cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isotope effect studies of chicken liver NADP malic enzyme: role of the metal ion and viscosity dependence.

The role of the metal ion in the oxidative decarboxylation of malate by chicken liver NADP malic enzyme and details of the reaction mechanism have been investigated by /sup 13/C isotope effects. With saturating NADP and the indicated metal ion at a total concentration 10-fold higher than its K/sub m/, the following primary /sup 13/C kinetic isotope effects at C/sub 4/ of malate (/sup 13/(VK/sub mal/)) were observed at pH 8.0: Mg/sup 2 +/, 1.0336; Mn/sup 2 +/, 1.0365; Cd/sup 2 +/, 1.0366; Zn/sup 2 +/, 1.0337; Co/sup 2 +/, 1.0283; Ni/sup 2 +/, 1.025. Knowing the partitioning of the intermediate oxalacetate between decarboxylation to pyuvate and reduction to malate allows calculation of the intrinsic carbon isotope effect for decarboxylation to pyuvate and reduction to malate allows calculation of the intrinsic carbon isotope effect for decarboxylation. For Mg/sup 2 +/ as activator, this was 1.049 with NADP and 1.046 with 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate, although the intrinsic primary deuterium isotope effects on dehydrogenation were 5.6 and 4.2, and the partition ratios of the oxalacetate intermediate for decarboxylation as opposed to hydride transfer were 0.11 and 3.96. It was not possible to calculate reasonable intrinsic carbon isotope effects with the othermore » metal ions by use of the partitioning ratio of oxalacetate because of decarboxylation by another mechanism. The variation of /sup 13/(VK/sub mal/) with pH was used to dissect the total forward and external components. When the authors attempted to use the variation of /sup 13/(VK/sub mal/) with solution viscosity to determine the internal and external commitments, incorrect values were obtained because of a specific effect of the viscosogen in decreasing the K/sub m/ for malate, so that VK/sub mal/ actually increased with viscosity instead of decreasing, as theory predicts.« less
Endoscopic mucosal resection of Barrett's esophagus detects high prevalence of subsquamous intestinal metaplasia.

Endoscopic mucosal resection of Barrett’s esophagus detects high prevalence of subsquamous intestinal metaplasia
Preparation of methadone and some congeners labeled with tritium in the aromatic Rings

[diphenyl-2,2′-3H2]Methadone with specific activity of 8-30 Ci/mmol was prepared by reductive dehalogenation of 6-dimethylamino-4, 4-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-3-heptanone with carrier-free tritium gas. The labeled congeners (−)-α-acetylmethadol, (−)-α-acetyl-N-normethadol, and (−)-α-acetyl-N,N-dinormethadol were prepared from (+)-[diphenyl-2,2′-3H2]methadone.
Myocyte DNA synthesis with aging: Correlation with ventricular loading in rats

To determine whether the detrimental mechanical and anatomical changes that occur biventricularly with aging are associated with activation of DNA synthesis, flow cytometric analysis was performed on myocyte nuclei prepared from the left and right ventricles of rats at 4, 12, 20, and 29 months of age. Heart weight increased significantly with age, and this growth adaptation was associated with the development of left ventricular failure and right ventricular dysfunction. These phenomena were coupled with marked elevations in diastolic wall stress and increases in the percentage of myocyte nuclei in S+G2M in both ventricles. Linear regression analyses revealed a direct correlation between the fraction of myocytes that entered the cell cycle and diastolic pressure and wall stress. An inverse relation was found between the percentage of myocyte nuclei in S+G2M and +dP/dt and systolic wall stress. Thus the depression of hemodynamic performance coupled with alterations in the loading conditions contributes, at least in part, to increased DNA synthesis in cardiac myocytes with age. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Portability of a Common Nucleic Acid Hairpin Loop Motif Between RNA and DNA

Hairpins are common nucleic acid secondary structures that perform both structural and functional roles. Recently, we reported that r(UNCG) and r(GNRA) hairpin families use molecular mimicry and electrostatic factors to attain exceptional thermodynamic stability with a CG closing base pair (cbp) (J. Amer. Soc. 2009 131, 8474-8484). Although these loop families fold with different global structures, the tetraloops are stabilized by displaying the same functional groups and partial charges to the major groove edge of the CG cbp. Herein, we compare the r(GNRA) tetraloop family to the DNA triloop family d(GNA), which is also exceptionally stable with a CG cbp and possesses same sheared GA base pair between the first and last positions of the loop (Biochemistry2009 48, 8787-8794). Interactions of d(GNA) loops with the cbp were probed with nucleobase and functional group modifications and the resulting effects on stability were compared to those from similar substitutions in r(GNRA) hairpins. Interruption or deletion of loop-cbp interactions in d(GNA) was consistent with electrostatic interactions identified through nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann (NLPB) calculations. Moreover, loop stability changed in a manner consistent with similar loop-cbp interactions for d(GNA) and r(GNRA) loops. We also compared the relationship of ΔG°37 and log[Na+] for d(GNA) and r(GNRA) loops and found a decreased salt dependence for both loop families with a CG cbp. Similarity of loop-cbp interactions shows portability of the loop-cbp motif across polymer type and loop size and indicates RNA and DNA converged on a similar molecular solution for stability.
Image enhancement and quality measures for dietary assessment using mobile devices

