cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AT2R Autoantibodies Block Angiotensin II and AT1R Autoantibody-Induced Vasoconstriction

Activating autoantibodies to the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) are associated with hypertensive disorders. The angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) is known to counter-regulate the actions of AT1R. We investigated whether AT2R autoantibodies produced in immunized rabbits will activate AT2R and suppress the vasopressor responses to angiotensin II and AT1R-activating autoantibodies. Five rabbits immunized with a peptide corresponding to the second extracellular loop of AT2R developed high AT2R antibody titers. Rabbit anti-AT2R sera failed to directly dilate isolated rat cremaster arterioles; however, when co-perfused with angiotensin II or AT1R-activating autoantibodies, the anti-AT2R sera significantly inhibited their contractile effects. Rabbit anti-AT2R sera recognized a predominant sequence near the N-terminus of the AT2R second extracellular loop. A decoy peptide based on this sequence effectively reversed the opposing effect of the anti-AT2R sera on angiotensin II–induced contraction of rat cremaster arterioles. A similar blockade of the anti-AT2R sera effect was observed with the AT2R antagonist PD 123319 and the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. Rabbit anti-AT2R sera reacted specifically with AT2R. No cross-reactivity with AT1R was observed. Blood pressure did not change in immunized animals. However, the pressor responses to incremental angiotensin II infusions were blunted in immunized animals. Thirteen subjects with primary aldosteronism demonstrated increased AT2R autoantibody levels compared with normal controls. In conclusion, AT2R autoantibodies produced in immunized rabbits have the ability to activate AT2R and counteract the AT1R-mediated vasoconstriction. These autoantibodies provide useful and selective tools for the study of their roles in blood pressure regulation and possible therapeutic intervention.
Inhibition of Wound Healing by Topical Steroids

A new animal model was used to study the effect of topical agents on wound healing. A weak- (hydrocortisone cream 1%) and medium-strength (fluocinolone acetonide ointment 0.025%) steroid and their vehicles were applied to full-thickness skin wounds placed on the backs of female Syrian hamsters. Wound healing was significantly retarded by both steroids when compared to their vehicles. Fluocinolone had a greater inhibitory effect than hydrocortisone.
Highly visible-light active C- and V-doped TiO2 for degradation of acetaldehyde

Abstract C-doped and C- and V-doped TiO 2 photocatalysts were prepared by a sol–gel process. Both catalysts showed high activity for the degradation of acetaldehyde under visible irradiation ( > 420 nm ). The co-doped TiO 2 catalysts also were highly active in the dark; 2.0% V-containing co-doped TiO 2 had the highest activity, comparable with the activity under visible light irradiation. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and N 2 adsorption–desorption. The results suggest that vanadium ions were introduced both on the surface and into the bulk of TiO 2 . A free electron, induced by the formation of V 5+ in the sublayers of TiO 2 during calcination at 500 °C in air, was delocalized and promoted into the conduction band by thermal energy and further transferred to O 2 , generating a superoxide radical anion (O ⋅ − 2 ) that is responsible for degradation of acetaldehyde in the dark. In addition to functioning as a photosensitizer that shifts the optical response of TiO 2 from the ultraviolet (UV) to the visible light region, the doped elemental carbon increased the surface area and improved the dispersion of vanadium.
Estrogen modulates the inducible expression of platelet-derived growth factor mrna by monocyte/macrophages

We examined the effects of estrogen, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13 acetate (TPA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the gene expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) by the monocyte/macrophage cell line, THP-1. THP-1 cells were exposed to TPA for 48 or 96 hours to induce differentiation. Some were treated with LPS in the last 3 hours and/or ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) (10−9M) in the last 20 hours. Total cellular RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized and then coamplified (with an internal control, β-actin, product size 1126 bp) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a set of primers for PDGF-A (product size 225 bp), PDGF-B (217 bp), or PDGF β-receptor (PDGF-R) (228 bp). The products were separated on an agarose gel and the ratios of radioactivity incorporated into PDGF PCR products to β-actin products were used to assess the relative changes in the levels of PDGF mRNA abundance in response to various inducers. TPA induced the expression of PDGF-A mRNA, whereas LPS had no effect. Treatment of TPA-stimulated cells with estrogen caused a 61 % and 190% increase in PDGF-A mRNA (p < 0.05) at 48 and 96 hours, respectively. Addition of estrogen to cells treated with both TPA and LPS did not cause any significant change in the amounts of the transcripts. In contrast to PDGF-A mRNA, attempts to visualize and estimate PDGF-B and PDGF-R mRNA were unsuccessful. This was probably due to low levels of these transcripts in THP-1 cells. The results indicate that estrogen modulates PDGF-A gene expression by monocyte/macrophages and suggest that estrogen may influence atherogenesis at the vascular level.
The Assessment of Marital Adjustment with Muslim Populations: A Reliability Study of the Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment Test

