cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deposition of PLA/CDHA composite coating via electrospraying

Composite coatings composed of carbonated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) were deposited on a PLA substrate surface via electrospraying. The operation parameters, structural properties, bioactivity, cell adhesion, and growth capability of as-fabricated PLA/CDHA coatings were investigated. The composite coating showed good biocompatibility and bioactivity. The deposited coating was also applied as a carrier to assist alendronate sodium (AS) local release. AS, an approved bisphosphonate drug used for the treatment of osteoporosis, was incorporated into a composite coating matrix via coelectrospraying. Its release behavior showed a long-term sustained release. This approach can be a potential coating technique for the surface modification of biopolymer implants.
Novel electrode materials for ultracapacitors: Structural and electrochemical properties of sol-gel-derived manganese dioxide thin films

Nanoparticulate MnO{sub 2} thin films fabricated by the sol-gel process have been shown to be an outstanding novel electrode material for Ultracapacitors. The average specific capacitance of sol-gel-derived MnO{sub 2} thin-films on nickel substrates as determined by cyclic voltammetry ranged from 566 to 698 F/g. These films also exhibited good cycling stability within the potential range of 0.0--0.9V (vs SCE) in unbuffered aqueous electrolyte. Both CV and XPS studies showed that MnO{sub 2} films have remained chemically and structurally intact after 1,500 cycles. The XRD spectra and SEM micrographs showed that the microstructure of MnO{sub 2} thin films are highly porous, and poorly crystalline or amorphous in nature. The high specific capacitance of MnO{sub 2} may be predominantly due to pseudocapacitance associated with homogeneous and reversible redox reactions of proton insertion into and out of the MnO{sub 2} lattice. Any variation in the microstructure and thickness of films might affect proton mobility within the oxide matrix and thereby affecting their cycling behaviors. Further optimization of the cycling behaviors is envisaged with better microstructural and thickness control of these sol-gel-derived nanoparticulate MnO{sub 2} thin films.
Urate and p-aminohippurate transport in isolated kidney tubules of normal and hyperuricemic chickens.

1. 1. Urate and p-aminohippurate accumulations of kidney tubule fragments were studied in 5-to 6-week-old normal (LUA) and hyperuricemic (HUA) chickens. 2. 2. Tubules from LUA chicks consistently accumulated two to three-fold as much urate and p-aminohippurate as tubules from HUA chicks and thus confirmed the tubular origin of the urate transport defect in HUA chickens. 3. 3. A sodium gradient was required for optimal urate and p-aminohippurate accumulations and ouabain inhibited the accumulations of both compounds. 4. 4. Similar responses of urate and p-aminohippurate to treatments and reciprocal inhibitions between these compounds suggest that urate and p-aminohippurate are accumulated through a shared transport system.
INTERACTION OF PLECTONEMA BORYANUM (CYANOPHYCEAE) AND THE LPP-CYANOPHAGES IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE1

SUMMARY Continuous culture techniques are used to study long-term population interactions between Plectonema boryanum Gomont, a filamentous bluegreen alga, and the LPP-viruses which infect it. After LPP-I (virulent cyanophage) infection of sensitive algae, 3 oscillations occur in cell density with concomitant oscillations in virus titer before final stabilization of both algal and viral concentrations. After LPP-ID and LPP-2 (temperate viruses) infection, oscillation in cell density occurred with burst of virus particles. Resistant algae always repopulated the chemostat; lysogeny was not established. The interaction between Plectonema that was resistant to virus infection and the 3 LPP-cyanophages resulted in rapid elimination of the viruses from the chemostat in the effluent. When lysogenic P. boryanum was tested, a law population of virus was present in the chemostat throughout the incubation period indicative of spontancous induction. Clones of lysogenic algae were isolated.
Abstract B11: Loss of the androgen receptor (AR) ligand-binding domain transforms the AR transcriptome in prostate cancer

Abstract Classically the AR is a ligand driven transcription factor with both genomic and non-genomic activities. However, it was subsequently shown that the AR behaves differently in the conversion from castration sensitive to castration resistant cancer. This conversion has been suggested to be identified by the expression of the ubiquinating enzyme, UBE2C. In this study we found that generation of ligand-independent xenografts in SCID mice by complete androgen deprivation with the combination of surgical ablation and abiraterone compared to castration alone resulted in the regrowth of tumors with low intracrine dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 3.49 ± 0.42 vs 0.98± 0.37 ng/gm tissue. The regrowth of the abiraterone + castration tumors was associated with a marked increase in the expression of full-length AR (ARfl) as well as the AR splice variants ARV7 and ARv567es. Associated with the increase of the AR variants and tumor recurrence was in increase in UBE2C. The increase in UBE2C did not correlate with ARfl, r=0.2 (ns) but did correlate with ARV7, r=0.77, p These data indicate that the expression of constitutively active AR splice variants stimulate a unique set of cell proliferation genes not associated with full-length AR and this altered transcriptome may account for the increased aggressiveness reported in prostate cancer metastases expressing AR splice variants as opposed to those expressing only full-length AR. Citation Format: Shihua Sun, Elahe Mosteghal, Cynthia Sprenger, Pete Nelson, Eric Bluemn, Jun Luo, Stephen Plymate. Loss of the androgen receptor (AR) ligand-binding domain transforms the AR transcriptome in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr B11.
Panoramic infrared-imaging spectroradiometer model with reverse phase-modulated beam broadcasting

