cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black on the Block: The Politics of Race and Class in the City

Black on the Block: The Politics of Race and Class in the City. By Mary Pattillo. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007. 400p. $29.00.In her book, Mary Pattillo sets out to lay to rest any notion that there is a unitary political agenda binding all blacks to a common political cause. She accomplishes this goal by thoroughly dismantling the well-worn but persistent myth of a “black community” that speaks in one voice. She is not the first to discredit that hoary notion, but her book is likely to become the most effective and influential work to do so. The main reason for this may be that she brings a subtlety to her argument that goes far beyond mere critique. Her analysis is both more nuanced and ultimately more positive than any previous statement in the literature.
Effects of pregnancy and differential environments on rat cerebral cortical depth.

Pregnant and nonpregnant Long—Evans female rats were placed in enriched, standard colony, and impoverished environmental conditions (comparisons were made among sextuplets). Cerebral cortical depth measurements of the non-pregnant rats supported previous findings that the somesthetic and occipital areas of the environmentally enriched rat are thicker than those of the environmentally impoverished nonpregnant rat. Pregnancy altered the response to these differential environments by increasing the cerebral cortical depth of the pregnant animals, particularly those in the impoverished condition. However, a significant overall effect of an enriched environment occurred in the pregnant rats as well. The present experiment indicates that cerebral cortical chemistry and morphology can be altered depending on the environmental conditions, sex, and hormonal state of the animal. If the mechanisms which cause the brain to function are ever to be understood, all variables should be taken into consideration.
A role for juvenile hormone in the induction of antifreeze protein production by the fat body in the beetle Tenebrio molitor

Abstract 1. 1. Tenebrio larvae treated topically with JH-I and maintained under non-inducing conditions (16 light/8 dark photoperiod, 23°C and 90% relative humidity) elevated haemolymph antifreeze protein activity and concentration. 2. 2. Juvenile hormone (JH) titres (measured by radioimmunoassay) were elevated in larvae acclimated to antifreeze protein inducing conditions (short photoperiod or cold temperature). 3. 3. Fat bodies incubated in Grace's medium increased antifreeze protein when JH was added to the medium, but only when the fat bodies were taken from larvae which had been primed by a previous JH treatment.
Switching speed of GdIG crystals near the compensation temperature

Measurements of the switching speed in thin single-crystal wafers of gadolinium iron garnet are described. Pulsed magnetic fields down to 10-ns duration are applied, and the resulting change in the magnetic state is detected optically by the Faraday effect. Data are taken as a function of temperature near the compensation point. The results show interesting temperature and dynamic effects in the switching threshold and switching speed. Many of the observed effects can be accounted for by appropriate models. Most interesting and unexpected is that the wall damping coefficient appears to be an order of magnitude lower than in YIG. The cause for this is not understood. One practical consequence is that the switching power is very low. This may be advantageous in some device applications, even though the coercivity near the compensation temperature becomes very high.
Echocardiography abnormalities in chronic asymptomatic alcoholics

Alcohol abuse is a frequent contributor to elevated blood pressure, but the literature is ambiguous about the role of hypertension in producing left ventricular dysfunction. Fifty asymptomatic male alcoholics admitted for detoxification were studied using echocardiograms and systolic time intervals. Alcoholics were separated into Group I (28 with hypertension) and Group II (22 without hypertension). Forty-four patients had analyzable echocardiograms and were compared to 29 nonalcoholics. Group III consisted of 14 nonalcoholics with hypertension. Group IV consisted of 15 normotensive nonalcoholics (controls). The ejection fraction and shortening fraction were reduced in Group I (p less than 0.05). Hypertensive alcoholics had increased left ventricular mass indices but less than hypertensive nonalcoholics. Left ventricular wall stress was compared to mass as an index of ventricular compensation. The wall stress to mass index for hypertensive alcoholics was 1.65 as compared to 1.43 for the controls. Alcoholics without hypertension had a wall stress to mass ratio of 1.54. Hypertensive patients had a reduced wall stress to mass ratio of 1.38 when compared to controls. These data suggest an inappropriate compensatory response to afterload. Alcohol and hypertension combined may be more harmful to left ventricular function than either disease alone.
Surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus does notincrease the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in the preterm infant

with respiratory distress syndrome. J PEDIATR 1979;94:643 6. Hadeed A J, Asay LD, Klein AH, Fisher DA: Significance of transient postnatal hypothyroxinemia in premature infants with and without respiratory distress syndrome. Pediatrics 1981 ;68:494 7. Klein AH, Oddie TH, Parslow M, Foley TP Jr, Fisher DA: Developmental changes in pituitary-thyroid function in the human fetus and newborn. Early Hum Dev 1982;6:321 8. Franklin R, O'Grady C, Carpenter L: Neonatal thyroid function: comparison between breast-fed and bottle-fed infants. J PEDIATR 1985;106:124 9. Gerard P, Baehy A, Battisti O: Transient thyroid insufficiency in sick neonates. Acta Paediatr Belg 1979~32:193 10. Delange F, Dalhem A, Bourdoux P, Lagasse R, Glinoer D, Fisher DA, Walfish PG, Ermans AM: Increased risk of primary hypothyroidism in preterm infants. J PEDIATR 1984;105:462
Pleural Tuberculosis and HIV Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus infection changes the clinical presentation of tuberculosis infection with atypical radiographs and more common extrapulmonary involvement. We retrospectively studied pleural tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients over a 5-year period. We identified 70 patients with pleural tuberculosis by positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures of pleural fluid and/or pleural tissue, including 43 HIV-positive and 27 HIV-negative patients. The HIV-positive patients were significantly younger (mean age, 38±1 years in HIV-positive vs 52±3 years in HIV-negative patients, p
Coordination and fragmentation of 1,4-dithiacyclohexane by a triosmium cluster

