cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of X-ray Powder Diffraction and Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Estimating Crystalline Fraction of Tacrolimus in Sustained-Release Amorphous Solid Dispersion and Development of Discriminating Dissolution Method

The focus of present investigation was to explore X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) techniques for amorphous and crystalline tacrolimus quantification in the sustained-release amorphous solid dispersion (ASD), and to propose discriminating dissolution method that can detect crystalline drug. The ASD and crystalline physical mixture was mixed in various proportions to make sample matrices containing 0%-100% crystalline-amorphous tacrolimus. Partial-least-square regression and principle component regression were applied to the spectral data. Dissolution of the ASD in the US FDA recommended dissolution medium with and without surfactant was performed. R(2) > 0.99 and slope was close to one for all the models. Root-mean-square of prediction, standard error of prediction, and bias were higher in ssNMR-based models when compared with XRPD data models. Dissolution of the ASD decreased with an increase in the crystalline tacrolimus in the formulations. Furthermore, detection of crystalline tacrolimus in the ASD was progressively masked with an increase in the surfactant level in the dissolution medium. XRPD and ssNMR can be used equally to quantitate the crystalline and amorphous fraction of tacrolimus in the ASD with good accuracy; however, ssNMR data collection time is excessively long, and minimum surfactant level in the dissolution medium maximizes detection of crystalline reversion in the formulation.
Embryonic cells contribute directly to the quiescent stem cell population in the adult mouse mammary gland.

Studies have identified multi-potent stem cells in the adult mammary gland. More recent studies have suggested that the embryonic mammary gland may also contain stem/progenitor cells that contribute to initial ductal development. We were interested in determining whether embryonic cells might also directly contribute to long-lived stem cells that support homeostasis and development in the adult mammary gland. We used DNA-label retention to detect long label-retaining cells in the mammary gland. Mouse embryos were labeled with 5-ethynl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) between embryonic day 14.5 and embryonic day 18.5 and were subsequently sacrificed and examined for EdU retention at various intervals after birth. EdU retaining cells were co-stained for various lineage markers and identified after fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis of specific epithelial subsets. EdU-labeled mice were subjected to subsequent 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine administration to determine whether EdU-labeled cells could re-enter the cell cycle. Finally, EdU-labeled cells were grown under non-adherent conditions to assess their ability to form mammospheres. We demonstrate embryonically-derived, long label-retaining cells (eLLRCs) in the adult mammary gland. eLLRCs stain for basal markers and are enriched within the mammary stem cell population identified by cell sorting. eLLRCs are restricted to the primary ducts near the nipple region. Interestingly, long label retaining cells (labeled during puberty) are found just in front of the eLLRCs, near where the ends of the ducts had been at the time of DNA labeling in early puberty. A subset of eLLRCs becomes mitotically active during periods of mammary growth and in response to ovarian hormones. Finally, we show that eLLRCs are contained within primary and secondary mammospheres. Our findings suggest that a subset of proliferating embryonic cells subsequently becomes quiescent and contributes to the pool of long-lived mammary stem cells in the adult. eLLRCs can re-enter the cell cycle, produce both mammary lineages and self-renew. Thus, our studies have identified a putative stem/progenitor cell population of embryonic origin. Further study of these cells will contribute to an understanding of how quiescent stem cells are generated during development and how fetal exposures may alter future breast cancer risk in adults.
An acoustic superposition method for computing structural radiation in spatially digitized domains

This paper presents a new method for computing acoustic fields of structural radiators based on a coustic s uperposition methods using m eshless, spatially d igitized d omains (ASMDD). Here the system matrices are assembled knowing only coordinate points in 3D space that describe the geometry of the radiating structure. In contrast to conventional methods, ASMDD does not require numerical, high orders of integration over elemental surfaces to populate system matrices. The system’s Green functions are computed simply between source and receiver locations at their respective points. A new derivation provides an analytical solution for coincident source and receiver points where the Green function is singular. The digital domain of ASMDD is a uniform distribution of points equidistant in the x, y, and z directions. The centroid of each activated voxel (used only as a means for visualizing the 3D surface) represents a point on the structural surface being modeled. Work in this paper exploits the inherent uniformity of neighboring points to formulate a locally determined outward-pointing, surface normal needed for acoustic radiation problems. The ability of the calculated surface normals to model the curvature of the continuous radiating surface depends on the density of the meshless grid, i.e., higher curvature requires higher grid densities. The attractiveness of the digital domain approach is its simplicity for morphing of structural shapes in optimization. Shape iterations in the digitized space reduce to a simple process of activating or deactivating selected points in a contiguous manner depending on the desired shape during an optimization. As an example, the ASMDD formulation is used to compute the modal radiation from a square plate in an infinite and cubic baffle. The ASMDD surface points are shown to blend seamlessly with the surface vibration results of the plate generated via meshless structural dynamics (M eshless L ocal P etrov G alerkin method - MLPG). This is achieved by solving the modal radiated acoustic power from the plate where the surface velocity is specified by the modal results determined by the MLPG method. The sound power calculations are in good agreement with those generated via conventional BEM codes.© 2007 ASME
What do mathematical models tell us about circadian clocks

