cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical oscillators in structured media.

Evolution is a characteristic feature of living systems, and many fundamental processes in life, including the cell cycle, take place in a periodic fashion. From a chemistry perspective, these repeating phenomena suggest the question of whether reactions in which concentrations oscillate could provide a basis and/or useful models for the behavior of organisms, and perhaps even their ability to evolve.In this Account, we examine several aspects of the behavior of the prototype oscillating chemical reaction, the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) system, carried out in microemulsions, arrays of micrometer-sized aqueous droplets suspended in oil, or hydrogels. Each of these environments contains elements of the compartmentalization that likely played a role in the development of the first living cells, and within them we observe behaviors not found in the BZ reaction in simple aqueous solution. Several of these phenomena resemble traits displayed by living organisms. For example, the nanodroplets in a BZ microemulsio...
Functional and Digestive Characteristics of Extruded Rice Flour

ABSTRACT Waxy (short grain), long grain, and parboiled (long grain) rice flours were extruded using three different temperatures and five different water feed rates. The water absorption and water solubility index of the extrudates was 0.67–5.86 and 86.45–10.03%, respectively. The fat absorption index was similar to that of unextruded flours with an average value of 0.96 g/g ± 0.12. Bulk density decreased with an increase in moisture, except waxy rice, which had a quadratic relationship. The viscosity profiles for long grain and parboiled rice were similar. Both initially increased in viscosity (>130 RVU), then decreased to ≈40 RVU. The final viscosity was ≈60 RVU. Waxy rice viscosity remained low ( 0.05) except for long gr...
Effects of grazing by feral horses, clipping, trampling, and burning on a Georgia salt marsh

Responses ofSpartina alterniflora marsh to combinations of feral horse grazing, clipping, simulated trampling, and a late winter burn were studied on Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia. Replicated 200-m2 plots were established and sampled bimonthly from July 1983 to November 1984. Clipping and trampling each reduced peak aboveground biomass by 20% in 1983 and 50% (clipping) and 55% (trampling) in 1984. A March burn reduced peak aboveground biomass by 35% in 1984. Trampling and burning earch reduced net aboveground primary production (NAPP) by 35%, but clipping did not reduce NAPP. Standing stocks of live rhizomes were correlated with aboveground biomass and were reduced with experimental treatments. Abundance of the periwinkle snail (Littorina irrorata) was also reduced. Horse grazing had a substantial impact on standing stocks and NAPP ofSpartina, but grazing was not uniform throughout the marsh. Moderately grazed plots had NAPP reduced by 25% compared to ungrazed plots. Heavily grazed plots had extremely low NAPP, and abovegroundSpartina never exceeded 40 g m−2 dry mass compared to 360 g m−2 within exclosures.
An Interpretation of gravity-anomalies in terms of local and regional geologic structures

That there exists a relationship between gravity-anomalies and geologic structure has long been suggested by G. K. Gilbert, J. Barren, David White, William Bowie, and many others. White [see number 1 of “References” at end of paper] observed that negative anomalies were found over synclines, and that positive anomalies occurred over anticlines. Bowie [2] and Miller [3] both pointed out that positive anomalies were found in regions of exposed pre-Cambrian rocks, and that negative anomalies were observed over Cenozolc sediments.
Identification of an endogenous protease that processes atrial natriuretic peptide at its amino terminus.

Abstract We have partially purified a thiol-dependent protease from bovine atrial tissue that cleaves the Arg 98 -Ser 99 bond of rat natriuretic peptide (Gly 96 -Tyr 126 ) to produce the natriuretic Ser 99 -Tyr 126 peptide (cardionatrin I). This was the only hydrolytic product we detected. The existence of the atrial natriuretic peptide system implicates the mammalian heart as an endocrine organ which participates in the hormonal regulation of extracellular fluid volume, electrolyte balance and vascular tone. This enzyme appears to be part of that system. The atrial protease also hydrolyzes the Arg-2-Napthylamide bond of natriuretic peptide stand-in substrates; on the basis of relative Vmax/Km as a measure of substrate specificity, Bz-Leu-Arg-Arg-2-Napthylamide (NA) > Bz-Leu-Arg-2-NA > Arg-2-NA. There is little or no cleavage between the Arg-Arg pair of the first substrate. Since in the Gly 96 -Tyr 126 peptide the Arg-Arg pair is not the principle cleavage site for this enzyme, it is very unlikely that it is a principle cleavage site for this enzyme in pro-atrial natriuretic factor. It is possible that it is a cleavage site for a different enzyme or the pair may serve as a signal for cleavage at Arg 98 .
Choline sulfatase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa elaborates a specific choline sulfatase when grown in the presence of choline sulfate. The cell induces the enzyme to three distinct levels depending on whether the carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur is being utilized. The enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The enzyme has a temperature optimum of 30 ° and a pH optimum of 7.5. It is sensitive to several metal ions, pCMB and NEM and is activated by dithiothreitol and mercaptoethanol. The molecular weight by gel filtration was found to be 175,000. The K m for choline sulfate is 1.4 × 10 −3 m . The kinetics of the reaction were studied and choline and several analogs were found to be linear uncompetitive inhibitors with K i = 2 − 3.5 × 10 −4 m. Choline phosphate and betaine were found to be competitive inhibitors ( K i = 2 × 10 −3 m). No reversal of the reaction or exchange with [ 14 C]choline or 35 SO 4 2− could be demonstrated. The kinetics are consistent with the reaction being an Ordered Bi Bi mechanism with water being the second substrate to bind to the enzyme, and choline being the first product to leave. A general base catalysis mechanism is proposed without the involvement of an enzyme-SO 4 2− covalent intermediate.
Navigating molecular space for reaction mechanisms: an efficient, automated procedure

