cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Submicron polymeric particles accelerate insulin fibrillation by surface adsorption.

Insulin fibrillation is caused by the interaction of partially unfolded protein molecules resulting in the formation of insoluble aggregates. Engineered nano- and submicron particles have been reported to accelerate or inhibit the fibrillation of insulin. However, the mechanism by which engineered particles regulate insulin fibrillation kinetics is not fully understood. In the current study, insulin fibrillation in the presence of surface engineered, amine- or sulfate-modified polystyrene particles (200 nm) was investigated. Both particles were found to enhance the rate of protein fibrillation at high particle concentrations (1:1 mass ratio of proteins to particles) as evidenced by increased fluorescence of thioflavin T. A significant amount of proteins was found to adsorb on the surface of both particles, suggesting that the particles served as a nucleation site for fibrillation. Insulin fibrillation was associated with a change in the protein’s secondary structure from α-helix to β-sheet. This change of structure was not significantly affected by the presence of particles. Monte Carlo simulations of protein fibrillation in the presence of different surfaces confirmed experimental results and demonstrated that protein fibrillation is enhanced as the affinity of protein molecules toward the surface increases. Along with increasing the local concentration of proteins, the presence of a surface stabilizes unfolded intermediates, which are precursors to fibrillation. These results provide insight into the mechanisms by which engineered particles promote protein fibrillation and can be important in the context of nanotoxicity.Insulin fibrillation is caused by the interaction of partially unfolded protein molecules resulting in the formation of insoluble aggregates. Engineered nano- and submicron particles have been reported to accelerate or inhibit the fibrillation of insulin. However, the mechanism by which engineered particles regulate insulin fibrillation kinetics is not fully understood. In the current study, insulin fibrillation in the presence of surface engineered, amine- or sulfate-modified polystyrene particles (200 nm) was investigated. Both particles were found to enhance the rate of protein fibrillation at high particle concentrations (1:1 mass ratio of proteins to particles) as evidenced by increased fluorescence of thioflavin T. A significant amount of proteins was found to adsorb on the surface of both particles, suggesting that the particles served as a nucleation site for fibrillation. Insulin fibrillation was associated with a change in the protein’s secondary structure from α-helix to β-sheet. This change of...
Toward a New Conceptualization of Photovoice: Blending the Photographic as Method and Self-Reflection

AbstractOne finding and concomitant new conceptualization of the photovoice methodology derived from a research study conducted with community college students are put forward in this paper. One of the aims of the photovoice methodology is to develop a more critical consciousness within participants. I, however, did not note an increase of critical consciousness among the participants of this study. The new conceptualization of the photovoice methodology described in this paper suggests that the methodology be bifurcated: one branch focused on critical consciousness building among participants and one branch focused on reflective consciousness building.
Ontogenetic changes in the buoyancy and salinity tolerance of eggs and larvae of polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and other gadids

Climate change in Arctic and sub-Arctic seas is leading to rapid changes in the dispersal potential of marine organisms. In Alaskan waters, loss of sea ice and salinity changes associated with warming may have a strong effect on the distribution and survival of eggs and larvae of key fish species at the Pacific–Arctic interface, such as polar cod (Boreogadus saida) in the Chukchi Sea and walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the northern Bering Sea. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate how changes in ontogeny and salinity influenced the buoyancy and survival of eggs and larvae of these and two other gadids (Pacific cod, Gadus macrocephalus and saffron cod, Eleginus gracilis). Polar cod egg density varied among family groups, but eggs were more buoyant than those of walleye pollock overall. Eggs of both species followed a typical pattern of increasing density early in development. After hatching, polar cod and walleye pollock larvae were similar in density, and were notably more buoyant than the larvae of species with demersal eggs (Pacific cod and saffron cod). Larvae of the two Arctic species (polar cod and saffron cod) were less sensitive to salinity challenges than the sub-Arctic gadids, but polar cod became more sensitive at 6 weeks post-hatch. These results highlight possible adaptations of polar cod to ensure that their eggs are positioned under or near ice after spawning so that larvae hatch in productive surface waters during ice break-up. A comparison of modeled seawater densities to egg densities during the post-spawning period suggests that walleye pollock eggs would only be in contact with seasonal sea ice on the northern edge of their distribution at latitudes above ~ 63 °N. The synergic effects of environmental variables on vertical distribution of eggs and their survival potential will be important biogeographic mechanisms to consider with climatic warming and continued loss of sea ice.
A Randomized Comparison of Two Psychosocial Interventions on Family Functioning in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

