cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Requirement for phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity during progression through S-phase and entry into mitosis

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) proteins are important regulators of cell survival and proliferation. PI3K-dependent signalling regulates cell proliferation by promoting G1- to S-phase progression during the cell cycle. However, a definitive role for PI3K at other times during the cell cycle is less clear. In these studies, we provide evidence that PI3K activity is required during DNA synthesis (S-phase) and G2-phase of the cell cycle. Inhibition of PI3K with LY294002 at the onset of S-phase caused a 4- to 5-h delay in progression through G2/M. LY294002 treatment at the end of S-phase caused an approximate 2-h delay in progression through G2/M, indicating that PI3K activity functions for both S- and G2-phase progression. The expression of constitutively activated Akt partially reversed the inhibitory effects of LY294002 on mitotic entry, which demonstrated that Akt was one PI3K target that was required during G2/M transitions. Inhibition of PI3K resulted in enhanced susceptibility of G2/M synchronized cells to undergo apoptosis in response to DNA damage as compared to asynchronous cells. Thus, similar to its role in promoting cell survival and cell cycle transitions from G1 to S phase, PI3K activity appears to promote entry into mitosis and protect against cell death during S- and G2-phase progression.
The involvement of fungi in the breakdown of sulphited strawberries

The presence of strawberries infected with Mucor piriformis, Rhizopus sexualis, or R. stolonifer in a sample of sulphited whole berries caused complete breakdown of the whole sample of fruit. As little as 1-2% of infected tissue for each of the three species consistently caused breakdown while with R. sexualis even 0.1 % resulted in some softening and breakdown of the fruit. Similar results were obtained when culture filtrates possessing pectolytic activity, of each of the above fungi, were added to sulphited fruit. In addition culture filtrates of other pectolytic fungi associated with strawberries, Aureobasidium pullulans, Trichosporon pullulans and Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus were also shown to cause breakdown. It is suggested that the disintegration of the fruit is due to fungal pectolytic enzymes, most probably polygalacturonases. The addition of berries infected with Botrytis cinerea or culture filtrates of this fungus, possessing pectolytic activity, to sulphited healthy fruit did not cause any softening or breakdown.
Endocrine interactions controlling the larval diapause of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella

Abstract The effect of hormone treatments on larvae of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella , was examined to explore endocrine interactions which regulate its mature larval diapause. This species is especially suitable for investigating the endocrine control of larval diapause because it ecdyses from a spotted to an immaculate morph at the onset of diapause, and the immaculate morph may undergo up to three stationary ecdyses during diapause. The response of prediapause larvae to a β-ecdysone injection showed that the larvae have the potential to transform into the immaculate morph early in the final larval instar, but under normal conditions this ecdysis occurs after larvae reach maturity. Since a high rate of pupation occurred among early diapause larvae which received a head ligature, followed 17 days later by a β-ecdysone injection, diapause larvae retain active corpora allata. Since a head ligature prevented diapause larvae from responding to repeated topical applications of a juvenile hormone (JH) mimic or JH 1, the intermediate titer of JH associated with larval diapause may inhibit the synthesis or transport of ecdysiotropin, or its release from the corpora cardiaca. Current results suggest, therefore, that an interaction between the cerebral neurosecretory system and the corpora allata regulates the initiation, maintenance, and termination of this larval diapause.
The “alexandrite effect” in gemstones

The term “alexandrite effect” is used in gemology to describe a distinct change of color appearance when a gemstone is switched from daylight to incandescent light. Gemstones that exhibit the alexandrite effect can actually be divided into four categories based upon the value of the calculated absolute hue-angle change of the material under different pairs of illuminants. the alexandrite effect is a non-color-constancy phenomenon. It can be explained by a combination of both chromaticity adaptations to the different light sources, and vision system responses to the spectral distribution of the light emitted by alexandrite effect gemstones when they are illuminated alternatively by the different light sources.
An evolving collaborative model of working in students' global software development projects

This paper describes the evolution of the collaborative model of working of our annual global software development project that started in 2005. The global software development project unites students from up to five countries with different roles to work on the development of software together. This paper briefly summarizes the refinements of the focus, process, and tooling used on the project. Some of the findings are succinctly presented as well as our future steps.
Positive Lyapunov exponents for Schrödinger operators with quasi-periodic potentials

We present a new, simple way to estimate the rate of exponential growth (Lyapunov exponent) of solutions of the finite-difference Schrodinger equation: $$((H - E)\psi )(n)\mathop = \limits^{def} - [\psi (n + 1) + \psi (n - 1)] + [\lambda f(\alpha n + \theta )]\psi (n).$$ Heref is a non-constant real-analytic function of period 1 and α is irrational. For λ large we prove that the Lyapunov exponent is positive for every energyE in the spectrum ofH and a.e. θ. In particular, the absolutely continuous spectrum ofH is empty. In the continuum we study the quasi-periodic operator onL2(R) $$H = - \frac{{d^2 }}{{dx^2 }} - K^2 [\cos x + \cos (\alpha x + \theta )]$$ for largeK and show that for wide intervals of low energies the Lyapunov exponent is positive. The main idea, which originated from M. Herman's subharmonic argument [11], is to deform the phase θ to the complex plane. This enables us to avoid small denominator problems by moving them off the axis, making estimates much easier to perform. We recover the information for real θ using an elementary extension of Jensen's formula (subharmonicity).
Classical theory of stimulated C

