cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin exposure alters radial arm maze performance and hippocampal morphology in female AhR +/– mice

Perinatal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been reported to alter spatial learning in rats tested on a radial arm maze (RAM). TCDD is believed to exert most of its effects through binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). To determine whether the AhR mediates TCDD-induced alterations in spatial learning, we tested male and female AhR-knockout (AhR-/-), heterozygous (AhR+/-) and wild-type (AhR+/+) mice on the RAM. AhR+/- male and female mice were time mated, and treated dams were dosed with 5 microg TCDD/kg body weight on day 13 of gestation. When offspring reached adulthood, male and female AhR+/+, AhR+/- and AhR-/- mice from TCDD-exposed and unexposed litters were tested on the eight-arm RAM. After testing, we examined hippocampal morphology as visualized by the Timm's silver sulfide stain. TCDD-exposed female AhR+/- mice made more errors than their respective controls on the RAM and exhibited a decrease in the size of the intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber (IIP-MF) field of the hippocampus. None of the other TCDD-exposed groups differed from their respective control groups with regard to maze performance or hippocampal morphology. The reduction of IIP-MF field indicates a possible morphological basis for the learning deficit that was observed in the female AhR+/- mice. It is hypothesized that the effect of TCDD exposure is AhR dependent and that TCDD may alter GABAergic activity in the hippocampus of female mice during development.
Against the Current: Farid al-Din ‘Attar’s Diverse Voices

Love and its transformative power have long been at the center of Islamic Sufism. For Sufi writers profane love, perceived as the love of worldly beloved, was the first step on the path toward the union with the divine. Farid al-Din ‘Attar (1145-1221) was one of the most significant authors to espouse and articulate profane love as a representation of both earthly and heavenly love. 'Attar’s use of the theme of transgressive love and his inclusion of marginalized members of society such as social pariahs and transgressors as earthly manifestations of the divine is particularly noteworthy. The present article traces the intersections of transgression, law, inclusion and exclusion, self and Other in ‘Attar’s treatment of class, gender, sexuality, and religion. In creating an understanding of human diversity and 'Attar’s inclusiveness, this article refers to the concepts of law and justice in its modern sense as well as acknowledging the medieval understanding of these notions. In pursuing this argument, a few theoretical notions concerning transgression and law are used. Although applying modern theories to medieval society might appear anachronistic, it is essential to inquire whether modern insights and theories can help us to better understand medieval works, or whether they are exclusive to early modern and modern scholarship. Without such an analysis, we are left with an inadequate understanding of medieval culture and literature. This article fills this gap by exploring the reasons for ‘Attar’s inclusion of transgressors and peripheral characters in his works from a modern theoretical perspective.
Personality Assessment Screener, Childhood Abuse, and Adult Partner Violence in African American Women Using Primary Care

This study assessed the relationship between psychopathology with the Personality Assessment Screener (PAS) and childhood physical and sexual abuse and adult physical and sexual partner violence in a primary care sample of 98 urban-dwelling African American women. Patients completed the PAS, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Conflict Tactics Scale. The PAS total score significantly correlated with all measures of childhood and adult abuse. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that PAS element scores of Suicidal Thinking and Hostile Control significantly predicted a history of childhood physical abuse; Suicidal Thinking, Hostile Control, and Acting Out significantly predicted a history of childhood sexual abuse; Suicidal Thinking, Negative Affect, and Alienation significantly predicted current adult partner physical violence; and Psychotic Features, Alcohol Problems, and Anger Control significantly predicted current adult sexual partner violence. The PAS appears to be a useful measure for fast-paced primary care settings for identifying patients who need a more thorough assessment for abuse.
Macroscale water fluxes 1. Quantifying errors in the estimation of basin mean precipitation

[1] Developments in analysis and modeling of continental water and energy balances are hindered by the limited availability and quality of observational data. The lack of information on error characteristics of basin water supply is an especially serious limitation. Here we describe the development and testing of methods for quantifying several errors in basin mean precipitation, both in the long-term mean and in the monthly and annual anomalies. To quantify errors in the long-term mean, two error indices are developed and tested with positive results. The first provides an estimate of the variance of the spatial sampling error of long-term basin mean precipitation obtained from a gauge network, in the absence of orographic effects; this estimate is obtained by use only of the gauge records. The second gives a simple estimate of the basin mean orographic bias as a function of the topographic structure of the basin and the locations of gauges therein. Neither index requires restrictive statistical assumptions (such as spatial homogeneity) about the precipitation process. Adjustments of precipitation for gauge bias and estimates of the adjustment errors are made by applying results of a previous study. Additionally, standard correlation-based methods are applied for the quantification of spatial sampling errors in the estimation of monthly and annual values of basin mean precipitation. These methods also perform well, as indicated by network subsampling tests in densely gauged basins. The methods are developed and applied with data for 175 large (median area of 51,000 km2) river basins of the world for which contemporaneous, continuous (missing fewer than 2% of data values), long-term (median record length of 54 years) river discharge records are also available. Spatial coverage of the resulting river basin data set is greatest in the middle latitudes, though many basins are located in the tropics and the high latitudes, and the data set spans the major climatic and vegetation zones of the world. This new data set can be applied in diagnostic and theoretical studies of water balance of large basins and in the evaluation of performance of global models of land water balance.
Functionalized nanoparticles with long-term stability in biological media.

