cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, deposition and characterization of magnesium hydroxide nanostructures on zeolite 4A

Abstract The precipitation and self-assembly of magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 nanopetals on dispersed zeolite 4A particles was investigated. Mg(OH)2/zeolite nanocomposites were produced from magnesium chloride solutions and characterized via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR), and solid state NMR. It was determined that Mg(OH)2 interacted with bridging hydroxyl protons (SiOHAl) on the zeolite surface, but not with silanol or aluminol groups. NMR analysis showed that 13% of the tetrahedral Al sites on the zeolite were converted to octahedral Al. The zeolite structure and crystallinity remained intact after treatment, and no dealumination reactions were detected. This suggests that the deposition–precipitation process at ambient conditions is a facile method for controlling Mg(OH)2 nanostructures on zeolites.
Critical success factors for human resource outcomes in Kaizen events: An empirical study

Abstract Kaizen events are an increasingly common organizational improvement mechanism aimed at work area transformation and employee development. While many anecdotal design prescriptions exist, there is little empirical evidence of which input and process factors are most strongly related to Kaizen event outcomes in practice. This paper uses results from a field study of 51 events in six manufacturing organizations to identify the set of input and process factors that most strongly relate to the development of employee attitudinal outcomes and problem-solving capabilities in Kaizen events. These results are used to develop guidelines for organizations and identify directions for future work.
Pion-deuteron scattering sensitivity to the nucleon-nucleon hard core

We calculate pion-deuteron elastic scattering at 142, 181, and 254 MeV, using four separable models of the off-shell nucleon-nucleon T matrix. The form factors for two of these models were obtained by fitting the low-energy data, as well as the change of sign of the phase shifts at T/sub lab/> or approx. =300 MeV, by means of energy-dependent separable potentials. These form factors have ranges in momentum space which are larger than those of the Yamaguchi potentials. We find that the differential cross section for pion-deuteron scattering is very sensitive to the off-shell behavior of the nucleon-nucleon T matrix. We also find that it is possible to fit the data at 254 MeV by using the long-range form factors that take into account the hard core, although the data at 142 MeV is better described using shorter ranges.
Japanese Assimilation Policies in Colonial Korea, 1910–1945

Mark E. Caprio. Japanese Assimilation Policies in Colonial Korea, 1910–1945. Seattle and London: University of Washington Press, 2009. Pp. ix, 320. There is perhaps no more contentious issue in the...
Vibrational Overtone Spectroscopy of Cycloheptatriene Chromium Tricarbonyl, Benzene Chromium Tricarbonyl, and Corresponding Hydrocarbon Ligands

The vibrational overtone spectra of gaseous cycloheptatriene chromium tricarbonyl (CHTCT) and benzene chromium tricarbonyl (BCT) were recorded at the third overtone region using photoacoustic spectroscopy and compared to the spectra of the nonbonded ligands, cycloheptatriene (CHT) and benzene. Analysis of the spectra leads to the conclusion that the metal−ligand bonding lengthens the CH bond by 0.007 A in the cycloheptatriene complex and by 0.003 A in the benzene complex. The spectrum of BCT exhibits an additional transition which is absent in the spectrum of free benzene. The experimental peaks are assigned to the pure CH overtones and combination bands. The structural information obtained from the spectra is discussed and compared to the results of gas-phase electron diffraction and microwave spectroscopic studies. Analysis of experimental data indicates that μ6-bonding is more favorable for cycloheptatriene chromium tricarbonyl.
The Independent Business School and Community Leadership

Abstract EDITOR'S NOTE: Many people often assume that leaders in independent schools are only interested in profit. Here are some interesting examples of public-spirited attitudes demonstrated by owners and teachers of private business schools (“independent” schools is the newer terminology).
Vaccine market coordination using subsidy

Prevention of infectious diseases is an important concern for managing public health. Although vaccines are the most effective means for preventing infectious diseases, the existence of a negative network externality often makes it difficult for vaccine coverage to reach a level that is socially optimal. In this research, we consider how a subsidy program can induce a socially optimal vaccine coverage. We consider an oligopoly market with identical vaccine producers and derive a subsidy that leads to a socially efficient level of coverage. We also derive a tax-subsidy combination that is revenue neutral, but achieves the same effect. Overall, our results provide useful insights for governments and policy makers with respect to an important issue related to public health.
Understanding variation in public support for European integration

Abstract. Much of the research on the European Community focuses on elites and institutions and as a result downplays the importance of the mass public in determining the direction of European integration. A common justification for this viewpoint is that members of the public provide a stable reservoir of strong support for European integration. Recent political events, however, raise doubts about this depiction of a ‘passive public’. Consequently, there is a need for a fuller understanding of European attitudes. We specify a number of hypotheses dealing with the effects of international trade interests, security concerns, and demographic characteristics on cross-national and cross-sectional variations in public support for European integration. Using Eurobarometer surveys and OECD data on EC trade from 1973–1989, we investigate these hypotheses in a pooled cross-sectional model. Our statistical results reveal that an individual's level of support is positively related to her nation's security and trade interests in EC membership and her personal potential to benefit from liberalized markets for goods, labour, and money.
Renal function before and after pyeloplasty: does it improve?