The classical theory of oblique-angle-stimulated C\ifmmode \check{}\else \v{}\fi{}erenkov radiation is developed. It is based on exact solutions for the electron trajectories in the presence of the medium and the stimulating laser pulse. The boundary conditions which are necessary in order to obtain gain are discussed. The gain for weak fields is obtained as a power series with respect to the intensity of the stimulating field, which displays the small-signal gain and saturation corrections. For strong fields numerical solutions are obtained and compared with an approximate analytical expression. The close analogy with the helical wiggler free-electron laser, which is based on a common pendulum equation, is emphasized.
Vibratory Signals Enhance Mate-Guarding in a Water Strider (Hemiptera: Gerridae)

Mating males of the water strider Gerris remigisproduce vibratory signals when-single males grasp mating pairs. When played through live females with dead males on their backs, these signals repelled mating attempts by single males. A previous study showed that male mate-guarding enhances female foraging effectiveness in this species. Thus male mate-guarding signals also enhance female foraging effectiveness.
SU-E-T-173: TomoTherapy Treatment Couch Velocity Verification Using TomoDose.

Purpose: Accurate TomoTherapy treatment is dependent on multiple parameters, including the accuracy of couch velocity during beam delivery and gantry rotation. The recent TG‐148 protocol recommends quarterly film tests to verify the constancy of couch velocity. We determined the feasibility of using TomoDose, a quality assurance device, to detect the variation in couch velocity from baseline by a deviation of one or two percent. Methods: The TomoDose unit was rotated 90 degrees clockwise so that the long axis, consisting of 107 detectors, would translate across the TomoTherapy ‘Y’ jaws. The collimatorfield size used was the 1 cm mode and the table velocity was set to 0.5 mm/sec to establish a baseline. The velocity was then varied by 1% or 2% from nominal. The five tested velocities were 0.495, 0.490, 0.500, 0.505 and 0.510 mm/sec. The total translation time was kept at a constant 400 sec. The field was progressively painted during the scans and was shortened if table velocity was decreased, and lengthened as velocity was increased. Results: The baseline field size was 20.03 cm (400 sec × 0.05 cm/sec). A 2% increase in velocity translated to an increase in the field size to 20.39 cm and a 2% decrease in velocity resulted in a decrease in field size to 19.64 cm. Similarly, a 1% increase in velocity increased the field to 20.18 cm, and a 1% decrease velocity decreased the field to 19.76 cm. Conclusions: An increase or decrease in the couch velocity, for a fixed beam delivery time, resulted in an altered radiation field size. The field size results are approximately as expected for both the baseline scans as well as the modified velocity scans. This study demonstrates that, under these conditions, TomoDose can be used to determine small variations in table velocity as small as 1 %.
The Primary Group as Cooley Defines It

(1964). The Primary Group as Cooley Defines It. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 23-34.
The properties and connections of nerve cells in leech ganglia maintained in culture.

Segmental ganglia of the central nervous system of the leech were maintained in culture medium outside the animal for several weeks at 16 degrees C, and electrical recordings made from identified sensory and motor nerve cells. Ganglia were isolated and cultured singly, in chains and connected to the skin and muscles they normally innervate. Such preparations are suitable for a study of relatively long-term changes that occur as a result of denervation. The changes resemble those seen in isolated ganglia that had been kept in situ in the animal. (1) Resting and action potentials in sensory and motor neurones of isolated ganglia appear normal for up to ten weeks. The same cells can be tested at intervals of a few days. (2) Sensory cells, classified as touch (T), pressure (P) or nociceptive (N) according to their morphology and electrical properties, continue to respond selectively to stimuli of the appropriate modality applied to their receptive fields in the skin; action potentials in motor cells cause contractions in the appropriate muscles. (3) Chemical synaptic transmission between sensory and motor nerve cells changes markedly over the first three weeks; excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potentials can double in size and duration over a period of about two weeks in culture. (4) The balance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic influences changes sequentially after isolation in culture. For example, P or N cells innervating a cell which erects skin annuli normally cause small depolarizing excitatory potentials. After 5 days in culture they initiate large inhibitory synaptic potentials, while by 15 days the balance between excitation and inhibition changes again, so that the predominant synaptic action is an abnormally large prolonged excitatory potential. (5) After more than three weeks synaptic potentials disappear and ganglia lose transparency. (6) The morphological appearance of T, P and N sensory cells has been compared in cultured and normal ganglia after injection of horseradish peroxidase. In cultured ganglia the major branching pattern appears normal but presumed sites of transmitter release become more conspicuous.
Strategic Fit in the General Freight Motor Carrier Industry