Nanoparticles have been extensively studied in recent years due to their unique optical, magnetic, or chemical properties.[1-4] While many synthetic methods have been investigated, an effective way to produce ultrafine and monodisperse nanoparticles with controllable sizes is thermal decomposition of precursors in organic solvents at high temperature.[5,6] In this approach, nanoparticles are stabilized by hydrophobic coatings and as a result, the as-synthesized nanoparticles can not be dispersed in aqueous solutions. In biomedical applications, nanoparticles have to be hydrophilic and maintain a superior stability in biological media. For advanced biomedical applications of nanoparticles (e.g., in vivo diagnostics and therapy), additional requirements such as minimization of non-specific uptake by reticulo-endothelial systems (RES) must be imposed in order to achieve long blood circulation time and high diagnostic or therapeutic efficiency.[7] In addition, the surface of the nanoparticle should possess functional groups for further conjugation of targeting ligand or therapeutic agents. Commonly used modification strategies for coating hydrophobic nanoparticles with hydrophilic polymers include ligand exchange,[8] micelle encapsulation,[9] and covalent bonding.[10] [11] Particularly, hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) have been the focus of research as an effective coating materials for nanoparticles[2,12-15] due to its ability to resist protein fouling and provide steric hindrance preventing nanoparticle from aggregation.[12,16,17] Typical examples include coating PEG on hydrophobic nanoparticles via ligand exchange in which dopamine linked PEG replaces oleylamine & oleic acid on the particle[18] and coating PEG on iron oxide nanoparticles in situ via covalent bonding during the aqueous co-precipitation process.[10] Despite the advances made with those methods, the challenge remains in producing a highly stable polymeric coating on nanoparticles and retaining the long-term stability of functionalized nanoparticles in biological-relevant media.
CCK-8 activates hepatic vagal C-fiber afferents

Intravenous administration of 2 μg/kg CCK-8 increased the single unit activity of 54% of hepatic vagal afferent fibers. Conduction velocity tests indicated that all of these units were C fibers. The increase in hepatic vagal activity produced by CCK-8 was significantly reduced by i.v. administration of 200 μg/kg of the CCKA receptor antagonist devazepide. Control comparisons indicated that this reduction was not an artifact of tachyphylaxis resulting from repeated administration of CCK-8. Further, the inability of pretreatment with atropine and hexamethonium to reduce the increases in hepatic vagal activity produced by CCK-8 suggests that the latter effect was not secondary to changes in gastrointestinal motor function. These outcomes demonstrate that activation of CCKA receptors by CCK-8 increases hepatic vagal afferent activity and support the view that the duodenal satiety action of CCK is mediated by the hepatic branch.
Interactions between Microbial Iron Reduction and Metal Geochemistry: Effect of Redox Cycling on Transition Metal Speciation in Iron Bearing Sediments

Microbial iron reduction is an important biogeochemical process that can affect metal geochemistry in sediments through direct and indirect mechanisms. With respect to Fe(III) (hydr)oxides bearing sorbed divalent metals, recent reports have indicated that (1) microbial reduction of goethite/ferrihydrite mixtures preferentially removes ferrihydrite, (2) this process can incorporate previously sorbed Zn(II) into an authigenic crystalline phase that is insoluble in 0.5 M HCl, (3) this new phase is probably goethite, and (4) the presence of nonreducible minerals can inhibit this transformation. This study demonstrates that a range of sorbed transition metals can be selectively sequestered into a 0.5 M HCl insoluble phase and that the process can be stimulated through sequential steps of microbial iron reduction and air oxidation. Microbial reduction experiments with divalent Cd, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn indicate that all metals save Mn experienced some sequestration, with the degree of metal incorporation into ...
The role of endocervical curettage at cervical conization for high-grade dysplasia

Objective To quantify the risk of invasive cancer above the location where the conization specimen was taken in patients with an endocervical curettage (ECC) positive for dysplasia at conization for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and to determine if any pathologic features may influence this risk. Methods The charts of 104 patients who underwent cervical conization for high-grade dysplasia followed by repeat conization or hysterectomy at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Women's Hospital between January 1986 and December 1992 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with invasive cancer or glandular dysplasia on the initial conization were excluded. The ECC performed immediately after conization biopsy (conization ECC) was benign in 63 patients and contained dysplasia in 41. All available conization ECC specimens that contained dysplasia were evaluated for volume of dysplasia and degree of cytologic atypia. Fisher exact test was used for statistical comparison between and within groups. Results Invasive cancer was not present in any patients in the benign ECC group but was present in nine (22%) patients in the dysplasia group (P Conclusions An ECC at conization positive for dysplasia is an important predictor of invasion in the residual cervix of patients whose conization reveals high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and should be routinely performed. Women 50 years or older with both a positive endocervical margin and conization ECC should undergo repeat conization before further therapy. Women under 50 years of age should undergo repeat conization if fertility is not desired; otherwise, close follow-up is necessary to exclude the presence of an invasive lesion in the residual cervix.
Cryosurgery for basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids and nose: Five-year experience

