cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anticarcinoma Activity of Rhodamine 123 against a Murine Renal Adenocarcinoma

The mitochondria of carcinoma cells retain the permeant cationic compound rhodamine 123 longer than the mitochondria of normal epithelial cells. The possibility of exploiting this difference in the chemotherapy of a murine renal adenocarcinoma was investigated. Rhodamine 123 exhibited anticarcinoma activity in mice and this activity was potentiated by 2-deoxyglucose and methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone), a chemotherapeutic agent that is toxic to mitochondria. Prolonged retention of rhodamine 123 by renal tumor cells compared with normal renal epithelial cells was demonstrated by flow cytometry, perhaps explaining its antitumor activity. A combination of both mitochondrial toxins, rhodamine 123 and methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) produced the longest survival and had the greatest antitumor effect.
On the exactness of an S-shaped bifurcation curve

For a class of two-point boundary value problems we prove exactness of S-shaped bifurcation curve. Our result applies to a problem from combustion theory, which involves nonlinearities like e for a > 0.
Property rights and international investment in information technology services

Many modern information technology services are increasingly being produced in a host country to serve clients in an offshore location. As a result, the internationalization of service functions is beginning to resemble that of their more traditional manufacturing counterparts. This paper examines the role of formal and de facto property rights protection in the offshore location choice of information technology services. I also explore the role of a firm's global subsidiary network and its experience with similar property rights regimes. Using investment data based on 152 firms and their international information service investments between 2002–2006, the empirical results highlight the role of de facto property rights protection and related experience in location choice.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential drug interactions with the percent carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (%CDT) test, a new alcohol biomarker.

Study Objective. To determine the effects of drugs on levels of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), using the %CDT test, a new alcohol biomarker, in patients receiving drug therapy for chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and lipid disorders. Design. Regression analysis of transformed data. Setting. Eight primary care clinics in central Wisconsin. Patients. Seven hundred ninety-nine primary care patients who were prescribed drug therapy for a variety of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and lipid disorders. Measurements and Main Results. The %CDT level, 30-day history of alcohol consumption, symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependence, health status, and prescribed drugs were determined for each patient. All prescribed drugs that were taken by the patients in the last month were determined by self-report, medical records, or pharmacy records. Of the 799 patients, 89 were receiving drug therapy for diabetes, 299 for hypertension, 209 for both diabetes and hypertension, and 202 for medical conditions other than diabetes or hypertension. A regression analysis was performed after the data were transformed. Alcohol consumption, sex, age, tobacco use, and 20 drug classes were entered into the model. Factors associated with increased %CDT levels were alcohol consumption, female sex, and bupropion use. Two additional drug classes, the angiotensin II receptor blockers and the tricyclic antidepressants, were associated with lower %CDT levels. The effects of bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants on %CDT levels, however, appear to be confounded by alcohol intake. Conclusion. This study suggests that only one of 20 drug classes—the angiotensin II receptor blockers—affected %CDT levels in our primary care sample. Additional research with larger samples is needed to focus on the effects of individual drugs used in general clinical settings on %CDT levels.
BEEM imaging and spectroscopy of buried structures in semiconductors

Abstract Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM) has been shown to be a powerful tool for nanometer-scale characterization of the spatial and electronic properties of semiconductor structures. In this article, we will discuss general aspects of BEEM experiment and theory in true ballistic and quasi-ballistic hot carrier transport. We will review the current state and recent progress in the use of the BEEM imaging and spectroscopy to study metal-semiconductor and metal-insulator-semiconductor interfaces, buried semiconductor heterojunctions and novel quantum objects. Various theoretical BEEM models are discussed, and their ability to describe BEEM experiments is examined. Special attention is drawn to the role of the electron scattering in the metal base layer, at the metal–semiconductor interface and in the semiconductor heterostructure on BEEM spectra.
Tertiary lymphoid neogenesis is a component of pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.

Background Despite reducing pneumonia and other infections, antibody replacement does not appear to treat pulmonary lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH) in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The pathogenesis and optimal treatments remain to be clarified. Objective We aimed to better understand the pathology of CVID-associated lung disease. Tertiary lymphoneogenesis, although a component of interstitial lung disease associated with autoimmune diseases, has not previously been explored in patients with CVID. Methods We examined the clinical characteristics and pathologic findings of 6 patients with CVID with nodular/infiltrative lung disease who had biopsy specimens demonstrating PLH. Results In these subjects regions of PLH contained distinct B- and T-cell zones, with B-cell predominance in 1 patient and T-cell predominance in the others. Colocalization of Ki67, Bcl6, and CD23 within this ectopic lymphoid architecture demonstrated tertiary lymphoneogenesis with active centers of cellular proliferation. One patient received rituximab with improved pulmonary radiologic findings. Conclusion Ectopic lymphoid tissue forming germinal centers suggest tertiary lymphoneogenesis in CVID-associated lung disease. B cell–targeted therapy might disrupt CVID-associated lymphoid hyperplasia.
An Accurate Probe for Mapping Strong HF Magnetic Fields