Mechanism is a core chemical concept that has vital implications for reaction rate, efficiency and selectivity. The discovery of mechanism is not easy due to the great diversity of possible chemica...
Skeletal muscle accretion and turnover in lean and obese (ob/ob) mice

Abstract Skeletal muscle growth in obese (ob/ob) and lean mice was estimated from changes in fat-free carcass weight during development. No differences were observed at 2 wk of age, but fat-free carcasses of obese mice weighed less than those of lean mice at 5 wk of age. Fat-free carcasses of the adult obese mice were only 78% as heavy as those of lean mice, although the obese mice weighed up to twice as much as the lean mice. Even though obese mice accumulated less muscle than lean mice, urinary creatinine output of the obese mice was equal to that of the lean mice. The amount of 3-methylhistidine (3MH) in the carcasses of the mice and urinary output of 3MH were used to calculate the fractional breakdown rate (FBR) of myofibrillar proteins. Accumulation of 3MH in the carcasses paralleled carcass weight gain; thus, obese mice accumulated less 3MH than lean mice. Urinary output of 3MH was measured from 5 to 37 wk of age and was as great in the obese as in the lean mice; consequently, the FBR of the myofibrillar proteins was faster in the obese than in the lean mice. The FBR averaged 8.5 ± 0.6%/day for obese mice and 5.0 ± 0.1%/day for lean mice. The rate of 3MH accumulation in the carcass and the FBR were subsequently utilized to calculate a fractional synthesis rate (FSR) for the myofibrillar proteins. The FSR was not reduced in obese mice. The results suggest that obese mice accumulate less muscle because the rate of muscle degradation is increased.
Surgical Repositioning of Teeth

If second and third molar occlusion problems develop after removal of premolars and completion of orthodontic treatment, surgical repositioning offers a solution. Little sensory disturbance of inflammatory response has been observed, repositioned teeth remain vital, and ankylosis should not occur. Correct diagnosis and adequate treatment planning depend on close and continued consultation between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon.
492 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS IN HUMAN MILK—THE BREAST MILK AND FORMULA PROJECT

In 1978 we began a prospective birth cohort study of children from 3 areas in NC in an attempt to identify morbidity attributable to persistent environmental chemicals present as maternal “body burden” or as contaminants of human milk. Over 700 of a proposed 900 children have been enrolled, with maximum follow-up of 31 months. Maternal and cord blood, placenta and colustrum have been collected at birth with periodic sampling of breast milk or formula thereafter. These have been analyzed for PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and DDE (the primary metabolite of DDT) by GLC, and for total organic chlorine and bromine (rough, integral measures of most xenobiotics) by a new NMR method. About 950 samples of breast milk have been analyzed; almost all are positive, with values up to 15 ppm on a fat basis for PCB, and 14 ppm for DDE. A tight correlation (PCB:R=.69, p<.0001; DDE:R=.88, p<.0001) is observed over time; there is a gradual decrease over the first 6 months. PCB in cord blood is lower than in maternal blood, and many placentae have no detectable levels. PCBs and DDE do not account for even most of xenobiotic chlorine, and total organic chlorine shows more variability and less correlation than PCBs or DDE. Persistent halogenated hydrocarbons represent almost universal contaminants of human tissue; we plan to see whether quantitative measures of these contaminants can be related to prospectively gathered information on morbidity, and to follow the children for any long term effects.
Diurnal variation of vertical thermal structure in a pine plantation

Abstract Initial observations of the diurnal variation of the vertical thermal structure of a loblolly pine planation are presented. Results obtained in other forests are qualitatively confirmed. On a clear day a very unstable temperature gradient occurs above the trees, while a strong inversion (∼8°C) develops below the crowns. At night the sub-crown region becomes weakly unstable, but the atmospheric layer above the trees is then stable. On a rainy day, the strength of the temperature inversion beneath the tree crowns is less than 1°C. The position of the daytime temperature maximum in the tree-tops responds to the solar elevation, eventually descending about 2 m to the region of maximum foliage density as the sun's rays penetrate deeper into the tree crowns.
Differential Response of Two Cotton Cultivars to Fertilizer and Soil Potassium

