cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupling of albumin flux to volume flow in skin and muscles of anesthetized rats

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) labeled with 131I or 125I was injected intravenously in pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rats, and tracer clearances into leg skin and muscles were measured over 30, 60, and 120 min. BSA labeled with the alternate tracer was used as vascular volume reference. Two minutes before injection of the tracer, a ligature was tied around one femoral vein to occlude outflow partially and raise capillary pressure in that leg. The unoccluded leg served as control. Skin and muscles of the occluded leg had variably and substantially higher water contents (delta W) than paired control tissues and slightly but consistently increased albumin clearances (CA). The delta CA/delta W, equivalent to the albumin concentration of capillary filtrate relative to plasma determined by linear regression, were as follows: leg skin 0.004 (95% confidence limits -0.001 to +0.009), muscle biceps femoris 0.005 (0.001-0.010), muscle gastrocnemius 0.011 (0.004-0.019), muscle tibialis anterior 0.016 (0.012-0.021). All these values are significantly less than 0.10, which corresponds to a reflection coefficient for serum albumin (sigma A) of 0.90. Convective coupling of albumin flux to volume flux in skin and muscles of intact, anesthetized rats is low, with sigma AS in the range 0.98 to greater than 0.99.
Promoter Fusions to Study Gene Expression

Promoter fusions are chimaeric genes designed to have the coding sequence of one gene controlled by the regulatory and promoter sequences of another gene. Promoter fusions are useful tools for studying gene regulation and function and for identifying new genes. Keywords: promoter; enhancer; transcription; gene fusions; activators
A geometric characterization of non-atomic measure spaces

Professors J. B. Conway and J. Sztics have kindly pointed out to the author that there is a gap in the proof of Theorem I in the paper [2]. The oversight occurs in the first sentence on p. 58 of [2], where it is asserted that "... the closure is mid-point convex". Due to the fact that the ball U(L°~(/~)) (all unexplained notation is that of [2]) need not satisfy any countability axioms with respect to the weak* topology, the above assertion only becomes convincing under some additional hypothesis such as "the space L~(#) is separable". The purpose of the present note is to indicate how the technique introduced in [2] can be further exploited to yield a valid proof of Theorem I as originally formulated. A persual of the argument given in [2] shows that what is needed for completeness is a proof of the following Assertion. Let (S, Z, #) be a finite non-atomic measure space and let 1 < 2 < 1. Then there is a sequence {f,} C ext{U(L~(~u))) such that
The effect of enterectomy on gastric secretion in dogs with biliary fistulas

Bile was excluded from the gastrointestinal tract of 5 dogs with Heidenhain pouches by total external biliary fistulas. After a major portion of the jejunum and the ileum was resected Heidenhain pouch secretions increased in all instances. The results indicate that the increase in gastric secretion which regularly follows small-bowel resection is independent of the presence or absence of bile in the gastrointestinal tract.
Controls of nitrogen isotope patterns in soil profiles

To determine the dominant processes controlling nitrogen (N) dynamics in soils and increase insights into soil N cycling from nitrogen isotope (δ15N) data, patterns of 15N enrichment in soil profiles were compiled from studies on tropical, temperate, and boreal systems. The maximum 15N enrichment between litter and deeper soil layers varied strongly with mycorrhizal fungal association, averaging 9.6 ± 0.4‰ in ectomycorrhizal systems and 4.6 ± 0.5‰ in arbuscular mycorrhizal systems. The 15N enrichment varied little with mean annual temperature, precipitation, or nitrification rates. One main factor controlling 15N in soil profiles, fractionation against 15N during N transfer by mycorrhizal fungi to host plants, leads to 15N-depleted plant litter at the soil surface and 15N-enriched nitrogen of fungal origin at depth. The preferential preservation of 15N-enriched compounds during decomposition and stabilization is a second important factor. A third mechanism, N loss during nitrification and denitrification, may account for large 15N enrichments with depth in less N-limited forests and may account for soil profiles where maximum δ15N is at intermediate depths. Mixing among soil horizons should also decrease differences among soil horizons. We suggest that dynamic models of isotope distributions within soil profiles that can incorporate multiple processes could provide additional information about the history of nitrogen movements and transformations at a site.
The Political Performance of Governments, External Debt Service, and Domestic Political Violence:

This paper identifies some of the political mechanisms that help to explain why the relationship between IMF-supported stabilization programs and other economic adjustments related to the problems of external debt service and political violence are, at best, indirect. A cross-sectional pooled time series (35 Third World countries, 1974-86) is used to test the proposition that low political capacity indirectly increases frequency of protest demonstrations, political strikes and riots when governments attempt to adjust to rising debt service costs without disturbing the political status quo. The data analysis supports the proposition. The burden of external debt service does not directly affect these forms of political violence. Prior IMF-supported stabilization programs have a coincidental impact on increasing domestic political strife to the extent that weak governments use IMF conditionality to justify introducing austerity measures they would have to implement with or without IMF assistance.
Activation of Eosinophils in the Airways of Lung Transplantation Patients

