cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biologically Active Analogues of the Extracellular Matrix: Artificial Skin and Nerves†

Animal development starts as a single cell which proliferates into several new cells; these differentiate into highly specialized tissues, organs, and limbs; and the small but functioning organism eventually grows into its full scale. Throughout development the extracellular matrices, which are complex macromolecular networks, also undergo dramatic changes. Matrix transformations occasionally control the much more well-studied changes in number and type of differentiating cells. Extracellular matrix (ECM) networks are typically broken down enzymatically to oligopeptides and are then resynthesized (remodeled) to form insoluble and nondiffusible macromolecular structures which confer stability of shape to multicellular systems. Mature ECM, such as skin, tendon, cartilage, and blood vessels, provides stiffness and strength to tissues and organs. Remodeling of ECM also occurs in adult organisms, during wound healing. An understanding of the role that ECM plays during development or wound healing can be obtained by use of synthetic ECM analogues. Several simple chemical ECM analogues have been synthesized and a few have been found to possess remarkable biological activity. One of these analogues has induced the partial regeneration of skin in an adult guinea pig wound model as well as in man. Peripheral nerve has been regenerated in another animal model by use of a similar ECM analogue. In all these mammalian lesions it is well-known that regeneration does not occur spontaneously. These analogues are graft copolymers of collagen and chondroitin 6-sulfate (a glycosaminoglycan) in the state of highly hydrated and covalently cross-linked gels. Procedures are summarized for synthesis of copolymers with adjusted physicochemical properties, such as the rate at which they degrade enzymatically when implanted, the elements of their pore structure, and the degree of collagen crystallinity. ECM analogues have provided a novel window into the complexities of morphogenesis and regeneration and they have pointed towards entirely new directions in the medical treatment of serious organ dysfunction and organ loss. An ECM analogue has already become the basis of a new clinical treatment for massively burned patients. An interpretation of the results leads to a hypothesis about the nature of ECM during development. Since biological activity appears only when the physicochemical parameters fall within very narrow limits, it is intriguing to speculate that these experiments describe a single insoluble growth factor which is specific for skin synthesis. Such an insoluble growth factor appears to be just as essential to skin development as are the much more well-known soluble growth factors. A different ECM analogue appears to induce nerve regeneration, possibly because each tissue requires its own developmentally active ECM.
Structural basis of fatty acid substrate binding to cyclooxygenase-2.

The cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) are membrane-associated heme-containing homodimers that generate prostaglandin H2 from arachidonic acid (AA). Although AA is the preferred substrate, other fatty acids are oxygenated by these enzymes with varying efficiencies. We determined the crystal structures of AA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) bound to Co3+-protoporphyrin IX-reconstituted murine COX-2 to 2.1, 2.4, and 2.65 Å, respectively. AA, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid bind in different conformations in each monomer constituting the homodimer in their respective structures such that one monomer exhibits nonproductive binding and the other productive binding of the substrate in the cyclooxygenase channel. The interactions identified between protein and substrate when bound to COX-1 are conserved in our COX-2 structures, with the only notable difference being the lack of interaction of the carboxylate of AA and EPA with the side chain of Arg-120. Leu-531 exhibits a different side chain conformation when the nonproductive and productive binding modes of AA are compared. Unlike COX-1, mutating this residue to Ala, Phe, Pro, or Thr did not result in a significant loss of activity or substrate binding affinity. Determination of the L531F:AA crystal structure resulted in AA binding in the same global conformation in each monomer. We speculate that the mobility of the Leu-531 side chain increases the volume available at the opening of the cyclooxygenase channel and contributes to the observed ability of COX-2 to oxygenate a broad spectrum of fatty acid and fatty ester substrates.
Common Sense Rhetorical Theory, Pluralism, and Protestant Natural Law

This paper offers re-assessment of Scottish Common Sense rhetoric and its relationship to pluralist practice and philosophical method. It argues that the rhetorical texts of George Campbell, Hugh Blair, and Alexander Bain can be read as a practical application of Scottish Common Sense philosophy. This offers a novel means of examining the relationship that Scottish rhetoric has to the philosophy of David Hume and also its own innovative philosophy of language. Finally, I argue that Scottish rhetoric makes a unique contribution to rhetorical methodology's key place in the creation of social and moral consensus.
The best of both worlds: active enzymes by grafting-to followed by grafting-from a protein

Hydrophilic polymers were attached to lysozyme by a combination of grafting-to and grafting-from approaches using RAFT polymerization. A hydrophilic oligomer was synthesized, and attached to the protein. The protein–oligomer hybrid contained the RAFT end group, enabling chain extension in solution. Lysozyme maintained activity throughout this process.
Further studies on n-nitrosopyrrolidine and its precursors: Effects of ascorbic acid and vitamin E on tumor development in mice as related to consumption of cured meat

