cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the d.c. photoelectric signal from model bacteriorhodopsin membranes: d.c. photoconductivity determination by the null current method and the effect of proton ionophores

Abstract On illumination by continuous light, a reconstituted bacteriorhodopsin membrane exhibits a stationary photocurrent under short-circuit conditions. It has been widely reported that this photocurrent is linearly dependent on the applied transmembrane potential, and that the photocurrent reverses its polarity at a critical potential. It is also well known that the stationary photosignal of a bacteriorhodopsin membrane is linearly dependent on the light intensity and eventually reaches saturation. In this paper, the null current method (F.T. Hong and D. Mauzerall, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 275 (1972) 479) is applied to decompose the photocurrent into a photovoltaic part (photoemf) and a photoconductive part (photoconductance). It is found that the photoconductance is zero in the dark, and is activated by illumination to reach a fixed magnitude which is independent of a further increase in the light intensity (“step-function” photoswitching). Furthermore, the photoconductance is ohmic (i.e. independent of the applied potential). The linear voltage dependence of the photocurrent can be explained in terms of the photoswitching by assuming that the light-activated proton conductance channel is also available for a transmembrane potential to drive a proton current through in either direction. With this assumption, the photoemf is shown to be voltage independent. The photoemf is initially linearly light dependent at low light intensities, but eventually reaches a saturation level. We confirm the reported enhancement effect of the proton ionophores carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), which is caused by increases in both the photoconductance and the ionic conductance. The action of the Cl− ionophore, nystatin, is quite different. Nystatin inhibits the photocurrent and increases the ionic conductance, but does not affect the photoconductance. The enhancement effect of proton ionophores cannot be explained by the shunting effect alone, even if the sandwich model postulated by Bamberg et al. (Biophys. Struct. Mech., 5 (1979) 277) is invoked. We suspect that the incorporation of bacteriorhodopsin into the artificial black lipid membrane may be more complete than initially believed.
THE DOWN-LIKE NESTLING PLUMAGE OF THE PALM SWIFT CYPSIURUS PARVUS (LICHTENSTEIN)

(1965). THE DOWN-LIKE NESTLING PLUMAGE OF THE PALM SWIFT CYPSIURUS PARVUS (LICHTENSTEIN) Ostrich: Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 201-202.
The stable isotopic composition of modern soil carbonate and its relationship to climate

The oxygen isotopic composition of modern soil carbonate is well correlated with the isotopic composition of local meteoric water. The carbon isotopic cycle for CO 2 in soils can be described in terms of the proportion of biomass using the C 4 photosynthetic pathway and the CO 2 respiration rate of the soil; at low soil respiration rates significant atmospheric CO 2 mixing can occur. In general, the carbon isotopic composition of soil carbonate is related to the proportion of C 4 biomass present in soil, but soils that freeze to the depth of carbonate formation often have a significant atmospheric component. This suggests that freezing of the soil solution should be considered as another important mechanism for soil carbonate formation. Because of these relationships, the isotopic composition of soil carbonate may be a paleoclimatic and paleoecologic indicator in cases in which diagenetic alteration has not occurred.
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women

Objective. We sought to demonstrate that maca root may be an effective treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (AISD) in women. Method. We conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of maca root (3.0 g/day) in 45 female outpatients (mean age of 41.5 ± 12.5 years) with SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction whose depression remitted. Endpoints were improvement in sexual functioning as per the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ). Results. 45 of 57 consented females were randomized, and 42 (30 premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal women) were eligible for a modified intent-to-treat analysis based on having had at least one postmedication visit. Remission rates by the end of treatment were higher for the maca than the placebo group, based on attainment of an ASEX total score ≤ 10 (9.5% for maca versus 4.8% for placebo), attaining an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 12 (30.0% for maca versus 20.0% for placebo) and reaching an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 8 (9.5% for maca versus 5.0% for placebo). Higher remission rates for the maca versus placebo group were associated with postmenopausal status. Maca was well tolerated. Conclusion. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. This trial is registered with NCT00568126.
Analysis of elastothermodynamic damping in particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites

When a composite material is subjected to a homogeneous or inhomogeneous stress field, different phases undergo different temperature fluctuations due to the well-known thermoelastic effect. As a result, irreversible heat conduction occurs and entropy is produced. This entropy production is the genesis of elastothermodynamic damping. Recently, taking the second law of thermodynamics as a starting point, a general methodology for calculating the elasto-thermodynamic damping was presented by Kinra and Milligan. Using this method, we calculate the elastothermodynamic damping for two canonical problems concerning particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites: (1) a single spherical inclusion in an unbounded matrix and (2) anN layer finite concentric composite sphere. In both cases, a uniform radial time-harmonic loading is considered.
Electronic structure and optical properties of serpentine superlattice quantum-wire arrays

