cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 to prostanoid formation by human enterocytes stimulated by calcium ionophore and inflammatory agents

The stimulation of intestinal epithelial cell cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes with inflammatory agents and the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes has the potential to increase understanding of the role of these enzymes in intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of COX-1 and -2 to the production of specific prostanoids by unstimulated and stimulated intestinal epithelial cells. Cultured enterocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-1 (IL-1)beta (IL-1 beta), and calcium ionophore (Ca Ion), with and without COX inhibitors. Valerylsalicylic acid (VSA) was employed as the COX-1 inhibitor, and SC-58125 and NS398 were used as the COX-2 inhibitors. Prostanoids were quantitated by Elisa assay. Western immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2 enzyme. Unstimulated prostanoid formation was not decreased by the COX-1 inhibitor. All of the stimulants evaluated increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Only Ca Ion stimulated prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production while IL-1 beta, and Ca Ion, but not LPS, increased prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) formation. Ca Ion-stimulated prostanoid formation was uniformly inhibited by COX-2, but not COX-1, inhibitors. IL-1 beta-stimulated PGE2 and PGE2 alpha formation was significantly decreased by both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. VSA, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly decreased IL-1 beta-stimulated PGE2 and PGF2 alpha production. Unstimulated prostanoid formation was not dependent on constitutive COX-1 activity. The stimulation of intestinal epithelial cells by Ca Ion seemed to uniformly produce prostanoids through COX-2 activity. There was no uniform COX-1 or COX-2 pathway for PGE and PGF2 alpha formation stimulated by the inflammatory agents, suggesting that employing either a COX-1 or COX-2 inhibitor therapeutically will have varying effects on intestinal epithelial cells dependent on the prostanoid species and the inflammatory stimulus involved.
Metabolism of peripheral nerve monogalactosylceramides.

The metabolism of hydroxy galactocerebrosides (GalCe-OH) and nonhydroxy galactocerebrosides (GalCe) was investigated during the nerve development, degeneration and regeneration by endoneurial injection of [14C]acetate and byin vitro incubation of rat sciatic endoneurium with [14C]acetate, [3H]galactose or [3H]glucose. After endoneurial microinjection, [14C]acetate was found to be incorporated first into GalCe-OH and later, and to a much lesser degree, into GalCe. The ratio of14C-labeled GalCe-OH to GalCe decreased with time and remained fairly constant after 4 hr. On the other hand,in vitro incorporation of [14C]acetate resulted in higher14C-labeling in GalCe and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and lower14C-labeling in GalCe-OH, diminishing with incubation time. After 24 hr, only GalCe and MGDG were labeled. When [3H]galactose or [3H]glucose, instead of [14C]acetate, were used as precursorin vitro, a similar preference for labeling of GalCe-OH was demonstrated in regenerating nerve. These data suggest that hydroxy fatty acids and hydroxy ceramides are the preferred substrates in peripheral nervous system for the sphingosine acyltransferase and the UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase reactions, respectively. The α-hydroxylation system did not appear to be fully functional underin vitro conditions. The biosynthesis of GalCe-OH was greatly enhanced during nerve fiber regeneration and decreased rapidly with increasing age. This suggests that a close interrelation exists between α-hydroxylation and peripheral nerve myelination.
In Vivo Assessment of Stent Expansion and Recoil in Normal Porcine Coronary Arteries Differential Outcome by Stent Design

Background—Despite the routine use of high pressure, coronary stents generally fail to achieve a cross-sectional area (CSA) >60% to 80% of the nominal CSA of their dilating balloon. The extent to which incomplete balloon expansion and postdeflation stent recoil contribute to this failure has not been fully evaluated. Methods and Results—Thirty-two stents (8 Gianturco-Roubin II, 8 Palmaz-Schatz, 8 MultiLink, and 8 NIR) were deployed in nondiseased coronary arteries of 8 Yorkshire pigs. All stents were then expanded according to 1 of 3 balloon strategies: appropriately sized compliant balloons, oversized compliant balloons, or oversized noncompliant balloons. Continuous ultrasound imaging was performed during stepwise balloon inflation and deflation, with an 0.018-in imaging core positioned within the guidewire lumen of the balloon. In these normal arteries, balloon underexpansion relative to the nominal size was not observed. After balloon deflation, however, all stents showed significant recoil from their...
Scale analysis and the measurement of social attitudes

This paper discusses and compares the methods of attitude scale construction of Thurstone (method of equal-appearing intervals), Likert (method of summated ratings), and Guttman (method of scale analysis), with special emphasis on the latter as one of the most recent and significant contributions to the field. Despite a certain lack of methodological precision, scale analysis provides a means of evaluating the uni-dimensionality of a set of items. If the criteria for uni-dimensionality are met, the interpretation of rank-order scores is made unambiguous, and efficiency of prediction from the set of items is maximized. The Guttman technique, however, provides no satisfactory means of selecting the original set of items for scale analysis. Preliminary studies indicated that both the Likert and the Thurstone methods tend to select scalable sets of items and that their functions in this respect are complementary. A method of combining the Likert and Thurstone methods in order to yield a highly scalable set of items is outlined. Sets of 14 items selected by the method have, in the two cases where the technique has been tried, yielded very satisfactory scalability.
State constrained control problems for parabolic systems: Regularity of optimal solutions