Abstract The reactions of 1,4-dithiacyclohexane (1,4-DTCH) with Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2, Os3(CO)11(NCMe) and Os3(CO)12 have been investigated. The reaction of 1,4-DTCH with Os3(CO)11(NCMe) at 25 °C yielded Os3(CO)11( SCH 2 CH 2 SCH 2 C H2) (1 in 46% yield. The reaction of 1,4-DTCH with Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2 at 25 °C yielded Os3(CO)10 SCH 2 CH 2 SCH 2 C H2) (2) in 75% yield. Compound 2 was characterized by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecule consists of a triangular triosmium cluster with ten linear terminal carbonyl ligands, and a 1,4-DTCH ligand coordinated as a chelate to only one of the metal atoms. When compound 2 was heated to reflux in cyclohexane solvent four compounds were obtained: Os 3 ( CO ) 9 (μ 3 -ν 2 - CCH 2 (μ- H ) 2 ( 3 ), Os 2 ( CO ) 6 (μ- SCH 2 CH 2 S )( 4 ), Os 3 ( CO ) 10 (μ- SCH 2 CH 2 S )( 5 ), Os 3 ( CO ) 8 (μ 3 0-ν 2 - C  CH 2 )( SCH 2 CH 2 SCH 2 C H 2 )(μ- H ) 2 ( 6 ) . The formation of ethylene as a coproduct was observed spectroscopically when the reaction was performed in toluene-d8 solvent in an NMR tube at 100 °C. The same cluster complexes were obtained from the pyrolysis of 1, and from the direct reaction of 1,4-DTCH with Os3(CO)12 at 125 °C. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Both compounds contain a bridging, chelating ethanedithiolato, SCH2CH2S, ligand. Compound 4 can be obtained from 5 in good yield by heating to 125 °C in octane solvent. Compound 3 has been reported previously. Compound 6 is a simple 1,4-DTCH derivative of 3. Crystallographic data for 2: Os3S2O10C14H8, space group, P2 1 /n, a=8.641(2), b=25.108(4), c=10.533(1) A , β=113.35(1)°, Z=4,2064 reflections, R=0.037. For 4: Os2S2O6C8H4, space group P2 1 /n, a=8.612(2), b=16.062(8), c=9.988(4) A , β=98.37(1)°, Z=4, 1295 reflections, R=0.044. For 5 Os3S2O10C12H4, space group P2 1 /c, a=14.079(2), b=9.383(1), c=15.153(2) A , β=108.20(8)°, Z=4 , 1893 reflections, R=0.030.
On the stress dependence of partial dislocation separation and deformation microstructure in austenitic stainless steels

Abstract In the austenitic stainless steels the separation of Shockley partial dislocations is known to play an important role in the plastic deformation and produces a variety of deformation microstructures depending on test and material conditions. Theoretical calculations have been carried out in an attempt to explain the origin of the deformation microstructures which include large stacking faults and twins. Force balance equations for the leading and trailing partials are established by considering the Peach–Koehler force from an applied stress field, repulsive force between leading and trailing partial dislocations, attractive force due to the stacking fault energy, and resistance (or damping) force to the glide of the partial dislocations. For a simple dislocation and stress arrangement, an expression for separation distance was derived from the force balance equations. The results indicate that the separation distance varies with the directional relationship between the applied stress and the Burgers vectors of glide dislocations. Also, the separation distance increases with the applied stress and can diverge when the applied stress exceeds a critical stress. The critical stress is readily achievable in the uniform strain range by strengthening measures like irradiation, lowering test temperature, and increasing strain or strain rate. Further, using a stress-based analysis, some predictions were attempted for the influence of radiation-induced defects on deformation microstructure in austenitic stainless steels.
freeform: A Tool for Teaching the Mathematics of Curves and Surfaces

We describe the structure and use of an interactive modeling and visualization tool used to help students understand various important concepts in curve and surface design. This paper describes those aspects of the tool related to NURBS curves, but Bezier and Hermite curves are also supported as are Bezier and B-Spline surfaces. The focus of this paper is almost exclusively on those features of the tool used to visualize the mathematics of NURBS curves and surfaces, especially focusing on an integrated visualization of how weights and knots affect the blending functions and, through them, the curve. It is currently packaged as a standalone C++ program using OpenGL, running on Macintosh and linux operating systems. A port to Windows is underway, but as a part of a larger effort to redesign and better package a Java-JOGL-Swing version, access to which will be placed in the public domain using Java Web Start.
Distributions and first moments of the busy and idle periods in controllable M/G/1 Queueing Models with Simple and Dyadic Policies