AbstractPurpose: Controversy exists concerning the timing of surgical correction of presumed ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Different opinions on the timing of intervention focus on renal function deterioration with time, poor initial relative function, or obstructive drainage curves and/or drainage time on diuretic renography. We retrospectively determined whether there is any improvement in renal function after pyeloplasty for presumed renal obstruction.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 1990 and 1997 in whom preoperative and postoperative diuretic renography data were available. Patients were excluded from review when they had bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, a solitary kidney, associated vesicoureteral reflux, or other bladder or ureteral abnormalities, and when preoperative and postoperative renography studies were not available.Results: Complete data were available for review in 79 patients 2 weeks to 18 years...
Characterization of seven basic endochitinases isolated from cell cultures of Citrus sinensis (L.).

Seven endochitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) (relative molecular masses 23000–28000 and isoelectric points 10.3–10.4) were purified from nonembryogenic Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck cv. Valencia callus tissue. The basic chitinase/lysozyme from this tissue (BCLVC) exhibited lysozyme, chitinase and chitosanase activities and was determined to be a class III chitinase. While BCLVC acted as a lysozyme at pH 4.5 and low ionic strength (0.03) it acted as a chitinase/chitosanase at high ionic strengths (0.2) with a pH optimum of ca. 5. The lysozyme activity of BCLVC was inhibited by histamine, imidazole, histidine and the N-acetyl-d-glucosamine oligosaccharide (GlcNAc)3. The basic chitinase from cv. Valencia callus, BCVC-2, had an N-terminal amino acid sequence similar to tomato and tobacco AP24 proteins. The sequences of the other five chitinases were N-terminal blocked. Whereas BCLVC was capable of hydrolyzing 13.8–100% acetylated chitosans and (GlcNAc)4–6 oligosaccharides, BCVC-2 hydrolyzed only 100% acetylated chitosan, and the remaining enzymes expressed varying degrees of hydrolytic capabilities. Experiments with (GlcNAc)2–6 suggest that BCLVC hydrolysis occurs in largely tetrasaccharide units whereas hydrolysis by the other chitinases occurs in disaccharide units. Cross-reactivities of the purified proteins with antibodies for a potato leaf chitinase (AbPLC), BCLVC, BCVC-3, and tomato AP24 indicate that these are separate and distinct proteins.
Identification of a mixed-valence triclinic product formed by the partial bromination of K2Pt(CN)4

Abstract X-ray diffraction measurements as well as the results of chemical analysis are presented as evidence that the partial bromination of K 2 Pt(CN) 4 results in at least two products which differ in their structural features and stoichiometry. Triclinic crystals grow from acidic aqueous solution whereas the known tetragonal phase grows from basic solutions. The Pt-Pt spacing is 2.95 A in the triclinic phase as compared to a Pt-Pt spacing of 2.88 A in the tetragonal phase.
Drug–Biomolecule Interactions: Interaction of Gentamicin with Lipid Monomolecular Films

Abstract The interaction of gentamicin with monomolecular films of a series of biologically important lipids spread on an aqueous buffered subphase was studied. The surface pressure, π, of these films was determined by the Wilhelmy plate method as a function of surface area, A , and π— A curves were constructed. Changes in the π‐ A characteristics in the presence of gentamicin were used as a measure of antibiotic‐film interaction. No interaction was observed between gentamicin and films of cholesterol, egg lecithin, dipalmitoyl lecithin, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, stearyl alcohol, and bovine ceramides at all pH values studied. Stearic acid films showed no interaction with gentamicin at pH 5. At pH 7 and 8, a small increase in pressure (≈3 dynes/cm) was noted. A dramatic increase in surface pressure was observed in the presence of stearyl aldehyde films ranging from approximately 9 dynes/cm at pH 7.2 to 23 dynes/cm at pH 8.4. This effect was attributed to a Schiff‐base reaction between the nonprotonated primary amino groups on the gentamicin molecule and the stearyl aldehyde. Further evidence was provided by the fact that the addition of glucose (which has been reported to participate in Schiff‐base formation with amines) to the subphase inhibited the stearyl aldehyde‐gentamicin interaction. Sucrose did not show a corresponding effect. The addition of sodium bisulfite, which reacts with aldehydes to form α‐hydroxysulfonic acid, also inhibited the gentamicin‐stearyl aldehyde interaction. It is postulated that Schiff‐base formation is a step in the in vivo transport of gentamicin across the membrane of sensitive organisms.
Specific aspects of minority stress associated with depression among LDS affiliated non-heterosexual adults.

