cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared photocurrent study of PZT/YBCO and PMSZT/YBCO heterostructures

Ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) (001) and (Mn,Sn) doped-PZT (PMSZT) (001) thin films have been integrated to high Tc superconducting c-oriented YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) films for use as infrared detectors. The films were grown on LaAlO3(100) substrates by the pulsed laser deposition technique. The photocurrent responses of the PZT/YBCO and PMSZT/YBCO heterostructures fabricated as infrared (IR) detector have been measured from room temperature up to the ferroelectric phase transition temperatures. A stable photocurrent was observed to increase with increasing temperature throughout the temperature range. It was observed that the photocurrent of PMSZT/YBCO IR detector was significantly higher than that of the PZT/YBCO IR detectors in the temperature range of 20 - 170 degree(s)C. The current enhancement with temperature was found to be strongly polarization dependent and is due to the change of the pyroelectric coefficient of the PZT and PMSZT thin films with temperature. The YBCO thin films in the heterostructure were not used for their superconducting properties, but for their IR reflector-conductive electrode properties and as an atomic template for PZT/PMSZT epitaxial growth. With the high dielectric constants of PZT (600 - 800) and PMSZT (300 - 450) measured in this work, and the stable photocurrent in the infrared region (above 1 micrometers ), the PZT/YBCO and PMSZT/YBCO heterostructures are believed to be suitable materials for use in infrared detectors applicable at temperatures higher than room temperature.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy on the thermo-oxidative degradation of polybenzimidazole and of a polybenzimidazole/polyetherimide blend

Abstract The thermo-oxidative degradation of the polybenzimidazole material, poly[2,2′-m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PBI), and of a blend of PBI with the polyetherimide, poly[2,2′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenylpropane-2-phenylene bisimide] (Ultem 1000), was investigated by Fourier transform infra-red (FTi.r.) spectroscopy. An experimental protocol and the necessary instrumentation were developed for real-time monitoring of the molecular changes occurring during the process. The spectroscopic data provided information about the mechanism and the kinetics of the thermo-oxidative degradation in its early stages. The FTi.r. spectra of the PBI/Ultem 1000 blend were analysed by subtraction spectroscopy, and the application of this technique allowed us to selectively follow the fate of the two components in the blend. No chemical interaction between PBI and Ultem 1000 was detectable by FTi.r. spectroscopy during the degradation process.
Methods for increasing the susceptibility of primary cultures of porcine kidney cells to infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus.

The effect of several environmental factors on the susceptibility of primary cultures of porcine kidney (PK) cells to infection with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus was determined. Cell susceptibility was affected by initial pH of growth and maintenance media and by concentration of cells used to prepare cultures. Plaque formation was affected by composition of fluid in which the virus was diluted. Yield of virus was affected by the composition of culture fluid during replication and release of virus. Cells in cultures prepared by the methods described were highly susceptible to strains of the 7 types of FMD virus obtained directly from animals. A mean of more than 1,000 plaque-forming units (PFU) of FMD virus per cell was obtained from cultures prepared as described for replication and assay of these strains of virus on second passage in cultured cells. Although dispersed cells were centrifuged to remove trypsin, cultures of high susceptibility to infection with FMD virus were prepared from dispersed cells that were not centrifuged.
Fluorescent Photo-conversion: A Second Chance to Label Unique Cells

Not all cells behave uniformly after treatment in tissue engineering studies. In fact, some treated cells display no signs of treatment or show unique characteristics not consistent with other treated cells. What if the "unique" cells could be isolated from a treated population, and further studied? Photo-convertible reporter proteins, such as Dendra2, allow for the ability to selectively identify unique cells with a secondary label within a primary labeled treated population. In the current study, select cells were identified and labeled through photo-conversion of Dendra2-transfected human Wharton's Jelly cells (hWJCs) for the first time. Robust photo-conversion of green-to-red fluorescence was achieved consistently in arbitrarily selected cells, allowing for precise cell identification of select hWJCs. The current study demonstrates a method that offers investigators the opportunity to selectively label and identify unique cells within a treated population for further study or isolation from the treatment population. Photo-convertible reporter proteins, such as Dendra2, offer the ability over non-photo-convertible reporter proteins, such as green fluorescent protein, to analyze unique individual cells within a treated population, which allows investigators to gain more meaningful information on how a treatment affects all cells within a target population.
Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 replication in macrophages and H9 cells by free or liposome-encapsulated L-689,502, an inhibitor of the viral protease