The Muslim population is growing rapidly throughout the world and a sizable population of 6–8 million Muslims is estimated in North America alone. This population deals with a vast array of issues, including marital adjustment. Nevertheless, the marriage and family literature lacks the research needed to facilitate therapeutic treatment with Muslim couples adequately. Marital adjustment assessments that are commonly utilized have been tested on predominantly Anglo-American or Caucasian couples. The present study is a preliminary investigation of the Locke–Wallace marital adjustment test’s (LWMAT) reliability when administered to married, Muslim-American people.
Unusual presentation of metastatic mediastinal melanoma

An 11-year-old boy with an unresectable mediastinal stage 3 malignant melanoma and undocumented primary lesion is presented. Despite aggressive chemotherapy and 90% tumour resection, he died of his disease. Although rare, metastatic melanoma must be considered in the diagnosis of any mediastinal lesion and appropriate histological examinations, including electron microscopy, performed. Histological examination of all excised tissue should be routine. The prognosis is grave, but aggressive surgery in combination with appropriate chemotherapy may be curative in a small number of patients.
Personality of College Students in Calculus Courses

Students in Calculus I, II, and III (hs = 56, 20, 6) completed Cattell's 16 PF, Form C. The 50 women scored significantly higher than the 32 men on Factors I and O, suggesting these women scored as more sensitive, insecure, and anxious, but means were <1.00 score point different. Perhaps personality factors in academic success should be explored in larger, more evenly sized groups.
Metallic conductivity and metal-semiconductor transition in Ga-doped ZnO

This letter reports the metallic conductivity in Ga:ZnO system at room temperature and a metal-semiconductor transition (MST) behavior at low temperatures. Zn0.95Ga0.05O films, deposited by pulsed laser deposition in the pressure range of ∼10−2Torr of oxygen, were found to be crystalline and exhibited degeneracy at room temperature with the electrical resistivity close to 1.4×10−4Ωcm and transmittance >80% in the visible region. Temperature dependent resistivity measurements of these highly conducting and transparent films also showed, for the first time, a MST at ∼170K. Mechanisms responsible for these observations are discussed in the terms of dopant addition and its effect on ionization efficiency of oxygen vacancies.
7α-17α-Dimethyl-19-nortestosterone (mibolerone) induces conformational changes in progesterone receptors distinct from those induced by ORG 2058

Using synthetic peptides with sequences derived from specific regions of human estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, we have developed site-directed monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to specific domains of these receptors. These antibodies interact specifically with the native (nondenatured) receptors and detect changes in the conformation of these proteins. Monoclonal antibody PR-AT 4.14 bound more tightly to PR-ORG 2058 complexes than to PR-7 alpha,17 alpha-dimethyl-19-nor-testosterone (7 alpha,17 alpha, DMNT; mibolerone) complexes, suggesting possible ligand-induced conformational changes in PR. In the absence of the antibody, PR-[3H]ORG 2058 complexes sedimented as 4S-5S entity on sucrose density gradients (SDG) containing 0.4 M KCl. In the presence of the antibody, PR-[3H]ORG 2058 complexes sedimented as 7-8S complexes. In contrast, at the same concentrations of antibody, PR-[3H]7 alpha,17 alpha, DMNT complexes sedimented at 4S-5S region in the absence of the antibody and as two populations in the presence of the antibody, suggesting that the antibody did not recognize all of the PR-7 alpha,17 alpha, DMNT complexes. To exclude the possibility that the inability of the antibody to recognize receptor-[3H]7 alpha,17 alpha, DMNT complexes was due to its binding to androgen receptors, unlabeled 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT) (50 nM) was added to the incubation to inhibit 7 alpha,17 alpha, DMNT binding to androgen receptors. While PR-[3H]ORG 2058 complexes were immunoprecipitated in the presence of the antibody, PR-[3H]7 alpha,17 alpha, DMNT complexes were only partially immunoprecipitated, further confirming the results obtained with SDG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of Material Properties on Tire Performance Characteristics—Part I. Tire Cords

Abstract The effect of modulus of tire cords in stabilizer and body plies on the performance of a radial automobile tire is discussed. Cord modulus was varied systematically by using polyester, rayon, and aramid materials. High speed, endurance, and plunger energy were not effected. Rolling resistance was higher with aramid cord than with polyester cord in the body ply, but there was no effect of cord material in stabilizer plies. Increase of cord modulus in the stabilizer ply, however, did produce significantly higher cornering coefficient. Wear resistance was also higher, especially under high severity test conditions.
Transition-probability theory of cell proliferation and a biochemical approach to the kinematics of the cell cycle