A nation-wide sample of 634 previous or current members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), non-heterosexual adults (ages 18–33), were surveyed to examine how specific aspects of minority stress are individually and collectively associated with depression, and how such associations differ across sex, sexual orientation, and level of affiliation with the LDS church. When five stressors were examined simultaneously, need for others’ acceptance (NA) was the strongest predictor of depression, followed by internalized homophobia (IH). All minority stress factors were found to be individually predictive of depression and did not differ across sex or sexual orientation subgroups. Differences were observed, however, when considering current LDS status, such that participants who were no longer affiliated with the LDS church reported stronger relationships between some minority stressors and depression. Implications of religious identity salience as a potential mediator of relationships betwe...
A GIS-based database management application for agroforestry planning and tree selection☆

Agroforestry (the deliberate growing of trees or shrubs in rural lands) is being promoted in the United States as an alternative resource management system that can bring landowners economic benefits and provide environmental services such as reduced soil erosion, improved water quality and wildlife habitat. Landowners, farmers and extension agents need to be better informed about different agroforestry opportunities and potential tree species. The Florida Agroforestry Decision Support System (FADSS) was designed to aid in the dissemination of such information. FADSS utilizes a geographical information system (GIS) enabling the user to select a location of interest which is linked to spatial data on climate and soils characteristics for the state of Florida. The application also incorporates a database of over 500 trees and 50 tree attributes, forming a relational database. The application structure consists primarily of building database queries using Standard Query Language (SQL). SQL queries are constructed during run-time based on spatial parameters of a selected location, the type of agroforestry system desired, and production and management criteria provided by the user. Experts were interviewed to help develop queries used to select trees and other agroforestry species. Being a prototype, the application is built with a modular and flexible framework in which spatial data of different scales and/or regions as well as plant data may be easily incorporated. Among the major limitations encountered during the development of FADSS with major implications on future agroforestry decision support systems was the current lack of tree information relevant to agroforestry and the lack of research involving the assessment of suitable trees and their characteristics.
Nuclear localization of Myomesin-1: possible functions

Myomesin-I (also known as Skelemin) is a ~185 kDa protein, which is highly expressed in striated muscle. It contains the prototypic class-I (type-III fibronectin) and class-II (C2-immunoglobulin) motifs. Previous studies have shown the presence of Myomesin-I at the M-line of the sarcomere, where it is thought to interact with thick filament constituents. As reported previously, Myomesin-I was localized to the M-line in the adult cardiac myocytes (adult-myocytes). However, we found that Myomesin-I was also present exclusively in the nucleus of myocytes isolated from new born pups (neonatal-myocytes). In addition, the ectopically expressed Myomesin-I was primarily targeted to the nucleus, similar to the neonatal myocytes. Further investigations revealed that the nuclear-targeting signals were present within the N-terminal 256 residues. A strong consensus sequence for sumoylation is present within the N-terminal 256 residues and is implicated in the shuttling of Myomesin-I between nucleus and cytoplasm. Gene array analysis showed that the presence of Myomesin-I in the nucleus led to the differential expression of more than 42 genes. These studies show a novel and previously unknown localization and function for Myomesin-I.
Fiber optic plantar pressure/shear sensor

A full-scale foot pressure/shear sensor that has been developed to help diagnose the cause of ulcer formation in diabetic patients is presented. The design involves a tactile sensor array using intersecting optical fibers embedded in soft elastomer. The basic configuration incorporates a mesh that is comprised of two sets of parallel optical fiber plane; the planes are configured so the parallel rows of fiber of the top and bottom planes are perpendicular to each other. Threedimensional information is determined by measuring the loss of light from each of the waveguide to map the overall pressure distribution and the shifting of the layers relative to each other. In this paper we will present the latest development on the fiber optic plantar pressure/shear sensor which can measure normal force up from 19.09 kPa to 1000 kPa.
Trenbolone causes mortality and altered sexual differentiation in Xenopus tropicalis during larval development.

Trenbolone is an androgen agonist used in cattle production and has been measured in aquatic systems associated with concentrated animal-feeding operations. In this study, the authors characterized the effects of aqueous exposure to 17β-trenbolone during larval Xenopus tropicalis development. Trenbolone exposure resulted in increased mortality of post-Nieuwkoop–Faber stage 58 tadpoles at concentrations ≥100 ng/L. Morphological observations and the timing of this mortality are consistent with hypertrophy of the larynx. Development of nuptial pads, a male secondary sex characteristic, was induced in tadpoles of both sexes at 100 ng/L. Effects on time to complete metamorphosis or body sizes were not observed; however, grow-outs placed in clean media for six weeks were significantly smaller in body size at 78 ng/L. Effects on sex ratios were equivocal, with the first experiment showing a significant shift in sex ratio toward males at 78 ng/L. In the second experiment, no significant effects were observed up to 100 ng/L, although overall sex ratios were similar. Histological assessment of gonads at metamorphosis showed half with normal male phenotypes and half that possessed a mixed-sex phenotype at 100 ng/L. Hypertrophy of the Wolffian ducts was also observed at this concentration. These results indicate that larval 17β-trenbolone exposure results in effects down to 78 ng/L, illustrating potential effects from exposure to androgenic compounds in anurans. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2391–2398. © 2012 SETAC
Smallest confidence intervals for one binomial proportion