The subband structure and band-to-band optical matrix elements are computed for serpentine superlattice quantum-wire arrays. The subband dispersion and bandwidths are examined as a function of the curvature of the confining barriers and of the barrier height separating the wires. The optical matrix elements show a strong polarization dependence, even when the coupling between wires in the array is sufficiently strong that the states are not quasi-one-dimensional.
An economic design for optimum maintenance float policy

Abstract This paper introduces a cost model to solve for optimum maintenance float policy. The model is based on an iterative solution developed for closed queuing maintenance networks. The use of this approach makes it possible to solve and obtain closed form solutions to maintenance float problems when all the centers in the network are exponentially distributed. A computer program is developed for the cost model. The program searches through a three-dimensional cost surface for the optimum solution. On reaching the optimum, the optimum policy as well as the maintenance float performance measures are generated. The computer program offers a decision support mechanism for the maintenance manager by making maintenance float information readily available, providing a more expedient alternative to simulation.
Mass spectrometry of prieureanin limonoids

Abstract The electron impact mass spectral fragmentation patterns for six closely related limonoids, namely, hispidins A, B and C (rohituka 7), prieureanin, dregeanin and rohitukin, with the aid of high resolution exact mass measurement and metastable study, are described and interpreted.
In Vitro Protein Degradation of Cool Season Forages Planted with Minimum Tillage and No Fertilization

Crude protein and in vitro protein degradation were evaluated for forages planted without nitrogen fertilization and tillage. Forages in yr 1 included two vetches, two crimson clovers, two subterranean clovers, arrowleaf clover, Persian clover, winter pea, ryegrass, and wheat. Forages in yr 2 were three vetches, crimson clover, subterranean clover, Berseem clover, and arrowleaf clover. Continuous growth was cut five times in yr 1 and twice during yr 2 at approximately 4-wk intervals. Legumes had greater protein content than grasses. Within legumes, Vanguard vetch and Woogenellup subterranean clover had the highest CP and crimson clovers the lowest in yr 1. During yr 2, hairy vetch exhibited the highest CP content while Tibbee crimson clover had the lowest. Crude protein content decreased with increasing forage maturity in both years. In vitro protein degradation in yr 1 was highest for winter pea and lowest for both subterranean clovers. In yr 2, hairy and Woodford vetch had the highest degradation and Berseem clover had the lowest. Overall, protein degradation was not affected by forage maturity. Correlations between CP and protein degradation were negative or low.
Lipid peroxidation is not the primary mechanism of bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction in jaundiced Gunn rat pups

Hazardous levels of bilirubin produce oxidative stress in vitro and may play a role in the genesis of bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND). We hypothesized that the antioxidants taurourosdeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), 12S-hydroxy-1,12-pyrazolinominocycline (PMIN), and minocycline (MNC) inhibit oxidative stress and block BIND in hyperbilirubinemic j/j Gunn rat pups that were given sulfadimethoxine to induce bilirubin encephalopathy. At peak postnatal hyperbilirubinemia, j/j Gunn rat pups were dosed with sulfadimethoxine to induce bilirubin encephalopathy. Pups were given TUDCA, PMIN, MNC, or vehicle pretreatment (15 min before sulfadimethoxine). After 24 h, BIND was scored by using a rating scale of neurobehavior and cerebellar tissue 4-hydroxynonenal and protein carbonyl dinitrophenyl content were determined. Nonjaundiced heterozygous N/j pups served as controls. Administration of sulfadimethoxine induced BIND and lipid peroxidation but not protein oxidation in hyperbilirubinemic j/j pups. TUDCA, PMIN, and MNC each reduced lipid peroxidation to basal levels observed in nonjaundiced N/j controls, but only MNC prevented BIND. These findings show that lipid peroxidation inhibition alone is not sufficient to prevent BIND. We speculate that the neuroprotective efficacy of MNC against BIND involves action(s) independent of, or in addition to, its antioxidant effects.
The State of E-Compliance Among U.S. Retailers

With increased Internet usage in the EU, U.S. retailers have intensified their marketing efforts to reach these consumers. A major challenge for retailers selling online is that they must comply with the laws where the consumers reside. Past studies suggest that U.S. firms are not in full compliance with non-U.S. e-commerce laws. This study examines U.S. retailers' relative compliance with U.S. and non-U.S. ecommerce laws. E-commerce laws were selected from three EU countries and the U.S. The laws addressed two levels of web site functionality: 1 providing basic company information and 2 privacy protection during information exchanges. The authors found that U.S. retailers were more compliant with U.S. versus non-U.S. law. In addition, compliance with non-U.S. law declined as Web site functionality increased with no such decline for U.S. law. These results are important because noncompliance may result in stricter regulations and may also drive consumers away from retailers' Web sites.
Computational Study of MHD Equilibrium of Noncircular Tokamak Reactor Plasmas