Measuring accurate dietary intake is considered to be an open research problem in the nutrition and health fields. We are developing a system, known as the mobile device food record (mdFR), to automatically identify and quantify foods and beverages consumed based on analyzing meal images captured with a mobile device. The mdFR makes use of a fiducial marker and other contextual information to calibrate the imaging system so that accurate amounts of food can be estimated from the scene. Food identification is a difficult problem since foods can dramatically vary in appearance. Such variations may arise not only from non-rigid deformations and intra-class variability in shape, texture, color and other visual properties, but also from changes in illumination and viewpoint. To address the color consistency problem, this paper describes illumination quality assessment methods implemented on a mobile device and three post color correction methods.
Methyl octadecadienoates as protectors against inactivation of alkaline phosphatase by γ-radiation

Methylcis, cis-, cis, trans- andtrans,trans-9,12-octadecadienoates protect alkaline phosphatase from inactivation by γ-rays. The three isomers are equally efficient.
Training the guardians of America's gate: Discourse-based lessons from naturalization interviews

Abstract United States (US) naturalization interviewers face the daunting task of determining applicants’ eligibility to become US citizens by quickly and efficiently assessing applicants’ moral character, loyalty to the United States, English proficiency, and knowledge of US history and government. Using selected transcripts of 63 audio-taped naturalization interviews collected from 1999 to 2000, Winn (2000) examined the interaction between naturalization interviewers and immigrant applicants from 16 countries. In this paper, findings from Winn (2000) are used to propose a discourse-based training course for (new) naturalization interviewers, aimed at raising their awareness of tools to negotiate meaning and of ways to make the interview format explicit to applicants. The training is designed using four representative naturalization interview transcripts to outline the components of the interview and then to highlight interactions where meaning is negotiated or format is made explicit. During the proposed training, examples of both successful and failed communication would be presented to the interviewing officers, with an emphasis on borderline cases. Discussions during the training course would focus on the fairness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the naturalization interview, especially in terms of the interviewer's influence on interview outcome.
Sparse Statistical Deconvolution for High-Density Localization Microscopy

Super-resolution imaging based on single-molecule localization techniques can achieve image resolution of ∼20 nm but requires that the simultaneously activated fluorophores be relatively sparse in the field of view. Yet, both isolated and moderately crowded fluorophores provide valuable information about the image that is only partially degraded by overlap. Analyzing the complete fluorescence data set could accelerate super-resolution image estimation for dynamic biological samples. Whereas recent work has improved methods for labeling and imaging biological structures, less has been done to optimize the localization computation at the heart of these techniques to extract as much image information as possible from the data. We propose a novel computational analysis procedure for fluorescence imaging data based on iterative image deconvolution. Our algorithm exploits the sparse structure of data arising from dilute fluorophores, but does not require that molecules’ images are non-overlapping. We use the expected statistical properties of fluorescence imaging data, including the image sparseness and temporal correlations induced by intermittent activation of emitters, to constrain a deconvolution procedure that iteratively improves the estimated super-resolution image. We validated our approach and compared it with single- and multi-emitter fitting procedures using simulated data. We also applied our algorithm to stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) data from immunohistochemically labeled microtubules. Our algorithm achieves accurate super-resolution image reconstruction even in moderately crowded conditions in which analysis by localization fails. This improved analysis allows a ∼5-fold speedup in imaging by permitting the use of a higher density of active emitters.
A LISP Programming Exercise

We present the derivation of a solution to a LISP programming exercise. The derivation is in three steps. First, an inefficient solution is given. Second, the quintessence of a more efficient solution is captured in a number of equalities. Third, an efficient solution is derived from the inefficient one by a number of transformation steps, each of which is justified by the equalities.
Flutter and Forced Response of a Cantilevered Pipe: The Influence of Internal Pressure and Nozzle Discharge

Abstract A physically based is provided for the description of the lateral internal forces in a vertical cantilevered pipe conveying an incompressible fluid. This is a basic ingredient for the study of the bending oscillations of the pipe. When there is a nozzle at the free end of the pipe, the additional contraction of the downstream jet is taken into account. A concentrated force applied force applied to the pipe end and to the downstream jet is also considered. A comparison is presented with previously known models used in the literature. Finally, a flutter analysis is undertaken to demonstrate the effect of internal pressure and nozzle discharge, and the results are compared to experimental and previous theory.
Understory vegetation response after 30 years of interval prescribed burning in two ponderosa pine sites in northern Arizona, USA