Abstract We specify three classes of one-sided and two-sided 1 - α confidence intervals with certain monotonicity and symmetry on the confidence limits for the probability of success, the parameter in a binomial distribution. For each class of one-sided confidence intervals the smallest interval, in the sense of the set inclusion, is obtained based on the direct analysis of coverage probability functions. A simple sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of the smallest two-sided confidence interval is provided and the smallest interval is derived if it exists. Thus the proposed intervals are uniformly most accurate, and have the uniformly minimum expected length as well.
Evidence for aerobic glycolysis in λ-carrageenan-wounded skeletal muscle

Abstract Classically, increased lactate production in wounded tissue is ascribed to anaerobic glycolysis although its oxygen consumption has been found to be similar to normal tissue. This apparent inconsistency was studied in a standardized isolated perfused wound model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were wounded (group W) with intramuscular injections of λ-carrageenan and fed ad lib.; not wounded and pair fed to the decreased food intake of the wounded animals (group PFC); or not wounded and fed ad lib. (group ALC). After 5 days, the hindlimbs of animals from each group were either perfused using a standard perfusate with added [U-14C]glucose or [1-14C]pyruvate or assayed for the tissue content of lactate and pyruvate. In addition, the effect of a 30% hemorrhage on the tissue lactate and pyruvate concentration was examined. Wounding increased glucose uptake and lactate production by 100 and 96%, respectively, above that seen in ALC animals. Oxygen consumption was unchanged by wounding (5.74, 5.14, and 5.83 μmole/min/100 g in W, PFC, and ALC, respectively). Glucose and pyruvate oxidation were also unaltered among the groups. Hemorrhage resulted in a comparable increase in lactate and pyruvate in tissue from wounded and pair-fed control animals (above those concentrations found in tissue harvested without preexisting hemorrhage). As a consequence, the same relationship in L/P ratio was maintained after hemorrhage. Taken together, these results confirm the presence of aerobic glycolysis in wounded tissue (unchanged oxygen consumption, glucose, and pyruvate oxidation). In addition, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in the wound was apparently the same as that found in muscle from pair-fed control animals.
Marine biomass: A long-term methane supply option

The Gas Research Institute(G RI) plans, manages and develops financing for a cooperative research and development program to enhance the supply, distribution, and utilization of gaseous fuels for the mutual benefit of the gas industry and its present and future customers. Developing technologies which maximize the value of gas energy services while minimizing the cost of supplying and delivering gaseous fuels is the most efficient way to serve the mutual interest of both the industry and its customers. These mutual benefits can only be realized if the results of research and development are used; consequently, GRI emphasizes the application of research results.
The distribution of the STH-like protein in insects*

Abstract A protein with physical and chemical properties that coincide with those of bovine STH appears in the haemolymph and some tissues of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus , and in the haemolymph of larvae of 3 other orders.
Non-Linear Vector Potential Equations for Highly Saturated Heteropolar Electrical Machines

Based on the concept of the magnetic vector potential the partial differential equations and the boundary conditions of the electromagnetic field in the different regions in the cross section of heteropolar machines are developed. These are transformed into finite difference equations, that do not neglect iron non-linearities and the effect of current carrying regions. A method of finding a numerical solution for the vector potential and for the magnetic induction is explained. A simplified cross-section of a synchronous generator is used to illustrate the application of the method.
Simultaneous testing of McNemar's problem for several populations

McNemar's problem concerns the hypothesis of equal probabilities for the unlike pairs of correlated binary variables.
Reactive oxygen species in cell responses to toxic agents

This review first summarizes experimental data on biological effects of different concentrations of ROS in mammalian cells and on their potential role in modifying cell responses to toxic agents. It then attempts to link the role of steadily produced metabolic ROS at various concentrations in mammalian cells to that of environmentally derived ROS bursts from exposure to ionizing radiation. The ROS from both sources are known to both cause biological damage and change cellular signaling, depending on their concentration at a given time. At low concentrations signaling effects of ROS appear to protect cellular survival and dominate over damage, and the reverse occurs at high ROS concentrations. Background radiation generates suprabasal ROS bursts along charged particle tracks several times a year in each nanogram of tissue, i.e., average mass of a mammalian cell. For instance, a burst of about 200 ROS occurs within less than a microsecond from low-LET irradiation such as X-rays along the track of a Compton electron (about 6 keV, ranging about 1 microm). One such track per nanogram tissue gives about 1 mGy to this mass. The number of instantaneous ROS per burst along the track of a 4-meV alpha-particle in 1 ng tissue reaches some 70000. The sizes, types and sites of these bursts, and the time intervals between them directly in and around cells appear essential for understanding low-dose and low dose-rate effects on top of effects from endogenous ROS. At background and low-dose radiation exposure, a major role of ROS bursts along particle tracks focuses on ROS-induced apoptosis of damage-carrying cells, and also on prevention and removal of DNA damage from endogenous sources by way of temporarily protective, i.e., adaptive, cellular responses. A conclusion is to consider low-dose radiation exposure as a provider of physiological mechanisms for tissue homoeostasis.
The use of averaged electroencephalic response techniques in the study of auditory processing related to speech and language.