Yield of both cultivars was closely associated with leaf K concentration and soil K availability, but response curves indicated a lower leaf and soil K requirement for the K-use-efficient cultivar. The K-use-efficient cultivar had a higher K uptake rate during fruit development and greater total K accumulation, particularly at low soil K levels. Defining the physiological bases for such large genetic variation in K use efficiency will help to identify why the cotton plant is more sensitive to K limitation than other crops and will aid breeding efforts to develop germplasm more tolerant of a limited soil K supply
Simulation of spatially evolving turbulence and the applicability of Taylor's hypothesis in compressible flow

For the numerical simulation of inhomogeneous turbulent flows, a method is developed for generating stochastic inflow boundary conditions with a prescribed power spectrum. Turbulence statistics from spatial simulations using this method with a low fluctuation Mach number are in excellent agreement with the experimental data, which validates the procedure. Turbulence statistics from spatial simulations are also compared to those from temporal simulations using Taylor’s hypothesis. Statistics such as turbulence intensity, vorticity, and velocity derivative skewness compare favorably with the temporal simulation. However, the statistics of dilatation show a significant departure from those obtained in the temporal simulation. To directly check the applicability of Taylor’s hypothesis, space‐time correlations of fluctuations in velocity, vorticity, and dilatation are investigated. Convection velocities based on vorticity and velocity fluctuations are computed as functions of the spatial and temporal separations. The profile of the space‐time correlation of dilatation fluctuations is explained via a wave propagation model.
43—ACRYLONITRILE-STABILIZED WOOL KERATIN DERIVATIVES: II—Development of a Reproducible Preparation from Cortical Cell Residues

Apparently reproducible preparations of molecular weight 30,000 have been obtained from cortical-cell residues (from acid digestion) by treating cold reduced solutions with acrylonitrile under nitrogen. The yield is 15 to 20% of the original wool or 20 to 30% of the isolated cortical-cell residues. This recovered product is lower in sulphur and in amino nitrogen content than either the original wools or the cortical-cell residues. The product of molecular weight 30,000 is provisionally related to the α1-keratose fraction of oxidized wool, or corresponding kerateine fractions, by hydrolytic fission of, on the average, not more than two peptide bonds per chain. The low-molecular-weight, high-sulphur fraction that is lost by dialysis or failure to precipitate is related to the γ-keratose fraction.
The regulation of transborder data flows

Abstract Restrictions on transmission of data across borders are sometimes proposed as means to control abuses such as invasions of privacy. The authors explore the thesis that controls on cross-border data flows are rarely effective in helping to achieve such ends. They argue that the technology of modern telecommunications does not allow easy control over message content; and that there are other, more strategically effective techniques to restrict abuses committed in international electronic transactions.
Biochemical and mutational analyses of the cathepsin c gene (CTSC) in three North American families with Papillon Lefèvre syndrome.

Papillon Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and severe periodontitis. The disease is caused by mutations in the cathepsin C gene (CTSC) that maps to chromosome 11q14. CTSC gene mutations associated with PLS have been correlated with significantly decreased enzyme activity. Mutational analysis of the CTSC gene in three North American families segregating PLS identified four mutations, including a novel mutation p.G139R. All mutations were associated with dramatically reduced CTSC protease enzyme activity. A homozygous c.96T>G transversion resulting in a p.Y32X change was present in a Mexican PLS proband, while one Caucasian PLS proband was a compound heterozygote for the p.Y32X and p.R272P (c.815G>C) mutations. The other Caucasian PLS proband was a compound heterozygote for c.415G>A transition and c.1141delC mutations that resulted in a p.G139R and a frameshift and premature termination (p.L381fsX393), respectively. The c.415G>A was not present in more than 300 controls, suggesting it is not a CTSC polymorphism. Biochemical analysis demonstrated almost no detectable CTSC activity in leukocytes of all three probands. These mutations altered restriction enzyme sites in the highly conserved CTSC gene. Sequence analysis of CTSC exon 3 confirmed the previously reported p.T153I polymorphism in 4 of the 5 ethnically diverse populations studied. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Gender Paradox in Work Satisfaction and the Protestant Clergy

Female clergy are more likely than male clergy to serve small, rural churches in declining communities, yet they express a high level of satisfaction with their work, often higher than that of male clergy. Why are female clergy relatively happy with their jobs in spite of poor work conditions ? Studies of other occupations have consistently found that while women's work conditions and rewards are inferior to those of men in comparable positions (a situation which should reduce satisfaction), women report being as satisfied or more satisfied with their work (Fry and Greenfield 1980; Mannheim 1983; Phelan and Phelan 1983; Moore 1985; Bokemeier and Lacy 1986; Hodson 1989; Phelan 1994). This discrepancy is called the gender paradox in work satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to address female clergy's reports of higher satisfaction, using the five main explanations of the paradox which have been identified and tested (Phelan 1994; Mueller and Wallace 1996); the emphasis is on arguments that involve justice perceptions. Beyond the effects of justice perceptions on satisfaction, gender difference in justice perceptions are of interest in and of themselves, since sources of gender inequality are not likely to be corrected as long as men and women evaluate those inequalities as just and fair (Marx [1848]1964; Smelser 1962). A comprehensive model of sources of satisfaction will be used, as previous studies (Mueller and Wallace 1996) have found that using a properly specified model may eliminate much of the paradox for job satisfaction. The data come from a 1996 national survey of pastors in two Protestant denominations, and show that a gender paradox does exist for clergy job satisfaction. While justice perceptions play a highly significant role in explaining job satisfaction, they fail to eliminate the gender paradox. A finding which contradicts previous studies is evidence of differences in job values for male and female clergy. It is suggested that future studie
Pancreatic cancer cell genetics and signaling response to treatment correlate with efficacy of gemcitabine-based molecular targeting strategies.