The MHD equilibrium and stability of noncircular tokamak plasmas limited by a separatrix is studied for reactor size systems. A typical example with a plasma current of 15.8 MA and major radius of 8.1 is presented. The required vertical field is generated by a set of discrete external coils and no conducting shell is included. The detailed equilibrium shape is calculated numerically for a vertical elongated plasma with two stagnation points symmetrically located above and below the midplane as would be required for a system with a poloidal divertor. The plasma height to width ratio is 2, the plasma shape factor is 1.6 and poloidal s is 2.2. The plasma is locally stable. The general stability criteria with respect to quasi-rigid motions (special kink modes) are calculated numerically and found to be satisfied. Size scaling and the engineering constraints are discussed.
Climate change and sectors of the surface water cycle In CMIP5 projections

Results from 10 global climate change models are synthesized to investigate changes in extremes, defined as wettest and driest deciles in precipitation, soil moisture and runoff based on each model's historical 20th century simulated climatology. Under a moderate warming scenario, regional increases in drought frequency are found with little increase in floods. For more severe warming, both drought and flood become much more prevalent, with nearly the entire globe significantly affected. Soil moisture changes tend toward drying, while runoff trends toward flood. To determine how different sectors of society dependent on various components of the surface water cycle may be affected, changes in monthly means and interannual variability are compared to data sets of crop distribution and river basin boundaries. For precipitation, changes in interannual variability can be important even when there is little change in the long-term mean. Over 20% of the globe is projected to experience a combination of reduced precipitation and increased variability under severe warming. There are large differences in the vulnerability of different types of crops, depending on their spatial distributions. Increases in soil moisture variability are again found to be a threat even where soil moisture is not projected to decrease. The combination of increased variability and greater annual discharge over many basins portends increased risk of river flooding, although a number of basins are projected to suffer surface water shortages.
The Analysis of Influence of Sensors’ Failure on the Performance of Mobile Robot Autonomy

This work is concerned on sensitivity analysis of semiautonomy algorithm of a mobile robot to environmental sensors’ failures. Construction of the robot, semiautonomy algorithm and used sensors have been described. The algorithm bases on a reactive hybrid approach that merges data from different types of sensors and calculates resulting velocities. This algorithm also takes into account environmental sensors’ damage by modifying the behavior of robot in accordance to actual sensors’ set state of health. Simulation research using Matlab/ Simulink package and experimental tests’ results of semiautonomy algorithm were presented. The experimental tests were carried out in outdoor conditions. The research and tests are performed for normal environmental sensors’ operation and for selected sensors’ damage. On that basis, sensitivity of semiautonomy algorithm to selected environmental sensors damage was tested.
PERCEIVED QUALITY OF CARE: THE INFLUENCE OF THE WAITING ROOM ENVIRONMENT

The current study investigated the effect of the physical environment of the waiting room on perceptions of the quality of care of the physician. One hundred forty-seven college students and 58 senior citizens viewed 35 slides of physicians' waiting rooms. Using a visual analog scale, participants rated the perceived quality of care and the environment of each waiting room. The primary hypothesis was that perceived quality of care would be greater for waiting rooms that were nicely furnished, well-lighted, contained artwork, and were warm in appearance versus waiting rooms that had outdated furnishings, were dark, contained no artwork or poor quality reproductions, and were cold in appearance. Factor analyses of the care and environment ratings produced factors consistent with the hypothesis. Additionally, waiting rooms judged to be those of female physicians were rated higher on both perceived quality of care and comfort in the environment.
Post-dural puncture thoracic pain without headache: relief with epidural blood patch

We report two unusual cases of postural, post-dural puncture upper thoracic interscapular backache, without headache, that were relieved by epidural blood patching. There is controversy concerning the aetiology of headache associated with the post-dural puncture syndrome. Mechanisms previously proposed have included traction on pain-sensitive intracranial structures such as the dura or blood vessels, or a vascular mechanism which may be adenosine-receptor mediated. These two cases suggest that traction on cervical or upper thoracic nerve roots should be considered as a possible mechanism of pain in the post-dural puncture syndrome.
Persistent currents in small one-dimensional metal rings.

We have performed analytical calculations and computer simulations to study the persistent current I in small isolated one-dimensional metal rings enclosing a magnetic flux \ensuremath{\varphi}. We have calculated I as a function of flux \ensuremath{\varphi}, ring circumference L, temperature T, chemical potential \ensuremath{\mu}, and randomness W. We find that I decreases exponentially with T, that I decreases as ${W}^{2}$ for weak W and as exp(-L/\ensuremath{\xi}) for strong W, where \ensuremath{\xi} denotes the localization length, and that I is periodic in \ensuremath{\varphi} with period ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{0}$=hc/e. For certain averaging procedures the periodicity may change to ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{0}$/2.
Functional Finishing of Acrylic and Cationic Dyeable Fabrics: Intermolecular Interactions

