cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-Body Phenomenology for Elementary Particle Systems

Today, and for the next several years, the few-body theorist who is willing to confront data directly, has a unique opportunity to make contributions of significance and broad interest in Elementary Particle Physics. The contributed works at this meeting, for the most part, have ignored such possibilities, and rather than review these papers (which speak clearly for themselves), I shall try to present, what I hope, are new horizons for many of you.
Purification and characterization of a second form of acid lipase in human liver

We describe here the purification and characterization of a form of acid lipase from human liver (designated ALII), which differed from the more abundant Mr-29000 form (ALI). ALII was solubilized from frozen human liver with Triton X-100 and purified 8500-fold by chromatography over concanavalin A-sepharose, CM-cellulose and finally h.p.l.c. over a Mono S column. ALII migrated as a single band on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in both the presence and the absence of SDS. The Mr of ALII was estimated to be 58,500 by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200 gave an apparent Mr of 69,000. 4-Methylumbelliferyl (4MU) palmitate, cholesterol oleate and triolein were substrates for ALII, with apparent Vmax values of 5000, 1100 and 2500 nmol/min per mg respectively and Km values of 1.0, 1.5 and 1.8 mM respectively. Cholesterol oleate and triolein were hydrolysed optimally by ALII at pH 4.5, whereas 4MU palmitate was hydrolysed optimally at pH 5.3. Antisera were raised against ALI and ALII and, on immunoblot analysis, no antigenic similarity was observed between ALI and ALII. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis followed by reaction with 4MU palmitate revealed two forms of lipase, corresponding to ALI and ALII. The two enzymes were also separated by hydrophobic chromatography. The activity of ALII was stimulated by several proteins and was partially inhibited by millimolar concentrations of NaCl, CaCl2 and MgSO4.
Quantum phase transitions of metals in two spatial dimensions: I. Ising-nematic order

We present a renormalization-group theory for the onset of Ising-nematic order in a Fermi liquid in two spatial dimensions. This is a quantum phase transition, driven by electron interactions, which spontaneously reduces the point-group symmetry from square to rectangular. The critical point is described by an infinite set of $2+1$-dimensional local field theories, labeled by points on the Fermi surface. Each field theory contains a real scalar field representing the Ising order parameter and fermionic fields representing a time-reversed pair of patches on the Fermi surface. We demonstrate that the field theories obey compatibility constraints required by our redundant representation of the underlying degrees of freedom. Scaling forms for the response functions are proposed and supported by computations up to three loops. Extensions of our results to other transitions of two-dimensional Fermi liquids with broken point-group and/or time-reversal symmetry are noted. Our results extend also to the problem of a Fermi surface coupled to a U(1) gauge field.
Effects and noneffects of input in bilingual environments on dual language skills in 2 ½-year-olds

Recent findings suggest some properties of input in dual-language environments that influence its value for bilingual development, but the extant data base is small and sometimes inconclusive. The present study sought additional evidence regarding three quality indicators: the percent of input provided by native speakers, the number of different speakers providing input, and the frequency of language mixing. Participants were 90 thirty-month-olds exposed to Spanish and English. Using the Language Diary method to assess input and using multiple measures of children's bilingual skills, results replicated previous findings that the percent of input provided by native speakers is a positive quality indicator and found suggestive evidence that the number of speakers is also a positive quality indicator. There was little evidence that the frequency of language mixing is a negative indicator. These findings advance understanding of sources of variability in bilingual outcomes and have implications for programs to support bilingual development.
Age-related changes in male gonadal function : Implications for therapy

In contrast with women, who experience a complete and abrupt cessation of ovarian function during the menopause, aging men largely maintain their testicular androgen production. Nevertheless, most cross-sectional studies indicate that there is a partial decrease in testosterone levels with aging, although this has not been confirmed by other studies. The disparity among studies stems from differences in study design, patient numbers, assay techniques and inclusion criteria. Proposed mechanisms for an age-associated decline in testosterone production include: (i) defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis; (ii) an increase in sex hormone binding globulin levels; (iii) environmental factors; (iv) medication use; and (v) chronic illness. The potential beneficial effects of testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men include increased bone density, increased muscle strength, an improved feeling of well-being and an improved metabolic profile. These benefits need to be weighted against the potential risks of androgen therapy, such as erythrocytosis, sleep apnoea, and the stimulation of benign prostatic hypertrophy or an occult prostate malignancy. Consequently, androgen replacement should be used with caution in elderly men with hypogonadism until the results of well-controlled prospective studies are available.
Structural anisotropy of normal fault surfaces

