cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The inhibitory effect of the artificial electron donor system, phenazine methosulfate‐ascorbate, on bacterial transport mechanisms

The artificial electron donor system, phenazine methosulfate (PMS)-ascorbate, inhibited active transort of solutes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa irrespective of whether the active transport systems were shock sensitive or shock resistant. N,N,N',N'-tetramethylphenylenediamine could be substituted for PMS but a higher concentration was required. PMS-ascorbate also inhibited active transport in several other bacterial species with the exception of Escherichia coli and of a nonpigmented strain of Serratia marcescens. PMS-ascorbate previously has been shown to energize active transport in isolated membrane vesicles, even those prepared from the same bacterial species in whose intact cells active transport was inhibited. The apparent Km of glucose active transport in untreated cells of P. aeruginosa was 40 micron while the Km of glucose transport in cells incubated with PMS-ascorbate was 25 mM, and PMS-ascorbate had no effect on efflux of accumulated glucose. These results strongly suggested that facilitated diffusion resulted upon exposure of the cells to PMS- ascorbate. Thus, PMS-ascorbate appeared to have an uncoupler-like effect on cells of P. aeruginosa. The experimental data also pointed out that there are fundamental differences between the response of intact cells and membrane vesicles to exogenous electron donors.
The Length Spectrum of a Compact Constant Curvature Complex is Discrete

In this short note we prove that the length spectrum of a compact constant curvature complex is discrete. After recalling the relevant definitions and reducing to a relatively simple situation, the result follows easily from a foundational result about real semi-algebraic sets and the Morse–Sard theorem. We conclude with a conjecture which remains open, a few remarks and an easy application.
Pitfalls in the use of the flexible bronchoscope in pediatric patients

Flexible bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic technique for study of pediatric patients with pulmonary problems. Many pitfalls await the unwary, but with experience and care, most can be overcome or circumvented.
The Fat Controller: Adipocyte Development

Obesity is a condition characterized by excess adipose tissue that results from positive energy balance and is the most common metabolic disorder in the industrialized world. The obesity epidemic shows no sign of slowing, and it is increasingly a global problem. Serious clinical problems associated with obesity include an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Hence, understanding the origin and development of adipocytes and adipose tissue will be critical to the analysis and treatment of metabolic diseases. Historically, albeit incorrectly, adipocytes were thought to be inert cells whose singular function was lipid storage. It is now known that adipocytes have other critical functions; the most important include sensitivity to insulin and the ability to produce and secrete adipocyte-specific endocrine hormones that regulate energy homeostasis in other tissues. Today, adipocytes are recognized as critical regulators of whole-body metabolism and known to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of metabolic diseases. All cells come from other cells and many cells arise from precursor cells. Adipocytes are not created from other adipocytes, but they arise from precursor cells. In the last two decades, scientists have discovered the function of many proteins that influence the ability of precursor cells to become adipocytes. If the expansion of the adipose tissue is the problem, it seems logical that adipocyte development inhibitors could be a viable anti-obesity therapeutic. However, factors that block adipocyte development and limit adipocyte expansion also impair metabolic health. This notion may be counterintuitive, but several lines of evidence support the idea that blocking adipocyte development is unhealthy. For this reason it is clear that we need a better understanding of adipocyte development.
Ratio Analysis: Financial Benchmarks for the Club Industry

ABSTRACT General managers of clubs are often inundated with operations and membership issues and may not be able to spend quality time engaging in the analysis of the financial health of the club. With the aid of a handful of ratios, general managers and club controllers can assess the business trends and financial viability of their operations very easily The top ratios used by club managers are: payroll cost percentage, cost of food sold percentage, cost of beverage sold percentage, current ratio, and debt-equity ratio. The results of several ratios focusing primarily on clubs' balance sheets are presented in this article.
Vapor phase synthesis and characterization of bimetallic alloy and supported nanoparticle catalysts