Similar to basic dyeing of fabrics, the intermolecular interactions of synthetic fibers and functional agents can be used in durable functional treatments for fabrics. As an example, biocidal quaternary ammonium salts are employed in chemical finishing of acrylics and cationic dyeable polyesters, and durable antimicrobial properties are achieved on the treated products. Finishing conditions such as temperature, agent concentration, pH of finishing baths, and addition of sodium sulfate more or less affect the exhaustion of the agents on the fabrics. Of these factors, the finishing temperature is the most important. The exhaustion of the cationic agents also depends on the anionic polymer structures.
Equalization technique to reduce clipping-induced nonlinear distortion in subcarrier-multiplexed lightwave systems

A pretransmission compression and postdetection decompression scheme is proposed to reduce the clipping-induced nonlinear distortion (NLD) in subcarrier-multiplexed lightwave systems. In an AM-VSB CATV system, compression using a two-segment, piecewise-linear transfer characteristic promises to yield a 3.2-dB gain in carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), or a 110% increase in the number of transmitted channels. >
Infrared study of the phonon modes in bismuth pyrochlores

The temperature dependence of the reflectance of the cubic bismuth pyrochlores ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{3∕2}\mathrm{Zn}{\mathrm{Ta}}_{3∕2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{3∕2}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{3∕2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{3∕2}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{Ta}}_{3∕2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, and ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{3∕2}{\mathrm{Zn}}_{0.92}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{1.5}{\mathrm{O}}_{6.92}$ (BZN) has been investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Spectra were collected from $30\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}3300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ between 50 and $300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, and the optical constants were estimated by Kramers-Kronig analysis and classical dispersion theory. In addition, BZN was studied by terahertz techniques to lower frequencies. Infrared-active phonon modes have been assigned to specific bending and stretching vibrational modes. A previously unassigned infrared mode at $\ensuremath{\sim}850\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is discussed. A splitting of the $B\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}$ stretching phonon modes and $\mathrm{O}\text{\ensuremath{-}}B\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}$ bending modes is assigned to mixed-cation occupancy. The temperature dependence of the phonon frequencies and the damping coefficients are consistent with a decrease of both lattice constant and orientational disorder at low temperatures.
Use of oligodeoxyribonucleotides with conformationally constrained abasic sugar targets to probe the mechanism of base flipping by HhaI DNA (cytosine C5)-methyltransferase

X-ray crystallographic studies of HhaI DNA (cytosine-C5)-methyltransferase (M.HhaI) covalently linked to methylated 5-fluorocytosine in DNA provided the first direct evidence that the cytosine residue targeted for methylation was “flipped” out of the helix during the transfer reaction. Subsequent studies indicated that removal of the target cytosine base, i.e., introduction of an abasic site, enhanced binding of M.HhaI to DNA and that the conformation of the sugar−phosphate backbone at the abasic site in the resultant complexes was the same as that of the sugar attached to a “flipped” cytosine. In the present study, pseudorotationally constrained sugar analogues, based on bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane templates, were placed in DNA duplexes as abasic target sites in the M.HhaI recognition sequence. Biochemical studies demonstrate that binding affinity of M.HhaI for abasic sites increases when the abasic target sugar analogue is constrained to the south conformation and decreases when it is constrained to the north ...
Importance of the near wake in drag prediction of bodies of revolution

Introduction E the conventional method of drag prediction for a 3dy of revolution at zero incidence, the drag coefficient is calculated, in the absence of separation, first by determining the development of the boundary layer up to the tail and then making use of the formula of either Young or Granville. These formulas are derived on the assumption that the development of the wake downstream of the tail takes place according to the momentum-integral equation,
Rapidly progressive young-onset dementia.

ObjectiveTo characterize a cohort of individuals who have experienced rapidly progressive dementia with onset before age 45.BackgroundVery little data regarding the clinical features or clinical spectrum of rapidly progressive young-onset dementia (RP-YOD) is available, primarily consisting of case
Prediction of homogeneous nucleation free-energy change from the cell model of liquids

Abstract The free-energy change of cluster formation in gas-phase homogeneous nucleation and the cluster partition functions are studied based on the cell model of liquids. We provide a new molecular-level theory that is applicable in the larger cluster size range where liquid-like properties begin to emerge and a cluster surface is present. The microcluster surface tension can be appropriately defined. A microscopic expression for the surface tension variation with cluster size is obtained and the calculated result is compared with that predicted from the Tolman approach. The cluster rotational contribution to the free-energy change is shown to become insignificant for liquid-like clusters. The energy changes of cluster formation from the classical capillary approximation, the Lothe-Pound theory, and the atomistic theory are compared with that of the present theory.
Supply Chain Management: Workforce Education