Quadratic control problems for parabolic equations withstate constraints are considered. Regularity (smoothness) of the optimal solution is investigated. It is shown that the optimal control is continuous in time with the values inL2(Ω) and its time derivative belongs toL2[OT×Ω].
Remote Sensing of Forest Regeneration in Highland Tropical Forests

Extensive post-agriculture forest regeneration has been observed in Celaque National Park (CNP), Honduras. Landsat TM images were useful in classifying these highland tropical forests into four regeneration stages and one degraded class. Regeneration stages were best separated in a plot of Landsat bands TM5 and TM4. TM5 had the best correlation with regeneration stage followed by TM2. NDVI could not discriminate forests past the early regrowth stage due to the rapid saturation of the index. A clear successional path was observed in the Tasseled Cap feature space. Forest development was characterized by a continuous decrease in Brightness, a continuous increase in Wetness, and a rapid initial increase in Greenness followed by a gradual decrease. Regenerating forests followed spectral paths more similar to lowland tropical than to temperate forests. Early rapid increases in NIR reflectance and the Tasseled Cap Greenness index were in line with those of tropical lowland rainforests and unlike those found in ...
Tribology: Sliding on vacuum.

Bodies in relative motion, separated by nanometres of vacuum, experience a tiny friction force. Experiments involving a conductor–superconductor transition provide essential information for distinguishing the contribution of electrons from that of lattice vibrations in this non-contact form of friction.
Exploiting a patch antenna for strain measurements

The feasibility of applying patch antennas for strain measurement is investigated. The resonance frequency of a patch antenna is determined by the size of its metallic patch. An applied strain changes the dimensions of the metallic patch, resulting in a shift in the antenna resonant frequency. Therefore, the applied strains can be measured from the changes in antenna resonant frequency. A dual-frequency patch antenna was designed and fabricated using conventional photolithography techniques. The application of the patch antenna for strain measurement was evaluated by bonding the patch antenna to an aluminum cantilever beam and applying loads at the free end of the cantilever beam. The shifts of the return loss S11 curves under loads were correlated to the strains experienced by the patch antenna. The strain sensitivity of the antenna obtained from experimental measurements agreed well with the analytical prediction.
In the Name of “Taizu”: The Construction of Zhu Yuanzhang's Legal Philosophy and Chinese Cultural Identity in the Veritable Records of Taizu

This essay examines how Zhu Yuanzhang's legal philosophy was perceived and interpreted in the early Ming official history of the Ming founder, the Taizu shilu ( Veritable records of Taizu ), and in some relevant historical works of later times. By looking at the viewpoints expressed on Zhu's words and deeds, the essay demonstrates that his legal philosophy was carefully constructed in the official history, and that this work of historical construction represented an official effort to redefine Chinese cultural identity. Cet article s'interesse a la facon dont la philosophie juridique de Zhu Yuanzhang est percue et interpretee dans l'histoire officielle du fondateur des Ming, le Taizu shilu ( Chroniques veridiques de Taizu ), au debut des Ming, ainsi que dans certains ouvrages historiques plus tardifs. L'examen des points de vue exprimes sur les paroles et les actes de Zhu montre que sa philosophie juridique a ete soigneusement reconstruite dans l'histoire officielle, et que ce travail de reconstruction etait representatif d'un effort officiel pour redefinir l'identite culturelle chinoise.
Performance modeling and measurements of real time multiprocessors with time-shared buses

A closed queueing network model is constructed to address workload effects on computer performance for a highly reliable unibus multiprocessor used in real-time control. The model consists of multiserver nodes and a nonpreemptive priority queue. Use of this model requires partitioning the workload into task classes. The time-average steady-state solution of the queuing model directly produces useful results that are necessary in performance evaluation. The model was experimentally justified with the fault-tolerant multiprocessor located at the NASA AIRLAB. Extensive experiments were performed using a synthetic workload generator to measure directly performance parameters, such as processor idle time, system bus contention and task processing times. These measurements determine values for parameters in the queueing model. Experimental and analytic results are compared, demonstrating the validity of the model. >
A bias correction regression calibration approach in generalized linear mixed measurement error models