The laser vaporization controlled condensation (LVCC) technique coupled with a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) is used to synthesize size-selected alloy nanoparticles and nanoparticle catalyst systems. The formation of Au–Ag alloy nanoparticles is concluded from the observation of only one plasmon band. The maximum of the plasmon absorption is found to vary linearly with the gold mole fraction. For the Au–Pd system, the XRD data confirms the formation of the alloy nanoparticles with no evidence of any of the pure components. The Au/CeO2 nanoparticle catalyst prepared by the LVCC method is a promising catalyst for low temperature CO oxidation due to its high activity and stability.
Hilbert Transformation of Densities of States Using Hermite Functions

Abstract It is shown that Hermite functions form a convenient representation of the Hilbert transform kernel (Kramers-Kronig transform). Application is made to two densities of states. The zeros and weight functions for Hermite integration for order n = 300 are given in an appendix.
Judicial Decisionmaking in the Age of Biotechnology

The major premise, minor premise, and conclusion of this Article are one and the same - for, they conduce to an acceptance of the fact that the social constructs and legal tools necessary for the modern judiciary to meet head-on and deal with the contentious issues of bioethics and biotechnology are already in place. To resolve problems arising from these potential quagmires, perhaps the major concern is for the courts to remain forever vigilant to the interlinking relationships or synergistic forces found in law, science, ethics, and medicine. Without vigilance and enhanced awareness of the dynamic and fluid situation here, both the bench and the bar will increasingly lack understanding of the questions to be asked, let alone the answers to be given in this New Age of Science. What is called for is a modified form of judicial activism - not grounded in the heresy of deconstruction - but rather one shaped by reason, understanding, and contemporary social policy and one that is calibrated by the scientific gatekeeping role of the federal courts. When, owing to exigencies of time, laws become largely impotent or even moribund, and new ones are not enacted because of the legislator's lethargic passivity, ignorance, or failure to release themselves from the vortex of emotionalism which enmeshes certain issues, then it remains for the courts to seize the initiative and fill the void of indecisiveness. Through interpretative policies guided by reason, common sense, equity, and analogy, the courts can chart with confidence a new common law of biotechnology - one that begins to build a framework for principled decisionmaking upon which stability and predictability can be assured. Absent this legal mechanism or process of decisionmaking, it remains for science to direct the future course of development for the new Age of Biotechnology and law to remain a reactive force. Ideally, however, a full partnership of interest and action should be sought by law, science, ethics, and medicine if progress is to be achieved over the succeeding years.
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND MAGNESIUM IONS ON CALCAREOUS DEPOSITION

Abstract The effects of temperature, interface pH, and magnesium ions on the formation of calcareous deposits induced by cathodic protection (CP) on steel have been studied in seawater and in three 0.7 M NaCl + 0.0025 M NaHCO3 solutions. The interface pH at a given CP potential was calculated to be higher at low temperature, thus favoring magnesium-rich deposits. The calcareous deposits may dissolve or precipitate when temperature changes. Free magnesium ions in seawater are the primary agents inhibiting the low temperature formation of calcareous deposits. Various suggestions are made for increasing the Ca/Mg ratio and the protectiveness of deposits formed in cold water.
Fatigue in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease: biological and behavioral correlates and health-related quality of life

This descriptive, correlational study examined fatigue and potential biological and behavioral correlates in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease. Sixty adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) fatigue short form and measures of pain, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive mood, stress, disease severity, and quality of life. Blood samples were obtained for hemoglobin and cytokines. Fatigue scores were mostly moderate in severity. Fatigue interfered to a moderate degree with daily activities and correlated significantly with pain, sleep quality, state and trait anxiety, depressive mood, stress, and quality of life. Fatigue was correlated with hemoglobin on the PROMIS measure. Fatigue was not correlated with cytokines or age, nor differed by disease severity. Fatigue was common in these adolescents and young adults, interfered with daily activities such as school, work and exercise, and significantly correlated with several potentially modifiable factors. As life expectancy increases in sickle cell disease, research is needed to test interventions to reduce fatigue.
Validity of rating scales in assessing aggressive behavior in classroom settings