Impairments in family functioning are associated with more severe depressive and manic symptoms, earlier recurrences, and more suicidal behaviors in early-onset bipolar disorder. This study examined whether family-focused treatment for adolescents (FFT-A) with BD I or II disorder led to greater increases in family cohesion and adaptability and decreases in conflict over 2 years compared to a briefer psychoeducational treatment (enhanced care, EC). Participants were 144 adolescents (mean age: 15.6 ± 1.4 years) with BD I or II with a mood episode in the previous 3 months. Adolescents and parents were randomized to either FFT-A (21 sessions) or EC (three sessions). Patients received guideline-based pharmacotherapy throughout the 2-year study. Trajectories of adolescent- and parent-rated family cohesion, adaptability, and conflict were analyzed over 2 years. FFT-A had greater effects on adolescent-rated family cohesion compared to EC over 2 years. Participants in FFT-A and EC reported similar improvements in family conflict across the 2 years. In the FFT-A group, low-conflict families had greater adolescent-rated family cohesion throughout the study compared to high-conflict families. High-conflict families in both treatment groups tended to show larger reductions in conflict over 2 years than low-conflict families. Family psychoeducation and skills training may improve family cohesion in the early stages of BD. Measuring levels of family conflict at the start of treatment may inform treatment responsiveness among those receiving FFT-A.
Timed and Hybrid Models

In this chapter we concentrate on timed models of DES. We also explore what happens when a system combines time-driven dynamics with event-driven dynamics giving rise to what are referred to as hybrid systems, which were introduced at the end of Chapter 1. The simplest instance of time-driven dynamics is the case of adjoining one or more clocks to the untimed DES model, resulting in a timed model. In the case of timed DES models, the sample paths are no longer specified as event sequences \(\{e_{1},e_{2},\ldots \}\) or state sequences \(\{x_{0},x_{1},\ldots \}\), but they must include some form of timing information.
Features of mechanics of quasi-brittle crack propagation in concrete

Physical observations of crack propagation in concrete are discussed in the present paper. Based on these physical observations, different models proposed for mode I fracture of concrete are examined. In the past, verification of validity of fracture models has always been difficult. It is proposed that notch sensitivity and size effect be used as criteria to evaluate the validity of fracture models. In addition, a successful model should also satisfy a ‘portability’ condition, namely the model should be applicable to structures of an arbitrary geometry. Discussion on the effects of different loading conditions, i.e. mixed-mode loading conditions and different loading rates, on the fracture process in concrete is also presented.
Membrane Association of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid Growing-Point Region in Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Newly replicated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in Mycoplasma gallisepticum A5969 is membrane associated. Cells pulse-labeled 1 to 3 min with (3)H-thymidine are lysed by a freeze-thaw procedure. After brief sonic treatment to shear the DNA, differential centrifugation gives a cell fraction (P2) that is enriched sevenfold for pulse-labeled DNA. P2 contains 80% of the total adenosine triphosphatase activity, 65% of the total cholesterol, and morphologically intact terminal bleb structures. Three to four minutes are needed to fully label the DNA growing-point region, whereas 7 to 8 min are required to "chase" 50% of the (3)H-labeled DNA. This pulse-chase removes 80 to 85% of the nascent DNA from the P2 fraction.
Lentiviral Transduction and Clonal Selection of hESCs with Endothelial‐Specific Transgenic Reporters

Generation of vascular endothelial cells (EC) from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) is a vital component of cell-based strategies for treatment of cardiovascular disease. Before hESC-derived ECs can be administered in therapeutic modalities, however, chemically defined culture conditions must be developed that reproducibly and robustly induce vascular differentiation. One approach to screening for culture conditions that support differentiation of hESCs to any cell type is their genetic modification with exogenous DNA sequence comprising a tissue-specific gene promoter driving reporters such as fluorescent protein or antibiotic drug resistance. The protocols herein provide instructions for the generation of clonal hESC lines containing a reporter transgene that is specifically expressed in vascular endothelial derivatives. Additionally, they demonstrate the methodology employed to assess vascular differentiation from clonal lines. Together, these protocols provide a solid foundation for study of vascular differentiation, and may also be applied, in principle, to studies of other specialized cell types derived from hESCs.
Quantized predictive coding

A new form of predictive quantization, dubbed quantized predictive coding (QPC), is presented. One version uses variable-length coding and another uses fixed-length coding. For autoregressive sources, it is shown both analytically and experimentally that the performance of QPC with (without) entropy-coding is, essentially, the same as that of DPCM (differential pulse code modulation) with uniform quantization with (without) entropy-coding. The principal advantage of QPC is that, unlike DPCM, it is a priori designed for digital implementation. As a result, its digital implementation is simpler than DPCM and suffers no loss in performance due to round-off errors. >
Effects of epigallocatechin gallate, vitamin C and vitamin E on the formation of 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine derived from lipid peroxidation