Abstract Two experiments were carried out to ascertain if supplementation of a semipurified diet to Swiss-ICR mice with either ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin E (Vit E) or a combination of the two would modulate the carcinogenic effects of N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPyr) and of its probable precursors (nitrite-N02 and pyrrolidine-Pyr) in Experiment I or of NPyr in Experiment II. Results indicated that neither AA nor Vit E modulated the carcinogenic effects of NPyr or of its probable precursors (NO2 and Pyr). Results verified a previous report from our laboratory showing that NPyr increased the number of malignant tumors by some 5–8 fold over controls. There was a lower incidence of tumors in the control group on the semi-purfied diet than in the groups given NO2 and Pyr, although both treatments had a low frequency of malignant tumors ( 1 63 versus 5 72 survivors). Results support our earlier study suggesting that neither NO2 nor Pyr alone or in combination together contribute to cancer—at least in the laboratory mouse.
Pole assignment and a theorem from exterior algebra

This paper presents an extension of a basic decomposition result from the exterior algebra of F-vector spaces to that of free F[s]-modules and explains its relevance to certain pole assignment problems associated with minimal design.
Biogenesis and regulation of the Vibrio cholerae toxin-coregulated pilus: analogies to other virulence factor secretory systems

Abstract Biogenesis of the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) of Vibrio cholerae 01 is essential for successful bacterial colonization of the small intestine. Pilus assembly requires the products of at least seven genes located on the chromosome adjacent to the pilin-encoding gene, tcpA . Previously reported TnphoA insertions in the TCP-assembly-deficient V. cholerae strains, KP2.21 and KP4.2, were isolated from the chromosome for further analysis. Nucleotide sequencing of the tcpE::phoA and tcpF::phoA fusions and corresponding clones of the region containing the intact genes revealed the presence of two open reading frames (ORFs) of 340 and 338 amino acids, designated TcpE and TcpF, respectively. The partial sequence of an ORF downstream from the TcpF coding sequence was determined to correspond to the global virulence regulator, ToxT. Proteins corresponding to the observed ORFs were visualized with the T7 promoter/RNA polymerase expression system. Computer-generated alignment algorithms predict that a homology exists between TcpE and the Klebsiella pneumoniae pullulanase secretion proteins PulD and PulF, the Xanthomonas campestris extracellular enzyme secretion factor XpsF, the Bacillus subtilis DNA competence protein ComG-ORF2, and the Yersinia entercolitica Yop secretion determinant YscC. These observations provide a model to investigate further the relationship between the secretion mechanisms utilized by these seemingly diverse virulence determinants. Additionally, an extreme C-terminal segment of TcpE shows striking homology to the transmembrane segment of the eukaryotic integrin β-1 chain, which could imply a role for TcpE in not only TCP secretion, but also host cell interaction.
Integrity of the cerebral blood-flow response to hyperoxia after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: In this study, the hypothesis that cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) alters the cerebral blood flow (CBF) vasoconstrictive response to hyperoxia was tested. Design: A prospective, observational study was conducted. Setting: The study was conducted at a single university hospital. Participants: Subjects were patients who presented for cardiac surgery with CPB. Interventions: CBF was measured before and after CPB in 12 subjects while breathing 21% O2 and 100% O2. CBF was measured by using continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. Arterial pO2 (mmHg), pCO2 (mmHg), hemoglobin (Hgb), and oxygen content (CaO2) were also measured. Measurements and Main Results: Mean age of the 12 subjects was 63 ± 16 years. Hgb decreased from 12.0 (±2.4) g/dL to 9.2 (±2.9) g/dL postoperatively (p = 0.008). CBF increased by 39%, from 37.2 (±10.8) mL/100 g/min to 49.2 (±14.3)mL/100 g/min postoperatively (p = 0.01). In response to the hyperoxic challenge CBF decreased by 8.0 (±7.1) mL/100 g/min (21%) preoperatively and by 9.4 (±6.4) mL/100 g/min (19%) postoperatively (p = 0.58). By using multiple regression, the contribution of CPB to the hyperoxic CBF response (ΔCBF) was evaluated, while controlling for other potentially important covariates known to influence CBF, including age, baseline CBF on 21% O2, and changes in arterial pO2, pCO2, and CaO2. CPB state was not found to be a significant covariate in controlling the CBF response to hyperoxia. Conclusions: CPB does not impair the CBF response to hyperoxia.
LAMPF beam-line polarimeters

Abstract The beam-line polarimeters at the LAMPF accelerator are routinely used to measure all three components of the proton-beam polarization with an absolute accuracy of 1%. They have been cross-calibrated with a variety of polarimeters and polarized targets at the TRIUMF, PSI, and SATURNE accelerators. The design, performance, and calibrations are discussed.
Intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of ion channel localization in neurons