Abstract Precise description of natural fault surfaces is indispensable to understanding the geometry, mechanics and fluid transport properties of faults. Profiles of fault surfaces in the Wasatch fault zone and Oquirrh Mountains, Utah, are measured at 30° increments within the fault plane to determine the directional anisotropy of surface roughness at wavelengths between 10 −3 m and 30 m, and then compared with profiles of larger-scale fault surfaces. Surface anisotropy and an increasing ratio of surface amplitude to wavelength are consistent with self-affine fault topography at wavelengths between 1 mm and approximately 5 km. Fractal dimension of surface profiles generally decreases systematically as the angle to the slip direction increases. Directional anisotropy is described by an azimuthal scaling function γ φ = K sin( φ ) + γ 0 or AF φ = ( AF max −1) sin( φ ) + 1, where γ φ and AF φ are the amplitude to wavelength ratio and anisotropy factor respectively at azimuth φ, measured clockwise relative to slip direction within the fault surface, and γ 0 is the amplitude to wavelength ratio parallel to slip direction. K = ( γ 90 − γ 0 ) is an anisotropy coefficient and increases systematically with spatial wavelength on the fault surface. Characterization of natural fault surfaces provides parameters such as fractal dimension ( D ), intercept (log( C )) of power spectra, profile variance, and variation in anisotropy factor ( AF ), which are needed to generate fractal models of natural fault surfaces using spectral synthesis. We generate sample models which illustrate the differences between fault surfaces characterized by constant versus azimuthally varying fractal dimension. The latter model surfaces contain low amplitude corrugations superimposed on elongate ridges which parallel slip direction. This surface texture resembles that of natural fault surfaces that refract across lithologic layering or are cut by secondary faults such as R and R ′ shears.
Assessing Risk of a Serious Failure Mode Based on Limited Field Data

Many consumer products are designed and manufactured so that the probability of failure during the technological life of the product is small. Most product units in the field retire before they fail. Even though the number of failures of such products is small, there is still a need to model and predict field failures for purposes of risk assessment in applications that involve safety. Challenges in the modeling and prediction of failures arise because the retirement times are often unknown, few failures have been reported, and there are delays in field failure reporting. Motivated by an application to assess the risk of failure for a particular product, we develop a statistical prediction procedure that considers the impact of product retirements and reporting delays. Based on the developed method, we provide the point predictions for the cumulative number of reported failures over a future time period, and corresponding prediction intervals to quantify uncertainty. We also conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of different assumptions on failure-time and retirement distributions.
Poly(O‐anisidine) coatings electrodeposited onto AL‐2024: Synthesis, characterization, and corrosion protection evaluation

Poly(O-anisidine) coating was successfully electrodeposited onto Al-2024. Cyclic voltammetry and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIR) analysis were carried out in order to fully understand the formation and structure of the resulting polymer coating. RAIR spectrum showed the characteristics peaks of poly(O-anisidine). As the reaction time was varied, the CV peak shifted from 0.75 to 0.81 V vs. SCE suggesting that a change in structure of the polymer from a reduced state to a partially oxidized form has occurred. UV spectrum showed two peaks at 320 and 620 nm suggesting the presence of conjugation on the polymer backbone. The deposition of the poly(O-anisidine) onto the substrate was controlled by nucleation and growth mechanism. DC polarization technique was used to evaluate the corrosion protection offered by poly(O-anisidine) coatings. Preliminarily data shows that these coatings help to ennoble the surface of the substrate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 291–297, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20024
Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of general and disease-specific quality of life measures in a clinical trial for cytomegalovirus retinitis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate a questionnaire for assessing general and disease-specific quality of life among people with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of data from 279 people enrolled in the CMV Retinitis Retreatment Trial were used. At baseline, Cronbach's alpha and multitrait analysis were used to assess internal consistency and discriminant construct validity for scales of general health, vision, and treatment impact. Associations of scales with clinical measures of health and vision were assessed at baseline with Pearson correlations and t tests, and over time with generalized estimating equations regression. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from .68 to .88. Criteria for discriminant validity were fulfilled for most scales; however, the general health perceptions and energy scales were highly correlated. Scales were moderately correlated with clinical measures at baseline. Over time, scale scores were associated with Karnofsky scores and clinical measures of CMV retinitis and vision. General and CMV retinitis-specific quality of life measures appear reliable, valid, and responsive.
Evaluation of the electron-phonon interaction and transition temperature in the oxide superconductors

The Allen-Dynes equation applicable to the oxide superconductors is studied, which shows that for moderate values of the electron-phonon coupling constant the superconducting transition temperature is found in the range of 100 K. This result is based on an approximate evaluation of large values of the McMillan-Hopfield parameter and evidence from frozen-phonon calculations that strong ionic character in the copper oxide superconductors invalidates the rigid muffintin approximation.
Pharmacological investigation of mitochondrial ca(2+) transport in central neurons: studies with CGP-37157, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger.