Two major topics are discussed when a fixed effect covariate is measured with error in a generalized linear mixed effects model: (i) the applicability of a direct regression calibration approach in various situations and (ii) a bias correction regression calibration approach. When the fixed and random effect structures are both misspecified, we find that a direct bias correction to the naive estimators is often not feasible due to lack of analytical bias expressions. While the direct regression calibration approach still often leads to inconsistent estimators, a combination of using the regression calibration to correct for the misspecified fixed effects and applying direct bias correction to correct for the misspecified random effects provides a simple, fast, and easy to implement method. Applications of this approach to linear, loglinear, probit and logistic mixed models arc discussed in detail A small simulation study is presented for the logistic normal mixed model.
Technical note. Sagittal tomography as an adjunct to cross-sectional evaluation of select implant sites

OBJECTIVE To supplement conventional cross-sectional tomography with a sagittal projection in order to verify the location of vital anatomical structures prior to dental implant surgery. METHODS A method is described that illustrates the theory, technique and benefits of incorporating sagittal tomography into the radiographic examination of a dental implant patient. RESULTS Local variations in the inferior-superior position of the mandibular canal or encroachment of the sinus on areas immediately adjacent to the proposed maxillary implant site can be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The additional information gained from sagittal tomography aids the clinician in appreciating the orientation and morphology of the anatomical area under examination.
Microsatellite instability and DNA mismatch repair deficiency testing in hereditary and sporadic gastrointestinal cancers

The reference cancers associated with DNA mismatch repair (MMR)deficiency are the adenocarcinomas of patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome. Sporadic gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas, most commonly colorectal and gastric carcinomas, may also be associated with deficiencies of DNA mismatch repair. Deficiency in cellular MMR leads to wide-spread mutagenesis and neoplastic development and progression. An important diagnostic feature of MMR-deficient tumors is the high rate of mutations that accumulate in repetitive nucleotide regions, and these mutations are known as microsatellite instability(MSI). A standard panel of markers to test for MSI in tumors has been recommended and efficiently separates tumors into those with high, low, or no microsatellite instability (MSI-H, MSI-L, or MSS). Tumors characterized by MSI-H characteristically show loss of one of the main DNA MMR proteins, mLH1 or MSH2, and rarely MSH6 and PMS2, detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The combination of MSI testing and IHC for MMR proteins in tumors tissues is used to identify underlying DNA MMR deficiency andis clinically relevant screen patients who might have hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer for DNA repair gene germline testing. Increasing evidence demonstrates that tumors with a positive MSI status have lower lymph node metastases burden, and these patients have an overall improved survival, suggesting that the MSI and MMR status may contribute to decision making regarding treatment approaches. Updated guidelines for MSI and IHC for DNAMMR testing, and the biological and potential clinical implications of MMR deficiency and microsatellite instability in GI polyps and cancers are reviewed.
God, souls, and Turing: in defense of the theological objection to the Turing test

– It is widely known that when Turing first introduced his “imitation‐game” test for ascertaining whether a computing machine can think, he considered, and found wanting, a series of objections to his position. It seems safe to say that one of these objections, the “theological objection” (TO), is regarded by Turing to be positively anemic, and that ever since he delivered his rapid (purported!) refutation over half a century ago, the received view has been that, indeed, this objection is as weak as can be. The purpose of this paper is to show that TO is not the pushover Turing, and others since, take it to be., – The paper is devoted to the TO within the Turing test (TT) and to Turing's reply to this objection., – The paper reaches the conclusion that Turing's response to TO fails., – This paper is a defense of the TO to the TT.
The juxtamembrane domain of cadherin regulates integrin-mediated adhesion and neurite outgrowth.

Axons are guided along their trajectories during development by many different systems of adhesion, attraction, and repulsion. Thus, many distinct, and potentially competing, receptor systems respond to environmental cues, and the information must be coordinated inside the growth cone to ensure that extension follows the appropriate path. In this brief review we bring together two studies, each of which has defined different aspects of a pathway through which N-cadherin regulates β1-integrin function allowing for coordinated responses to environmental cues during neurite extension. First we review progress in defining the binding to cells and the subsequent effects on adhesion and neurite outgrowth of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, neurocan. Neurocan binds to a cell surface glycosyltransferase associated with N-cadherin (but not integrin), initiating a signal which results in loss of cadherin and integrin-function—suggesting that these two adhesion receptor systems engage in cross-talk, allowing coordinate regulation. Second, we review the use of “Trojan” peptides, peptides which mimic specific sequences in the cytoplasmic domain of N-cadherin attached to a cell permeation sequence, to reveal protein–protein interactions critical to cadherin–integrin cross-talk. One peptide mimicking a 20 amino acid sequence in the juxtamembrane region of N-cadherin has the same effect as neurocan, blocking both cadherin- and integrin-mediated adhesion and neurite outgrowth. Both neurocan and the peptide cause the release of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Fer from the cadherin complex and its binding to the integrin complex. These data define an epigenetic pathway through which environmental cues are capable of coordinately regulating the activity of two developmentally important adhesion systems. J. Neurosci. Res. 58:727–734, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Manipulation of familiarity reveals a necessary lexical component of the word-stem completion priming effect