Eighty-seven basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid and 155 of the nose were treated by cryosurgery. Complications were classified as early, intermediate, and late; severe complications were few in number. Three recurrences were noted on the eyelid and four on the nose. Cure rate was not calculated, because of short-term follow-up. Cosmetic results were excellent on the lid and less predictable on the nose. Additional advantages of cryosurgical technic concerning cost and convenience are discussed.
Mechanism of oxygen-induced EPR line broadening in lithium phthalocyanine microcrystals

Abstract EPR oximetry has been recognized as an important tool for determining oxygen concentration in biological tissues, in vivo. The method relies on the use of oxygen-sensitive paramagnetic probes whose linewidth varies predictably, mostly linear, with oxygen concentration. Lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) radical has emerged as the probe of choice due to its superior EPR sensitivity, oxygen response, and biocompatibility. However, there are certain limitations in the preparation of this material in a pure and usable form. In our efforts to improve the synthesis of this material for reliable use in oximetry applications, we developed microcrystalline particulates that showed several advantages over other probes. Despite its advantages, the probe shows linear response to pO 2 only in the range of 0–70 mmHg, beyond which a saturation behavior is observed. The goal of this study was to understand the mechanism of the interaction of oxygen with LiPc in order to interpret the experimentally observed linewidths. We propose a dual-spin model in which the freely diffusing spins of LiPc are converted to fixed spins by adsorption of molecular oxygen. The proposed mechanism was verified from the effect of oxygenation/deoxygenation processes on the linewidth of LiPc. In summary, we demonstrated that adsorption of oxygen molecules on LiPc contributes to a nonlinear line-broadening effect. This understanding is important for the future design of new EPR oximetry probes.
SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME (SSS): DELINEATION OF THE GENETIC CONTROL FOR EXFOLIATIVE TOXIN PRODUCTION IN STAPHYLOCOCCI

SSS has been associated with group II phage type S. aureus which produce an exfoliative toxin (ET) capable of causing separation of desmosomes in the granular cell layer and exfoliation of superficial layers of the epidermis. Development of an animal model made possible a study to delineate the genetic control for ET production. Unlike diphtheria toxin we were unable to associate ET production with a lysogenic phage. Loss of ET after treatment with ethidium bromide or growth at44C suggested the gene was extrachromosomal (a plasmid). Failure of coelimination of genes for ET production, penicillin and cadmium resistance indicate they are not on the same plasmid. Another extracellular protein which is bacteriocidal for other microorganisms (a bacteriocin), however, was coeliminated with ET suggesting their genes may be on the same plasmid. Isolation of labelled DNA from an ET+ and ET− strain (CsCl-density gradient) resulted in differences in the density profile which suggest the presence of plasmid DNA in the ET+ strain. These data suggest (1) the possible unique situation of control for a specific staphylococcal product which is directly related to production of human disease on a plasmid and (2) raises the possibility of transfer of ET producing capability to other strains of staphylococci.
Auditory and visual similarity effects in recognition and recall.

The role of auditory and visual factors in short-term recall and recognition performance was evaluated. Auditory similarity, but not visual similarity, was found to be predictive of the probability of a correct response and response confidence for both types of tests. The results were interpreted as support for a single-trace model of recall and recognition performance
The initial oxygraphic response of bovine blood as the basis for a rapid assay for drug toxicity

A novel method for rapid examination of blood is presented. This rapid assay provides an inexpensive quantification of chemical (pharmaceutical or pollutant) stress on blood. It uses an oxygraph to examine response of blood to phenol, selected as a model chemical stressor. Blood added to a saline-filled reactor produces an initial response (within 3–5 s) in the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the reactor. The initial response is influenced by the amount of blood injected, the temperature of the reactor, and by the concentration of phenol present in the reactor. When phenol concentrations are high (generally 20 000 p.p.m. or more), the initial response may include an increase in DO in the reactor. The dose-response curve of the initial response is presented as the foundation of a new, inexpensive, rapid index of chemical stress on blood.
Quantifying Intramolecular Binding in Multivalent Interactions: A Structure-Based Synergistic Study on Grb2-Sos1 Complex