Mitochondria buffer large changes in [Ca(2+)](i)following an excitotoxic glutamate stimulus. Mitochondrial sequestration of [Ca(2+)](i)can beneficially stimulate oxidative metabolism and ATP production. However, Ca(2+)overload may have deleterious effects on mitochondrial function and cell survival, particularly Ca(2+)-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the mitochondria. We recently demonstrated that the mitochondrial Na(+)-Ca(2+)exchanger in neurons is selectively inhibited by CGP-37157, a benzothiazepine analogue of diltiazem. In the present series of experiments we investigated the effects of CGP-37157 on mitochondrial functions regulated by Ca(2+). Our data showed that 25 microM CGP-37157 quenches DCF fluorescence similar to 100 microM glutamate and this effect was enhanced when the two stimuli were applied together. CGP-37157 did not increase ROS generation and did not alter glutamate or 3mM hydrogen-peroxide-induced increases in ROS as measured by DHE fluorescence. CGP-37157 induces a slight decrease in intracellular pH, much less than that of glutamate. In addition, CGP-37157 does not enhance intracellular acidification induced by glutamate. Although it is possible that CGP-37157 can enhance mitochondrial respiration both by blocking Ca(2+)cycling and by elevating intramitochondrial Ca(2+), we did not observe any changes in ATP levels or toxicity either in the presence or absence of glutamate. Finally, mitochondrial Ca(2+)uptake during an excitotoxic glutamate stimulus was only slightly enhanced by inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+)efflux. Thus, although CGP-37157 alters mitochondrial Ca(2+)efflux in neurons, the inhibition of Na(+)-Ca(2+)exchange does not profoundly alter glutamate-mediated changes in mitochondrial function or mitochondrial Ca(2+)content.
The escape of a segment of a tilt boundary from a partially pinned tilt boundary configuration

Small angle tilt boundaries have been observed in many crystals. These boundaries are known to be made up of an array of edge dislocations which lie on different slip planes. The objective of this present work is to determine the critical applied stress for the escape of a group of dislocations from a partially pinned tilt boundary configuration for different bow-out (N) using an exact numerical solution. This latter case should correspond to boundaries that are more heavily pinned than in the previous study. The critical stress for a breakaway of a segment of a tilt boundary from an otherwise pinned boundary configuration is determined. For segment lengths containing greater than 13 dislocations, the result is consistent with a simple constant energy per unit area model. For smaller segment lengths, an exact result is needed. The magnitude of the constant energy per unit area is specific to a given configuration so that the model cannot be extended from one case to another.
Tubulointerstitial nephritis due to vancomycin.

Vancomycin was used to treat a patient with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis. After 3 weeks of therapy, the patient developed a diffuse maculopapular rash, which resolved upon stopping the drug. Rechallenge with vancomycin several days later resulted in reappearance of the rash and rapid onset of acute anuric renal failure. Renal biopsy revealed acute granulomatous interstitial nephritis. This is the first report of biopsy-proven vancomycininduced acute interstitial nephritis. Renal function should be monitored closely in patients receiving vancomycin therapy.
The one-dimensional Van der Waals gas

Abstract The Van der Waals gas with long but finite attractive potential is studied in one dimension. The exponent of the integrand in the partition function is expanded to fourth order (“third Van der Waals approximation‘). The fourth-order term has the effect of rounding off the singularity at the Van der Waals critical point, and replacing it with a rather sharp but analytic transition.
Microcantilever system incorporating internal resonance for multi-harmonic atomic force microscopy

We report a new design concept of micromechanical cantilever system incorporating the 1∶3 internal resonance during dynamic mode operation of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The passive amplification of third harmonic triggered through the mechanism of 1∶3 internal resonance enables AFM to utilize multiple harmonics in an air environment. Detailed theoretical and experimental studies of the proposed design demonstrate that the multi-harmonic AFM (MH-AFM) is capable of simultaneous topography imaging and compositional mapping with more than 10-fold enhanced sensitivity.
Identification of an Aminothiazole with Antifungal Activity against Intracellular Histoplasma capsulatum

ABSTRACT As eukaryotes, fungi possess relatively few molecules sufficiently unique from mammalian cell components to be used as drug targets. Consequently, most current antifungals have significant host cell toxicity. Primary fungal pathogens (e.g., Histoplasma) are of particular concern, as few antifungals are effective in treating them. To identify additional antifungal candidates for the treatment of histoplasmosis, we developed a high-throughput platform for monitoring Histoplasma growth and employed it in a phenotypic screen of 3,600 commercially available compounds. Seven hit compounds that inhibited Histoplasma yeast growth were identified. Compound 41F5 has fungistatic activity against Histoplasma yeast at micromolar concentrations, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of 0.87 μM, and has the greatest selectivity for yeast (at least 62-fold) relative to host cells. Structurally, 41F5 consists of an aminothiazole core with an alicyclic substituent at the 2-position and an aromatic substituent at the 5-position. 41F5 inhibits Histoplasma growth in liquid culture and similarly inhibits yeast cells within macrophages, the actual host environment of this fungal pathogen during infection. Importantly, 41F5 protects infected host cells from Histoplasma-induced macrophage death, making this aminothiazole hit compound an excellent candidate for development as an antifungal for Histoplasma infections.
Methyl green-pyronin for staining autoradiographs of hydroxyethyl methacrylate-embedded lymphoid tissue.