Abstract This paper reviews a number of studies done by the authors and others, who have utilized various averaged electroencephalic response (AER) techniques to study speech and language processing. Pertinent studies are described in detail. A relatively new AER technique, auditory brainstem responses (ABR), is described and its usefulness in studying auditory processing activity related to speech and language is outlined. In addition, a series of ABR studies, that have demonstrated significant male—female differences in ABR auditory processing abilities, is presented and the relevance of these data to already established differences in male—female language, hearing, and cognitive abilities is discussed.
Role of Vasopressin in Regulation of Sodium Excretion

ABSTRACT It has been proposed that arginine vasopressin (AVP) contributes to the regulation of renal sodium excretion by direct intrarenal actions, by neural-hormonal interactions, and via secondary effects of fluid volume retention. The present studies were designed to determine the extent to which the natriuretic effects of AVP are secondary to volume expansion. Three groups of dogs were studied: the first was infused with AVP for 2 weeks in amounts that increased plasma levels from 3 to 15 pg/mL, while water intake was maintained constant’by intravenous (iv) water infusion. The second group received the same amount of AVP and was permitted to drink ad libitum. The third group was infused with the same amount of AVP, while total body weight and volume were maintained at a constant level by use of an electronically servocontrolled water infusion system. The results showed a large increase in total body weight (+1.5 kg) and arterial pressure (mean arterial pressure (MAP); +40 mm Hg) in dogs receiving a fixed water intake. This was accompanied by a continuing natriuresis over a 2-week period and severe hyponatremia (115 mEq/L). Dogs allowed ad libitum drinking retained much less fluid (+0.5 kg). MAP was not significantly elevated, and natriuresis did not occur in this group, but hyponatremia was observed (130 mEq/L), and plasma renin activity (PRA) was suppressed. Servo-controlled dogs exhibited no change in MAP, plasma sodium, or PRA, and only a small (–15 mEq) natriuresis occurred on day 1 of AVP infusion. We conclude that AVP exerts substantial natriuretic effects in the presence of volume expansion and that this natreuresis is secondary to reflex-hormonal effects and increased blood pressure.
Fast, flexible filtering with phlat

Systems for fast search of personal information are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. Such systems promise to dramatically improve personal information management, yet most are modeled on Web search in which users know very little about the content that they are searching. We describe the design and deployment of a system called Phlat that optimizes search for personal information with an intuitive interface that merges search and browsing through a variety of associative and contextual cues. In addition, Phlat supports a unified tagging (labeling) scheme for organizing personal content across storage systems (files, email, etc.). The system has been deployed to hundreds of employees within our organization. We report on both quantitative and qualitative aspects of system use. Phlat is available as a free download at http://research.microsoft.com/adapt/phlat.
Diacylglycerols enhance human neutrophil degranulation responses: relevancy to a multiple mediator hypothesis of cell function.

Abstract At 10 μM, 1- O -oleoyl-, 1- O -palmitoyl-, and 1- O -myristoyl-2- O -acetylglycerol weakly stimulated neutrophils to release lysozyme, an enzyme in secondary granules, but had no such effect on the release of a primary granule enzyme, β-glucuronidase. The glycerides (1–10 μM) had a second effect on both granule populations: they enhanced the degranulating potencies of leukotriene B4, platelet-activating factor, a formylated oligopeptide, and C5a by 10- to 30-fold. In contrast, they were much less effective in enhancing responses to ionophore A23187 and partially inhibited responses to phorbol myristate acetate. The diether analogue, 1- O -hexadecyl-2- O -ethylglycerol was inactive in these regards. We suggest that diacylglycerols are a novel class of bioactive products mobilized from phosphoglycerides in stimulated neutrophils; as co-products of this mobilization, platelet-activating factor and leukotriene B4 may interact with diacylglycerols to promote cell function.
Presurgical computed tomography and skin marking as an aid to brain biopsy

Abstract Marking the patient's skin following axial and coronal computed tomography scans of small intracerebral lesions is used as an aid in the presurgical planning for tumor biopsy or craniotomy. The location of the lesion and its depth from the marked site on the scalp can be easily measured. This decreases the biopsy time and the size of the craniotomy flaps.
CEREBRAL RESPONSES IN HORSES TO HALOTHANE AND ISOFLURANE ANAESTHESIA: EEG POWER SPECTRUM ANALYSIS AND DIFFERENCES IN ARTERIOVENOUS OXYGEN CONTENT