The distributions and the first two moments of the busy and idle periods in classical controllable M / G/1 queueing models operating under the N -policy, the T-policy and the D-policy are derived. We also consider controllable M/G/1 queueing systems operating under six dyadic policies. Each of these policies is a different combination of the three aforementioned simple policies. For the distributions of the busy and idle periods the desired results are obtained in terms of the respective distributions for the ordinary M/G/1 queueing system. In all instances, we prove that the probability that the server is busy in the steady state is equal to the traffic intensity. The special case of the M/M/1 system is studied
Improved proton assignment for DNA by application of aliasing and dispersive-absorptive phasing to two-quantum COSY spectra.

Abstract A unique combination of aliasing and dispersive-absorptive (DA) phasing of two-quantum correlated spectroscopy (2Q-COSY) NMR data is shown to enhance proton chemical-shift assignments in DNA oligonucleotides by (i) reducing the time necessary for acquiring NMR data or, alternatively, improving the spectral resolution in a given time, (ii) reducing the number of spectra necessary for NMR data processing and analysis, and (iii) increasing the complexity of oligonucleotide sequences and structures which are accessible to 2D NMR analysis. Aliasing allows a reduction in the size of the acquired data without significant risk of losing information. Phasing the 2Q-COSY dispersive in the F 2 dimension reduces the primary antiphase doublet into a pseudo-singlet and increases the apparent signal-to-noise. A single 2Q-COSY spectrum can provide an amount of chemical-shift information comparable to that from a series of COSY, relayed-COSY, and/or spin-lock COSY spectra optimized for various coupling constants. The low signal-to-noise inherent in the most popular two-quantum-filtered correlated spectroscopy (2QF-COSY) of samples with naturally broad lines is largely avoided due to less cancellation. There is no diagonal in a 2Q-COSY which can obscure correlations between protons which are nearly isochronous. As an example of this efficient application, the assignment of 139 of the 143 proton resonances from a single 2Q-COSY and a 2D-NOE spectrum of the DNA hexadecamer [d(AAATATAGCTATATTT)]2 is demonstrated.
Enhanced dopamine transporter function in striatum during nicotine withdrawal

Spontaneous and antagonist-precipitated withdrawal from nicotine is characterized by marked deficits in extracellular dopamine (DA) in striatum, especially in nucleus accumbens, that have been thought to underlie the affective state associated with drug discontinuation. Uptake via the dopamine transporter (DAT) is a key mechanism for regulating the concentrations of extracellular DA. Accordingly, we questioned whether DAT expression and function are altered in striatum in nicotine withdrawal. Male mice, 30–35 g, were injected with nicotine free base 2 mg/kg, s.c., or saline four times daily for 14 days and euthanized 4–72 h after drug discontinuation. DA uptake into striatal synaptosomes was increased 12–24 h into nicotine withdrawal, and accompanied by elevated DAT mRNA in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area, evaluated by in situ hybridization. The overflow of endogenous DA, measured under basal conditions in striatal slices ex vivo, was decreased during nicotine withdrawal in a time pattern paralleling to that of uptake. Added to striatal slices, the DAT inhibitor nomifensine reduced the observed difference in DA overflow between saline and nicotine withdrawn mice implying a role for the transporter. The presented data suggest that DAT is transiently upregulated in the striatum early during nicotine withdrawal, and enhanced transporter function contributes to the decreased extracellular DA levels. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fireblight in Békés County (Hungary) in 1996/20021

Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) appeared in Hungary in 1996. Most damage occurred on apple, pear, quince and medlar, and also on the ornamentals Pyracantha, Sorbus, Cotoneaster and Crataegus. In 1996-2006, an official programme for elimination of infected parts of plants started in Bekes county. This mainly concerned trees in towns and villages, since there are few pome-fruit orchards in the county. Work teams under official direction pruned back or cut down trees. In total, some 13 000 trees were pruned back and nearly 11 000 were cut down. In addition, 21 villages were subjected to special phytosanitary measures. Infection decreased considerably between 1996 and 2002, but over 90% of the inhabited areas in the county remained subject to special measures, because of the very dispersed occurrence of fireblight.
AN ENZYMIC METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE CHONDROITIN SULFATES.