Neurons are an extremely diverse group of excitable cells with a wide variety of morphologies including complex dendritic trees and very long axons. The electrical properties of neurons depend not only on the types of ion channels and receptors expressed, but also on where these channels are located in the cell. Two extreme examples that illustrate the subcellular polarized nature of neurons and the tight regulation of ion channel localization can be seen at the axon initial segment and the node of Ranvier. The axon initial segment is important for initiation of action potentials in the axon, whereas the node of Ranvier is required for the rapid, faithful and efficient propagation of action potentials along the axon. Given the similarity of their functions it is not surprising that nearly every protein component of the axon initial segment is also found at the node. However, there is one very important difference between these two sites: nodes require extrinsic, glial-derived factors in order to form, whereas the axon initial segment is intrinsically determined by the neuron. This mini-review discusses recent results that have begun to clarify the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms underlying formation of nodes and axon initial segments, and poses several important unanswered questions regarding their unique mechanisms of formation.
The automatic handling of business data

Probably the most impelling factor behind the desire of business to mechanize the handling of the data with which it is concerned is the astounding growth in the volume of these data in the last two decades. The productive capacity of every factory worker has increased greatly in this period, but it is doubtful whether or not that of the office worker has changed greatly. Many businesses, therefore, are now faced with office costs, the control of which spells the difference between profit and loss.
The Composing Process of College Students Writing from Sources

This protocol study identifies college readers' purposeful behaviors when writing from sources, determines whether these behaviors cluster at identifiable stages in the reading-writing process, and determines whether proficient and less able readers' processes are the same. The results showed that the subjects did not approach the task of writing from sources in the same way. All subjects referred to the reading sources as they composed, but they consulted them at different points in the reading-writing process. Overall the better readers engaged in more planning than the less able group. Findings show strong associations between reading level and use of study-skill reading strategies, postreading-prewriting strategies, and composing strategies.
Shape and isotopic differences between conspecific foraminiferal morphotypes and resolution of paleoceanographic events

The principal axiom of isotope paleoceanography is that the isotopic behavior of the foraminiferal species being used to provide proxy paleoenvironmental information is consistent throughout the geographic and stratigraphic range of the taxon. We present evidence that populations of Uvigerina peregrina, Globorotalia truncatulinoides, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, and species of the Sphaeroidinellopsis lineage are composed of complex mixtures of morphological types (morphotypes). Many of the conspecific morphotypes exhibit a different response with respect to their δ18O and δ13C compositions. Morphotypes are defined by a combination of image analysis, extended cabfac/extended qmodel vector analysis and isotopic analysis. In many cases, morphotypes of specimens of the same size and from the same sample exhibit significant oxygen and/or carbon isotopic differences. This “morphotype effect” may be an important contributor to intraspecific isotope variability among foraminiferal species and to the observed magnitude of isotopic changes associated with paleocenographic events. Such morphotypic-isotopic differences may have significant consequences for the interpretation of isotope paleoceanographic records.
Analysis of hollow inclusion-matrix debonding in particulate composites

Abstract This work aims at understanding the effect of particle–matrix interfacial debonding on the tensile response of syntactic foams. The problem of a single hollow inclusion with spherical-cap cracks embedded in a dissimilar matrix material is studied. Degradation of elastic modulus, cavity formation in the proximity of debonded regions, stress localization phenomena in the inclusion, debonding energetics, and crack kinking are studied for a broad range of inclusion wall thickness and debonding extent. A series solution based on the Galerkin method is proposed and validated through comparison with findings from boundary element and finite element methods. Results are specialized to glass particle-vinyl ester matrix systems widely used in marine structural applications. The insight gained into the role of particle–matrix debonding extent and inclusion wall thickness is useful in understanding the possible failure mechanisms of syntactic foams under tensile and flexural loading conditions and in tailoring their parameters for specific applications.
Global thermal inertia and surface properties of Mars from the MGS mapping mission

Abstract We present a new high-resolution map of thermal inertia derived from observations of planetary brightness temperature by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) obtained during the entire MGS primary mapping mission. Complete seasonal coverage provides a nearly global view of Mars, including the polar regions, at a spatial resolution of approximately 3 km. Our map of nighttime thermal-bolometer-based thermal inertia covers approximately 60% of the surface between 80° S and 80° N latitudes. We confirm the global pattern of high and low thermal inertia seen in lower resolution mapping efforts and provide greater detail concerning a third surface unit with intermediate values of both thermal inertia and albedo first identified by Mellon et al. 2000, Icarus 148, 437–455. Several smaller regional units with distinct characteristics are observed. Most notably, a unit of low thermal inertia ( 175 J m −2 K −1 s − 1 / 2 ) and low-to-intermediate albedo (0.09–0.22) dominates the region polewards of 65° S. We consider possible causes for these characteristics and conclude that a low-density mantle formed by desiccation of a previously ice-rich near-surface layer is the most likely explanation for the observed thermophysical properties. Global comparison of thermal inertia and elevation shows that high and low thermal inertia values can be found over a broad range of elevation, with only low values (30– 130 J m −2 K −1 s − 1 / 2 ) occurring at the highest elevations and the highest values occurring only at lower elevations. However, the lowest values ( 30 J m −2 K −1 s − 1 / 2 ) are found only at lower elevations, implying that the distribution of low thermal inertia material is not solely controlled by atmospheric pressure and the trapping of fines at high elevations. A new estimate of thermal inertia for the Viking and Pathfinder landing sites helps establish an important link between surface characteristics observed in situ and those derived from remote-sensing data.
The Physician and Pharmacist Team