These experiments were motivated by the idea that many types of nondeclarative memory are byproducts arising from the plasticity that is inherent in much of the nervous system. We hypothesized that two types of repetition priming, word-stem completion (WSC) priming and perceptual identification (PI) priming, rely on different mechanisms because the WSC task and the PI task engage different cognitive and brain processes. We tested this hypothesis by manipulating word familiarity. The results, impaired WSC priming but intact PI priming with unfamiliar words, indicate that WSC priming relies primarily on a modification mechanism, whereas PI priming relies primarily on an acquisition mechanism. Our conclusions are consistent with component processes theories of nondeclarative memory.
Effects of mini-Umklapp processes on heat transport in superlattices

Abstract Superlattice Umklapp processes contribute to phonon-phonon scattering and limit the thermal conductivity of insulating superlattices. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity is predicted using Callaway's phenomenological relaxation time approximation.
Convergent Iterative Constrained Variation Algorithm for Calculation of Electron-Transfer Transition States

Electron transfer ET reactions in solutions or at heterogeneous interfaces and electrodes constitute the core of chemical processes in many applications ranging from electrochemical power generation, such as fuel cells, to biological systems. Knowledge of the electrochemical steps in these processes plays a vital role in the analysis of reaction mechanisms and in understanding the chemistry involved. While quantum computations have been extensively used to investigate many non-ET reactions in the reduction steps of oxygen in fuel cells,
Anaphylatoxin C5a modulation of an alpha-adrenergic receptor system in the rat hypothalamus

C5a anaphylatoxin injected via implanted cannulae into the perifornical region of the hypothalamus stimulated eating in sated rats. C5a also attenuated carbamyl choline-induced drinking, and carbamyl choline inhibited C5a-induced eating, a mutual inhibition characteristic of the adrenergic-cholinergic interactions at this site. The increased food intake induced by C5a was also reversed by phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist. Granulocytes infiltrating as a result of C5a-mediated leukotaxis did not arrive at the site in time to influence C5a activity. We propose that C5a in some way activates an alpha-adrenergic receptor system in the hypothalamus, and that anaphylatoxins could mediate neuropsychiatric symptoms sometimes associated with immune complex diseases affecting the central nervous system.
Adapting the Technology Acceptance Model to evaluate the innovative potential of e-learning systems

This paper describes an experience where the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been adapted for use in the evaluation of methodological and technological innovations determined by the introduction of a new e-learning system in an Italian online university. While the original TAM allows one to assess acceptance and adoption of a new technology, in this case there was also a need to consider all the phases of use of the system (course design, running and evaluation), all the users of the system (students, teachers and e-learning management), and all the system's components (the e-learning platform, the learning resources and mostly the underlying pedagogical approach). The resulting model, which is an extension of the original TAM, is a three-dimensional one, with three aspects to be considered on each axis (phases of use, users and components). For each of the 27 combinations of these aspects, indicators of usefulness and ease-of-use have been identified. When available, data concerning actual use (derived from the tracking functions of the platform) and effectiveness (based on teachers' adoption of new tools and students' learning outcomes) have also been used to complement the data.
Interactive and Iterative Service-Composition-Based Approach to Flexible Information System Development

An emerging class of technologies defined as Service-Oriented Architecture SOA has been heralded as the answer for inflexible IT architecture and promises to reduce operational barriers of current IT infrastructures. In SOA, loosely coupled Web services are integrated to provide dynamic digital capabilities within and across enterprise boundaries. Little research exists on development processes of information systems using Web services and against certain development metrics. One way to perform such research is to propose a development approach, identify the metrics, and embed the metrics into the technique of service composition to allow system development with desired characteristics. This paper reports an approach to information system development based on Web services composition and the metrics designed for such approaches. This approach is based on semi-automatic, interactive, and iterative Web service composition --a hybrid technique based on developing and searching an AND/OR graph for composite services discovery while taking into consideration human judgment for solution selection and validation by interactions in an iterative way. The composition process leverages historical Web service usage data and provides helpful suggestions to the users regarding available component services. The authors propose that the metrics can investigate the characteristics of such development approaches.
Giving Voice to Students with Disabilities Who Have Successfully Transitioned to College

A qualitative study, using the journals of 22 university students with disabilities, was conducted in order to learn more about their transitioning process and success in college. Findings include identification of the skills, abilities, and knowledge that college students with disabilities perceived as contributing to their transition to and success in college. The following major themes were identified. College students with disabilities (a) are insightful and reflective regarding their transition and postsecondary needs, (b) are college students first and foremost, (c) want and need access to disability-related knowledge, (d) want opportunities to develop the skills necessary to become self-determined adults, and (e) need opportunities to explore boundaries. If students with disabilities are to receive the kinds of educational opportunities and supports they deem important, more emphasis must be placed on person-centered planning toward self-determination.
Out-of-Hospital and Emergency Department Utilization by Adult Homeless Patients