Design, calibration, and performance of an HF magnetic field probe based on photoammeter principles are discussed. The probe is minimally field perturbing, measures an average value of magnetic field over a 2 cm2 area, has precision to ±1 percent of full scale values, and has an accuracy of ±5 percent. The probe can measure orthogonal components of a field, and in that sense is a vector probe. Relative phases of orthogonal field components are not measured, however. The probe is useful in measuring and mapping relatively intense magnetic fields of known frequency (e.g., 80 A/m at 13.56 MHz) such as those used in hyperthermia for cancer treatment with magnetic induction techniques. Accurate magnetic field measurements permit a determination of the absorbed power densities that result in tissue heating.
An oxygen electrode respirometer for measuring very low respiration rates

Abstract A platinum microelectrode respirometer is described which is capable of measuring respiration rates as low as 5 mμmoles O2/hr in a volume of 0.2 ml or less. The most important feature is the movable stirrer, which rides on top of the sample, sealing it from the atmosphere but at the same time permitting changes in sample volume over a wide range.
Introduction: Catalyzing Matrix Stability

An important property of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is its relative insolubility. To survive the unpredictability of the extracellular environment, components of the ECM must be stable to changes in pH, hydration, ionic strength, and red/ox conditions. Biosynthesis and organization of an in­ soluble matrix present complex problems for the cell. Ma­ trix components must be synthesized in soluble form, post­ translationally modified (such as hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen), packaged, and transported to specific sites on the cell surface for assembly. During devel­ opment, the cell must adjust both the temporal, qualitative, and quantitative pattern of its synthetic activities to coor­ dinate the amount, type, and spatial organization of matrix components, so as to maintain the phenotypic composition typical of a particular connective tissue. The cell must also remain responsive to physiologic and pathologic stresses that necessitate modification of the matrix. It is now evident that pathways for matrix production form an integrated system regulated at many points by the cell, which can respond to common biologic signals (such as hormones or macro­ molecules from the ECM) thus permitting timing and con­ trol of matrix synthesis by external factors. But regulation of production of ECM components inside the cell is only a part of the story of assembling an ECM. Maturation and insolubilization of an ECM occurs outside the cell, but even here the cell exerts a continued influence over the process. An example is the crosslinking of collagen and elastin. Both proteins leave the cell as soluble monomers that organize into fibers at or near the cell surface. Their in­ solubilization is catalyzed by the extracellular enzyme lysyl oxidase, which oxidatively deaminates the e-amino group of selected lysine and hydroxylysine residues. This appears to be the only enzymatic step involved in crosslinking. Subse­ quent formation of more complex crosslinks (including the tetrafunctional amino acid isomers desmosine and isodes­ mosine) probably occurs as a series of spontaneous conden­ sation reactions. Lysyl oxidase thus occupies a critical posi
Discours, récit et traduction

The rendering of characters’ utterances in narrative can be particularly problematic when they are in a language that is different from the language of the narration (English rather than French, say). The functioning of the more or less explicit and direct translational practices to which these utterances give rise and the links of these practices to the theme of translation are explored, with particular reference to such French-language texts from the nineteenth and twentieth century as Prosper Merimee’s Carmen and Ousmane Sembene’s Les Bouts de bois de Dieu. More generally, their links to other kinds of metanarrative translations are considered.
Vinca alkaloids and the synthesis of RNA in mouse brain.

THE dimeric indole alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, were isolated during the investigations1,2 of the reported hypoglycaemic activity3 of Vinca rosea Linn. Although the occurrence of hypoglycaemia could not be substantiated, the alkaloids were found to be potent oncolytic agents in some experimental systems4. Clinically, vinblastine has been useful in the treatment of lymphoma, including Hodgkin's disease, carcinomata of the breast and bronchus and certain non-malignant conditions such as Letterer–Siwe disease5. Vincristine has been used with varying degrees of success in acute lymphocytic and myelogenous leukaemia, carcinoma of the cervix, malignant lymphomata, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumour and rhabdomyosarcoma6, as well as in certain intracranial gliomata7. Both alkaloids may suppress the immune response8. Whereas leukopaenia has been the limiting manifestation of toxicity in the use of vinblastine9, this has not usually been the case with vincristine, which produces various neuropathies10 with a picture of polyneuritis running an acute or sub-acute course11. In mice, vincristine produces degeneration of the dorsal root cells and of the myelin sheath of the sciatic and median nerves, and inhibits the proliferation of the Schwann cells12. The present study was undertaken in an attempt to find a biochemical basis for the neurotoxicity.
Who Is Really Developmentally at Risk Among Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants

We studied the neurobehavioral development of 78 very low birthweight (VLBW) infants ( 3 days (x=10 days), and 3) 52 healthy preterm infants without PNA, RDS, biochemical abnormalities, CNS infections or seizures. We found that: 1) during the preterm period, healthy VLBW infants and those with PNA develop equally well, and both do significantly better than RDS babies on all measures of visual, auditory and motor development; 2) from 40 weeks PCA to 3 years of age, healthy VLBW infants and those who had PNA consistently perform within normal standards on all tests of neurobehavioral development. VLBW infants who had RDS do significantly worse. We conclude that; 1) a short term respiratory insult (PNA) has very different developmental effects than a longer duration insult (RDS); 2) disturbances in neurobehavioral development which persist for up to 3 years may be detectable as early as the preterm period in certain groups of VLBW infants; 3) the “healthy” VLBW infant in our cohort develop normally through the third year of age.
A kinetic study of the demetalation reaction of (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphinato)mercury(II) in the presence of imidazole