The paper reviews a series of models for circadian clocks and discusses their conclusions and predictions. Attention is focused on Pittendrigh's empirical model, two mathematical models by the author and Winfree's work.
Reaction kinetics of thermoplastic polyurethane polymerization in situ with poly(vinyl chloride)

In this study, the reaction kinetics of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymerization in situ with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was characterized with differential scanning calorimetry. The presence of PVC appeared to enhance the thermodynamic drive for TPU hard segment phase separation and domain ordering from the PVC/TPU reactant mixture. Prior to hard segment phase separation, and thus some critical conversion, TPU polymerization in situ with PVC obeyed the same nth order, phenomenological kinetic rate law followed by neat TPU polymerization. In addition, the overall rate constant employed in the rate law increased in the presence of PVC. After hard segment phase separation, and the resulting physical cross-linking of the PVC/TPU reactant mixture, the reaction kinetics of TPU polymerization in situ with PVC became diffusion controlled.
Microstrains and stresses analysis in electroless deposited thin Pd films

This work aimed at the measurement with X-ray diffraction techniques of microstrains, intrinsic stresses, thermal and hydrogen stresses in composite Pd Porous Metal (PM) structures and their release at high temperatures. In addition, the changes in the Pd microstructure upon heating were studied with SEM to determine the relation between stress release and microstructure changes. The initial microstrains, 0.29%, in the electroless deposited Pd layer were irreversibly released after annealing at 400 C for one hour. The initial intrinsic stress was tensile in nature (104.7 MPa) and was also released at 400 C. After the release of intrinsic stresses, the total stress was given by the sum of the thermal stresses (mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion) and the H2 stresses due to the absorption of H2 in the Pd layer. The total stress (thermal + hydrogen stresses) was compressive and was released at temperatures higher than 400 C with a significant change in Pd morphology. A model, valid in the 200-400 C temperature range, was also developed to predict the total stress to which composite Pd membranes were exposed in the 250-400 C temperature and 1-5 bar H2 pressure range. The highest total stress, at 250 C and 5more » bar, was estimated to be equal to 260MPa according to the model developed in this work. The lowest stress, at 400 C and 1 bar, equaled 75 MPa. At temperatures higher than 400 C the model did not hold since stresses were released by plastic deformation, however, their value was lower than 75 MPa. The characterization of several composite Pd membranes prepared on Porous Metal (PM) supports showed that leaks formed at temperatures above 400-450 C. Since, leaks only formed at T>400 C, the magnitude of stresses only played a minor role in leak formation.« less
Oxygen consumption predicts outcome in porcine partial liver grafts

Abstract Background High oxygen consumption (OC) in recipients of cadaveric whole liver grafts is associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between intraoperative hepatic OC and graft function and survival in a porcine partial liver graft model. Material and methods Experiments followed the Guiding Principles in the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Fourteen female pigs, 46–69 kg, received liver allografts of 17%–39% liver volume and were followed for 14 d. We measured donor and recipient body weights, percentage graft weight and expressed it as a percentage of standard liver volume, cold ischemia time, hepatic artery flow (HAF), portal vein flow (PVF), graft volume at sacrifice, serum lactate, prothrombin time, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and recipient survival. OC was calculated as follows: OC (mL/100 g/min) = ([Hemoglobin {Hb} × 1.34 × SaO 2 + 0.003 × PaO 2 ] × HAF + [Hb × 1.34 × SpO 2 + 0.003 × PpO 2 ] × PVF − [Hb × 1.34 × SvO 2 + 0.003 × PvO 2 ] × [HAF + PVF])/graft weight (100 g), and animals were divided into two groups: low OC group (OC Results In survival analysis, four of seven low OC recipients (57% [ n = 7]) survived until the end of the study period compared with one of seven high OC recipients (14% [ n = 7]). The low OC group had a significantly higher survival rate than that of the high OC group ( P = 0.041). Low OC was associated with higher HAF (mL/100 g/min) after reperfusion compared with that of the high OC group, 29.0 ± 13.8 versus 16.0 ± 11.1 mean ± standard deviation; P = 0.073. Serum alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin in the low OC group were significantly better than those of the high OC group. Serum lactate was comparable in both groups. Graft weight at the time of sacrifice in the low OC group tended to be higher than that in the high OC group, but not significantly ( P = 0.097). Conclusions High intraoperative OC is associated with lower HAF, decreased graft function, and decreased survival in the porcine partial liver graft model.
PUG-SOAP and PUG-REST: web services for programmatic access to chemical information in PubChem

