enhancement. •W e developed a series of tree-ring chronologies from minimally disturbed sites across a spectrum of environmental conditions. A series of difference of means tests were used to compare radial growth post-1950, when the impacts of rising atmospheric CO 2 are best expressed, with that pre-1950. Spearman’s correlation was used to relate site stress to growth-rate changes. • Significant increases in radial growth rates occurred post-1950, especially during drought years, with the greatest increases generally found at the most water-limited sites. Site harshness is positively related to enhanced radial growth rates. • Atmospheric CO 2 fertilization is probably operative, having a positive effect on radial growth rates of ponderosa pine through increasing water-use efficiency. A CO 2 -driven growth enhancement may affect ponderosa pine growing under both natural and controlled conditions.
Harsanyi Type Spaces and Final Coalgebras Constructed from Satisfied Theories

This paper connects coalgebra with a long discussion in the foundations of game theory on the modeling of type spaces. We argue that type spaces are coalgebras, that universal type spaces are final coalgebras, and that the modal logics already proposed in the economic theory literature are closely related to those in recent work in coalgebraic modal logic. In the other direction, the categories of interest in this work are usually measurable spaces or compact (Hausdorff) topological spaces. A coalgebraic version of the construction of the universal type space due to Heifetz and Samet Journal of Economic Theory 82 (2) (1998) 324--341] is generalized for some functors in those categories. Since the concrete categories of interest have not been explored so deeply in the coalgebra literature, we have some new results. We show that every functor on the category of measurable spaces built from constant functors, products, coproducts, and the probability measure space functor has a final coalgebra. Moreover, we construct this final coalgebra from the relevant version of coalgebraic modal logic. Specifically, we consider the set of theories of points in all coalgebras and endow this set with a measurable and coalgebra structure.
A Novel Benzodiazepine Selectively Inhibits Keratinocyte Proliferation and Reduces Retinoid-Induced Epidermal Hyperplasia in Organ-Cultured Human Skin

Bz-423 is a new benzodiazepine that has cytotoxic and cytostatic effects against a number of cell types in culture, and recent studies have shown efficacy in experimental lupus models in rodents. The present study demonstrates that treating human skin in organ culture with Bz-423 suppresses retinoid-induced epidermal hyperplasia. Bz-423 suppresses hyperplasia in organ culture at concentrations that also inhibit keratinocyte proliferation in monolayer culture but that are not cytotoxic for keratinocytes and do not inhibit fibroblast growth. Under conditions in which keratinocyte proliferation is inhibited, there is no measurable effect on epidermal growth factor receptor activation, but there is reduced signaling at the level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Suppression of keratinocyte growth by Bz-423 is associated with generation of intracellular oxidants. However, antioxidant treatment reduces keratinocyte cytotoxicity that occurs at high concentrations of Bz-423, but it does not inhibit growth suppression. Together, these data suggest that Bz-423 has the potential to limit the untoward effects associated with topical retinoid treatment, and in addition, may have therapeutic effects against other forms of epidermal hyperplasia.