In a prospective study we compared the EEG variables total amplitude (TA), 80% spectral edge frequency (SEF-80), the ratio of fractional amplitudes distributed into the BETA and DELTA frequency band (BETA/DELTA-ratio), and differences in arteriovenous oxygen content (AVD02), obtained from horses anaesthetized with either halothane (H; n=4) or isoflurane (I; n=4) in oxygen. All horses underwent orthopaedic procedures. After premedication with xylazine (0.88 mg/kg IV), anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.033 mg/kg IV) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg IV). During anaesthesia horses were ventilated using IPPV. EEG variables and AVD02 were recorded at equal levels of surgical anaesthesia (stage III/1–2), as determined by clinical signs and a dominant delta activity in the EEG power spectrum. PaC02was kept between 35 mmHg and 45 mmHg, PaO2above 100 mmHg, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was adjusted to at least 80 mmHg. The average body temperature was 35.4 ± 1.1°C (H) and 35.6 ± 0.7°C (I), respectively. In horses anaesthetized with I, TA was significantly higher (P<01) (I: 3533 ± 70 γV; H: 235.9 ± 63.4 γV), whereas SEF-80 (I: 10.7 ± 0.7 Hz; H: 12.4 ± 0.7 Hz) and BETA/DELTA-ratio (I: 035 ± 0.06; H: 0.53 ± 0.12) were significantly lower (P<01) compared with H. We also observed significantly lower (P<05) AVD02 values with I (1.5 ± 0.5 Vol%) than with H (2.0 ± 1.2 Vol%). Since a depression in cerebral activity during anaesthesia is characterized by a decrease in EEG frequency content and a concomitant increase in EEG amplitude, the authors conclude that at equal levels of surgical anaesthesia, isoflurane exerts a more pronounced depression in cerebral electrical and metabolic activity in horses.
A qualitative analysis of the impact of healthcare personnel influenza vaccination requirements in California.

Abstract Objective Using qualitative methods, we explored the implementation of California's 2007 influenza immunization requirements of hospital-based health care personnel (HCP). Methods We conducted nine case studies of California hospitals with different HCP vaccination rates and policies. Case studies consisted of interviewing 13 hospital representatives and analyzing relevant hospital documents, including influenza policies. We also conducted 13 semi-structured phone interviews with key state and county public health officials, union representatives, and officials of various professional healthcare organizations. Results Our qualitative results suggest that California's vaccination requirements likely did not increase influenza vaccination uptake among HCP. The law was not strong enough to compel hospitals with low and medium vaccination rates to improve their vaccination efforts, and hospitals with high vaccination rates were able to comply fully with the law by continuing to do what they were already doing – namely offering vaccinations to HCP, providing education about the risks of influenza and the benefits of vaccination, and obtaining signed declinations from those who refuse vaccination. Nonetheless, we found that by publicly raising the issue of influenza vaccination in the context of public safety and healthcare quality, California's law encouraged hospitals to develop and implement data systems to monitor the effectiveness of vaccination promotion efforts and prompted discussions, and, in some cases, adoption of stricter vaccination requirements at hospital or county levels. Conclusions Our findings generally support the literature that suggests that permissive influenza vaccination requirements, though politically feasible, provide little direct incentive for hospitals to focus efforts on increasing HCP vaccination rates.
Cytokines and myocardial dysfunction: state of the art.

Abstract Background Myocardial dysfunction has been associated with inflammation and cytokine modulation. Objectives The study objective was to understand the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology and management of myocardial dysfunction. Methods Heart failure has been revisited with revision of the pertinent published articles in the Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EBSCO Host research. Results For the proinflammatory cytokines, illumination of this important point requires further diagnostic and therapeutic investigations. Data on chronic heart failure are not so reassuring; therefore, patients with advanced heart failure should not be treated with anticytokines at this time. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to pave the way for introducing cytokine and immunomodulation therapy at the optimal and appropriate time.
Single domain to multidomain transition due to in-plane magnetic anisotropy in phase-separated (La 0.4 Pr 0.6 ) 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 3 thin films

Phase-separated perovskite manganites have competing phases with different crystal structures, and magnetic and electronic properties. Hence, strain effects play a critical role in determining the magnetic properties of manganite thin films. Here we report the effect of anisotropic stress on the magnetic properties of the phase-separated manganite (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_{3}$. Thin films of (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_{3}$ grown under anisotropic in-plane stress on (110) NdGaO${}_{3}$ substrates display in-plane magnetic anisotropy and single domain to multidomain transition as a function of temperature. Angle-dependent magnetization measurements also show that the magnetization reversal occurs mainly through the nucleation and propagation mechanism. By comparing the results with (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_{3}$ thin films grown on (001) SrLaGaO${}_{4}$ substrates, we have confirmed that the magnetic anisotropy is mainly due to substrate-induced anisotropic stress. Our results suggest avenues for storing magnetic information in nanoscale magnetic media.
Chemical information science coverage in chemical abstracts

For many years Chemical Abstracts has included in its coverage publications on chemical documentation or chemical information science. Although the bulk of those publications can be found in section 20 of Chemical Abstracts, many relevant articles were found scattered among 39 other sections of CA in 1984-1985. In addition to the scattering of references in CA, the comprehensiveness of Chemical Abstracts as a secondary source for chemical information science is called into question. Data are provided on the journals that contributed the most references on chemical information science and on the languages of publication of relevant articles.
Structural dynamics and topology of phosphorylated phospholamban homopentamer reveal its role in the regulation of calcium transport.