3134 α, β-Unsaturated aldehydes (enals) released from oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can modify deoxyguanosine (dG) forming 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine adducts. The 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine adducts of acrolein (Acr), crotonaldehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal have been detected in tissues of rodents and humans as background DNA lesions. In this study, we examined the effects of antioxidants known to inhibit the fatty acid oxidation and/or scavenge electrophilic aldehydes on the formation of Acr-derived 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine (Acr-dG) from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) under oxidative conditions as a major source of Acr. To compare with Acr-dG, we also measured 8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) as a marker of oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species. The antioxidants included in this study are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), vitamin E and vitamin C. Acr-dG and 8-oxodG were generated by incubating DHA (5 mM) with 25 µM FeSO4 inthe presence of 15 mM dG (37oC, 16h). The levels of the modified dG were quantified by reverse phase HPLC with UV detection. Addition of EGCG (12.5-250 µM) to the incubation mixture resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease of Acr-dG and 8-oxodG. Interestingly, vitamin C at low concentrations (10 to 100 µM) did not affect the formation of Acr-dG, but at higher concentrations (250 to 800 µM) it caused a significant increase of Acr-dG. However, vitamin C had no significant effect on the 8-oxodG formation. Vitamin E at 12.5 and 25 µM decreased Acr-dG yields by 49 and 42%, while at 400 µM and 800 µM it increased Acr-dG formation by 52 and 136%, respectively. Incubation with 12.5 µM vitamin E led to a 34% decrease in 8-oxodG. However, higher concentrations of vitamin E (25-800 µM) did not further decrease 8-oxodG. To determine whether the inhibitory effect of EGCG on Acr-dG derived from DHA is solely due to its antioxidant property or its scavenging effect is also involved, we incubated 0.5 mM Acr and 0.5 mM dG with various concentrations of EGCG (10-500 µM). The results showed that EGCG effectively decreased the Acr-dG formation in a concentration-dependent manner. This suggests that the inhibitory effect of EGCG toward Acr-dG formation in the presence of DHA is likely in part due to its effect as scavenger of Acr. In a similar study, vitamin C also showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of Acr-dG formation by its scavenging effect. The differential effects of vitamin C (scavenging vs. antioxidant) is intriguing; it may indicate that species other than Acr from DHA or a different mechanism may be involved in the formation of Acr-dG. This study shows that EGCG is both a potent antioxidant and an effective enal-scavenger and that vitamins C and E can exhibit both antioxidant and prooxidant effects depending on the concentrations used. (Supported by NIH grant CA 043159).
LIGHT-INDUCED RAPID ABSORPTION CHANGES DURING PHOTOSYNTHESIS. 3. OCHROMONAS DANICA.

Abstract Rapid absorption changes can be induced by short light flashes in Ochromonas danica . The absorption change rises in 10 −4 sec or less and has a half life of 35–40 msec. The complex difference spectrum has positive peaks at 443, 475, 505 and 580 mμ and negative peaks at 490 and 535 mμ. The absorption change is very sensitive to physical treatments. Heating to 40° for 2 min or sonicating at 10 kcycles for 1 sec completely eliminates the signal. The absorption change remains unaffected by resuspending the organism in a “starvation” medium or by making the medium anaerobic. The presence of several oxidants or reductants, KCN, and iodoacetamide has no noticeable effects on the absorption changes. 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-Dimethylurea at 10 −7 and 10 −6 M reduces the magnitude of the absorption change by 50 and 75%, respectively. A residual activity (about 20%) persists up to 0.5 mM 3-(3,4-dichlorophenol)-1,1-dimethylurea. 2,4-Dinitrophenol reduces the absorption change and accelerates the decay, whereas carbonyl cyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone only lengthens the decay. H 2 O 2 both reduces the magnitude of the absorption change and lenghtens the decay.
Nitration of a Nitrophenyl-binding γM Macroglobulin

Abstract The Fab'µ fragments of the nitrophenyl-binding human Waldenstrom macroglobulin, γMwag, were nitrated with tetranitromethane. At low levels of nitration there was stoichiometric inactivation of the combining sites. Inactivation was substantially reduced when site-saturating concentrations of a ligand were present during the nitration. The nitrotyrosine (or nitrotyrosines) formed during the inactivation had distinctive spectral properties, suggesting that they are located in a hydrophobic milieu. We propose that this may explain the unusual susceptibility of certain tyrosines to modification by tetranitromethane. The critical tyrosine (or tyrosines) appear to be predominantly on the Fd' fragment.
An Argument for a Hybrid HTN/Operator-Based Approach to Planning

Work on generative planning systems has focused on two diverse approaches to plan construction. Hierarchical task network (HTN) planners build plans by successively refining high-level goals into lower-level activities. Operator-based planners employ means-end analysis to formulate plans consisting of low-level activities. While many have argued the universal dominance of a single approach, we present an alternative view: that in different situations either may be most appropriate. To support this view, we describe a number of advantages and disadvantages of these approaches in light of our experiences in developing two real-world, fielded planning systems.
Spectroscopy with neoclassical light

Squeezed and other nondassical fields can be employed for enhanced spectroscopic sensitivity surpassing the standard quantum limit.1 However, beyond improvements in quantitative analysis where the nondassical field acts only as a passive probe are a wealth of possibilities associated with the active alteration of fundamental atomic radiative processes.2 In this regard, we are currently pursuing two experiments which make use of our frequency tunable source of squeezed light. The first studies two- photon excitation by correlated photon pairs,3 while the second investigates line- width alterations in cavity QED with squeezed light.4
Ocean color: Availability of the global data set