Abstract The demetalation reaction of (5,10,15,20 tetraphenylporphinato)mercury(II) in CHCl 3 , containing imidazole, 0.1 M TBAP was studied by means of stopped-flow rapid-scanning spectroscopy. Addition of imidazole to TPPHg yielded first the formation of a mono ligand adduct, TPPHg(Im). This rapid step was followed by a slower demetalation reaction to produce TPPH 2 . The demetalation reaction was first-order in both imidazole and metalloporphyrin and gave a rate constant of 0.63 M −1 s −1 at 25 °C. A mechanism for the overall reaction is discussed which involves a proposed transient six coordinate TPPHg(Im) 2 species.
Crawling and walking infants elicit different verbal responses from mothers.

We examined mothers' verbal responses to their crawling or walking infants' object sharing (i.e. bids). Fifty mothers and their 13-month-olds were observed for 1 hour at home. Infants bid from a stationary position or they bid after carrying the object to their mothers. Mothers responded with affirmations (e.g. 'thank you'), descriptions ('red box'), or action directives ('open it'). Infants' locomotor status and the form of their bids predicted how mothers responded. Mothers of walkers responded with action directives more often than mothers of crawlers. Notably, differences in the responses of mothers of walkers versus those of crawlers were explained by differences in bid form between the two groups of infants. Walkers were more likely to engage in moving bids than crawlers, who typically shared objects from stationary positions. When crawlers displayed moving bids, their mothers offered action directives just as often as did mothers of walkers. Findings illustrate developmental cascades, wherein Infants' locomotor status affects how infants share objects with mothers, which in turn shapes mothers' verbal responses.
On the limitations of a well-known integration technique

The integral on the right can now be evaluated to give 12 = w/4; thus I = FV/2. This is a beautiful argument, but one never encounters it outside of this one example. We address here the natural question of whether the same argument is applicable in a wider context. Consider an integrable function f on [0, oo) and let J = flf(x) dx. In order to integrate f by the above method there must exist functions g and h such that
Role of Methionine 56 in the Control of the Oxidation−Reduction Potentials of the Clostridium beijerinckii Flavodoxin: Effects of Substitutions by Aliphatic Amino Acids and Evidence for a Role of Sulfur−Flavin Interactions†

Flavodoxins are small electron transferases that participate in low-potential electron transfer pathways. The flavodoxin protein is able to separate the two redox couples of the noncovalently bound flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor through the differential thermodynamic stabilization or destabilization of each of its redox states. In the flavodoxin from Clostridium beijerinckii, the sulfur atom of methionine 56 is in direct contact with the re or inner face of the isoalloxazine ring of the FMN cofactor. In this study, evidence was sought for a possible role for sulfur−aromatic (flavin) interactions in the regulation of one-electron reduction potentials in flavoproteins. Met56 was systematically replaced with all the naturally occurring aliphatic amino acids by site-directed mutagenesis. Replacement of Met56 with alanine or glycine increased the midpoint potentials at pH 7 for the oxidized−semiquinone couple by up to 20 mV compared to that of the wild type, while replacement by the longer chain aliphati...
Inhibition of human leukocyte elastase (HLE) by novel bicyclic β-lactams

Abstract Novel 3,2,0 bicyclic β-lactam sulfenamides and selected carbon isosteres are inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase. The comparative biological activity and hydrolytic stability of these compounds are described.
Witches, Moonies and Evil

A S sociologist Andrew Greeley observed in his recent book Unsecular Man and as others have since reaffirmed, the 1970s have not witnessed the continuation of the secularization process projected by observers during the 1960s. On the contrary, the current decade has been one of widespread religious ferment. Estimates given in the media of evangelical participation alone range as high as thirty to forty million Americans. An NBC newscast recently reported, on the basis of a national opinion poll, that one out of every three Americans was "born again" and returning to fundamentalist Christianity. Thht a number of public figures from Charles Colson to Eldridge Cleaver to Larry Flynt have been among the converts has served to dramatize the influence of the movement. Alongside this resurgence of conventional Judaic-Christian religious activity, there has been a proliferation of marginal or "new" religious groups such as the Unification church, the Children of God, Hare Krishna, the Divine Light Mission, Scientology, and numerous other less well known groups. While this myriad of marginal religious groups taken together includes only a fraction of the number of Americans who are born again Christians, such groups have commanded as much or more public attention and concern. Much of this negative publicity can be traced to the loosely organized but highly vocal members of a conservative countermovement which has been alternately christened the "anticult" or "deprogramming" movement. (Deprogramming refers, in its coercive extreme, to the abduction and restraint of marginal religious group members for the purpose of pressuring them to recant their new faiths.) The members of this countermovement, most of whom are disgruntled former members or relatives of members of these marginal religions, have charged that these groups gain converts through the use of coercive, manipulative mind-control techniques. The spectacular charges of Svengalian brainwashing methods used by these groups create the impression that these religious organizations constitute a rare social aberration. However, even a cursory examination of American history reveals that marginal religious groups have always existed in substantial numbers. For a variety of reasons these groups sometimes become more visible and are regarded as threats to the conventional order. When members of conventional society perceive them to be a clear and present danger to cherished values, there follows a tendency to attach to them beliefs and powers which, in whatever the terms of that culture, constitute evil. From the perceived danger is initiated a process of locating, identifying, and neutralizing that evil.
Implementation and the Organizational Impacts of Information Systems