PubChem (http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) is a public repository for information on chemical substances and their biological activities, developed and maintained by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). PubChem contains more than 180 million depositor-provided chemical substance descriptions, 60 million unique chemical structures and 225 million bioactivity assay results, covering more than 9000 unique protein target sequences. As an information resource for the chemical biology research community, it routinely receives more than 1 million requests per day from an estimated more than 1 million unique users per month. Programmatic access to this vast amount of data is provided by several different systems, including the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)'s Entrez Utilities (E-Utilities or E-Utils) and the PubChem Power User Gateway (PUG)-a common gateway interface (CGI) that exchanges data through eXtended Markup Language (XML). Further simplifying programmatic access, PubChem provides two additional general purpose web services: PUG-SOAP, which uses the simple object access protocol (SOAP) and PUG-REST, which is a Representational State Transfer (REST)-style interface. These interfaces can be harnessed in combination to access the data contained in PubChem, which is integrated with the more than thirty databases available within the NCBI Entrez system.
The Stigma of Excellence and the Dialectic of (Perceived) Superiority and Inferiority: Exploring Intellectually Gifted Adolescents' Experiences of Stigma

Although society advocates accomplishment, it banishes those deviating from normalcy. Therefore, stigma surrounds exceptionality. The current article explores the stigma of excellence by analyzing open-ended surveys from 169 gifted adolescents age 11–18 years. Findings suggest difference, rather than deficit, contributes to stigma's construction. Gifted adolescents experienced a dialectic of (perceived) superiority and inferiority: They are both stigmatized because peers perceive them as intellectual superiors, and their superiority is discursively reconstituted as inferiority. Additionally, perceived superiority poses relational threats. Peers become jealous or remain uncertain how to interact with individuals profoundly deviating from normalcy. Thus, they reject the gifted as a protective measure. Finally, gifted adolescents might experience several positive outcomes from their stigmatization.
Which Language Does PTSD Speak? The “Westernization” of Mr. Sánchez

Abstract This paper reviews issues related to the universality of PTSD in trauma practice, research, professional education, and training. It briefly reviews the development of PTSD to provide a historical context of the diagnosis in Western societies as well as its modification in clinical practice, using the stressor event of immigration as an example. Next, it illustrates cultural aspects of assessing the aftermath of trauma. Then it addresses culturally competent trauma practice so practitioners can further sharpen their awareness of clients' strengths and the potential for posttraumatic growth. Finally, the authors offer implications for clinical practice.
Some experiments in partially coherent imaging and modulation transfer function evaluation

A relatively simple and inexpensive scanning optical system is described as a versatile tool for the demonstration and analysis of a variety of optical imaging properties. Some examples of partially coherent imaging and modulation transfer function (MTF) evaluation are presented.
CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIA FOR CULTIVATION OF LONG-TERM CELL STRAINS FROM FOUR MAMMALIAN SPECIES.

Abstract A number of new cell lines have been grown in chemically defined medium NCTC 109 free of any exogenous protein. The list in this laboratory now includes fibroblast-like and epithelial-like cells, normal and malignant, and in origin from the mouse, hamster, monkey and human. The lines growing in medium NCTC 109 were then tested for their growth in simpler media of the NCTC series: 117, 126, 131, 132 and 133. Medium 117 lacks the six coenzymes and deoxyguanosine, deoxyadenosine, 5-methyl-cytosine, and sodium acetate present in medium 109. Media 126, 131, 132 and 133 lack all of these except sodium acetate; nine vitamins, glutathione, cysteine and sodium glucuronate were also omitted. Medium 131 is identical with medium 126 except that the former contains vitamin B 12 . Media 132 and 133 are identical with medium 126 except that 132 contains inositol and 133 contains both inositol and vitamin B 12 . Two human lines grew readily in media 117 and 126, as did also the monkey kidney cells and some of the mouse cell strains. All mouse cells tested grew in medium 117 except the mouse liver cells. Hela and mouse liver cells showed anomalous growth behavior in media 117, 126, 131 and 132; these two strains are still under test. When mouse cells did not growin media 126 and 131 it was usually because they required inositol. Of all of the cell strains conclusively tested only one strain of mouse cells and the one Chinese hamster strain required vitamin B 12 for continuous growth at least when thymidine and deoxycytidine were included. This report, timely because of the increased significance and more widespread use of various chemically defined media, also describes improvements in quality control and simplified preparation methods for the NCTC series of media. Our experience strongly emphasizes the necessity for high quality in the chemicals and for the meticulous preparation and storage of such media when used without any protein supplements.
Bone turnover response to changes in calcium intake is altered in girls and adult women in families with histories of osteoporosis