Eosinophils are important inflammatory cells involved in liver and renal allograft rejection. The role of these cells is less well defined in lung allograft rejection. Eosinophils may be activated in lung rejection and release cytotoxic eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Other states of disease in lung transplant recipients, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and bacterial infection, may also be associated with activated eosinophils. We postulated that ECP may be detectable and elevated in the airway lavage samples obtained from lung transplant patients and may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Methods Fifty BAL samples were collected from 38 lung transplant patients. Their most recent pulmonary function test results within 1 week of collection were noted. The samples were analyzed for the concentration of ECP, WBC count and differential cell count, and total protein level. The results were analyzed to identify the presence of disease or abnormal lung function associated with a positive ECP test. Student's t test was used and a p value of Results We found that ECP levels were elevated in 36%; (n=14) of the patients. Those patients with a positive test result were more likely to have acute rejection, CMV disease, or the presence of a cultured pathogen in BAL compared to patients with a negative test result (p Conclusions The presence of BAL ECP is associated with disease in lung transplant patients. Since ECP is directly cytotoxic, it may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
A procedure of Chvátal for testing feasibility in linear programming and matrix scaling

The problems of testing the feasibility of a system of linear inequalities, or strict inequalities, are well-known to be the most fundamental problems in the theory and practice of linear programming. From Gordan’s Theorem it follows that Ax < b is feasible if and only if the homogeneous problem ATy = 0, bTy + s = 0, (0, 0) ≠ (y, s) ⩾ (0, 0), is infeasible. We prove a stronger result: if Ax < b is feasible, then there is a feasible point satisfying x = ATw, for some w < 0. Moreover, there exists a feasible x = ATw satisfying AATw = b + δw−1, where δ is a positive scalar and w−1 = (1/w1, … , 1/wn)T. The existence of w and its computation is motivated by a procedure suggested by Chvatal for solving linear programming as homogeneous problems, as well as results on diagonal matrix scaling of positive semidefinite matrices. Not only these reveal the significance of the homogeneous problem, but also practical and theoretical relevance of Khachiyan and Kalantari’s diagonal matrix scaling algorithm, in computing an interior point of a linear system of inequalities, or in solving linear programming itself, over the reals or the rationals.
Preparation and characterization of double-chain destructible surfactants and derived vesicles

Double-chain destructible surfactants 1 and 2 were prepared, and vesicles derived from them were characterized. The hydrolyses of 1 and 2 to nonsurfactant compounds were demonstrated, and the application of 1 and 2 in preparative chemistry and in pH-controlled delivery is discussed.
Studies on superinfection immunity among transmissible plasmids in Escherichia coli.

Superinfection immunity was studied by a method which permits the specific labeling of plasmid DNA following its entry into a recipient cell during conjugation. By measuring the incorporation of [3H]thymine during matings between a donor strain of Escherichia coli K12 carrying the R factor, Rl, and various recipients, we found that the presence in the recipient of a plasmid closely related to R1 (F or R factor 222), or isogenic to it (resistance transfer factor, from Rl), resulted in a reduction of 80 to 90% in the rate of [3H]thymine incorporation, relative to a mating with a plasmid-negative (F −) recipient. The DNA present in these recipients after 60 minutes of mating was further examined by neutral sucrose gradient eentrifugation. The DNA in the F+ and F − recipients sedimented similarly, in two major peaks at 50 S (relaxed circles) and 75 S (supercoiled circles). However, the DNA in the RTF recipient sedimented at rates intermediate between 50 S and 75 S. Pulse-chase experiments revealed that the DNA species seen after 60 minutes of an R1 × RTF mating are normal replicative intermediates which have disappeared by 60 minutes in the R1 × F− or R1 × F+ matings. These data support genetic evidence suggesting that superinfection immunity is due to two distinct effects—entry exclusion and plasmid incompatibility. Thus, F (related to R1 but genetically compatible with it), as well as the incompatible plasmids, 222 and the RTF of R1 itself, when present in the recipient, greatly reduce the total synthesis of newly introduced R1 DNA in the recipient. We interpret this effect as entry exclusion. Incompatibility, manifested by RTF, but not F, further reduces the efficiency of conjugation by slowing the rate at which a newly acquired plasmid is replicated.
Rice Weevils and Maize Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Respond Differently to Disturbance of Stored Grain

Rice weevils, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are important pests of stored grain. We have observed that rice weevil adults have a greater propensity than maize weevils to climb upward after physical disturbance of stored grain. Our objective was to quantify this climbing behavior in both species under a variety of environmental conditions to assess whether our anecdotal observations were correct. We confirmed that, after a disturbance, significantly more rice weevils climb than maize weevils when reared on fresh wheat, Triticum aestivum L., and corn, Zea mays L., and at relatively low and high population density. This greater climbing tendency is apparently exclusively due to S. oryzae males, which climb significantly more often than females. This work not only elucidates the divergent evolutionary histories of these sibling species but also may provide useful information for the monitoring and control of these stored grain pests.
Effects of the Giant Resonance on the Energy Spectra of Neutrons Emitted Following Muon Capture in C 12 and O 16