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly cancer with limited sensitivity to gemcitabine. Molecular targeting of critical signaling pathways [nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), PI3K/AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] in combination with gemcitabine may improve sensitivity. We hypothesize that pancreatic cancer cell genetics and signaling response to treatment correlate with efficacy of gemcitabine-based molecular targeting strategies. PANC-1, PaCa-2, and BxPC-3 cells were treated with curcumin, LY294002, or PD325901 alone or in combination with gemcitabine. Proliferation was measured by cell counts and enzyme activity by Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Each agent dose-dependently decreased proliferation. All cells decreased NF-κB activity with curcumin(24 h) except PaCa-2, MEK activity with PD325901(24 h), and PI3Kinase with LY294002(3 h). However, PI3K rebounded to(PaCa-2) or above (Panc-1,BxPC-3) basal in LY294002-treated cells (24 h). Combinations with gemcitabine resulted in at least additive effects on proliferative inhibition. For PANC-1, curcumin + gemcitabine was nearly synergistic, correlating with gemcitabine-induced NF-κB activity. LY294002 + gemcitabine was nearly synergistic in PaCa-2 cells, which showed a lower induction of PI3Kinase activity with LY294002. Finally, gemcitabine + PD325901 was only effective in BxPC-3, which exhibited increased MEK activity with gemcitabine. These results demonstrate differences in treatment efficacy, which correlate with the cell’s signaling response to treatment. Signaling profiles of each tumor may be necessary to determine an optimal chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
Abstract IA3-2: Utilization of genomic signatures to guide therapeutic decisions

The heterogeneity of human cancers presents major challenges in understanding disease mechanisms as well as in developing an effective therapeutic strategy for the individual patient. The ability to tailor cancer therapy to characteristics of the individual patient, both with a focus on better utilization of existing standard-of-care regimens as well as new investigational drugs. Towards these goals, we have developed gene expression signatures that have the capacity to predict sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, and utilized these in prospective trials to determine their capacity to guide choice amongst multiple options. In addition, we have also made use of expression profiling to develop signatures of oncogenic pathway deregulation that can then be used to profile the state of these pathways within populations of tumors. These pathway signatures have been useful in dissecting disease heterogeneity, identifying subgroups of tumors with again distinct outcomes, and providing a link in pathway activation with therapeutics. We have extended this concept to develop more refined signatures that can dissect the complexities of many of the known signaling pathways, providing a more precise capacity to probe the activity or deregulation of the pathway and linking to a broader array of therapeutics. This approach, when combined with the capacity to predict chemotherapy use, has the potential to identify therapeutic strategies that make use of all available drugs, matched to the characteristics of the individual patient and thus an approach towards the development of personalized treatment options for the individual patient. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(14 Suppl):IA3-2.
Active Nonmetallic Au and Pt Species on Ceria-Based Water-Gas Shift Catalysts

Traditional analysis of reactions catalyzed by supported metals involves the structure of the metallic particles. However, we report here that for the class of nanostructured gold- or platinum-cerium oxide catalysts, which are active for the water-gas shift reaction, metal nanoparticles do not participate in the reaction. Nonmetallic gold or platinum species strongly associated with surface cerium-oxygen groups are responsible for the activity.
Frequency and costs of laboratory and radiograph repetition in trauma patients undergoing interfacility transfer.

Abstract Receiving trauma centers often duplicate laboratory and radiograph testing performed by referring institutions. Our objective was to quantify frequency and costs of this practice. In this prospective study of 104 consecutive interfacility-transported adult trauma patients flown by an emergency medical service to an urban level I center, flight crew noted which labs and radiographs were done at referring hospitals, which tests were sent with patients, and which were repeated on trauma center arrival. Overall, results from 246 of 283 (86.9%) laboratory tests and 241 of 249 (96.8%) radiographs done at referring hospitals were sent with patients. Repetition of laboratory tests at the receiving hospital was frequent regardless of whether initial results were sent ( P = .6 by χ 2 ), and radiograph repetition was unrelated to whether sent films were originals or copies ( P = .2 by χ 2 ). For these 104 patients, the receiving hospital charged $66,463 for repetition of work-up done at referring facilities.
TOLAZOLINE (T) DOSE ADJUSTMENTS BASED UPON NEONATAL PHARMACOKINETICS