Abstract Cell proliferation as a result of a chain of biochemical events in the cell is manifested biologically in four cytologically discernible proliferating phases ( G 1 , S , G 2 , M ) of the cell cycle, a nonproliferating phase ( G 0 ) and a D phase of cells in either dying or differentiating stages. In terms of transitional biochemical events in the cell, patterns of cell loss and variations of cell duration are related to the basic mechanisms of cell proliferation. Based on the stochastic transition of cell numbers in the subphases of the cell cycle, a probability distribution is found to be asymptotically a time-dependent multinomial distribution. The dynamic equations of cell proliferation in terms of their transitions between phases are derived from the expectation values of this probability distribution. Correlations of cell subphases are found to be constant, while variances are functions of time. Mitosis labeling and the cell growth curve are predicted with a suitable set of biochemical parameters. Thus, this approach can be used as a starting point for correlating biochemical mechanisms of cell proliferation with cell kinetics, which is basic to cancer therapy and an understanding of the nature of neoplastic growth.
Mechanical effects of light on material media: radiation pressure and the linear and angular momenta of photons

Electromagnetic waves carry energy as well as linear and angular momenta. Interactions between light and material media typically involve the exchange of all three entities. In all such interactions energy and momentum (both linear and angular) are conserved. Johannes Kepler seems to have been the first person to notice that the pressure of sunlight is responsible for the tails of the comets pointing away from the Sun. Modern applications of radiation pressure and photon momentum include solar sails, optical tweezers for optical trapping and micro-manipulation, and optically-driven micro-motors and actuators. This paper briefly describes certain fundamental aspects underlying the mechanical properties of light, and examines several interesting phenomena involving the linear and angular momenta of photons.
Energetic effects for observed and unobserved HIV-1 reverse transcriptase mutations of residues L100, V106, and Y181 in the presence of nevirapine and efavirenz

Abstract The effect of mutations on amino acid residues L100, V106, and Y181 for unbound HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and RT bound to nevirapine and efavirenz was investigated using Monte Carlo/free energy perturbation calculations. Using both native and bound crystal structures of RT, mutation of the amino acid residues to both those observed and unobserved in patients was carried out. The results of the calculations revealed that the variant that survives in patients dosed with either nevirapine or efavirenz had a more positive ΔΔ G value than other variants that were not observed in patients. These data suggest that the mutation observed in patients is the most effective (the one that binds the drug most weakly) of all possible codon change mutations.
Evaluation of the lymphocyte blastogenic response by rapid flow analysis

The data presented show that the blastogenic response of human peripheral lymphocytes to mitogens and specific antigens can be easily evaluated with rapid flow analysis of mithramycin stained cells. The precision, reproducibility and rapidity of the method make it highly suitable to study lymphocyte response to antigens in patient populations.
Speech and Language Correlates of Adults' Judgments of Children

This two-part study explored the influence that a preschool-aged child's communication behavior has on the impression he or she makes on adults. First, the semantic differential technique was used ...
Health, Age, and Gender

Abstract The 1994-1995 Disability Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey (administered to a representative sample of the U.S. population) was analyzed for women age 30 and older with intellectual disabilities (ID), developmental disabilities (DD) or both, in order to describe their functioning as they aged in the community. Definitions of ID and DD consistent with professional and legal standards were developed and adapted to the NHIS-D questions. An estimated 56% of the approximately 77 million civilian, noninstitutionalized, women age 30 and older in the United States have one of these disabilities. Compared with women in general, women with these disabilities had negative perceptions of their health status, particularly women with DD and health indicators tended to support their perceptions. Most were independent in activities of daily living (ADL), but instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) posed more of a challenge, and limitations in major activities were common as was a high ra...
Assessing the Mental Health Needs and Barriers to Care Among a Diverse Sample of Asian American Older Adults

BACKGROUND Asian Americans represent a mix of cultures and immigration experiences, which may put them differentially at risk for mental health problems. Yet, little is known about the mental health needs of older adults from various Asian subgroups compared to non-Hispanic whites.
Assimilation, Ethnic Competition, and Ethnic Identities of U.S.-Born Persons of Mexican Origin

Processes governing the ethnic identification of second and later generations of Mexican immigrant descendants are explored empirically using the Latino National Political Survey, 1989–1990. With m...
Men versus women in industrial sales: A performance gap

Abstract Sales managers have typically directed an all-male sales force. Today, they are recruiting women for positions in industrial sales. Whereas such managers may have a number of questions about women, probably the single most important question is how men and women compare in job performance. Although trade publications report that women have done quite well in sales [1], the question should not be considered resolved. Trade reports are extremely useful but are not based on systematic evidence. Another difficulty with trade reports is the failure to test for spurious relationships, that is, apparent relationships due to variables correlated with both sex and performance. In particular, variables that may be related to both sex and job performance should be examined to see whether job performance differences are actually due to the sex of the person or whether such relationships are spurious.
On the Computation of the Distribution for the Analysis of Means

We discuss the accuracy of the computation and present a fortran program to compute the cumulative distribution function (CDF) for the analysis of means (ANOM).
EFFECT OF A SMALL, CIRCUMSCRIBED HEPATIC NECROSIS ON SERUM AND HEPATIC ENZYME ACTIVITIES.