The spectra of neutrons emitted following muon capture in carbon and oxygen are presented with a resolution of 6.5% at 5 MeV and a precision of 5%. The carbon spectrum is dominated by a broad peak at 4.2 MeV, while the oxygen spectrum is dominated by a narrower peak at 5.1 MeV. Partial transition rates for these two peaks are given. This structure supports theoretical predictions of the excitation of the giant resonance in the capture process.
Role for Intraoperative Margin Assessment in Patients Undergoing Breast-Conserving Surgery

Background Positive/close margins are associated with higher in-breast failure rates after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). We investigated whether intraoperative margin assessment aids in obtaining negative margins, and to evaluate the local control thus achieved.
Contemporary Immigrant Gateways in Historical Perspective

This article focuses on settlement trends of immigrants during the periods that bookend the twentieth century, both eras of mass migration. It compares settlement patterns in both periods, describing old and new gateways, the growth of the immigrant population, and geographic concentration and dispersion. Historically, immigrants have been highly concentrated in a few places. Between 1930 and 1990, more than half of all immigrants lived in just five metropolitan areas. Since then, the share of these few destinations has declined, as immigrants have made their way to new metro areas, particularly in the South and West. During the same period, immigrants began to choose the suburbs over cities, following the decentralization of jobs and the movement of opportunities to suburban areas. There are now more immigrants in U.S. suburban areas than cities.
A computational model for glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle.

A dynamic model of the glycogenolytic pathway to lactate in skeletal muscle was constructed with mammalian kinetic parameters obtained from the literature. Energetic buffers relevant to muscle were included. The model design features stoichiometric constraints, mass balance, and fully reversible thermodynamics as defined by the Haldane relation. We employed a novel method of validating the thermodynamics of the model by allowing the closed system to come to equilibrium; the combined mass action ratio of the pathway equaled the product of the individual enzymes' equilibrium constants. Adding features physiologically relevant to muscle—a fixed glycogen concentration, efflux of lactate, and coupling to an ATPase—allowed for a steady-state flux far from equilibrium. The main result of our analysis is that coupling of the glycogenolytic network to the ATPase transformed the entire complex into an ATPase driven system. This steady-state system was most sensitive to the external ATPase activity and not to internal pathway mechanisms. The control distribution among the internal pathway enzymes—although small compared to control by ATPase—depended on the flux level and fraction of glycogen phosphorylase a. This model of muscle glycogenolysis thus has unique features compared to models developed for other cell types. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC2002: 8719Ff, 8239Fk, 8718Bb, 8714Ee
The influence of river variability on the circulation, chemistry, and microbiology of the Delaware Estuary

Gravitational circulation of the Delaware Estuary is dominated by a single river, the Delaware River. The seasonal variation in river discharge is large. Consequently, the water column varies between vertically homogenous conditions found during most of the year and strongly stratified conditions found during the high flow of the spring freshet. Both the variation in river discharge and the extent of stratification affect chemical distributions and biological processes in the estuary. With a simple advection-diffusion model, we show that the apparent nonconservative behavior of nitrate in the Delaware Estuary can result from varying endmember concentration and varying river discharge. In addition, we illustrate the relationship between water column stratification, phytoplankton production, and concurrent bacterial activity. Finally, as an indirect chemical response to phytoplankton growth during high river discharge, we show strongly nonconservative patterns for ammonium, phosphate, and silicate in the estuary.
Achieving child-health-related Millennium Development Goals: The role of infrastructure

Summary This paper provides an empirical analysis of the determinants of three child-health outcomes related to the Millennium Development Goals: the infant mortality rate, the child mortality rate, and the prevalence of malnutrition. Using data from Demographic and Health Surveys, the paper goes beyond traditional crosscountry regressions by exploiting the variability in outcomes and explanatory variables observed within countries between asset quintiles. The findings suggest that apart from traditional variables (income, assets, education, and direct health interventions), better access to basic infrastructure services has an important role to play in improving child-health outcomes.
Do Quantitative Changes in Pain Intensity Correlate with Pain Relief and Satisfaction