Abstract A method employing the enzyme chondroitinase has been described for measuring the chondroitin sulfates, and it has been applied to urine specimens from normal and dwarf cattle and normal man and patients with Hurler's syndrome. The method is sensitive and specific for the three chondroitin sulfates. Quantitative recoveries were achieved when chondroitin sulfate A or B were added to urine. With the recent interest in disorders of mucopolysaccharide metabolism, this method should have application for categorizing the various types of mucopolysaccharidosis.
The “Swirling” Pattern of Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast can be Characterized by Integrated Backscatter Using Fourier Analysis

Atrial spontaneous echo contrast (smoke) refers to dynamic smoke-like echos that has both increased intensity and a distinctive “swirling” pattern. We have previously shown that smoke can be measured by integrated backscatter (IBS) intensity, and now hypothesize that the swirling pattern could be characterized by frequency spectrum analysis of IBS sequences by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). Methods We acquired IBS sequences during TEE in 25 pts. who had been qualitatively assessed independently for smoke severity. We analyzed IBS intensity of the LA smoke region, as well as reference intensity sequences from the left ventricular cavity (LV) and the interatrial septum (lAS), for 60 consecutive frames at 30 Hz under optimal imaging gains. We calculated FFT centroid frequencies to characterize the shape and distribution of the frequency pattern for all acquired IBS sequences. Download : Download high-res image (66KB) Download : Download full-size image Results Mild and severe LA smoke IBS sequences were characterized by low dominant frequency with high amplitude variability, whereas the no smoke, LV, and lAS sequences were characterized by high frequency with low amplitude variability, consistent with random interframe noise. The mean FFT centroid frequency for atrial smoke sequences (6.2 ± 2.7) was significantly lower than the centroid frequency for no-smoke sequences (11.9 ± 4.1; P l 0.001). Total IBS variance (integral of all non-zero components) was significantly associated with the qualitative grade of atrial smoke (p l 0.003). Conclusions 1) Analysis of IBS FFT spectra shows that atrial smoke is a unique echocardiographic phenomenon, clearly distinguishable from either artifact or tissue; 2) IBS intensity analysis and IBS FFT frequency analysis each provide an objective quantitative measure of smoke which may serve to assess thrombogenic potential and embolic risk in patients with spontaneous echo contrast.
Engineering plastics from lignin. XVI. Starlike macromers with propylene oxide

Starlike macromers were prepared from hydroxypropyl organosolv lignin by reaction with propylene oxide, and they were analyzed by a combination of conventional analysis techniques. The average number of arms per macromer was controlled by partial capping with an alkoxy group; and the average length of arms by the degree of chain extension with propylene oxide. Analysis methods included treatment with hydriodic acid followed by gas chromatographic separation of alkyl iodides (HI/GC), UV spectroscopy, H-NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The results were consistent with a hypothetical pentameric model structure having between two and six radiating arms, each with a length of between 1 and 4 propylene oxide units. The UV method was best qualified to determine degree of chain extension, while HI/GC was best suited for analyzing average number of arms per macromer fragment. The synthesis and analysis of starlike macromers from lignin is viewed as an important stepping stone for the formulation of lignin-based engineering plastics and multiphase materials.
DNA Binding and Transcriptional Properties of Wild-Type and Mutant Forms of the Homeodomain Protein Msx2

Msx2 is a mammalian homeodomain protein that is expressed during craniofacial development. A proline-to-histidine substitution at residue 148 of human Msx2 results in an autosomal dominant form of craniosynostosis. In this study, both wild-type and mutant Msx2 were shown to specifically bind to a DNA sequence previously identified as a high-affinity binding site for the related homeodomain protein Msx1. In co-transfection assays both wild-type and mutant Msx2 repressed reporter gene transcription in a dose-dependent but binding-site-independent manner. These results provide evidence that Msx2 is a transcriptional repressor and suggest that the mutant form of Msx2 may exert its pathophysiologic effects on craniofacial development by a gain-of-function mechanism.
Measuring religious faith in cancer patients: reliability and construct validity of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith questionnaire.

Growing attention has focused on associations between religious involvement and health outcomes for cancer patients. Unfortunately, research has been hampered by lack of measures suitable for use in oncology settings. This study examined the performance of one recently developed measure, the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF). Initial investigations with cancer patients in a bone marrow transplant program and with non-oncology patients yielded promising results. This study provided additional information about temporal stability and convergent validity. The measure was evaluated in two well-defined samples: (1) 95 breast cancer patients, and (2) 53 healthy young adults. Most of the cancer patients had recent diagnoses and localized or regional disease. In each sample, the instrument demonstrated high test-retest reliability (r's=0.82-0.93) and internal consistency (r's=0.95-0.97). It displayed strong correlations with measures of intrinsic religiosity (r's=0.67-0.82, p<0.0001), and moderate correlations with organizational religiosity (r's=0.61-069, p<0.0001), non-organizational religiosity (r's=0.52-0.55, p<0.0001), comfort from religion (r=0.58, p<0.0001), and ratings of self as religious (r=0.58, p<0.0001). Among cancer patients, scores were significantly associated with optimism (r=0.30, p<0.01), but not with openness of family communication about cancer or perceived social support. These data build on previous findings with cancer patients, and suggest that the SCSORF may be a useful measure of religious faith in oncology settings.
Comparison of Conservative and Aggressive Smoking Cessation Treatment Strategies Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Purpose Patients who continue to smoke following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) have substantially poorer outcomes than patients able to stop smoking after CABG. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two smoking cessation treatment strategies in patients undergoing CABG. Methods Two smoking cessation treatment strategies were compared in smokers who underwent CABG. In the conservative treatment strategy, smokers undergoing CABG were followed up prospectively at monthly intervals. Patients who started smoking again at any time in the year following CABG were asked to enroll in an 8-week smoking cessation program. In the aggressive treatment strategy, smokers undergoing CABG were asked to enroll in an 8-week smoking cessation program starting immediately after hospital discharge. The structure and makeup of the smoking cessation program used in the conservative and aggressive treatment strategies were identical. The primary study outcome was smoking status assessed by self-report and confirmed by expired carbon monoxide at 1.5 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Results Nineteen patients were enrolled in the conservative treatment strategy, with 2 patients unavailable for follow-up prior to the first follow-up visit. Of the remaining 17 patients, 14 patients (82%) resumed smoking at an average of 10.3 weeks after CABG. Eleven of these 14 patients (79%) agreed to participate in the smoking cessation program. Based on evaluable patients, 10 of the 17 patients (59%) in the conservative strategy group were not smoking at the 12-month follow-up. Twenty patients were enrolled in the aggressive treatment strategy. All patients agreed to participate in the smoking cessation program. All patients were available for follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, 17 of 29 patients (85%) in this treatment strategy were not smoking. Point prevalence and continuous abstinence cessation rates were significantly greater in the aggressive treatment strategy compared to the conservative treatment strategy at all follow-up intervals after CABG. Conclusion Based on our findings in a small number of patients, an aggressive smoking cessation intervention is associated with a superior smoking cessation rate compared to a conservative treatment strategy in smokers undergoing CABG. A larger study will be needed to confirm that an early aggressive smoking cessation intervention should be provided to all smokers undergoing CABG.
Photothermal Spectroscopy Of Aerosols