Abstract This study investigates the impact of choosing a particular strategic focus or foci on operational productivity by means of the Malmquist Productivity Index as applied to a consistent sample (for the period 1999–2003) of 69 general freight motor carriers. The results show that general freight motor carriers, regardless of the strategic focus or foci pursued, did not link these strategic positions to an operational posture that reflected both operating efficiency and technological change. An interesting bifurcation is found with regard to the strategic foci of the LTL market niche and firm size growth, with the former of these two strategic foci having a positive impact on operating efficiency and the latter having a positive impact on technological change.
Epitestosterone: A Potential New Antiandrogen

Epitestosterone (EpiT) is the 17 alpha-hydroxy epimer of testosterone (T) and a natural steroid metabolite. It has previously been shown to be a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. We have studied EpiT as an antiandrogen using the hamster flank organ model. One-centimeter silastic capsules of crystalline T or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were implanted subcutaneously in female Golden Syrian hamsters to provide continuous androgenic stimulation. After 3 weeks, the pigmented spot was measured and the flank organs were fixed for histologic sectioning. The maximum surface area (SA) from a central section of the sebaceous gland and the diameter of hair follicles were measured using a computerized digitizing tablet. Following T and DHT, respectively, there was a significant increase in pigmented spot size (656/382%), sebaceous gland SA (210/315%), and mean hair follicle diameter (80/56%). A 1-cm capsule of EpiT alone had no androgenic effect. Five- and ten-fold doses of EpiT were implanted with T or DHT. Epitestosterone significantly inhibited the T-dependent stimulation of pigment, sebaceous gland, and hair follicle at either 5- and/or 10-fold excess doses. Additionally, a 10-fold dose of EpiT also inhibited DHT-dependent stimulation of all 3 cutaneous structures. We conclude that EpiT was effective as an antiandrogen and had no intrinsic androgenic activity in the hamster flank organ. It probably functions both as a competitive inhibitor of the androgen receptor and as a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. Pigment and sebaceous gland growth were more sensitive than the hair follicle to androgen inhibition by EpiT at the time and doses tested.
On the need for a new understanding of language and its development

Applied linguists have quite naturally turned to linguists’ theories for their conceptions of language. Until recently, dominant theories in linguistics have encouraged applied linguists to view language as an abstract, static system. However, static views of language are not especially helpful when it comes to language teaching, language acquisition and other areas that applied linguists study. An alternative view, one inspired by Chaos/Complexity Theory (C/CT), sees the language resources of speakers as a dynamic network of language-using patterns – emergent, mutable and self-organizing – and their development within language learners not as an act of conformity, but rather as continuing dynamic adaptedness to a specific context. C/CT is centrally concerned with describing the mutual constitution of a system and its development, thus overcoming the dualistic thinking that is fostered by considering language apart from its access or use. It also counters the tendency to portray learner language as being an incomplete and deficient version of native speaker language. Finally, it addresses the ‘inert knowledge problem’, which results when language is taught as a system of fixed rules. There are a number of new theories that are much more compatible with a C/CT way of viewing language, and applied linguists would do well to consider them.
Benzene Vibrational Exciton Spectrum

A critical discussion of the infrared polarization assignments of Zwerdling and Halford, in view of the now accepted benzene crystal structure, leads to acceptance of their results, though with somewhat reduced credibility. The controversial 707‐cm−1 absorption is assigned as the B2 interchange component (b axis polarized) of the a2u fundamental (674‐cm−1 gas‐phase) exciton band. The resulting, unusually large, static and dynamic exciton interaction terms are tabulated. Recent calculations based on atom—atom interactions are in reasonable agreement with the above results.
Near-infrared photometry of the Galilean satellites

The present near-IR (2.2-, 3.8-, 4.8-micron) lightcurves and phase coefficients for the Galilean satellites notes the geometric albedo of Io to include volcanic emission at the two longer wavelengths, although no major outbursts were detected during the 1982-1983 period of these observations. The trend of decreasing albedo with increasing wavelength exhibited by Ganymede and Europa is consistent with their possession of icy surfaces. The results obtained for Callisto are consistent with visible-wavelength observations of other dark solar system objects.
A modeled time-varying density function for the incubation period of AIDS.