A model that links the organizational effects of information systems to the process used to implement those systems calls for the identification of operating problems and opportunities, the formulation of objectives, simultaneous processes of organizational design and of system design, and implementation. This orderly approach to implementing information systems in an organization achieves planned rather than accidental impacts. Use of the model is illustrated with several recent cases.
Cytopathologic grading of hepatocellular carcinoma on fine-needle aspiration

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is routinely graded histopathologically using a modified Edmondson system (ES). The cytologic grading of HCC has been used predominantly as an adjunct in differential diagnoses (i.e., to help distinguish HCC from other tumors as well as nonneoplastic lesions). However, there are unanswered questions regarding the reliability of the cytologic grading of HCC and its correlation with histologic follow-up. METHODS A total of 106 cases of HCC were identified in the authors' cytopathology files from 1977 to the present. Of these cases, 64 had either a core needle or excisional biopsy sample that was judged to be adequate for histologic grading. From each case smears were graded independently in a blinded fashion by two cytopathologists, and tissue slides were graded by a liver pathologist. The cytopathologists' grading was then adjudicated by considering the histologic diagnosis as the “truth standard”. Finally, after the scores were calculated, a statistical analysis was performed to ascertain the accuracy of the cytopathologic grading. RESULTS The sensitivity for accurate grading was found to be highest for well differentiated (WD) lesions; the specificity was found to be highest for poorly differentiated (PD) HCC for both cytopathologists. Interobserver agreement was highest for WD HCC. WD HCC displayed cohesive fragments, often associated with characteristic vascular/endothelial patterns. In addition, moderately differentiated (MD) HCC demonstrated numerous single cells and atypical naked nuclei, usually with prominent nucleoli. PD HCC displayed loose nests and three-dimensional fragments (often gland-like), pleomorphism, macronucleoli, and focal necrosis. CONCLUSIONS In the authors' experience, the three-tier cytologic grading of HCC was found to be only moderately accurate. The accuracy of cytologic grading was reported to be high for WD/PD HCC and low for MD HCC. The architectural criteria appear to be more useful for WD HCC, whereas marked cellular pleomorphism is specific for PD HCC. The authors propose that a two-tier grading system may be more useful, given the recent studies of HCC recurrence. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Modification of potassium‐evoked release of noradrenaline by various ions and agents

1 Release of noradrenaline (NA) from isolated spleen slices of the cat by high K(+) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) was investigated. Studies were conducted with spleen slices whose tissue stores were prelabelled with [(3)H]-noradrenaline ([(3)H]-NA).2 Release by high K(+) was related to the K(+) concentration of the incubation medium. Release of [(3)H]-NA by 28.5 mM K(+) was only barely detectable over the background, while 70 mM K(+) enhanced release to more than 600% of the background output. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) did not block responses to 28.5 or 35 mM K(+).3 Background release was not modified by 1 or 3 mM TEA, but 10 and 30 mM TEA enhanced the release of [(3)H]-NA by about 50% and 150%, respectively, over the background level. Neither TTX nor hexamethonium (C(6)) blocked the TEA response. Release by TEA was also not blocked in Ca(2+)-free medium or in Ca(2+)-free medium containing up to 3 mM EGTA. Release by TEA was blocked in Ca(2+)-free medium containing 5 mM EGTA, and by La(3+) or Mn(2+).4 The response to 35 mM K(+) was not modified by 1 or 3 mM TEA; 10 mM TEA had an additive effect; and 30 mM TEA with 35 mM K(+) produced a response which was greater than the simple sum of responses to 35 mM K(+) and 30 mM TEA. At 45 mM K(+), 3 and 10 mM TEA potentiated the response, and at 30 mM K(+) only 1 mM TEA showed potentiation. TTX did not alter the response to high K(+) plus TEA.5 When TEA (30 mM) was added during prolonged incubation with 140 mM K(+), the response was only slightly enhanced. This suggests that a large part of the secretory response to TEA is mediated through mobilization of Ca(2+) activated by depolarization.6 Phenoxybenzamine (3.3 muM) potentiated responses to 35 and 140 mM K(+) by about 50%, and TTX did not influence this potentiation. Acetylcholine (ACh) blocked responses to 28.5 and 35 mM K(+), and 1 mM TEA antagonized this ACh blockade.7 In the perfused adrenal gland of the cat, the secretory response to TEA was related to its concentration. The response was not diminished by low Na(+), TTX, or C(6), but was markedly attenuated when TEA was applied 10 min after the start of perfusion with high K(+).
Binding number and toughness for matching extension