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a program that encourages teamwork between physicians and pharmacists on attempts to lower total cholesterol levels and to meet recommended goals proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial lasting 6 months. SETTING: An ambulatory primary care center. PATIENTS: A sample of 94 patients with total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) or higher. INTERVENTION: Equal numbers of patients were randomly assigned to a control arm in which standard medical care was received and an intervention arm which implemented close interaction between physicians and pharmacists. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Absolute change in total cholesterol levels from baseline values and the percentage of patients who achieved an NCEP goal after 6 months of intervention were determined. The rate of success in achieving NCEP goals in the intervention arm was double the rate in the control arm (43% vs 21%, p < .05). Total cholesterol levels in the intervention arm declined 44 ± 47 mg/dL (1.1 ± 1.2 mmol/L) versus 13 ± 51 mg/dL (0.3 ± 1.3 mmol/L) in the control arm (p < .01). The effect of intervention on reducing total cholesterol levels was similar for men and women and did not appear to be altered by age. The effect of intervention was greatest in patients with coronary heart disease (p < .01) followed by those without disease but with two or more coronary heart disease risk factors (p < .05). An effect of intervention was absent in patients without coronary heart disease and with fewer than two risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Attempts to lower total cholesterol levels and achieve NCEP goals are likely to be more successful when combined with programs that include teamwork between physicians and pharmacists. Some programs, however, may be more successful for high-risk patients, for whom it is often easier to provide more aggressive therapies. Although altering adverse lipid profiles in lower-risk patients may be difficult, achieving optimal cholesterol levels could have an important impact on preventing movement to higher risk strata.
Renal transplantation in a boy with methylmalonic acidaemia

We present the first reported case of B12 non-responsive methylmalonic acidaemia due to MMAB mutation to undergo an isolated renal transplant for renal failure. At 8 years of age he was listed for a combined liver and kidney transplant following progressive renal impairment. His metabolic control deteriorated with declining renal function and he was commenced on haemodialysis, leading to marked symptomatic and biochemical improvement. He was therefore relisted for isolated cadaveric renal transplant instead. He underwent successful renal transplantation at 12 years of age and now 6 years post transplant he is enjoying a more normal lifestyle with a marked reduction in plasma methylmalonate.
Stem cells: Reprogramming in situ.

Cellular reprogramming to a stem-cell state has now been achieved in tissues of genetically engineered mice. This work signals a future for regenerative medicine in which tissue fates might be manipulated in living organisms. See Article p.340 Manuel Serrano and colleagues show for the first time that reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency by the classic 'Yamanaka factors' Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc can be achieved in vivo. Analysis of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells induced in vivo from stomach, intestine, pancreas and kidney cells in mice shows that they are closer to embryonic stem cells than in vitro-generated iPS cells. The in vivo iPS cells also have the potential to generate embryo-like structures that express embryonic and extraembryonic markers, which suggests that they have totipotent features not found in conventional iPS or embryonic stem cells.
Degradation of organophosphorus pesticides in aqueous extracts of young green barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L)

The degradation of the organophosphorus pesticides malathion, chlorpyrifos, guthion, diazinon, methidathion and parathion in an aqueous extract of young green barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L) was monitored by gas chromatography. Aqueous solutions of various amounts of freeze-dried young barley leaves containing 5.75 mg l−1 of malathion were incubated at 37 °C and pH 7.4 over prolonged time periods. Over 95% of the malathion degraded in 4 h in a 3% (30 g l−1) solution of young green barley leaves. When the barley solution was autoclaved at 120 °C for 25 min prior to the addition of malathion, no degradation of malathion was observed. When 10 mg l−1 each of the above six pesticides was incubated in a 15% (150 g l−1) solution of young green barley leaves for 3 h at 37 °C and pH 7.4, malathion and chlorpyrifos degraded 100%, whereas parathion (75%), diazinon (54%), guthion (41%) and methidathion (23%) showed lesser degrees of degradation. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Designer receptors show role for ventral pallidum input to ventral tegmental area in cocaine seeking

The ventral pallidum is centrally positioned within mesocorticolimbic reward circuits, and its dense projection to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) regulates neuronal activity there. However, the ventral pallidum is a heterogeneous structure, and how this complexity affects its role within wider reward circuits is unclear. We found that projections to VTA from the rostral ventral pallidum (RVP), but not the caudal ventral pallidum (CVP), were robustly Fos activated during cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking--a rat model of relapse in addiction. Moreover, designer receptor-mediated transient inactivation of RVP neurons, their terminals in VTA or functional connectivity between RVP and VTA dopamine neurons blocked the ability of drug-associated cues (but not a cocaine prime) to reinstate cocaine seeking. In contrast, CVP neuronal inhibition blocked cocaine-primed, but not cue-induced, reinstatement. This double dissociation in ventral pallidum subregional roles in drug seeking is likely to be important for understanding the mesocorticolimbic circuits underlying reward seeking and addiction.
Short-term impacts of aboveground herbivory (grasshopper) on the abundance and 14C activity of soil nematodes in conventional tillage and no-till agroecosytems