Abstract The teachers of 35 boys attending a Lehigh University-based laboratory school for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children completed rating scales designed to assess aggressive behavior in children. Children also completed similar self-report instruments. Frequency counts of aggressive outbursts and outburst durations were recorded by teachers over a 4-week period. The results of the study found significant correlations among teacher-completed and child-completed measures. The relationships between child-completed measures, one of the teacher measures, and the direct observation measure were not significant. One teacher-completed measure, but no child-completed measures, had significant correlations with aggressive outbursts and durations. The implications for behavioral assessment are discussed.
A Comparison of Marijuana Users and Non-users

Interviews with sixty-two Americans in their twenties, mostly students, demonstrate that those who smoked marijuana moderately differed little in personality from those who did not indulge, but that heavy smokers of marijuana were rather less conventional. The smokers tended to drink little alcohol.
Vitamin D receptor interacts with DnaK/heat shock protein 70: identification of DnaK interaction site on vitamin D receptor.

Abstract Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates the expression of vitamin D-dependent genes upon binding to its cognate ligand, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ). This process represents a complex interaction of ligand-bound VDR with nuclear proteins like retinoid X receptor, nuclear accessory factors, and regulatory elements of the target gene. Expression of full-length VDR in Escherichia coli revealed that VDR binds DnaK, a member of heat-shock protein (Hsp) family, with high affinity. By systematic N-terminal truncation of VDR, the interaction site of DnaK on VDR was localized within a 17-amino-acid segment (105–122) representing the “hinge region” between the DNA-binding and hormone-binding domains of VDR. The putative DnaK-binding site was further localized between residues 105 to 109 of VDR by using binding-energy-minimization studies. The interaction of DnaK with VDR did not influence the binding of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 or nuclear accessory factor(s) to VDR. Furthermore, bovine brain Hsp 70, similar to DnaK, interacted with VDR–ligand-binding domain (105–427). These results suggest that DnaK/Hsp 70 may interact with VDR prior to the activation of the latter by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -binding.
Comparison of inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes within a biofilm matrix using chlorine dioxide gas, aqueous chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite treatments.

Abstract The present research compared the effect of chlorine dioxide (CD) gas, aqueous CD and aqueous sodium hypochlorite (SHC) treatments on the inactivation of a five strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes – containing biofilms. Four day old biofilms were developed on a stainless steel (SS 304) coupon by using a mixture of five cultures of L. monocytogenes (Scott A, N1-227, 103M, 82 and 311) using a 100% relative humidity (RH) dessicator for incubation at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C). After biofilm development, coupons were rinsed and dried for 2 h and treated with 0.3 mg/l CD gas at 75% RH, 7 mg/l of aqueous CD and 50 mg/l SHC. Initial log 10 population of biofilm cells before CD gas, aqueous CD and SHC treatment was 4.80, 5.09 and 4.95 log 10 CFU/cm 2 . The Weibull model was used to fit non-linear survivor curves. Treatments and time points of 0.3 mg/l CD gas and 7 mg/l aq. CD solution were significantly different ( p 10 CFU/cm 2 , respectively. At 10 min, all treatments were not statistically different ( p > 0.05). Low levels of CD (0.3 mg/l CD gas and 7 mg/l aq. CD solution) for 10 min resulted in similar log reductions compared to 50 mg/l SHC.
Endogenous market power

Abstract In this paper we develop a framework to study markets with heterogeneous atomic traders. The competitive model is augmented as we provide traders with correct beliefs about their price impacts to define equilibrium with endogenously determined market power and show that such equilibrium exists in economies with smooth utility and cost functions and is generically determinate. Tradersʼ price impacts depend positively on the convexity of preferences or cost functions of the trading partners and are subject to mutual reinforcement. Compared to the competitive model, the volume of trade is reduced, and hence is Pareto inefficient. The price effects of non-competitive trading depend on the convexity of marginal utility or cost function.
Murine lymphocyte cell surface proteolytic activity is strain related