Abstract A graph G of even order is said to be k -extendable if every matching of size k in G can be extended to a 1-factor of G . Plummer (1988) showed that a graph G is k -extendable if tough ( G ) > k , and we here prove that G is also k -extendable if bind ( G ) > max {k, (7k + 13)/12}.
Infrared Spectra of Deimos (1-13 μm) and Phobos (3-13 μm)

The 3-13 μm spectra of Deimos and Phobos were obtained on the nights of 2003 August 19, 20, and 21 UT, within a week of opposition (August 28). Spectra in the 1.5-2.5 μm region were taken a few weeks earlier on July 26. Observations were made near greatest elongation for each satellite in order to minimize scattered light from Mars. The L, M, and narrowband N (10.2 μm) magnitudes for Deimos were 7.7 ± 0.1, 4.9 ± 0.1, and 0.79 ± 0.09, respectively. The L, M, and narrowband N (10.2 μm) magnitudes for Phobos were 6.4, 3.8, and -0.52, respectively, all ±0.07. The 5-12 μm color temperatures of Deimos and Phobos were 344 ± 5 and 357 ± 5 K, respectively, significantly higher than the blackbody thermal equilibrium temperature for either a fast rotator at Mars's heliocentric distance (237 K) or a slow rotator (282 K). The high brightness temperatures of Deimos and Phobos in the thermal infrared of 310-330 and 320-340 K, respectively, are not understood, but they are somewhat consistent with the high color temperatures. Within the errors, there was little evidence for spectral features indicative of surface composition, although there were some 1-2 σ variations that warrant further observations.
Rethinking global access to vaccines

Barriers to dissemination of life saving vaccines in low income countries can and should be overcome, argue Dave Chokshi and Aaron Kesselheim
Determination of brequinar in rat plasma by direct deproteinization and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection

A direct deproteinization method for the determination of brequinar in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed. This assay avoids the use of dichloromethane, a known carcinogen, in an existing extraction method. Acetonitrile was used to denature plasma proteins and the supernatant was injected onto the HPLC column. Chromatographic separation of brequinar was conducted on a Biophase octyl column using a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.1 M phosphoric acid (50:50, v/v) as the mobile phase and detection of brequinar was by UV absorbance at 254 nm. The method has been validated in rat plasma over the concentration range of 0.05-50.00 micrograms/ml which is adequate for the determination of pharmacokinetics of brequinar in animals.
Interfacial area and coalescence frequency in gas-slurry stirred reactors

La presence de solides dans des dispersions gaz liquide fait augmenter la frequence de coalescence des bulles, reduisant par la meme l'aire interfaciale gaz liquide dans un appareil agite
Expression and function of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor are dependent on a conserved apolar amino acid in the third intracellular loop.

The coupling of agonist-activated heptahelical receptors to their cognate G proteins is often dependent on the amino-terminal region of the third intracellular loop. Like many G protein-coupled receptors, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor contains an apolar amino acid in this region at a constant distance from conserved Pro and Tyr/Asn residues in the fifth transmembrane domain (TM V). An analysis of the role of this conserved residue (Leu237) in GnRH receptor function revealed that the binding affinities of the L237I and L237V mutant receptors were unchanged, but their abilities to mediate GnRH-induced inositol phosphate signaling, G protein coupling, and agonist-induced internalization were significantly impaired. Receptor expression at the cell surface was reduced by replacement of Leu237 with Val, and abolished by replacement with Ala, Arg, or Asp residues. These results are consistent with molecular modeling of the TM V and VI regions of the GnRH receptor, which predicts that Leu237 is caged by several apolar amino acids (Ile233, Ile234, and Val240 in TM V, and Leu262, Leu265, and Val269 in TM VI) to form a tight hydrophobic cluster. These findings indicate that the conserved apolar residue (Leu237) in the third intracellular loop is an important determinant of GnRH receptor expression and activation, and possibly that of other G protein-coupled receptors.
Multiple octupole-type band structures in Th 220 : Reflection-asymmetric tidal waves?

The $^{220}\mathrm{Th}$ level scheme has been considerably extended from an experiment using the $^{26}\mathrm{Mg}+^{198}\mathrm{Pt}$ reaction at 128 MeV. The evaporation residues from this very fissile system were selected with the HERCULES detector system and residue-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were measured with Gammasphere. The simplex feature (alternating-parity levels) persists up to the highest spins observed ($23\ensuremath{\hbar}$), but the nucleus exhibits a more vibrational-like behavior than the heavier Th isotopes. In addition, a doubling of the negative-parity, odd-spin states is seen as well as a staggering of the $B(E1)/B(E2)$ ratios. A new interpretation based on a picture of tidal waves on a reflection-asymmetric nuclear surface is proposed.
Anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 interacts with and destabilizes the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA).

The anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2 is well established, but the detailed mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, we show in vitro a direct interaction of Bcl-2 with the rat skeletal muscle SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase), leading to destabilization and inactivation of the protein. Recombinant human Bcl-2Δ21, a truncated form of Bcl-2 with a deletion of 21 residues at the C-terminal membrane-anchoring region, was expressed and affinity-purified as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. Bcl-2Δ21 co-immunoprecipitated and specifically interacted with SERCA in an in vitro-binding assay. The original level of Bcl-2 in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles was very low, i.e. hardly detectable by immunoblotting with specific antibodies. The addition of Bcl-2Δ21 to the sarcoplasmic reticulum resulted in the inhibition of the Ca2+-ATPase activity dependent on the Bcl-2Δ21/SERCA molar ratio and incubation time. A complete inactivation of SERCA was observed after 2.5 h of incubation at approx. 2:1 molar ratio of Bcl-2Δ21 to SERCA. In contrast, Bcl-2Δ21 did not significantly change the activity of the plasma-membrane Ca2+-ATPase. The redox state of the single Cys158 residue in Bcl-2Δ21 and the presence of GSH did not affect SERCA inhibition. The interaction of Bcl-2Δ21 with SERCA resulted in a conformational transition of SERCA, assessed through a Bcl-2-dependent increase in SERCA thiols available for the labelling with a fluorescent reagent. This partial unfolding of SERCA did not lead to a higher sensitivity of SERCA towards oxidative inactivation. Our results suggest that the direct interaction of Bcl-2 with SERCA may be involved in the regulation of apoptotic processes in vivo through modulation of cytoplasmic and/or endoplasmic reticulum calcium levels required for the execution of apoptosis.
Experimental analyses of the chemical dynamics of ribozyme catalysis

Most ribozymes in Nature catalyze alcoholysis or hydrolysis of RNA phosphodiester bonds. Studies of the corresponding non-enzymatic reactions reveal a complex mechanistic landscape allowing for a variety of transition states and both concerted and stepwise mechanisms. High-resolution structures, incisive biochemical studies and computer simulations are providing glimpses into how ribozyme catalyzed reactions traverse this landscape. However, direct experimental tests of mechanistic detail at the chemical level are not easily achieved. Kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) probe directly the differences in the vibrational 'environment' of the atoms undergoing chemical transformation on going from the ground state to the transition state. Thus, KIEs can in principle provide direct information about transition state bonding and so may be instrumental in evaluating possible transition states for ribozyme catalyzed reactions. Understanding charge distribution in the transition state may help resolve how rate acceleration is accomplished and perhaps the similarities and differences in how RNA and protein active sites operate. Several barriers to successful application of KIE analysis to ribozymes have recently been overcome, and new chemical details are beginning to emerge.
Langemarck—historisch und symbolisch

Das Bild von sturmenden Freiwilligen, die 1914 bei Langemarck das Deutschlandlied singen und sich opfern, wurde in deutschen literarischen Werken und in politischen Reden zu einem Symbol, das Selbstopfer in einem nationalen Krieg als moralische Pflicht hinstellte. Diese Pflicht zum Selbstopfer wurde von dem national-sozialistischen Regime in Deutschland misbraucht. Der Aufsatz untersucht die Entstehung der Autoritat literarischer Symbole im Kontext der deutschen literarischen und bildungsburgerlichen Tradition und unter dem Einflus der ersatzreligiosen Tendenzen in der Literatur, die Entstehung des Bildsymbols “Langemarck” aus den historischen Ereignissen und einem tauschenden Heeresbericht, einige literarische Auspragungen dieses Symbols, sowie die Kriegsszene in Thomas Manns Der Zauberberg, in der die moralische Bedeutung des Symbols schon bezweifelt wird. Literarische Sprache verlast den Bereich ihrer Gultigkeit, wenn sie den Spielcharakter der Literatur aufgibt. Dann darf und mus sie moralischen Beurteilungen ausgesetzt werden.
Transport Phenomena in Zonal Centrifuge Rotors. III. Particle Sedimentation in Gradient Solutions

Abstract An analysis is presented for the prediction of (a) a particle position as a function of rotation time, (b) an instantaneous particle sedimentation velocity, and (c) an instantaneous observed particle sedimentation coefficient in a gradient solution characterized by viscosity and density profiles which are expressed in polynomials as functions of radial distance of the zonal rotor. Effect on variation of those predicted quantities with (a) particle size and rotor speed, (b) the density ratio between a particle and the light end of the gradient solution, and (c) the profiles of a gradient solution are also discussed from the computed numerical results.
Microfracture and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) synergistically stimulate articular cartilage repair