The optical design of a passive remote sensor, a panoramic spectroradiometer (PANSPEC), and its computer-simulated image performance are presented. PANSPEC monitors the surrounding infrared environment for chemical clouds, detecting a presence once absorption or emission spectra characteristic of the chemical species are resolved. PANSPEC broadcasts chemical presence and cloud heading when equipped with a laser transmitter that projects a polarized laser beam source with phase encryption back through the optical system into object space. Various merit functions were programmed and accessed during computer optimization runs for shaping and positioning of the instrument’s semishell entrance window, collector, collimator, interferometer, and imager. The result is a balanced near-diffraction-limited circular image, 6.3 mm across with 10-line pairs/mm spatial resolution at 50% modulation, and an f/2.3 working speed.
Optical Recordings of Ca2+ Influx via TRPV4 and Voltage-Gated L-type Ca2+ Channels in Arterial Smooth Muscle

In arterial smooth muscle, L-type Ca2+ channels play a critical role in multiple physiological processes including excitability, contraction, and gene expression. Recent work suggests that TRPV4 channels are also important contributors to Ca2+ influx in these cells. We used optical approaches to record Ca2+ sparklets produced by Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 and L-type Ca2+ channels in arterial myocytes under physiological conditions. We found that TRPV4 and L-type Ca2+ sparklet activity varies throughout the sarcolemmal of arterial myocytes. Our data suggest that these regional variations in sparklet activity arise from interactions between channels, the scaffolding protein AKAP150, and associated proteins at only a few sub-sarcolemmal regions in arterial smooth muscle cells. We will present data obtained using biochemical and optogenetic approaches to investigate the mechanisms leading to subcellular variations in TRPV4 and L-type Ca2+ sparklet activity as well as the functional consequences of these local Ca2+ signals in arterial smooth muscle. These findings will form the basis for a new model for the local control and amplification Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels in resistance artery smooth muscle.
Radiodetection of cosmic neutrinos. A numerical, real time analysis

Abstract The coherent radiopulse generated by the excess charge in a high energy electron cascade in matter is numerically calculated. Particular attention is payed to the interplay between the physical dimensions of the shower and the features of the pulse. Interference effects between different particles in the shower front are responsible for the pulse spectrum and angular distribution. The calculation is relevant to the detection of neutrinos interacting with the Earth searching for GHz radiosignals. It is found that in the absence of radiowave absorption the radiosignal is above thermal background for distances linearly proportional to the primary electron energy confirming previous estimates. When the medium is ice r(m) ≅ 0.2E(TeV).
In Vitro Cancer Metastasis Induced by Mechanical Force

Based on the American Cancer Society’s report at 2004, after 50-year’s efforts in bio-chemical medicine development, the U.S.A. cancer mortality is 193.9 per 100,000 persons, which is not significantly reduced from that at 1950, 185.8 per 100,000 persons. One critical reason for the clinical inefficacy is that it is not identified what signals trigger the onset of metastasis. 90% of cancer deaths are caused by metastases (1–6). During metastasis, malignant cancer cells detach from the parent cancer tumor to invade new organs (5–7). Although the primary tumor can be readily removed by surgery if detected in time, metastasis cannot be cured effectively due to the presence of numerous secondary tumors. Here we present, for the first time, that cancer cells can exhibit metastasis like phenotype (MLP) in vitro when they are experiencing appropriate mechanical stimuli.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A long-term retrospective study of young women with essential thrombocythemia

Objective To describe presenting clinical manifestations, long-term disease complications, prognostic indicators, and outcome of pregnancy for women younger than 50 years with essential thrombocythemia. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with essential thrombocythemia evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn, between 1969 and 1991 and identified 74 young women (median age, 35 years; range, 18-48 years) with essential thrombocythemia. The diagnosis was based on previously established criteria. Median follow-up was 9.2 years (range, 0.2-26.2 years). Results Overall survival was similar to that of an age-and sex-matched control population. Thrombotic events (except superficial thrombophlebitis) occurred at and after diagnosis in 11 patients (15%) and 13 patients (18%), respectively. A history of thrombosis at diagnosis was significantly associated with recurrent thrombosis ( P =.03). A platelet count higher than 1500 × 10 9 /L at diagnosis was significantly associated with gastrointestinal tract bleeding and subsequent development of venous (but not arterial) thrombosis ( P =.04). Major hemorrhagic events occurred in only 3 patients (4%) after diagnosis. Only 1 patient developed acute leukemia. Thirty-four pregnancies occurred in 18 patients. Of these, 17 (50%) resulted in live births. Of the 17 patients with unsuccessful pregnancies, 14 had spontaneous abortions, 1 had an ectopic pregnancy, and 2 had elective abortions. Preconception platelet count, thrombotic history, or specific therapy was not useful in predicting pregnancy outcome. Conclusions Young women with essential thrombocythemia can expect long survival with a low incidence of life-threatening thrombohemorrhagic complications or acute leukemia. There is an increased incidence of first-trimester miscarriages that may not be influenced by specific therapy.
Mechanical properties of a complete microtubule from all-atom Molecular Dynamics simulation