Heredity and environmental factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Because calcium is the major mineral in bone and adolescence is a key period in bone acquisition, we hypothesized that bone turnover would be less responsive to alterations in dietary calcium intake in both girls and adult women from families with histories of osteoporosis. To address this issue, we studied calcium kinetics in the maternal grandmother (age range 56-81 years), mother (age range 32-47 years), and granddaughter (age range 8-15 years) in 10 multigenerational families. In five families, the mother and/or grandmother had osteoporosis (bone mineral density > or = 2 SD below the age-specific mean). To examine both active and passive calcium absorption, families consumed low- (279 +/- 64 mg/day) and high- (1580 +/- 385) calcium diets for 10 days prior to administration of oral (46Ca) and intravenous (42Ca) stable isotopes. Using repeated measures analysis of variance, fractional calcium absorption, true calcium absorption, bone calcium deposition, and the balance in bone calcium turnover were all significantly affected by diet (p < 0.01). Females from nonosteoporotic families had decreased bone calcium resorption with little change in bone calcium deposition during the high-calcium study. In contrast, girls and adult women from osteoporotic families had increased both bone calcium deposition and resorption during the high-calcium period, leading to a less positive balance in bone calcium turnover. A significant interaction between bone status and diet was found for bone calcium resorption (p < 0.05) and approached significance for bone calcium deposition (p < 0.07), effects which were independent of generation. We conclude that girls and women from osteoporotic families have a significantly altered bone turnover response to acute changes in calcium intake.
Preparation and properties of some trimethyltin-substituted bicyclo[2.2.1] carbocycles, 3-nortricyclyltrimethyltin and norborn-2-en-7-yltrimethylsilanes

Abstract Methods of synthesis, spectral properties and some chemical properties of the following compounds are described; endo - and exo -2-norbornyltrimethyltins, endo - and exo -norborn-2-en-5-yltrimethyltins, syn - and anti -norborn-2-en-7-yltrimethyltins, norborna-2,5-dien-7-yltrimethyltin 3-nortricyclyltrimethyltin, syn - and anti -norborn-2-en-7-yltrimethylsilanes.
Visual and photographic white light flare observations of 4 July 1974

Visual impressions and a photograph of an intense white light flare are presented. A densitometer trace across the 4 July 1974 flare showing relative intensity of the white light flare, photosphere and umbra is also shown. A second white light flare is suspected on a photograph taken 43/4 hrs later. Both flares coincide in time with major Hα-flare activity.
Nimesulide-induced electrophile stress activates Nrf2 in human hepatocytes and mice but is not sufficient to induce hepatotoxicity in Nrf2-deficient mice.

Nimesulide is a widely prescribed nitroaromatic sulfoanilide-type nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that, despite its favorable safety profile, has been associated with rare cases of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Because reactive metabolites have been implicated in DILI, we aimed at investigating whether hepatic bioactivation of nimesulide produces a protein-reactive intermediate in hepatocytes. Also, we explored whether nimesulide can activate the transcription factor Nrf2 that would protect from drug-induced hepatocyte injury. We found that [14C]-nimesulide covalently bound to human liver microsomes (<50 pmol/mg under standard conditions) or immortalized human hepatocytes in a sulfaphenazole-sensitive, rifampicin-inducible manner; yet the overall extent of binding was modest. Although exposure of hepatocytes to nimesulide was not associated with increased net levels of superoxide anion, nimesulide (100 μM, 24 h) caused nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in a sulfaphenazole-sensitive manne...
Real-Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Intraoperative Assessment of Mitral Valve Disease

Background The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of real-time 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography in the intraoperative assessment of mitral valve (MV) pathology and to compare this novel technique with 2-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography. Methods Forty-two consecutive patients undergoing MV repair for mitral regurgitation (MR) were studied prospectively. Intraoperative 2D and 3D transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) examinations were performed using a recently introduced TEE probe that provides real-time 3D imaging. Expert echocardiographers blinded to 2D TEE findings assessed the etiology of MR on 3D transesophageal echocardiography. Similarly, experts blinded to 3D TEE findings assessed 2D TEE findings. Both were compared with the anatomic findings reported by the surgeon. Results At the time of surgical inspection, ischemic MR was identified in 12% of patients, complex bileaflet myxomatous disease in 31%, and specific scallop disease in 55%. Three-dimensional TEE image acquisition was performed in a short period of time (60 ± 18 seconds) and was feasible in all patients, with optimal (36%) or good (33%) imaging quality in the majority of cases. Three-dimensional TEE imaging was superior to 2D TEE imaging in the diagnosis of P1, A2, A3, and bileaflet disease ( P Conclusions Real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography is a feasible method for identifying specific MV pathology in the setting of complex disease and can be expeditiously used in the intraoperative evaluation of patients undergoing MV repair.
Three Bosons in One Dimension with Short-Range Interactions: Zero-Range Potentials

We consider the three-boson problem with {delta}-function interactions in one spatial dimension. Three different approaches are used to calculate the phase shifts, which we interpret in the context of the effective range expansion, for the scattering of one free particle off a bound pair. We first follow a procedure outlined by McGuire in order to obtain an analytic expression for the desired S-matrix element. This result is then compared to a variational calculation in the adiabatic hyperspherical representation, and to a numerical solution to the momentum-space Faddeev equations. We find excellent agreement with the exact phase shifts, and comment on some of the important features in the scattering and bound-state sectors. In particular, we find that the 1+2 scattering length is divergent, marking the presence of a zero-energy resonance which appears as a feature when the pairwise interactions are short range. Finally, we consider the introduction of a three-body interaction, and comment on the cutoff dependence of the coupling.
Efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of pelitrexol via enzymic differentiation of a remote stereocenter.