The purpose of supply chain management is to facilitate process improvement and satisfy the demands of end-user. "Companies resort to supply chain practices to improve their performance."(1) The role of the supply chain manager is to manage the processes and related activities across all supply chain channel members. Rapid changes in industry and demands for product specialization increase the benefits inherent in effective supply chain management. Strategic process planning, constructive use of resources, effectively managing the organizations human resources and consistent implementation of innovative processes and ideas, are all pivotal elements necessary to construct and manage successful supply chain organization. This paper will discuss the role of a well-educated and well-trained leadership team and workforce and how supply chain education can strengthen the collaborative supply chain.
The Impact of Management Capability on the Resource-Performance Linkage: Examining Indian Outsourcing Providers

The increase in offshore outsourcing of information technology-enabled business processes has renewed scholarly attention to better understand the dynamics of service provider firms. In this study we examine how offshore outsourcing service providers’ internal and relational resources and capabilities jointly predict their economic performance. Analysis of data collected from a sample of 105 Indian service providers suggest that rent generation from firm-specific, idiosyncratic resources is positively moderated by the level of management capability possessed by such firms. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed and avenues of future research are offered.
Lysine transport in human kidney: evidence for two systems.

Experiments with slices of human kidney cortex from two control subjects demonstrated two distinct transport systems for lysine (α and β) which differ greatly in affinity and capacity. Both systems were found in kidney from two patients with cystinuria. Studies with rat kidney confirmed these findings. These experiments defined only a single transport system for cystine in kidney from both control and cystinuric subjects.
Target/projectile mass dependence of light ion yields from heavy ion collisions

Differential cross sections for emission of Z = 1 and 2 particles are measured for /sup 16/O, /sup 32/S, and /sup 58/Ni projectiles, with energies between 15 and 25 MeV/nucleon, incident on Al, Ti, Ni, Sn, and Au targets. Integral yields are found to have a complex target mass dependence which, for protons, is consistent with model predictions.
The Use of Non-Protein Nitrogen by Laying Hens for Egg Production

Abstract Experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility of laying hens utilizing sources of non-protein nitrogen for egg production. Sources of non-protein nitrogen were added to low protein diets composed of practical feed ingredients and to a semipurified diet composed mainly of glucose, starch, isolated soybean protein, and blood meal. Essential amino acid supplementation was used to achieve a better amino acid balance of the diets. When the nitrogen supplements were added to a diet containing 12.5% protein, and with levels of essential amino acids that approximated those recommended by the National Research Council, a graded response in egg production was obtained to two levels of supplemental urea. A similar supplementation with monosodium glutamate had no effect on egg production. A low level of diammonium citrate supplementation produced a small increase in egg production and a higher level depressed egg production and feed intake. When the level of protein in the basal diet was reduced to 11.5%, and diammonium phosphate was used as source of non-protein nitrogen there was a depression in egg production but not in feed intake or nitrogen retention. Diammonium phosphate had the same effect when supplemented to a semipurified diet that contained all essential amino acids at a level equal to or higher than that recommended by the National Research Council. When glycine was supplemented to the semipurified diet, an increase in egg production was obtained.
Turbulence structure in free‐surface channel flows

A turbulence structure in horizontal liquid streams bounded by a free surface and a wall has been investigated using 10–25 μm oxygen bubbles as tracers. High speed video movies indicate that the dominant flow structure is caused by the periodic ejection of intensely turbulent fluid with low streamwise momentum from the wall region into the relatively quiescent bulk fluid which it displaces and mixes with slowly. The motion of these bursts is constrained by the free interface. Between bursts and the interface a high speed region with a steep velocity gradient develops as a consequence. This in turn causes progress of the burst fluid toward the interface to slow down and eventually to turn back toward the wall, giving rise to characteristic rolling structures, which rotate clockwise if the flow is viewed as going from left to right. To complement the video studies, quantitative data were obtained by analyzing bubble streak lines generated by photography of optically chopped flashes. These data show that in the vicinity of the interface the velocity fluctuations normal to it are damped whereas those parallel to it are enhanced. Analysis of conditional samples of the data indicate that fluid with relatively low streamwise momentum tends to move toward the interface while fluid with high momentum moves away giving rise to rotating structures that roll along with the flow in agreement with the video studies. A high degree of correlation between ejection events near the wall and the fluid motion near the interface also confirm that the bursts extend across the flow stream. This has important implications for surface renewal theories of turbulent transport at fluid–fluid interfaces.
A Pak1-PP2A-ERM signaling axis mediates F-actin rearrangement and degranulation in mast cells