Abstract. Objective: To correlate measured pain intensity (PI) changes with pain relief and satisfaction with pain management. Methods: A prospective single-group repeated-measures design study. A heterogeneous group of patients were asked to record their levels of PI at initial presentation and at ED release using a numerical descriptor scale (NDS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). At release, a 5-point pain relief scale and a pain management satisfaction survey were also completed. Results: A convenience sample of 81 patients were enrolled over the study period. The average reduction in PI for all patients was 33%. A 5%, 30%, and 57% reduction in PI correlated with “no,”“some/partial,” and “significant/complete” relief, respectively (p < 0.001). However, when patients were divided into 2 groups based on their initial PI scores, patients with moderate/severe pain (NDS < 5) required a reduction of 35% and 84% in PI to achieve “some/partial” and “significant/complete” relief, respectively. Patients in less pain (NDS < 5) needed 25% and 29% reductions in PI for the same categories (p = 0.8). Patients were generally satisfied with their pain management. There was a positive association between pain relief and satisfaction with pain management. Conclusion: There is a significant association between changes in PI and pain relief. Greater reductions in PI are required for patients presenting with more severe initial pain to achieve relief compared with those who have lesser initial PI. While there is a linear relationship between increasing pain relief and satisfaction, relief of pain appears to only partially contribute to overall satisfaction with pain management.
Understanding the Rule of 7: Statistical Properties for Various Sample Sizes

ABSTRACT Motivated by an engineer's question to understand the “Rule of 7” sample size rule of thumb, this article studies the statistical properties for a sample size of 7 and well as other sample sizes. Properties of ranges, tolerance intervals and confidence intervals, are considered. Sample size recommendations are made.
Do Wall Street economists believe in Okun’s Law and the Taylor Rule?

We use data from the Wall Street Journal’s semi-annual survey of professional economists to test whether individual economists’ six-month-ahead predictions of real GDP growth, unemployment, short-term interest rates and inflation reflect Okun’s Law and the Taylor Rule. We conclude the economists believe real growth is less responsive to unemployment-rate changes than the textbook version of Okun’s Law; we also find the economists believe the Federal Reserve sets short-term interest rates by placing more weight on unemployment and less weight on inflation than the Taylor Rule prescribes.
Ventricular tachycardia detection using bipolar electrogram analysis is site specific.

DICARLO, L.A., ET AL.: Ventricular Tachycardia Detection Using Bipolar Electrogram Analysis is Site Specific. While algorithms for bipolar intraventricuJar electrogram analysis have potential use in complementing rate criteria for ventricular tachycardia (VT) detection by implantabJe antitachycardia devices, the sensitivity of such algorithms to the intracavitary site 0/ eJectrogram detection has not been determined. In this study, unfiltered (1-500 Hz) eJectrograms were recorded from a bipolar electrode catheter initialJy positioned at the right ventricular (RV) apex (site I)ofl2 patients during sinus rhythm (SRl j and during induced monomorphic VT (VTl). Sinus rhythm (SR2) and the identicaJ VT fVT2j were recorded a second time after repositioning the same eJectrode catheter within the RV apex fsite 2) 7-44 mm (mean ± SD = 15 ± 10] from its original site. The data were digitized at 1,000 Hz. TempJates from SRl and SR2, respectiveJy, were compared subsequentJy with individuaJ intraventricuJar eJectrograms from 15-25 sec passages of SRl and VTl and SR2 and VT2, respectively, using correJation waveform anaJysis. At site 1, the mean patient correlation coefficient ranged from 0.982-0.998 during SRl and 0.062-0.975 during VTl. At site 2, the mean patient correJation coefficient ranged from 0.995-0.998 during SR2 and 0.113-0.983 during VT2. Using a correJation threshoJd of 0.9, VT was differentiated from SR in 11/12 patients (91%) overall: 8/12 patients (67%) at site 1, 9/12 patients (75%) at site 2, and 6/12 patients (50%) at both sites. Thus, while discrimination of VTfrom SR isfeasibJe with morphoJogicaJ anaJysis of bipoJar right ventricuJar intracavitary eJectrograms, the accuracy of bipoJar intraventricuJar eJectrogram anaJysis may depend upon intracavitary eJectrode Jocation in seJected patients. (PACE, Vol. 15, November, Part II 1992)
Linear inequalities for density matrices: III

Diagonal linear inequalities are derived for three- and four-body reduced density matrices. These give a different insight into the previous derivations of linear inequalities for the two-body reduced density matrix. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Local Cerebral Glucose Utilization in Controlled Graded Levels of Hyperglycemia in the Conscious Rat