Macrophages are recognized as a major reservoir of HIV-1 in infected individuals. We examined the effect of an inhibitor of the viral protease, L-689,502, on virus production by monocyte-derived macrophages infected with HIV-1BaL. Continuous treatment with L-689,502 drastically inhibited virus production in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10–200 nM, in some cases by more than 1000-fold, compared to untreated cells. Since liposomes can be targeted to macrophages in vivo, we examined whether the inhibitor was effective following delivery in liposomes. The inhibitor encapsulated in multilamellar liposomes was more effective than the free drug in inhibiting virus production in macrophages, throughout the concentration range studied. The EC90 of the liposomal inhibitor was 2.9- to 4.5-fold lower than that of the free compound. L-689,502 encapsulated in sterically stabilized liposomes with prolonged circulation time inhibited virus production at a level comparable to the free inhibitor. When macrophages were infected and treated for only a limited time, L-689,502 in multilamellar liposomes was the most effective of the three treatments. In chronically infected H9 cells treated continuously, the free inhibitor was more effective than the liposome-encapsulated drug, but virus production was reduced only to 40–60% of controls. In contrast, treatment of acutely infected H9 cells with either free or encapsulated L-689,502 inhibited virus production by up to three orders of magnitude. Our results indicate that liposomes may be useful for the delivery of HIV protease inhibitors with low aqueous solubility and low oral bio-availability, and for the targeting of these drugs to lymph nodes.
Integrating distributed energy resources in smart grid: Modeling and analysis

To assess the effectiveness of integrating distributed energy resources, we investigate three types of grid systems: power grid with only bulk energy generators, power grid with distributed energy resources, and power grid with both distributed energy resources and storage devices. Based on the metrics of power cumulative cost and user service reliability, we analyze the impact of integrating distributed energy resources and storage devices on the power grid. Through extensive simulation, our data shows that integrating distributed energy resources conjointly with energy storage devices can reduce generation costs, smooth the curve of bulk power generation over time, reduce bulk power generation, and power distribution losses, and provide sustainable user service reliability to the grid.
Metabolism of adrenochrome semicarbazone in the rat

Abstract Adrenochrome monosemicarbazone was administered to rats. The bulk of the compound was found to be excreted unchanged in a comparatively short period of time. At a dose level of 10 mg/kg, approximately half the administered dose could be accounted for by urinary excretion within 6 hr after administration. Radioactive tracer studies indicated that 85 to 90 per cent of the urinary product is unchanged adrenochrome semicarbazone. The remaining 10 to 15 per cent represents three minor metabolites. Two of these have been characterized as sulfate conjugates; the third product was not characterized because of difficulties in isolation. One of the metabolites appears to be a sulfate conjugate of 6-hydroxy-N-methylindole semicarbazone and the other a sulfate conjugate of 5-amino-6-hydroxy-N-methylindole.
Super-miniaturized borehole antenna design and radio-wave estimation of sub-surface hydraulic fractures at MF band

In this paper we present a medium frequency (MF) band imaging system to estimate the sub-surface hydraulic fractures. We propose a helical dipole antenna for the borehole imaging application. The proposed antenna is loaded with a ferrite-bundle and is optimized to achieve an ultra-compact size to fit within a volume of λ 0 /1400 × λ 0 /1400 × λ 0 /35 while maintaining a relatively high efficiency of about 20%. The feeding network is designed to match the antenna input impedance with the frequency tunability. Based on the proposed antenna, a radio-wave technique for detecting fractured regions in subsurface rock layers is developed. Compared with conventional high frequency mapping system, the penetrating distance has increased to kilometers range due to the low propagation loss at MF band. The method is based on single-hole setup with separate transmitter and receiver antennas. The time-gating is performed to minimize the direct-link signals. Post-processing maps the conductivity contrast in the target area with a good resolution.
The Lymphocyte Potassium Channels Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 as Targets for Immunosuppression.

The voltage-gated Kv1.3 and the calcium-activated KCa3.1 potassium channel modulate many calcium-dependent cellular processes in immune cells, including T-cell activation and proliferation, and have therefore been proposed as novel therapeutic targets for immunomodulation. Kv1.3 is highly expressed in CCR7(-) effector memory T cells and is emerging as a target for T-cell mediated diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes mellitus, allergic contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. KCa3.1 in contrast is expressed in CCR7(+) naive and central memory T cells, as well as in mast cells, macrophages, dedifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, vascular endothelium, and airway epithelium. Given this expression pattern, KCa3.1 is a potential therapeutic target for conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and asthma to cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. Results from animal studies have been supportive of the therapeutic potential of both Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 blockers and have also not shown any toxicities associated with pharmacological Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 blockade. To date, two compounds targeting Kv1.3 are in preclinical development but, so far, no Kv1.3 blocker has advanced into clinical trials. KCa3.1 blockers, on the other hand, have been evaluated in clinical trials for sickle cell anemia and exercise-induced asthma, but have so far not shown efficacy. However, the trial results support KCa3.1 as a safe therapeutic target, and will hopefully help enable clinical trials for other medical conditions that might benefit from KCa3.1 blockade.
Vasopressin agonists and antagonists.