Southwestern USA ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa C. Lawson var. scopulorum Engelm.) forests evolved with frequent surface fires and have changed dramatically over the last century. Overstory tree density has sharply increased while abundance of understory vegetation has declined primarily due to the near cessation of fires. We examined effects of varying prescribed fire-return intervals (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years, plus unburned) on the abundance and composition of understory vegetation in 2007 and 2008 after 30+ years of fall prescribed burning at two ponderosa pine sites. We found that after 30 years, overstory canopy cover remained high, while understory plant canopy cover was low, averaging <12% on all burn intervals. We attributed the weak understory response to a few factors – the most important of which was the high overstory cover at both sites. Graminoid cover and cover of the major grass species, Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), increased on shorter fire-return intervals compared to unburned plots, but only at one site. Community composition differed significantly between shorter fire-return intervals and unburned plots at one site, but not the other. For several response variables, precipitation levels appeared to have a stronger effect than treatments. Our findings suggest that low-severity burn treatments in southwestern ponderosa pine forests, especially those that do not decrease overstory cover, are minimally effective in increasing understory plant cover. Thinning of these dense forests along with prescribed burning is necessary to increase cover of understory vegetation.
The savage child: The image of the Negro in the pro‐slavery movement

In order to respond to an attack on slavery rooted in a definition of Humanity, Southern spokesmen chose to remove some four million people, by reason of “racial” differences, beyond what constituted a human being. This rhetorical strategy appears throughout human history whenever one group of people, for whatever reasons—war, social turmoil, profit—seeks to justify the subordination of another group. Racism excludes one group from the moral universe of another by fixing on some alleged physical or mental difference and declaring that that difference transcends all other considerations. Seen in this light, racism becomes a truly sophisticated and coherent ideological defense of power.
Regulation of CREB signaling through L-type Ca2+ channels by Nipsnap-2.

A recent study identified Nipsnap1 as an auxiliary protein inhibiting TRPV6 ion channel activity. Based upon this finding, we investigated the role of Nipsnap1, and the closely related Nipsnap2, in Ca2+ channel regulation. Here, we find that overexpression of Nipsnap2 caused a 45% increase in currents though L-type Ca2+ channels in a neuronal cell line, while siRNA knockdown of Nipsnap2 greatly reduced L-type currents. The increased influx through L-type Ca2+ channels due to Nipsnap2 overexpression led to increased phosphorylation of the transcription factor cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) along with enhanced expression of several transcription factors and CREB target genes. These experiments highlight a novel role of Nipsnap2 in transcriptional regulation via L-type Ca2+ channels.
A new route for the synthesis of LiMn2O4 cathode: variation of composition, microstructure, and electrochemical behavior with synthesis temperature

Abstract Li x Mn 3 − x O 4 ( x ~ 1.08) spinel oxides have been synthesized by a new procedure. The method involves an ambient temperature synthesis of MnO 2 by reducing aqueous KMnO 4 with KBH 4 followed by an ambient temperature insertion of Li into MnO 2 and firing at various temperatures ranging from 550–900 °C. The oxygen content and the oxidation state of manganese decrease with increasing synthesis temperature, which results in an increase of the unit cell parameter a with synthesis temperature. The particle size increases from about 300 nm to about 1.3 μm as the synthesis temperature increases from 550 °C to 900 °C. Preliminary electrochemical data reveal that the sample synthesized at 700 °C exhibits better capacity and cyclability compared to the samples obtained at 550 and 850 °C.
209 Designing stiff protein nanopores for challenging tasks in biosensing

Protein nanopore-based sensing elements represent a pressing need in molecular biomedical diagnosis (Bayley & Cremer, 2001). However, the integration of protein nanopores with other nanofluidic devices is a challenging task. This is especially true, if we consider that isolated single proteins are in general fragile and unstable under harsh conditions of detection. Here, I will present a strategy for improving the stability of the open-state current of a redesigned nanopore using ferric hydroxamate uptake component A (FhuA), a beta-barrel membrane protein channel of E. coli (Mohammad et al., 2012). The primary function of FhuA is to facilitate the energy-driven, high-affinity Fe3+ uptake complexed by the siderophore ferrichrome (Paweleket al., 2006). The key ingredient of this strategy was the coupling of direct genetic engineering of FhuA with a fast-dilution refolding approach to obtain an unusually stable protein nanopore under a broad range of experimentation. These advantageous characteristics were r...
Traitement endovasculaire d’une plaie peropératoire de l’aorte thoracique au cours d’une résection postérieure de colonne vertébrale