T doses in current clinical use were derived without pharmacokinetic studies in infants. We developed a chemically-specific assay for T and measured its pharmacokinetics following pulse and infusion doses (n=12) and its concentration changes during infusion doses in 8 infants. T half-life correlated with urine output from 0.40-2.35 ml/kg/hr (R=0.77). The overall T beta (β) averaged 0.0033±0.0023 (±SD, n=12) with distribution volume of 1495±630 ml/kg in 6 infants who received single pulse doses. T infusions between 1.0 and 5.8 mg/kg/hr for 10.8-101.5 hrs produced progressive accumulation of T in all patients. The highest infant T concentration (16.4 μg/ml) approached lethal, cardiotoxic levels in animals (21.8 μg/ml). Current T infusion doses exceed neonatal clearance of T, even with normal urine output. Using the infants' average β and Vdβ, the T infusion dose to maintain a constant plasma T concentration can be estimated as 0.2 mg/kg/hr for each 1.0 mg/kg loading dose. Current infusion doses of T are much higher than those predicted by neonatal T pharmacokinetics, may account for accumulation of T in neonates, and may lead to adverse effects. Oliguria during T infusion may require further decreases in dose. Intermittent pulse doses of T may be safer than continuous infusions.
Biphasic protonation of hydrophilic cargo agents in unilamellar phospholipid vesicles: implications about cargo location

Abstract The commonly used cargo agents for liposome entrapment, chromate and 5(6)-carboxyflourescein (CF), have been sequestered in small unilamellar vesicles composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine through preparations involving either sonication or extrusion methods. Once loaded, these water-soluble chromophoric cargo agents have been exposed to small quantities of externally applied acid solution, which decreases the pH from neutral to approx. 6. By monitoring photometrically the time profile of the protonation of the sequestered chromophores, it is evident that the uptake of protons by each cargo agent is biphasic. An immediate spectral change is followed by further change over 10–40 min, where the extent of protonation occurring in each time frame is approximately equal. The vesicles themselves are unaffected by the induced pH change. The leakages of both chromate and CF from loaded sonicated vesicles were monitored at both 25°C and 45°C. Overall, the leakage processes exhibited a deceleration over time. The biphasic protonation and decelerating leakage phenomena are together interpreted in terms of a mechanism of cargo loading involving an intercalation of the water-soluble agent along with water into the vesicle bilayer, rather than involving internal capture of the cargo inside the vesicles, or through electrostatic interactions with the bilayer surfaces. In addition, the measured extents of cargo loading are more consistent with calculated estimates of loading through bilayer intercalation than with those for internal capture.
A fluorescence based assay for DNA damage induced by styrene oxide

Abstract A rapid and simple assay to detect DNA damage to calf thymus DNA caused by styrene oxide (SO) is reported. This assay is based on changes observed in the melting and annealing behavior of the damaged DNA. The melting annealing process was monitored using a fluorescence indicator dye PicoGreen® (PG) that increases its fluorescence when bound to double stranded DNA. The assay response was monitored with varying concentrations of SO, incubation temperature, incubation time and salt concentration. Sample volumes of 10 μl containing 100 ng/ml DNA were required for this assay. The error in measurement was between 5 and 7%.
Mechanisms of transport of nucleosides and nucleoside analogues in choroid plexus

Nucleoside and nucleobase analogues are being used to treat a number of viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) including herpes-simplex encephalitis, cytomegalovirus retinitis, and AIDS-related dementia complex. Delivery of nucleoside analogues to the CNS is considered a key challenge in the treatment of these diseases. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of transport of nucleosides and nucleoside analogues in the choroid plexus. First, the structure and function of the choroid plexus are reviewed. Then, we focus on the mechanisms of nucleoside transport in mammalian cells. Specific emphasis is placed on the molecular and functional characteristics of various nucleoside transporters. A discussion is then devoted to the mechanisms of nucleoside transport in choroid plexus. Current knowledge of nucleoside transport systems in choroid plexus in several animal species is summarized followed by a short section on the mechanisms of transport of nucleobases in the choroid plexus. Finally, a brief section on future directions is included.
Hypercholesterolemia and aortic collagen synthesis in rabbit aortas

Abstract Male adult New Zealand rabbits were fed a 2% cholesterol diet for 30 or 60 days in order to determine the effect of hypercholesterolemia on aortic collagen synthesis. Collagen synthetic activity was estimated by measuring tissue prolyl hydroxylase activity and the amount of tissue collagen was estimated by measuring tissue hydroxyproline levels. Following 30 or 60 days of feeding there was a significant increase in both tissue and serum cholesterol indicating the onset of hypercholesterolemia. Measurement of collagen synthetic activity and tissue collagen levels demonstrated no increase over control tissues. These data therefore indicate that hypercholesterolemia is not a direct stimulus of tissue collagen synthetic activity.
Coherent-state representation for the QCD ground state.