Abstract This study was designed to monitor the responses of soil nematodes to different levels of aboveground herbivory and to test the hypothesis that the low level of aboveground herbivory facilitates soil nematode activities and high herbivory suppresses soil nematode activities. Three herbivory levels were established by introducing four pairs, two pairs and no grasshoppers to graze on corn plants ( Zea mays ) for 2 h. The experiment was conducted in conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) agroecosystems at Georgia piedmont. In NT, bacterivorous and fungivorous nematode numbers were more abundant 24 h after herbivory treatment at high grazing level compared to controls, but this was not observed at low grazing level. In NT, the 14 C activity of soil nematodes was significantly higher at both low and high grazing levels than the controls. In CT, however, we did not observe any effects caused by aboveground herbivory on the abundance and 14 C activity of soil nematodes. The abundance of other trophic groups of soil nematodes (phytophages, predators and omnivores) was not affected by aboveground herbivory treatments under either NT or CT regimes. The curvilinear relationship between the nematode activity and the grazing intensity was not found in this study, we suggested that a grazing gradient of leaf area loss ranging from 0 to 100% might be more desirable for future research. We hypothesized that root associated materials might be more important to soil organisms in NT than in CT since the effect of aboveground herbivory on soil nematodes was only observed in NT.
Tbx20 regulation of endocardial cushion cell proliferation and extracellular matrix gene expression

While recent work has implicated Tbx20 in myocardial maturation and proliferation, the role of Tbx20 in heart valve development remains relatively unknown. Tbx20 expression was manipulated in primary avian endocardial cells in order to elucidate its function in developing endocardial cushions. Tbx20 gain of function was achieved with a Tbx20-adenovirus, and endogenous Tbx20 expression was inhibited with Tbx20-specific siRNA in cultured endocardial cushion cells. With Tbx20 gain of function, the expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG), including aggrecan and versican, was decreased, while the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) mmp9 and mmp13 was increased. Consistent results were observed with Tbx20 loss of function, where the expression of CSPG genes increased and MMP genes decreased. In addition, cushion mesenchyme proliferation increased with infection of a Tbx20-adenovirus and decreased with transfection of Tbx20-specfic siRNA. Furthermore, BMP2 treatment resulted in increased Tbx20 expression in endocardial cushion cells, and loss of Tbx20 led to increased Tbx2 and decreased N-myc gene expression. Taken together, these data support a role for Tbx20 in repressing extracellular matrix remodeling and promoting cell proliferation in mesenchymal valve precursor populations in endocardial cushions during embryonic development.
The effect of shielding the parietal eye of Podarcis muralis on behavioral thermoregulation

Abstract 1. 1. Body temperatures (Tbs) and thermoregulatory precision of 7 sham shielded and 7 parietal eye shielded Podarcis muralis were measured in a linear thigmothermal gradient over a 24 h period. 2. 2. Shielding the parietal eye did not alter the mean Tb selected over the 24 h period. 3. 3. Both groups selected Tbs that did not differ between photophase and scotophase. 4. 4. Shielding the parietal eye did not influence thermoregulatory precision when measured over the 12 h of photophase, but from 0600–1200 h EST parietal eye shielded lizards thermoregulated more precisely than sham shielded lizards.
Myxoma of Right Ventricle Presenting as Pulmonic Stenosis in a Neonate

A congenital myxoma of right ventricle presented as pulmonic stenosis. Investigation of such a lesion is discussed along with its surgical management.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF), CRF-Binding Protein (CRF-BP), and CRF/CRF-BP Complex in Alzheimer's Disease and Control Postmortem Human Brain

Abstract: In Alzheimer's disease (AD) there are dramatic reductions in human corticotropin-releasing factor (hCRF) concentration and reciprocal increases in CRF receptor density in the cortex. hCRF-binding protein (hCRF-BP), hCRF/hCRF-BP complex, and “free” hCRF were measured in 10 brain regions from control and AD postmortem human tissue. In the control brains hCRF-BP was heterogenously distributed and levels were at least 10-fold higher on a molar basis than total hCRF levels, suggesting that one major role of the binding protein is to limit the actions of hCRF at the hCRF receptors. Concordant with this hypothesis, the percentage of total hCRF that was in the bound inactive form ranged from 65 to 90% in most areas examined, with the exception of the caudate and globus pallidus where only 15 and 40% were complexed, respectively. hCRF-BP concentrations were similar in the control and AD groups except for Brodmann area (BA) 39 where there was a small but significant decrease in the AD group. Complexed hCRF levels were significantly decreased in BA 8/BA 9, BA 22, BA 39, nucleus basalis, and globus pallidus in the Alzheimer's group and free hCRF levels were significantly decreased only in three brain areas, BA 4, BA 39, and caudate; substantial (40%) but nonsignificant decreases were also noted in BA 8/BA 9 and BA 22. These data demonstrate that (1) a large proportion of the total hCRF in human brain is complexed to hCRF-BP and thus unavailable for hCRF receptor activation, (2) reductions in total hCRF alone do not necessarily predict reductions in bioactive free hCRF, and (3) total hCRF levels and hCRF-BP levels appear to be the main factors determining the quantity of bound and free hCRF in human brain.
Interactive Canopies for a Climate Model