An efficient chemoenzymatic process is described for the synthesis of pelitrexol, a novel GARFT inhibitor. The remoteness of this molecule's stereocenter in the tetrahydropterin moiety from the terminal carbonyl group provided a significant challenge in synthesis. The introduction of an oxalamic ester adjacent to the stereocenter dramatically enhanced an enzyme's enantioselectivity for hydrolysis at the terminal ester, producing the desired S-acid with high optical purity and yield. The recycling of the “wrong” enantiomer is achieved via a dehydrogenation/hydrogenation strategy.
Effects of mutations in the Arabidopsis Cold Shock Domain Protein 3 (AtCSP3) gene on leaf cell expansion

The cold shock domain is among the most evolutionarily conserved nucleic acid binding domains from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes, including plants. Although eukaryotic cold shock domain proteins have been extensively studied as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators during various developmental processes, their functional roles in plants remains poorly understood. In this study, AtCSP3 (At2g17870), which is one of four Arabidopsis thaliana c old s hock domain proteins (AtCSPs), was functionally characterized. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed high expression of AtCSP3 in reproductive and meristematic tissues. A homozygous atcsp3 loss-of-function mutant exhibits an overall reduced seedling size, stunted and orbicular rosette leaves, reduced petiole length, and curled leaf blades. Palisade mesophyll cells are smaller and more circular in atcsp3 leaves. Cell size analysis indicated that the reduced size of the circular mesophyll cells appears to be generated by a reduction of cell length along the leaf-length axis, resulting in an orbicular leaf shape. It was also determined that leaf cell expansion is impaired for lateral leaf development in the atcsp3 loss-of-function mutant, but leaf cell proliferation is not affected. AtCSP3 loss-of-function resulted in a dramatic reduction of LNG1 transcript, a gene that is involved in two-dimensional leaf polarity regulation. Transient subcellular localization of AtCSP3 in onion epidermal cells confirmed a nucleocytoplasmic localization pattern. Collectively, these data suggest that AtCSP3 is functionally linked to the regulation of leaf length by affecting LNG1 transcript accumulation during leaf development. A putative function of AtCSP3 as an RNA binding protein is also discussed in relation to leaf development.
Certain adenylated non-coding RNAs, including 5' leader sequences of primary microRNA transcripts, accumulate in mouse cells following depletion of the RNA helicase MTR4.

RNA surveillance plays an important role in posttranscriptional regulation. Seminal work in this field has largely focused on yeast as a model system, whereas exploration of RNA surveillance in mammals is only recently begun. The increased transcriptional complexity of mammalian systems provides a wider array of targets for RNA surveillance, and, while many questions remain unanswered, emerging data suggest the nuclear RNA surveillance machinery exhibits increased complexity as well. We have used a small interfering RNA in mouse N2A cells to target the homolog of a yeast protein that functions in RNA surveillance (Mtr4p). We used high-throughput sequencing of polyadenylated RNAs (PA-seq) to quantify the effects of the mMtr4 knockdown (KD) on RNA surveillance. We demonstrate that overall abundance of polyadenylated protein coding mRNAs is not affected, but several targets of RNA surveillance predicted from work in yeast accumulate as adenylated RNAs in the mMtr4KD. microRNAs are an added layer of transcriptional complexity not found in yeast. After Drosha cleavage separates the pre-miRNA from the microRNA's primary transcript, the byproducts of that transcript are generally thought to be degraded. We have identified the 5′ leading segments of pri-miRNAs as novel targets of mMtr4 dependent RNA surveillance.
A view of dynamics changes in the molten globule-native folding step by quasielastic neutron scattering.