In this article, the discrete modifications of the structure of the vasopressin molecule which led to the development of specific V1vascular, V2 renal, and mixed V1/V
Investigation of high cycle and low cycle fatigue interaction on fretting behavior

Abstract Fretting-fatigue behavior and damage accumulation under a variable-amplitude cycling load is investigated in a configuration involving a cylindrical indenter in contact with finite width plate. Relative magnitudes of cyclic tangential and bulk loads not only affect the contact conditions, but also their relative positions with respect to each other. Several stick–slip conditions on the contact surface may develop during the application of variable-amplitude fatigue load, and these are secondary and tertiary slips as well as shake-down. Further, residual shear traction develops during the application of cyclic load. The appropriate characterization of fretting-fatigue behavior or life should, therefore, include the complete history of applied cyclic tangential and bulk loads. Furthermore, experiments from a previous study conducted under a variable-amplitude fatigue loading condition are analyzed to characterize the damage accrual from its individual components involving constant-amplitude fatigue load by incorporating the contact mechanics and a multi-axial fatigue critical plane parameter. This analysis shows that there is nonlinear damage accumulation during variable-amplitude fretting-fatigue load.
Structures for an interactive on-line thesaurus

A data structure for a plant pathology thesaurus is implemented as a continuous string of characters. A hashing function is used to access terms and their related terms. A prefix hashing schema is described which permits thesaurus file access with partial spellings and defines file blocking to improve sequential (alphabetic) scans. Sequential searches within blocks permit full word matching when desired. A general system and file structure is proposed with display formats and a user command language.
Gastric phytobezoars consequent to delayed gastric emptying

Twelve patients with gastric phytobezoars are reported. Predisposing factors included gastric surgery and diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Endoscopy was valuable in both the diagnosis and therapy of these bezoars. Delayed gastric emptying in the absence of gastric outlet obstruction was documented in 8 patients with a 99m Technetium labelled meal. Metoclopramide was effective in restoring normal gastric emptying in some patients. These findings support the hypothesis that impaired gastric motility is a major factor in gastric phytobezoar formation.
Does the ulnar nerve enlarge after surgical transposition

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that symptomatic transposed ulnar nerves have a larger average cross-sectional area (CSA) than symptomatic in situ ulnar nerves. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of the charts and sonograms of 68 patients who had failed ulnar nerve transposition compared to 48 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who had not undergone surgical management. In addition, postoperative sonograms were compared with preoperative studies when available. Failure was defined as persistence or recurrence of symptoms of ulnar neuropathy postoperatively. The cross-sectional area of the nerve, subjective echogenicity, and residual sites of compression were recorded. Groups were subsequently compared by t tests. RESULTS The failed ulnar nerve transposition group showed a mean cross-sectional area ± SD of 17.26 ± 9.93 mm(2), whereas the control group showed a mean cross-sectional area of 13.45 ± 7.33 mm(2). This difference was statistically significant (P= .018). Nontransposed nerves were more likely to have identifiable sites of compression (P< .05). There was a trend toward postoperative enlargement in the 6 patients with available preoperative imaging (P = .17). No difference in subjective echogenicity was found in this analysis. CONCLUSIONS Patients with failed ulnar nerve transposition show a significantly enlarged cross-sectional area when compared to symptomatic nerves in situ. Although a specific etiology for this difference cannot be determined, the data suggest that the reference ranges for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve may need to be revised for those who have undergone surgery.
Active learning by design: an undergraduate introductory public health course.

Principles of active learning were used to design and implement an introductory public health course. Students were introduced to the breadth and practice of public health through team and individual-based activities. Team assignments covered topics in epidemiology, biostatistics, health behavior, nutrition, maternal and child health, environment, and health policy. Students developed an appreciation of the population perspective through an “experience” trip and related intervention project in a public health area of their choice. Students experienced several key critical component elements of a public health undergraduate major; they cover key public health domains, experience public health practice, and integrated concepts with their assignments. In this paper, course assignments, lessons learned, and student successes are described. Given the increased growth in the undergraduate public health major, these active learning assignments may be of interest to undergraduate public health programs at both liberal arts colleges and research universities.
Individual variation in advertisement calls of territorial male green frogs, Rana clamitans : implications for individual discrimination