Les lesions aortiques iatrogenes au cours des procedures spinales sont rares mais potentiellement mortelles. Quand un abord spinal posterieur est employe, la position declive et la necessite de prevenir la contamination de l’os expose et du materiel ajoutent de la complexite a la gestion des lesions aortiques significatives. Nous presentons un cas de lesion aortique peroperatoire survenue pendant une chirurgie iterative par voie posterieure de resection de colonne vertebrale qui a ete traitee avec succes par le deploiement en urgence d’un stentgraft. Le patient a recupere sans consequences cliniques significatives. A notre connaissance, c’est le premier cas rapporte de reparation endovasculaire peroperatoire d’une plaie aortique thoracique survenue pendant une chirurgie rachidienne par voie posterieure.
Evaluation of a control algorithm for mobile FSO node alignment

This paper investigates the performance of a recently proposed control algorithm for mobile FSO node alignment through experimental methods. The performance is evaluated on coverage area at the receiver plane, the link recapturing time and the connection up-time during tracking. The dependence of performance on the transmitted power, switching time and the threshold power for beam steering was examined. The results show that the optical tracking system successfully recovered and maintained the link while the receiver was in motion and the signal coverage at the target area was enhanced significantly.
Enhanced reflective liquid crystal displays using DuPont holographic recording films

Holographic reflectors with high brightness and excellent environmental stability have been produced using DuPont holographic films. The center wavelength, color bandwidth and viewing cone are defined for the optimal viewing performance. Measurement methods used to quantify holographically enhanced reflective LCD performance are presented. The test results show that holographic reflectors based on the DuPont OmniDex film experienced less than 1 percent brightness degradation under 70 degrees and 95 percent relative humidity for 200 hours, with no measurable color shift. Two examples of how this technology can be extended to enhance color LCDs are also presented.
Addressing the Protein Crystallization Bottleneck By Cocrystallization

The crystallization of macromolecules as an intermediate in the production of protein structures is often the rate-limiting factor. Achievements in the field of protein crystallization such as automation, availability of commercial crystallization kits, the application of developments in nanotechnology, and information mining of databases have significantly improved the throughput of crystallization screening. But this high throughput has not led to high output because of the crystallization bottleneck, and thus, there is a significant disparity between the pace of gene sequencing, protein production, and the determination of the gene product’s atomic structure. Development of complementary approaches that improve the crystallization potential of a protein would form a useful addition to the crystallographer’s toolbox. One such approach is to cocrystallize a target protein with another protein of known structure that specifically recognizes the target so that a more stable protein complex better suited fo...
Attitudes toward gender roles among adolescents in Singapore

Adolescents (246, ages 12 through 15 years) attending four Singaporean secondary schools from three categories (nonselective, moderately selective, and highly selective) completed the Attitudes Toward Women Scale for Adolescents (AWSA), rated the importance of 10 characteristics of the ideal woman and man, and drew the ideal person in an activity. Less traditional attitudes toward women's roles were found among girls than among boys, and among students attending highly selective schools compared to those at tending a nonselective school. Ratings of the importance of qualities of the ideal person also varied by school category and by gender. Differences by school category remained significant after covarying out indicators of socioeconomic status and primary language spoken at home. The school setting may provide a context in which gender ideologies and values of adolescents develop.
Vacuum system design for a superconducting X-ray lithography light source

Abstract A superconducting electron storage ring for X-ray lithography (SXLS) is to be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The goal is to design and construct a light source specifically dedicated to X-ray lithography production and which would be used as a prototype in a technology transfer to American industry. The machine will be built in two phases: phase I, a low energy ring (200 MeV, 500 mA) using all room temperature magnets which will be used primarily for low energy injection studies. Phase II will be a full energy machine (690 MeV, 500 mA) where the room temperature 180° dipole magnets of phase I will be replaced with superconducting magnets. The machine, with a racetrack shape and a circumference of 8.5 m, is designed to be portable and replaceable as a single unit. This paper will discuss the vacuum system design for both phases; i.e. gas desorption, warm bore vs cold bore, ion trapping, clearing electrodes, and diagnostic instrumentation.
Species-specific distribution of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in the rodent adrenal gland, cerebellum and olfactory bulb

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the enzyme that converts L-dopa to dopamine, displayed species-specific differences in both activity and immunoreactivity in the cerebellum, olfactory bulb, and adrenal glands of three rodent species, the hamster, rat, and mouse. Specifically, in the hamster but not the rat or mouse, AADC immunoreactive cells were observed in the cerebellum and adrenal cortex. The unusual distribution of the enzyme was confirmed biochemically. AADC activity was greater in the adrenal gland and the cerebellum in the hamster than in the mouse or rat. In addition, by Western blot analysis, one band of appropriate molecular weight was observed both in the hamster adrenal gland and cerebellum. The rat adrenal gland displayed a similar immunoreactive protein on the Western blot; however, the protein could not be detected in the rat cerebellum by the technique utilized. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in these same tissues did not differ among the species. In the main olfactory bulb of the mouse, juxtaglomerular cells exhibited very limited immunoreactivity for AADC, but TH-immunoreactivity in these cells was robust. In contrast, juxtaglomerular cells in the rat displayed a similar intensity of immunostaining for both AADC and TH. AADC activity in the mouse, consistent with the reduced immunostaining for the enzyme, was 50% of that in the rat and the hamster. These data demonstrate that AADC protein, which is contained in cells of diverse function, also displays qualitative and quantitative species specific variations in both distribution and amount.
Contrastive linguistics: history, philosophy and methodology