We make use of the temporal gauge to construct a coherent state which is meant to describe the gluon condensate in the QCD vacuum under the assumption that the condensate is in a zero-momentum mode. The state so constructed is a color singlet and will yield finite, nonperturbative vacuum expectation values such as . (This matrix element is found to have a value of about 0.012 GeV/sup 4/ in QCD sum-rule studies.)
Reported respiratory symptom intensity in asthmatics during exposure to aerosolized Florida red tide toxins

Florida red tides are naturally occurring blooms of the marine dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. K. brevis produces natural toxins called brevetoxins. Brevetoxins become part of the marine aerosol as the fragile, unarmored cells are broken up by wave action. Inhalation of the aerosolized toxin results in upper and lower airway irritation. Symptoms of brevetoxin inhalation include: eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthmatics appear to be more sensitive to the effects of inhaled brevetoxin. This study examined data from 97 asthmatics exposed at the beach for 1 hour during K. brevis blooms, and on separate occasions when no bloom was present. In conjunction with extensive environmental monitoring, participants were evaluated utilizing questionnaires and pulmonary function testing before and after a 1-hour beach walk. A modified Likert scale was incorporated into the questionnaire to create respiratory symptom intensity scores for each individual pre- and post-beach walk. Exposure to Florida red tide significantly increased the reported intensity of respiratory symptoms; no significant changes were seen during an unexposed period. This is the first study to examine the intensity of reported respiratory symptoms in asthmatics after a 1-hour exposure to Florida red tide.
Career indecision in adult women: A comparative and descriptive study

Abstract This study compared 66 high-school women, 66 first-year college women, and 66 adult women on four measures of career indecision, the Satisfaction with Career Scale, the Occupational Alternatives Question, the Vocational Decision Making Difficulty Scale, and the Career Decision Scale. The results consistently suggested that the adult women were experiencing more career indecision than the high-school and college women. Intercorrelations among the scales were generally moderate to somewhat low and raised some questions about the use of the Career Decision Scale with adult women. Additional data were gathered on the adult women in an attempt to delineate the sample. Variables included were: marital status, present work experience, the career-related goals and the reasons for pursuing these goals, and possible impediments to reaching the goals. These results are presented and the implications for future research and counseling with adult women are examined.
Changes in community and population responses across a forest‐field gradient

The ground-layer vegetation of a forest-old field edge gradient was sampled lo determine the effects of the edge on spatial patterns of plant species and community attributes. Species showed individualistic responses to the forest edge, with peak abundance at different spatial positions rclalive to the edge. Principal components analysis rcstilted in three a\es which explained a total of 63.2'J^> of the variation within the data set. The first two PCA axes were related to distance to the forest edge. The third separated plots into those that were dominated by Solidago ccmadensis. and those that were dominated by Solidago juncca. All population- and community-level attributes varied along the edge gradient. Species richness, Shiinnon-Wiener diversity, and total percent cover increased from the forest to the edge, with slight declines 60 m from the edge in the field. Among-plot heterogeneity was higher at the edge than in either the forest or the field. Exotic species had peak abundance within 20 m of the edge inside the forest and are restricted to the edge. Mosi population- and community-level attributes showed edge responses on both sides of the edge. This emphasizes the need to study edges as gradients that include both disturbed and undisturbed habitats.
Tangible User Interfaces: Technology You Can Touch

To make computer and communications technology easier to work with, vendors are beginning to release products utilizing tangible user interfaces, in which users interact with physical objects that both represent and control digital information.
Enhancing β3‐Peptide Bundle Stability by Design

We reported recently that certain β(3) -peptides self-assemble in aqueous solution into discrete bundles of unique structure and defined stoichiometry. The first β-peptide bundle reported was the octameric Zwit-1F, whose fold is characterized by a well-packed, leucine-rich core and a salt-bridge-rich surface. Close inspection of the Zwit-1F structure revealed four nonideal interhelical salt-bridge interactions whose heavy atom-heavy atom distances were longer than found in natural proteins of known structure. Here we demonstrate that the thermodynamic stability of a β-peptide bundle can be enhanced by optimizing the length of these four interhelical salt bridges. Combined with previous work on the role of internal packing residues, these results provide another critical step in the "bottom-up" formation of β-peptide assemblies with defined sizes, reproducible structures, and sophisticated function.
Noise in a thin metallic medium: the connection with nonlinear behaviour

At high transition densities the noise in thin metallic films with longitudinal orientation shows an anomalous increase. At the same time, the medium becomes nonlinear, that is superposition of isolated pulses no longer applies. Measurements of both effects suggest that they are related. The anomalous increase in the noise is seen to be the consequence of the increase in nonlinearity as transition spacing is reduced. Nonlinear behavior is also responsible for the significant dependence of the noise on the recorded data pattern. >
Drosophila wingless: A paradigm for the function and mechanism of Wnt signaling