In situ aerosol absorption spectroscopy was performed using two novel photothermal detection schemes. The first, based on a photorefractive effect and coherent detection, called 'phase fluctuation optical hetero-dyne'(PFLOH) spectroscopy, could, depending on the geometry employed, yield particle specific or particle and gas absorption data. Single particles of graphite as small as 1 μm were detected in the particle specific mode. In another geometrical configuration, the total absorption (both gas and particle) of submicron sized aerosols of ammonium sulfate particles in equilibrium with gaseous ammonia and water vapor were mea-sured at varying CO2 laser frequencies. The specific absorption coefficient for the sulfate ion was measured to be 1 be 0.5 m2/g at 1087 cm -1. The absorption coefficient sensitivity of this scheme was less than or equal to 10 cm -1. The second scheme is a hybrid visible Mie scattering scheme incorporating photothermal modulation. Particle specific data on ammonium sulfate droplets were obtained. For chemically identical species, the relative absorption spectrum versus laser frequency can be obtained for polydisperse aerosol distributions directly from the data without the need for complex inverse scattering calculations.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An effective feedback-driven approach for energy saving in battery powered systems

Energy efficiency is essential to battery-powered (BP) mobile systems. However, existing energy efficiency techniques suffer from imbalance between system performance and power consumption. This paper presents a Feedback QoS based Model, called FQM, to successfully achieve power reduction without performance degradation. By observing system behavior via control variables, FQM applies pre-estimated policies to monitor and schedule I/O activities. We implement a prototype of FQM under Linux kernel and evaluate its effectiveness with different applications in terms of power consumption, QoS, and performance. Our experimental results show that FQM can effectively save energy while maintaining high QoS stability.
Direct synthesis of organofunctional arylstannanes

Abstract Arylstannanes are obtained by direct synthesis from trimethylstannylsodium compounds and the corresponding aryl bromides in 40–78% yield. A reaction mechanism is proposed.
Activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C toward inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-phosphate.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus thuringiensis catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol (PI) in discrete steps: (i) an intramolecular phosphotransferase reaction to form inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-phosphate (cIP), followed by (ii) a cyclic phosphodiesterase activity that converts cIP to inositol 1-phosphate. Water-soluble cIP was used as the substrate to study the cyclic phosphodiesterase activity and interfacial behavior of PI-PLC. Different detergent micelles and phospholipid vesicles were used to examine if "interfacial activation" of the enzyme could occur toward a soluble substrate. Almost all detergents examined activated the enzyme at least 2-fold, with PC species yielding the largest increases in PI-PLC specific activity. Kinetic parameters were measured in the absence and presence of several representative detergents (e.g., Triton X-100 and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine (diC7PC)). Gel filtration experiments showed that, under these conditions, the cIP did not partition to any measurable extent with these detergent micelles. The concentration at which half the maximum activation was observed occurred near the detergent CMC. Both Km and Vmax were altered by the presence of a surface: Km decreased to different degrees depending on the detergent, while Vmax increased substantially. The Km for cIP was 90 mM without detergent and decreased to 29 mM with diC7PC micelles added; Vmax increased almost 7-fold in the presence of diC7PC micelles. The enzyme efficiency (Vmax/Km) in the presence of diC7PC increased more than 21-fold, but it was still 20-fold lower than initial phosphotransferase activity for monomeric dihexanoylphosphatidylinositol. The poor efficiency of the cyclic phosphodiesterase activity is largely due to substrate binding affinity. The dependence of rate on substrate concentration exhibits cooperative behavior, especially without detergent. This cooperativity is discussed in terms of protein aggregation and ligand binding sites on the enzyme.
Inhibition of Azoxymethane-Induced Preneoplastic Lesions in the Rat Colon by a Cooked Stearic Acid Complexed High-Amylose Cornstarch