Contrastive linguistics: history, philosophy and methodology by Pan Wenguo and Tham Wai Mun, London/New York, Continuum, 2007, ix + 287 pp., US$150.00 (hard back), ISBN 0-8264-8634-7 Contrastive li...
Phosphate removal by magnetic filtration

Abstract Magnetic filtration was used for the removal of phosphate from natural water in the presence of magnetite, alum and montmorillonite. This process, which allowed a rapid and efficient removal of phosphate, could be used as an alternative to settling tanks in the tertiary treatment of wastes.
Kinetic patterns of protocollagen hydroxylase and further studies on the polypeptide substrate

Abstract The kinetics of the protocollagen hydroxylase reaction were examined by the technique of measuring the initial velocities as a function of the concentration of one reactant with a series of fixed concentrations of a second reactant, and with a constant concentration of the remaining reactants. From the data a rate equation was developed for the interaction of the enzyme with ascorbate, α-ketoglutarate, oxygen, and polypeptide substrate. The kinetic data were consistent with a scheme involving consecutive bimolecular additions of ascorbate and α-ketoglutarate followed by the random order addition of oxygen and polypeptide substrate, but other kinetic schemes were not excluded. Studies with a purified enzyme system indicated that α-ketoglutarate was not consumed in stoichiometric amounts in the reaction. Further studies on the polypeptide substrate supported earlier indications that the enzyme can hydroxylate polypeptides without triple helical structure. When proline-labeled [14C]protocollagen was boiled and quenched, the synthesis of [14C]-hydroxyproline was 74% of the control value. Also, the polypeptide (Gly- l -Ala- l -Pro)n which apparently does not have triple helical structure in solution was found to serve as a substrate for the synthesis of hydroxyproline by the enzyme. The Km value and maximum velocity for (Gly- l -Ala- l -Pro)n were slightly lower than for ( l -Pro-Gly- l -Pro)n under the same conditions.
The phylogenetic relationships of early dinosaurs: a comparative report

Surprising new anatomical information has come to light for the early dinosaurs Eoraptor lunensis and Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis. Eoraptor has a mid mandibular jaw joint, and Herrerasaurus has a promaxillary fenestra at the anterior end of the antorbital fossa. Initial cladistic interpretation placed Herrerasaurus outside Dinosauria. Since then, Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus have been placed at the base of Saurischia or within Theropoda in two large-scale quantitative analyses. A comparative approach is taken here to show, first, that character choice is a major factor behind differing results; only half of the character data critical for each interpretation is incorporated into the opposing analysis. In that shared portion of data, furthermore, nearly 40 percent of character state scores vary for identical, or comparable, ingroup taxa. Resolving these conflictive interpretations is clearly where future progress will be made in understanding early dinosaur phylogenesis.
What was communism: A retrospective in comparative analysis

Abstract The purpose of this article is to take advantage of historical hindsight in bringing into sharper focus similarities and differences among communist regimes in the USSR and Eastern Europe. The framework for this exercise recognizes several dimensions in three interrelated categories: the political formula, the political culture, and the structure, scope, and exercise of public authority. The questions that these categories suggest allow us to compare the Leninist, Stalinist, and post-Stalin regimes in the Soviet Union with the diverse communist regimes that evolved in East Europe in the more recent period. The contrasts established are not merely of historical relevance. They will also permit the student of contemporary Russia and China to engage in meaningful discourse about these countries' prospects.
Steady-state and time-resolved studies of the photocleavage of lysozyme by Co(III) complexes.

Steady-state and time-resolved studies of site-selective photocleavage of lysozyme by cobalt(III) complexes [Co(NH3)5Br]2+ and ([Co(NH3)4CO3]+ are reported. Photocleavage resulted in two fragments of molecular masses ∼10.5 kDa and ∼3.5 kDa, and the yield increased (8−33%) with irradiation time (0.16−0.8 h) as well as with the metal complex concentration (0.1−5 mM). The reaction proceeded to a significant extent even when nearly stoichiometric amounts of the reagents were used. Photocleavage was effective at wavelengths ranging from 310 to 390 nm, and cleavage was inhibited by the addition of selected metal ions such as Gd(III) at moderate concentrations (2 mM). Gd(III) is known to bind at Asp52/Glu35 residues on lysozyme, and these residues are located at the enzyme active site. Current and previous studies suggest that Co(III) metal complexes bind at this site on lysozyme. Consistent with this hypothesis, [Co(NH3)4CO3]+ (8 mM) inhibited lysozyme activity by 67%. Laser flash photolysis studies show that e...
Digital archives of engineering images: lessons form the art