Local cerebral glucose utilization assayed by the [14C]deoxyglucose ([14C]DG) method and calculated by means of its operational equation with values for the rate constants and lumped constant determined in rats under physiological conditions remains relatively stable with variations in arterial plasma glucose concentration within the normoglycemic range. Large changes in arterial plasma glucose level may, however, significantly alter the values of these constants and lead to artifactual results. Values for the lumped constant have been measured and reported for a wide range of arterial plasma glucose concentrations ranging from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia in the rat (Schuier et al., 1981; Suda et al., 1981; Pettigrew et al., 1983). In the present study we have redetermined the rate constants in rats with arterial plasma glucose levels clamped at approximately 350, 450, and 550 mg/dl (i.e., 19, 25, and 31 mM) by a glucose clamp technique. The rate constants for the transport of DG from plasma to brain, K1*, and its phosphorylation in tissue, k3*, were found to decline with increasing plasma glucose levels, while the rate constant for its transport back from brain to plasma, k*2, remained relatively unchanged from its value in normoglycemia. These rate constants were used together with the previously determined values for the lumped constants to calculate local rates of cerebral glucose utilization in three groups of rats in which arterial plasma glucose levels were clamped at approximately 350, 450, and 550 mg/dl (i.e., 19, 25, and 31 mM). Average glucose utilization in the brain as a whole was unchanged in hyperglycemia from the values calculated in normoglycemic rats with the standard normal set of constants. Changes in the rate of glucose utilization were found, however, in the hypothalamus, globus pallidus, and amygdala during hyperglycemia.
Assessment of neutrophil migration, phagocytosis and bactericidal capacity in neonatal foals.

Abstract Comparison of neutrophil function was made between 8 clinically normal pony foals (3 to 7 days of age), and their dams. Random migration, stimulated migration to zymosan-activated serum, bacterial phagocytosis and bactericidal capacity of neutrophils were determined in vitro. Random migration was greater (P 0.05) between foals and mares. Results of this study suggested that neonatal foals have altered neutrophil locomotion, when compared to their dams.
Infrared quenching of the luminescence and photo-hall effect of ZnS:Cu and CdS:Cu crystals☆

Abstract The infrared quenching of the green luminescence of ZnS : Cu and the 1.0-μ luminescence of CdS: Cu has been studied. A quenching band at 2.4μ was found for ZnS: Cu in addition to the two well-known bands at 0.8μ and 1.2μ. The new quenching band is identified as hole transition from the e state of Cu 2+ to the valence band. The transient stimulation effect produced by the quenching radiation can be explained as the transfer of electrons from slow centers to fast centers using the unassociated pair model. For CdS: Cu three quenching bands centered around 0.8-0.9, 1.4, and 2.5μ have been observed, and they can be ascribed to hole transitions among the two crystal-field states of Cu 2+ and the valence band. Quenching of photo-Hall effect by radiation of 0.8-0.9 and 1.2-1.3μ has been observed for both ZnS: Cu and CdS: Cu. The reduction of Hall mobility may be interpreted as the result of two-carrier conduction. For CdS : Cu quenching of photoconductivity was also found at 2.5μ.
Health Insurance and Worker Retention in the Construction Industry

Using samples of blue collar construction workers from the 1996 and 2001 SIPP, a shared frailty survival model shows that controlling for wages, occupational and demographic factors, both portable union and nonportable nonunion employer-provided health insurance increase the probability of worker retention within the construction industry. Portable union health insurance increases the probability of worker-industry retention by 30 to 41% compared to 13 to 18% for nonunion employer-provided insurance. Our research suggests that by encouraging industry retention, health insurance preserves and encourages the accumulation of human capital in a turbulent industry with high firm-and-industry-labor turnover and also may reduce worker disabilities by immediately treating medical problems. Furthermore, in the union sector of construction where health insurance is portable across signatory contractors, the problem of job-lock inefficiencies is reduced.
Effects on metabolism and cardiac output of glucose-potassium solution, with and without insulin.

Abstract In the first 48 hours following open-heart operation, 33 patients in rotation had an infusion of (1) 2 liters of 10% glucose in water, 80 units of regular insulin, and 160 mEq of potassium (GIK), (2) the same solution without insulin (GK), or (3) 5% glucose in water (a control group). The three groups were matched: in each, 8 patients had Functional Class III or IV disease by New York Heart Association criteria, and 8 had valves replaced. Anesthesia and perfusion techniques and supportive care before and after operation were identical in all groups. During infusion, mean arterial levels of the following were significantly lower in the GIK group than in the two other groups: osmolality, sodium, glucose, lactate, fatty acids, and total ketone bodies. Arterial oxygenation, acid-base balance, and pyruvate, growth hormone, calcium, and insulin levels did not differ among groups. Mean plasma potassium levels were the same during infusion in all groups, but 1 patient in the GIK group, 4 in the GK group, and 4 in the control group had ventricular arrhythmias requiring treatment. The only death was in the GK group. For patients with Functional Class III or IV disease, cardiac output (left atrial-to-thoracic aorta dye curve) was significantly higher both days in the GIK group than in the other groups. The GIK solution promoted aerobic carbohydrate metabolism over lipid metabolism, more hemodilution, and better cardiac output than did GK. The GIK solution may be effective in controlling ventricular hyperirritability.
Comments on the article ‘Bilinear estimation of pollution source profiles and amounts by using multivariate receptor models’

