cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and expression of the bacteriophage T7 0.7(protein kinase) gene.

Abstract The bacteriophage T7 0.7 gene encodes a protein which supports viral reproduction under specific suboptimal growth conditions. The 0.7 protein (gp0.7) shuts off host RNA polymerase-catalyzed transcription and also expresses a serine/threonine-specific, cAMP-independent protein kinase (PK) activity. To determine the role of the gp0.7 PK in viral reproduction, the 0.7 gene of the T7(JS78) mutant phage—whose gp0.7 expresses only the PK activity—was cloned in the plasmid expression vector pET-11 a. Cells containing the recombinant plasmid were viable, and upon IPTG induction produced a 30-kDa polypeptide, similar in size to the gp0.7-related polypeptide seen in T7(JS78)-infected cells. Extracts of cells containing this polypeptide can phosphorylate the exogenous substrate lysozyme. Expression of plasmid-encoded gp0.7(JS78) in vivo results in phosphorylation of the same proteins which are phosphorylated in T7(1S78)-infected cells; moreover, the plasmid-encoded gp0.7(JS78) is itself phosphorylated. The JS78 mutation changes GIn243 in gp0.7 to an amber codon, which explains the production of the truncated, 30-kDa gp0.7-related polypeptide, and implicates the 11-kDa C-terminal domain in host transcription shut-off. The T7(A23) 0.7 point mutant fails to express PK activity in infected cells. However, the truncated gp0.7(A23)-related polypeptide, expressed from a plasmid, exhibits PK activity in vivo and in vitro, but with an altered specificity. Thus, the A23 mutation, which changes Aspl00 to Asn, may identify a substrate recognition determinant.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG DOMESTIC AND EUROCURRENCY DEPOSIT YIELDS: A FOCUS ON THE U.S. DOLLAR

The effectiveness of monetary and fiscal policy actions is partially dependent upon the degree of isolationism of the U.S. money markets. This paper extends the study of capital market integration by investigating the relationships between yields on various currency denominated deposits. The only identified impact of changes in U.S. dollar yields, at home or abroad, on other currency returns is through contemporaneous determination; no direct causality from U.S. to foreign yields is indicated. Several significant reverse causality relationships, however, are evident.
Infected descending aortic fistula.

Abstract Two patients, each with an infected descending thoracic aortic fistula, are described. The first patient had a postpneumonitic empyema. Thoracostomy tube drainage resulted in obliteration of the empyema cavity. Upon slight withdrawal of the tube, 49 days after its insertion, massive pulsating bleeding occurred through the sinus tract. The bleeding was controlled with manual pressure at the entry site of the chest tube, and the patient was operated upon immediately. A descending aortic defect, 3 cm long × 1.5 cm wide, at the site of the thoracostomy tube was primarily closed. Ten months after the surgical procedure, the patient has had no difficulty referable to her aortic erosion. In the second patient, 9 months after removal of the T-10 vertebra (which had a large cell tumor) and replacement of the vertebra with Dunn's metallic device, hemoptysis and left lower lobe consolidation developed. Aortography demonstrated a lobulated false aneurysm, 4 cm wide × 6 cm long, at the site of Dunn's device. A 16-mm graft was sutured end to side to the descending aorta just distal to the left subclavian artery and to the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries. The false aneurysm was then removed, the two ends of the aorta were sutured, and the stumps were covered with omental graft. Nine months after the repair the patient has had no difficulty referable to the aortic surgery.
Numerical integration and the constant strain condition

Abstract The finite element method is a very popular method for numerically solving boundary value problems. A sufficient condition for the convergence of this method is the so-called constant strain condition. In this paper we present a proof, using elementary linear algebra, that numerical integration does not affect the ability of an element to satisfy the constant strain condition.
Redistribution and constitutional political economy

Economists since Pareto have sought to demonstrate that governmental redistribution to assist the poor increases overall welfare in society. This paper addresses the general issue of redistribution but focuses on two recent efforts to justify redistribution in the context of constitutional political economy. It is argued below that income insurance and other proposed rationale for redistribution overlook or minimize information and incentive problems endemic in all governmental programs to assist the poor. Two reasons for opposing legislated redistribution are discussed—the first rooted in pragmatic considerations, the other based on principle. The conclusions are twofold: (1) purported justifications for redistributive policies are inconsistent with methodological individualism, and (2) it is problematic as to whether imposing such an obligation on the public-at-large even at the constitutional level will improve the welfare of the poor and the non-poor.
Highly efficient widely tunable subpicosecond double mode-locked laser

Abstract A high average power (≈150 mW) subpicosecond (0.5 ps) passively double mode-locked dye laser is described. Two synchronized cw pulse trains are generated which are independently tunable over broad wavelength ranges (≈600 A).
Heat transfer in refractory fiber insulations

Test results are presented for the thermal conductivity, over a broad range of temperatures and pressures, of two refractory blown fiber insulations. The data, which were obtained for several bulk densities of each material, are compared with predictions from a theoretical expression that accounts for radiation transmission as well as solid and gas conduction contributions to the effective conductivity. The simple model utilized provides a remarkably accurate prediction of insulation performance for the materials of interest and, therefore, represents a useful tool for design purposes, minimizing the amount of actual testing necessary to characterize candidate materials. Criteria are indicated by which it is possible to determine whether the model will be applicable to a given fiber insulation. This study was accomplished over a two and one-half year period, in support of the Space Shuttle thermal protection system design.
Abstract C234: Decreasing ovarian tumor stromal signaling via SFRP2 mitigates ovarian cancer progression.