Building on the Weibull distribution, we develop a modeled time-varying density function of the incubation time between exposure to HIV infection and full-blown AIDS. This approach leads to a series of cohort-specific density functions that take into account the increasing impact of new therapies such as zidovudine (AZT). The resulting modeled density functions are studied in detail, particularly with regard to their modes and medians. The mode is sensitive to changes in the period incubation time distribution, with even a possibility of a bimodal distribution for certain combinations of the parameters that determine the rate at which the period median incubation time changes. An important substantive result is that when a period median incubation period slowly increases to some leveling off value, say m(x c ), then it is surprisingly early on that cohorts of infected individuals have a median incubation period very close to that ultimate value m(x c ).
Cellular mechanisms of 4‐aminopyridine‐induced synchronized after‐discharges in the rat hippocampal slice.

1. We constructed a model of the in vitro rodent CA3 region with 128 pyramidal neurones and twenty-four inhibitory neurones. The model was used to analyse synchronized firing induced in the rat hippocampal slice by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a problem simultaneously studied in experiments in rat hippocampal slices. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors were blocked. 2. Consistent with a known action of 4-AP, unitary EPSCs were assumed to be large and prolonged. With augmented EPSCs, spontaneous synchronized bursts occurred in the model if random ectopic axonal spikes were present. We observed probable antidromic spikes and miniature spikes experimentally. 3. Consistent with experiment, model synchronized bursts were preceded by a period of about 100 ms of increased unit activity and cell depolarization. In the model, this was caused in part by EPSPs consequent to ectopic axonal spikes. 4. After widespread firing had begun, full-blown synchrony in the model required orthodromic EPSPs. A single synchronized burst, once initiated, could proceed without further ectopic activity. 5. A depolarizing change in reversal potential for dendritic GABAA favoured the occurrence of synchronized after-discharges in the model. Consistent with this, bicuculline was found to block after-discharges in slices bathed in 4-AP (70 microM) during NMDA blockade. 6. These data indicate that, even with synaptic inhibition present, ectopic spikes can 'set the stage' for synchronized activity by depolarizing pyramidal cell dendrites, but that recurrent orthodromic EPSPs are required for expression of this synchrony. When synaptic inhibition is present, EPSCs may need to be larger than usual for synchrony to take place. Secondary bursts in 4-AP appear to be driven in part by a depolarizing GABAA-mediated current.
Intermolecular chemistry of a cyclopropylcarbene and its mechanistic implications

Abstract Trans -3-(2- tert -butylcyclopropyl)-3 H -diazirine was decomposed both thermally (100 °C) and photochemically (350 nm, −25 to 25 °C) to give the anticipated ring-expanded 3- tert -butylcyclobutene product (50% photochemical, 64% thermal), along with azine and products of trapping by solvent. In the presence of tetramethylethylene (TME), a bicyclopropyl adduct was formed in yields as high as 37% (thermal) or 32% (photochemical). The yield of 3- tert -butylcyclobutene product, however, is only very slightly (0–7%) decreased upon increasing the concentration of TME Similar results were obtained with propylamine as the carbene trapping agent. The response of the product mixture to changes in the concentration of the trapping agent shows that there are two product-forming pathways. The mechamistic implications of these observations are discussed.
Integrating LiDAR data and conventional mapping of the Fort Center site in south-central Florida: A comparative approach

Publicly available LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data provide a potential windfall for archaeologists, permitting the creation of detailed topographic site maps with little more than an internet-connected computer and appropriate software. The quality of these LiDAR data for site mapping is variable, however, and may need to be supplemented with data obtained from conventional mapping techniques. We share insights from recent mapping of the Fort Center site (8GL13) in southern Florida. Specifically, we suggest a method—based on trial and error—for integrating LiDAR and total station survey data. We compare the results of our work with previous efforts at mapping the site based solely on conventional archaeological survey methods, as well as with results based on LiDAR data alone. We conclude that our combination of LiDAR data, corrected by conventional survey data, produces the most accurate map.
Sociocultural Impacts of Hazardous Waste Incinerator Proposals

The sociocultural impacts of a major development project begin as soon as the project is announced in a community. Even when a project is never developed, the anticipated impacts of the project lead to real impacts of the proposal as individuals act to support or oppose the proposed project. Here I describe the sociocultural impacts experienced by members of two American Indian tribes due to their consideration of proposals to site hazardous waste incineration facilities on their lands. I also review the efficacy of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for providing impact assessment information to tribes or agencies working with them and suggest some strategies for tribes considering similar industrial development projects.
An efficient method for solving the steady Euler equations

