Clathrin-coated pit-associated proteins are required for alveolar macrophage phagocytosis

During phagocytosis, phagocytic receptors and membrane material must be inserted in the pseudopod membrane as it extends over the phagocytic target. This may require a clathrin-mediated recycling mechanism similar to that postulated for leading edge formation during cell migration. To investigate this possibility, liposomes were used to deliver to intact rat alveolar macrophages (AMs): 1) Abs to clathrin, clathrin adaptor AP-2, and hsc70, and 2) amantadine. Phagocytosis was assayed by fluorometric and colorimetric techniques. Liposome-delivered Abs to clathrin and AP-2 inhibited AM phagocytosis of zymosan-coated, fluorescent liposomes from 16.3+/-0.3 to 5.8+/-0.3, and 10.1+/-0.9 to 4.8+/-0.2 liposomes/cell (p<0.01). Similarly, liposome-delivered Ab to clathrin also inhibited AM phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized RBCs from 11.7+/-1.7 to 3.8+/-0.7 RBCs/cell (p<0.01). Amantadine, which blocks the budding of clathrin-coated vesicles, inhibited phagocytosis from 13.8+/-0.8 to 5.7+/-0.6 (p<0.01). Ab blockade of hsc70, which catalyzes clathrin turnover, also inhibited phagocytosis from 9.1+/-0.5 to 4.3+/-0.2 (p<0.01). These findings suggest that clathrin-mediated receptor/membrane recycling is required for phagocytosis.     

Transdermal testosterone administration in women with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome wasting: a pilot study

Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is increasing rapidly among women, no prior studies have investigated gender-based therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its complications in this population. Markedly decreased serum androgen levels have been demonstrated in women with AIDS and may be a contributing factor to the wasting syndrome in this population. To assess the effects of androgen replacement therapy in women with AIDS wasting, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study of transdermal testosterone administration. The primary aim of the study was to determine efficacy in terms of the change in serum testosterone levels, safety parameters and tolerability. A secondary aim of the study was to investigate testosterone effects on weight, body composition, quality of life, and functional indexes. Fifty-three ambulatory women with the AIDS wasting syndrome defined as weight less than 90% of ideal body weight or weight loss of more than 10% of the preillness maximum, free of new opportunistic infection within 6 weeks of study initiation, and with screening serum levels of free testosterone less than the mean of the normal reference range (< 3 pg/mL) were enrolled in the study. Subjects were age 37 +/- 1 yr old (mean +/- SEM), weighed 92 +/- 2% of ideal body weight, and had lost 17 +/- 1% of their maximum weight. CD4 count was 324 +/- 36 cells/mm3, and viral burden was 102,382 +/- 28,580 copies. Subjects were randomized into three treatment groups, in which two placebo patches (PP), one active/one placebo patch (AP group), or two active patches (AA group) were applied twice weekly to the abdomen for 12 weeks. The expected nominal delivery rates of testosterone were 150 and 300 microg/day, respectively, for the AP and AA groups. Forty-five subjects completed the study (PP group, n = 13; AP group, n = 14; AA group, n = 18). Two additional subjects from the PP group and two from the AP group were included in the intent to treat analysis. Serum free testosterone levels increased significantly from 1.2 +/- 0.2 to 5.9 +/- 0.8 pg/mL (AP) and from 1.9 +/- 0.4 to 12.4 +/- 1.6 pg/mL (AA) in response to testosterone administration (P < 0.0001 for comparison of AA vs. PP and AP vs. PP; normal range, 1.3-6.8 pg/mL). Testosterone administration was generally well tolerated locally and systemically, with no adverse trends in hirsutism scores, lipid profiles, or liver function tests. Weight increased significantly in the AP group (1.9 +/- 0.7 kg) vs. the PP group (0.6 +/- 0.8 kg; P = 0.043), but did not increase significantly in the AA group (0.9 +/- 0.4 kg; P = 0.263 vs. PP, by mixed effects model assessing the interaction of time and treatment on all available data, one-tailed test). Improved social functioning (P = 0.024, by one-tailed test) and a trend toward improved pain score (P = 0.059) were observed in the AP vs. the PP-treated patients (RAND 36-Item Health Survey questionnaire). Five of six previously amenorrheic patients in the AP group had spontaneous resumption of menses compared to only one of four amenorrheic patients in the AA group (P = 0.045 for comparison of actual number of periods during the study). This study is the first investigation of testosterone administration in women with AIDS wasting. We demonstrate a novel method to augment testosterone levels in such patients that is safe and well tolerated during short term administration. At the lower of the two doses administered in this study, testosterone therapy was associated with positive trends in weight gain and quality of life. Higher, more supraphysiological, dosing was not associated with positive trends in weight or overall well-being. These data suggest that testosterone administration may improve the status of women with AIDS wasting. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of testosterone on weight in HIV-infected women and to define the optimal therapeutic window for test     