Individuals of many territorial species discriminate between familiar territorial neighbors and unfamiliar strangers based on individual differences in acoustic signals. Many anuran amphibians are territorial and use primarily acoustic communication during social interactions, but evidence for acoustically mediated individual discrimination is available only for one species. As a first step in research designed to investigate individual discrimination in a second species of territorial frog, we examined patterns of within-male and among-male variability in 198 advertisement calls of 20 male green frogs, Rana clamitans. The aim was to determine which acoustic properties could be used by males to recognize their territorial neighbors and to estimate limits of reliability afforded by these properties for identifying different neighbors. All of the call properties that we examined exhibited significant inter-individual variation. Discriminant function analyses assigned between 52% and 100% of calls to the correct individual, depending on sample size and the call properties included in the model. This suggests that there is sufficient among-male variability to statistically identify individuals by their advertisement calls. The call properties of fundamental frequency and dominant frequency contributed the most towards discrimination among individuals. Based on their natural history and behavior and the results reported here, we suggest that male green frogs likely discriminate between strangers and adjacently territorial neighbors based on individual variation in advertisement calls.
Health and economic development: Longer-run view

Abstract Increasing recognition has been given to the fact that in developing countries improved health may make an important contribution to economic development. In analysing this relationship it is important to distinguish between the immediate, stable situation with organizational modes and technology held constant and longer term issues in which organizational and technical change induced by improved health standards must be taken into account. Development policy can be more effectively planned if both levels of analysis are considered.
Cooperative Opening of Voltage Gated Proton Channels Involves Inter-Subunit Interactions

Voltage-gated proton (Hv) channels have two subunits. Each subunit has a permeation pathway, but opening of the two pathways is highly cooperative. However, Hv channels lack a classic pore domain. Therefore, it is unclear how Hv channels open their permeation pathways. Using Voltage Clamp Fluorometry (VCF), we detect two fluorescence changes for a fluorophore attached close to the voltage sensor S4 in Hv channels, implying two conformational changes of S4. The first fluorescence change is highly voltage dependent and precedes channel opening, consistent with reporting on independent S4 charge movements in the two subunits in an Hv dimer. The second fluorescence change is less voltage dependent and closely correlates with channel opening and closing. Prevention of dimerization or mutations at the inter-subunit interface alters both the second fluorescence change and channel opening. Our results suggest that, following an initial S4 charge movement in the two subunits, channel opening in Hv channels is due to a second conformational change of S4 involving interactions between the two Hv subunits.
Dense energetic salts of N,N′-dinitrourea (DNU)

The structure of dinitrourea (DNU) as determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction is orthorhombic; space group: Fdd2; a = 12.0015(9), b = 17.6425(13), c = 4.5555(4); V = 964.57 A3, Z = 8, T = 90 K; Dc = 2.067 g cm–3. The heat of formation (ΔfH°298) of DNU in the gas phase was calculated to be 24.88 kJ mol–1 by using the G3MP2 method based on isodesmic reactions. Eleven mono-organic salts of DNU were prepared in acetonitrile and characterized via NMR spectra, elemental analyses and DSC. Derivatives of 1,2,4-triazolium salts of DNU exhibit densities ranging from 1.75 to 1.86 g cm–3 and detonation properties comparable with those of RDX and HMX.
Type A-B behavior and the overt and covert hostility levels of college students.

As a means of providing psychometric validation of Friedman and Rosenman's (1977) clinical observation that Type A individuals show excessive levels of covert hostility, groups of Type A and Type B students were tested with the Buss-Durkee (1957) Hostility Inventory. Type A students expressed higher levels of hostility than the Type B students. However, this difference was due primarily to the relatively greater level of overt hostility of the Type A group. These groups did not differ in level of covert hostility.
Effects of some dibenzo-azepines on suppressed and nonsuppressed behavior of squirrel monkeys.

Six dibenzo-azepine derivatives were compared for their effects on suppressed and nonsuppressed behavior of squirrel monkeys. Monkeys responded by pressing a lever under a two-component fixed-ratio schedule of food presentation in which responding in one component was suppressed by response-produced electric shock. Intermediate doses (0.3–1.0 mg/kg IM) of selected unsubstituted and 8-chlorine-substituted dibenzo-azepines (perlapine, 106-094, and clozapine) increased responding that was suppressed by electric shock, whereas selected 2-chlorine-substituted dibenzo-azepines (loxapine, clothiapine, and 105-056) did not consistently increase suppressed responding at any dose (0.001–0.1 mg/kg IM). All six dibenzo-azepines decreased nonsuppressed responding in a dose-related manner, with the 2-chlorine-substituted derivatives being 16–50 times more potent than their unsubstituted or 8-chlorine-substituted congeners. These structure-activity relationships indicate that the effects of the dibenzo-azepines on both suppressed and nonsuppressed behavior differ qualitatively depending on the location of the chlorine substituent.
Reliability of the GAF and CGAS with children exposed to trauma.