Cells in the spleen in DNA-synthesis were labelled with tritiated thymidine. Tissue was fixed for 12 hr in 10% neutral formalin, washed for 4 hr in tap water and dehydrated through 70% and absolute ethanol. The tissue blocks were infiltrated overnight with a mixture consisting of glycol methacrylate, 80 ml; polyethylene glycol 400, 12 ml; and benzoyl peroxide, 0.27 gm. Specimens were cast in BEEM capsules with the final embedding medium consisting of 42 parts of the infiltration medium and 1 part of an acceleration mixture. This mixture consisted of N,N-dimethylaniline, 1 part and polyethylene glycol 400, 15 parts. The blocks hardened in 30 min and were sectioned with an ultramicrotome fitted with glass knives. Sections were coated with Ilford K5 liquid emulsion and exposed for 2 wk. Methyl green-pyronin staining of autoradiographs was carried out at pH 4.1 in acetate buffer containing 0.5% methyl green (Allied Chemicals) and 0.2% pyronin GS (Chroma). Staining was for 30-60 min, after which sections were ...
Re-wilding Europe's traditional agricultural landscapes: Values and the link between science and practice

Landscape and Urban Planning encourages multiple perspectives and approaches to help understand landscapes as social-ecological systems, with the goal that by building a robust science of landscape we can provide sustainable solutions for guiding its change. But the link between science and practice, or more simply put, between knowledge and action, is not always clear or easy to accomplish, and while multiple perspectives may help build a robust science, they may not always converge on a shared solution.
Formation of ohmic contacts to ultra-thin channel AlN/GaN HEMTs

AlN/GaN-based high electron mobility transistors with ultra-thin AlN barriers of 2.3 - 5 nm are attractive candidates for very high speed applications owing to the aggressive scalability such structures afford. We report the first study on formation of ohmic contacts to these high quality ultra-thin channel heterostructures (ns > 1x1013 cm–2 and μ > 900 cm2/Vs) with systematically varying barrier thicknesses. While the conventional ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN structures generally require high temperature annealing, these ohmic contacts were found to behave ohmic or near ohmic as-deposited. Annealing (400-860 0C) improves the contact resistance to a range of 0.8 - 2 ohm-mm but the annealing conditions strongly depend on the AlN thickness as well as the heterostructure quality (μ). All alloyed contacts show smooth morphology, making them suitable for e-beam lithographically defined gate patterning. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interaction matrix uncertainty in active (and adaptive) optics

Uncertainty in the interaction matrix between sensors and actuators can lead to performance degradation or instability in control of segmented mirrors (typically the telescope primary). The interaction matrix is ill conditioned, and thus the position estimate required for control can be highly sensitive to small errors in knowledge of the matrix, due to uncertainty or temporal variations. The robustness to different types of uncertainty is bounded here using the small gain theorem and structured singular values. The control is quite robust to moderate uncertainty in actuator gain, sensor gain, or the ratio of sensor dihedral and height sensitivity. However, the control is extremely sensitive to small errors in geometry, with the maximum error that can be tolerated scaling inversely with the number of segments. The same tools can be applied to adaptive optics; however, the interaction matrix here is better conditioned and so uncertainty is less of an issue, with the tolerable error scaling inversely with the square root of the number of actuators.
Kirton's A–I theory: Evidence bearing on the style/level and factor composition issues

Two central issues concerning M. J. Kirton's adaption–innovation (A–I) theory, the style vs. level issue and the issue of factor number, are reviewed in terms of existing empirical research. Direct tests of those two issues as they apply to A–I theory indicate that Kirton's position holds. Although the directly applicable evidence is not extensive, that which is available supports Kirton's distinction between style and level of creativity and a simple three-factor structure underlying the hypothesized AI continuum. These two findings support the conceptualization of creativity as a non-homogeneous, differentiated set of psychological processes.
Activation and inactivation of cyclo-oxygenase in rat alveolar macrophages by aqueous cigarette tar extracts

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) activity and its level of expression, the release of arachidonic acid (AA), and the accumulation of prostaglandins (PGs) were determined in isolated rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) exposed to aqueous cigarette tar (ACT) extracts. COX activity increased 3-fold above the initial activity within 2 h of incubation with ACT extracts and gradually decreased below the initial activity after 8 h of incubation. The increased COX activity after 2 h of incubation did not lead to increased accumulation of PGE2. Accumulated levels of PGE2 increased dramatically after 12 h of incubation despite decreased COX activity in cells incubated with ACT extracts. This increased accumulation of PGE2 was greater in cells derived from vitamin E deficient rats compared with control rats. Release of AA from cells was dramatically increased in cells incubated with ACT extracts in parallel to PG accumulation. Thus increased accumulation of PGE2 despite decreased COX activity after 12 h of incubation is likely the result of increased substrate availability. These results suggest that, contrary to earlier reports, cigarette smoke stimulates the formation of PGs in alveolar macrophages. Increased PG production may lead to suppressed immune response and enhanced risk of tumorigenesis in smokers' lungs.
Steady-state cord and amniotic fluid ceftizoxime levels continuously surpass maternal levels