The use of satellite observations of ocean color to provide reliable estimates of marine phytoplankton biomass on synoptic scales is examined. An overview is given of the Coastal Zone Color Scanner data processing system. The archiving and distribution of ocean color data are discussed, and NASA-sponsored archive sites are listed.
Out with the old and in with the new: rapid specimen preparation procedures for electron microscopy of sectioned biological material

This article presents the best current practices for preparation of biological samples for examination as thin sections in an electron microscope. The historical development of fixation, dehydration, and embedding procedures for biological materials are reviewed for both conventional and low temperature methods. Conventional procedures for processing cells and tissues are usually done over days and often produce distortions, extractions, and other artifacts that are not acceptable for today’s structural biology standards. High-pressure freezing and freeze substitution can minimize some of these artifacts. New methods that reduce the times for freeze substitution and resin embedding to a few hours are discussed as well as a new rapid room temperature method for preparing cells for on-section immunolabeling without the use of aldehyde fixatives.
The single basis filter diagonalization method: A rapid multidimensional data processing scheme

A new way to apply the filter diagonalization method (FDM) that results in a large increase in the speed of calculation of multidimensional NMR spectra is presented. The speed increase is accompanied by slight differences in spectral lineshapes, although frequency estimates remain essentially identical. For contoured spectra, the method does not result in appreciable differences from the full FDM calculation. Optimal parameter sets for an FDM calculation can be estimated far more rapidly, which makes the FDM more straightforward to employ in practice. The performance of the method versus the full FDM was investigated for both model and experimental signals. The effect of noise on the method was also studied.
Optical interconnects: how far will it go?

Application of optical interconnects within a computing system is traced from WAN/LAN through very short reach links to the current research efforts in chip-to-chip and within-chip levels of interconnect hierarchy.
Editor’s Overview: The Role of Peer Mentoring in Academe

This issue of Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning includes articles from authors representing Australia and the United States (Arkansas, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michi...
Confocal imaging of sebaceous gland hyperplasia in vivo to assess efficacy and mechanism of pulsed dye laser treatment.

Background and Objective This case demonstrates, for the first time, the use of in vivo confocal imaging to assess the efficacy of laser treatment of a skin lesion with a vascular component. Study Design/Patient and Method A patient with lesions of sebaceous gland hyperplasia was histologically imaged in vivo before and after treatment with a 585 nm pulse dye laser (PDL) by using a near-infrared, confocal reflectance microscope. Hyperplastic sebaceous ducts and sebaceous glands were seen with high resolution in vivo. Prominent dermal vasculature was viewed as well as its selective targeting by PDL. Conclusion Our results confirm the previously reported successful treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with the 585 nm PDL. Lasers Surg. Med. 25:8–12, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
New frequency measurements and laser lines of optically pumped 12 CH 3 OH

The frequencies of 70 optically pumped CW FIR12CH 3 OH laser lines have been measured relative to stabilized CO 2 lasers. Fifteen new laser lines together with the relative output powers and polarizations for most of the 104 known lines pumped by laser lines in the normal 9 and 10 μm bands of12C16O 2 are also reported.
Histochemical Localization of Human, Term Placental 17β-Œstradiol Dehydrogenases: Implications for the Transhydrogenase Reaction

Histochemical Localization of Human, Term Placental 17β-Œstradiol Dehydrogenases: Implications for the Transhydrogenase Reaction
Affirmative Action and Social Justice: Introduction

Affirmative action programs are those that seek to redress racial and gender discrimination in the work force. Initiated 1965 in the United States, affirmative action focuses on hiring and promotion practices and on broader employment issues, such as the culture at work and effects of gender segregation in jobs (e.g., Holloway, 1989; Kilborn, 1990, 1991; Lowe and Wittig, 1989; Uchitelle, 1990). Affirmative action often elicits strong positive and negative reactions and considerable controversy. In brief, opponents claim that affirmative action unfairly disadvantages non-beneficiaries (i.e., white men) and, in addition, harms and stigmatizes beneficiaries (e.g., Sowelt, 1990; Steele, 1990; see also Nacoste, 1989). Proponents assert the important role of affirmative action in restoring justice and equal opportunity to a society that has been unable to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Because the basis of this controversy is social justice and because this topic has worldwide relevance, affirmative action is an especially apt focus for Social Justice Research. All papers in this issue focus on affirmative action research. For some papers, affirmative action is a means, a social intervention that offers social scientists an opportunity to examine existing theories of justice. For other papers, affirmative action is an end, for which justice theory can clarify the problems of affirmative action. Papers here are roughly ordered from those whose primary focus is justice theory to those whose primary focus is affirmative action. This array, while useful, is overly simplistic. Each paper examines how theory can (or should) influence practice and at how practice can (and should) inform theory. In doing so, the papers reframe the more obvious justice question of affirmative action--"Is it fair?"--with more subtle and
Structural organization of the rat mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 2 gene.