I welcome this article as it sheds new light on the important but difficult problem of the identification of pollution sources and the estimation of their contributions from field monitoring data. The article raises a number of technical issues, which are pertinent to the use of its methods in applications. In particular, a number of assumptions are used but without indicating how they can be tested from the data. I will confine my comments to: (a) the model specification and how it might be used in practice; (b) the estimation of the model's parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen, the inherently recyclable fuel

Hydrogen, now well-known as an intermediate fuel which neither pollutes nor contributes to global warming, is shown to be essentially inexhaustible. The reason is that electrolytic production and combustion are governed by the same chemical reaction in opposite directions. The hydrogen recycles via the atmosphere and oceans indefinitely.
Differential Modulation of ACAT1 and ACAT2 Transcription and Activity by Long Chain Free Fatty Acids in Cultured Cells

Fatty acyl CoA and cholesterol are the substrates for cholesteryl ester synthesis by acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Two ACAT genes have been identified; ACAT1 is expressed ubiquitously while ACAT2 is primarily expressed in intestine and liver. We tested effects of different free fatty acids (FFAs) on ACAT1 and ACAT2 expression and activity in HepG2 human hepatocytes and THP1 human macrophages. Incubation of oleic acid, arachidonic acid, or eicosapentaenoic acid, but not 25-hydroxycholesterol, induced ACAT1 mRNA levels 1.5−2-fold in HepG2, with no affect on ACAT2 mRNA. FFA had no affect on ACAT1 mRNA in THP1 cells. To determine if FFAs affect ACAT1 or ACAT2 posttranscriptionally, cells were labeled with [3H]cholesterol in the presence of the different FFAs for 1−5 h. Both HepG2 and THP1 cells showed the greatest cholesteryl ester production with oleic acid. This was also confirmed by the observation that more [3H]oleic acid incorporated into CE compared to [3H]eicosapentaenoic acid, ev...
Photoinduced Disorder in Strongly Segregated Block Copolymer Composite Films for Hierarchical Pattern Formation

Submicrometer patterns of adjacent, well-ordered and disordered domains were obtained using optical lithography by area-selective, photoinduced disordering transitions within block copolymer composite films. Enantiopure tartaric acid was blended with poly(ethylene oxide-block-tert-butyl acrylate), PEO-b-PtBA, copolymers to yield well-ordered films. In the presence of triphenylsulfonium triflate, a photoacid generator, photoinduced disorder was achieved upon UV-exposure by deprotection of the PtBA block to yield poly(acrylic acid). Poly(acrylic acid) is compatible with both PEO and tartaric acid and deprotection yields a phase mixed material and disorder within seconds. Tartaric acid performs two additional functions in this system. First, it increases segregation strength in PEO-b-PtBA, enabling well-ordered systems at low BCP molecular weights, small domain sizes, and rapid disordering kinetics. Second, the presence of tartaric acid suppresses PEO crystallization, resulting in smooth films and eliminatin...
Split T Cell Tolerance against a Self/Tumor Antigen: Spontaneous CD4+ but Not CD8+ T Cell Responses against p53 in Cancer Patients and Healthy Donors

Analyses of NY-ESO-1-specific spontaneous immune responses in cancer patients revealed that antibody and both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses were induced together in cancer patients. To explore whether such integrated immune responses are also spontaneously induced for other tumor antigens, we have evaluated antibody and T cell responses against self/tumor antigen p53 in ovarian cancer patients and healthy individuals. We found that 21% (64/298) of ovarian cancer patients but no healthy donors showed specific IgG responses against wild-type p53 protein. While none of 12 patients with high titer p53 antibody showed spontaneous p53-specific CD8(+) T cell responses following a single in vitro sensitization, significant p53-specific IFN-γ producing CD4(+) T cells were detected in 6 patients. Surprisingly, similar levels of p53-specific CD4(+) T cells but not CD8(+) T cells were also detected in 5/10 seronegative cancer patients and 9/12 healthy donors. Importantly, p53-specific CD4(+) T cells in healthy donors originated from a CD45RA(-) antigen-experienced T cell population and recognized naturally processed wild-type p53 protein. These results raise the possibility that p53-specific CD4(+) T cells reflect abnormalities in p53 occurring in normal individuals and that they may play a role in processes of immunosurveillance or immunoregulation of p53-related neoplastic events.
Institutional endowment as foundation for regulatory performance and regime transitions: the role of the US constitution in telecommunications regulation in the United States

Abstract Recent research demonstrates the importance of what Spiller and Levy (1994, 1996) call a nation's institutional endowment to the efficacy of regulatory policies. We examine various roles of the US Constitution as an enabler of regulatory governance institutions that shape policies towards telecommunications industries, and constrain efforts to change those policies. Constitutional clauses designed to serve important noneconomic societal goals do so by limiting the discretion and efficacy of government bodies. This limits the extent to which regulatory policies may be used to promote economic efficiency. However, these constitutional constraints may also promote long-term efficiency goals by making regulatory commitments more credible.
The reaction of phenalenone with aluminum hydrides

Abstract Phenalenone 8 was reduced in refluxing ether with a series of aluminum hydrides. The product distribution in each reduction could be explained by initial 1,2- and 1,12-addition of hydride. Using the mixed chloraluminum hydrides, a high yield synthesis of phanalene 10 was discovered.
A novel RPGR exon ORF15 mutation in a family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and Coats'-like exudative vasculopathy.