As part of our management protocol for preterm premature rupture of membranes, ceftizoxime and tocolysis were used to prolong the latent period and prevent or treat concomitant infection. Ceftizoxime was selected for this protocol based on its physiochemical properties, which favor placental transfer of the drug. Patients achieving steady-state pharmacodynamics (more than three doses of the drug) were considered eligible for study. Ceftizoxime levels were determined by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. All levels measured after the first hour of treatment were indicative of the relative concentration of ceftizoxime in the fetal and amniotic fluid compartments when compared with the maternal compartment. Mean (±SEM) ceftizoxime levels were 11.96 + 2.35 μg/ml in maternal serum, 24.54 ± 4.78 μg/ml in cord serum, and 43.45 ± 4.97 μg/ml in amniotic fluid. Based on its broad antibacterial activity and its high concentration in fetal blood and amniotic fluid, ceftizoxime appears to be an ideal agent for treatment of the intrauterine environment.
Whitney preserving functions

Abstract The notion of being a Whitney preserving map is introduced. Conditions are given on a space X in order that a Whitney preserving function f from X to the unit interval is a homeomorphism.
Viscerosomatic interactions in the thalamic ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) of the squirrel monkey.

Abstract In anesthetized squirrel monkeys single cell recordings were performed using tungsten microelectrodes. The responses of 29 viscerosomatoceptive and somatoceptive VPL neurons to noxious distension of the urinary bladder, the lower esophagus and the distal colon and to innocuous and noxious somatic stimuli were assessed when these stimuli were presented separately or together. Neuronal responses were defined as additive or interactive depending on the relative changes in responses to individual somatic or visceral stimuli, and on their responses during conditioning (somatic and visceral stimuli applied concurrently). In 13 neurons interactions between the somatosensory and visceral inputs could be demonstrated. The dominant interactive effect was inhibition, although facilitatory effects were seen as well (2 of 13). The magnitude or direction of the interactions seemed independent of the location of the somatic and visceral receptive fields. The mean population response of the neurons showing interactions was 4.66 spikes/s to somatic stimulation, and 0.07 spikes/s to visceral stimulation. During conditioning the mean interactive effect was −62% of the calculated additive effect. This implies that overall the somatic responses are halved during a coincident visceral stimulus. In a subgroup of the VPL neurons, which were classified as pure somatic responsive (n=14) due to their unresponsiveness during visceral stimulation alone, a third (n=5) still exhibited visceral convergence during conditioning. The latter neurons, therefore, receive visceral inputs, which function in a purely interactive (modulatory) manner. It is concluded that part of the described effects is due to competition (cross modality suppression) between the visceral and somatic inputs. We further conclude that the suppression of somatic information by noxious visceral stimuli may contribute to a more effective processing of the discriminatory aspects of nociceptive visceral information previously demonstrated in VPL.
Early changes in the arterial wall of chickens fed a cholesterol diet

Abstract A total of 160 1–2 day old chickens were fed a 2% cholesterol diet for a period of 8 to 42 days and compared with an equal number of controls. Aortas were analyzed for various indexes of reactivity of connective tissue, cholesterol content and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characteristics of the endothelial lining. Cholesterol feeding for a period up to 6 weeks resulted in doubling the level of serum cholesterol. It was, however, without effect on the activity of prolyl hydroxylase, lysyl oxidase, collagenase and collagen content in the aortic wall. As early as 3 weeks of feeding significant changes occurred in total and esterified cholesterol content. At the same time endothelial cells were characteristically contracted with several long cytoplasmic elongations and protrusions. A significant decrease of activity of the above enzymes was found in aortic tissue with increased age of the chicken. Collagen content in aortas increased with age of chickens. It is concluded that cholesterol as an atherogenic agent induces marked changes in endothelial cells and lipids of chicken aorta at earlier periods, prior to the activation of connective tissue.
Adsorption Interactions of Aromatics and Heteroaromatics with Hydrated and Dehydrated Silica Surfaces by Raman and FTIR Spectroscopies

Raman and FTIR spectroscopies are used to investigate the sorption mechanisms of benzene, toluene, and 2- and 4-picoline onto silica as models for volatile aromatic pollutant interactions with a soil constituent. Benzene and toluene vapor adsorption on silica occurs via weak π-system−hydrogen bonding with silanols on the silica surface. This weak interaction would likely result in low vadose zone retention, especially in wet conditions where water adsorption would successfully compete for surface sites. The vapor adsorption of 2- and 4-picoline (2- and 4-methylpyridine) is studied to model aza-arene environmental contaminants. These species adsorb to surface silanols by a more specific and stronger hydrogen-bonding mechanism involving the lone pair electrons on the N atom. The strength of these interactions is probably sufficient to result in their retention by dry or damp vadose zone soil, slowing their transport. This work illustrates the utility of these vibrational spectroscopic techniques in elucidat...
Three-dimensional structure and membrane specializations of moth excitatory neuromuscular synapse.