Abstract Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatases (MKPs) are dual specificity protein phosphatases that specifically inactivate MAPKs. Regulated expression of MKPs plays a key role in determining their physiological function. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of the activation of MKP genes. In this study, we cloned the rat MKP-2 gene and characterized its structure. The MKP-2 gene has four exons and three introns. The organization of exons of the MKP-2 gene is very similar to that of the MKP-1 gene, suggesting that MKP-1 and MKP-2 are derived from the same ancestral gene. We identified multiple transcription start sites (TSSs) for the MKP-2 gene. There is no functional TATA motif in the 5′ proximal region of the TSSs. Instead, this region is highly GC-rich and has two putative Sp1 sites. A 1.8 kb 5′ flanking region of the MKP-2 gene is sufficient to mediate transcriptional activation of the luciferase reporter gene by phorbol ester in GH3 cells. These results provide essential information about structural organization and regulatory sequences of the MKP-2 gene for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of MKP-2 induction by extracellular stimuli.
SDN control of a coherent Open Line System

Microsoft is beginning the development of a SDN control plane for an Open Line System (OLS). This paper discusses some of the issues surrounding the effort and some potential approaches for controlling the OLS and coherent sources and receivers.
The spectrum of allene near 5 μm

Abstract The infrared bands of allene between 1920 and 2028 cm −1 were measured on a large grating spectrometer with effective resolution of 0.006–0.007 cm −1 after deconvolution. The main band in this region is the antisymmetric CC stretching fundamental ν 6 of symmetry B 2 , accompanied on the high-frequency side by the overtone band 2 ν 9 of the degenerate CH 2 rocking vibration. The overtone has three components of species B 2 , B 1 , and A 1 , of which B 2 is in Fermi resonance with ν 6 , B 1 has second-order Coriolis interaction with ν 6 , while A 1 is in l -type interaction with the B 1 and B 2 components. Additional perturbations by other unobserved states were detected in the spectrum. The observed transitions were analyzed with the aid of a general computer program system SYMTOP designed for analysis of symmetric-top spectra. The main program effects a least-squares refinement of the spectroscopic constants for a set of bands whose upper states interact through arbitrary matrix elements. Two sets of spectroscopic constants for the ν 6 , 2 ν 9 states were calculated. One, based only on those lines which appear to be unperturbed by unknown and unobserved states, and a second, obtained after inclusion in the H matrix of two perturbing states designed to simulate the effect of the perturbations on all of the data. Comparison indicates that the lower-order constants based merely on the “unperturbed” data are quite satisfactory. Molecular constants for the ν 9 vibration of C 3 H 4 are reported.
Strong interactions in supported-metal catalysts.

Many commercially important catalysts consist of small metal particles dispersed on inorganic oxide surfaces. Although in most cases there is no significant interaction between the metal and the support, strong bonding can be demonstrated in a recently discovered class of supported-metal catalysts. These cases typically involve group VIII metals dispersed on transition metal oxides whose surfaces can be reduced to form cations with lower valences. Spectroscopic measurements indicate that an electron is transferred from the cation (such as Ti3+ or Nb4+) to the metal particle. This, in turn, leads to profound changes in the catalytic and chemisorption properties and the morphology of the metal particles.
The kinetics of thymine dimer excision in ultraviolet-irradiated human cells.

We have investigated the kinetics of the loss of thymine dimers from the acid-insoluble fraction of several ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated cultured human cell lines. Our results show that UV fluences between 10 and 40 J/m2 produce an average of 21–85 x 10(5) thymine dimers per cell and an eventual maximal loss per cell of 12–20 x 10(5) thymine dimers. The time for half-maximal loss of dimers ranged from 12–22 h after UV irradiation. In contrast, the time for half-maximal repair synthesis of DNA measured by autoradiography was 4.5 h. This figure agrees well with reported half-maximal repair synthesis times, which range from 0.5 to 3.6 h based on our analysis. The discrepancy in the kinetics of the loss of thymine dimers from DNA and repair synthesis is discussed in terms of possible molecular mechanisms of thymine dimer excision in vivo and in terms of possible experimental artifacts.
Axon reflex in resiniferatoxin-induced bronchoconstriction of guinea pigs.