Abstract In order to understand the changes in protein dynamics that occur in the final stages of protein folding, we have used neutron scattering to probe the differences between a protein in its folded state and the molten globule states. The internal dynamics of bovine α-lactalbumin (BLA) and its molten globules (MBLA) have been examined using incoherent, quasielastic neutron scattering (IQNS). The IQNS results show length scale dependent, pico-second dynamics changes on length scales from 3.3 to 60 A studied. On shorter-length scales, the non-exchangeable protons undergo jump motions over potential barriers, as those involved in side-chain rotamer changes. The mean potential barrier to local jump motions is higher in BLA than in MBLA, as might be expected. On longer length scales, the protons undergo spatially restricted diffusive motions with the diffusive motions being more restricted in BLA than in MBLA. Both BLA and MBLA have similar mean square amplitudes of high frequency motions comparable to the chemical bond vibrational motions. Bond vibrational motions thus do not change significantly upon folding. Interestingly, the quasielastic scattering intensities show pronounced maxima for both BLA and MBLA, suggesting that “clusters” of atoms are moving collectively within the proteins on picosecond time scales. The correlation length, or “the cluster size”, of such atom clusters moving collectively is dramatically reduced in the molten globules with the correlation length being 6.9 A in MBLA shorter than that of 18 A in BLA. Such collective motions may be important for the stability of the folded state, and may influence the protein folding pathways from the molten globules.
Indigenous Education for Critical Democracy: Teacher Approaches and Learning Outcomes in a K-5 Indian Education for All Program

This article focuses on how three dimensions of critical democracy preparation (place-based geographical knowledge, social and political awareness of American Indian history and culture, and orientations conducive to the development of personal connections with American Indians) were impacted by different instructional approaches introduced when implementing an innovative Indian Education for All education program at a K-5 school in Montana. Student-learning outcomes were measured through pre- and post-intervention tests of place-based and social/political knowledge and a short survey of personal orientations. Instructional approaches across first-grade through fifth-grade were identified through interviews and participant observation. In their own ways, participating teachers, working in partnership with Salish tribal educators, demonstrated that Indigenous education contributes to critical-democracy learning. The specific outcomes of the Indigenous-education program varied according to the different ins...
Correlation of Cystatin-C with Glomerular Filtration Rate by Inulin Clearance in Pregnancy

Objective. To test utility of cystatin-C as a marker of glomerular filtration rate during pregnancy, we performed serial correlations with inulin clearance during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods. Twelve subjects received inulin infusions and serum cystatin-C at three time points. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. Results. Cystatin-C levels ranged 0.66–1.48 mg/L during pregnancy, and 0.72–1.26 mg/L postpartum. Inulin clearance ranged 130–188 mL/min during pregnancy, and 110–167 mL/min postpartum. Cystatin-C did not correlate with inulin clearance at any time point. Conclusion. Serum cystatin-C did not correlate with inulin clearance during pregnancy or postpartum.
Androgen (dihydrotestosterone) - mediated regulation of food intake and obesity in female mice

To better understand how elevated androgen levels regulate food intake and obesity in females, we treated ovariectomized female mice with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (non-aromatazable androgen), measured food intake and body weight, and evaluated physiological changes in liver function, glucose tolerance, and leptin resistance. Ovariectomized mice were treated with DHT or placebo. Mice were then fed a high fat diet under free-feeding or pair-feeding conditions for 3 months. We found that when DHT-treated ovariectomized mice had free access to food (free-feeding), they had increased food intake and higher body weight compared with control animals. These mice also had a significantly greater accumulation of fat in the liver and exhibited increased fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and resistance to leptin. However, when these mice were placed on a restricted diet and fed the same caloric amounts as controls (pair-feeding), their body weight increased at the same rate as control animals. This suggests that androgen regulates food intake through altered leptin sensitivity, and this increase of food intake could significantly contribute to an obesity phenotype. In summary, we demonstrated a role for androgen in the regulation of food intake and weight gain in females using a mouse model. This model will be useful to further elucidate the role of elevated androgen in females.
Development, installation, and initial results of fiber optic chloride sensors embedded into bridge decks

FIber optic sensors have repeatedly been shown to provide measurement capabilities of parameters within such reinforced concrete structures. Development of a fiber optic chloride sensor capable of being embedded within a roadway or bridge deck is reported. Once the specific chemistry of the fiber optic sensor was developed and tested, multiple iterations occurred in order to result in a sensor system capable of being embedded into roadway bridges. During the summer and fall of 1997, a total of 64 fiber optic sensors were then embedded into 3 roadway bridges which spanned rivers in northern Vermont. Installation details as well as results are presented.
Metaphor—The Bridge Between Feelings And Knowledge

Metaphor can be thought of as the currency of the emotional mind. It is now generally accepted that metaphor is fundamentally embodied and is not simply a figure of speech. We now know that metaphor is the expression of a yet to be determined neurophysiological process that has been secondarily coopted by language. I suggested that metaphor unconsciously categorizes emotional experience, establishing similarities and differences between the past and the present. In cases of trauma, the play of similarity and difference becomes constricted, and metaphor loses its capacity to create new emergent meanings. Finally, metaphor enables access to the unconscious and fosters empathic contact with the other.
Kinship, Identity and Control in a Sri Lankan Muslim Village