A small focal necrosis of the liver was produced without affecting the general condition of dogs by injecting 20 ml. 69% sodium and methylglucamine diatrizoates into a catheter wedged in a hepatic vein. This was associated with a decreased enzyme activity of the injured tissue as compared with normal liver and correspondingly increased levels of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in both hepatic venous and peripheral arterial blood. By 72 hr. after injury, when regeneration was seen histologically, the enzyme activities, markedly depressed in the injured areas, were returning to normal. The increase of serum enzyme activity appears to be quite rapid during the first few minutes after hepatic injury and there is a slow secondary rise during the first hour thereafter. By 24 hr. the serum enzyme activities returned to near normal. The enzyme activities in the peripheral arterial blood were not significantly different from those in the hepatic venous blood. Transient elevations of serum enzyme activities were also noticed in human subjects who underwent diagnostic wedge hepatic venography.
Potassium tantalate niobate thin films for spaceborne pyroelectric detectors

Abstract Potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) thin film pyroelectric detectors are being developed for broad band spaceborne sensors where passively cooled operating temperatures ∼ 90K are easily attained. The ability to tailor the phase transition temperature of KTN through composition control makes it an ideal candidate for such applications. Decreasing the operating temperature from 300K to 90K allows for over an order of magnitude increase in the background-limited sensitivity of a pyroelectric detector. Current research focuses on optimizing the composition and structure of laser deposited KTa0.91Nb0.09O3 (Tc = 93K) thin films. Preliminary studies of materials for bottom electrodes are being performed using Pt and conducting oxides with the perovskite structure: La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSC), YBa2Cu3O7-∂ (YBCO) and SrRuO3. KTN films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition on LaAlO3, Pt/Si3N4/Si, LSC/LaAlO3, YBCO/SrTiO3, YBCO/LaAlO3, and YBCO/YSZ (yttria-stabilized ZrO2) substrates and heterostructures. The hi...
Locally adaptive regularized super-resolution on video with arbitrary motion

Regularization based super-resolution (SR) methods have been widely used to improve video resolution in recent years. These methods, however, only minimize the sum of difference between acquired low resolution (LR) images and observation model without considering video local structure. In this paper, we proposed an idea, which employs adaptive kernel regression on regularization based SR methods, to improve super-resolution performance. Arbitrary motions in input video are also considered and well modeled in our work. It is shown that the proposed idea can provide better visual quality as well as higher Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) than approaches using regularized scheme or adaptive kernel regression alone.
Gas Temperature Field Measurement Using Thin-Filament Pyrometry

Thin Filament Pyrometry (TFP) has been proven to be a useful approach to measure hot gas temperature. The TFP technique involves suspending a thin filament (typically a SiC fiber) in hot gas flow path and calculating the gas temperature from the measured thermal radiance of the filament. Comparing to most optical and laser based non-intrusive techniques, the TFP approach offers significant simplicity, reduced cost and relative ease of applicability, especially at high-pressure gas-turbine type conditions.In this study, TFP was employed to measure combustor exit gas temperature distributions in an atmospheric combustion rig simulating a model aero-engine combustor burning Jet-A fuel. Hot gas from the combustor was accelerated through a converging nozzle to achieve high exit velocities. The thermal radiation signal from the glowing fiber was collected by a Near Infrared (NIR) camera outfitted with a band pass filter. The gas temperature profile was calculated by an intensity ratio technique. Two-Dimensional temperature maps were obtained via spatially and temporally scanning the TFP system. Temperature measurements at the combustor exit are reported for various fuel-air ratios at Mach numbers around 0.38. A type-B thermocouple stationed at the centerline of the combustor exit was corrected for radiation effects and used to infer the flame temperature for TFP measurement.The major contributions of the current study to the advancement of the TFP technique for measuring hot gas temperatures are: (1) To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the TFP technique has been used in a liquid fueled combustion system, and (2) The data presented herein were obtained at greater Mach numbers than all previous studies (Ma = 0.38).© 2014 ASME
Action of ultraviolet radiation upon ciliary movement in Paramecium.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of UV radiation upon ciliary movement of Paramecium multimicronucleatum was studied by ( a ) recording photographically tracings before and during irradiation, of the pathway traversed by an animal during 7 sec; and ( b ) by stroboscopic measurement of ciliary rate before and during irradiation. 2. 2. Both measurements showed that the first effect of irradiation is increased rate of ciliary movement. The increase in rate varied inversely with the intensity of UV radiation. The period of increased ciliary rate was dependent upon UV dose. 3. 3. The increased rate of ciliary beat induced by irradiation subsides and is followed by a decrease in rate until translational movement ceases. 4. 4. Adenosine triphosphate solutions did not accelerate ciliary movement slowed by UV treatment. 5. 5. UV irradiation induces not only a slowing in the beat of the cilia but also a change in pattern of movement of the Paramecium which is recorded in the photographic tracings. Differential UV action on the body cilia as against the oral groove cilia appears to explain the various patterns obtained. 6. 6. The data are related to the findings in the literature.
Naja naja cobra bite