Study objective Homeless adults visit emergency departments (EDs) nearly 4 times more often than the general population and are among the highest repeat visitors. Little research, however, has determined resource utilization patterns of homeless patients and the extent to which they may benefit from emergency care. The objectives of this study are to describe emergency medical services and hospital utilization by homeless patients and to estimate their benefit of ED care. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study performed at an urban safety-net hospital. All patients who presented to the ED during 2003 were identified. Simple random samples of 300 homeless adult patients and 300 nonhomeless adult patients were identified and included as the study sample. Variables collected included patient demographics, medical history, ED visit date and times, results of laboratory studies, disposition from the ED, diagnoses, ambulance use, number of previous ED visits, and estimated benefit of emergency treatment as determined by a previously developed consensus-based instrument. Results Homeless patients were slightly older (41 years [interquartile range (IQR) 34 to 48 years] versus 36 years [IQR 25 to 46 years]) and had substantially higher substance abuse histories but had similar medical and psychiatric comorbidities compared with nonhomeless patients. Homeless patients also spent more time in the ED per visit (4.4 hours [IQR 2.6 to 7.5 hours] versus 3.8 hours (IQR 2.1 to 5.7 hours]), were less likely to be admitted to the hospital (8% versus 19%), and were more likely to use ambulance services (51% versus 29%). Finally, homeless patients received a similar level of estimated benefit of emergency treatment compared with nonhomeless patients, and a substantial proportion of their visits was directly related to excessive alcohol use. Conclusion Homeless adults commonly use emergency care resources, and medical benefit, although comparable to that of nonhomeless adults, is in many cases uncertain.
Material challenges for transducer designers in the 21st century

The modern U.S. Navy is rapidly evolving to meet the challenges of operating in the littorals. This focus changes the rules, especially to the designers of sonar systems that now need to aggressively engage quiet diesel electric submarine threats and neutralize sophisticated underwater mines. These new responsibilities dictate that new concepts be developed. To meet these new demands on the sonar system, transducer designers are being tasked to design transducers and to utilize new materials to address performance requirements that were never even imagined a decade ago. Sensor needs are no longer limited to pressure types but now have to sense velocity or acceleration. Sources are challenged to both frequency extent and power levels. The need to physically move sources off of submarines and surface combatants and onto vehicles with limited energy capabilities prompt the challenge of efficient bandwidth and high coupling. These are the needs of the 'next Navy'; the needs of the 'Navy after next' will present an even more demanding scenario. The future will demand revolutionary technology at the micro level with devices utilizing new power sources and new materials.
Influences of Hypoxia and Hyperthermia on Fish Species Composition in Headwater Streams

Abstract Indices of hypoxia and hyperthermia tolerance for Missouri fish assemblages were based on laboratory measurements of lethal dissolved oxygen concentrations and temperatures, combined with field measures of the relative abundances of tolerant and sensitive species. Fish assemblages and extreme physicochemical conditions were monitored over 3–4 years at 18 sites on headwater streams in the Prairie, Ozark Border, and Ozark regions of Missouri. Oxygen minima ranged from 0.8 to 6.0 mg/L, and temperature maxima ranged from 19.6 to 30.7°C; oxygen minima at study sites were not correlated with temperature maxima. Hypoxia tolerances of fish assemblages were strongly correlated with minimum stream oxygen concentrations and varied concordantly with regional, longitudinal, and temporal gradients in stream oxygen minima. Hyperthermia tolerances of fish assemblages were not correlated with maximum stream temperatures, nor were regional, longitudinal, or temporal differences in hyperthermia tolerances concordan...
The fate of genetically marked human oral keratinocytes in vitro

Abstract The fate of the progeny of human oral gingival keratinocytes was mapped in stratified epithelial tissues in vitro by following the expression of a marker gene in genetically related clones. Oral epithelial progenitor cells were genetically marked at high efficiency by transducing them with a retrovirus vector that carried the gene for a histochemically detectable product, Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (β-gal). These cells were then grown in submerged cultures and on collagen rafts at the air-liquid interface to demonstrate the distribution of genetically marked cells in a differentiating tissue in vitro . The dynamics of transduced cells showed that clonally related cells were arranged in discrete units of labelled cells and these clusters were defined as ‘clonal proliferation units’. The size and configuration of these units were related to the proliferative potential and differentiating capacity of the cell that was initially transduced. This model demonstrates the relation between clonally related cells and tissue architecture for oral keratinocytes in vitro .
A King Travels: Festive Traditions in Late Medieval and Early Modern Spain

Elegantly written, fully documented, and highly laudatory of other critics’ works are appropriate phrases to describe this book. Teofilo F. Ruiz writes with the reader in mind, sharing the outline ...
GC × GC--A New Analytical Tool For Environmental Forensics

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, GC 2 GC, is a new analytical tool with a tremendous capability to separate and identify organic compounds in complex environmental samples. GC 2 GC uses two different chromatography columns coupled serially by a modulator to produce a volatility by polarity separation and distribute compound peaks across a two-dimensional retention time plane. The two-dimensional separation produces an order of magnitude more resolved peaks than traditional GC methods. The grouping or ordering of the peaks in the GC 2 GC chromatogram facilitates the identification of unknown compounds and the comparison of complex environmental samples. When a mass spectrometer detector is used, each resolved GC 2 GC peak yields a single-component, interference-free mass spectrum that leads to accurate matching with mass spectral libraries. GC 2 GC examination of marine sediment extracts identified a wide variety of chemical contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls, p -nonylphenol ...
Techniques for NMR imaging of solids.