The tumor microenvironment has been definitively shown to be a key player in tumor progression and metastasis in a variety of cancers, including ovarian cancer and provides a plethora of potentially significant therapeutic targets. As ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological disease due to a lack of reliable diagnostic testing and efficacious treatments, our objective was to determine how the ovarian cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are contributing to the propagation of ovarian cancer. Our lab has identified a distinct gene signature for the ovarian stromal component of high-grade late-stage (HGLS) serous ovarian cancer as compared to normal stroma, human ovarian surface epithelium, and ovarian tumor, and many of these genes are secreted proteins suggesting a paracrine role for the tumor microenvironment. Secreted frizzled related protein 2 (SFRP2), a protein integral to stemness and proliferation, is overexpressed in ovarian CAFs by over 10-fold. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining validated the overexpression of SFRP2 in ovarian CAFs and also showed a clinical correlation for stromal SFRP2 overexpression with poorer overall survival and chemoresistance in patients with HGLS serous ovarian cancer. Furthermore, increased SFRP2 expression correlated with significantly higher microvessel density suggesting an angiogenic effect. In vitro functional studies illustrated increased ovarian cancer cell proliferation in response to recombinant SFRP2 that was dose and time dependent. Ovarian cancer cells overexpressing SFRP2 (autocrine signaling) also illustrated increased cell proliferation. Additionally, ovarian cancer cell co-cultured with ovarian CAFs induced increased SFRP2 expression in the CAFs. Using an allogenic mouse model, we determined that silencing stromal SFRP2 using a SFRP2 knockout mouse significantly decreased ovarian cancer cell growth, suggesting that eliminating tumor stromal signaling cues may mitigate ovarian cancer progression. Together, these results illustrate a direct and specific signaling linkage between ovarian tumor cells and their associated microenvironment, specifically CAFs, suggesting that elimination of this signaling linkage may slow ovarian cancer progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C234.
Specific inhibition of antibody formation during immunological paralysis and unresponsiveness.

Specific Inhibition of Antibody Formation During Immunological Paralysis and Unresponsiveness
Characterization of a unique mucin-like glycoprotein secreted by a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line (Ishikawa).

A human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line (Ishikawa) has been shown to incorporate [3H]glucosamine and to secrete a radiolabeled high molecular weight compound which is excluded from a Sepharose CL-2B column. The excluded material was resistant to hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC, and heparinase. These findings rule out the possibility of this material being a proteoglycan. The susceptibility of this material to digestion with pronase, neuraminidase, and alkaline borohydride treatment strongly suggests that the excluded material is an O-glycosidic glycoprotein. The glycoprotein secreted by Ishikawa cells (ICGP) did not react immunologically with antibodies against either lactoferrin or fibronectin, but did react with an antibody made against tracheal mucin. Conversely, immunoblot analysis revealed that an antibody made against ICGP did not recognize hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, heparin, nasal turbinate mucin, bovine submaxillary gland mucin, lactoferrin, or fibronectin, but did recognize tracheal muc...
Apple juice inhibits human low density lipoprotein oxidation.

Dietary phenolic compounds, ubiquitous in vegetables and fruits and their juices possess antioxidant activity that may have beneficial effects on human health. The phenolic composition of six commercial apple juices, and of the peel (RP), flesh (RF) and whole fresh Red Delicious apples (RW), was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and total phenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. HPLC analysis identified and quantified several classes of phenolic compounds: cinnamates, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and flavonols. Phloridzin and hydroxy methyl furfural were also identified. The profile of phenolic compounds varied among the juices. The range of concentrations as a percentage of total phenolic concentration was: hydroxy methyl furfural, 4-30%; phloridzin, 22-36%; cinnamates, 25-36%; anthocyanins, n.d.; flavan-3-ols, 8-27%; flavonols, 2-10%. The phenolic profile of the Red Delicious apple extracts differed from those of the juices. The range of concentrations of phenolic classes in fresh apple extracts was: hydroxy methyl furfural, n.d.; phloridzin, 11-17%; cinnamates, 3-27%; anthocyanins, n.d.-42%; flavan-3-ols, 31-54%; flavonols, 1-10%. The ability of compounds in apple juices and extracts from fresh apple to protect LDL was assessed using an in vitro copper catalyzed human LDL oxidation system. The extent of LDL oxidation was determined as hexanal production using static headspace gas chromatography. The apple juices and extracts, tested at 5 microM gallic acid equivalents (GAE), all inhibited LDL oxidation. The inhibition by the juices ranged from 9 to 34%, and inhibition by RF, RW and RP was 21, 34 and 38%, respectively. Regression analyses revealed no significant correlation between antioxidant activity and either total phenolic concentration or any specific class of phenolics. Although the specific components in the apple juices and extracts that contributed to antioxidant activity have yet to be identified, this study found that both fresh apple and commercial apple juices inhibited copper-catalyzed LDL oxidation. The in vitro antioxidant activity of apples support the inclusion of this fruit and its juice in a healthy human diet.
Clinical pharmacokinetics of drugs used to treat urge incontinence.