Purpose To describe the ophthalmic and genetic findings in a family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Coats'-like exudative vasculopathy. Design Observational case series. Methods Family members underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. Leukocyte genomic DNA samples were obtained and screened for RPGR ( RP3 ) mutations by direct polymerase chain reaction sequencing. Results The proband had RP with bilateral Coats'-like vasculopathy and was treated with fluorescein-potentiated argon laser therapy. The findings in two other affected male patients and three obligate carrier female patients were within the clinical spectrum of a typical X-linked–recessive RP. A novel nonsense RPGR exon ORF15 mutation (912G>T) was found to segregate with RP in this family. Conclusions This report expands the clinical heterogeneity spectrum caused by RPGR mutations and our knowledge concerning the molecular pathologic condition that pertains to Coats'-like RP. Consistent with the literature, Coats' response was not observed in all family members who were affected by RP, which suggests the involvement of other genetic and/or environmental factors.
Designing a scalable video-on-demand server with data-sharing

As current disk space and transfer speed increase, the bandwidth between a server and its disks has become critical for video-on-demand (VOD) services. Our VOD server consists of several hosts sharing data on disks through a ring-based network. Data sharing provided by the spatial-reuse ring network between servers and disks not only increases the utilization towards full bandwidth but also improves the availability of videos. Striping and replication methods are introduced in order to improve the efficiency of our VOD server system as well as the availability of videos. We consider tow kinds of resources of a VOD server system. Given a representative access profile, our intention is to propose an algorithm to find an initial condition, place videos on disks in the system successfully. If any copy of a video cannot be placed due to lack of resources, more servers/disks are added. When all videos are place on the disks by our algorithm, the final configuration is determined with indicator of how tolerable it is against the fluctuation in demand of videos. Considering it is a NP-hard problem, our algorithm generates the final configuration with O(M log M) at best, where M is the number of movies.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cardiovascular risks of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: where we stand now.

The authors believe that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, in particular at higher dosages and for longer-term use, should not be a first-line therapy for patients who can tolerate alternative t...
The Microelectronic Radar Intercept Calculator

The Microelectronic Radar Intercept Calculator (RIC) provides a ground controlled intercept capability when used with an air search radar. Automatic detection and course prediction provide numeric and PPI outputs for intercept problem solution. The PPI is a real time digital display. Special purpose serial computation loops use incremental techniques for track calculation. MOS-shift registers provide dynamic storage for five problems. Integrated circuits and an effective man-machine tradeoff result in a small (38 lb) tactical equipment.
The rearrangement of 3-vinylcyclobutene derivatives promoted by metallic Lewis acids

Abstract The rearrangement of 3-vinylcyclobutene derivatives in the presence of metallic Lewis acids is discussed. Although most of the Lewis acids tried were too weak to cause any chemistry to occur, WCl 6 and AlCl 3 promote an interesting isomerization reaction. Especially significant is, for the first time, starting with a vinylcyclobutene, a product with a five-membered ring rather than a six-membered ring was obtained.
Second harmonic TE15,2 550 GHz gyrotron experiment at NRL

Near-THz gyrotrons are of interest for applications such as re mote sensing, materials processing, and dynamic nuclear pola rization enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance applications1. At the Naval Research Laboratory, we are developing a second harmonic gyrotron designed to operate at 550 GHz.2 An interaction cavity based on the TE15,2 mode with an effective length of about 1 cm and a Q of 7400 has been designed and is in the process of being assembled within the gyrotron tube with the output coupler. To avoid complications arising from strict alignment requirements, a simple Vlasov-type output coupler with a single quasi- parabolic reflecting mirror has also been designed using newly derived design equations. The converter has been verified by numerical simulations to generate an output beam with approximately 97% fundamental Gaussian content, though approximately 25% of the gyrotron power is lost within the converter. Simulations show that this lost power is mostly due to diffraction and mode conversion at the launcher cut3. Design calculations and simulations for the cavity and output coupler will be presented in addition to preliminary experimental results.
Transforming growth factor α with insulin stimulates cell proliferation in vivo in adult rat vestibular sensory epithelium