A/J and C57 Br/cdj mice bear the H-2 haplotypes which are generally associated with high responses to bovine gamma globulin and type 3 pneumococcal polysaccharide. A/J has been reported, however, to produce higher levels of antibody than C57 Br/cdj mice against the antigens. The two strains of mice were used as model systems in this study to determine whether the level of lymphoid cell surface proteolytic activity is also genetically controlled. The results of this study illustrate that the level of lymphoid cell surface proteolytic activity is strain related. Since A/J lymphocytes were found to have a significantly higher rate of proteolysis than C57 Br/cdj lymphocytes, a correlation between lymphoid cell surface caseinolytic activity and immune responsiveness is suggested.
Biogeographic patterns in genomic diversity among a large collection of Vibrio cholerae isolates.

Vibrio cholerae strains are capable of inhabiting multiple niches in the aquatic environment and in some cases cause disease in humans. However, the ecology and biodiversity of these bacteria in environmental settings remains poorly understood. We used the genomic fingerprinting technique enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence PCR (ERIC-PCR) to profile 835 environmental isolates from waters and sediments obtained at nine sites along the central California coast. We identified 115 ERIC-PCR genotypes from 998 fingerprints, with a reproducibility of 98.5% and a discriminatory power of 0.971. When the temporal dynamics at a subset of sampling sites were explored, several genotypes provided evidence for cosmopolitan or geographically restricted distributions, and other genotypes displayed nonrandom patterns of cooccurrence. Partial Mantel tests confirmed that genotypic similarity of isolates across all sampling events was correlated with environmental similarity (0.04 ≤ r ≤ 0.05), temporal proximity (r = 0.09), and geographic distance (r = 0.09). A neutral community model for all sampling events explained 61% of the variation in genotype abundance. Cooccurrence indices (C-score, C-board, and Combo) were significantly different than expected by chance, suggesting that the V. cholerae population may have a competitive structure, especially at the regional scale. Even though stochastic processes are undoubtedly important in generating biogeographic patterns in diversity, deterministic factors appear to play a significant, albeit small, role in shaping the V. cholerae population structure in this system.
Percentage of Left Ventricular Stroke Work Loss A Simple Hemodynamic Concept for Estimation of Severity in Valvular Aortic Stenosis

The ratio of the mean systolic transaortic valvular gradient to the mean systolic left ventricular pressure times 100 yields a percentage that represents the portion of left ventricular pressure-volume work per stroke lost because of outflow-tract obstruction. The percentage of the left ventricular stroke work loss and the area of the aortic orifice have been estimated in 49 patients with aortic valvular stenosis and two open-chest dogs with varying degrees of supravalvular aortic constriction. Left ventricular stroke work loss of 30% or greater was associated with calculated aortic valve areas of 1.0 cm2 (or 0.60 cm2/m2) or less. These values are representative of serious obstruction to left ventricular outflow, that is, approximately 75% or greater reduction of normal orifice size. The calculation of the percentage of left ventricular stroke work loss, besides being simple, is based upon the most reliable measurements obtainable at left heart catheterization, that of the pressure pulses.
Nanocarpets Decorating the Walls of Microchannels

Without the appropriate cooling, the operating temperature of electronic devices and micro systems could reach values where the components lose their physical integrity, and the proper functioning would cease. In response to this demand, many techniques have been studied and developed such as laser drilled cavities, heat sinks, micro fins, etc. but have still not been able to reach an adequate cooling performance necessary for the components to operate properly. Because of the large heat transfer surface area to volume ratio, microchannels cooled with gas or liquid coolant have been shown to be strong prospects. By lining the walls for the microchannel with nanocarpets — fins, pins, etc. that varies the roughness of the surface — it can alter the effect of the microchannel performance. Carbon nanotubes have extremely high thermal conductivities and they also can be made to have an additional increase in the wall heat transfer surface area. The use of approximated Boltzmann equations, Molecular Dynamics, and Computational Fluid Dynamics to model the heat flow in nanostructured surface microchannels, and also the nanotstructure-fluid interface will be reviewed. The explanation of important interactions, heat transport phenomena, the numerical experimentations related to effect of nanotube length, the nanotube type, the spacing of the nanotubes, and their staggered pattern, and their other physical and material properties in relation to the fluid flow properties within the microchannels will be discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Butyltin exposure causes a rapid decrease in cyclic AMP levels in human lymphocytes.