Numerous signaling proteins use multivalent binding to increase the specificity and affinity of their interactions within the cell. Enhancement arises because the effective binding constant for multivalent binding is larger than the binding constants for each individual interaction. We seek to gain both qualitative and quantitative understanding of the multivalent interactions of an adaptor protein, growth factor receptor bound protein-2 (Grb2), containing two SH3 domains interacting with the nucleotide exchange factor son-of-sevenless 1 (Sos1) containing multiple polyproline motifs separated by flexible unstructured regions. Grb2 mediates the recruitment of Sos1 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane where it activates Ras by inducing the exchange of GDP for GTP. First, using a combination of evolutionary information and binding energy calculations, we predict an additional polyproline motif in Sos1 that binds to the SH3 domains of Grb2. This gives rise to a total of five polyproline motifs in Sos1 that are capable of binding to the two SH3 domains of Grb2. Then, using a hybrid method combining molecular dynamics simulations and polymer models, we estimate the enhancement in local concentration of a polyproline motif on Sos1 near an unbound SH3 domain of Grb2 when its other SH3 domain is bound to a different polyproline motif on Sos1. We show that the local concentration of the Sos1 motifs that a Grb2 SH3 domain experiences is approximately 1000 times greater than the cellular concentration of Sos1. Finally, we calculate the intramolecular equilibrium constants for the crosslinking of Grb2 on Sos1 and use thermodynamic modeling to calculate the stoichiometry. With these equilibrium constants, we are able to predict the distribution of complexes that form at physiological concentrations. We believe this is the first systematic analysis that combines sequence, structure, and thermodynamic analyses to determine the stoichiometry of the complexes that are dominant in the cellular environment.
Respiratory Activity during Development and Diapause of Cephus cinctus (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), with Emphasis on Effect of Temperature

Oxygen uptake of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, was measured during prediapause (just before termination of feeding), diapause, and postdiapause development by means of a recording differential respirometer. During the last few days of larval feeding, oxygen uptake was about 0.75 mm3 per nig live weight per hour at 25°C. Within 3–4 clays after termination of feeding, the O2 uptake declined to 0.03–0.05 mm3, which represented about a 15- to 25-fold decrease in energy expenditure. Diapause was terminated by chilling the larvae at 5–10°C for 90–100 days. Following the chilling period and a transfer to 25°C, the O2 uptake increased about 10-fold within a week, whereupon the larva:pupa molt occurred. Thereafter, O2 consumption continued to increase until adult emergence. Temperatures of 30–°C during early postdiapause development caused a rapid return to the diapause condition. Respiratory analysis revealed that many postdiapause developing larvae exposed to 35°C for 20 hr reverted to the diapause condition within a period of 48 hr. It is postulated that moderate temperatures (15–28°C) promote the release of brain neurosecretion, whereas higher temperatures inactivate or destroy some mechanism involved in hormone transport or release.
Vessel dilator and C-type natriuretic peptide enhance the proliferation of human osteoblasts.

C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been shown to regulate proliferation of mouse and rat osteoblasts. Genetic deletion of CNP results in dwarfism. Overexposure of CNP has been associated with arachnodactyly of hands and feet with a very long hallux bilaterally in a 14-y-old girl. CNP effects on bone growth involve inhibition of MEK 1 and ERK 1/2 kinases mediated via the intracellular messenger cGMP. Vessel dilator is another natriuretic peptide synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide gene whose biologic half-life is 12 times longer than CNP. Vessel dilator's biologic effects on proliferating cells are mediated via inhibiting MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 kinases via cGMP. Vessel dilator has never been studied on osteoblasts. CNP at 10 (nanomolar) nM (p = 0.02) and vessel dilator at 10 nM, 1 nM, 100 (picomolar) pM, and 10 pM (p ≤0.01) in dose-response studies enhanced human osteoblasts' proliferation. This first study of human osteoblasts would suggest that vessel dilator with a much longer biologic half-life and with osteoblast-stimulatory effects at lower concentrations than CNP may have therapeutic potential in human achondroplasia, short stature, and osteoporosis. Vessel dilator stimulates osteoblast proliferation whereas most current therapies of osteoporosis target osteoclasts.
Visuospatial attention: Effects of age, gender, and spatial reference

Visual attention is remarkably stable when spatial cuing is used, but non-spatial cues lead to slowing among females and older subjects. Non-spatial cues are associated with poorer performance during the middle stages of the menstrual cycle. Motivation increased overall response speed but not attentional measures, whereas increasing age was associated with generalized slowing and directional asymmetries. Right-eye dominance was correlated with slow responses to downward targets. These data suggest that attentional performance is modified by age, gender, and endocrine status when spatial reference is not present.
The chemistry and biology of inhibitors and pro-drugs targeted to glutathione S-transferases

The cytosolic glutathione S-transferases are a family of structurally homologous enzymes with multiple functions, including xenobiotic detoxification, clearance of oxidative stress products, and modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways. This wideranging functional repertoire leads to several possible therapeutic uses for isoform-specific GST inhibitors. These inhibitors may be used, in principle, to modulate tumor cell drug resistance, as sensitizers to therapeutically directed oxidative stress, to enhance cell proliferation and to augment anti-malarial drugs. With increasing knowledge of GST structural and function, rational design strategies and mechanism-based inhibitors have been exploited successfully. However, design of isoform specificity remains a significant challenge in GST inhibitor development. Strategies for further inhibitor design and their possible limitations, along with potential therapeutic uses, are summarized.
Radiation Losses in the Induction Electron Accelerator