Microtubules (MTs) are the largest type of cytoskeletal filament, and are essential in processes ranging from mitosis and meiosis to flaggelar motility. Many of these functions depend critically on the elastic properties of the MT, but the axial Young's and shear moduli have not been directly measured in experiments, which have instead measured flexural rigidity or radial elastic properties. Molecular Dynamics (MD) can reveal mechanical characteristics of biopolymers inaccessible to experiment, as well as the microscopic mechanisms underlying them, on the single-molecule level. However, while the atomic structures of alpha- and beta-tubulin have been solved, the only published structures of a complete MT are cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps far from atomic resolution. To build our all-atom model, we used a 3-D energy potential based on a cryo-EM map as a target for the crystallographic tubulin dimer structure. By applying forces derived from this potential in an MD simulation, tubulin was made to adopt an MT conformation, yielding an all-atom model of a complete MT. Utilizing periodic boundary conditions and custom anisotropic pressure control, we could simulate the stretching and compression of an effectively infinite MT, while a force script was used to apply shear stress, thereby allowing individual determination of the elastic moduli. This work demonstrates the utility of Molecular Dynamics for determining the elastic properties of biological filaments despite the lack of a crystallized filament, opening the door to the study of other biopolymers.
Brotherly love I: The experience of closeness in the fraternal dyad

The present research explicates the experience of closeness in dyadic relationships between brothers. A total of 160 respondents comprising 80 intact brother dyads described situations or events in which they felt particularly close to each other. Phenomenological analyses identified five themes characterizing the experience of closeness among brothers: shared conversation, solidarity, companionship, shared perceptions and memories, and surviving shared adversity. Some of these themes confirmed prior research on siblings or male-male relationships, whereas others have not emerged in previous studies. Results are discussed in relation to contemporary appeals for a more inclusive theoretical approach to the study of close relationships.
Changes in plasma transforming growth factor beta during radiotherapy and the risk of symptomatic radiation-induced pneumonitis.

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether changes in the plasma Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGFβ1) concentration during radiotherapy could identify patients at risk for developing symptomatic radiation pneumonitis. Methods and Materials: Thirty-six patients who received radiation therapy with curative intent for lung cancer ( n = 31), Hodgkin's disease ( n = 4), or thymoma ( n = 1) were evaluated prospectively. All patients had serial plasma TGFβ1 measurements obtained before, during, and after treatment. Plasma TGFβ1 was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pneumonitis were defined clinically. Plasma TGFβ1 levels were considered to have normalized if the following occurred: the last on-treatment TGFβ1 level was both Results: Thirteen of these 36 patients developed pneumonitis. Significant changes in plasma TGFβ1 levels during treatment were seen only in the subset of patients whose TGFβ1 levels are >7.5 ng/ml at baseline n = 22). Failure of plasma TGFβ1 to normalize by the end of treatment, as defined above, much more accurately identified patients at risk for symptomatic pneumonitis if their baseline TGFβ1 was >7.5 ng/ml than if it was Conclusions: Changes in plasma TGFβ1 levels during radiotherapy appars to be a useful means by which to identify patients at risk for the development of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis, particularly in the subset of patients whose pretreatment TGFβ1 levels are >7.5 ng/ml.
The Adsorption-Desorption of Cations at the Silica-Water its Implication in Wafer-Cleaning Efficacy

The adsorption-desorption of various cations at the silica-water interface is discussed in terms of electrical double layer and surface complexation models. Some experimentally determined surface equilibria constants from the literature are tabulated for Fe, Cu, and Mg. The adsorption phenomena of those cations onto silica gel is described using the stability calculation (STABCAL) computer program based on the suggested models. A chemical oxide (silica) is grown on the silicon surface during the SC1 and/or SC2 processes. Adsorption of Fe, Cu, and Mg onto this chemical oxide is studied as a function of pH and compared to the modeling results. In general, there is a qualitative correlation between the experimental and modeling data, which can be used as a basis to develop a quantitative model for cation adsorption-desorption on the wafer surface.
Systematic Features of the Pion - Nucleus Interaction