Summary Phospholamban (PLN) inhibits the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA), thereby regulating cardiac diastole. In membranes, PLN assembles into homopentamers that in both the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated states have been proposed to form ion-selective channels. Here, we determined the structure of the phosphorylated pentamer using a combination of solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance methods. We found that the pinwheel architecture of the homopentamer is preserved upon phosphorylation, with each monomer having an L-shaped conformation. The TM domains form a hydrophobic pore approximately 24 A long and 2 A in diameter, which is inconsistent with canonical Ca 2+ -selective channels. Phosphorylation, however, enhances the conformational dynamics of the cytoplasmic region of PLN, causing partial unwinding of the amphipathic helix. We propose that PLN oligomers act as storage for active monomers, keeping SERCA function within a physiological window.
Caenorhabditis elegans early embryogenesis and vulval morphogenesis require chondroitin biosynthesis

Defects in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis disrupt animal development and can cause human disease1,2,3,4. So far much of the focus on glycosaminoglycans has been on heparan sulphate. Mutations in eight squashed vulva (sqv) genes in Caenorhabditis elegans cause defects in cytokinesis during embryogenesis and in vulval morphogenesis during postembryonic development5,6. Seven of the eight sqv genes have been shown to control the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycans chondroitin and heparan sulphate6,7,8,9,10,11. Here we present the molecular identification and characterization of the eighth gene, sqv-5. This gene encodes a bifunctional glycosyltransferase that is probably localized to the Golgi apparatus and is responsible for the biosynthesis of chondroitin but not heparan sulphate. Our findings show that chondroitin is crucial for both cytokinesis and morphogenesis during C. elegans development.
Affine and Quadratic Multiuser Detection for Square-Law Receivers

Design techniques for sub-optimal multiuser detectors for multichannel communication over optically amplified fiber optic links with square-law receivers are investigated. A new regression based technique is proposed for designing affine and quadratic multiuser detectors. The proposed techniques are compared to high-complexity asymptotically optimal (AO) detectors and two standard low-complexity techniques, viz. single user detection (SUD) and affine minimum mean square error (AMMSE) detection. Benefits of the proposed design technique over SUD and AMMSE based techniques are demonstrated using typical two user systems.
High-Resolution Mapping Reveals a Conserved, Widespread, Dynamic mRNA Methylation Program in Yeast Meiosis

N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most ubiquitous mRNA base modification, but little is known about its precise location, temporal dynamics, and regulation. Here, we generated genomic maps of m(6)A sites in meiotic yeast transcripts at nearly single-nucleotide resolution, identifying 1,308 putatively methylated sites within 1,183 transcripts. We validated eight out of eight methylation sites in different genes with direct genetic analysis, demonstrated that methylated sites are significantly conserved in a related species, and built a model that predicts methylated sites directly from sequence. Sites vary in their methylation profiles along a dense meiotic time course and are regulated both locally, via predictable methylatability of each site, and globally, through the core meiotic circuitry. The methyltransferase complex components localize to the yeast nucleolus, and this localization is essential for mRNA methylation. Our data illuminate a conserved, dynamically regulated methylation program in yeast meiosis and provide an important resource for studying the function of this epitranscriptomic modification.
Quantum mechanical modeling of a tripodal [2]rotaxane and its binding to TiO2

Abstract Recently, self-assembled functional nano-scale architectures that can respond to external stimulus have been the focus of considerable research. Such architectures hold promise for creating many useful nano machines, such as molecular sensors, molecular motors, and nano-scale information storage systems, by giving function to a surface. One such architecture, a tripodal [2]rotaxane, is known to display repeated folding and unfolding of the shaft in response to changes in its ionic state. It is challenging to describe this folding process theoretically because the system has many stable co-conformations due to the great flexibility of the two chemically independent molecules, an electron-rich crown-ether ring and a shaft containing two different electron-poor viologens along a polyether chain. Using computational modeling we have identified the most stable co-conformations in each charge state. The results show that the folding of the [2]rotaxane is strongly related to the binding site of the crown-ether ring on the shaft. The preferred binding site appears to correlate with the LUMO level rather than the HOMO level. The optimized structure of the [2]rotaxane when attached to a TiO2 surface changes little from its gas phase structure.
Assessment of Single Cell Viability Following Light-Induced Electroporation Through use of On-Chip Microfluidics

The high throughput electroporation of single cells is important in applications ranging from genetic transfection to pharmaceutical development. Light-induced electroporation using optoelectronic tweezers (OET) shows promise towards achieving this goal. However, cell viability following light-induced electroporation has yet to be shown. Here we present a novel OET device which incorporates microfluidic channels in order to assess the viability of single cells following light-induced electroporation. Monitoring of single cell electroporation and viability is achieved through the use of fluorescent dyes which are exchanged using the integrated fluidic channels. The successful reversible electroporation of HeLa cells is shown.
Aspirin upregulates expression of urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) gene in human colon cancer cells through AP1