Abstract Issues involved in creating archives of engineering images accessible via the World Wide Web are identified and described. Digital imaging and the web are two key information technologies of the 1990s, and offer new opportunities. Five key issues relating to digital image archives are reviewed: image representation, image processing, documentation, searching, and standards. Particular attention is given to approaches being developed by museums and other arts organizations. The paper also briefly describes and contrasts web-based image archives under development. Image enhancement and query by image content are identified as particularly important issues. © 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.
Dynamic Homogeneity in Mixtures of Poly(vinyl methyl ether) with Low Molecular Weight Phenolic Molecules

Dynamical homogeneity was observed in mixtures of PVME with two small molecules4-ethylphenol [EPh] and bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane [BPM]by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. TTS is valid in mixtures with EPh concentrations up to 50% and for BPM content from 2 to 30%, and all have the same segmental relaxation time distribution as neat PVME. This behavior is attributed to the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding, increased mixing entropy, relatively small Tg contrast, the absence of self-concentration effects, and reduced interchain cooperativity. However, PVME/toluene mixtures exhibit a slightly broader segmental relaxation distribution due to the absence of hydrogen bonding. We also found that strong intermolecular associations are capable of slowing down the secondary relaxation of PVME. Spatial heterogeneity is expected in mixtures with very low BPM contents based on the effect of stoichiometry, and two relaxing segments are possible in 2% BPM/PVME mixtures.
Mesenteric fibromatosis masquerading as an ovarian neoplasm twenty years after Chernobyl radiation exposure

Abstract Background Since their initial description in 1832, desmoid tumors have been reported to occur in virtually every part of the body. Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors, or mesenteric fibromatosis, are often associated with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis mutation in a syndrome known as Gardner's Syndrome. Although sporadic cases of desmoid tumors do occur, unlike Gardner's Syndrome, they predominantly occur extra-abdominally. Case Case report of a 61-year-old female who presented with two months of abdominal pain, progressive lower abdominal distension and a 10–15 pound weight gain accompanied by one week of urinary hesitancy and frequency. Patient underwent a diagnostic workup for an ovarian neoplasm, but was found at surgery to have mesentric fibromatosis. Conclusion Although uncommon, mesentric fibromatosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient with an abdominal mass of unknown origin.
Born in the USA: How immigrant generation shapes meritocracy and its relation to ethnic identity and collective action.

Endorsing meritocracy can make low-status group members more accepting of inequality. This study examined whether rejecting meritocracy is related to increased ethnic identification among Latino immigrants, and whether identity in turn is related to increased support for collective action. We hypothesize that these relationships depend upon immigrant generation. A survey was conducted with 184 first- and second-generation Latino immigrants in New York City. Second-generation Latinos endorsed meritocracy less than those in the first generation, at least in part because they perceived that other Americans viewed their group in a less positive light (i.e., lower public regard). Further, meritocracy was negatively linked to ethnic identity and, through it, support for collective action among the second generation. Among the first generation, meritocracy was not related to ethnic identity and was positively related to support for collective action. We discuss the implications of growing up near the bottom of the U.S. social hierarchy for ethnic identity and collective action.
The latent structure of psychopathy in male adjudicated delinquents: a cross-domain taxometric analysis

The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-domain taxometric analysis of the psychopathy construct using data from a popular rating scale and self-report inventory. A baseline measure of the 2 factor scores from the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV: Forth, Kosson, & Hare, 2003) and Wave 1 (6-months postbaseline) measures of the Grandiose/Manipulative, Callous/Unemotional, and Impulsive/Irresponsible scales of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI: Andershed, Kerr, Stattin, & Levander, 2002) were obtained from 1,162 male delinquents. Correlational analyses showed that the rating (PCL:YV) and self-report (YPI) measures were likely assessing the same construct and correlated sufficiently well (mean r =.30) to permit a cross-domain taxometric analysis. Taxometric analyses provided consistent support for continuous latent structure, even when the Grandiose-Manipulative and Callous-Unemotional scales of the YPI were combined in an effort to mirror Factor 1 of the PCL:YV. Whereas previous taxometric research using either rating or self-report indicators has favored a continuous view of psychopathy, this is the first study to investigate the latent structure of psychopathy using rating and self-report indicators in the same analysis. The results of this study suggest that psychopathy is organized along a continuum (more or less psychopathy) rather than grouping individuals into discrete categories (psychopath vs. nonpsychopath). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
A penalty function method for computing chemical equilibria

A penalty function technique is developed as an alternative method for handling precipitation- dissolution reactions in the equilibrium constant method of solving the batch chemical equilibrium problem. It is simple to incorporate into existing programs which do not handle precipitation-dissolution reactions. No variable eliminations need to be performed and the size of the system is always the same even as additional solids enter the problem. Two sample problems are presented to demonstrate the implementa- tion of the method. Key Word~: Chemical equilibrium, Computation, Mathematics, Penalty function, Precipitation/ dissolution.
Emission studies of surface acidity in porous vycor glass