Natural killer (NK) cells are a subset of lymphocytes that are capable of killing tumor cells, virally infected cells, and antibody-coated cells. Butyltins (BTs) are used in a variety of consumer products and industrial applications. Tributyltin (TBT) is found in dairy products, meat, and fish. Dibutyltin (DBT) is found in plastic products, beverages stored in PVC pipes during manufacturing, and poultry products. BTs appear to increase the risk of cancer and viral infections in exposed individuals. This increased risk may be due in part to the inhibitory effect of these compounds on the cytotoxic function of NK cells. A 24-h exposure of NK cells to 200 nM TBT or 1.5 μM DBT decreased the cytotoxic function of NK cells by greater than 90%. Higher concentrations of TBT and DBT decreased the cytotoxic function of NK cells (by greater than 90%) after only a 1-h exposure. A 24-h exposure to either TBT or DBT decreased intracellular ATP levels by about 30%. However, as much as a 1-h exposure to either 300 nM TBT or 10 μM DBT caused no significant decrease in ATP levels. Thus, a decrease in ATP levels is a longer-term consequence of BT exposure. Intracellular levels of cAMP are decreased by as much as 80% within 5 min of exposure to either TBT or DBT. This rapid decline in cAMP levels in NK cells may be a consequence of BT exposure that is related to the rapid decrease in the cytotoxic function of NK cells.
Magnetospheric plasma wave research 1975–1978

Research conducted from 1975 through 1978 on magnetospheric plasma waves generated in or passing through the magnetospheres of the earth and Jupiter is reviewed. Attention is given to bow shock whistlers and electrostatic waves, electromagnetic wave packets in the magnetosheath ('lion roars'), nonthermal continuum radiation apparently associated with energetic electrons in the outer radiation zone, electrostatic and magnetic noise and PI2 pulsations in the magnetotail and plasma sheet and polar cusp phenomena. Plasma waves in the auroral zone, including VLF hiss and saucers, electrostatic wave turbulence and kilometric radiation are treated, together with MHD waves and magnetic pulsations, ion cyclotron waves, VLF chorus and hiss and electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic radiation in and beyond plasmapause, plasmaspheric hiss, whistlers, power line harmonic radiation and controlled wave generation experiments. Observations of plasmasphere and auroral zone phenomena in the ionosphere are discussed, and escaping and trapped plasma waves in the magnetospheres of Jupiter and other planets are considered. Planned future magnetospheric research for the next four years is outlined.
Articular structure and function in Hylobates, Colobus, and Papio

It has been demonstrated in clinical and experimental studies that subarticular trabecular bone responds to mechanical loads transmitted across joints through changes in mass and structural organization. We investigated differences in mass, volume, and density of subarticular trabecular bone of the humeral and femoral head in Hylobates syndactylus, Colobus guereza, and Papio cynocephalus. Our hypothesis was that variations in trabecular properties between taxa may reflect differences in mechanical loading associated with different locomotor repertoires. A nondestructive method for measuring trabecular properties using optical luminance data measured from radiographs was developed. We also examined the relationship between internal trabecular properties and the external size and surface area of the humeral and femoral heads in these taxa. Our results suggest that internal and external articular structure are relatively independent of each other and may be adapted to different aspects of the mechanical environment. Differences in trabecular mass between taxa appear to correspond to differences in the magnitudes of mechanical loads borne by the joint, whereas aritcular volume and surface area are related primarily to differences in joint mobility. Because of the apparent physiological “de-coupling” of articular mass and volume, variations in articular density (mass/volume) are difficult to interpret in isolation. Comparisons of internal and external articular structure may provide new ways to reconstruct the locomotor/positional behavior of extinct taxa. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii hook F extracts on induction of cyclooxygenase 2 activity and prostaglandin E2 production.