Urge incontinence (also known as overactive bladder) is a common form of urinary incontinence, occurring alone or as a component of mixed urinary incontinence, frequently together with stress incontinence. Because of the pathophysiology of urge incontinence, anticholinergic/antispasmodic agents form the cornerstone of therapy. Unfortunately, the pharmacological activity of these agents is not limited to the urinary tract, leading to systemic adverse effects that often promote nonadherence. Although the pharmacokinetics of flavoxate, propantheline, scopolamine, imipramine/desipramine, trospium chloride and propiverine are also reviewed here, only for oxybutynin and tolterodine are there adequate efficacy/tolerability data to support their use in urge incontinence. Oxybutynin is poorly absorbed orally (2–11% for the immediate-release tablet formulation). Controlled-release oral formulations significantly prolong the time to peak plasma concentration and reduce the degree of fluctuation around the average concentration. Significant absorption occurs after intravesical (bladder) and transdermal administration, although concentrations of the active.N-desethyl metabolite are lower after transdermal compared with oral administration, possibly improving tolerability. Food has been found to significantly affect the absorption of one of the controlled-release formulations of oxybutynin, enhancing the rate of drug release. Oxybutynin is extensively metabolised, principally via N-demethylation mediated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A isozyme. The pharmacokinetics of tolterodine are dependent in large part on the pharmacogenomics of the CYP2D6 and 3A4 isozymes. In an unselected population, oral bioavailability of tolterodine ranges from 10% to 74% (mean 33%) whereas in CYP2D6 extensive metabolisers and poor metabolisers mean bioavailabilities are 26% and 91%, respectively. Tolterodine is metabolised via CYP2D6 to the active metabolite 5-hydroxymethyl-tolterodine and via CYP3A to N-dealkylated metabolites. Urinary excretion of parent compound plays a minor role in drug disposition. Drug effect is based upon the unbound concentration of the so-called ‘active moiety’ (sum of tolterodine + 5-hydroxymethyl-tolterodine). Terminal disposition half-lives of tolterodine and 5-hydroxymethyl-tolterodine (in CYP2D6 extensive metabolisers) are 2–3 and 3–4 hours, respectively. Coadministration of antacid essentially converts the extended-release formulation into an immediate-release formulation. Knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of these agents may improve the treatment of urge incontinence by allowing the identification of individuals at high risk for toxicity with ‘usual’ dosages. In addition, the use of alternative formulations (controlled-release oral, transdermal) may also facilitate adherence, not only by reducing the frequency of drug administration but also by enhancing tolerability by altering the proportions of parent compound and active metabolite in the blood.
Segregation of block copolymers to interfaces between immiscible homopolymers

La segregation de copolymeres bisequences styrene deuterie/2-vinyl pyridine a l'interface de melanges immiscibles polystyrene/poly (2-vinyl pyridine) est etudiee par FRES et comparee aux predictions d'une theorie a champ moyen dont le parametre essentiel est le potentiel chimique du copolymere
Migraine Headache in a Prepaid Health Plan: Ascertainment, Demographics, Physiological, and Behavioral Factors

Background: Migraine is a prevalent disorder whose relationship to other conditions remains poorly understood. Methods: Associations between migraine and physiological, behavioral, and demographic characteristics were sessed in a retrospective cohort study of 79 588 enrollees in a large prepaid health maintenance organization who underwent a multiphasic preventive health checkup in 1971–1973. Results: Migraine was found to be inversely associated with age and education and strongly associated with the female sex. The likelihood of migraine was significantly higher among blacks, smokers, those who drink more than six cups of coffee per day, those with Raynaud’s syndrome, and those with a family history of migraine. The magnitude of associations between migraine and other factors was, in general, reduced among those with a self-reported physician diagnosis migraine compared to those whose migraine status was defined on the basis of reported symptoms. Conclusions: Migraine prevalence was found to be higher in blacks and other unspecified minorities than in the white population. The magnitude of the associations between migraine and behavioral risk factors was strongly influenced by the method of migraine ascertainment. The inverse association with level of education suggests that social causation or drift may have been operating in this disease in the early 1970s, 15 to 20 years earlier than recent population-based studies would suggest. Further research is needed to fully appreciate the spectrum of disease and behaviors associated with migraine.
Detection of the HE4 protein in urine as a biomarker for ovarian neoplasms: Clinical correlates.