This study evaluated a novel stearic acid complexed high-amylose cornstarch (SAC) for the prevention of preneoplastic lesions in the colon of azoxymethane (AOM)-treated Fisher 344 rats fed resistant starches at 50-55% of the diet for 8 weeks. Uncooked SAC (r-SAC) diet was compared with raw normal-cornstarch diet (r-CS) or raw high-amylose cornstarch diet (r-HA), and water-boiled CS (w-CS) was compared with w-HA and w-SAC, respectively. w-SAC markedly reduced mucin-depleted foci (MDF) numbers compared with w-HA or w-CS. r-HA significantly decreased aberrant crypt foci (ACF) numbers compared with r-CS or r-SAC. Increased cecum weight and decreased cecum pH were observed in the SAC or HA groups. The highest amounts of total or individual short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecum and of butyrate or propionate in feces were observed in the AOM-treated w-SAC group. This study revealed the effectiveness of a novel resistant starch in inhibiting colonic preneoplastic lesions and the importance of high-moisture cooking on the suppression of colon carcinogenesis by this resistant starch.
The efferent projections of the dorsal and ventral pallidal parts of the pigeon basal ganglia, studied with biotinylated dextran amine

In the present study we have investigated the efferent projections of both the dorsal and the ventral pallidum of the pigeon basal ganglia, using the sensitive anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine [Veenman C. L. et al. (1992) J. Neurosci. Meth. 41, 239-254]. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine in the pigeon dorsal pallidum produced numerous fibers and terminals in specific nuclei of the thalamus, hypothalamus, pretectum and midbrain tegmentum. In the thalamus, labeled fibers and terminals were observed in the avian thalamic reticular nucleus, the proposed motor part of the avian ventral tier (ventrointermediate area), the avian parafascicular nucleus (nucleus dorsointermedius posterior), as well as in the avian nucleus subrotundus (which may be comparable to the posterior intralaminar nuclei of mammals). Labeled fibers and terminals were also observed in the avian subthalamic nucleus (anterior nucleus of the ansa lenticularis), in the pretectum (nucleus spiriformis lateralis) and in the avian substantia nigra pars reticulata. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine in the pigeon ventral pallidum produced fibers and terminals in specific centers of the telencephalon, hypothalamus, thalamus, epithalamus, and midbrain and isthmic tegmentum. Labeled fibers and terminals were also observed in the avian subthalamic nucleus and the inmediately adjacent lateral hypothalamus, the avian thalamic reticular nucleus, the avian medidorsal nucleusaand posterior intralaminar nuclei, and the lateral habenula. Finally, labeled fibers and terminals were found in the ventral tegmental area, the avian substantia nigra pars compacta and the midbrain/isthmic tegmentum, which includes the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus. Our results indicate that both the dorsal and ventral pallida of birds have unique and specific projection patterns, which are very similar to those of their counterparts in mammals. Our study suggests that these avian basal ganglia regions may be related mainly to somatomotor and limbic functions, respectively.
Predicting and preventing the cardiotoxicity of cancer therapy.

For the past 40 years, cardiovascular disease and malignant neoplasms have been the leading causes of death in the USA. As treatments for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses improve, we are seeing more complicated patients in our clinics. Cancer therapies such as anthracyclines and radiation therapy continue to pose a risk for delayed-onset cardiovascular disease, in spite of decades of research. It has been reported that the risk of congestive heart failure is the second most common, late, long-term disabling health condition among cancer survivors. Improved understanding of an individual’s risk for cardiovascular complications of these therapies and earlier intervention for selected patients may help to improve the overall outcome for patients requiring these therapies. New therapies targeting oncogenes and the process of angiogenesis have ‘off-target’ effects regarding the cardiovascular system that remain poorly understood. Our knowledge and experience in the cardiovas...
Effect of Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Methylglyoxal-Modifiable Arginine Residues on the Structure and Chaperone Function of Human αA-Crystallin†

We reported previously that chemical modification of human αA-crystallin by a metabolic dicarbonyl compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), enhances its chaperone-like function, a phenomenon which we attributed to formation of argpyrimidine at arginine residues (R) 21, 49 and 103. This structural change removes the positive charge on the arginine residues. To explore this mechanism further, we replaced these three R residues with a neutral alanine (A) residue one at time or in combination and examined the impact on the structure and chaperone function. Measurement of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and near-UV CD spectra revealed alteration of the microenvironment of aromatic amino acid residue in mutant proteins. When compared to wild type (wt) αA-crystallin, the chaperone function of R21A and R103A mutants increased 20% and 18% as measured by the insulin aggregation assay, and increased it as much as 39% and 28% when measured by the citrate synthase (CS) aggregation assay. While the R49A mutant lost most of its chaperone function, R21A/R103A and R21A/R49A/R103A mutants had slightly better function (6–14% and 10–14%) than the wt protein in these assays. R21A and R103A mutants had higher surface hydrophobicity than wt αA-crystallin, but the R49A mutant had lower hydrophobicity. R21A and R103A mutants, but not the R49A mutant, were more efficient than wt protein in refolding guanidine hydrochloride-treated malate dehydrogenase to its native state. Our findings indicate that the positive charges on R21, R49 and R103 are important determinants of the chaperone function of αA-crystallin and suggest that chemical modification of arginine residues may play a role in protein aggregation during lens aging and cataract formation.
Three‐dimensional MHD simulations of Ganymede’s magnetosphere