Abstract The emission characteristics and lifetimes of quinoline embedded in a calcinated (600°C) porous Vycor glass are shown to be identical to those dissolved in 0.5N H 2 SO 4 solutions, indicating that the embedded solutes are fully protonated in the Vycor sites. The Bronsted acidity on Vycor surfaces is explained to result from the formation of siloxane bridges upon sintering.
Implantation of penile prostheses in patients impotent after priapism

Review of recent implantations of penile prostheses done at Duke University Medical Center reveals 6 patients implanted for impotence secondary to priapism. Of these 6 patients, 5 had sickle cell anemia-induced priapism and 1 had idiopathic priapism. One patient had implantation of an inflatable prosthesis later followed by a semirigid prosthesis, 3 had implantation of a semirigid prosthesis, and 1 had an unsuccessful attempt at implantation of a semirigid prosthesis. The 5 patients with successful implantation have obtained satisfactory postoperative coital function. We believe that penile prostheses are beneficial in patients with impotence secondary to priapism. The degree of fibrosis encountered suggests that a semirigid prosthesis is more favorable, since the inflatable prosthesis may not overcome corporeal rigidity.
Texas Politics and the Fax Revolution

This article analyzes the adoption and use of the fax machine to illustrate how information technology has altered the organizing process and conduct of electoral and legislative politics in Texas. The major groups studied are election campaigns, political parties, the legislature, and lobbyists. Faxing allows campaigns to do more, stay more informed, and disseminate information far more quickly and accurately than before. Consequently, the political process has accelerated significantly compared with five or ten years ago. Most obviously, the cycle for political news has shrunk from days to hours or minutes, forcing campaigns to be more organized and responsive. Faxing also enables organizations to generate a unified political theme statewide easily and quickly, creating the semblance, if not the reality, of a grassroots movement. Faxing gives centralized organizations the ability to appear decentralized and decentralized organizations the ability to act in a coordinated manner. Furthermore, faxing has i...
Forearm Bone Mineral Densitometry Cannot be Used to Monitor Response to Alendronate Therapy in Postmenopausal Women

Alendronate significantly increases bone mass and reduces hip and spine fractures in postmenopausal women. To determine whether forearm densitometry could be used to monitor the efficacy of alendronate, we examined changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at the forearm (one-third distal, mid-distal, ultradistal radius) versus changes at the hip (femoral neck, total hip) and spine (posteroanterior and lateral) in a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 120 elderly women (mean age 70 +/- 4 years) treated with alendronate for 2.5 years. We found that among women in the treatment group, BMD increased by 4.0-12.2% at the hip and spine sites (all p<0.001), whereas BMD increased only nominally at the one-third distal radius (1.3%, p<0.001) and mid-radius (0.8%, p<0.05), and remained stable at the ultradistal radius. At baseline, forearm BMD correlated with that of the hip (r = 0.55-0.64, p<0.001), femoral neck (r = 0.54-0.61, p<0.001) and posteroanterior spine (r = 0.56-0.63, p<0.001). Changes in radial BMD after 1 year of therapy were not correlated with changes in hip and spine BMD after 2.5 years of therapy. In contrast, short-term changes in total hip and spine BMD were generally positively associated with long-term changes in total hip, femoral neck and spine BMD (r = 0.30-0.71, p<0.05). Furthermore, long-term BMD changes at the forearm did not correlate with long-term hip and spine BMD changes, in contrast to the moderate correlations seen between spine and hip BMD at 2.5 years (r = 0.38-0.45, p<0.01). We conclude that neither short- nor long-term changes in forearm BMD predict long-term changes in overall BMD for elderly women on alendronate therapy, suggesting that measurements of clinically relevant central sites (hip and spine) are necessary to assess therapeutic efficacy.
Estimation of central venous pressure by examination of jugular veins

Abstract Attempts were made in 39 seriously ill patients to estimate the central venous pressure (measured through an intrathoracic venous catheter) by clinical examination of the jugular veins. Internal jugular veins were usually not visible. Inspection of the external jugular veins resulted in 103 measurements. These correlated poorly with the actual CVP, since only 47 per cent of the pooled observations were within 2 cm. of the recorded value. To obtain a 90 per cent coincidence, an error of up to 4 cm. had to be allowed. Moreover, large discrepancies were noted in individual cases. The central venous pressure cannot be reliably estimated by inspection of the jugular veins.
Sulbactam/Ampicillin in the Treatment of Lower Respiratory Infections

The increasing number of β- lactam antibiotic- resistant infections has led to the development of an alternative treatment: the combination of a β- lactam antibiotic with an irreversible, suicide- type, β- lactamase inhibitor. Such a combination, sulbactam/ampicillin, was used in clinical trials at 4 European and 1 American centres to treat severely ill patients with lower respiratory tract infections including bronchiectasis, pneumonia and purulent tracheobronchitis.
Differential effects of activation of prothrombin by streptokinase compared with urokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA)