Abstract Climate models depend on evapotranspiration from models of plant stomatal resistance and leaf cover, and hence they depend on a description of the response of leaf cover to temperature and soil moisture. Such a description is derived as an addition to the Biosphere–Atmosphere Transfer Scheme and tested by simulations in a climate model. Rules for carbon uptake, allocation between leaves, fine roots, and wood, and loss terms from respiration, leaf, and root turnover and cold and drought stress, are used to infer the seasonal growth of leaf area as needed in a climate model, and to provide carbon fluxes (assuming also a simple soil carbon model) and net primary productivity. The scheme is tested in an 11-yr integration with the NCAR CCM3 climate model. After a spinup period of several years, the model equilibrates to a seasonal cycle plus some interannual variability. Effects of the latter are noticeable for the Amazon. Overall, drought stress has nearly as large an effect on leaf mortality as cold...
Environmental effects on fiber debonding and sliding in an SCS-6 SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded Si3N4 composite

Because fiber/matrix interfacial mechanical properties are critical to the overall strength and toughness of fiber-reinforced composites, several test methods have been developed to evaluate fiber debonding and sliding behavior. Most interface testing of metal or ceramic matrix composites has been performed in room (laboratory) air at room temperature without considering the effects of moisture or testing environment on the test results. Even though chemical reactivity at the fiber/matrix interface may be insignificant at room temperature for these composites, it is well known that friction and wear between sliding surfaces can be strongly dependent on environment, even at room temperature. Therefore, awareness of the environmental sensitivity of interface testing is necessary for the reliable interpretation and comparison of interfacial mechanical property tests. In addition, such awareness is needed to prevent the potentially inaccurate prediction of the performance of composites intended for service in high altitude or space environments based on interface tests completed in laboratory ambient. This paper will demonstrate the effect of environment on fiber debonding and sliding as evaluated by fiber push-out testing at room temperature of an SCS-6 SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded Si{sub 4}N{sub 4} matrix composite (SCS-76/RBSN). SCS-6/RBSN is a promising candidate material for component applications inmore » advanced heat engines, and its low fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength is a key determinant in its demonstrated toughness (as evidenced by graceful failure beyond matrix cracking).« less
Gender and Gubernatorial Personality

Abstract Recent work in state politics has presented conflicting evidence regarding whether male and female political actors view and use power in different manners. In contrast with the previous works that have generally focused on gender differences in the legislative arena, this paper examines differences between male and female governors in the expressions of different notions of power in their personalities. Applying measurement strategies grounded in social psychology, we find that female governors are indeed more likely than male governors to express a more “feminine,” “power to” orientation in their public lives. Surprisingly, however, modern female governors are also more likely than a large sample of modern male governors to express the more traditional, hierarchical “power over” motive. Based on previous research, these findings bode well for the success of women governors as legislative leaders in the increasingly complex state political environments. Two important trends reveal themselves in ...
The Natural History and Predictors of Outcome Following Biochemical Relapse in the Dose Escalation Era for Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Definitive External Beam Radiotherapy

Background The management of biochemical failure (BF) following external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer is controversial, due to both the heterogeneous disease course following a BF and a lack of clinical trials in this setting.
Fluid dynamic effects on plasma torch anode erosion

Anode erosion in plasma spray torches results in coating deterioration. The usable life of a torch anode is strongly dependent on the fluid dynamic behavior of the plasma inside the torch, which in turn depends on the geometric design of the anode and the operating parameters. To study the relative importance of these effects, cold flow investigations have been performed with a torch having a glass anode with the same geometric dimensions as a commercial plasma torch. The density differences between the arc and the cold gas were simulated by injecting heated helium from the tip of the cathode into the cold argon gas flow from the regular gas injector. Flow visualization was achieved by seeding the flow with micron-sized particles. A finite-element computational fluid dynamics code was used to simulate the cold flow structure. The results were compared with erosion patterns observed with an actual plasma torch. The results indicate that recirculation eddies inside the torch will force a preferred anode attachment, which is different for different gas injectors. The minimization of such recirculation regions by appropriate fluid dynamic design will result in more random attachment of the arc and prolonged anode life.
Race, Religion, and Responsibility in Christian Higher Education