We analyze pion elastic-scattering data for $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ and $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ using a covariant theory of the optical potential developed previously. Combining these results with the information obtained from the analysis of pion scattering from $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reported earlier, we are able to discuss the systematics of the pion-nucleus optical potential. Our model contains a first-order optical potential which is obtained from a parameter-free calculation. The parameters of a second-order potential are determined by requiring that the sum of the first-and second-order potentials provides a fit to the elastic-scattering data. The parameters of the second-order potential exhibit a smooth dependence on energy and target mass number. These parameters have a marked resonance behavior. We find that the maximum value of the magnitude of the imaginary part of the second-order potential occurs at about 150 MeV while the first-order potential has a maximum for the magnitude of the imaginary part at about 240 MeV. The imaginary part of the first-order potential has a width at half maximum of about 200 MeV. This corresponds to a kinematic broadening of the (3,3) resonance due to the effects of the Fermi motion of the target nucleons. (This increased width is unrelated to the effects of the true absorption process or of collision broadening.) We also find a significant isospin violation in the second-order potential. For example, the imaginary part of the second-order potential for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ scattering is found to be systematically larger than that for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ scattering for nuclei with $N=Z$. An explanation for this feature of the optical potential is presented.
Performance of the double delay line microchannel plate detectors for the Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

The microchannel plate, delay line, detectors developed for the far ultraviolet spectroscopic explorer mission to be launched in 1998 are described. The two FUSE detectors have a large format (approximately equals 184 mm by 10 mm split into two 88.5 by 10 mm segments), with high spatial resolution (less than 20 micrometers by 50 micrometers FWHM, greater than 9000 by 200 resolution elements) and good linearity (plus or minus 25 micrometers), high image stability, and counting rates in excess of 4 by 104 events sec-1. KBr opaque photocathodes have been employed to provide quantum detection efficiencies of 30 - 40% in the 900 - 1200 angstrom range. Microchannel plates with 10 micrometer pores and an 80:1 pore length to diameter ratio, with a 95 mm by 20 mm format have been used in a Z stack configuration to provide the photon amplification (gain approximately equals 2 by 107). These show narrow pulse height distributions (less than 35% FWHM) even with uniform flood illumination, and good background levels (less than 0.3 event cm-2sec-1). Flat field images are demanded by the microchannel plate multifiber boundary fixed pattern noise and are stable.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The expression of and insulin binding to cellular thyroid hormone binding protein, but not insulin degrading enzyme, is increased during 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation.

Abstract Specific insulin binding to several proteins (cytosolic insulin binding proteins; CIBPs) in the isolated cytoplasm of numerous cell types has been demonstrated. CIBPs include insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), CIBP p55 (identified as cellular thyroid hormone binding protein (CTHBP), which is also known as protein disulfide isomerase, or glutathione insulin transhydrogenase). To assess the possible role of CIBP p55\CTHBP in insulin action, we compared125I-insulin binding to CIBP in cytosol isolated from 3T3-L1 cells at various time points during differentiation of the adipocytes. Insulin did not bind to CTHBP in fibroblasts, but the labeling was markedly increased during adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, insulin binding to IDE did not change during differentiation. Protein expression level of CTHBP in the cytosol fraction increased gradually during the differentiation of adipocytes, whereas that of IDE did not change throughout the period. These data indicate that CTHBP, but not IDE, was up-regulated during differentiation of the adipocytes, suggesting that CIBP p55\CTHBP may play a role in regulating some insulin action, especially the counter regulation between insulin and other hormones during adipocyte differentiation.
A new genus of nemonychid weevil from Burmese amber (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea)

Much appreciation is given to James S. Zigras who provided the opportunity to study this specimen and has generally supported amber research at the AMNH. Partial support for this work was provided by the Byers Opportunity Fund, Division of Entomology, University of Kansas Natural History Museum (to SRD), and US National Science Foundation grants DEB-0542909 (to MSE) and DEB-1110590 (to MSE, P. Cartwright, and SRD). This is a contribution of the Division of Entomology, University of Kansas Natural History Museum.
A model-integrated localized collocation meshless method for large scale three-dimensional heat transfer problems

Abstract We present a Model Integrated Meshless Solver (MIMS) tailored to solve practical large-scale industrial problems. This is accomplished by developing a robust meshless technique as well as a comprehensive model generation procedure. By closely integrating the model generation process into the overall solution methodology, the presented techniques are able to fully exploit the strengths of the meshless approach to achieve levels of automation, stability, and accuracy currently unseen in the area of engineering analysis. Specifically, MIMS implements a blended meshless solution approach which utilizes a variety of shape functions to obtain a stable and accurate iteration process. This solution approach is then integrated with a newly developed, highly adaptive model generation process which employs a quaternary triangular surface discretization for the boundary, a binary-subdivision discretization for the interior, and a unique shadow layer discretization for near-boundary regions. Together, these discretization techniques are able to achieve directionally independent, automatic refinement of the underlying model, allowing the method to generate accurate solutions without the need for intermediate human involvement. In addition, by coupling the model generation with the solution process, the presented method is able to address the issue of ill-constructed geometric input such as small features, poorly formed faces, and other such pathologies often generated from solid models in the course of design and in the end to provide an intuitive, yet powerful approach to solving modern engineering analysis problems.
Regulation of neural induction by the Chd and Bmp-4 antagonistic patterning signals in Xenopus