Most venomous snakes in the United States are of the Crotalidae family. Another family of snakes, the Elapidae, are not so common, but their bites may be a threat to zoo keepers and persons who have exotic snakes as pets. Because Elapidae envenomation is not common, signs and symptoms of such envenomation may not be recognized. Elapidae venom, because of a curare-like property, can produce respiratory compromise followed by death within 10 minutes. Antivenin, cholinesterase inhibitors, and mechanical ventilation are treatments to consider in such envenomations. Unlike Crotalidae antivenin, Elapidae antivenin may not confer protection against species not used in its preparation. Identification of the involved snake, by family and specie, should be an early priority. Correct management of the envenomated patient is dependent on the prompt administration of the most specific antivenin available when indicated.
The demand for protection: A look at antidumping cases

Using data taken directly from the ITC's dumping case studies, the paper uses standard logit techniques to empirically investigate a US industry's decision to initiate a dumping case against its foreign competitors. A major finding is that a domestic industry is more likely to initiate a dumping case if there has been a recent surge in imports from that country, and if that country's imports represent a significant share of the US market. In addition, it is observed that depressed or declining industries tend to initiate cases with greater frequency. Support is found for the view that US manufacturers may initiate dumping cases in order to deter new entrants to US markets or to penalize such entry.
Enhancement of the B11 nuclear relaxation in CrB2 near the antiferromagnetic transition

Abstract Measurements of B11 nuclear spin-lattice relaxation as a function of temperature in the itinerant antiferromagnet CrB2 are reported. T-11 shows a divergent behavior near TN and it approaches a constant value well above TN. The results are compared with the different theoretical predictions of Moriya and Ueda obtained either from the RPA or from the renormalized spin fluctuation approach.
Adsorption of oxygen on a Pd(111) surface studied by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS)

Abstract Oxygen adsorption on a Pd(111) surface has been studied in the temperature range from 30 K to 300 K by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and by low energy electron diffraction (LEED). At 30 K oxygen adsorption leads to two roughly equally populated molecular adsorption states characterized by vibrational losses at 850 and 1035 cm−1. These losses are assigned to the O-O stretching frequency of molecularly adsorbed oxygen in a peroxo-like state and a superoxo-like state, respectively. After saturation of these chemisorbed molecular states, a state of physisorbed oxygen with its vibrational frequency close to the gas phase value of 1556 cm−1 is populated. Upon warming the sample above 80 K, an additional loss feature at 650 cm−1 develops which is assigned to a second peroxo-like molecular species. Between 80 and 180 K an interconversion of the different molecular species takes place in which the molecular states are sequentially populated in the order of decreasing vibrational frequency νO-O as the sample temperature is raised. The dissociation process is completed at T ≈ 200 K leaving a layer of atomic oxygen on the surface which is characterized by a vibrational loss at 480 cm−1 and by a 2 × 2 pattern in LEED. The results demonstrate that the dissociative chemisorption of oxygen on Pd(111) does not proceed in a single step but through a sequence of several well defined molecular precursor states.
The NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) localize differently in the compartments of dentin and growth plate of bone.

Multiple studies have shown that dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is essential for bone and dentin mineralization. After post-translational proteolytic cleavage, DMP1 exists within the extracellular matrix of bone and dentin as an NH2-terminal fragment, a COOH-terminal fragment, and the proteoglycan form of the NH2-terminal fragment (DMP1-PG). To begin to assess the biological function of each fragment, we evaluated the distribution of both fragments in the rat tooth and bone using antibodies specific to the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal regions of DMP1 and confocal microscopy. In rat first molar organs, the NH2-terminal fragment localized to predentin, whereas the COOH-terminal fragment was mainly restricted to mineralized dentin. In the growth plate of bone, the NH2-terminal fragment appeared in the proliferation and hypertrophic zones, whereas the COOH-terminal fragment occupied the ossification zone. Forster resonance energy transfer analysis showed colocalization of both fragments of DMP1 in odontoblasts and predentin, as well as hypertrophic chondrocytes within the growth plates of bone. The biochemical analysis of bovine teeth showed that predentin is rich in DMP1-PG, whereas mineralized dentin primarily contains the COOH-terminal fragment. We conclude that the differential patterns of expression of NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments of DMP1 reflect their potentially distinct roles in the biomineralization of dentin and bone matrices. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:155–166, 2009)
Electrochemical reduction of purine-2,6-disulfonic acid: Polarography and controlled potential electrolysis