The three-dimensional structure and membrane specializations of the moth fast excitatory neuromuscular junction are qualitatively similar to those in fast vertebrate muscles. Both types of neuromuscular junction have linear, repeating presynaptic active zones, each of which lies over an aggregate of membrane particles on a process or fold of the muscle. The aggregates are congruent with the presumed sites of the postsynaptic receptors. Glial processes alternate with the muscle processes and curve around the nerve between the active zones. However, this presumed glutamate junction and the cholinergic neuromuscular junctions of vertebrates differ in two major ways. In the moth, there is an elaborate interdigitation of muscle and glial processes which is lacking in vertebrate synapses. Further, in the postsynaptic membrane of the moth the intramembrouns particles cleave with the external membrane leaflet instead of with the inner one. This latter difference, in conjunction with the particle distributions observed at other types of chemical synapse, is consistent with the hypothesis that there are morphological characteristics in membrane structure that reflect specific types of receptor-ion channel complexes.
Thermosensory processing in the Drosophila brain

In Drosophila, just as in vertebrates, changes in external temperature are encoded by bidirectional opponent thermoreceptor cells: some cells are excited by warming and inhibited by cooling, whereas others are excited by cooling and inhibited by warming. The central circuits that process these signals are not understood. In Drosophila, a specific brain region receives input from thermoreceptor cells. Here we show that distinct genetically identified projection neurons (PNs) in this brain region are excited by cooling, warming, or both. The PNs excited by cooling receive mainly feed-forward excitation from cool thermoreceptors. In contrast, the PNs excited by warming ('warm-PNs') receive both excitation from warm thermoreceptors and crossover inhibition from cool thermoreceptors through inhibitory interneurons. Notably, this crossover inhibition elicits warming-evoked excitation, because warming suppresses tonic activity in cool thermoreceptors. This in turn disinhibits warm-PNs and sums with feed-forward excitation evoked by warming. Crossover inhibition could cancel non-thermal activity (noise) that is positively correlated among warm and cool thermoreceptor cells, while reinforcing thermal activity which is anti-correlated. Our results show how central circuits can combine signals from bidirectional opponent neurons to construct sensitive and robust neural codes.
Cell surface oligosaccharide modulation during differentiation: VI. The effect of biomodulation on the senescent and neoplastic cell phenotype.

Abstract These investigations test the hypothesis developed previously, that there are biomolecules which control and integrate cellular differentiation. Our specific interest in cellular differentiation lies in the area of what we refer to as basal or primitive cellular differentiation mechanisms. These mechanisms are common to all cells, and are required for simple recognition and growth regulation. We have investigated two models, the IMR-90 human fetal lung fibroblast model as a representative of normal growth control, and the CG model, canine glioma cells, a transplantable growth transformed cell line. These two models represent normal, and aberrant cellular differentiation control. In previous studies we have shown that the arrangement of the cell surface oligosaccharide structure on these cell types are predictive of phenotypic transition. We have developed, and partially characterized a series of BIOMODULATORS (BM) which delay the onset of display of neoplastic cells. Three classes of BIOMODULATOR have been explored; (1) a large molecular weight natural product (25–35 kDa), PokeWeed Mitogen (PWM); (2) a small molecular weight natural product (500 Da) Cellular Activator and Differentiator (CAD) and a number of natural and synthetic analogs; and (3) an indolizidine alkaloid natural product, Swainsonine (Sw) which has a known cellular target (oligosaccharide biosynthesis). Preliminary data is presented which structurally links some of these BIOMODULATORS in terms of their effective stereochemistry. These BIOMODULATORS, when used before PDL 38, prevent the cell surface oligosaccharide display changes typical of morphological senescence and delay their onset to PDL 100 or more. These BIOMODULATORS also appear to have regulatory effects on the neoplastic cell models. This re-regulation results in increases in generation time and an increase in the ability of these cells to be recognized by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Proton NMR linewidth measurements of the fraction of ‘bound’ water associated with the cellular surface of treated and untreated cell populations showed induced physical changes in the cell surface related to the use of the BIOMODULATOR and correlated to the oligosaccharide display changes. These data were interpreted as indicating an increase in the organizational display changes. These cells. The data for normal and neoplastic cell populations are compared and contrasted in an effort to form the basis for an analytical approach to the control and integration of differentiation mechanisms.
G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase 2/Gαq/11 Interaction A NOVEL SURFACE ON A REGULATOR OF G PROTEIN SIGNALING HOMOLOGY DOMAIN FOR BINDING Gα SUBUNITS