Abstract This article presents a review of techniques for NMR imaging of solids. The techniques are grouped according to whether they improve spatial resolution alone, or improve both resolution and sensitivity. Example images obtained with multiple pulse line narrowing are presented. The present limitations and future prospects for NMR imaging of materials are discussed.
Polyclonal Treg cells modulate T effector cell trafficking.

In this study, we have analyzed the in vivo dynamics of the interaction between polyclonal Foxp3(+) Treg cells, effector T (Teff) cells, and DCs in order to further our understanding of the mechanisms of Treg cell-mediated suppression. Cotransfer of polyclonal activated Treg cells into healthy mice attenuated the induction of EAE. Suppression of disease strongly correlated with a reduced number of Teff cells in the spinal cord, but not with Treg cell-mediated inhibition of Th1/Th17 differentiation. Cotransfer of Treg cells with TCR-Tg Teff cells followed by immunization by multiple routes resulted in an enhanced number of Teff cells in the lymph nodes draining the site of immunization without an inhibition of Teff-cell differentiation. Fewer Teff cells could be detected in the blood in the presence of Treg cells and fewer T cells could access a site of antigen exposure in a modified delayed-type hypersensitivity assay. Teff cells recovered from LNs in the presence of Treg cells expressed decreased levels of CXCR4, syndecan, and the sphingosine phosphate receptor, S1P1 (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1). Thus, polyclonal Treg cells influence Teff-cell responses by targeting trafficking pathways, thus allowing immunity to develop in lymphoid organs, but limiting the number of potentially auto-aggressive cells that are allowed to enter the tissues.
Measurement of cardiopulmonary function by rebreathing methodology in piglets

ABSTRACT. The use of a multiple gas rebreathing method for the measurement of cardiopulmonary function in mechanically ventilated neonates was evaluated. The following indices of cardiopulmonary function were assessed in 20 piglets (mean weight, 2.3 kg): 1) pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qc), 2) diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL co), 3) lung gas volume (FRC), 4) oxygen consumption (Vo2), and 5) volume of the pulmonary tissues and capillaries (VTPC), the latter an estimate of total lung water. During mechanical ventilation at zero end expiratory pressure, all rebreathing parameters correlated well with body weight. Additionally, a good correlation (r = 0.81, slope = 0.99) between VTPC and postmortem estimate of total lung water was observed. The effect of ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was then studied in 10 piglets. On increasing PEEP from zero to 15 cm H20, FRC significantly increased by 208%, Qc significantly decreased by 60%, and no changes in VTPC occurred. Seven piglets were then studied after induction of lung injury by oleic acid infusion. Compared with the pre-oleic acid infusion values, all the rebreathing variables decreased during ventilation without PEEP. Unlike the situation with the normal piglets, when PEEP was increased from zero to 10 cm H2O in the oleic acid-infused piglets, the values for FRC and VTPC significantly increased. Mean VTPC at 10 cm H2O was 20 ± 2 ml/kg which correlated well (r = 0.93) with the postmortem total lung water value of 19 ± 1 g/kg. Thus, multiple gas rebreathing methodology is applicable to studies using Small animals. The observation that the applicartion of PEEP in lung injury increased the accuracy of the VIPC measurement suggests that PEEP improves ventilation of injured lung segments.
Corrected (for curtailment) correlations between the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale and the MMPI.

It has been observed that correlations between the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (M-C SDS) and the standard MMPI scales were higher for a psychiatric patient sample than for college students. The suggestion had been made that the correlational differences with these two types of samples were due to the more curtailed distributions of MMPI scores with college students. These previously reported correlations, based on college students, were corrected for curtailment regarding the MMPI variables. The corrections utilized variability estimates based on psychiatric patient samples. The corrected (for curtailment) values were noticeably larger and resembled in magnitude those reported for psychiatric patients.
Technical progress in bureaucracies

In this paper we raise the question whether in bureaucracies incentives are existing to implement technical progress into public goods production as it may be observed in the private sector. Therefore the well-known models of the theory of bureaucracy will be enhanced by technical progress modelled as process innovations. Depending on bureaucrats' preferences two results can be obtained: (a) If bureaucrats maximize their budget or if output or the classical production factors enter their utility function, RD (b) if bureaucrats prefer R&D as an end itself, they will use this factor like other factors by more than the efficient amount. In both cases an allocative inefficient output of the public good is produced. As a consequence society cannot benefit from gains by technical progress since net social welfare is appropriated totally by bureaucrats, even if it is increased by R&D-efforts.
Probabilistic performance of a heuristic for the satisfiability problem