[1] Ganymede is unique among planetary moons because it has its own magnetic field strong enough to form a magnetosphere within Jupiter’s magnetospheric environment. Here we report on our three-dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations that model the interaction between Ganymede’s magnetosphere and the corotating Jovian plasma. We use the measured field and particle properties to define our boundary conditions. Our simulations show that, in addition to the familiar structures such as the magnetopause and equatorial current sheet, Ganymede’s magnetosphere extends into an Alfven wing that mediates the interaction of Ganymede with the plasma and ionosphere of Jupiter. The field-aligned currents in the Alfven wing close on themselves not only through the moon and its ionosphere. They also close through the magnetopause and tail current sheets. The pattern of the field-aligned currents varies according to the orientation of the external magnetic field and asymmetries in the intensities of the parallel currents are organized by the clock angle of the ambient field in the plane perpendicular to the incident flow. The simulations reproduce quite closely the magnetic field structure measured by the Galileo magnetometer for all six close encounters. The magnetopause currents are well resolved in our high resolution simulations, producing sharp rotations in the field orientation consistent with the observations. However, the discrepancies between our model results and the data, such as the weaker field strength near closest approach in multiple simulated flybys, suggest the possibility that Ganymede’s intrinsic magnetic field may be stronger than the accepted value. The magnetosphere produced in our simulations can provide us with realistic estimates of the moon’s magnetic environment thereby enabling us to refine our determination of Ganymede’s internal magnetic field and to better understand the energetic particle behavior.
Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone similarly improve insulin sensitivity and secretion, glucose tolerance and adipocytokines in type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE We examined the effects of rosiglitazone treatment on profiles of adipocytokines levels, postprandial insulin and glucose excursion, lipids levels, comparing with those of pioglitazone treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS Changes in body weight, haemoglobin A(1c )(HbA(1c)), glucose/insulin/C-peptide/free fatty acid (FFA) during 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HDL-/LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and adipocytokines [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, leptin and adiponectin] were measured in T2DM patients treated with rosiglitazone, 8 mg/day (n = 35), or pioglitazone, 45 mg/day (n = 21), for 3 months. RESULTS After rosiglitazone or pioglitazone treatment, HbA(1c )(8.6-7.2 vs. 8.3-6.9%, rosiglitazone vs. pioglitazone), fasting plasma glucose (190-144 vs. 178-140 mg/dl), fasting FFA (729-595 vs. 641-526 microEq/l), mean plasma glucose-OGTT (292-229 vs. 285-233 mg/dl) and mean FFA-OGTT (580-430 vs. 488-377 microEq/l) decreased similarly and all were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The insulinogenic index (DeltaI(0-120)/DeltaG(0-120)) (0.19-0.30 vs. 0.17-0.26) and Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity (2.0-3.1 and 2.7-4.3) increased (p < 0.01) similarly, despite increase in body weight (85-88 vs. 81-84 kg). TNF-alpha (3.8-3.4 vs. 5.2-4.5 pg/ml) decreased (p < 0.05) and adiponectin (6.3-17.8 vs. 7.1-16.4 microg/ml) increased (p < 0.01), while leptin did not change following either treatment. After rosiglitazone treatment, plasma HDL-cholesterol (34-38 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (103-120 mg/dl) increased (p < 0.01), while TGs (177-167 mg/dl) did not change significantly. After pioglitazone treatment, plasma HDL-cholesterol (34-37 mg/dl) increased (p < 0.05), while LDL-cholesterol (104-105 mg/dl) did not change and TGs (153-106 mg/dl) decreased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone have similar beneficial effects on glycaemic control insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and plasma adipocytokine levels. However, pioglitazone has a more beneficial effect on the plasma lipid profile than rosiglitazone.
Genetic significance of chemical, isotopic, and petrographic features of some peralkaline salic rocks from the island of Pantelleria

Abstract An anorthoclase phenocryst separate from a pantellerite welded tuff and a slightly peralkaline nonhydrated sodatrachyte glass both have 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios of0.7030 ± 0.0002. The sodatrachyte glass, withSiO 2 = 63,Al 2 O 3 = 15.5,and CaO= 1.4wt%and Sr= 53ppm, is interpreted as an intermediate member in the differentiation sequence through which pantellerite melts were derived from primary mafic magmas. The very low 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios, in conjunction with K/Rb ratios of 500 to 700 found for the sodatrachytes, show that the primary mafic magmas were derived from mantle material which had been depleted in incompatible elements by a much earlier episode of magma generation. Nonhydrated glass from the young ‘green ignimbrite’ which mantles much of the island has an Na 2 O content of 6.4 wt % and is compositionally nearly identical to other pantellerite glasses from the island. Anorthoclase phenocrysts from this extremely highly differentiated ash-flow sheet contain only 3 ppm Sr. The relative abundance and lack of resorption of the anorthoclase phenocrysts in this unit rule out the possibility that the parent magma was superheated.
Managing J. Pierrepont Finch: Should he be given a PC?