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce cellular signals from hormones, neurotransmitters, light, and odorants by activating heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins. For many GPCRs, short term regulation is initiated by agonist-dependent phosphorylation by GPCR kinases (GRKs), such as GRK2, resulting in G protein/receptor uncoupling. GRK2 also regulates signaling by binding G alpha(q/ll) and inhibiting G alpha(q) stimulation of the effector phospholipase C beta. The binding site for G alpha(q/ll) resides within the amino-terminal domain of GRK2, which is homologous to the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) family of proteins. To map the Galpha(q/ll) binding site on GRK2, we carried out site-directed mutagenesis of the RGS homology (RH) domain and identified eight residues, which when mutated, alter binding to G alpha(q/ll). These mutations do not alter the ability of full-length GRK2 to phosphorylate rhodopsin, an activity that also requires the amino-terminal domain. Mutations causing G alpha(q/ll) binding defects impair recruitment to the plasma membrane by activated G alpha(q) and regulation of G alpha(q)-stimulated phospholipase C beta activity when introduced into full-length GRK2. Two different protein interaction sites have previously been identified on RH domains. The G alpha binding sites on RGS4 and RGS9, called the "A" site, is localized to the loops between helices alpha 3 and alpha 4, alpha 5 and alpha 6, and alpha 7 and alpha 8. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) binding site of axin involves residues on alpha helices 3, 4, and 5 (the "B" site) of its RH domain. We demonstrate that the G alpha(q/ll) binding site on the GRK2 RH domain is distinct from the "A" and "B" sites and maps primarily to the COOH terminus of its alpha 5 helix. We suggest that this novel protein interaction site on an RH domain be designated the "C" site.
A bipartite Ca2+-regulated nucleoside-diphosphate kinase system within the Chlamydomonas flagellum. The regulatory subunit p72.

Regulation of flagellar activity inChlamydomonas involves both Ca2+ and cAMP-mediated signaling pathways. However, Chlamydomonasand sea urchin sperm flagella also exhibit nucleoside-diphosphate kinase (NDK) activity, suggesting a requirement for GTP within this highly conserved organelle. In sea urchin sperm, the NDK catalytic subunit is an integral component of the outer dynein arm. Here we describe a modular protein (p72) from the Chlamydomonasflagellum that consists of three domains closely related to the presumptive regulatory segment of rat NDK-7 followed by two EF-hands that are predicted to bind Ca2+. There are close homologues of p72 in both mammalian and insect genomes. The p72 protein is tightly associated with the flagellar axoneme and is located along the entire length except at the transition zone. Cross-linking experiments suggest that p72 interacts with two or three additional axonemal polypeptides. The sensitivity of p72 to tryptic digestion differed considerably in the presence and the absence of Ca2+, suggesting that it indeed binds this ligand. These studies indicate that the flagellar NDK system is bipartite with the regulatory and catalytic components residing on different polypeptides. We propose that Ca2+regulation of flagellar motility in Chlamydomonas may be achieved in part through a downstream GTP-mediated signaling pathway.
Ccq1p and the Condensin Proteins Cut3p and Cut14p Prevent Telomere Entanglements in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe telomere-associated protein Ccq1p has previously been shown to participate in telomerase recruitment, heterochromatin formation, and suppression of checkpoint activation. Here we characterize a critical role for Ccq1p in mitotic transit. We show that mitotic cells lacking Ccq1p lose minichromosomes at high frequencies but that conditional knockdown of Ccq1p expression results in telomere bridging within one cell cycle. Elevating Ccq1p expression resolves the telomere entanglements caused by decreased Taz1p activity. Ccq1p affects telomere resolution in the absence of changes in telomere size, indicating a role for Ccq1p that is independent of telomere length regulation. Using affinity purification, we identify the condensin proteins Cut3p and Cut14p as candidate Ccq1p interactors in this activity. Condensin loss-of-function disrupts Ccq1p telomeric localization and normal intertelomere clustering, while condensin overexpression relieves the chromosome segregation defects associated with conditional Ccq1p knockdown. These data suggest that Ccq1p and condensins collaborate to mediate resolution of telomeres in mitosis and regulate intertelomeric clustering during interphase.
Short-term stability of genetic structure in populations of the sea anemone Metridium senile

Populations of the sea anemone Metridium senile (L.) were sampled from several locations in eastern North America in two series, one collected from 1977–1979 and the other from 1981–1985. Fourteen populations were sampled twice at one- to six-year intervals. Samples were analyzed for temporal differences in genetic composition at both the single locus and multiple locus levels. Overall patterns of geographic variation in allele frequency did not change between series. Regressions describing clines did not differ significantly, and loci not showing clinal variation in the first series remained similar in the second. Analysis of populations sampled twice produced no systematic evidence of change in allele frequency with time for any of four polymorphic loci. Comparisons with computer simulations of repeated sampling of multiple locus genotypes from panmictic populations with free recombination also revealed little temporal change at this level. One population showed possible evidence of recruitment from a different gene pool. Other significant departures from expectations reflected more reproducibility of genotype distributions between samples than expected for sexual populations. This excess stability likely results jointly from clonal reproduction and little sexual recruitment. Despite these indications of genetic stability in adult populations, newly settled juveniles were genetically different from resistant adults in one population, demonstrating the potential for genetic change by immigration. Successful sexual recruitment seems to be rare, even though larvae regularly settle from the plankton. Although interpretation of these results is somewhat limited by lack of knowledge of longevities and generation times, to the extent that they reflect longer-term trends, they suggest that at least some of the observed patterns of geographic variation in allele frequency probably result from natural selection.
Pharmacological characterization of angiotensin II AT2 receptor subtype heterogeneity in the rat adrenal cortex and medulla