The link between oncogenesis and normal development is well illustrated by the study of the Wnt family of proteins. The first Wnt gene (int-1) was identified over a decade ago as a proto-oncogene, activated in response to proviral insertion of a mouse mammary tumor virus. Subsequently, the discovery that Drosophila wingless, a developmentally important gene, is homologous to int-1 supported the notion that int-1 may have a role in normal development. In the last few years it has been recognized that int-1 and Wingless belong to a large family of related glyco-proteins found in vertebrates and invertebrates. In recognition of this, members of this family have been renamed Wnts, an amalgam of int and Wingless. Investigation of Wnt genes in Xenopus and mouse indicates that Wnts have a role in cell proliferation, differentiation and body axis formation. Further analysis in Drosophila has revealed that Wingless function is required in several developmental processes in the embryo and imaginal discs. In addition, a genetic approach has identified some of the molecules required for the transmission and reception of the Wingless signal. We will review recent data which have contributed to our growing understanding of the function and mechanism of Drosophila Wingless signaling in cell fate determination, growth and specification of pattern.
Origin of the high photoconductive gain in AlGaN films

ABSTRACT In this paper we report the properties of photoconductive detectors fabricated on GaN and AlGaN films produced by plasma assisted MBE. The spectral dependence of such devices shows a sharp increase over many orders of magnitude at the gap of the semiconductor but it remains constant at shorter wavelengths consistent with absence of surface recombination. The mobili ty-lifetime product, which is the intrinsic figure of mer it of the photoconductive gain, decreases monotonically with the resistivity of GaN films. This result is attributed to the existence of exponential tails due to potential fluctuations arising from stacking faults, point defects and impurities. In the case of AlGaN alloys similar dependence of the mobility-lifetime product on film re sistivity has been observed. However, the mobility-lifetime product for films with AlN mole fraction close to 50% is abou t two orders of magnitude higher than that of GaN films with comparable resistivity. This result was accounted for by the longer lifetime of the photogenerated carriers due to the partial atomic ordering in these alloys. The band structure of the ordered and random domains form a type-II heterostructure and thus photogenerated electrons and holes in these detectors are physically separated, leading to an increase in recombination lifetime.
Thermodynamic separation efficiency and sedimentation criteria for multiphase processes: A comparison of rigorous and approximate models

Abstract Comparisons are made between three different models for calculating the entropy for separating a polydispersed system of particles from a fluid. These three entropy models provide the efficiency of a separation and the criteria for the separation. Previous models for either monodispersed or regular solution do not provide constrains for the models. The model for calculating the entropy for separating a solid-liquid system of polydispersed particles is rigorous. The rigorous entropy model is then compared to the regular solution and monodispersed models in calculating a separation efficiency and sedimentation criteria. The comparisons of the three models show only a negligible difference in the calculations for the efficiency of the separation and the sedimentation criteria. Hence, the simpler monodispersed model may be used for systems with distributions in particle size.
Skeletal dysplasia and lethality in mice lacking the mid-region, nuclear localization signal and C-terminus of parathyroid hormone-related protein

Introduction: Age-related bone loss is associated with high levels of adipogenesis within the bone marrow. Since osteoblasts and adipocytes share a common marrow stromal cell precursor, it is possible that with aging, there is a preferential “switch” in commitment of this precursor to the adipocyte over the osteoblast lineage. Previously, we have reported a potential anabolic effect of bisphosphonates through the stimulation of osteoblastogenesis and inhibition of adipogenesis in vitro (Alendronate has an anabolic effect on bone through the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Duque G, Rivas D. J Bone Miner Res. 2007, 22:1603–11). In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that the effect of bisphosphonates on marrow adipogenesis in vitro is also present in vivo. Methods: We analyzed transiliac bone biopsies from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of risedronate treatment 5 mg/day on vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Paired bone biopsies were obtained from a subset of patients at baseline and after treatment with placebo or risedronate for 3 years (placebo, n=18, risedronate, n=14). Biopsies were stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin/eosin. Adipocyte volume/tissue volume (AV/TV) adipocyte number (Ad#) and mean adipocyte size were quantified. Results: In the placebo group AV/TV and Ad# significantly increased (<15%). In contrast, there were significant decreases in these parameters (<28%) in the risedronate group (p<0.01). In addition, mean adipocyte size was significantly reduced (<25%) in the risedronate group (p<0.01) at 3 years. Conclusion: Risedronate reduces marrow adipogenesis in postmenopausal women, independently of its effect on bone mass. These findings are the first demonstration of an effect of bisphosphonates on marrow fat in humans in vivo. This effect may contribute to the beneficial effect of bisphosphonates on bone mass. (1) Alendronate has an anabolic effect on bone through the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Duque G, Rivas D. J Bone Miner Res. 2007, 22:1603–11.
On the strong coupling approximation in two-state molecular spectroscopy

Abstract Two different but complementary perturbation solutions to a two-state strong vibronic coupling model are presented.
Childhood onset and duration of obesity are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes in mid-adulthood

Commentary on: C Power, C Thomas. Changes in BMI, duration of overweight and obesity, and glucose metabolism: 45 years of follow-up of a birth cohort.Diabetes Care2011;34:1986–91.
HEMODYNAMIC AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF SKIN AND BLOOD-STREAM COOLING IN EXPERIMENTAL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH SHOCK.