An efficient numerical procedure for solving a set of nonlinear partial differential equations is given, specifically for the steady Euler equations. Solutions of the equations were obtained by Newton's linearization procedure, commonly used to solve the roots of nonlinear algebraic equations. In application of the same procedure for solving a set of differential equations we give a theorem showing that a quadratic convergence rate can be achieved. While the domain of quadratic convergence depends on the problems studied and is unknown a priori, we show that firstand second-order derivatives of flux vectors determine whether the condition for quadratic convergence is satisfied. The first derivatives enter as an implicit operator for yielding new iterates and the second derivatives indicates smoothness of the flows considered. Consequently flows involving shocks are expected to require larger number of iterations. First-order upwind discretization in conjunction with the Steger-Warming flux-vector splitting is employed on the implicit operator and a diagonal dominant matrix results. However the explicit operator is represented by first- and seond-order upwind differencings, using both Steger-Warming's and van Leer's splittings. We discuss treatment of boundary conditions and solution procedures for solving the resulting block matrix system. With a set of test problems for one- and two-dimensional flows, we show detailed study as to the efficiency, accuracy, and convergence of the present method.
Synthesis of monofluorinated analogues of lysophosphatidic acid.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 1- or 2-acyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate) displays an intriguing cell biology that is mediated via interactions both with G-protein coupled seven transmembrane receptors and with the nuclear hormone receptor PPARγ. Synthesis and biological activities of fluorinated analogues of LPA are still relatively unknown. In an effort to identify receptor-selective LPA analogues and to document in detail the structure−activity relationships of fluorinated LPA isosteres, we describe a series of monofluorinated LPA analogues in which either the sn-1 or the sn-2 hydroxy group was replaced by fluorine, or the bridging oxygen in the monophosphate was replaced by an α-monofluoromethylene (−CHF−) moiety. The sn-1 or sn-2 monofluorinated LPA analogues were enantiospecifically prepared from chiral protected glycerol synthons, and the α-monofluoromethylene-substituted LPA analogues were prepared from a racemic epoxide with use of a hydrolytic kinetic resolution. The sn-2 and sn-1 fluoro LPA analogues w...
Degradation of HIV-1 Integrase by the N-end Rule Pathway

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) integrase catalyzes the irreversible insertion of the viral genome into host chromosomal DNA. We have developed a mammalian expression system for the synthesis of authentic HIV-1 integrase in the absence of other viral proteins. Integrase, which bears a N-terminal phenylalanine, was found to be a short-lived protein in human embryo kidney 293T cells. The degradation of integrase could be suppressed by proteasome inhibitors. N-terminal phenylalanine is recognized as a degradation signal by a ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic system known as the N-end rule pathway. The replacement of N-terminal phenylalanine with methionine, valine, or glycine, which are stabilizing residues in the N-end rule, resulted in metabolically stabilized integrase proteins (half-life of N-terminal Met-integrase was at least 3 h). Conversely, the substitution of N-terminal phenylalanine with other destabilizing residues retained the metabolic instability of integrase. These findings indicate that the HIV-1 integrase is a physiological substrate of the N-end rule. We discuss a possible functional similarity to the better understood turnover of the bacteriophage Mu transposase and functions of integrase instability to the maintenance and integrity of the host cell genome.
Thoracoabdominal Fenestration for Aortic Dissection With Ischemic Colonic Perforation

Previous attempts at repair of aortic dissection complicated by intestinal infarction requiring concomitant bowel resection have been fatal. Presented is a case of distal aortic dissection resulting in colonic infarction and perforation. Thoracoabdominal aortic fenestration with concomitant right hemicolectomy was successful. In patients with aortic dissection complicated by mesenteric ischemia, we recommend urgent graft replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta when feasible. When peritoneal contamination precludes the use of prosthetic grafts, thoracoabdominal fenestration is an effective option.
Structure and function of the B and D genes of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin complex

The Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin gene complex, consisting of four genes, has been cloned and the sequence of the AaLtC and AaLtA genes reported. The present paper details the sequences of the AaLtB and AaLtD genes which, like AaLtC and AaLTA, are also homologues of genes found in other cytolytic toxin complexes of several other Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. When tested in a recombinant expression system, the AaLtB and/or AaLtD genes are required for the translocation and insertion of the A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (AaLtA) into the cell membrane of Escherichia coli.
Strain Hardening of Hadfield Manganese Steel

The plastic flow behavior of Hadfield manganese steel in uniaxial tension and compression is shown to be greatly influenced by transformation plasticity phenomena. Changes in the stress-strain (σ−e) curves with temperature correlate with the observed extent of deformation twinning, consistent with a softening effect of twinning as a deformation mechanism and a hardening effect of the twinned microstructure. The combined effects give upward curvature to the σ−e curve over extensive ranges of plastic strain. A higher strain hardening in compression compared with tension appears to be consistent with the observed texture development. The composition dependence of stacking fault energy computed using a thermodynamic model suggests that the Hadfield composition is optimum for a maximum rate of deformation twinning. Comparisons of the Hadfield steel with a Co-33Ni alloy exhibiting similar twinning kinetics, and an Fe-21Ni-lC alloy deforming by slip indicate no unusual strain hardening at low strains where deformation is controlled by slip, but an unusual amount of structural hardening associated with the twin formation in the Hadfield steel. A possible mechanism of anomalous twin hardening is discussed in terms of modified twinning behavior (pseudotwinning) in nonrandom solid solutions.
Adiponectin Inhibits Superoxide Generation by Human Neutrophils