Mast cells coordinate allergy and allergic asthma and are crucial cellular targets in therapeutic approaches to inflammatory disease. Allergens cross-link immunoglobulin E bound at high-affinity receptors on the mast cell's surface, causing release of preformed cytoplasmic granules containing inflammatory molecules, including histamine, a principal effector of fatal septic shock. Both p21 activated kinase 1 (Pak1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) modulate mast cell degranulation, but the molecular mechanisms underpinning these observations and their potential interactions in common or disparate pathways are unknown. In this study, we use genetic and other approaches to show that Pak1's kinase-dependent interaction with PP2A potentiates PP2A's subunit assembly and activation. PP2A then dephosphorylates threonine 567 of Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) molecules that have been shown to couple F-actin to the plasma membrane in other cell systems. In our study, the activity of this Pak1-PP2A-ERM axis correlates with impaired systemic histamine release in Pak1−/− mice and defective F-actin rearrangement and impaired degranulation in Ezrin disrupted (Mx1Cre+Ezrinflox/flox) primary mast cells. This heretofore unknown mechanism of mast cell degranulation provides novel therapeutic targets in allergy and asthma and may inform studies of kinase regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in other cell lineages.
A protein assay for heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induced by chemicals in HepG2 cells

Levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a stress response protein, were measured to examine oxidative stress induced by several chemicals in HepG2 cells with and without S9mix using an ELISA. CdCl(2), heme, and diclofenac sodium salt (diclofenac) were used as inducers of HO-1. Acetaminophen (AAP) and cyclophosphamide (CP) were used as oxidative stress inducers. Stannic mesoporphyrin (SnMP) was used as an inhibitor of HO activity. Cytotoxicity was determined, and HO-1 levels were measured in HepG2 cells exposed to chemicals other than CP with non-metabolic activation without S9mix, and to diclofenac, AAP and CP with metabolic activation with S9mix. HO-1 levels were increased by CdCl(2) (7.5 microM), heme (10, 100 microM), and stannic mesoporphyrin (SnMP) (10 microM), but were not changed by AAP, and were decreased by diclofenac. HO-1 levels were increased by diclofenac (300 microM), and CP (36 microM), but were unaffected by AAP because of low sensitivity in HepG2 cells. The induction of HO-1 expression was first observed in cultured HepG2 cells treated with CP under conditions involving metabolic activation. These results showed the measurement of HO-1 protein levels in this system is useful when assessing oxidative stress as a tool for detecting drug toxicity.
Exploring the effect of N-substitution in nor-lobelane on the interaction with VMAT2: discovery of a potential clinical candidate for treatment of methamphetamine abuse

A series of N-substituted lobelane analogues was synthesized and evaluated for their [3H]dihydrotetrabenazine binding affinity at the vesicular monoamine transporter and for their inhibition of vesicular [3H]dopamine uptake. Compound 19a, which contains an N-1,2(R)-dihydroxypropyl group, had been identified as a potential clinical candidate for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse.
All the Wiser: Dialogic Space, Destigmatization, and Teacher-Activist Recruitment

This article examines instructor training for The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program®, an organization that brings “outside” college students into prison, joining incarcerated men and women who become “inside students” for an undergraduate course. Ethnographic data revealed a purposeful stigma reversal for a group of men serving life sentences and a concomitant shift in moral career for instructor trainees. Through structured encounters with these men, trainees come to see, speak, and behave in ways that subvert conventional understandings of the stigma imposed on those in prison. The alteration of self and perspective experienced during the training drives participants to incorporate this activist ethos into their own teaching.
The development of perfectionism: A study of daughters and their parents

The major theme in theorizing about the development of perfectionism is that it is a product of perfectionistic and demanding parents. The two studies reported here represent the first attempt to test this assumption. In study 1, perfectionism was measured in both daughters and their parents. In study 2, perfectionism in both daughters and their parents, related parental characteristics, and levels of psychopathology among daughters were measured. The findings from both studies indicated that mothers' perfectionism, but not fathers', was associated with perfectionism among daughters. In addition, daughters' ratings of fathers' harshness, but not fathers' self-reported harshness, were associated with daughters' perfectionism. For mothers, daughters' ratings of mothers' harshness and mothers' self-reported harshness were associated with perfectionism among daughters. A combination of mothers' Overall Perfectionism and mothers' self-reported harshness accounted for 30% of the variance in daughters' Overall Perfectionism. Additional findings suggested that mothers' perfectionism was associated with greater symptoms of psychopathology among daughters, while fathers' perfectionism was associated with lower levels of symptomatology.
Abstract 792: Tumor-induced thymic atrophy: Alteration in interferons and Jak/Stats signaling pathways