Abstract An algorithm for the satisfiability problem (SAT) is presented and its probabilistic behavior is analyzed when combined with two other algorithms studied earlier. The analysis is based on an instance distribution which is parameterized to simulate a variety of sample characteristics. The algorithm dynamically assigns values to literals appearing in a given instance until a satisfying assignment is found or the algorithm “gives up” without determining whether or not a solution exists. It is shown that if n clauses are constructed independently from r Boolean variables, where the probability that a variable appears in a clause as a positive literal is p and as a negative literal is p, then almost all randomly generated instances of SAT are solved in polynomial time if p 0.4 ln (n) r or p> ln (n) r or p= c ln (n) r , 0.4 lim n,r→∞ n 1−c r 1−e for any e>;0. It is also shown that if p= c ln (n) r , 0.4 lim n,r→∞ n 1−c r=∞ then almost all randomly generated instances of SAT have no solution. Thus the combined algorithm is very effective in the probabilistic sense on instances of SAT that have solutions. The combined algorithm is effective in some limited sense in verifying unsatisfiability.
Effects of antibiotics in mice on weight and thorium dioxide uptake of spleen and liver.

SummaryThe antibiotics penicillin, streptomycin, aureomycin and chloramphenicol were studied for their effects upon weight and ThO2 uptake by spleens and livers of mice. These antibiotics were studied singly in the case of spleens and singly and in combinations of two in the case of livers. Aureomycin singly and in combination with other antibiotics caused a significant reduction in the weight of spleens and livers. The combination of streptomycin + penicillin caused a reduction in liver weight. The uptake of ThO2 was expressed as weight of Th02 per unit weight of tissue. Apart from the organ weight changes produced there is no evidence that any of the antibiotics in the concentrations used, had a significant effect upon the ability of either spleens or livers to take up ThO2
Moment method predicted impedances compared to actual measured impedances of directional arrays

A comparison is made of the self and mutual impedances predicted by a moment method program to show how it derives the Z matrix. A discussion of the theory of these impedances if offered as a foundation to analyze the results. The comparison shows that the field measurements support the data generated by the program. >
Chemical genetic screen identifies Toxoplasma DJ-1 as a regulator of parasite secretion, attachment, and invasion

Toxoplasma gondii is a member of the phylum Apicomplexa that includes several important human pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium and Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that can cause severe disease in congenitally infected neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Despite the importance of attachment and invasion to the success of the parasite, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that drive these processes. Here we describe a screen to identify small molecules that block the process of host cell invasion by the T. gondii parasite. We identified a small molecule that specifically and irreversibly blocks parasite attachment and subsequent invasion of host cells. Using tandem orthogonal proteolysis–activity-based protein profiling, we determined that this compound covalently modifies a single cysteine residue in a poorly characterized protein homologous to the human protein DJ-1. Mutation of this key cysteine residue in the native gene sequence resulted in parasites that were resistant to inhibition of host cell attachment and invasion by the compound. Further analysis of the invasion phenotype confirmed that modification of Cys127 on TgDJ-1 resulted in a block of microneme secretion and motility, even in the presence of direct stimulators of calcium release. Together, our results suggest that TgDJ-1 plays an important role that is likely downstream of the calcium flux required for microneme secretion, parasite motility, and subsequent invasion of host cells.
Pemphigus vulgaris in a 12-year-old boy

An instance of pemphigus vulgaris in a 12-year-old boy is presented. Prompt recognition of the disorder is stressed since the institution of corticosteroid therapy favorably influences the course of this otherwise almost invariably fatal disease. The differential diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris and other bullous diseases of childhood is outlined, and attention is directed to the importance of a skin biopsy for the purpose of confirming the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris.
Léon Rosenfeld's pioneering steps toward a quantum theory of gravity

In an article published in 1930 Leon Rosenfeld invented a general Hamiltonian formalism that purported to realize general coordinate, local Lorentz, and U(1) symmetries as canonical phase space transformations. He applied the formalism to a q-number version of tetrad gravity in interaction with both the electromagnetic field and a spinorial Dirac electron matter field. His procedure predated by almost two decades the algorithms of Dirac and Bergmann, and with regard to internal (non-spacetime) symmetries is fully equivalent to them. Dirac was in fact already in 1932 familiar with Rosenfelds work, although as far as I can tell he never acknowledged in print his perhaps unconscious debt to Rosenfeld. I will review the general formalism, comparing and contrasting with the work of Dirac, Bergmann and his associates. Although Rosenfeld formulated a correct prescription for constructing the vanishing Hamiltonian generator of time evolution, he evidently did not succeed in carrying out the construction. Nor did he have the correct phase space generators of diffeomorphism-induced symmetry variations. He did not take into account that some of the Lagrangian symmetries are not projectable under the Legendre transformation to phase space.
Mzm1 influences a labile pool of mitochondrial zinc important for respiratory function.