In Drosophila the amount of neurogenic ectoderm, from which the central nervous system (CNS) derives, is regulated by a dorsal-ventral system of positional information in which two secreted molecules of antagonistic functions, decapentaplegic (dpp) and short-gastrulation (sog), play fundamental roles. The vertebrate homologue of dpp is either bmp-4 or bmp-2 (ref. 5), and the homologue os sog is chd (s-chordin). In Xenopus the CNS is induced by signals emanating from the organizer, and two proteins secreted by the organizer, noggin and follistatin, have been shown to induce neural tissue in animal-cap assays. Here we report that Chd, another organizer-specific secreted factor, has neuralizing activity and that this activity can be antagonized by Bmp-4. Inhibition of the function of the endogenous Bmp-4 present in the animal cap also leads to neural differentiation. We suggest that conserved molecular mechanisms involving chd/sog and bmp-4/dpp gene products pattern the ectoderm in Xenopus and in Drosophila.
G2 holonomy spaces from invariant three-forms

Abstract We construct several new G2 holonomy metrics that play an important role in recent studies of geometrical transitions in compactifications of M-theory to four dimensions. In type IIA string theory these metrics correspond to D6-branes wrapped on the three-cycle of the deformed conifold and the resolved conifold with two-form RR flux on the blown-up two-sphere, which are related by a conifold transition. We also study a G2 metric that is related in type IIA to the line bundle over S 2 × S 2 with RR two-form flux. Our approach exploits systematically the definition of torsion-free G2 structures in terms of three-forms which are closed and co-closed. Besides being an elegant formalism this turns out to be a practical tool to construct G2 holonomy metrics.
Reducing risky relationships: a multisite randomized trial of a prison-based intervention for reducing HIV sexual risk behaviors among women with a history of drug use

Women involved in the criminal justice system, particularly those with a history of drug use, are at elevated risk of HIV infection, yet few HIV prevention interventions have been tailored for delivery to incarcerated women. Drawing on the Relational Model, the Reducing Risky Relationships for HIV (RRR-HIV) intervention was developed and evaluated in a multisite randomized clinical trial. Women with weekly drug use prior to incarceration (n = 444) who were incarcerated within correctional institutions in four states were randomized to (1) the RRR-HIV intervention consisting of an HIV educational video, five group sessions, and one postrelease booster session or (2) a control condition consisting of the HIV educational video. The RRR-HIV intervention combined didactic and interactive content regarding seven "thinking myths" about intimate relationships that may result in decisions to engage in risky sexual behaviors. Data were collected while women were still incarcerated and approximately 90 days following release from prison by trained interviewers. A negative binomial regression (NBR) model of unprotected sexual behaviors at the 90-day follow-up indicated that RRR-HIV participants reported fewer unprotected sexual behaviors than women in the control condition once the analysis was adjusted for study site. Future studies should examine the sustainability of the RRR-HIV intervention's effect on risk reduction. Implementation research is needed to determine whether delivery of this intervention by correctional staff or peers, rather than research staff, yields similar reductions in unprotected sexual behaviors.
Effect of nanoparticles on the anticorrosion and mechanical properties of epoxy coating

Abstract Homogeneous epoxy coatings containing nanoparticles of SiO 2 , Zn, Fe 2 O 3 and halloysite clay were successfully synthesized on steel substrates by room-temperature curing of a fully mixed epoxy slurry diluted by acetone. The surface morphology and mechanical properties of these coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The effect of incorporating various nanoparticles on the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated steel was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical monitoring of the coated steel over 28 days of immersion in both 0.3 wt.% and 3 wt.% NaCl solutions suggested the beneficial role of nanoparticles in significantly improving the corrosion resistance of the coated steel, with the Fe 2 O 3 and halloysite clay nanoparticles being the best. The SiO 2 nanoparticles were found to significantly improve the microstructure of the coating matrix and thus enhanced both the anticorrosive performance and Young's modulus of the epoxy coating. In addition to enhancing the coating barrier performance, at least another mechanism was at work to account for the role of the nanoparticles in improving the anticorrosive performance of these epoxy coatings.
Frequency of intercourse by day of the week

There seems to be a casual consensus among scholars and laymen that the probability of coitus occurring on Saturday and Sunday is higher than the probability for other days in the week. Although we have not been able to locate a single piece of published data to this effect, we have been told by colleagues who have informally examined coital calendars collected in infertility clinics that weekends are big on these calendars. The usual explanations offered have been related to the facts that most people do not work at their regular jobs one or both weekend days, allowing them to stay in bed longer while awake in the morning; that they have opportunities for sexual interaction during the day, or that they feel more like sex because they are less tired or preoccupied.
Acute alcohol inhibits the induction of nuclear regulatory factor kappa B activation through CD14/toll-like receptor 4, interleukin-1, and tumor necrosis factor receptors: a common mechanism independent of inhibitory kappa B alpha degradation?