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The thymus is the major site of T cell differentiation and a key organ of the immune system. Most important, it provides a specialized environment for the selection of rearranged clones that will function appropriately in the adaptive immune response. Thymic involution has been observed in several model systems; including graft-vs-host disease, aging, and tumor development, however, the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. Previous results from our laboratory have reported that the severe thymic atrophy and impaired T cell development seen in mammary tumor bearers are associated with an arrest in at least two steps of T cell differentiation, changes in the levels of crucial cytokines expressed in the thymus microenvironment, and a progressive increase in apoptosis during the tumor development mainly due to downregulation of important molecules that control programmed cell death. Cytokines regulate numerous aspects of hematopoiesis via activation of the Jak/Stat pathways. In the present study we have used our mammary tumor model to investigate whether changes in the levels of cytokines in the thymus could affect the normal expression of the aforementioned pathways. RNA and protein analysis revealed an overexpression of the different interferons, a downregulation of most of the Jak/Stat pathways, and an increased expression of several suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) in the thymuses of tumor bearers. Collectively, our data suggest a mechanism by which the impaired Jak/Stat signaling pathways observed in the whole thymus of tumor-bearing mice could be contributing to the abnormal T cell development and apoptosis observed during the tumor-induced thymic atrophy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 792. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-792
Simple Models of the Deformation of an Earth with a Fluid Core—II. Dissipation and Magnetohydrodynamic Effects

Summary We further explore the deformation in the static limit of an elastic halfspace overlying a fluid half-space. It was shown in a previous note that the singular limit of zero frequency in a stably stratified perfect fluid could be removed by including rotation. Here we extend the analysis to include the effects of viscosity and density diffusion. It is shown that the appropriate boundary conditions at the fluid-solid interface are zero stress (including zero normal stress), continuity of normal displacement, and no slip. These conditions are in distinct contrast to the rotating, stratified perfect fluid case, when a normal stress can be supported in the fluid. The inclusion of a large ambient magnetic field is then studied. It is shown that depending upon the field orientation, corresponding to a poloidal or toroidal field, its effects can be partially analogous to those of stratification or rotation. In particular, a toroidal field introduces a static limit singularity similar to that of density stratification. The combination of stratification and a poloidal field is analogous to stratification and rotation.
Draw pH and Storage Affect Rheological Properties of Mozzarella Cheese

Cheeses with whey pH at draw of 6.15 or 6.40 were stored at 4 o C for 50 days. Compression test at 10 o C (Instron) showed a decrease in compressive stress with storage. Failure points were near a true strain value of 0.5 for the cheeses at day 50. The failure region became less obvious by day 50. The hypothetical equilibrium stress (HES) in the stress-relaxation test was higher with a draw pH of 6.40 than 6.15, possibly indicating that higher calcium led to a stronger network structure. The HES decreased with storage, suggesting cleavage of structural crosslinks caused by the coagulant
Pilon fractures: Use of theposterolateral approach for orif

Abstract Pilon fractures remain on of the most difficult problems for the orthopaedic traumatologist to manage. The greatest challenge in the operative management of these fractures continues to be soft tissue complications. The aim of this report is to briefly review the most recent techniques for surgical repair of pilon fractures and describe a new technique for open reduction and internal fixation of this difficult clinical entity using a single posterolateral incision.
Supraspinal delta opioid receptor mRNA levels are not altered in [D-Ala2]Deltorphin II tolerant mice

Delta opioid receptor (DOR) mRNA levels were studied in mice rendered tolerant to [D-Ala2]deltorphin II by 4 days of repeated intracerebroventricular administration (10 micrograms, [tid]). ED50 determinations on day 5 revealed a 10-fold loss in [D-Ala2]deltorphin II potency with the tail-flick test. Utilization of a microdissection technique followed by quantitative solution hybridization of RNA extracts from mouse brain revealed mean levels of DOR mRNA ranging from 3.9 pg/micrograms RNA in the caudate-putamen to 0.4 pg/micrograms RNA in the cerebellum. DOR mRNA levels were not different when RNA extracts from tolerant and non-tolerant mice were compared. These data suggest that altered DOR mRNA levels are not one of the adaptive changes that occur with delta opioid ([D-Ala2]deltorphin II) tolerance.
Lack of belowground mutualisms hinders Pinaceae invasions

Why particular invasions succeed and others fail is not well understood. The role of soil biota has been proposed as important. However, the role of mutualists has received much less attention than that of pathogens. Here we report that lack of adequate ectomycorrhizal fungi hinders invasion by exotic Pinaceae on Isla Victoria, Argentina, by reducing both the probability of establishment and growth of invading individuals. More than one hundred exotic tree species were introduced to this island ca. 80 years ago, but invasive trees are found in high densities only in areas adjacent to plantations. With a series of greenhouse and field experiments we found lower mycorrhizal colonization levels and few fungal species far from original plantings, and key fungal mutualists are confined to areas near plantations, probably owing to dispersal limitations. Low inoculum levels far from the plantations are retarding the invasion. Our experiments indicate that positive interactions belowground can play a key but underappreciated role in invasion dynamics.
Turning out good ethnography, or talking out of turn?: Gender, violence, and confidentiality in Southeastern Mexico

Ethnographers face a dilemma once they become privy to sensitive information shared with them in the role of “friend” rather than in the role of researcher. The author explores this topic using as a case study information that emerged when friends in southern Mexico confided their personal experiences with sexual violence, arguing that it may be only through the sharing of confidences that firsthand accounts of responses to violence can enter the ethnographic record. Yet the women’s concerns that their experiences might become public knowledge coincide with broader debates of researchers’ preservation of informants’ privacy, particularly when discussing culturally sensitive topics such as rape.
Abstractions in temporal information