Adiponectin (Ad), a member of the adipocytokine family, has been reported to possess antiinflammatory properties. We investigated the effects of full-length human Ad (hAd) on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced O2-* generation by human neutrophils. hAd, even at the lowest tested concentration of 0.001 microg/ml, after 30-min pretreatment of cells, significantly inhibited O2-* generation by neutrophils stimulated with PMA (100 nM). However, no relation between the dose of hAd and extent of inhibition of PMA-induced O2-* generation was observed with increasing the concentration of hAd up to 1 microg/ml. hAd also significantly inhibited neutrophil O2-* generation stimulated by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (100 microM) and diacylglycerol (500 nM), as well as the PMA-induced neutrophil nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and H2O2 formation. Pretreatment of neutrophils with pronase-digested hAd failed to inhibit the PMA-induced O2-* generation. For the first time, this study revealed that Ad inhibited O2-* generation by neutrophils, possibly through regulation of NADPH oxidase.
Effects of levamisole on ethanol-induced suppression of lactational immune transfer in rats.

Maternal ethanol consumption in rats has been shown to inhibit lactational transfer of immunity to Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) from dams to their neonates. The purpose of this study was to determine if this depressed immune transfer could be altered by treating the dams with a known immunostimulatory drug during pregnancy and lactation. Groups of female rats were fed ethanol-containing or were pair-fed isocaloric control liquid diets for 30 days, infected orally with 1,000 T. spiralis larva, and then continued on diet for 10 days to allow the adult worms to establish. The animals were placed on chow diets (maximum 5 days) and mated 1 to 1 with males. On day 1 of pregnancy the animals were returned to their respective liquid diets through pregnancy and lactation. One-half of the ethanol-treated animals was given 15 mg/kg body weight of levamisole in the diet beginning on day 10 of pregnancy and continuing until day 17 of lactation. On day 19 of lactation, pups from all experimental groups were challenged orally with 200 T. spiralis larva, and killed at 3 or 8 days postchallenge. Assays for intestinal worm burdens, IgG anti-T. spiralis serum antibodies, and mesenteric lymph node cell proliferation were conducted. At both sacrifice periods, pups from ethanol-treated animals showed significantly higher intestinal worm counts (decreased immunity) and significantly lower titers of specific antibodies than the pups of pair-fed animals or pups of animals receiving levamisole in addition to ethanol. There were no differences between pups of the ethanol/levamisole dams and pair-fed dams in worm counts or antibody titers. No differences in mesenteric lymph node cell proliferation in response to T. spiralis antigen or to concanavalin A was observed between the three groups. These results indicate that administration of levamisole to ethanol-induced, immunosuppressed dams can reverse some of the deleterious effects normally seen in lactational immune transfer to suckling pups.
Beyond Skin Testing: State of the Art and New Horizons in Food Allergy Diagnostic Testing

Food allergy affects approximately 1% to 10.8% of the general population, and its prevalence seems to be increasing. An accurate diagnosis is particularly important because a misdiagnosis could lead to life-threatening reactions or to unnecessary restrictive diets. However, allergy tests currently used in clinical practice have limited accuracy, and an oral food challenge, considered as the gold standard, is often required to confirm or exclude a food allergy. This article reviews several promising novel approaches for the diagnosis of food allergy, such as new molecular diagnostic technologies and functional assays, along with their potential clinical applications.
Ab initio calculations on large molecules using molecular fragments. Preliminary investigations

Abstract The preliminary characterization of an ab initio SCF procedure for investigations of large molecules is given. The method is based upon the use of floating spherical Gaussian orbitals, which are obtained by a prior study of molecular fragments.
Reduction of cholecystokinin-8S-neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus of neonatally overfed weanling rats

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is suggested to be involved, e.g. in the central nervous modulation of food intake, possibly by acting within specific hypothalamic nuclei. Perinatal overnutrition predisposes to permanent obesity and hyperphagia, while underlying mechanisms are unclear. By reducing the litter size from the 3rd to 21st day of life, early overnutrition was induced in newborn rats. At weaning, clear overweight (P < 0.001), hyperglycaemia (P < 0.05), hyperinsulinaemia (P < 0.001), and insulin resistance (P < 0.001) occured. These early signs of obesity were associated with a significantly decreased number of CCK-positive neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (P < 0.002). In conclusion, due to neonatal overfeeding malformation of CCKergic neurons at the end of the critical hypothalamic differentiation period occurs. Long-term consequences on CCK-related neuroendocrine regulations could be suggested, including those affecting food intake and body weight gain.
Modified profile likelihood approach for certain intraclass correlation coefficients