Summary Between pH 0 and 13 purine-2,6-disulfonic acid (P-2,6-DSo) shows a total of 8 polarographic waves at the DME. The nature of these waves and the products were investigated by polarography, cyclic voltammetry at the pyrolytic graphite electrode, coulometry, macroscale electrolysis, and u.v. absorption spectra. At low pH (0–3.5), P-2,6-DSo is reduced polarographically in 3 steps: the first, a 2e process (wave Ia) to give 1,6-dihydropurine-2,6-disulfonic acid; the second, a 4e reduction (wave III) of the wave Ia product to 1,6-dihydropurine; and the third, a 2e reduction (wave IVa) of 1,6-dihydropurine to 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropurine, which hydrolyzes to a 4-aminoimidazole. A small kinetic wave (wave II), corresponding to the reduction of purine -2-sulfonic acid which is produced via slow chemical and electrochemical reactions of the wave Ia product, is also observed at low pH. Under coulometric conditions at low pH (0–3.7), P-2,6-DSo is reduced initially in a 5e process (wave Ia) involving loss of H2S and sulfurous acid to give purine-2-sulfonic acid which is reduced in a 7e step (wave II), again with loss of H2S and sulfurous acid, to 1,6-dihydropurine, which is reduced as before (wave IVa, 2e) to 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropurine. Between pH 3.8 and 4.8, waves II and III merge to give wave V. Coulometric reduction of P-2,6-DSo on the crest of wave V requires 11e and the product is 1,6-dihydropurine, which can be further reduced in a 2e process as before. At intermediate pH (5.1–6.6) only one large (12e coulometric, 8e polarographic) wave (wave VI), involving the reduction of P-2,6-DSo to a 4-aminoimidazole, is observed. Between pH 6.8 and 13, identical 2-step reductions occur under both polarographic and coulometric conditions: the first, a 2e reduction (wave Ib) to purine-2-sulfonic acid with loss of sulfurous acid; the second, a 6e reduction (wave IVb) of purine-2-sulfonic acid to the 4-aminoimidazole.
Characterization and localization of bovine epidermal transglutaminase substrate

The substrate was purified by DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B ion exchange chromatography, Pevikon block electrophoresis, and ACA-54 gel filtration chromatography. This modified purification procedure resulted in a 19% substrate yield. Amino acid analysis of the purified substrate was performed following treatment in SDS, alkylation in 4-vinyl pyridine, and hydrolysis with methane sulfonic acid. Results included significant levels of lysine and glutamic acid, low levels of cystine and methionine, and a high amount of an amino acid eluting in identical position with authentic citrulline. Studies of the sedimentation equilibrium of the substrate showed a monodispersed protein with a molecular weight of 36,780 ± 350. Ultrastructural studies of insoluble high molecular weight aggregates of the substrate revealed globular, amorphous masses lacking fibrillar structure. Using Ouchterlony double diffusion techniques, the initial substrate (36,000 m.w. substrate) and the soluble crosslinked high molecular weight substrate were shown to be immunologically identical. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed on freeze-dried sections of bovine snout epidermis using substrate specific rabbit antiserum and fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG. Fluorescence was seen throughout the cytoplasm and inner cell membrane of granular cells, but was limited to the inner membrane of stratum corneum cells. Epidermal transglutaminase substrate is an amorphous, globular, citrulline containing protein synthesized in the cytosol of keratinizing cells with ultimate localization in the cell membrane.
Development of the Colombian foreland-basin system as a consequence of diachronous exhumation of the northern Andes

This study addresses multiple controls on foreland-basin accommodation and contributes to enhanced understanding of the evolution of the northern Andes. The Middle Magdalena Valley Basin (MMVB), Eastern Cordillera, and Llanos Basin are part of a Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic foreland-basin system, east of the Colombian Central Cordillera. Mechanical modeling indicates that the primary control on complex distributions of sedimentary thicknesses, facies, and unconformities was lithospheric flexure in response to crustal loads from the Central and Eastern Cordilleras. Shorter-wavelength folding and paleoaltitude determined the local character of strata. Our mechanical modeling consists of the application of orogenic and sedimentary loads extracted from geologic data on a continuous elastic lithosphere. The results validate two major basin configurations. The first configuration was a Maastrichtian–early Eocene foreland basin coupled with Central Cordillera uplift. Growth strata record continuous sedimentation in the Eastern Cordillera, whereas regional unconformities in the Llanos Basin (distal foreland basin) reflect isostatic adjustments of the basin's amplitude and wavelength to Central Cordillera episodic uplift and tectonic quiescence. The second major basin configuration was characterized by Central Cordillera erosion since middle Eocene times recorded by a regional pediment surface. In the absence of Central Cordillera effective loading, loads from onlapping sediments and Eastern Cordillera piggyback sub-basins provoked post–middle Eocene accommodation in the MMVB and Llanos Basin. Intensified Eastern Cordillera uplift during the Neogene produced basinal tilting recorded by unconformities in the MMVB. This study highlights the importance of assessing the causes of tectonic accommodation as a foundation for interpretation of the evolution of large foreland and intermontane basins.
Strategies for labeling proteins with PARACEST agents