This paper discusses the possibility that radiation losses because of the high radial accelerations experienced by the electrons in an induction electron accelerator may introduce limitations in the design of accelerators for energies above 100 million electron volts. The effects of radiation losses on the electron orbits are calculated, and it is shown that not only should the orbit shift pulse necessary to bring electrons to a target inside the equilibrium orbit fall below the value expected in the absence of radiation, but also electrons should eventually arrive at the target with no orbit shift pulse whatever, at a phase of the field wave predictable from the theory. Both effects have been observed in the General Electric 100-Mev unit in a manner consistent with the predictions of the theory. The radiation itself has not yet been detected.
Update in Addiction Medicine

The literature described in this Update is intended to provide information about addiction medicine that may not be readily available to internists. The information is broadly divided into the foll...
Beta globin gene transcripts originating in the promoter region during early hexamethylene bisacetamide and dimethylsulfoxide induction of Friend erythroleukemia cells.

The β-globin transcripts which are induced by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) have been characterized in order to assess potential differences in their mechanisms of induction. Transcripts which initiate in the 5′ flanking promoter region are likely indicators of promoter accessibility and were therefore characterized during the time course of induction with each inducer in Friend Erythroleukemia cells. S1 analysis with probes labeled at −12 or + 82 relative to the (+ 1) cap site showed no major differences between 5′ ends of the upstream initiated transcripts in cells induced by DMSO or HMBA. We detected several upstream bands with each inducer corresponding to β-globin transcripts with 5′ ends between −190 and −55 relative to the cap site and found that cells induced with DMSO and HMBA show a similar transcription response as measured by initiation in the 5′ flanking region of the β-globin gene. Interestingly, the upstream initiated transcripts reach their peak concentration levels much earlier in the time course of induction than do the mRNA transcripts with 5′ ends at the major (+ 1) cap site. Northern blot analysis detected the upstream initiated transcripts as early as 16 hours after induction with DMSO, primarily in unprocessed large transcripts. We find that the promoter region containing transcripts constitute a higher percent of total β-globin transcripts at the start of the induction and may therefore have an early function in the multistep induction process.
Introduction to the Special Section on the 25th Bipolar/BiCMOS Circuits and Technology Meeting

The five papers in this special section were presented at the 25th Bipolar/BiCMOS Circuits and Technology Meeting held on October 9-11, 2011 in Atlanta, GA.
Application of Time Series Analysis and Neural Networks to the Modeling and Analysis of Forced Vibrating Mechanical Systems

A theoretical and mathematical based methodogy is discussed that utilizes time series analysis techniques and neural networks to model forced vibrating mechanical systems using measured input-output data. A technique in nonlinear time series analysis known as phase space reconstruction may be used to extend our understanding of the active dynamics recorded in a single time series measurement. Using a recorded output (response) measurement phase space reconstruction parameters are calculated; the embedding dimension is estimated using the method of false nearest neighbor, and the time delay is estimated from the first minimum of the mutual information. The phase space reconstruction characteristics are then used to fully shape the architecture of a time delayed neural network model for the dynamical system. The modeling methodology is applied to several forced vibrating systems common to many fields of engineering. The neural models are then used to analyze new input, demonstrating the usefulness and importance of the methodology.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The effect of bathymetry on the deep flow in Drake Passage

Abstract The results from year-long deep current-meter records at 20 sites in Drake Passage show a complex mean circulation in the region. The orientation of the deep mean flow at each location has been compared both to the geostrophic contour distribution, as it has been reconstructed to show the features at two smoothing scales, and to the direction of the major axis of the first EOF for the low-frequency motions. The directions of the mean and low-frequency flows coincide on the average, although there are several individual large differences between them. Both are interpreted in terms of possible relationships with the ƒ/H contours. The low-frequency flow directions at 2700 m conform preferentially to the large scale bathymetry while the mean flow directions at this depth follow the smaller scale isobaths. The mean deep flow is consistent with the bottom velocities being directed along geostrophic contours, including those that encircle the many small-scale features in the passage. Enhanced flow, accompanied by stronger-than-average baroclinicity, occurs in and downstream of gaps through the main ridge. The gaps and the confluence of the deep flow on the Antarctic continental slope appear to control the average locations of fronts as observed in Drake Passage.
Trace chemical detection in air using electronic noses and nano-structured sensing materials

For a variety of application areas, including homeland defense, environmental and health monitoring and emergency response, the detection of gas-phase chemicals is of great interest. One approach to these challenging sensing tasks is to use arrays of broadly selective chemical sensors as an electronic nose. In this presentation, we describe recent research at NIST, which employs multi-element microscale chemiresistor arrays populated with varied (chemically and morphologically) sensing materials. Furthermore, we modulate the operating temperature of the microsensors on millisecond timescales to enable increased selectivity for the detection of several volatile organic compounds in air at varied concentrations less than 100 μmol/mol.
Stability and conjugal transfer kinetics of a TOL plasmid in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO 1162