In this paper we consider the problem of constructing confidence intervals and confidence lower bounds for the intraclass correlation coefficient in an interrater reliability study where the raters are randomly selected from a population of raters. The likelihood function of the interrater reliability is derived and simplified, and the profile likelihood based approach is readily available for computing the confidence intervals of the interrater reliability. Unfortunately, the confidence intervals computed by using the profile likelihood function are in general too narrow to have the desired coverage probabilities. From the practical point of view, a conservative approach, if at least as precise as any existing method, is preferred since it gives the correct results with a probability higher than claimed. Under this rationale, we propose the so-called modified profile likelihood approach in this paper. Simulation study shows that, the proposed method in general has better performance than currently used methods.
A New Species of Diploid Quillwort (Isoetes, Isoetaceae, Lycophyta) from Lebanon

Abstract. A new species, Isoetes libanotica Musselman, Bolin & R. D. Bray (Isoetaceae, Lycophyta), is described from Akkar District of northern Lebanon. It is a seasonal terrestrial species of basaltic soils, diploid (2n = 22), with complete velum coverage. Megaspore diameter ranges from 338 to 477 μm with remote, low tuberculate ornamentation and a low to obsolete equatorial girdle; microspore length ranges from 25 to 30 μm, with echinate ornamentation. At the type locality of I. libanotica, two other Isoetes L. species occur sympatrically. These superficially similar Isoetes species can be differentiated from I. libanotica using megaspore characters; I. duriei Bory has larger alveolate megaspores and I. olympica A. Braun has a prominent equatorial girdle.
AlGaN/GaN HEMT With a Transparent Gate Electrode

AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) with indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent gate electrodes have been fabricated. The transparent gate electrodes enable the investigation of photon, electron, and phonon behaviors in active regions in HEMTs using optical characterizations such as electroluminescence, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy technologies. Leakage current, on/off ratio, and transparency have been compared for transistors using Ni/Au/Ni, ITO, and Ni/ITO stacks as gate electrodes. Compared to the Ni/Au/Ni gate transistor, the ITO gate device shows a comparable current gain cutoff frequency (f T) but a much lower power gain cutoff frequency (f max) due to the low conductivity of ITO.
Introducing a Unified PCA Algorithm for Model Size Reduction

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a technique commonly used for fault detection and classification (FDC) in highly automated manufacturing. Because PCA model building and adaptation rely on eigenvalue decomposition of parameter covariance matrices, the computational effort scales cubically with the number of input variables. As PCA-based FDC applications monitor systems with more variables, or trace data with faster sampling rates, the size of the PCA problems can grow faster than the FDC system infrastructure will allow. This paper introduces an algorithm that greatly reduces the overall size of the PCA problem by breaking the analysis of a large number of variables into multiple analyses of smaller uncorrelated blocks of variables. Summary statistics from these subanalyses are then combined into results that are comparable to what is generated from the complete PCA of all variables together.
Conjugate gradient methods with an application to V/STOL flight-path optimization

Conjugate gradient methods for optimization problems with terminal constraints, noting minimum time paths for V/STOL aircraft climb phase
Biodegradable dextran-polylactide hydrogel networks: their swelling, morphology and the controlled release of indomethacin.

Biodegradable polymer hydrogel networks based on hydrophilic dextran derivative of allyl isocyanate (dex-AI) and hydrophobic poly (D,L) lactide diacrylate macromer (PDLLAM) were synthesized, and their swelling and morphological properties were studied. During a 2-day incubation, the higher the PDLLAM composition in the hydrogel, the slower the swelling as well as the lower the extent of swelling were. A 3D porous network structure was observed by scanning electron microscope. The rate of formation of this 3D porous network structure depended on the hydrophilicity of the components, their composition ratio, and the degradation time. The highly hydrophilic dex-AI component facilitated the formation of this 3D porous network structure at an earlier immersion period, while the degradability of the PDLLAM component would make this 3D porous network structure more open at a later immersion period. Indomethacin, a low molecular weight and moderately hydrophobic drug, was incorporated into the hydrogels for the release study in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C. The release kinetics suggested, as the PDLLAM composition increased, the indomethacin diffusion coefficient (D) and release half life time (t(1/2)) decreased, while the release index n increased. The controlled release mechanism was determined by the combination of three factors: the rate and degree of formation of swelling-induced 3D porous structure in the hydrogel, the hydrolytic degradation of PDLLAM components, and the hydrophobic interaction between PDLLAM and IDM.
The importance of frictional interactions in maintaining the stability of the twining habit

The stability of twining vines under gravitational loads suggests an important role for friction. The coefficient of friction, μ, between vine stems and wood is high, often five times greater than between leather and wood, as determined by slip tests on an inclined plane. Stem trichomes function like ratchets to facilitate climbing upward (or to facilitate slipping if the stem is inverted). A mathematical model predicts large masses (kg) must be applied to the base of a twining vine to cause slipping. Vines slip as predicted when μ is low and arc length on the pole is short, and they break before slipping when μ is large or arc length is long. In contrast, twining vines are unstable in compression, collapsing when small masses (<10 g) are hung from the top of the vine. However, if the loads are applied below the uppermost gyre, the stabilizing tensional effect dominates. Therefore, in nature vines twining on a cylindrical support are stable under gravitational loads, unless these loads occur near the apex. A corollary is that a short apical coil can hold up large masses of maturing shoot.
Insulin Glargine: A New Basal Insulin