Reactive surface lysine groups on the monoclonal antibody (3G4) and on human serum albumin (HSA) were labeled with two different PARACEST chelates. Between 7.4 and 10.1 chelates were added per 3G4 molecule and between 5.6 and 5.9 chelates per molecule of HSA, depending upon which conjugation chemistry was used. The immunoreactivity of 3G4 as measured by ELISA assays was highly dependent upon the number of attached chelates: 88% immunoreactivity with 7.4 chelates per antibody versus only 17% immunoreactivity with 10.1 chelates per antibody. Upon conjugation to 3G4, the bound water lifetime of Eu-1 increased only marginally, up from 53μs for the non-conjugated chelate to 65-77μs for conjugated chelates. Conjugation of a chelate Eu-2 to HSA via a single side-chain group also resulted in little or no change in bound water lifetime (73-75μs for both the conjugated and non-conjugated forms). These data indicate that exchange of water molecules protons between the inner-sphere site on covalently attached PARACEST agent and bulk water is largely unaffected by the mode of attachment of the agent to the protein and likely its chemical surroundings on the surface of the protein.
Particle transport and density gradient scale lengths in the edge pedestal

A new flux-gradient relation for the ion particle flux in the edge pedestal is derived from continuity and momentum balance, taking into account atomic physics, and cast in the form of a generalized 'diffusion-pinch' transport relation. This flux-gradient relation is used to derive a new expression for a first-principles calculation of the ion density gradient scale length.
Psychopathology in women arrested for domestic violence

This study examined the prevalence of psychopathology among women arrested for violence and whether the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) was associated with Axis I psychopathology. Women who were arrested for domestic violence perpetration and court referred to violence intervention programs (N= 103) completed measures of IPV victimization, perpetration, and psychopathology. Results revealed high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Violence victimization was significantly associated with symptoms of psychopathology. Logistic regression analyses showed that sexual and psychological abuse by partners were associated with the presence of PTSD, depression, and GAD diagnoses. Results highlight the potential importance of the role of violence victimization in psychopathology. Results suggest that Axis I and Axis II psychopathology should routinely be assessed as part of violence intervention programs for women and that intervention programs could be improved by offering adjunct or integrated mental health treatment.
Heliospheric Boundary Exploration Using Ion Propulsion Spacecraft

Anewdeep-spacemissiontotheheliosphericboundaryisanalyzedforspacecraftutilizinglow-thrustionengines. The mission design is performed by optimizing a combination of trajectory variables and propulsion system parameters such that the total trip time to the heliospheric boundary is minimized. Spacecraft utilizing both solar electricpropulsionandnuclearelectricpropulsionareconsidered.Optimalmissiondesignsarepresentedforawide range of launch vehicle options. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the assumed electric propulsion technology level and gravity-assist e yby conditions is performed. Although electric propulsion is typically associated with payload fraction enhancement, this analysis demonstrates that the use of low-thrust spacecraft results in relatively short trip times for high-energy deep-space missions. Furthermore, it is shown that the performance of both electric-propulsion spacecraft trajectories compare favorably and in many cases show improvement overmissions utilizing all-chemical propulsion systems.
Model Study of Coherent-Control of the Femtosecond Primary Event of Vision†

A bichirped coherent-control scenario is introduced and implemented in a model study of coherent-control of the cis/trans photoisomerization of the retinal chromophore in rhodopsin. The approach involves selective photoexcitation of multiple vibrationally coherent wave packets by using two chirped femtosecond pulses. Control over product yields at finite time after photoexcitation of the system is achieved by externally changing the relative phases of the photoexcitation pulses and consequently affecting the interference phenomena between individual wave packet components. Furthermore, a measure of decoherence associated with the underlying quantum reaction dynamics is computed. Extensive coherent-control over transient populations is predicted, despite the ultrafast decoherence phenomena induced by the vibronic activity, providing results of broad theoretical and experimental interest.
Model for the kinetics of cluster nucleation in irradiated materials : application to vacancy clusters

Abstract The kinetics of point defect clustering plays an important role in the development of materials' microstructure under irradiation. Vacancy cluster (void) formation is one such microstructural change expected under fluxes of high energy neutrons in advanced nuclear reactor applications. In this work, a theoretical model that describes the evolution of these vacancy clusters during irradiation is developed and applied to the case of 316 stainless steel. The time dependence of the size distribution of these subcritical vacancy clusters is calculated. The incubation period and approach to steady state for such clusters is illustrated. The limitations of the model in terms of the imposed boundary conditions are also discussed.
Influence of ageing and essential amino acids on quantitative patterns of troponin T alternative splicing in human skeletal muscle

Ageing is associated with a loss of skeletal muscle performance, a condition referred to as sarcopenia. In part, the age-related reduction in performance is due to a selective loss of muscle fiber mass, but mass-independent effects have also been demonstrated. An important mass-independent determinant of muscle performance is the pattern of expression of isoforms of proteins that participate in muscle contraction (e.g., the troponins). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ageing impairs alternative splicing of the pre-mRNA encoding fast skeletal muscle troponin T (TNNT3) in human vastus lateralis muscle. Furthermore, we hypothesized that resistance exercise alone or in combination with consumption of essential amino acids would attenuate age-associated effects on TNNT3 alternative splicing. Our results indicate that ageing negatively affects the pattern of TNNT3 alternative splicing in a manner that correlates quantitatively with age-associated reductions in muscle performance. Interestingly, whereas vastus lateralis TNNT3 alternative splicing was unaffected by a bout of resistance exercise 24 h prior to muscle biopsy, ingestion of a mixture of essential amino acids after resistance exercise resulted in a significant shift in the pattern of TNNT3 splice form expression in both age groups to one predicted to promote greater muscle performance. We conclude that essential amino acid supplementation after resistance exercise may provide a means to reduce impairments in skeletal muscle quality during ageing in humans.
Growth and characterization of n-type GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetector on GaAs-on-Si substrate