Batch mating experiments were employed to study the kinetics of the conjugal transfer of a TOL plasmid, using the transconjugant strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO 1162 (TOL) as the plasmid donor and Pseudomonas putida PB 2442 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO 1162N as the plasmid recipients. Transfer rates from PAO 1162 (TOL) to PAO 1162N and PB 2442 measured for exponentially grown PAO 1162 (TOL) were 1.81 × 10−14 (standard error (S.E.) 1.25 × 10−15) ml·cell−1min−1 and 3.32 × 10−13 (S.E. 4.42 × 10−14) ml·cell−1min−1, respectively. The instability of the TOL plasmid in PAO 1162 (TOL) was evaluated under conditions that were non-selective for maintenance of the TOL catabolic functions. The measured rates of instability were 6.7 10−6 to 8.3 10−6 min−1, and the loss of the catabolic functions was mainly caused by structural instability of the plasmid.
Unifying flipped SU(5) in five dimensions

It is shown that embedding a four-dimensional flipped SU(5) model in a five-dimensional SO(10) model, preserves the best features of both flipped SU(5) and SO(10). The missing partner mechanism, which naturally achieves both doublet-triplet splitting and suppression of d=5 proton decay operators, is realized as in flipped SU(5), while the gauge couplings are unified as in SO(10). The masses of down quarks and charged leptons, which are independent in flipped SU(5), are related by the SO(10). Distinctive patterns of quark and lepton masses can result. The gaugino mass M_1 is independent of M_3 and M_2, which are predicted to be equal.
Preliminary performance of a flexible cap and catheter-based endoscopic suturing system

Background Translation of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) into clinical applications requires efficient and reliable enterotomy closure. Objective To evaluate a prototype endoscopic suturing system for enterotomy closure. Design This study took place in an ex vivo animal laboratory. Isolated porcine stomachs were contained within a plastic molded abdominal torso. The device specifications included a curved needle, end-cap assembly with a side-mounting wire-actuation channel, a needle-exchange assembly that operates within an endoscopic working channel, and a detachable needle tip attached to suture material. Interventions Mucosal templates (3-cm circular markings) for targeted suture placement were created along the anterior wall of the stomach (cardia, antrum, and body). Device performance and functionality were studied in 3 ways: suture placement, purse-string closure, and edge-to-edge gastrotomy closure. Interrupted and running stitches were placed with the endoscope straight and retroflexed. Simple leak testing was conducted. Results Sutures could accurately be placed at preset templated markings. Creation of a purse-string gastrotomy closure confirmed the capability to place a set of circumferential full-thickness running sutures during a single endoscopic intubation that resulted in a leak-proof closure. Edge-to-edge full-thickness tissue apposition was accomplished, which provided a water-tight closure of an 18-mm gastrotomy. The device worked consistently, without any problems. Conclusions This endoscopic suturing device provided accurate placement of full-thickness sutures during a single intubation and permitted satisfactory tissue apposition. Standardized leak testing is needed for further development and evaluation of new devices. The catheter-driven needle actuator and the transfer-component system were intuitive and universally adaptable to any endoscope. This closure device may advance transluminal therapies by offering a secure, efficient method of hollow viscus closure.
Platform Construction From an Adjacent Semisubmersible Vessel

The concept of using column-stabilized semisubmersible support barges (SSSB) positioned alongside offshore platforms to provide gangway access for new platform construction is described briefly. Some historical information is related concerning development and use of this concept during construction of the Occidental consortium's Piper and Claymore platforms. Experience during more than 1,800 barge-days has proven the reliability of the SSSB concept for expanding access, efficiency, and productivity of platform construction over that previously achieved with conventional hulls in rough North Sea weather. The advantages and disadvantages of both conventional and SSSB hull configurations for different aspects of platform construction support are discussed.
Rapid assay of fluorine in polyethylene by neutron activation analysis

A rapid technique was developed to measure flurine incorporated into the inner surface of polyethylene containers during blow-molding. The analysis was based on the19F/n,γ/20F reaction. Results indicate that fluorine concentrations greater than 1 μg F/cm2 can be measured on areas as small as 1 cm2.
In situ amplification and detection of HIV-1 DNA in fixed pediatric AIDS brain tissue☆

To examine whether latent infection by HIV-1 occurs in the central nervous system, we optimized a procedure for amplification and detection of HIV-1 DNA in situ, in formalin-fixed brain tissue from a child with severe HIV-1-associated progressive encephalopathy and severe HIV-1 encephalitis. By the use of a two-step technique, which involved polymerase chain reaction with incorporation of digoxigenin-labeled nucleotides followed by in situ hybridization with biotinylated probes, we found infection of numerous mononuclear cells and astrocytes in the cerebral white matter as well as of perineuronal satellite cells in basal ganglia, but not of neurons. Following PCR amplification, nuclear signal was found in 10 to 20 times as many cells as in parallel, control experiments using conventional, unamplified in situ hybridization.
Neuroprotective action of acute estrogens: Animal models of brain ischemia and clinical implications