Abstract To study the role of the axon reflex in resiniferatoxin (RTX)-induced bronchoconstriction in vivo, 32 guinea pigs weighing 292 ± 7 g were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1, control (n = 6); Group 2, chlorisondamine (n = 6); Group 3, tetrodotoxin (TTX, n = 6); Group 4, local capsaicin application (n = 6); and Group 5, systemic capsaicin application (n = 8). Chlorisondamine was used to interrupt ganglionic transmission while TTX was employed to block nerve impulse conduction. In Group 4, capsaicin was locally applied to both cervical vagus nerves 30 min prior to the study whereas capsaicin was given subcutaneously for 5 days starting 9 days before the study in Group 5. Each animal was anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium, cannulated with a tracheal cannula and venous catheter, paralyzed with gallamine triethiodide, and artificially ventilated. All the above animals were treated with atropine (0.2 mg/kg) and phenoxybenzamine (0.5 mg/kg). Resiniferatoxin (2 μg/kg) was injected intravenously to induce airway constriction. Immediately upon injection of RTX (at 1 min), each animal in the control group exhibited decreases in maximal expiratory flow, dynamic respiratory compliance, and total lung capacity, indicating severe bronchoconstriction. Then the airway spasm ameliorated gradully with time. Animals in Group 3 and 4 indicated partial abolishment, while those in Group 5 showed abolishment, of the RTX-induced bronchoconstriction. On the other hand, the animals in Group 2 did not display and significant alteration in the RTX-induced brochospasm. Furthermore, we tested RTX-induced bronchoconstriction in 5 additional animals not pretreated with either atropine or phenoxybenzamine. Compared with the data above, no significant differences in RTX-induced respiratory changes were found. Since it is known that TTX blocks nerve conduction, the data suggest that the TTX-sensitive reflex (the axon reflex) via afferent C-fibers plays a significant role in the RTX-induced bronchoconstriction, which is apparently mediated via tachykinins.
Vapor adsorption on coal- and wood-based chemically activated carbons (II) adsorption of organic vapors

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the adsorption properties and evaluate the adsorption capacities of several coal- and wood-based chemically activated carbons using the Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) characteristic adsorption analysis. Limiting micropore volumes (W0), determined from CCl4 and acetone adsorption isotherms at room temperature, were generally in good agreement with the development of surface area. An effect of adsorbate polarity on the adsorption capacity was found in the case of lower surface area activated carbons rather than higher surface area carbons. This can be attributed to higher density of surface oxygen and carbon surface oxygen functional groups on the lower surface area carbon samples. Characteristic adsorption energy (E0) values obtained from coal-based KOH activated carbons were generally higher than those obtained from wood-based H3PO4 activated carbons. These results indicate that the coal-based KOH activated carbons have narrower micropores and uniform micropore size distributions. The average micropore sizes were mostly affected by the degree of surface area development which depended on the heat treatment temperature during the synthesis process.
The perceived obstacles in performing patch test to detect allergic contact dermatitis: a comparison between community allergists and directors of allergy training programs

Background Patch testing (PT) is the gold standard test to detect allergic contact dermatitis. Despite its usefulness, it is not universally performed in allergy practices. Objectives To determine obstacles in performing PT and to evaluate the differences in perception of these obstacles between community allergists and directors of training programs. Methods Two anonymous Web-based questionnaires were distributed to 65 program directors (PDs) across the United States and to 200 community allergists in the mid-Atlantic region. Program directors and community allergists were categorized based on PT performance. Community allergists were categorized based on type of practice. Comparisons between categories were made using the χ2 test. Results Perceived obstacles among community allergists and PDs were similar; this remained unchanged regardless of performing PT. When community allergists in solo practice were compared with those in group private practice, the difference in perception was significant (P Conclusions Previous training in PT among PDs and community allergists was associated with a higher likelihood of performing PT. We recommend that training in the application and interpretation of PT for diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis should be an integral part of the curriculum of allergy fellowship training programs and should also be incorporated into the continuing medical education program of practicing allergists. Furthermore, although allergists may continue to rely on dermatologists for more comprehensive PT, use of the thin-layer rapid use epicutaneous test is a simple screening tool that should be available to all allergy practices.
Characteristics of air bearing suction force in magnetic recording disks

Some fundamental characteristics of the subambient pressure air bearing suction force were investigated analytically and numerically. The performance of air bearing suction force is strongly determined by the cavity bearing number, in which the cavity region recess depth is used as the characteristic film thickness. Although the optimal recess depth for maximum suction force varies for different operation conditions, the optimal cavity bearing number can be found in a wide range of applications. The analytical model was confirmed by a finite element analysis. Examples of different disc velocities, slider dimensions, and ambient pressure effect were presented.
Natural convection in a heated annulus

Abstract Natural convection in a heated vertical concentric annulus is studied. A constant heat-flux is applied to the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder is insulated. Under these conditions, the mean temperature of the fluid increases linearly while, at the same time, heat diffuses from the heated surface into the fluid, resulting in a temperature distribution on the cross-section. Subtracting this steadily increasing temperature from the total temperature results in a steady temperature stratification on the cross-section which drives fluid motion. The mathematical form of the scaled problem is shown to be identical to that of a fluid in an annulus with uniformly distributed heat sources, with the inner cylinder maintained at constant temperature and the outer cylinder insulated. At low heat addition rates, the fluid motion is steady and parallel, and heat is transferred by conduction between the fluid layers. As the rate of heating increases, the flow becomes unstable and recirculating eddies appear, which transfer heat by convection. The onset of convection is determined by linear-instability analysis of the basic-state. The results demonstrate that when the Prandtl number is small, the dominant instability obtained energy primarily from shear production. On the other hand, when the Prandtl number is large, an instability that obtains kinetic energy from buoyant production is pre-eminent. Weakly nonlinear instability theory is used to analyze finite-amplitude effects. The results show that both types of linear instabilities are supercritical.
Comparative analysis of the gap junction protein from rat heart and liver: Is there a tissue specificity of gap junctions?