The latest data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System indicates that an estimated 872,000 children in the United States were victims of abuse or neglect in the year 2004 (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). The physical and mental health consequences of recurrent, often parent-inflicted, child maltreatment are substantial (DosReis, Zito, Safer, & Soeken, 2001; Dube et al., 2003; Felitti et al., 1998). Sequelae of maltreatment have been described as “an environmentally induced complex developmental disorder” (De Bellis, 2001) that may extend beyond posttraumatic stress disorder
Phosphorylation of τ In Situ: Inhibition of Calcium‐Dependent Proteolysis

In this study, the in situ phosphorylation and subsequent calcium-activated proteolysis of tau protein were examined in human neuroblastoma (LA-N-5) cells, which were differentiated into a neuronal phenotype. The phosphorylation of tau was increased by treating the cells with forskolin and rolipram, which elevate cyclic AMP levels, by treating with the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid, or by treating with a combination of both treatments. Phosphorylated tau migrated slightly slower on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels than tau from untreated cells. Immunostaining with the phosphate-sensitive monoclonal antibody Tau-1 was also decreased in cells treated with okadaic acid, indicating an increase in the phosphorylation of specific Ser-Pro motifs within the molecule. Calcium-dependent, in situ proteolysis of tau protein was induced by treating the cells with the calcium ionophore A23187. Tau protein was proteolyzed to a significantly lesser extent in cells treated with forskolin and rolipram, okadaic acid, or both than in cells in which phosphorylation was not increased. Partially purified tau protein from cells treated with a combination of forskolin, rolipram, and okadaic acid was also more resistant to proteolysis by calpain in vitro compared with tau isolated from control cells. These data suggest a possible role for phosphorylation in the regulation of tau metabolism and in pathological conditions in which the balance between protein kinases and phosphatases is disrupted.
Frontal thoracic response to dynamic loading: the role of superficial tissues, viscera and the rib cage

Abstract Computer models are increasingly used in the design of crash protection systems, yet the experimental data available for benchmarking these models is limited. The goal of this study was to apportion the contributions of the rib cage, internal viscera and flesh to the mechanical response of the thorax by repeated dynamic loading of human cadavers. Three post-mortem human thoraces in three tissue states (intact, denuded and eviscerated) were subjected to dynamic anterior loading using four loading conditions (distributed, single diagonal belt, double belt and hub). The thoraces were significantly stiffer intact than eviscerated or denuded (paired t test p < 0.05). The distributed (598.7 N/cm) and double belt (529.2 N/cm) intact conditions were the stiffest, followed by the single belt (383.5 N/cm) and then the hub (170.0 N/cm). The degree to which the soft tissues influenced the response depended on the loading. For the hub and distributed conditions, the denuded thoraces retained 60% of the intact...
Cerebral oxygen consumption and blood flow in Fischer-344 rats of different ages.

Regional cerebral oxygen consumption and blood flow were determined and compared in conscious male Fischer-344 rats at 3, 12, 24 and 33 months of age to correlate the reported regional neurochemical and morphological changes which occur in these parameters during development, maturation, aging and senescence. Cerebral blood flow was determined with 14[C]-labelled iodoantipyrine and regional cerebral arterial and venous oxygen saturation was measured microspectrophotometrically. Oxygen consumption was obtained by multiplying cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased significantly with age. Average cerebral blood flow, oxygen extraction and oxygen consumption/100 g did not differ significantly between the four age groups examined. Oxygen consumption averaged 2.9 +/- 0.1 ml O2/min/100 g (mean +/- S.E.M.) in the 3-month-old group and 3.6 +/- 0.1 ml O2/min/100 g in the 33-month-old group. Differences in flow among the examined brain regions, which were present in the mature, 12-month-old brain, were not present in the developing, aging or senescent rat brain. Compensatory alterations in the efficiency or organization of neurochemical activity which occur during development, aging and senescence may modify the inter-regional differences in cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption noted during maturation. There was no correlation found between the neurochemical and morphological changes which have been reported during maturation, aging or senescence and regional cerebral oxygen consumption.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy. 41. Theory and characterization of ring electrodes.