BACKGROUND Nuclear translocation and DNA binding of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is an early event in inflammatory cell activation in response to stimulation with bacterial components or cytokines. Cell activation via different receptors culminates in a common pathway leading to NF-kappaB activation and proinflammatory cytokine induction. We have previously shown that acute alcohol inhibits NF-kappaB activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human monocytes. Here we investigated whether acute alcohol treatment of human monocytes also inhibits NF-kappaB when induced through activation of the interleukin (IL)-1 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors. METHODS Human peripheral blood monocytes were treated with LPS, TNFalpha, and IL-1beta in the presence or absence of 25mM alcohol for 1 hr. NF-kappaB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays using nuclear extracts. Inhibitory kappaB(alpha) (IkappaB(alpha)) was estimated by Western blotting in cytoplasmic extracts. Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human CD14 were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of alcohol to study NF-kappaB and IkappaB(alpha) regulation. RESULTS Our results indicate that acute alcohol inhibits IL-1beta- and TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB activation. We further show in CD14/toll-like receptor 4-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells the specificity of alcohol-mediated inhibition of NF-kappaB via the toll-like receptor 4/CD14 receptors. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by acute alcohol was concomitant with decreased levels of the IkappaB(alpha) molecule in the cytoplasm of LPS, IL-1, and TNFalpha-activated monocytes. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a unique, IkappaB(alpha)-independent pathway for the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by acute alcohol in monocytes. Universal inhibition of NF-kappaB by acute alcohol via these various receptor systems suggests a target for the effects of alcohol in the NF-kappaB activation cascade that is downstream from IkappaB(alpha) degradation. Further, these results demonstrate that acute alcohol is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation by mediators of early (LPS) or late (IL-1, TNF(alpha)) stages of inflammation in monocytes.
Intracellular Ca2+ Pool Content and Signaling and Expression of a Calcium Pump Are Linked to Virulence in Leishmania mexicana amazonesis Amastigotes

Virulent and avirulent clones of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis promastigotes or amastigotes were loaded with the fluorescent reagent fura 2/AM to measure intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i). When the cells were treated with the calcium ionophore ionomycin in the nominal absence of extracellular Ca2+, there was an increase of [Ca2+]i that was further elevated by addition of either NH4Cl, nigericin, or the vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1. Similar results were obtained when the order of additions was reversed. Taking into account the relative importance of the ionomycin-releasable and the ionomycin plus NH4Cl-releasable Ca2+ pools, it is apparent that a significant amount of the Ca2+ stored in L. mexicana amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes is present in an acidic compartment rich in Ca2+ (acidocalcisome). Results indicated that more releasable Ca2+ is stored intracellularly in virulent amastigotes than in virulent promastigotes or avirulent cells of both stages. This higher amount of releasable Ca2+ was correlated with the presence of Ca2+ signals in the virulent amastigotes during invasion of macrophages. Ca2+ signals and invasion were reduced by preloading the parasites with intracellular Ca2+ chelators (1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid/AM) and quin 2/AM) but not by a non-Ca2+-chelating analog (N-(2-methoxyphenyl)imidoacetic acid/AM). The gene encoding an organelle-type Ca2+-ATPase was cloned and sequenced and found overexpressed in virulent amastigotes as compared with all other forms. Together, these results demonstrate a significant link between expression of a Ca2+-ATPase, intracellular Ca2+ pool content and signaling, and virulence.
Broadband Transduction Implementation and System Impact

Very broad bandwidth transduction capability has been made possible by high coupling piezoelectric single crystal materials. Recent work has shown that PMN-PT based tonpilz elements with a single resonance have a device electromechanical coupling coefficient greater than 0.86 and can easily achieve more than two octaves of source level bandwidth. An array of these devices will be compared to an existing array of doubly resonant hybrid magnetostrictive-piezoelectric tonpilz elements currently in use. Implementing single crystal based tonpilz elements reduces array packaging volume and weight while maintaining source level and reducing system complexity when compared to a similar hybrid array. Evaluation of any transduction scheme must be conducted from a system level. A typical transduction system consists of: power source, amplifier, impedance matching, and transducer. Real world systems such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) place constraints on available power, weight and packaging volume. Also important is transmit system efficiency because of power draw and thermal dissipation. Power lost through system inefficiency must be dissipated as heat. Increased thermal load complicates packaging design for thermal mitigation. This evaluation will include the complete transmit system and will provide power (VA), weight, volume, and system cost in addition to array performance. The advantages and disadvantages of single crystal projector integration and a complete system impact relative to an existing technology will be presented.
The role of filler networking in dynamic properties of filled rubber

Abstract Fillers, when added to polymer systems, are known to cause a considerable change in dynamic properties. For a given polymer and cure system, this paper discusses the impact of the filler network, both its strength and architecture, on the dynamic modulus and hysteresis during dynamic strain. It was found that the filler network can substantially increase the effective volume of the filler due to rubber trapped in the agglomerates, leading to high elastic modulus. The amount of trapped rubber was estimated according to Van der Poel theory. During cyclic strain, while the stable filler network can reduce the hysteresis of the filled rubber, the breakdown and reformation of the filler network would cause an additional energy dissipation resulting in higher hysteresis.
A cross-cultural collaborative: creating textbooks and learning materials and a sustainable partnership for African children