Gap junctions have been isolated from both rat heart and liver, tissues where junctions are typical in appearance and physiology. The purity of the fractions obtained was monitored by electron microscopy (thin-sectioning and negative staining) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The myocardial gap junctions are comprised of a single polypeptide of Mr 28,000, apparently derived from a protein of Mr 30,000. Hepatic gap junctions are also comprised of a single native protein of Mr 28,000 as previously reported. Exhaustive trypsin digestion of the isolated junctions cleaves both of these proteins similarly, while leaving their characteristic junctional lattice structures intact. However, comparison of heart and liver junctional proteins by two-dimensional peptide mapping of tryptic and alpha-chymotryptic fragments, followed by high pressure liquid chromatography, reveals no homology between these proteins.
Conserved N-terminal negative charges support optimally efficient N-type inactivation of Kv1 channels.

N-type inactivation is produced by the binding of a potassium channel's N-terminus within the open pore, blocking conductance. Previous studies have found that introduction of negative charges into N-terminal inactivation domains disrupts inactivation; however, the Aplysia AKv1 N-type inactivation domain contains two negatively charged residues, E2 and E9. Rather than being unusual, sequence analysis shows that this N-terminal motif is highly conserved among Kv1 sequences across many phyla. Conservation analysis shows some tolerance at position 9 for other charged residues, like D9 and K9, whereas position 2 is highly conserved as E2. To examine the functional importance of these residues, site directed mutagenesis was performed and effects on inactivation were recorded by two electrode voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes. We find that inclusion of charged residues at positions 2 and 9 prevents interactions with non-polar sites along the inactivation pathway increasing the efficiency of pore block. In addition, E2 appears to have additional specific electrostatic interactions that stabilize the inactivated state likely explaining its high level of conservation. One possible explanation for E2's unique importance, consistent with our data, is that E2 interacts electrostatically with a positive charge on the N-terminal amino group to stabilize the inactivation domain at the block site deep within the pore. Simple electrostatic modeling suggests that due to the non-polar environment in the pore in the blocked state, even a 1 A larger separation between these charges, produced by the E2D substitution, would be sufficient to explain the 65× reduced affinity of the E2D N-terminus for the pore. Finally, our studies support a multi-step, multi-site N-type inactivation model where the N-terminus interacts deep within the pore in an extended like structure placing the most N-terminal residues 35% of the way across the electric field in the pore blocked state.
Development and commercialization of ionic‐type photosensitive polyimides

Toray's ionic-type photosensitive polyimide, “Photoneece”, is widely used as an interdielectric and as a protection layer for microelectronics, because of its properties, such as the removal of photoreactive groups at low temperature, excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical film properties and excellent adhesion to various substrates. Toray has developed a new type of “Photoneece”, UR-5100, which is a low-stress photosensitive polyimide. In addition to a low thermal expansion coefficient (25 ppm/°C), “Photoneece” UR-5100 also features high resolution with an aspect ratio of more than 2.0 in 40 μm imaged film, and excellent mechanical properties in the cured film such as high elongation (>20%) and tensile strength (>200 MPa), even after 60 hr heat treatment at 350°C. “Photoneece” UR-5100 can be applied in multichip modules (MCMs), hybrid circuits, ICs and LSIs. In this paper the characterization and processing of this “Photoneece” UR-5100 are described.
Suppression of skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase activity during physical inactivity: a molecular reason to maintain daily low-intensity activity

We have examined the regulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in skeletal muscle during physical inactivity in comparison to low-intensity contractile activity of ambulatory controls. From studies acutely preventing ambulatory activity of one or both the hindlimbs in rats, it was shown that ≈90–95 % of the heparin-releasable (HR) LPL activity normally present in rat muscle with ambulatory activity is lost, and thus dependent on local contractile activity. Similarly, ≈95 % of the differences in LPL activity between muscles of different fibre types was dependent on ambulatory activity. The robustness of the finding that physical inactivity significantly decreases muscle LPL activity was evident from confirmatory studies with different models of inactivity, in many rats and mice, both sexes, three muscle types and during both acute and chronic (11 days) treatment. Inactivity caused a local reduction of plasma [3H]triglyceride uptake into muscle and a decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. LPL mRNA was not differentially expressed between ambulatory controls and either the acutely or chronically inactive groups. Instead, the process involved a rapid loss of the HR-LPL protein mass (the portion of LPL largely associated with the vascular endothelium) by an actinomycin D-sensitive signalling mechanism (i.e. transcriptionally dependent process). Significant decreases of intracellular LPL protein content lagged behind the loss of HR-LPL protein. Treadmill walking raised LPL activity ≈8-fold (P < 0.01) within 4 h after inactivity. The striking sensitivity of muscle LPL to inactivity and low-intensity contractile activity may provide one piece of the puzzle for why inactivity is a risk factor for metabolic diseases and why even non-vigorous activity provides marked protection against disorders involving poor lipid metabolism.
Acknowledgment of uncertainty: a fundamental means to ensure scientific and ethical validity in clinical research.