Ring ultramicroelectrodes, which are of particular interest as probes for scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), combined with near-field scanning optical microscopy, were investigated. Theoretical SECM tip current−distance (approach) curves for a ring electrode were calculated by numerical (finite element) analysis. The SECM curves obtained were a function of the geometry of the tips including the thickness of the ring and the insulating sheath. Theoretical approach curves over conductive substrates showed a strong dependence on the ratio of inner to outer radii of ring microelectrodes (a/b) and were relatively insensitive to the thickness of the insulating sheath (rg). For insulating substrates, however, the approach curves varied significantly with rg, but much less with the a/b ratio. Comparison of experimental and theoretical SECM curves provided a good method of evaluating the size and shape of ring electrodes. Good agreement of the experimental and theoretical curves was found with a ring micr...
My Professor is Hot! Correlates of RateMyProfessors.com Ratings for Criminal Justice and Criminology Faculty Members

“RateMyProfessors.com” ratings of the easiness, helpfulness, clarity, overall quality, and “hotness” of 407 criminal justice and criminology faculty members from across the United States were collected. Data were analyzed to determine what faculty characteristics determined these ratings. Experience working in the criminal justice field predicted higher ratings, while years of teaching experience was predictive of lower ratings. After controlling for instructors easiness and “hotness” ratings, the instructors’ ascribed characteristics (such as race and sex) explained the greatest proportion of variance in clarity, helpfulness, and overall quality scores. Professional characteristics, such as years of experience, publication rate, and possession of a doctorate were less influential on Ratemyprofessors.com scores.
Expression and functional activities of selected sulfotransferase isoforms in BeWo cells and primary cytotrophoblast cells.

Several cytosolic sulfotransferase enzyme isoforms are functional in placenta but there is limited information available on the utility of cultured trophoblast cells for studying sulfation. The trophoblast cell layer constitutes the rate-determining barrier for trans-placental transfer. The objective of this work was to examine the mRNA expression and enzyme activities of four sulfotransferase isoforms reported to be functional in human placenta (SULT1A1, SULT1A3, SULT1E1, and SULT2A1) in primary cytotrophoblast cells and the trophoblast-like BeWo cell line. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine mRNA expression. Enzyme activities were assessed using the following substrates: 4-nitrophenol for SULT1A1, dopamine for SULT1A3, 17β-estradiol for SULT1E1, and dehydroepiandrosterone for SULT2A1. For 4-nitrophenol and dopamine sulfation, apparent Km values, response to inhibitors (2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol and sodium chloride), and thermal stability profiles indicated that 4-nitrophenol and dopamine sulfation in BeWo cells were being mediated by SULT1A1 and SULT1A3, respectively. SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 were also functional in the cytotrophoblast cells. Both at the protein and at the mRNA levels, SULT1A1 was more abundant in BeWo cells in comparison to the primary cytotrophoblast cells. SULT1E1 and SULT2A1 mRNA were not detected in the cytotrophoblasts. SULT1E1 mRNA was weakly expressed in BeWo but there was negligible functional activity. Although SULT2A1 mRNA was abundantly expressed in BeWo, Western blot and enzyme activities revealed that the protein is not expressed in BeWo cells. The results suggest that the BeWo cells and the cytotrophoblast cells can be used to examine the roles of SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 in placental metabolism.
A Comparative Study of Lung Compliance and Pulmonary Surfactant Activity in Human Subjects

Abstract Twenty-seven patients were studied by measuring dynamic lung compliance and lung extract surface activity to investigate a theoretical correlation. Fifteen patients were without respiratory symptoms or diffuse pulmonary disease. They were classified Group I (9 patients) with normal ventilation, normal lung compliance, and normal pulmonary surfactant activity, or Group II (6 patients) with either obstructed or restricted ventilation, low lung compliance (2 of 6 patients), and normal pulmonary surfactant activity. The other 12 patients, who made up Group III, were studied because they had radiographically apparent diffuse pulmonary disease. Their ventilatory impairment was consistent with the histopathology; however, lung compliance was normal in all but 1 patient, whereas pulmonary surfactant activity was abnormal in 4 including the patient with low compliance. It is concluded that (1) dynamic lung compliance may be independently abnormal in patients with obstructive ventilation; (2) pulmonary surfactant activity may be independently abnormal in lungs with parenchymal pathology; and (3) the I case of dynamic lung compliance and pulmonary surfactant found in this investigation does not constitute sufficient evidence to establish a correlation between these entities.
Arteriosclerotic aortic insufficiency.

Abstract Arteriosclerotic aortic insufficiency was diagnosed in a series of seventeen patients averaging 67 years of age, with a history of prolonged hypertension. In thirteen the aortic diastolic murmur first appeared while under personal observation. In most instances the advent of the insufficiency had little adverse influence on the prognosis. Aortic insufficiency of arteriosclerotic origin is by no means a rare condition and should be looked for in elderly individuals with chronic hypertension exhibiting a high pulse pressure.
Anomalous diffusion of kv2.1 channels observed by single molecule tracking in live cells

Kv2.1 are voltage gated potassium channels that form long-lived clusters on the surface of mammalian cells. We have used single molecule tracking to study the interesting dynamics of these channels in live HEK cells. Both the channels inside the clusters and non-clustering channels are found to follow anomalous subdiffusion. The effect of actin cytoskeleton on the diffusion properties of the channels is also investigated in the presence of cytochalasin D, a F-actin binding drug that blocks actin polymerization.
Protease activation in the starfish Asterias forbesi.