Abstract The hemodynamic and metabolic effects of moderate hypothermia (28–30 °C.) induced by skin or blood cooling were studied in dogs with acute myocardial infarction and shock produced by plastic sphere coronary embolization. There was no increase in ventricular fibrillation, asystole or congestive heart failure in the hypothermic animals, whether cooled by skin or blood stream, as compared to animals with acute infarction remaining normothermic for similar periods. All cooled animals demonstrated, upon rewarming, more adequate return of cardiac output, aortic pressure and systemic vascular resistance than did animals remaining normothermic, although skin cooling was associated with metabolic acidosis, slower cooling and less decline in left ventricular work during hypothermia than blood-stream cooling. Chlorpromazine, which diminished shivering, resulted in postrewarming depression of cardiac output and aortic pressure. Skin cooling resulted in apparently favorable hemodynamic alterations in the postrewarming period despite shivering and maintenance of relatively high left ventricular work during hypothermia. It is suggested that benefit may be derived from hypothermia in acute myocardial infarction through physiologic mechanisms in addition to reduction of the oxygen requirement of the left ventricle.
A simple architecture for consistent application program design

This paper addresses the architectural design aspects of general business computer application programs written in high-level procedural programming languages. It puts forth design concepts for easily built, maintainable programs and describes a unique approach to program decomposition.
Fragile and Provocative: Notes on Secrecy and Intelligence

Abstract Students of international relations should seek to understand the ways in which power in international relations can be amplified by secrecy. Discussions of ‘decision advantage’ over rival states have explained information asymmetries and means for competitors to gain advantages by keeping secret their sources of information or the special insights they gain even from information that is widely available. The histories of war, diplomacy and intelligence illuminate such advantages, and also show various ways in which secrecy amplifies ‘action’ advantages as well as ‘information’ advantages. That amplification often seems to be accomplished by the same people and organizations, and this essay suggests the prime reason for this common institutional co-location of secret functions can be termed the ‘economy of secrecy’. The key to grasping this point is to set aside traditional and academic distinctions between knowledge and action, and information and implementation, when viewing the moves of sovere...
AnL1 smoothing spline algorithm with cross validation

We propose an algorithm for the computation ofL1 (LAD) smoothing splines in the spacesWM(D), with\([0, 1]^n \subseteq D\). We assume one is given data of the formyi=(f(ti) +ei, i=1,...,N with {itti}i=1N ⊂D, theei are errors withE(ei)=0, andf is assumed to be inWM. The LAD smoothing spline, for fixed smoothing parameterλ⩾0, is defined as the solution,sλ, of the optimization problem\(\min _{g \in W_M }\) (1/N)∑i=1N¦yi−g(ti¦+λJM(g), whereJM(g) is the seminorm consisting of the sum of the squaredL2 norms of theMth partial derivatives ofg. Such an LAD smoothing spline,sλ, would be expected to give robust smoothed estimates off in situations where theei are from a distribution with heavy tails. The solution to such a problem is a “thin plate spline” of known form. An algorithm for computingsλ is given which is based on considering a sequence of quadratic programming problems whose structure is guided by the optimality conditions for the above convex minimization problem, and which are solved readily, if a good initial point is available. The “data driven” selection of the smoothing parameter is achieved by minimizing aCV(λ) score of the form\((1/N)[\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^N {\left| {y_i - s_\lambda (t_i )} \right| + \sum\nolimits_{res_i = 0} 1 } ]\).The combined LAD-CV smoothing spline algorithm is a continuation scheme in λ↘0 taken on the above SQPs parametrized inλ, with the optimal smoothing parameter taken to be that value ofλ at which theCV(λ) score first begins to increase. The feasibility of constructing the LAD-CV smoothing spline is illustrated by an application to a problem in environment data interpretation.
Thermal Conductivity and Hot Magnetic Poles of Pulsars

IT is usually assumed that the solid crust of pulsars has a very high and isotropic electrical as well as thermal conductivity. This conclusion is based on the presence of relativistic conduction electrons (Fermi energy of the order of 10 MeV), uniformity of Z and a temperature which is 0.1–0.2 of the lattice Debye temperature. Some resistivity may be caused by “impurities”, that is, nuclei with Z different from that of the prevalent species and by lattice defects produced by plastic deformation of the crust1,2. In analogy with terrestrial metals one would not expect these two effects to increase the resistance by more than a factor of five or so. This rather simple description is very likely not valid nearer to the surface of pulsars where the temperature, the density ρ and the Debye temperature θD, drop off rapidly and the surface itself is non-degenerate3. One expects there also a steep gradient of Z and thus a high probability of “impurity” scattering. Without going into an analysis of these isotropic effects it is interesting to inquire into the presence of anisotropic electrical and thermal magnetoresistance caused by the very high magnetic fields apart from any influence they may have on the Compton radiative opacity4.