Recognition of the importance of uncertainty in the design of randomized, controlled trials (RCT) has reached the status of a principle. The "uncertainty principle," or less ambiguously, equipoise, holds that a patient should be enrolled in an RCT only if there is substantial uncertainty about which of the trial treatments would benefit the patient most. In fact, the "uncertainty principle" addresses the most important issue of a clinical trial—the choice of an adequate comparative control. Studies in which intervention and control group are believed to be non-equivalent violate the uncertainty principle. Therefore, one would expect that both editors and authors would be particularly careful to include a statement concerning prior beliefs of the investigator(s) about the uncertainty of the treatments that are reported. However, we found no evidence of such a policy in the randomized, controlled trials we examined. We also show that there is a predictable relationship between the uncertainty principle, that is, the moral principle upon which trials are based, and the ultimate outcomes of clinical trials. We postulate that about 50% of innovations are successful, leading to the conclusion that preserving the ethics of clinical research may be the best investment strategy available.
“You Owe Me”: Effects of Date Cost, Who Pays, Participant Gender, and Rape Myth Beliefs on Perceptions of Rape

Sexual social exchange theory was applied to perceptions of a date rape by manipulating the cost of the date and who paid in vignettes presented to 188 U.S. college students, who then rated the characters' sexual expectations, blame, responsibility, and rape justifiability. Findings from this between-participant design partially supported predictions: When the man paid for an expensive date, men agreed more than did women that both characters should have expected sexual intercourse. Conversely, when the costs of an inexpensive date were split, the perpetrator was assigned the most blame, and women agreed more than men that no sexual expectations were warranted. Participant gender affected some responses, although level of rape myth acceptance was the main predictor of rape perceptions.
Nerve growth factor administration attenuates cognitive but not neurobehavioral motor dysfunction or hippocampal cell loss following fluid-percussion brain injury in rats.

Abstract: Lateral fluid-percussion brain injury in rats results in cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction, and selective hippocampal cell loss. Neurotrophic factors have been shown to have potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases, and nerve growth factor (NGF) has been shown to be neuroprotective in models of excitotoxicity. This study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of intracerebral NGF infusion after traumatic brain injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received lateral fluid-percussion brain injury of moderate severity (2.1–2.3 atm). A miniosmotic pump was implanted 24 h after injury to infuse NGF (n = 34) or vehicle (n = 16) directly into the region of maximal cortical injury. Infusions of NGF continued until the animal was killed at 72 h, 1 week, or 2 weeks after injury. Animals were evaluated for cognitive dysfunction (Morris Water Maze) and regional neuronal cell loss (Nissl staining) at each of the three time points. Animals surviving for 1 or 2 weeks were also evaluated for neurobehavioral motor function. Although an improvement in memory scores was not observed at 72 h after injury, animals receiving NGF infusions showed significantly improved memory scores when tested at 1 or 2 weeks after injury compared with injured animals receiving vehicle infusions (p < 0.05). Motor scores and CA3 hippocampal cell loss were not significantly different in any group of NGF-treated animals when compared with controls. These data suggest that NGF administration, in the acute, posttraumatic period following fluid-percussion brain injury, may have potential in improving post-traumatic cognitive deficits.
Effects of droperidol on the pancreatic and biliary sphincters.

Abstract Background Performance of sphincter of Oddi manometry at ERCP is technically demanding and requires that the patient be well sedated. Droperidol is frequently administered when adequate sedation cannot be achieved with a benzodiazepine and meperidine. This study examined the effects of droperidol on the biliary and pancreatic sphincters. Methods A total of 31 patients were prospectively evaluated by sphincter of Oddi manometry in the conventional retrograde fashion. Manometry was initially performed with intravenous administration of diazepam alone, diazepam plus meperidine or midazolam plus meperidine. Manometry was then repeated 5 minutes after droperidol was administered. Results The basal pressure of the biliary sphincter and of the pancreatic sphincter were not significantly altered by droperidol. Concordance (normal vs. abnormal) between the basal sphincter pressure before and after droperidol was seen in 30 patients (97%). Droperidol also did not lead to a difference in phasic wave amplitude, duration, or frequency. Thirteen manometry tracings (42%) were judged as being qualitatively better after droperidol, whereas two (6.5%; ≤ p 0.001) were qualitatively better before droperidol administration. Conclusions Droperidol does not significantly affect sphincter of Oddi manometric parameters. It appears that it can be added to the armamentarium of agents needed for performance of sphincter of Oddi manometry. However, further study is needed to determine whether recent safety concerns with droperidol use are valid.