Abstract Objectives To measure HE4 levels in urine from normal donors, patients with LMP tumors and ovarian cancer patients and to correlate levels with clinical factors in ovarian cancer patients. Methods Archived samples from controls, patients with LMP tumors and ovarian cancer were tested using commercial assays, including serially collected serum and urine samples from women treated for stage III/IV serous ovarian cancer. Results Five of 6 patients with stage I/II and 26 of 36 stage III/IV serous ovarian cancer patients had HE4-positive urines, similar to serum samples (4 of 5 stage I/II and 26 of 34 stage III/IV) when tested at the same level of specificity (95%). Urine HE4 was more sensitive in LMP tumors: 9 of 32 urines (28%) HE4-positive versus 3 of 68 sera (4.4%, p=0.002). Mean levels of serum CA125 and HE4 decreased comparably in patients during initial treatment regardless of their primary platinum response, but mean urine HE4 levels decreased only 7% in primary platinum resistant patients while decreasing 68% in those who were sensitive. By 7months after diagnosis, urine HE4 levels were higher in primary platinum resistant patients compared to those who proved to be sensitive (p=0.051) and persisted 12months after diagnosis (p=0.014). HE4 values in urine also became positive in advance of clinical recurrence in several women while serum HE4 and serum CA-125 remained normal. Conclusions Measuring HE4 in urine complements serum assays for the detection of ovarian cancer and may allow identification of patients at high risk for primary platinum resistance.
Impact of foreign exchange on library materials budgets

Examines the impact of foreign currencies on the purchase of library materials, with particular reference to Brown University Library. Describes the importance of discovering the foreign exchange exposure, projecting costs, and keeping a record of changes. Covers ways of lessening the impact of foreign exchange on the library budget.
Hepatic copper metabolism in a mouse model for Menkes' kinky hair syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Menkes' kinky hair syndrome (KHS) is a lethal x-linked neurodegenerative disorder of copper metabolism, with low serum copper concentrations, tissuespecific copper sequestration, and decreased activities of cuproenzymes in a number of cell types. Although liver copper accumulation is abnormal in KHS, the actual defect in hepatic copper metabolism has not been elucidated. Our studies of liver copper metabolism were conducted in the mottled (blotchy) mouse, an animal model of KHS. After implantation of central venous and biliary catheters in both blotchy and control mice, we measured biliary copper excretion, hepatic copper uptake, and tissue copper contents over an 8-h period after i.v. bolus administration of radioactive62Cu. Under the experimental conditions used, bile flow and biliary bile acid excretion were held constant, and control and blotchy hepatic 64Cu concentrations were similar in the face of the expected differential in control and mutant kidney 64Cu contents. Biliary excretion of radiocopper was 24.7 ± 1.5% of injected 64Cu over 8 h in control animals, whereas heterozygotes excreted 6.5 ± 1.3% and a single hemizygote excreted less than 2%. The pattern of biliary copper excretion was different, with sharp increase and steady decline in control biliary 64Cu excretion but consistently low excretion in mutant mice. No differences were observed in control or mutant hepatic uptake of 64Cu. These data show a reduced biliary excretion of copper in the blotchy mouse, in the absence of a defect in hepatic copper uptake. We suggest that defective copper transport from hepatocyte to bile represents the hepatic expression of the mottled mutation and speculate that a similar defect occurs in human KHS. These conclusions are consistent with the hypothesis that the basic defect in mottled mutants and in KHS affects cellular copper transport or the intracellular delivery of copper to cellular transport systems.
On the mechanism of enzyme action. LXX. Urea denaturation of trypsin and acyltrypsins

Abstract Trypsin and its acetyl and succinyl derivatives were exposed to urea solutions of various concentrations. The resulting changes, as measured by activity and sedimentation studies, are due to denaturation, both reversible and irreversible, and to self-digestion. The effect of acylation on these processes is discussed and, in addition, the sequence of steps leading to the final inactive product considered. The action of urea is compared to that of heating the enzymes, and the similarities are indicated.
Evaluation of a combinatorial approach to prion inactivation using an oxidizing agent, SDS, and proteinase K

Prions demonstrate an unusual resistance to methods effective at inactivating conventional microorganisms. This has resulted in a very tangible and difficult infection control challenge to the medical and veterinary communities, as well as animal agriculture and related industries. Currently accepted practices of harsh chemical treatments such as prolonged exposure to sodium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite, or autoclaving are not suitable in many situations. Less caustic and more readily applicable treatments to contaminated environments are therefore desirable. We recently demonstrated that exposure of the RML scrapie agent to a commercial product containing sodium percarbonate (SPC-P) with or without sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) rendered PrPSc sensitive to proteinase K (PK), but did not eliminate infectivity. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a combinatorial approach to inactivating prions by exposing RML-positive brain homogenate to SPC-P and SDS followed by PK. Treated samples were evaluated for PrPSc-immunoreactivity by western blot, and residual infectivity by mouse bioassay. Treatment of infected brain homogenate with SPC-P and SDS followed by PK exposure resulted in a 4–5 log10 reduction in infectivity when bioassayed in tga20 mice. This study demonstrates that exposure of the RML scrapie agent to SPC-P and SDS followed by PK markedly reduces, but does not eliminate infectivity. The results of this study encourage further investigation into whether consecutive or concomitant exposure to sodium percarbonate, SDS, and a protease may serve as a viable and non-caustic option for prion inactivation.
Electrochemical and solid state NMR characterization of composite PEO-based polymer electrolytes