Abstract Three prevalent abstractions in temporal information are examined by using the machinery of first order logic. The abstraction of time allows one to concentrate on temporal objects only as they relate to other temporal objects in time. It is represented by a functional relationship between temporal objects and time intervals. The abstraction of identity allows one to concentrate on how an observed phenomenon relates to other phenomena in terms of their being manifestations of the same object. It is represented by a functional relationship between temporal phenomena and “completed” temporal objects. The abstraction of circumstance embodies a focus of attention on particular configurations or states of groups of temporal phenomena. It is represented by functional relationships between thesis groups and other objects called “events” or “states”. A novel concept, called absolute/relative abstraction , is used to formalize the abstractions of time and identity. The abstraction of circumstance, on the other hand, is an example of aggregation. The significance and use of thesis abstractions in the representation and processing of historical information is discussed.
Surface features of Phobos and Deimos

Viking Orbiter images have provided nearly complete coverage of the two satellites of Mars and have been used to construct maps of the surface features of Phobos and Deimos. The satellites have radically different appearances although nearly all features on both objects were formed directly or indirectly by impact cratering. Phobos has an extensive network of linear depressions (grooves) that probably were formed indirectly by the largest impact recorded on Phobos. Deimos lacks grooves as well as the large number of ridges that occur on Phobos. Craters on Deimos have substantial sediment fill; those on Phobos have none. Evidence of downslope movement of debris is prominent on Deimos but is rare on Phobos. Many of the differences between Phobos and Deimos may be caused by modest differences in mechanical properties. However, the lack of a very large crater on Deimos may be responsible for its lack of grooves.
Semi-groups of nonlinear transformations with decreasing domain

(P) f(O) = x, f’(t) = Q(t) has a unique solution (in some sense or other; it does not matter in what sense for the purpose of this discussion) on [0, cc) for each x in S, then (P) gives rise to a semigroup of transformations from S into S. Suppose however, as is more likely in the case that A is nonlinear, we know only that for each x in S, there is an interval [0, b(x)) such that (P) has a unique solution on [0, b(x)). Then (P) still gives rise to a family of transformations which form a semi-group in a weakened sense. To be more specific, for each x in S, letf, denote the unique solution to (P) on the interval [0, b(x)). Let b denote the supremum of the numbers b(x), and for each t in [0, b), let s, = {x E s : b(x) > t}.
Synergistic mobilization of hemopoietic progenitor cells using concurrent β1 and β2 integrin blockade or β2-deficient mice

The hierarchy of cytoadhesion molecules involved in hematopoietic/stem progenitor cell mobilization has not yet been delineated. Previous studies have suggested an important role for α4β1 integrin in this process. To test whether mobilization involves dynamic interactions of α4β1 with other integrins on hematopoietic cells, especially the β2 integrins, mice and primates were treated with anti-β1 or anti-β2 antibodies alone or in combination. A single injection of anti-α4β1 antibody elicited reproducible mobilization in contrast to other antibodies, and 3 injections yielded higher mobilization efficiency than each of the other antibodies. When the anti-β2 (anti-CD11a or anti-CD18) or anti-α5/β1 integrin antibody was combined with anti-α4, an augmentation in mobilization was seen that was either additive or synergistic, depending on the potency of the antibody used. Synergy between anti-α4 and anti-CD18 (β2) antibody blockade was seen in primates and confirmed in anti-α4–treated CD18-deficient mice. In the latter, there was a 49-fold increase in mobilization with anti-α4, much higher than in littermate control animals, in CD18 hypomorphic mice, or in other strains of mice tested. Data from both the antibody blockade and gene-targeted mice suggest that the cooperativity of α4β1 with β2 integrins becomes evident when they are concurrently inhibited. It is unclear whether this cooperativity is exerted at the stage of reversible adhesion versus migration, and enhancement of and whether the 2 integrins work in a sequential or parallel manner. Whatever the mechanism, the data provide a novel example of β1 and β2 integrin crosstalk in stem/progenitor cell mobilization.
A New Method for Simultaneous Measurement of Phase Retardation and Optical Axis of a Compensation Film

We demonstrate a new method for simultaneously measuring the phase retardation and optic axis of a compensation film by using an axially-symmetric sheared polymer network liquid crystal (AS-SPNLC). The AS-SPNLC is a liquid crystal structure with radial director distribution and its phase retardation has a gradient change from center to edges. When overlaying a tested compensation film with a calibrated AS-SPNLC cell between crossed polarizers, the optic axis and phase retardation value of the compensation film can be determined. This method is particularly useful for those optical systems whose optic axis and phase retardation are dynamically changing.