Hair cells, the sensory receptors of the mammalian inner ear, have long been thought to be produced only during embryogenesis, and postnatal hair cell loss is considered to be irreversible and is associated with permanent hearing and balance deficits. Little is known about the factors that regulate hair cell genesis and differentiation. The mitogenic effects of insulin and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) were assayed in vivo in normal and drug-damaged rat inner ear. Tritiated thymidine and autoradiographic techniques were used to identify cells synthesizing DNA. Simultaneous infusion of TGFalpha and insulin directly into the inner ear of adult rats stimulated DNA synthesis in the vestibular sensory receptor epithelium. New supporting cells and putative new hair cells were produced. Infusion of insulin alone or TGFalpha alone failed to stimulate significant DNA synthesis. These results suggest that exogenous growth factors may have utility for therapeutic treatment of hearing and balance disorders in vivo.
Chimeric nature of precociously-germinating Brassica napus embryos: mRNA accumulation patterns

During precocious germination, Brassica napus L. embryos exhibit features of embryo maturation and features of post-germinative growth at the same time, which raises important questions about the nature of these developmental programmes and the transition between them. To investigate the possibility that the two programmes are segregated spatially rather than temporally in these embryos, embryos of different ages (excised at 38, 47, and 60 d post-anthesis) were placed in culture to induce precocious germination, and total RNA was isolated from the cotyledons and axes or hypocotyls. cDNA sequences (two marking embryo maturation and four marking the onset of postgerminative growth) were used as probes on dot blots to compare mRNA population dynamics in these organs. We find that individual organs accumulate mRNAs characteristic of only one developmental programme at any given time and conclude that the programmes are both distinct and potentially mutually exclusive. Embryos are able to «switch» from accumulating embryo maturation mRNAs to accumulating post-germinative mRNAs in culture, but the transition occurs at different times in different organs
A Discourse-Centered Approach to Culture: Native South American Myths and Rituals

. Discourse-Centered Approach to Culture: Native South American Myths and Rituals. Greg Urban. Texas Linguistic Series. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1991. 215 pp. $35.00 (cloth)
Secure VM for monitoring industrial process controllers

In this paper, we examine the biological immune system as an autonomic system for self-protection, which has evolved over millions of years probably through extensive redesigning, testing, tuning and optimization process. The powerful information processing capabilities of the immune system, such as feature extraction, pattern recognition, learning, memory, and its distributive nature provide rich metaphors for its artificial counterpart. Our study focuses on building an autonomic defense system, using some immunological metaphors for information gathering, analyzing, decision making and launching threat and attack responses. In order to detection Stuxnet like malware, we propose to include a secure VM (or dedicated host) to the SCADA Network to monitor behavior and all software updates. This on-going research effort is not to mimic the nature but to explore and learn valuable lessons useful for self-adaptive cyber defense systems.
Ion association and departure from additivity of equivalent conductance as a function of pressure

The equivalent conductance of mixtures of 0.01 equivalent/liter solutions of MgCl2 and Na2SO4 were measured as a function of pressure at 25°C. Departures from additivity are used to infer the pressure dependence of the concentration of MgSO4 ion pairs. The results are consistent with the pressure dependence of the molal dissociation constant of MgSO4 obtained from pressure conductance studies on aqueous solutions of MgSO4.
Cholinergic regulation of impulse frequency in peripheral nerve.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), β-adrenergic catecholamines and acetylcholine in vertebrate peripheral nerve, and provided functional correlates for activation of both GABA and β-adrenergic receptors. The present studies show that a cholinergic receptor present on the nerve can also modify impulse pattern. In frog sciatic nerve, both carbamylcholine and dibutyryl cyclic GMP increased the amplitude of the response to the second stimulus of a train at very short interstimulus intervals. The effect of carbamylcholine was blocked by 4-aminopyridine. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cholinergic agonists mediate an increase in endogenous cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which increases the ability of the nerve to follow closely spaced stimuli by inhibiting potassium channels.
Applications of a planar electrochemiluminescence platform to support regulated studies of macromolecules: Benefits and limitations in assay range☆

Development and validation of ligand binding methods that can measure therapeutic antibodies (TA) accurately and precisely are essential for bioanalysis that supports regulated pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies. Non-bead (planar) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) methods are known to have high sensitivity and a wide assay range and are therefore potentially useful in supporting research studies in the early phases of development as well as for diagnostic fields and multiplex biomarker applications. Here, we demonstrate the applications for using ECL for regulated studies associated with protein drug development. Three planar ECL methods were developed, validated, and implemented to quantify three different TAs to support PK/TK studies. An automated liquid handler was used for the preparation of standards, quality controls, and validation samples to minimize assay variability. Robustness and ruggedness were tested during pre-study validations. During method optimization, the potential assay ranges were 3 log orders. To improve assay accuracy and precision, assay ranges in all 3 methods were truncated by at least 50% at the upper end before proceeding to pre-study validations. All 3 methods had assay ranges of about 2 logs during pre-study validations. The inter-assay accuracy and precision during pre-study validations were 90% assay success during sample analyses. Although there were limitations in the assay ranges, the strength of this technology in assay accuracy, precision, and reproducibility can be beneficial for macromolecule analyses in support of PK and TK studies in a regulated environment.