In this study, the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) on the expression of uPAR and the mechanism by which it regulates expression of uPAR was examined in two different colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and GEO, respectively. The study shows that under physiological concentration, aspirin upregulates steady-state level expression of uPAR mRNA as well as expression of uPAR protein. Using a transient transfection assay, a region corresponding to -1 to -398 region of uPAR promoter has been identified which shows maximum responsiveness to aspirin treatment and found that this region is sufficient for the aspirin-induced up-regulation of uPAR. A stable integration of a single copy of this region coupled to luciferase reporter gene into the HCT116 genome also behaved similarly. Using gel mobility shift assays, it is found that the distal AP1 region between -171 and -186 is responsible for the aspirin-induced up-regulation of uPAR. Mutation of this region reduced up-regulation. Supershift assays identify that the bound proteins at this region are c-Jun and Fra-1. Real-time PCR analysis showed more than 4-fold increase in the binding of c-Jun and a 1.6-fold increase in the binding of Fra-1 in this region and this up-regulation corresponds to an increased binding of acetylated histone H4 in this region. Since an increase in the expression of uPAR corresponds to an increase in the migration of the cell, a migration assay was performed and result showed a 3-fold increased migration of HCT116 cells through the vitronectin-coated layer. Thus, an AP1 mediated pathway for aspirin induced up-regulation of uPAR has been identified.
Flavor problems of vegetable food proteins

Flavor is a major factor that limits the use of many vegetable proteins in foods. In high quality whole cereal grains, flavor and flavor stability present little or no problem; but when some cereals are further processed into protein concentrates and isolates, objectionable flavors can arise from oxidative deteri-oriation of unsaturated fatty esters in protein-bound lipids. However, degermed wheat and corn flours (endosperm products) have little or no flavor. Raw legumes and oilseeds enriched with respect to lipoxygenases and other metallo-proteins possess lipid-derived, objectionable flavor compounds. Lipoxygenase-mediated conversion of lipids to lipohydroperoxides and their subsequent degradation form volatile and nonvolatile constituents responsible for off-flavors. n-Hexanal, 3-cis-hexenal, n-pentylfuran, 2(1-pentenyl)furan, and ethyl vinyl ketone are major contributors to grassy-beany and green flavors. Higher 2,4-alkadienals have oxidized painty, rancid flavors sometimes noted in residual lipids. Geosmin, an oxygenated hydrocarbon, is responsible for the musty, moldy, earthy flavor of dry beans. This compound may contribute to similar flavors noted in soy and corn protein isolates. Thermally degraded phenolic acids account for some of the objectionable cooked odors of soy products that have been subjected to high temperature treatment such as retorting, autoclaving, and sterilization. Oxidized phosphatidylcholine most likely accounts for the bitter taste of soy products. Oxygenated fatty acids, including the bittertasting trihydroxy octadecenoic acids, have been identified in the bitter phosphatidylcholines isolated from soybeans. Oxidized lipids appear to be associatted with the bitter, astringent, and rancid flavors of protein isolates prepared from wet-milled corn germ flour. Grassy-beany, bitter flavor compounds preexist in the maturing soybean and are also generated during processing. In some legumes development of off-flavors can be readily controlled by rapid inactivation of lipoxygenase with heat, alcohol, or acid treatment. Legume powders of acceptable flavor quality can be prepared by wet-milling whole seeds in aqueous alcohols. Extraction of meals with hydrogen bond-breaking solvents, such as alcohols or azeotropic mixtures of hexane and alcohol, effectively removes protein-bound lipids to yield concentrates with greatly improved flavors. Soy protein concentrates approaching the blandness of wheat flour have been prepared by a combination of azeotrope extraction and steaming. Similar processes can also be used to greatly improve flavor scores of corn germ protein isolates. Based on our present knowledge about the identity of off-flavor constituents and how they are derived, much progress has been made to effectively remove or modify them. These developments should result in new emerging technology that would be applicable to the manufacture of highly acceptable protein products from various vegetable sources.
Species differences in the negative inotropic effect of acetylcholine and soman in rat, guinea pig, and rabbit hearts.

Abstract 1. Acetylcholine reduced atrial contractions by 82.5% in guinea pig, 50.8% in rat, and 41.5% in rabbit. 2. The EC 50 values for the negative inotropic effect of acetylcholine were 3.3 × 10 −7 M in rat and guinea pig atria and 4.1 × 10 −6 M in rabbit atria. 3. There was no correlation between the species differences in the negative inotropic effect of acetylcholine in atria and the density or affinity of acetylcholinesterase or muscarinic receptors. 4. Inhibition of atrial acetylcholinesterase with soman reduced the ec 50 of acetylcholine three-fold in all species, but did not change the maximal inotropic effect of acetylcholine. 5. Species differences in the negative inotropic effect of acetylcholine may be caused by differences in the coupling between myocardial muscarinic receptors and the ion channels that mediate negative inotropy.
Block coding for an ergodic source relative to a zero-one valued fidelity criterion

An effective rate for block coding of a stationary ergodic source relative to a zero-one valued fidelity criterion is defined. Under some mild restrictions, a source coding theorem and converse are given that show that the defined rate is optimum. Several examples are given that satisfy the restrictions imposed. A new generalization of the Shannon-McMman Theorem is employed.