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, dosing guidelines, adverse effects, drug interactions, and clinical efficacy of insulin glargine.DATA SOURCES:Primary and review articles regarding insulin glargine were identified by MEDLINE search (1966–July 2001); abstracts were identified through Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science (1995–July 2001) and the American Diabetes Association. Additional information was obtained from the insulin glargine product information.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All of the articles and meeting abstracts identified from the data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. Priority was placed on data from the primary medical literature.DATA SYNTHESIS:Insulin glargine is a long-acting, recombinant human insulin analog that is given once daily as a basal source of insulin in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Modification of the basic insulin structure has produced a new insulin that i...
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Exacerbates Cisplatin-induced Sensory Hair Cell Death in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Inner ear sensory hair cells die following exposure to aminoglycoside antibiotics or chemotherapeutics like cisplatin, leading to permanent auditory and/or balance deficits in humans. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used to study drug-induced sensory hair cell death since their hair cells are similar in structure and function to those found in humans. We developed a cisplatin dose-response curve using a transgenic line of zebrafish that expresses membrane-targeted green fluorescent protein under the control of the Brn3c promoter/enhancer. Recently, several small molecule screens have been conducted using zebrafish to identify potential pharmacological agents that could be used to protect sensory hair cells in the presence of ototoxic drugs. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is typically used as a solvent for many pharmacological agents in sensory hair cell cytotoxicity assays. Serendipitously, we found that DMSO potentiated the effects of cisplatin and killed more sensory hair cells than treatment with cisplatin alone. Yet, DMSO alone did not kill hair cells. We did not observe the synergistic effects of DMSO with the ototoxic aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin. Cisplatin treatment with other commonly used organic solvents (i.e. ethanol, methanol, and polyethylene glycol 400) also did not result in increased cell death compared to cisplatin treatment alone. Thus, caution should be exercised when interpreting data generated from small molecule screens since many compounds are dissolved in DMSO.
Expanding the evidence base for the medical treatment of nasal polyposis.

Individuals with nasal polyposis continue to present a clinical challenge to the treating physician: we do not yet completely understand the underlying inflammatory and infectious pathways of the condition and the intricacies of the relationship with chronic rhinosinusitis, nor have we yet established the best means of producing long-lasting improvements in polyp size and associated symptoms. Strategies for nasal polyposis management usually involve surgical treatment, medical treatment, or a combination of both, often depending on the preference and experience of the individual physician. To date, the evidence base has lacked adequately powered studies to direct either the specialist or the primary care practitioner to the most appropriate method of treatment. Surgery is generally carried out endoscopically to relieve nasal blockage and to allow greater aeration of the sinus mucosa, thereby promoting recovery of the diseased tissue. Although the benefits of surgery include improvements in symptoms and health-related quality of life, incremental effects over medical therapy have not been well established. Indeed, recurrence rates after endoscopic sinus surgery are as high as 60% after a median of 2 years, with the likelihood of a successful outcome being influenced by a number of factors. These include aspirin sensitivity, asthma, or patient-specific anatomic obstructions, such as lateralization of the middle turbinate. In addition, major adverse events of endoscopic sinus surgery, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or periorbital hematoma, occur in approximately 1% of patients, with minor events occurring in 5% to 6% of patients. Given the invasive nature of any form of surgery, in combination with its inherent risks and required recovery time, the recently published ‘‘European position paper
High power diode-pumped laser technology

The paper deals with the progress of diode-pumped laser technologies such as rods, fibers, thin-disks, slabs, and even gases , which are all in the running to engineer systems that are scalable to ever higher power.
Restricted internal segmental rotational diffusion model with segment-segment interactions. Application to 13C NMR

Abstract The restricted rotational-diffusion model developed by Wittebort and Szabo (J. Chem. Phys., 69, 1722 (1978)) and London and Avitabile (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 100, 7159 (1978)) is extended to include in a mean field sense, dynamic interactions between the diffusing motional unit, and an environment that may have Fourier components on the same time scale as the reorienting unit. Furthermore in contrast to previous work, an exact closed form, analytical expression for the spectral density is derived. Illustrative calculations are presented for the spin-lattice relaxation time, T1 spin-spin relaxation time, T2, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement factor for a 13C nucleus relaxing by a dipolar mechanism with the directly bonded proton; a comparison of T1, T2, and NOE of the weak and strong coupling limits of the segment-segment dynamic interaction model is also made. It is proposed that NMR relaxation experiments be performed over a range of external field strengths H0 to differentiate between a restricted rotational model with and without dynamic interactions.