Abstract This article describes a case study of the South Carolina State University (SCSU)-Zanzibar Textbook and Learning Materials Program (TLMP). A Needs Assessment Plan (NAP), consisting of interviews, observations and debriefings, and including a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA), was implemented to determine the need for textbooks and learning materials. The purpose of the collaborative was to support capacity building in Zanzibar and provide textbooks and learning materials for children in this Sub-Saharan African region. The outcomes were achieved by developing, publishing, and delivering approximately one million culturally relevant textbooks for secondary students, as well as supplementary learning materials. Some of the Education For All (EFA) goals served as a guide for the TLMP's commitment to improve education and social awareness (i.e., gender, HIV/AIDS), and professional development through textbooks. Methodological considerations were framed by case study processes for a) describing, monitoring...
IgA-associated renal diseases: antibodies to environmental antigens in sera and deposition of immunoglobulins and antigens in glomeruli

Levels of IgA1, IgA2, IgM, and IgG antibodies specific for 10 ubiquitous food and bacterial antigens were examined by radioimmunoassay in the sera of 29 patients with IgA-associated renal diseases and 22 normal individuals. No significant differences were observed between patient and normal groups in the levels of IgA1 antibodies, and IgA2 antibodies were detected in only a few individuals in either group. Minor differences in IgM or IgG antibodies were seen against some antigens. Significant positive correlations between IgA1 and IgG and between IgA1 and IgM antibodies to casein were found in the patient group. Analysis of the molecular form of serum IgA1 antibodies revealed that although the pattern of polymeric and monomeric forms varied between individuals and between antibody specificities, there was no preponderance of one form in either patient or normal groups. Examination of kidney biopsies from 50 patients with IgA-associated renal diseases revealed that IgA1 represented the predominant subclass deposited in the glomerular mesangium; glomeruli from three patients contained both IgA1 and IgA2. Seventy-eight percent of the patients also had deposits of IgM, although IgA and IgM deposits did not always coincide. When IgG was present in glomeruli (45% of patients), the IgG1 subclass predominated. J chain was detectable in glomeruli of only four patients. C3 was detected in glomeruli of 95% of the patients, although the distribution of C3 did not always coincide with that of IgA. Indirect immunofluorescence staining with rabbit antisera to various environmental antigens showed that milk protein antigens could be deposited in association with IgA in the glomerular mesangium.
TRE17/Ubiquitin-specific Protease 6 (USP6) Oncogene Translocated in Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Blocks Osteoblastic Maturation via an Autocrine Mechanism Involving Bone Morphogenetic Protein Dysregulation

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a pediatric osseous tumor characterized by extensive destruction of the surrounding bone. The molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis are completely unknown. Recent work showed that translocation of the TRE17/USP6 locus occurs in over 60% of ABC cases resulting in TRE17 overexpression. Immature osteoblasts are presumed to be the cell type harboring translocation of TRE17 in at least a subset of ABCs. However, the effects of TRE17 overexpression on transformation and osteoblast function are unknown. TRE17 encodes a ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) and a TBC (TRE2-Bub2-Cdc16) domain that promotes activation of the Arf6 GTPase. Here we report that TRE17 potently inhibits the maturation of MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts in a USP-dependent and Arf6-independent manner. Notably, we find that TRE17 function is mediated through an autocrine mechanism. Transcriptome analysis of TRE17-expressing cells reveals dysregulation of several pathways with established roles in osteoblast maturation. In particular, signaling through the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, a key regulator of osteogenesis, is profoundly altered. TRE17 simultaneously inhibits the expression of BMP-4 while augmenting the BMP antagonist, Gremlin-1. Osteoblastic maturation is restored in TRE17-expressing cells by the addition of exogenous BMP-4, thus establishing a functional role for BMP-4 during TRE17-induced transformation. Because bone homeostasis involves a precise balance between the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, our studies raise the possibility that attenuated osteoblast maturation caused by TRE17 overexpression may contribute to the bone loss/destruction observed in ABC.
Energetic Transition From Early to Late Stage Pacing-Induced Congestive Heart Failure: Noninvasive Detection in a Swine Model |[dagger]| 100

Detecting transition from compensation to decompensation during heart failure remains an elusive clinical goal. We investigated ejection work (EW) and ejection power (EP) per unit mass in 9 pigs throughout development of congestive heart failure (CHF) produced by rapid atrial pacing (RAP).
Determination of β-2 Microglobulin Levels in Plasma Using a High-Throughput Mass Spectrometric Immunoassay System