The ovarian hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) exerts profound neuroprotective actions against ischemia-induced brain damage in rodent models of global and focal ischemia. This review focuses on the neuroprotective efficacy of post-ischemic administration of E2 and non-feminizing estrogen analogs in the aging brain, with an emphasis on studies in animals subjected to a long-term loss of circulating E2. Clinical findings from the Women’s Health Initiative study as well as data from animal studies that used long-term, physiological levels of E2 treatment are discussed in this context. We summarize major published findings that highlight the effective doses and timing of E2 treatment relative to onset of ischemia. We then discuss recent findings from our laboratory showing that under some conditions the aging hippocampus remains responsive to E2 and some neuroprotective non-feminizing estrogen analogs even after prolonged periods of hormone withdrawal. Possible membrane-initiated signaling mechanisms that may underlie the neuroprotective actions of acutely administered E2 are also discussed. Based on these findings, we suggest that post-ischemic treatment with high doses of E2 or certain non-feminizing estrogen analogs may have great therapeutic potential for treatment of brain damage and neurodegeneration associated with ischemia.
Activity of ABT-773 Against Bowel Flora Organisms

Abstract The antimicrobial activity of ABT-773, a new ketolide, was tested against 285 strains of anaerobic and 68 strains of aerobic or facultative bacteria of the human bowel flora and compared to that of ampicillin/sulbactam, clindamycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and penicillin G. The NCCLS standard Wadsworth two-fold agar dilution technique using Brucella-laked sheep blood agar was used throughout. ABT-773 inhibited 90% of the anaerobes and 66% of the non-anaerobes at 4 mg/L. Twenty-two percent of Bacteroides fragilis strains (9) and 9% of 59 other B. fragilis group species were resistant at a level of 4 mg/L. Against anaerobes, the comparator drugs were similar in activity to ABT-773 except for ampicillin/sulbactam which was more active, metronidazole which was somewhat more active, and penicillin G which was much less active. Against the non-anaerobes, levofloxacin and ampicillin/sulbactam were significantly more active than ABT-773 and the other three comparator drugs were much less active.
Elastic properties of intermingled hybrid composites

The combination of different types of fibers in a common matrix, known as a hybrid composite, has the potential of achieving a balance between composite strength and ductility, as well as a more cost-effective use of expensive fibers, not re-alized in a single-fiber compostie. The elastic properties of a continuous Kevlar®/glass intermingled hybrid composite have been investigated. Theoretical predictions utilizing a self-consistent model and a bound approach are compared to the influence of the relative Kevlar®/glass fiber volume fraction on the elasstic material properties.
Adolescent anabolic-androgenic steroid exposure alters lateral anterior hypothalamic serotonin-2A receptors in aggressive male hamsters.

Abstract Chronic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) treatment during adolescence facilitates offensive aggression in male Syrian hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus ). Serotonin (5-HT) modulates aggressive behavior and has been shown to be altered after chronic treatment with AAS. Furthermore, 5-HT type 2 receptors have been implicated in the control of aggression. For example, treatment with 5-HT 2A receptor antagonists suppress the generation of the offensive aggressive phenotype. However, it is unclear whether these receptors are sensitive to adolescent AAS exposure. The current study assessed whether treatment with AAS throughout adolescence influenced the immunohistochemical localization of 5-HT 2A in areas of the hamster brain implicated in the control of aggression. Hamsters were administered AAS (5.0 mg/kg) each day throughout adolescence, scored for offensive aggression, and then examined for differences in 5-HT 2A -immunoreactivity (5-HT 2A -ir). When compared with non-aggressive oil-treated controls, aggressive AAS-treated hamsters showed significant increases in 5-HT 2A -ir fibers in the lateral portion of the anterior hypothalamus (LAH). Further analysis revealed that AAS treatment also produced a significant increase in the number of cells expressing 5-HT 2A -ir in the LAH. Together, these results support a role for altered 5-HT 2A expression and further implicate the LAH as a central brain region important in the control of adolescent AAS-induced offensive aggression.
Sesbania exaltata (Rafinesque-Schmaltz) Cory (Fabaceae) as a warm-season cover crop in pecan orchards: effects on aphidophagous coccinellidae and pecan aphids.