Zinc is essential for function of mitochondria as a cofactor for several matrix zinc metalloproteins. We demonstrate that a labile cationic zinc component of low molecular mass exists in the yeast mitochondrial matrix. This zinc pool is homeostatically regulated in response to the cellular zinc status. This pool of zinc is functionally important because matrix targeting of a cytosolic zinc-binding protein reduces the level of labile zinc and interferes with mitochondrial respiratory function. We identified a series of proteins that modulate the matrix zinc pool, one of which is a novel conserved mitochondrial protein designated Mzm1. Mutant mzm1Δ cells have reduced total and labile mitochondrial zinc, and these cells are hypersensitive to perturbations of the labile pool. In addition, mzm1Δ cells have a destabilized cytochrome c reductase (Complex III) without any effects on Complexes IV or V. Thus, we have established that a link exists between Complex III integrity and the labile mitochondrial zinc pool.
Parenteral clomipramine challenge in depressed adolescents: mood and neuroendocrine response

Abstract Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) in the adolescent demonstrates a unique clinical profile, and pathogenic serotonergic dysregulation is hypothesized. Parenteral clomipramine (CMI) is known to distinguish adult MDD from control, but neurochallenge data are lacking in adolescent MDD. Methods: Thirteen drug-free outpatient adolescents who met DSM-III-R criteria for MDD were compared to adolescent controls by acute neuroendocrine and mood response to 12.5 mg of parenteral CMI. Results: Repeated measures analysis revealed significant changes from baseline for sadness (p Conclusions: The findings of PRL blunting in adolescent MDD mirrors previous work in adults. A unique finding is the induction of sadness in normal adolescent controls after CMI infusion.
Effects of Cardiovascular Medications on Rate of Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease

Background Evidence suggests that cardiovascular medications, including statins and antihypertensive medications, may delay cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer dementia (AD). We examined the association of cardiovascular medication use and rate of functional decline in a population-based cohort of individuals with incident AD. Methods In the Dementia Progression Study of the Cache County Study on Memory, Health, and Aging, 216 individuals with incident AD were identified and followed longitudinally with in-home visits for a mean of 3.0 years and 2.1 follow-up visits. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) was completed at each follow-up. Medication use was inventoried during in-home visits. Generalized least-squares random-effects regression was performed with CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR-Sum) as the outcome and cardiovascular medication use as the major predictors. Results CDR-Sum increased an average of 1.69 points annually, indicating a steady decline in functioning. After adjustment for demographic variables and the baseline presence of cardiovascular conditions, use of statins (p = 0.03) and beta-blockers (p = 0.04) was associated with a slower annual rate of increase in CDR-Sum (slower rate of functional decline) of 0.75 and 0.68 points respectively, while diuretic use was associated with a faster rate of increase in CDR-Sum (p = 0.01; 0.96 points annually). Use of calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digoxin, or nitrates did not affect the rate of functional decline. Conclusions In this population-based study of individuals with incident AD, use of statins and beta-blockers was associated with delay of functional decline. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to determine whether treatment with these medications may help delay AD progression.
Acceleration of growth rate in growth hormone-deficient children treated with human growth hormone-releasing hormone.

ABSTRACT: Twenty-four growth hormone-deficient children were treated with growth hormone releasing hormone-40 (GHRH) for 6 months or longer. GHRH (1 to 4 μg/kg of body weight per dose) was administered subcutaneously every 3 h (n = 10); or every 3 h overnight only (n = 10); or by twice daily injections (n = 4). Twenty-one children had an increase in growth rate during GHRH treatment. The growth velocities (mean ± SD; cm/yr) before and during treatment were, respectively: every 3 h 3.5 ± 1.4 versus 10.0 ± 2.2, p = 0.0001; overnight only 3.4 ± 1.0 versus 6.2 ± 2.1, p = 0.008; twice daily injections 3.2 ± 1.8 versus 7.9 ± 2.4, p = 0.06. Using these three modes of GHRH administration, different total daily amounts of GHRH were administered. Regression analysis of average daily dose versus growth velocity revealed a correlation coefficient (r) value of 0.57, p = 0.004. Sixteen children received extended treatment for periods varying from 9 to 30 months. Of these, seven children were treated continuously for 9 months with pump overnight only and 5 for 12 months with pump every 3 h. Their growth velocities were sustained at a similar rate as those observed at 6 months. Six children received both twice daily and three hourly treatments consecutively. The growth velocities were similar during both treatments. Eleven children developed circulating antibodies to GHRH during treatment, however, all 11 had accelerated growth rates during GHRH therapy. GHRH can stimulate growth hormone secretion and its biologic effects to accelerate linear growth in children with growth hormone deficiency. Further studies are required to characterize the optimal dose and frequency of administration.