We have previously reported paradoxical prothrombotic effects manifest by elevations of fibrinopeptide A (FPA) after administration of streptokinase to patients with acute myocardial infarction. To characterize mechanisms responsible and their dependence on streptokinase (SK) as opposed to other activators of the fibrinolytic system, the present study was performed to compare effects of streptokinase, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and urokinase on plasma and on purified prothrombin in concentrations similar to those achieved pharmacologically. The effects of plasmin were assessed to determine the extent to which the elevations of FPA seen could be attributed to activation of plasminogen. Elevations of FPA were observed after incubation of each of the activators with citrated plasma at 37 degrees C for 60 minutes. However, they were most marked with streptokinase (64.5 +/- 4.6 pmol FPA/ml (mean +/- SE) with 100 IU SK/ml, and 77.6 +/- 5.0 pmol/ml with 500 IU SK/ml). Elevations of FPA induced by streptokinase were attenuated by 100 IU/ml heparin [15.2 +/- 1.9 pmol/ml after 100 IU of SK (p less than 0.001 compared with results with streptokinase without heparin)]. Human plasmin, 2.5 CTA/ml, caused changes similar to those induced by streptokinase. The minimal elevations of FPA induced by t-PA or urokinase (less than 10 pmol/ml without heparin) were not significantly attenuated by heparin. Incubation of barium citrate adsorbed plasma (vitamin K factor depleted) with streptokinase markedly attenuated elevation of FPA. Addition of prothrombin (1.5 microM) and streptokinase (100 IU/ml) to the barium citrate adsorbed plasma elicited elevations of FPA similar to those induced by streptokinase in citrated plasma. Amidolytic activity with the "thrombin" substrate H-D-phenylalanyl-L-pipecolyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide dihydrochloride (S-2238) was evident when streptokinase, plasminogen (0.24 microM), and prothrombin (1.5 microM) were incubated in buffer. Thus, concentrations of streptokinase that are low in terms of therapeutic blood levels activate prothrombin in plasma, likely due to activation of plasminogen. Neither tissue-type plasminogen activator nor urokinase in pharmacologically comparable concentrations increase thrombin activity appreciably perhaps because of less intense activation of plasminogen. Consideration of the prothrombotic effects observed may be relevant to selection of specific agents for therapeutic thrombolysis, to appropriate titration of dose, and to the need for the use of heparin conjointly with particular activators of the fibrinolytic system such as streptokinase.
A multidimensional scaling validation of an inductively‐derived set of compliance‐gaining strategies

After a review of the research on compliance‐gaining strategies, it was decided that deductive approaches toward the development of a taxonomy of compliance‐gaining strategies are limited because of epistemological and methodological problems. Instead of a deductive approach, the paper proposes that an inductively‐derived taxonomy is a more valid and reliable classification scheme of compliance‐gaining strategies. The paper therefore attempts to ascertain the representational validity of a particular inductively‐derived taxonomy of compliance‐gaining strategies. The assessment of the representational validity was accomplished by comparing proposed properties of the taxonomy with a multidimensional scaling representation of subjects’ perceptions of persuasive messages. The comparison indicated that the taxonomy had a high degree of representational validity. Finally, it was suggested that future research should focus on the dynamics of the properties of compliance‐gaining strategies.
Efficient characterization of pollutant-emission response under parametric uncertainty.

An essential requirement of modeling for air quality management is to accurately simulate the responses of pollutant concentrations to changes in emissions. Uncertain model input parameters such as...
Pointwise errors in the classical and in Reissner's linear theory of plates, especially for concentrated loads

An infinite, horizontal, elastically isotropic plate is subjected to a distributed vertical, axisymmetric load, part of which is a body force and part of which is a surface traction. The resulting 3-dimensional stresses and displacements are found with the aid of Love's stress function and Hankel transforms. From these, the sum of the principal stress couples, the average rotation of radial fibers, and the average vertical deflection are computed and compared against the predictions of classical and Reissner's shear-deformation plate theory. Remarkably, the elasticity and plate theory predictions for the stress couples and the rotation agree if Poisson's ratio is zero. In general, for smoothly varying loads, the predictions of Reissner's theory are closer than those of classical theory to the predictions of elasticity theory. However, if a part of the load is (nearly) concentrated, then it is shown that the singularities in the sum of the principal stress couples and in the rotation predicted by Reissner's theory are too strong (because his theory accounts for normal stress effects based on smoothly varying loads). Moreover, if the concentrated part of the external load is a uniformly distributed line load through the thickness, then classical theory predicts the correct singularity in these variables, although with an erroneous strength. On the other hand, Reissner's theory correctly predicts the logarithmic singularity in the average vertical deflection (for any type of concentrated load), although with an erroneous strength.