Currently available permeability and breakthrough data characterizing chemical warfare agents and their simulants in civilian protective clothing mater

The current analysis characterizes chemical protective clothing (CPC) that would be available to civilian emergency personnel responding to possible ne     

Cement as an indicator of economic development

The objectives of this paper were to determine the usefulness of cement production per capita and cement consumption per capita as indicators of the economic development of countries. Some of the conclusions developed from this investigation are: (1) The cement indicators have a higher degree of correlation with gross national product per capita than any other of the indicators examined; (2) Cement data can be collected more easily, quickly, and perhaps more accurately than GNP data for less developed countries; and (3) Cement consumption per capita may be a better indicator than GNP per capita for less developed countries.     

De-mystifying employment test validation: A process to get high validity coefficients.

Presents a model of test validation which yielded high validity and reliability coefficients. The study was conducted for a mid-level secretary position at a state university. An employment selection test was developed around 25 tasks of work identified in the job analysis. A research performance appraisal was developed with behavioral statements, which matched each of the test sections. The appraisal contained 80 task statements and was mailed to 1,488 incumbents and their supervisors at 20 institutions. Questionnaires were returned by 883 incumbents and 659 supervisors for a total return of 1,542 completed questionnaires. Ss evaluated each of the 80 task statements as to relative importance, frequency, and knowledge needed at time of hire. Results substantiate the importance of job analysis in the test validation process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Near-infrared spectrometry of abdominal aortic aneurysm in the ApoE-/- mouse

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occur in 5-7% of people over age 60 in the United States. Early intervention in the disease process could have a significant impact on the incidence of complications and on patient survival, but identifying incipient aneurysms can be difficult. ApoE knockout mice develop AAAs following infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) by osmotic minipump into the subcutaneous space of mice at doses ranging from 500 to 1000 ng kg(-1) min(-1) for 7-28 days. These mice are used as models of AAA development. This study tested the hypothesis that near-IR spectrometry and PCR can determine AngII dose (SEE = 26 ng kg(-1) min(-1), SEP = 37 ng kg(-1) min(-1), r2 = 0.99) and collagen/elastin (C/E) ratio (SEE = 0.38, SEP = 0.39, r2 = 0.85) in mouse aortas.     

The identification and safe life prediction of hazardous materials

A suitable test for measuring the relative thermal stability of propellants containing nitrate esters is important not only for production controls, but also in defining the time and temperature at which this formulation can be safely stored. Over the years a number of tests have been developed for this purpose. However, most of these methods require either too much time or too sophisticated equipment to be implemented into inprocess control. This report explains an isothermal time to autoignition method which is presently being used to identify potentially hazardous materials, and the Ozawa method of predicting the half life of these substances. Other methods of identifying hazardous materials and predicting safe life are presented along with the reasons these techniques are not being utilized at Thiokol/Wasatch.     

Design features and protection of valve actuator motors in nuclearpower plants

A status report on an effort of the Working Group IEEE-NPEC-SC4.7 is presented and the performance requirements, selection, design, and protection of valve actuator motors (VAMs) commonly used as components in direct gear driven valve actuator assemblies in nuclear power plants are discussed. VAMs are short-time-rated, high torque-to-inertial ratio motors. The actuator manufacturer selects the performance parameters for the VAM based on the maximum thrust required by the valve for tight shutoff. Since valve actuators require a high starting torque, the rating system begins with the assignment of nominal starting torque. The requirement of minimum frame size dictates a minimal (running) torque and a minimum run time. Design features of the VAM leading up to its design as a short-time-duty rated motor are described and compared with a continuous-duty motor designed to NEMA MG1. The unique features of the speed-torque characteristics and performance at varying voltages and temperatures are described     

Maculinity, femininity, Type A behavior, and psychosocial adjustment in medical students.

80 male and 35 female freshmen medical students (mean age 23.6 yrs) completed measures of masculinity and femininity; Type A (coronary prone) behavior; and psychological well-being, adjustment, and interpersonal satisfaction to investigate the relationship between these variables in Ss. Appropriate statistical treatment of the data revealed strong and consistent masculinity effects on neuroticism, depression, self-esteem, confidence, hedonic capacity, locus of control, and relationship satisfaction. Femininity main effects varied in number as a function of the statistical method employed and involved a more diverse group of variables than is typically reported. Additive androgyny formulations of mental health were supported; balance androgyny formulations were not. No evidence for a Type A?×?masculinity effect on adjustment was found. Discussion focuses on the correct interpretation of masculinity and femininity scales, comparability of ANOVA and multiple regression statistical analyses, and the viability of the concept of androgyny. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)