Adrenal angiotensin II (AII) receptors have been pharmacologically and structurally divided into two main subtypes, AT1 and AT2. Radioligand receptor binding assays with125I-sarcosine1, isoleucine8 angiotensin II (125I-SI AII) in the presence of losartan, an AT1 selective ligand, and PD123177 an AT2 selective ligand, indicated that the AT1 subtype was predominant in membrane homogenates of the rat adrenal cortex (AT1 Bmax=649 ± 62 fmol/mg protein; AT2 Bmax=237 ± 29 fmol/mg protein). In membrane homogenates of the adrenal medulla, the AT2 subtype was predominant (AT1 Bmax=55 ± 5 fmol/mg protein; AT2 Bmax=109 ± 29 fmol/mg protein). Overall 58% of the125I-SI AII binding in the rat adrenal was to the AT1 subtypes, and 42% was to the AT2 subtypes. The outer cortex contained 59% of the AH receptor binding sites in the adrenal, while the medulla accounted for the remaining 41%. The affinity of the AT1 binding sites in membrane homogenates of the cortex and medulla (KD=672 ± 123 pM and 573 ± 85 pM, respectively) was not significantly different. The affinity for125I-SH AII of AT2 binding sites in membrane homogenates was higher than that of AT, binding sites. The affinity for125I-SI All of AT2 binding sites in membrane homogenates of the outer cortex (KD=265 ± 35 pM) was significantly less than that in the medulla (KD=133 ± 11 pM).In vitro receptor autoradiography also demonstrated that the AT2 subtype in frozen sections of the cortex had a lower affinity (KD=1512 ± 191 pM) than that in the medulla (KD=867 ± 72 pM). The heterogeneous affinity of adrenal AT2 binding sites may indicate existence of multiple AT2 receptor subtypes in the rat adrenal.
SU‐GG‐T‐328: Human Anatomy‐Based Monte Carlo Dose Calculation for External Protons

Purpose: In this work, we aim to build an accurate dose calculation algorithm based on human anatomy‐based model using Monte Carlo simulation for providing basic and benchmarking data for therapeuticprotons.Method and Materials: Both phantom‐based and human anatomy‐based models were used. The human anatomy model was developed from VHP® at National Library in Medicine. The human anatomy‐based model was built with 4 mm × 4 mm × 4mm voxel resolution with total over 6 million voxels for describing the whole body. Each voxel was assigned physical properties, including density and isotopic composition. MCNPX was used to simulate the transport and energy deposit to each voxel. An in‐house dosimety software package, Human Anatomy‐based Monte Carlo Dose (HAMD) was developed to analysis the huge dose dataset based on Monte Carlo simulation and the three dimensional dose matrix was super positioned to the CT image correspondingly. Results: The Monte Carlo simulation provided very close agreement to the two widely used proton range‐energy tables with average depth peak difference less than 0.70% and −0.37% to ICRU Report 49 and Janni DNDT respectively from 40 MeV to 250 MeV energy range. HAMD performed well in proton treatment dose calculation. HAMD offers very friendly and familiar interface for physicians to conveniently review a treatment plan. The isodose lines in transverse, sagittal and coronal views provided very conformal coverage to the contours in lung. Conclusion: The simulated proton range‐energy table has been accurately benchmarked compared to measurements. The in‐house developed dose algorithm HAMD performs very well in dose calculation both in phantom‐based and human anatomy‐based heterogeneity. The HAMD needs further validation by using additional human anatomy‐based models and specified beam source configuration. The long‐term and board objective is to provide an extreme accurate dose calculation based on human model for benchmarking clinic treatment planning systems.
Accelerated aging in electrolytic capacitors for prognostics

The focus of this work is the analysis of different degradation phenomena based on thermal overstress and electrical overstress accelerated aging systems and the use of accelerated aging techniques for prognostics algorithm development. Results on thermal overstress and electrical overstress experiments are presented. In addition, preliminary results toward the development of physics-based degradation models are presented focusing on the electrolyte evaporation failure mechanism. An empirical degradation model based on percentage capacitance loss under electrical overstress is presented and used in: (i) a Bayesian-based implementation of model-based prognostics using a discrete Kalman filter for health state estimation, and (ii) a dynamic system representation of the degradation model for forecasting and remaining useful life (RUL) estimation. A leave-one-out validation methodology is used to assess the validity of the methodology under the small sample size constrain. The results observed on the RUL estimation are consistent through the validation tests comparing relative accuracy and prediction error. It has been observed that the inaccuracy of the model to represent the change in degradation behavior observed at the end of the test data is consistent throughout the validation tests, indicating the need of a more detailed degradation model or the use of an algorithm that could estimate model parameters on-line. Based on the observed degradation process under different stress intensity with rest periods, the need for more sophisticated degradation models is further supported. The current degradation model does not represent the capacitance recovery over rest periods following an accelerated aging stress period.