Abstract An unprecedented phenomenon is transforming some of the fundamental relationships of our society: the wide distribution of cheap, general purpose information processing capacity in the form of microcomputers or personal computers. Although general purpose productive capacity has been a major factor in the past (e.g. through the use of railroads and automobiles), the new revolution is aimed directly at the heart of hierarchical organizations such as corporations. One aspect of the potentially revolutionary impact of PCs, the wide and rapid distribution of this general information processing capacity to end-users, can affect manager-employee and employee-employee relationships. A model of “office politics” is presented which may partially explain both the rapid diffusion of personal computers to lower and middle management and the concurrent, and surprising decline in white collar productivity.
Zinc thiolate reactivity toward nitrogen oxides: insights into the interaction of Zn2+ with S-nitrosothiols and implications for nitric oxide synthase.

Zinc thiolate complexes containing N2S tridentate ligands were prepared to investigate their reactivity toward reactive nitrogen species, chemistry proposed to occur at the zinc tetracysteine thiol...
Diagnostic imaging tests and microbial infections

Despite significant advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis, infection remains a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. While the presence of infection may be suggested by signs and symptoms, imaging tests are often used to localize or confirm its presence. There are two principal imaging test types: morphological and functional. Morphological tests include radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and sonongraphy. These procedures detect anatomic, or structural, alterations produced by microbial invasion and host response. Functional imaging tests reflect the physiological changes that are part of this process. Prototypical functional tests are radionuclide procedures such as bone, gallium, labelled leukocyte and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. In-line functional/morphological tomographic imaging systems, PET/CT and single photon emission tomography (SPECT)/CT, have revolutionized diagnostic imaging. These devices consist of a functional imaging device (PET or SPECT) joined together with a CT scanner. The patient undergoes both tests sequentially without leaving the examination table. Images from each study can be viewed separately and as fused images, providing precisely localized anatomic and functional information. It must be noted, however, that none of the current morphological or functional tests, either alone or in combination, are specific for infection and the goal of finding such an imaging test remains elusive.
Assessing Student Work from Chatrooms and Bulletin Boards

Professors can establish rubrics for assessing participation in chatroom discussions and the content of student contributions in both chatrooms and bulletin boards.
Direct-Reading Beryllium Spectrograph

Abstract A direct-reading emission spectrograph for the quantitative determination of beryllium on one-inch diameter filter paper discs has been developed to relieve the workload on the industrial hygiene chemistry laboratory. The instrument, constructed in our own shops, uses a Bausch and Lomb grating monochromator as its basic unit. Operation of the spectrograph is automatic; the amount of beryllium on the filter paper is read directly from a meter. The filter paper sample discs are used with specially designed high-purity graphite electrodes. Spark excitation of the sample is by a small Bausch and Lomb spark source. The instrument is suitable for detecting concentrations of beryllium ranging from 0.01 to 10 micrograms.
Long-term evaluation of solid oxide fuel cell candidate materials in a 3-cell generic short stack fixture, part I: Test fixture, sealing, and electrochemical performance

Abstract A generic solid oxide fuel cell stack test fixture was developed to evaluate candidate materials and processing under realistic conditions. A NiO–YSZ anode-supported YSZ electrolyte cell with a composite cathode was used to evaluate the long-term stability of a sealing system, alumina coating, Ce-modified (Mn,Co)-spinel coating, ferritic stainles steel AISI441 interconnect metal, and current collectors. A 3-cell short stack was assembled and tested in constant current mode for 6000 h at 800 °C. Part I of the work addresses the stack fixture design, cell components, sealing system, cell performance, and post-mortem analysis. Parts II and III will discuss microstructure evolution, interfacial reactions, and degradation mechanisms. During 6000 h of testing, the top cell showed very low degradation (∼1.4% kh−1), while the middle and bottom cells exhibited much higher degradation after ∼2000 h. The rapid cell degradation was correlated to the open circuit voltage measurements and was attributed to glass seal failure, probably due to unbalanced stress conditions. Post-mortem analysis showed a characteristic yellowish color around the glass seal, suggesting formation of SrCrO4. Overall the developed stack test fixture was demonstrated as a simple and useful tool for evaluation of SOFC candidate materials in realistic conditions.
Effect of band mismatch on minority carrier transport in heterojunction solar cells

Abstract By using transient-capacitance techniques we probe the mechanism of hole transport in amorphous/crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells. The devices are formed by depositing undoped amorphous silicon followed by p-type amorphous silicon on n-type crystalline silicon wafers. The capacitance transients indicate that hole transport from p-type amorphous silicon to n-type crystalline silicon is hindered by hole accumulation in the depletion region of the crystalline silicon. The results are explained with a model based on electrostatic repulsion owing to hole build-up at the crystalline/amorphous interface. We apply these results to other heterojunction solar cells.