Abstract A comprehensive matrix of composite poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO)-based solid-state electrolytes was developed in order to systematically study a number of variables and their impact upon the electrochemical properties of the resulting materials. The different parameters studied in the fabrication of these materials include: (i) the lithium electrolyte salt type, (ii) the ether oxygen to lithium ratio, (iii) the molecular weight of PEO, (iv) the type of ceramic additive used, either aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon oxide (SiO2), or titanium oxide (TiO2), (v) the particle size of the additives used, and (vi) the concentration of additive (wt.%). The standard lithium salt used for the preparation of these electrolytes was lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (lithium triflate or LiSO3CF3), which served as the baseline electrolyte salt. Other lithium salts investigated include: lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) and lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide (LiN(SO2CF3)2). Conductivity measurements were performed for each electrolyte membrane over a wide temperature range (23–100 °C). In addition, cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed on selected PEO membranes as a function of temperature to determine the impact of various parameters upon the electrochemical stability. It was observed that the parameter that displayed the most significant effect upon the PEO-base polymer conductivity was the lithium salt type employed. The lithium triflate salt-containing PEO polymers demonstrated the best mechanical properties before and after heat treatment. Ceramic fillers also appear to enhance the mechanical properties of PEO polymer electrolytes at temperatures above the melting point of PEO (60–70 °C). In addition to investigating the electrochemical characteristics of the composite membrane, solid state 7Li NMR characterization was performed to study ionic mobility by measuring spectral line widths and lithium self-diffusion coefficients. It was determined that ceramic nanoparticle additives can enhance the Li+ diffusivity without a corresponding increase in polymer segmental mobility.
“Gardening” end-user programmers' ideas

Despite recent advances in supporting end-user programmers, empirical studies continue to report barriers that end users experience in problem solving with programming environments. I hypothesize that an important barrier that still needs to be overcome is the lack of support for nurturing end-user programmers' ideas about how a program should be written or about how to solve programming difficulties. To test this hypothesis, I conducted two qualitative empirical investigations, and triangulated their results with theories from problem-solving, creativity, and design, to explore design opportunities and a design space for idea gardening. Idea gardening is a concept for designing end-user programming environments with a focus on nurturing end-user programmers' ideas to help them gradually gain expertise as they overcome barriers.
The Pulmonary Hypertension of Sclerosing Agents is Prevented by Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors

Sodium morrhuate and sodium tetradecylsulfate are injected during endoscopic sclerotherapy to control variceal bleeding. When administered to sheep they cause transient pulmonary hypertension and increase protein poor lung lymph flow. To determine the etiology of these alterations, we studied three groups of sheep after establishing acute lung lymph fistulas, In Group 1, indomethacin or ibuprofen was infused. In Group 2, 2.5 cc of sodium morrhuate was injected alone (2A) or after indomethacin or ibuprofen pretreatment (2B.) In Group 3, 2.5 cc of sodium tetradecylsulfate was given intravenously either alone (3A) or after indomethacin or ibuprofen (3B). When sclerosing agents were given alone (Group 2A and 3A) pulmonary artery pressures increased three-fold at 30 seconds postinjection to 37 ± 4.4 and 39 ± 5.7 mmHg respectively with a slow return to baseline over two hours. Lymph flow increased significantly from 1.3 ± 1.5 to 2.7 ± 1.5 cc/30 minutes after sodium morrhuate and from 1.2 ± .62 to 2.7 ± 1.7 cc/30 mins at 30 minutes after sodium tetradecylsulfate and the lymph/plasma albumin ratio fell. Increased lymph flow persisted through 120 minutes. In those animals receiving a sclerosing agent after Indomethacin or ibuprofen (2B and 3B) there was no change in pulmonary artery pressure, lymph flow, lymph plasma albumin ratio, or lung wet weight to dry weight ratios. We conclude that the pulmonary hypertension and increased protein poor lymph flow are mediated by prostaglandins.
Renal hemodynamic effects of therapeutic plasma levels of sulindac sulfide during hemorrhage.