ABSTRACT The effects of warm-season cover crops on aphidophagous Coccinellidae and pecan aphids were evaluated in replicated studies at three commercial pecan orchards in southern Georgia. Each orchard featured cover-cropped plots dominated by sesbania (Sesbania exaltata [Rafinesque-Schmaltz] Cory) and control plots containing resident vegetation. Sesbania was the only understorey plant that harboured substantial densities of alternative prey, such as cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) and bandedwinged whitefly (Trialeurodes abutilonea [Haldeman]), suitable for Coccinellidae. When densities of pecan aphids dropped during July or August, whitefly-infested understorey stands of sesbania arrested and retained high densities of convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville) and the principally-arboreal Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant). In two separate studies, highly significant differences were found for season-long mean densities of pooled adult lady beetles: densities were 125 and 48 times greate...
Interactive simulation of contaminant evolution through porous media

Abstract We describe an interactive porous media simulation designed and implemented at the Global Information Infrastructure testbed for Supercomputing ‘95. This application was designed as a tool for environmental scientists and engineers to explore and test remediation strategies on contaminant leaks into the ground. The application is controlled by a CAVE (TM) virtual environment and uses an implicit finite difference discretization for multiphase flow through porous media to simulate contaminant transport through a porous cube. The mathematical model was scaled across a remote Silicon Graphics Power Challenge Array, and the data was transmitted to the conference site via vBNS and ATM links, achieving reasonable speed for animation and interaction.
Maternal endocrine and fetal metabolic responses to heat stress.

Abstract Heat-stressed pregnant ewes deliver intrauterine growth-retarded lambs. Selected maternal and fetal changes were investigated during acute heat stress in order to elucidate the mechanism for this growth retardation. Uterine blood flow decreased 20 to 30% in pregnant ewes during 1°C increases in core temperature. The decreases were accompanied by 60 and 100% increases in serum oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone, respectively. These effects were mimicked by salt loading or injections of antidiuretic hormone or oxytocin, suggesting a role for either or both hormones in regulating uterine blood flow during pregnancy. Chronically heat-stressed pregnant ewes were delivered by Caesarean section. Their fetuses were approximately 20% smaller than thermoneutral controls. Within each pair of heat-stressed twins, one fetus weighed one-third less than its litter mate. No difference in weights were observed within the control twins. The livers and brains of the heat-stressed fetuses were disproportionate in size. The livers from the small heat-stressed twins contained only one-half the protein of the controls and one-fourth the protein of their litter mates. Muscle protein was decreased in the heat-stressed fetuses, and liver and muscle glycogen were elevated as were liver arginase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase and muscle creatinine. These results are consistent with the following hypothesis: heat stress stimulates the release of maternal antidiuretic hormone or oxytocin, which reduces uterine blood flow and causes a shift in fetal metabolism from anabolic to catabolic pathways; one fetus of heat-stressed twins is more severely affected than its litter mate.
Parent-Reported Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in US-Born Children: An Assessment of Changes within Birth Cohorts from the 2003 to the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) was twice the 2003 NSCH estimate for autism. From each NSCH, we selected children born in the US from 1990 to 2000. We estimated autism prevalence within each 1-year birth cohort to hold genetic and non-genetic prenatal factors constant. Prevalence differences across surveys thus reflect survey measurement changes and/or external identification effects. In 2003, parents were asked whether their child was ever diagnosed with autism. In 2007, parents were asked whether their child was ever diagnosed with an ASD and whether s/he currently had an ASD. For the 1997-2000 birth cohorts (children aged 3-6 years in 2003 and 7-10 years in 2007), relative increases between 2003 autism estimates and 2007 ASD estimates were 200-600 %. For the 1990-1996 birth cohorts (children aged 7-13 years in 2003) increases were lower; nonetheless, differences between 2003 estimates and 2007 "ever ASD" estimates were >100 % for 6 cohorts and differences between 2003 estimates and 2007 "current ASD" estimates were >80 % for 3 cohorts. The magnitude of most birth cohort-specific differences suggests continuing diagnosis of children in the community played a sizable role in the 2003-2007 ASD prevalence increase. While some increase was expected for 1997-2000 cohorts, because some children have later diagnoses coinciding with school entry, increases were also observed for children ages ≥ 7 years in 2003. Given past ASD subtype studies, the 2003 "autism" question might have missed a modest amount (≤ 33 %) of ASDs other than autistic disorder.
Inhibition of JNK Enhances TGF-β1-Activated Smad2 Signaling in Mouse Embryonic Lung

The Smad2/3 pathway plays a key role in mediating TGF-β1 inhibition of branching morphogenesis and induction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in embryonic lungs. Because a number of cell-specific interactions have been described between TGF-β1-driven Smad signaling and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, we have investigated the effects of JNK inhibition on TGF-β1 activation of Smad2, inhibition of branching, induction of CTGF expression, and apoptosis in mouse embryonic lung explants. Mouse embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) lung explants were treated with TGF-β1 in the presence or absence of a specific pharmacologic JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and a specific JNK peptide inhibitor (JNKI). We found that TGF-β1 activated the JNK pathway by stimulating c-Jun phosphorylation, which was blocked by JNK inhibitors. Treatment with SP600125 stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation and enhanced TGF-β1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation. Treatment with JNK inhibitors also decreased normal branching morphogenesis and induced CTGF expression as well as augmented TGF-β1 inhibition of branching and induction of CTGF expression. Furthermore, JNK inhibition-induced apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of the JNK pathway promotes TGF-β1-driven Smad2 responses in lung branching morphogenesis. These data suggest that the JNK pathway may antagonize TGF-β1 dependent Smad2 signaling during mouse embryonic lung development.