Abstract 1. 1. The activation and release of proteases from homogenates and subcellular fractions of the pyloric cacae of the starfish Asterias forbesi was analyzed. 2. 2. Activation occurs rapidly at 37°C and only slightly at 5°C. 3. 3. Once released the proteases are not further activated. 4. 4. Proteases are readily solubilized at 5°C by urea, mercaptoethanol and deoxycholate. 5. 5. The combination of 1 mM HgCl 2 and 2 mM l-ascorbate caused a rapid release of proteases at 5°C.
The mucosal vascular addressin is a tissue-specific endothelial cell adhesion molecule for circulating lymphocytes.

Tissue position-dependent or address-dependent expression of cell adhesion molecules has been proposed to play a part in cellular positioning in a variety of systems, for example during neural development, the metastasis of neoplasms, and the tissue-specific homing of lymphocytes. The extravasation of blood-borne lymphocytes is regulated by interactions with the endothelium of specialised venules, such as the high endothelial venules (HEY) in organized lymph nodes and mucosal lymphoid tissues1–4. At least three separate lymphocyte-HEV recognition systems have been described, one mediating tissue-selective lymphocyte interac-tions with HEV in peripheral lymph nodes, another in mucosal lymphoid organs, and a third in inflamed synovium4–8. We have previously identified a tissue-specific "vascular addressin’ in the mouse which is selectively expressed by venules mediating lym-phocyte-homing into mucosal tissues9. To determine whether this addressin is a specific adhesion molecule for lymphocytes, we have isolated it by monoclonal antibody-affinity chromatography and inserted it into supported phospholipid planar membranes10,11. Lymphocytes bind to membranes containing the addressin, but not to phospholipid bilayers or to control glycophorin-reconstituted membranes. Only those lymphocytes and lymphoma cell lines capable of binding to mucosal HEV adhere well to the isolated addressin; peripheral lymph node HEV-specific or HEV-non-binding cell lines do not bind. Binding is blocked by anti-addressin antibody MECA-367. We conclude that the mucosal vascular addressin is a tissue-specific endothelial cell-adhesion molecule for lymphocytes, and suggest that it could regulate lymphocyte traffic into mucosal tissues by mediating attachment of blood-borne cells to endothelium.
Tunable and high directivity coupler for MRI applications

This paper proposes a tunable and high directivity coupler that is used a RF power monitor in ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. High directivity of a coupler is a critical factor to assure the accurate output in the reflected power measurement. To obtain a tunable and high directivity coupler, a novel directivity tuner includes tunable capacitors and resistors in a passive circuit. A well-tuned capacitance and resistance compensates phase difference and improves directivity in MRI operating frequencies. Therefore, this method significantly reduces the uncertainty of power measurement outputs and can accurately determine reflected power with load variation. The measured results of the proposed coupler agree with the simulation data and achieve excellent isolations (more than 65 dB) and directivities (more than 40 dB) in a compact size of 40 mm × 25 mm.
Vortex patterns and energies in a rotating superfluid

The two-dimensional vortex patterns that occur in a rotating cylinder of superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ are systematically ordered for numbers of vortices $N=1,2,\dots{},30,37,50$ using a prescription for their free energy that is independent of angular velocity and is based upon the justified omission of images. Barrier energies between patterns of the same $N$ and of neighboring $N$ are discussed. A new derivation of the vortex free energy for perfect square and triangular lattices gives the result in terms of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}(x)$. Patterns that are expected to display high triangular symmetry are studied up to $N=217$, but circular distortion strongly reduces the region of triangular symmetry even in an unbounded fluid, as shown by the scattering structure factor. According to calculations on arrays containing over one million vortices, the destabilizing velocity at the vortex position $R$ in a finite circular region of a perfect triangular lattice is proportional to ${(\frac{R}{{R}_{0}})}^{5}$ where ${R}_{0}$ is the radius of the circular region.
Bias Effects in Perceptual Identification: A Neuropsychological Investigation of the Role of Explicit Memory ☆

Abstract Identification of perceptually degraded words can be enhanced by prior exposure to those words. One theory proposes that such perceptual priming is due to a bias mechanism that induces costs as well as benefits in performance. Inherent in this theory is the critical assumption that bias effects observed in normal cognition reflect the operation of implicit rather than explicit memory processes. In the present study, we tested this assumption by examining the performance of amnesic patients in two paradigms that have elicited bias effects in normal participants. In Experiment 1, amnesic patients failed to show a normal bias pattern in a forced-choice perceptual identification paradigm, exhibiting benefits alone in performance. In Experiment 2, amnesic patients showed normal costs and benefits in a standard perceptual identification paradigm (without a forced-choice procedure). These results suggest that bias effects in normal cognition in the forced-choice perceptual identification paradigm are the product of explicit memory processes that are impaired in amnesia, but that bias effects in the standard paradigm are the product of implicit memory processes that are spared in amnesia.
Association between primary vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, defective induction of tumor necrosis factor-α, and carriage of the mannose-binding lectin codon 54 gene polymorphism