Renal hemodynamic effects of therapeutic plasma levels of sulindac sulfide during hemorrhage. There is continued debate over any renalsparing effects of sulindac (S): such a property would be of benefit and be unique among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). S undergoes a distinct metabolism whereby the active drug (sulindac sulfide (SS)) does not appear in the urine. Accordingly, we tested the effect of a plasma concentration of SS in the therapeutic range on renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal prostaglandin (PG) concentrations during sudden renal ischemic stress. The ischemic stress was produced by a 15 to 20% reduction in arterial pressure by arterial hemorrhage (H) in four separate groups of anesthetized dogs: control, SS (0.4 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by 0.03 mg/kg/min constant infusion), indomethacin (I, 10 mg/kg), and benoxaprofen (B, 75 mg/kg). A plasma concentration of 3.69 µg/ml of SS was achieved by the infusion, and no SS appeared in the urine. H reduced GFR (by 46%) and RBF (by 38%) in control dogs; in SS-treated dogs, a 60% decline in GFR and a 73% decrease in RGF occurred. These decreases in renal hemodynamics in the SS group during H were significantly greater than in the control group. Further, these decrements in GFR and RBF were similar to those observed in the I- and B-treated dogs. Finally, SS reduced baseline arterial and renal PG concentrations, and prevented any increase in renal PG release during H. Thus, we conclude that a concentration of SS in the therapeutic range, which does not appear in the urine, is capable of enhancing the decline in GFR and RBF during a sudden ischemic stress such as H.
Peak B endorphin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid: reduced in chronic pain patients and increased during the placebo response

The level of an endogenous opioid (peak B endorphin) was measured in chromatographically fractionated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampled from two groups of chronic pain patients before and after intrathecal saline (placebo) injection. As assessed by a verbal rating scale, one group reported no change in their level of pain (non-responders, NR;n=6) while the other group reported complete or >50% pain relief (placebo responders, PR;n=14). We find, as has been reported previously, that initial peak B levels were lower (by 50%) in these chronic pain patients' CSF than in CSF from pain-free (PF) normal controls (P 0.4, pairedt-test). In contrast, a significant 2.3-fold increase was measured in the CSF peak B level of the PR group (P<0.05, pairedt-test). This is the first direct evidence that a CSF opioid is correlated with placebo pain relief in chronic pain patients. Peak B is a potent analgesic substance when administered by the intracerebroventricular route in mice and its level is related to the patients' pain status in a presumably causal manner.
Intelligent packaging and material handling

The problem of palletizing (stacking on a pallet) randomly arriving mixed size and content parcels is an important task in most distribution warehouses. Today this task requires human interaction for a solution however recently several attempts have been made to automate the solution. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the problem an expert system approach and an estimate of the key subproblems which have been identified which are necessary for a solution. The concepts of space filling and emptying as encountered in warehousing are briefly described. Also brief descriptions of two generations of a robotic system for mixed parcel palletizing are presented. The results with these test systems indicate that automatic parcel handling at speeds comparable to humans is feasible however further work is required to obtain a robust solution.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract 4539: Androgen receptor N-term death domains induce apoptosis through a bax-mediated mitochondrial pathway

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL While the DNA- and ligand-binding domains of the androgen receptor (AR) have been extensively studied to elucidate AR transcriptional mechanisms in androgen-independent prostate cancer, the role of the N-terminal is poorly understood. Previously, we showed that AR is required for stress-induced cell death in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, and that cell death does not require AR transcriptional activity. Here we show that N-term AR is sufficient to induced cell death in androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 cells without death stimulus. The minimal death domain is located in the first 85 amino acids of AR, rich in polyQ. The pro-death activities of full length AR and its N-term truncated proteins act through the Bax-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Electronic microscope imaging revealed mitochondrial swelling in PC3 cells transfected with death-inducing AR truncated constructs, but not with constructs that failed to induce cell death. Cell death induced by AR N-term truncated constructs can be effectively blocked by caspase 3, but not caspase 1 inhibitor. Finally, transfection of AR death-active N-term truncations caused significant cell death in Bax wild-type but not Bax-/- MEFs. Taken together, these results indicate that pro-death AR N-term fragments generated by stress-induced proteolysis cause cell death through a Bax-dependent mechanism involving the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4539. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4539
Submicron contact lithography for etching and lift-off applications using an i-line negative-tone photoresist with controllable slope

We have used an i-line negative tone photoresist to define submicron masking features with contact lithography for applications in plasma etching, wet chemical processing, and liftoff. The resist used for our study is the Futurrex NR8 series. It is based on a polyhydroxystyrene resin structure rather than the polyisoprene matrix resin found in most conventional negative resists, and it uses an aqueous alkaline solution instead of an organic solvent for development. We have found this resist to be very thermally stable at relatively high temperatures, and is compatible with various plasma and wet chemical processes. Moreover, through proper selection of lithography parameters, the resist profile can be tailored to accurately obtain positive, vertical or negatively sloped sidewalls for specific applications. We have established liftoff processes of numerous kinds of evaporated and sputtered metals and oxides using the unique profile- controlling property of this resist. We present SEM images and data from a study of the effects of lithography parameters on resist profiles. Also included is the fabrication sequence of a submicron single layer self-aligned liftoff process using the NR8 resist. These results suggest potential applications in a wide variety of processes.
Comorbidity of social anxiety disorder and antisocial personality disorder in the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are not often thought of as being comorbid. However, recent research suggests the existence of a SAD subtype with characteristics atypical of SAD but common to ASPD. Thus, we explored two competing hypotheses: (1) SAD and ASPD represent opposite ends of a single dimension, or (2) SAD and ASPD exist on two separate dimensions that may be positively correlated. Data were obtained from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. SAD-ASPD was related to greater impairment and psychiatric comorbidity than either disorder alone. The SAD-ASPD group was also more likely to seek treatment for their SAD symptoms and to drink before/during antisocial acts than the SAD only group. The presence of SAD for individuals with ASPD (and vice versa) does not appear to provide any "protective benefits." SAD and ASPD appear to be two separate but correlated disorders.
Spin susceptibility in the La2-xSrxCuO4 system from underdoped to overdoped regimes