Abstract This paper examines how Sri Lankan villagers adapt to the indirect effects of globalization. Historically established local identities have become contested and challenged through global processes not explicitly visible at the village level. It is shown in this paper that the significant increase of capital into the economy has created two distinct leadership structures, has altered cultivation practices and labor relations, and has transformed kinship relations. In the traditional low-capital economy, villagers relied on reciprocal labor exchange for cultivation work, but many now are relying on wage labor; this has altered the relation between villagers from one based on reciprocity to one based on wages and contracts. The leadership structure of the village had earlier centered around the socio-moral role of hereditary mosque leaders; this is now being replaced by one based on knowledge of market dynamics and national political structures. The centrality of kinship is also being perceived as a...
Dissipative tides - Application to Venus' lower atmosphere

A linearized planetary scale wave model is used to investigate the effects of thermal and mechanical damping on atmospheric tides. When the damping rate is comparable to the frequency of solar diurnal forcing the circulation consists of three parts: a classical vertically propagating 'atmospheric tide' in the upper atmosphere, a simple thermally direct subsolar-to-antisolar circulation or 'Halley cell' in most of the lower atmosphere, and finally, a reversed 'anti-Halley cell' near the surface. The near-surface circulation produces horizontal divergence near the subsolar point. While tides are a frequently encountered phenomenon (Venus, earth, and Mars), there is so far no observational evidence of a Halley circulation in any planetary atmosphere. A subsolar-antisolar circulation might be possible in Venus' slowly rotating lower atmosphere if the mechanical dissipation time scale is of the order of or less than a Venusian day. Such a circulation could be a factor in maintaining the superrotation of Venus' upper atmosphere.
Recent patents and emerging therapeutics for HIV infections: a focus on protease inhibitors

The inclusion of protease inhibitors (PIs) in highly active antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved clinical outcomes in HIV-1-infected patients. To date, PIs are considered to be the most important therapeutic agents for the treatment of HIV infections. Despite high anti-HIV-1 potency, poor oral bioavailability of PIs has been a major concern. For achieving therapeutic concentrations, large doses of PIs are administered, which results in unacceptable systemic toxicities. Such severe and long-term toxicities necessitate the development of safer and potentially promising PIs. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the development of newer compounds capable of inhibiting wild-type and resistant HIV-1 protease. Some of these PIs have displayed potent HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity. In this review, we have made an attempt to provide an overview on clinically approved and newly developing PIs, and related recent patents in the development of novel PIs.
Stability of Vitamin B12—Folic Acid Parenteral Solutions

The low solubility of folic acid in water, except at a relatively high pH, has prevented its use in parenteral solutions in combination with vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), which attains optimum stability in the pH range 4 to 6.5. The present study utilizes selected solubilizers for folic acid, including aminoacetic acid, methyl glucamine, and niacinamide within a pH range of 6 to 6.5. Results indicate that niacinamide is the best of the solubilizers studied. By special processing it is possible to dissolve and maintain in solution 5 mg. of folic acid per cc. at pH 6 under conditions compatible with crystalline vitamin B12 at a concentration of 30 μg. per cc. Solutions show no significant loss of potency of either the folic acid or the vitamin B12 after storage at room temperature and under accelerated conditions, and display satisfactory stability with respect to clarity of solution.
Automated square-wave anodic-stripping voltammetry with a flow-through cell and matrix exchange.

Abstract An extremely sensitive and versatile instrument is described that performs square-wave anodic-stripping voltammetry. The instrument incorporates a flow-through cell and is capable of changing the solution matrix between the deposition and stripping steps. The working electrode is a static mercury drop electrode constructed in the authors' laboratories. The entire system is controlled by a microcomputer that allows the usual variation of the square-wave parameters, as well as setting of the initial and final scan potentials, the deposition time, the scan-rate, the instrument sensitivity and the drop size. To show the performance of the instrument, calibration graphs for Cd in the ranges 0.2–40 and 0.1–1 ng/ml are described and the reproducibility of the drop is discussed. Analysis of a NaCl sample for Cd is given as an example of application of the method.
Food intake at age 8 2. Frequency, company and place of meals

In a sample of 141 healthy 8 year old children, over 95% had three main meals on each of the 4 days of the food record. Two-thirds had an afternoon snack and nearly one-half a morning snack on each of the 4 days, but only one-quarter had supper on each day. Seventy-one per cent of all meals were eaten at home with the family, 20% at school with friends, and less than 1% of meals were eaten at a restaurant or fast food outlet. These data show that amongst children of primary school age, take away sources of food make a very small contribution to the diet, and that eating habits at home are of greatest importance to the child's diet.
Crural diaphragm inhibition during esophageal distension correlates with contraction of the esophageal longitudinal muscle in cats.

Esophageal distension causes simultaneous relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm. The mechanism of crural diaphragm relaxation during esophageal distension is not w...
NMR characterization of immunoglobulin G Fc glycan motion on enzymatic sialylation.