Summary Objective Microfracture is used to treat articular cartilage injuries, but leads to the formation of fibrocartilage rather than native hyaline articular cartilage. Since bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) induces cartilage differentiation, we hypothesized that the addition of the morphogen would improve the repair tissue generated by microfracture. We determined the effects of these two treatments alone and in combination on the quality and quantity of repair tissue formed in a model of full-thickness articular cartilage injury in adolescent rabbits. Design Full-thickness defects were made in the articular cartilage of the patellar grooves of forty, 15-week-old rabbits. Eight animals were then assigned to (1) no further treatment (control), (2) microfracture, (3) BMP-7, (4) microfracture with BMP-7 in a collagen sponge (combination treatment), and (5) microfracture with a collagen sponge. Animals were sacrificed after 24 weeks at 39 weeks of age. The extent of healing was quantitated by determining the thickness and the surface area of the repair tissue. The quality of the repair tissue was determined by grading specimens using the International Cartilage Repair Society Visual Histological Assessment Scale. Results Compared to controls, BMP-7 alone increased the amount of repair tissue without affecting the quality of repair tissue. Microfracture improved both the quantity and surface smoothness of repair tissue. Compared to either single treatment, the combination of microfracture and BMP-7 increased both the quality and quantity of repair tissue. Conclusions Microfracture and BMP-7 act synergistically to stimulate cartilage repair, leading to larger amounts of repair tissue that more closely resembles native hyaline articular cartilage.
The existence and stability of Ca6Zr19O44 compound in the system ZrO2CaO

Abstract The development of ordered phases in the system ZrO 2 CaO was studied during prolonged heating of reactive powders derived from gels. The pure phase ф 2 was obtained at 1250°C only with gels containing 24 m/o CaO which indicates that the correct composition of this phase i s Ca 6 Zr 19 O 44 . This phase has rhombohedral symmetry, space group R3c, and is analogous to the ф 2 phase in the HfO 2 CaO system. The pure phase ф 1 (CaZr 4 O 9 ) was obtained by heating gels containing 20 m/o CaO at 1180°C. This phase often appears as a precursor to the formation of the ф 2 phase. At 1355±15°C the ф 2 phase decomposes to a cubic ZrO 2 solid solution and CaZrO 3 . At 1235±15°C the ф 1 phase decomposes to a cubic ZrO 2 solid solution and the phase ф 2 . The inability to synthesize a phase analogous to the phase ф (Ca 2 Hf 7 O 16 ) in the HfO 2 CaO system can be explained by the low cation diffusivity in the ZrO 2 CaO system below 1150°C.
Ethnic variation in the association between sleep and body mass among US adolescents

We investigate whether differences in sleep duration help explain ethnic disparities in body mass index (BMI) among US adolescents. We also evaluate the functional form of the association between sleep duration and BMI, and investigate whether this association varies by sex and ethnicity. We analyzed restricted-use data from the first two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=30 133) to evaluate linear and quadratic associations between sleep duration and BMI. Through a series of models that incorporated interaction terms between sex, ethnicity and sleep duration, we also assessed whether (1) sleep duration mediates associations between ethnicity and BMI, and (2) associations between sleep duration and BMI differ for girls and boys from different ethnic groups. A linear association between sleep duration and BMI best fits the data in this large sample of US adolescents. We find no evidence that sleep duration contributes substantially to ethnic disparities in BMI. However, we detect significant differences in the association between sleep duration and BMI by sex and ethnicity. Sleep duration is negatively associated with BMI among White, Hispanic and Asian boys, positively associated with BMI among Black girls and is not related to BMI among Black boys or girls from White, Hispanic or Asian ethnic groups. Despite significant associations between sleep duration and BMI for certain groups of adolescents, we find no evidence that ethnic differences in sleep duration exacerbate ethnic disparities in BMI. Future research should explore mechanisms that underlie ethnic differences in the association between sleep and BMI.
Encephalitis after Vaccination in United States. A Report from the CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. [1990–2010] (P03.151)

Objective: To determine the rates and characteristics of encephalitis after administration of vaccination in The United States. Background There are several reports of encephalitis after vaccination. Design/Methods: We used that data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) which is a cooperative program for vaccine safety of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS is a post-marketing safety surveillance program, collecting information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after the administration of United States licensed vaccines. Results: There were 1396 cases (mean age 23.44 years, range 0 to 89 years) of encephalitis reported after vaccination in the United States from 1990 to 2010. The onset of encephalitis within 6 weeks after vaccination was reported in 910 patients (65.2%) and in 708 patients (50.7%) within 2 weeks of vaccination. The date of vaccination in patients who developed encephalitis was unknown in 192 patients (13.7%). Hospitalization and disability were reported in 976 (69.9%) and 288 (20.6%) of patients, respectively. Encephalitis was reported in 354 cases (25.5%) after Hepatitis B vaccination, 208 cases (14.9%) who were vaccinated with the Flue vaccine, 208 cases (14.9%) who received Measles vaccine Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and in 120 cases (8.6%) after Haemophilus influenza type B vaccination. Conclusions: The Non-randomized distribution of encephalitis cases within 6 weeks after vaccination is suggestive that some cases are triggered by vaccines. More controlled studies and continuous monitoring are needed to assess the risk of encephalitis after vaccination. Disclosure: Dr. Al Qudah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Abukwaik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Souayah has received personal compensation for activities with Walgreens as a consultant. Dr. Souayah has received research support from Talecris.
Circadian organization in white suckers Catostomus commersoni: The role of the pineal organ