$^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$ NMR Knight shifts were measured on ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ for x=0.10, 0.16, and 0.20 in the normal and superconducting states. These results, combined with magnetic susceptibility measurements, allow the separation of the carrier spin and orbital contributons to the susceptibility. At temperatures just above the superconducting transition, the conduction electron spin susceptibility increases dramatially with strontium doping. The analysis of the Knight shift at low temperature suggests that the spin susceptibility is zero and the superconducting state is a spin singlet.
Asthma Medication Use in School-Aged Children

Using data from the1996, 1998, and 2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this study assessed controller medication use in a national representative sample of school-aged children with persistent asthma. Children 5 to 17 years of age with persistent asthma were identified in accordance with the Health Employer Data and Information Set specifications. Nonuse of controllers and excess use of relievers were common. In addition, controller medications were significantly less likely to be purchased for younger children, black and Hispanic children, and white children whose mothers had at least a college education. Efforts to improve childhood asthma management are needed, especially for those children.
Drought modeling and products of random variables with exponential kernel

The distribution of products of random variables arises explicitly in many environmental problems. This has increased the need to have available the widest possible range of statistical results on products of random variables. In this paper, we study the exact distribution of P=XY when X is an exponential random variable and Y comes from one of exponential, gamma, Weibull, Pareto or log-normal families. An application of the results is provided to drought data from Nebraska.
Nucleotide sequence of Dictyostelium discoideum 5.8S ribosomal ribonucleic acid: evolutionary and secondary structural implications

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the Dictyostelium discoideum 5.8S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The sequence has relatively low homology with other 5.8S rRNAs and is further distinguished by its lack of modified nucleotides. The homology data indicate that D. discoideum diverged from the mainstream of eukaryotic descent at the earliest branch yet characterized by molecular phylogeny. Taking advantage of the considerable divergence of the D. discoideum 5.8S rRNA sequence from those of other eukaryotes, we have concluded that there is very little phylogenetically conserved, intramolecular secondary structure. This conclusion is discussed in the light of the variety of evidence for a highly ordered structure of 5.8S rRNA in vitro. We also offer comparative evidence in support of a specific model for the base pairing between the 3' end of 5.8S rRNA and the 5' end of eukaryotic 28S rRNA.
Endogenous lipolytic activities during autolysis of highly enriched hepatic lysosomes.

Highly enriched (50- to 70-fold) fractions of “native” lysosomes were isolated using continuous flow electrophoresis from livers of rats which had not been pretreated with Triton WR-1339. Incubation of lysosomes for 30 min at pH 5.0 in the presence of 5 mM EDTA resulted in a dramatic loss in the content of fatty acids bound to triacylglycerols (137 down to 10 μmol/mg protein) and to phospholipids and an elevation in the level of unesterified fatty acid. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin concentrations decreased whereas those of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (0.8 up to 8.5% of total lipid-P) and lysophosphatidylcholine (1.9 up to 16.7%) rose in a manner parallel to their respective, fully acylated lipids. Other phospholipids, including phosphatidylinositol, did not change in concentration during incubation. These results indicate that lysosomal phospholipase A, sphingomyelin and triacylglycerol lipase are activated by incubation at acid pH, enabling them to hydrolyze endogenous lysosomal lipids. However, lysosomal phosphatidylinositol-directed phospholipase C is apparently unable to interact with phosphatidylinositol of the lysosomal membrane.
Joint ergodicity of actions of an abelian group

Let $G$ be a countable abelian group and let ${T}^{(1)} , {T}^{(2)} , \ldots , {T}^{(s)} $ be measure preserving $G$ -actions on a probability space. We prove that joint ergodicity of ${T}^{(1)} , {T}^{(2)} , \ldots , {T}^{(s)} $ implies total joint ergodicity if each ${T}^{(i)} $ is totally ergodic. We also show that if $G= { \mathbb{Z} }^{d} $ , $s\geq d+ 1$ and the actions ${T}^{(1)} , {T}^{(2)} , \ldots , {T}^{(s)} $ commute, then total joint ergodicity of ${T}^{(1)} , {T}^{(2)} , \ldots , {T}^{(s)} $ follows from joint ergodicity. This can be seen as a generalization of Berend’s result for commuting $ \mathbb{Z} $ -actions.
The global positioning system: policy issues for an information technology