Albert Einstein has often been credited for defining insanity as doing the same thing over again, yet expecting a different result. With regard to the work of diversification and representation in ...
Older Adults’ participation in preventive health maintenance activities and perceived satisfaction with the healthcare provider

Summary Objectives As the number of community-dwelling older adults increases, assisting them to maintain health is an optimal goal of care. Adherence to treatment plans, medical follow-up, and the participation in preventive health maintenance activities (PHMA) are primary approaches to health maintenance. But the impetus for this group to request or assent to PHMA remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether satisfaction with healthcare providers influenced community-dwelling older adults’ participation in PHMA. Design A descriptive design was used to investigate whether healthcare satisfaction influenced participation in PHMA in a population of community-dwelling older adults. Sample, Setting, Measures Thirty-nine community-dwelling older adults completed two questionnaires, participation in PHMA and the patient satisfaction in healthcare providers scale. Results The majority of participants were satisfied with their healthcare providers but that finding had little influence on PHMA participation. Conclusions Healthcare provider satisfaction may play a limited part in influencing whether older adults participate in PHMA. The onus remains on the geriatric healthcare provider to educate, encourage, schedule, refer, and follow-up on the completion of PHMA to help safeguard the health of community-dwelling older adults.
Comparison Of Systems For High-Speed Surface Flaw Measurement Of Cartridges

Instrumentation to detect surface flaws in cartridge cases has been developed for high speed on-line inspection. Scattering of light from a line focused on the case surface indicates the presence of surface flaws and the instrumentation permits rough categorization of flaws into dents and scratches. Two methods of light detection have been implemented, and the purpose of this paper is to compare these techniques. The first technique uses fiber optics to collect the scattered light and carry it to a photomultiplier tube to generate a signal, while the second technique uses solid-state diodes to produce the sig-nal. Angled surfaces such as the shoulder on the cartridge case influence the response of the fiber-optics due to the acceptance cone of the fibers. To circumvent this problem, the fibers must be judiciously positioned during manufacture of the fiber-optic bundles. The solid-state diodes do not have the limited acceptance angle and thus provide more uniform response. However, the diodes require placement of electronics on the rotating exam wheel near the detectors. The processing electronics for-both systems are identical.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dynamics of keratin assembly: Exogenous type I keratin rapidly associates with type II keratin in Vivo

Keratin intermediate filaments (IF) are obligate heteropolymers containing equal amounts of type I and type II keratin. We have previously shown that microinjected biotinylated type I keratin is rapidly incorporated into endogenous bundles of keratin IF (tonofilaments) of PtK2 cells. In this study we show that the earliest steps in the assembly of keratin subunits into tonofilaments involve the extremely rapid formation of discrete aggregates of microinjected keratin. These are seen as fluorescent spots containing both type I and type II keratins within 1 min post-injection as determined by double label immunofluorescence. These observations suggest that endogenous type II keratin subunits can be rapidly mobilized from their endogenous state to form complexes with the injected type I protein. Furthermore, confocal microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy suggest that the type I-type II keratin spots from in close association with the endogenous keratin IF network. When the biotinylated protein is injected at concentrations of 0.3-0.5 mg/ml, the organization of the endogenous network of tonofilaments remains undisturbed during incorporation into tonofilaments. However, microinjection of 1.5-2.0 mg/ml of biotinylated type I results in significant alterations in the organization and assembly state of the endogenous keratin IF network soon after microinjection. The results of this study are consistent with the existence of a state of equilibrium between keratin subunits and polymerized keratin IF in epithelial cells, and provide further proof that IF are dynamic elements of the cytoskeleton of mammalian cells.
Improving hispanic high school student perceptions of computing (abstract only)

A research study measuring perceptions of computing held by Hispanic high school students has been conducted using two visual programming interfaces. Undergraduates conducted regular weekend classes using both Alice and App Inventor lessons to provide computing instruction to the students enrolled in an enrichment program. The goal of this research was to identify and measure high school student perceptions of computing after being introduced computing using drag-drop programming interfaces. The results of this work demonstrates how student interest in computing increases once exposed to computing, but the interest increment is not enough for them to major in a computing area, highlighting the importance of ongoing engagement in computing throughout the high school years.
Fluorescent measurements of intracellular free calcium in isolated toad urinary bladder epithelial cells

Sodium-calcium exchange has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the regulation of cytosolic free calcium (Ca f ) by epithelial cells. Using isolated epithelial cells from the toad urinary bladder, Ca f has been measured using the intracellular Casensitive fluorescent dyes Fura 2 and Quin. 2. Dye loading did not alter cell viability as assessed by measurements of ATP and ADP content or cell oxygen consumption. When basal Ca f was examined over a wide range of cell dye content (from 0.04 to 180 nmol dye/mg protein) an inverse relationship was observed. At low dye content, Ca f was 300–380 nM and, as dye content was increased, Ca f progressively fell to 60 nM. Using low dye content cells, in which minimal alteration in Ca steady state would be expected, the role for plasma membrane Na−Ca exchange was examined using either medium sodium substitution or ouabain. While medium sodium substitution increased Ca f , prolonged treatment with ouabain had no effect on Ca f despite a clear increase in cell sodium content. The lack of effect of ouabain suggests that Na−Ca exchange-mediated Ca efflux plays a minimal role in the regulation of basal Ca f . However, exchange-mediated Ca efflux may play a role in Ca f regulation when cytosolic calcium is elevated.
On the mechanisms of induction of cancer-protective enzymes: a unifying proposal.