Abstract 1. 1. Pinealectomy of the white sucker, Catostomus commersoni, had significant effects on the free-running circadian rhythm of locomotor activity. With fish kept under constant darkness pinealectomy resulted in a significant alteration in period length and decrease in the precision of circadian activity. 2. 2. In a number of cases circadian activity was split into two components that free-ran independently. 3. 3. The pineal organ is suggested to function in the coupling of a multi-oscillator system making up circadian organization in this fish.
Use of thickened liquids versus postural change as an immediate intervention for thin-liquid aspiration in individuals with neurogenic dysphagia: No easy answers1

Which of the three most commonly used interventions for aspiration of thin liquids (nectar-thickened liquid, honey-thickened liquid, and chin-down posture) is the most effective immediate managemen...
Temperate Wetland Methanogenesis: The Importance of Vegetation Type and Root Ethanol Production

We evaluated the hypothesis that soil microorganisms inhabiting wetland soils prefer plant litter and soil organic matter to fuel methanogenesis rather than root exudates. Root ethanol production, microbial respiration, concentrations of dissolved organic C (DOC), and the biochemical composition of litter from four contrasting plant species were compared to CH 4 production. Rates of CH 4 production varied from as little as 67 μmol kg -1 d -1 associated with Lythrum salicaria L., to 675 to μmol kg -1 d -1 with Carex lacustris Willd., 1555 μmol kg -1 d -1 with Juncus effuses L., and 1647 μmol kg -1 d -1 with Typha latifolia L. Ethanol production was pronounced in Typha roots in the spring and autumn, and in Lythrum in midsummer, but showed little seasonal pattern in Juncus or Carex. Concentrations of DOC did not vary with plant species and were greater in subsurface soil (13.3 mg C L -1 at 20 cm) than in surface soil (8.6 mg C L -1 at 5 cm). Our analysis of lignin oxidation products revealed plant-related differences in the lignin chemistry of soil. The p-coumaric acid content was 24 to 38% of the lignin yield in the surface soil, whereas vanillyl phenolics were dominant in the deeper soil. The ratio of acid to aldehyde was greater at depth in soils for all species except Juncus. The acid/aldehyde ratio for syringyl phenolics increased with depth in soil associated with Carex. Our results show that different plant species can create significant variation in soil methanogenesis, but plant-induced differences were probably caused by variation in the biochemical composition of litter rather than root ethanol production.
Attitudes Toward Sexual Abstinence Among Black Seventh-Day Adventist College Students

The purpose of this study was to identify Black Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) college students’ attitudes toward the concept of sexual abstinence. Attitude toward abstinence was operationalized as a dichotomy of acceptance or rejection of the concept as a way to order sexual behavior. The study utilized a convenience sample (N = 330) of unmarried Black students who were baptized SDAs or adherents to the religion. Participants attended a postsecondary Seventh-Day Adventist institution that supports the church's teaching concerning premarital sex by promoting premarital abstinence within the student body. Findings indicated that students with high levels of intrinsic religiousness were more likely to accept the concept of abstinence. Conversely, those with high extrinsic religiousness were more likely to reject this concept. Covariates, such as being female, having confidence in the ability to remain abstinent, and selecting peers who supported abstinence, predicted support for abstinence. Neither family stru...
Bedform Alignment in Directionally Varying Flows

Many kinds of sediment bedforms are presumed to trend either normal or parallel to the direction of sediment transport. For this reason, the trend of bedforms observed by remote sensing or by field observations is commonly used as an indicator of the direction of sediment transport. Such presumptions regarding bedform trend were tested experimentally in bidirectional flows by rotating a sand-covered board in steady winds. Transverse, oblique, and longitudinal bedforms were created by changing only two parameters: the angle between the two winds and the proportions of sand transported in the two directions. Regardless of whether the experimental bedforms were transverse, oblique, or longitudinal (as defined by the bedform trend relative to the resultant transport direction), they all had trends that yielded the maximum gross transport across the bedforms. The fact that many of the experimental bedforms were neither transverse nor parallel to the resultant transport direction suggests that transport directions cannot be accurately determined by presuming such alignment.
Fluoroquinolones in the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis

Purpose We evaluated the potential role of three topical fluoroquinolones in the treatment of bacterial keratitis by means of a laboratory database. Methods Antibiotic susceptibilities were determined for 153 isolates from patients with bacterial keratitis. Results were analyzed for each fluoroquinolone individually and in combination with cefazolin. Results Predicted susceptibility to each cefazolin-fluoroquinolone combination (98.7%) was superior to that for single-agent therapy with ofloxacin (88.2%), ciprofloxacin (82.3%), or norfloxacin (80.4%) (P = .0002). A cefazolin-fluoroquinolone combination (98.7%) was comparable to a cefazolin-gentamicin combination (97.4%). Conclusions Combination therapy with cefazolin and a fluoroquinolone offers a reasonable alternative for the treatment of bacterial keratitis. Single-agent therapy with fluoroquinolones for vision-threatening bacterial keratitis is not advised.