We present in this article device characteristics of molecular beam epitaxy grown GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) on a semi-insulating GaAs substrate and on a GaAs-on-Si substrate grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Important issues for QWIP application such as dark current, spectral response, and absolute responsivity were measured. We find that the detector structure grown on a GaAs-on-Si substrate exhibits comparable dark current and absolute responsivity and a small blue shift in the spectral response. This is the first demonstration of long wavelength GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared photodetector using MOCVD grown GaAs-on-Si substrate and the performance is comparable to a similar detector structure grown on a GaAs substrate.
Maturation of undifferentiated lung epithelial cells into type II cells in vitro: a temporal process that parallels cell differentiation in vivo.

Background: Formation of alveolar-like structures (ALS) by mature fetal rabbit type II pneumocytes (day 29 gestation) and long-term differentiation on Engelbreth-Holms-Swarm mouse tumor extract or EHS gel (Matrigel) were reported by our group (Blau et al., 1988. J. Cell Physiol., 136:203–214). We now describe structural organization and differentiation of immature lung epithelial cells, isolated at day 22 gestation, into mature type II cells in vitro. Methods: Peripheral pulmonary tissue was pooled and undifferentiated epithelial cells isolated for primary culture on Matrigel. Cells were examined 12–16 h after plating and on days 1,3,5, and 7 of culture and assessed by phase contrast and by transmission electron microscopy after fixation in situ. Results: Cells formed ALS 12–16 h after plating. Spherule diameter increased about four to eight times from day 1–7 in culture. There was rapid transformation of tall columnar cells to cuboidal, normal polarization of cells with respect to cell-free lumen of ALS, progressive reduction of glycogen zones, apparent gradual increase of cell organelles such as Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and apparent extrusion of lipidic figures into the lumen. These morphologic transformations in vitro temporally paralleled cell differentiation in vivo. The relative increase of 14C-acetate precursor into phosphatidylcholine in contrast to cardiolipin was consistent with these transformations. Conclusions: Under the conditions of our culture system, maturation of undifferentiated pulmonary epithelial cells is reproduced in vitro along the same time course and according to the same developmental sequence of fetal lungs in vivo. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Buccal cortical bone thickness for mini-implant placement

Introduction The thickness of cortical bone is an important factor in mini-implant stability. In this study, we investigated the buccal cortical bone thickness of every interdental area as an aid in planning mini-implant placement. Methods From the cone-beam computed tomography scans of 30 dry skulls, 2-dimensional slices through every interdental area were generated. On these, cortical bone thickness was measured at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the alveolar crest. Intraclass correlation was used to determine intrarater reliability, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences in cortical bone thickness. Results Buccal cortical bone thickness was greater in the mandible than in the maxilla. Whereas this thickness increased with increasing distance from the alveolar crest in the mandible and in the maxillary anterior sextant, it behaved differently in the maxillary buccal sextants; it was thinnest at the 4-mm level. Conclusions Interdental buccal cortical bone thicknes varies in the jaws. There appears to be a distinct pattern. Knowledge of this pattern and the mean values for thickness can aid in mini-implant site selection and preparation.
Finite element formulations for hyperelastic transversely isotropic biphasic soft tissues

Abstract This paper presents a finite element model for the three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear analysis of soft hydrated tissues such as articular cartilage in diarthrodial joints under physiologically relevant loading conditions. A biphasic continuum description is used to represent the soft tissue as a two-phase mixture of incompressible inviscid fluid and a hyperelastic, transversely isotropic solid. Alternate mixed-penalty and velocity-pressure finite element formulations are used to solve the nonlinear biphasic governing equations, including the effects of a strain-dependent permeability and a hyperelastic solid phase under finite deformation. The resulting first-order nonlinear system of equations are discretized in time using an implicit finite difference scheme and solved using the Newton-Raphson method. A significant contribution of this work is the implementation and testing of a biphasic description with a transversely isotropic hyperelastic solid phase. This description considers a Helmholtz free energy function of five invariants of the Cauchy-Green deformation tensor and the preferred direction of the material, allowing for asymmetric behavior in tension and compression. An exponential form is suggested and a set of material parameters is identified to represent the response of soft tissues in ranges of deformation and stress observed experimentally. After demonstrating the behavior of this constitutive model in simple tension and compression, a sample problem of unconfined compression is used to further validate the finite element implementation.