Abstract Induction of detoxification enzymes is a major mechanism whereby a wide variety of chemical agents protect rodents against neoplastic, mutagenic, and other toxicities of carcinogens. The enzyme NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2) can protect against the toxicities of quinones and is a useful marker for protective enzyme induction. Quinone reductase can be induced in murine Hepa 1c1c7 hepatoma cells and 3T3 embryo fibroblasts by compounds that are chemoprotectors in vivo, including some phenolic antioxidants, azo dyes, aromatic diamines, and aminophenols. Structurally dissimilar catechols (1,2-diphenols) and hydroquinones (1,4-diphenols) induce quinone reductase in these systems, but resorcinol (1,3-diphenol) and its substituted analogues are inactive. Furthermore, only aromatic 1,2- and 1,4-diamines and aminophenols are inducers, whereas the 1,3-diamines are completely inactive. These findings suggest that the functional capacity to form quinones or quinone-diimines, rather than the precise structure, is essential for inductive activity and that the generation of the signal for enzyme induction depends upon oxidation-reduction lability. The observations that some chemoprotective compounds (e.g., azo dyes, beta-naphthoflavone) induce both cytochromes P-450 and quinone reductase, whereas others (e.g., tert-butylhydroquinone) induce only quinone reductase, can be reconciled by the fact that inducers of the first type are metabolized by P-450 enzymes to form products that are functionally similar to compounds of the second type.
Covalent labeling of the cytoplasmic or luminal domains of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase with fluorescent azido dyes

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles were incubated with azido derivatives of Cascade blue (ACB), Lucifer yellow (ALY), 2,7-naphthalene-disulfonic acid (ANDS), and fluorescein (AF) for 0.1-24 h at 2 degrees C. All four dyes gave intense reaction with the cytoplasmic domain of the Ca(2+)-ATPase on photoactivation after brief incubation. The penetration of the dyes into the luminal space of the SR was determined after centrifugation through Sephadex microcolumns to remove the external dye, followed by photolabeling and gel electrophoresis of the photolabeled proteins. The reaction of ACB and ANDS with the Ca(2+)-ATPase and with calsequestrin increased progressively during incubation up to 24 h indicating their slow accumulation in the luminal space, while ALY and AF did not show significant penetration into the vesicles. The distribution of the covalently attached ACB in the Ca(2+)-ATPase was tested by tryptic proteolysis after labeling exclusively from the outside (OS), from the inside (IS) or from both sides (BS). In all cases intense ACB fluorescence was seen in the A fragment with inhibition of ATPase activity. In the OS preparations the A1, while in IS the A2 fragment was more intensely labeled. There was no significant incorporation of ACB into the region of B fragment identified by FITC fluorescence. The crystallization of the Ca(2+)-ATPase by EGTA + decavanadate was completely inhibited in the BS samples after labeling either in the Ca2E1 or E2V conformation. There was no inhibition of crystallization in the OS preparations. In the IS preparations labeled in the Ca2E1 state the crystallization was impaired, while in the E2V state there was only slight disorganization of the crystals. The total amount of ACB photoincorporated into SR proteins after incubation for 24 h was 1.75 nmol/mg protein; 2/3 of this labeling occurred from the outside and 1/3 from the inside. Similar level of labeling was obtained in media that stabilize the E1 or the E2 conformation of the Ca(2+)-ATPase.
β2-Microglobulin increases the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule on human synovial fibroblasts

β 2 -Microglobulin increases the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule on human synovial fibroblasts. Background β 2 -Microglobulin (β 2 m) amyloidosis is a destructive articular disease that affects patients on dialysis. The disease presentation is similar to other forms of arthritis in which adhesion molecules are felt to be pathogenic. Therefore, we hypothesized that β 2 m directly increases the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by synovial fibroblasts. We also examined the effect of alteration of β 2 m by advanced glycation end products on this cellular response. Methods Human synovial fibroblasts were isolated and incubated with β 2 m with and without alteration with advanced glycation end products. VCAM-1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blot and Northern blot analyses. Results β 2 m increased the protein expression of VCAM-1 by synovial fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. β 2 m altered with advanced glycation end products had no effect. However, all forms of β 2 m increased VCAM-1 mRNA. β 2 m also increased the adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to synovial fibroblasts. Conclusion β 2 m directly increases the expression of VCAM-1 by synovial fibroblasts, indicating that synovial fibroblasts may play a key role in the pathogenesis of β 2 m amyloidosis.