Objective We evaluated whether women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) could be subdivided on the basis of genotyping the polymorphic mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene. Study Design DNA from 123 women with VVS was tested for a single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 54 of the MBL gene. Blood samples from 86 of the women were evaluated for ex vivo tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) production in response to Candida albicans , Gram-positive peptidoglycan, and Gram-negative lipopolysaccharide. Associations between laboratory findings and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results The variant MBL*B allele was identified in 33 subjects (26.8%). This polymorphism was more prevalent in women whose symptoms developed at their first act of sexual intercourse (primary VVS, 40.9%), as opposed to women with secondary VVS (16.3%; P = .01). Ex vivo TNF-α production, but not IL-1ra production, was reduced in MBL*B carriers as compared with MBL*A homozygotes ( P ≤ .03). Conclusion The MBL gene polymorphism is associated with the development of primary VVS and a reduced capacity for TNF-α production in response to microbial components.
Abstract 2670: CONFORMATIONAL PLASTICITY OF HUMAN THYMIDYLATE SYNTHASE

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Thymidylate synthase (TS), catalyzes the reaction that forms dTMP from dUMP. Previous data suggested that human thymidylate synthase (hTS) exists in two major conformations, active and inactive. Two hTS mutants were created to mimic the active and inactive forms. The mutant, designated R163K, has an arginine to lysine substitution at residue 163 and crystallizes in an active conformation in the native state. The other one, A191K, has an alanine to lysine substitution at residue 191 and is stabilized in the inactive form. To further test whether the mutants exhibit different conformations in solution, circular dichroism was used to compare solution structures and detect the effects of ligand binding. Relative to hTS, the CD spectra of both R163K and A191K showed a decreased ellipticity. Upon ligation with dUMP, A191K exhibited a further decrease in ellipticity and showed no apparent response to phosphate. In contrast, the ellipticity of R163K was increased by phosphate and dUMP produced a further increase in ellipticity. Crystal structures suggested that the catalytic thiol of R163K is more susceptible to modification by oxidation compared to hTS. Thus, we postulated that the inactive form functions to sequester the catalytic thiol from oxidation. To test the hypothesis, we conducted studies of the rate of modification of purified enzymes with the thiol-reactive agent, 5, 5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). Relative to hTS, a slight increase in oxidation rate was observed in the active-stabilized mutant; however, the rate of catalytic inactivation of hTS was faster. In vivo, TS-deficient transfectants expressing R163K were more sensitive to oxidative stress relative to cells expressing wt hTS. The data provide preliminary evidence of a protective role of the inactive form under the oxidative stress although the basis for this effect remains unclear. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2670.
Nosocomial colonization with Klebsiella, type 26, in a neonatal intensive-care unit associated with an outbreak of sepsis, meningitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Extensive colonization with a multiple antibiotic-resistant strain of type 26 Klebsiella pneumoniae in a neonatal ICU was followed in 12 patients by significant infections including sepsis, meningitis, peritonitis, and pyelonephritis. In addition, six of the 12 patients developed necrotizing enterocolitis. An average of 50% of the infants in the ICU harbored the organism during the period of the epidemic, and 25% of newly admitted infants acquired the strain. K. pneumoniae continues to be a significant pathogen in debilitated neonates where nosocomial colonization of the respiratory and/or enteric tract may be associated with an increased risk of systemic infection.
Fast wave computation via Fourier integral operators

This paper presents a numerical method for \time upscaling" wave equations, i.e., performing time steps not limited by the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) condition. The proposed method leverages recent work on fast algorithms for pseudodierential and Fourier integral operators (FIO). This algorithmic approach is not asymptotic: it is shown how to construct an exact FIO propagator by 1) solving Hamilton-Jacobi equations for the phases, and 2) sampling rows and columns of low-rank matrices at random for the amplitudes. The setting of interest is that of scalar waves in two-dimensional smooth periodic media (of class C 1 over the torus), where the bandlimit N of the waves goes to innity. In this setting, it is demonstrated that the algorithmic complexity for solving the wave equation to xed time T ’ 1 can be as low as O(N 2 logN) with controlled accuracy. Numerical experiments show that the time complexity can be lower than that of a spectral method in certain situations of physical interest.