Abstract This article, based on the executive summary of a RAND Corporation study, analyses the policy issues facing the USA in the use of its Global Positioning System (GPS), in terms of both national security and commercial applications. Foreign policy issues, including how to react to the emergence of non-US (Russian, European and Inmarsat-sponsored) alternatives to the GPS are also examined. The article concludes with a series of recommendations for policy makers. Reprinted by permission.
Estradiol potentiates 8-OH-DPAT-induced sumoylation of 5-HT1A receptor: Characterization and subcellular distribution of sumoylated 5-HT1A receptors

Summary Sumoylation is a recently described post-translational modification and only a few sumoylated neurotransmitter receptors are known. Through the present studies, we discovered that serotonin1A receptors (5-HT 1A -Rs) can be sumoylated by SUMO1 (small-ubiquitin-related modifier 1) protein. The SUMO1-5-HT 1A -R is ∼55 kDa, is located in the membrane fraction, but not the cytosol, and is distributed in all of the brain regions expressing 5-HT 1A -Rs examined. Acute stimulation of 5-HT 1A -Rs significantly increased SUMO1-5-HT 1A -R in rat hypothalamus. Pre-treatment with estradiol for 2 days, which causes a partial desensitization of 5-HT 1A -R signaling, potentiated agonist-induced increases in SUMO1-5-HT 1A -Rs in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized rats. Using discontinuous gradient centrifugation followed by digitonin treatment, we found that the majority of SUMO1-5-HT 1A -Rs is co-localized with endoplasmic-reticulum and trans-Golgi-network markers. Although a small proportion of SUMO1-5-HT 1A -Rs are located in the detergent resistant microdomain (DRM) that contain active G-protein coupled receptors, their distribution was different from that of the Gαz protein that couples to the receptors. These data suggest that the SUMO1-5-HT 1A -Rs are an inactive form of 5-HT 1A -Rs, a finding further supported by results showing minimal 5-HT 1A -R agonist binding to SUMO1-5-HT 1A -Rs. Furthermore, SUMO1-5-HT 1A -Rs in the DRM were increased by treatment with a 5-HT 1A -R agonist, 8-OH-DPAT ((+)8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin). Together, these data suggest that sumoylation of 5-HT 1A -Rs may be related to 5-HT 1A -R trafficking and internalization, which may contribute to 5-HT 1A -R desensitization. Since 5-HT 1A -Rs play an important role in mood regulation, the present results significantly impact on the understanding of the pathogenesis of affective disorders and development of better therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
Tissue cultures of pulpal elements.

Abstract Odontoblasts in living cultures can be examined at rest, in an active phase, and transitionally between these states. With phase microscopy, granular origins and movements and other cellular activities can be observed, photographed, and analyzed. Tissue-culture experiments indicate that the odontoblasts have many more potentialities and the capacity to perform more functions than we now realize.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Initial Introduction of Maize into Coastal Ecuador

Multiple lines of evidence are presented to address questions surrounding the origins, antiquity, and role of maize in coastal Ecuador and western South America. A new methodology for tracing the use of maize using opal phytolith assemblages from food residues in utilized ceramics is introduced, and compared and contrasted to previous palaeoethnobotanical techniques. A total of ten carbon residue samples from the interior surfaces of excavated pottery from the Valdivia site of La Emerenciana, were examined for the presence of maize opal phytoliths. The carbon residue samples were derived from archaeological features consisting primarily of architectural remains, ritual offerings, and funerary deposits excavated from an earthen platform mound. Laboratory results indicate that three of the ten samples analysed contain phytolith assemblages representative of maize cob chaff. All of the samples are derived from a stratigraphic layer radiocarbon and AMS dated to between c. 2400 and 1650 bc. Measurements of radiocarbon assays and AMS dates from residue samples are calibrated and then evaluated to provide a more accurate relative chronology for the introduction of maize at La Emerenciana. Results from these various lines of evidence all support an introduction of maize into coastal Ecuador at approximately 2200–1900 cal bc The implications of these data are briefly reviewed with regard to previous research on the importance and role of maize to pre-Hispanic socio-cultural development. Our conclusions indicate that contrary to previous assumptions, maize was initially a secondary plant in the Valdivia subsistence economy and maintained a cultural, as well as economic significance to Andean socio-cultural development.
Pathway-based biomarker search by high-throughput proteomics profiling of secretomes.

An efficient means for the identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers is essential in today’s cancer management. A new approach toward biomarker discovery has therefore been proposed, where pathways instead of individual proteins would be monitored and targeted. Recently, the ‘secretome’, a biological fluid that may be enriched with secreted and/or shed proteins from adjacent disease-relevant cancer cells, has been targeted for biomarker discovery. We describe a novel method for secretome analysis using “stacking gels”, label-free relative quantitation, and pathway analysis. The protocol presented here increases the throughput of secretome analysis by approximately 1 order of magnitude compared to earlier methodologies. In the first application, six cancer cell lines from three different tissues were studied. The global secretome data sets obtained were analyzed using pathway analysis software to attempt integrating the experimental findings into a cellular signaling context. This suggested th...