The terminal carbohydrate residues of the N-glycan on the immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fragment crystalizable (Fc) determine whether IgG activates pro- or anti-inflammatory receptors. The IgG Fc alone becomes potently anti-inflammatory upon addition of α2–6 linked N-acetylneuraminic acid residues to the N-glycan, stimulating interest in use of this entity in novel therapies for autoimmune disease (Kaneko et al. (2006) Science 313:670-3). Complete Fc sialylation has, however, been deemed challenging, due to a combination of branch specificity and perceived protection by glycan-protein interactions. Here we report the preparation of high levels of disialylated Fc by using sufficient amounts of a highly active α2–6 sialyltransferase (ST6Gal1) preparation expressed in a transiently-transformed human cell culture. Surprisingly, ST6Gal1 sialylated the two termini of the complex-type binantennary glycan in a manner remarkably similar to that observed for the free N-glycan, suggesting the Fc polypeptide does not greatly influence ST6Gal1 specificity. In addition, sialylation of either branch terminus does not appear to dramatically alter the motional behavior of the N-glycan as judged by solution NMR spectroscopy. Together these data suggest the N-glycan occupies two distinct states, one with both glycan termini sequestered from enzymatic modification by an α1–6Man-branch interaction with the polypeptide surface, and the other with both glycan termini exposed to the bulk solvent and free from glycan-polypeptide interactions. The results suggest new modes by which disialylated Fc can act as an anti-inflammatory effector.
Effects of chlorpromazine on the electroencephalogram with report of a case of chlorpromazine intoxication.

Abstract All these observations including our own show that the clinical and electroencephalographic effects of chlorpromazine are extremely complex. Chlorpromazine has: (1) an effect similar to that seen in many sedative drugs; (2) effects similar to that of Metrazol which has been shown to provoke localized spikes in patients with focal seizures (Kaufman et al. 1947) and diffuse spike and wave patterns in nonepileptic subjects (Strauss et al. 1952). The fact that the provocation of focal spikes by chlorpromazine is not associated with clinical or electroencephalographic signs of sleep makes its activating effect very similar to that of Metrazol. According to the literature, it seems to be even more promising in the provocation of focal spikes. We cannot make any statement as to the amount of chlorpromazine necessary to produce diffuse spike and wave patterns either in normals or epileptics, but can state that such patterns can be produced in normals. The question of the quantity is open for further investigation. So also is the question of the point of attack of chlorpromazine on the central nervous system, on which several assumptions have been made, none of which, however, explains all the observed facts.
On the thermal structure of Uranus

Abstract Uranus has an effective temperature close to the solar equilibrium value and undoubtedly a thermal inversion of at least 140 K at a pressure of ∼3 dyn cm −2 . With the inversion and the thermal opacity provided by a HeH 2 mixture in a ratio close to solar abundance, acceptable agreement can be achieved with the available infrared observations. The cause of the inversion is, however, uncertain. The use of the HeH 2 opacity for Uranus is justified by the excellent agreement of the frequency variation of that opacity with the thermal spectrum of Jupiter.
Cain's monstrous progeny in Beowulf : part I, Noachic tradition

One of the most distinctive features of Beowulf is the presentation of Grendel and his mother as members of Cain's monstrous progeny. What knowledge of a race (or races) of giants and monsters descended from Cain, and of their survival after the Flood, is the poet likely to have had? I take up the first part of this question in this article and the second part in an article to be published later in Anglo-Saxon England.
Analysis of HLA-DM polymorphism in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients.

Abstract Annually approximately 1:200,000 young children and adolescents are affected by juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Genetic factors are thought to contribute to the etiology. Since the discovery of the human leukocyte antigen class II associated DM molecule much has been learned about its role in the normal processing of HLA-class II molecules with a limited number of polymorphisms being found. Blood samples were collected from 30 patients who were seen in the clinic and 40 healthy volunteers. Exon 3 of the HLA-DM A and B genes were amplified and specific polymorphisms were identified given allele designations. The DMA∗0103 allele was found in 43% of patient alleles versus 8% in the control group, this difference reached significance at a p value of 0.0004. The DMB∗0102 allele was found in 20% of patients compared with 3% of the controls with a calculated p value of 0.037. Relative risk (RR) ratios with CI were as follows: DMA∗0103 vs control RR = 5.7 and DMB∗0102 vs control RR = 8. In conclusion, we feel that the polymorphisms represented in the DMA∗0103 and the DMB∗0102 alleles are increased in frequency in our JDM patients.
Exchange coupling in copper complexes in solution

Abstract An exchange interaction was found between copper ions when bromide ions were added to a solution of copper bis-acetylacetonate in methylene chloride. The magnetic moments as well as the electronic and ESR spectra of these solutions were measured. The magnetic moment, exchange integral (−J) and D value show that the type of mechanism through which the exchange coupling occurs is superexchange via a bromide bridge. The assignment of the changed electronic spectrum is discussed.