A high-throughput mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) system for the analysis of proteins directly from biological fluids is reported. A 96-well-format robotic workstation equipped with antibody-derivatized affinity pipet tips was used for the parallel extraction of specific proteins from samples and subsequent deposition onto 96-well arrayed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) targets. Interferences from nonspecifically bound proteins were minimized through choice of appropriate affinity pipet tip derivatization chemistries. Sample preparation for MALDI-TOFMS was enhanced through the use of hydrophobic/hydrophilic contrasting targets, which also presented functionalities found to promote matrix/analyte crystal growth. Automated mass spectrometry was used in the unattended acquisition of data, resulting in an analysis rate of ∼100 samples/h (biological fluid → data). The quantitative MSIA of β2m levels present in human plasma samples is given as ill...
What is the axiomatic method

The modern notion of the axiomatic method developed as a part of the conceptualization of mathematics starting in the nineteenth century. The basic idea of the method is the capture of a class of structures as the models of an axiomatic system. The mathematical study of such classes of structures is not exhausted by the derivation of theorems from the axioms but includes normally the metatheory of the axiom system. This conception of axiomatization satisfies the crucial requirement that the derivation of theorems from axioms does not produce new information in the usual sense of the term called depth information. It can produce new information in a different sense of information called surface information. It is argued in this paper that the derivation should be based on a model-theoretical relation of logical consequence rather than derivability by means of mechanical (recursive) rules. Likewise completeness must be understood by reference to a model-theoretical consequence relation. A correctly understood notion of axiomatization does not apply to purely logical theories. In the latter the only relevant kind of axiomatization amounts to recursive enumeration of logical truths. First-order “axiomatic” set theories are not genuine axiomatizations. The main reason is that their models are structures of particulars, not of sets. Axiomatization cannot usually be motivated epistemologically, but it is related to the idea of explanation.
Optimizing Arthroscopic Knots

Abstract Arthroscopic repairs, such as those for shoulder instability, are commonly performed. However, the failure rate after arthroscopic repair appears to be higher than with open surgery. These failures may relate to the challenge of tying secure knots arthroscopically. Many knots tied arthroscopically commonly consist of an initial slip knot to remove slack, and a series of half-hitches. Half-hitches, instead of square throws, are difficult to avoid and result when asymmetrical tension is applied to the strands. For this reason, the security of knots tied arthroscopically may not be equivalent to square knots and a greater rate of failure may occur. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the security of various arthroscopic knots under cyclic and peak loading conditions, (2) how the surgeon can modify the method or sequence of half-hitch throws to minimize knot slippage or breakage, and (3) whether using an arthroscopic knot pusher affects the security of the same knot tied by hand. The most secure knot configurations were achieved by reversing the half-hitch throws and alternating the posts. These knots performed significantly better than all other knots tested ( P P
Cyclic voltammetry of metal complexes of nitrones and nitroxides

Abstract Increasing interest in radicals bound to metals led to the present study of electron transfer to and from metal nitrone complexes and metal nitroxides. These are species involved in biological spin trapping and materials science applications, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the redox behavior of complexes of the bidentate N - tert -butyl-α-(2-pyridyl)nitrone (2-PyBN) and the monodentate nitrone 2,5,5-trimethyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide (M 3 PO) with metal hexafluoroacetylacetonates M(hfac) 2 in CH 2 Cl 2 . Bidentate complexes M(2-PyBN)(hfac) 2 with M=Mn II and Co II were easier to oxidize in CH 2 Cl 2 (less positive E pa ) than the corresponding M(hfac) 2 and harder to reduce (more negative E pc ). In MeCN, this behavior was also observed for M=Co II and Ni II which indicate more facile oxidation when M 3 PO is present as co-ligand compared with M(hfac) 2 alone. CV's of M(2-PyBN)(hfac) 2 and [M(M 3 PO)(hfac) 2 ] 2 in MeCN gave common reduction peaks due to hfac. Nitroxides (aminoxyls) 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-1-oxyl (CPNO) gave quasi-reversible oxidations to oxoammonium cations, while N - tert -butyl-(2-pyridyl)phenylmethanaminoxyl (2-PyBNO) showed only irreversible oxidations. CV of solutions of CPNO in the presence of M(hfac) 2 , where M is Mn II , Co II , or Ni II , indicated formation of metal–nitroxide complexes for Co II and Ni II . For stable metal nitroxides prepared independently, the CV of Mn(TEMPO) 2 (hfac) 2 showed dissociation to free nitroxide and Mn(hfac) 2 in CH 2 Cl 2 , while M(2-PyBNO)(hfac) 2 gave distinctive CV's for M=Mn II , Co II , and Ni II .
Tachyon hair on two-dimensional black holes.

Static black holes in two-dimensional string theory can carry tachyon hair. Configurations which are nonsingular at the event horizon have a nonvanishing asymptotic energy density. Such solutions can be smoothly extended through the event horizon and have a nonvanishing energy flux emerging from the past singularity. Dynamical processes will not change the amount of tachyon hair on a black hole. In particular, there will be no tachyon hair on a black hole formed in gravitational collapse if the initial geometry is the linear dilaton vacuum. There also exist static solutions with a finite total energy, which have singular event horizons. Simple dynamical arguments suggest that black holes formed in gravitational collapse will not have tachyon hair of this type.