Objective Extracts of the Chinese herbal remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) have been reported to be effective in the treatment of patients with a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but the mechanism of this therapeutic effect has not been completely delineated. The present study was designed to assess the effects of TWHF on the in vitro synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and on the expression of the cyclooxygenase isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, in various human cell types. Methods Monocytes from human peripheral blood (HM), fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue (RASF), human neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (HFF), and the histiocytic cell line U937 were cultured for designated time periods with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of the following inhibitors: the methanol/chloroform (T2) extract of TWHF, the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of TWHF, a purified diterpenoid component of TWHF (triptolide), dexamethasone, and indomethacin. Culture supernatants were harvested for PGE2 content assays. Total RNA was extracted from the cells and analyzed for COX-1 and COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or Northern blotting. Results Both the T2 and EA extracts inhibited PGE2 synthesis in the LPS-stimulated HM, RASF, and HFF cells, which was reflected by a marked suppression in the levels of mRNA for COX-2. In contrast, neither extract inhibited PGE2 production in U937 cells that did not express COX-2. Triptolide also inhibited LPS-stimulated induction of COX-2 mRNA and synthesis of PGE2, at the same inhibitory concentration as seen with the EA extract. The effects of T2, EA, and triptolide paralleled the inhibitory action of dexamethasone. Conclusion The data indicate that both the T2 and EA extracts of TWHF, as well as the triptolide component, inhibit PGE2 production in a variety of human cells by blocking the up-regulation of COX-2.
Neuroscience: current views on odour receptors.

Insects possess refined olfactory systems that use specific receptors on their antennae. It emerges that these receptors not only detect odour molecules but, unexpectedly, can also act as ion channels.
Uncompensated polyuria in a mouse model of Bartter's syndrome

We have used homologous recombination to disrupt the mouse gene coding for the NaK2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) expressed in kidney epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb and macula densa. This gene is one of several that when mutated causes Bartter's syndrome in humans, a syndrome characterized by severe polyuria and electrolyte imbalance. Homozygous NKCC2-/- pups were born in expected numbers and appeared normal. However, by day 1 they showed signs of extracellular volume depletion (hematocrit 51%; wild type 37%). They subsequently failed to thrive. By day 7, they were small and markedly dehydrated and exhibited renal insufficiency, high plasma potassium, metabolic acidosis, hydronephrosis of varying severity, and high plasma renin concentrations. None survived to weaning. Treatment of -/- pups with indomethacin from day 1 prevented growth retardation and 10% treated for 3 weeks survived, although as adults they exhibited severe polyuria (10 ml/day), extreme hydronephrosis, low plasma potassium, high blood pH, hypercalciuria, and proteinuria. Wild-type mice treated with furosemide, an inhibitor of NaK2Cl cotransporters, have a phenotype similar to the indomethacin-rescued -/- adults except that hydronephrosis was mild. The polyuria, hypercalciuria, and proteinuria of the -/- adults and furosemide-treated wild-type mice were unresponsive to inhibitors of the renin angiotensin system, vasopressin, and further indomethacin. Thus absence of NKCC2 in the mouse causes polyuria that is not compensated elsewhere in the nephron. The NKCC2 mutant animals should be valuable for uncovering new pathophysiologic and therapeutic aspects of genetic disturbances in water and electrolyte recovery by the kidney.
Ovarian Progestin Secretion in Lactating Rats: Effect of Intrabursal Injection of Prolactin Antiserum, Prolactin and LH

The control mechanism of progestin secretion by the rat ovary during lactation was studied by measuring levels of progesterone (P) and 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20α-OH-P) in ovarian venous blood of rats nursing 8 or 2 pups after intra-periovarian bursal (i.b.) injection of antiserum to rat prolactin (prol.AS), rat prolactin or ovine LH. Control groups receivednormal rabbit serum (NRS) or were untreated. The sera or hormone solution was injected i.b. on day7 of lactation. Twenty-four hr after the injection ovarian venous blood was collected and the steroids measured by gas-liquid chromatography. In control groups P secretion rate was significantly higher in the 8-pup than in the 2-pup group. P secretion rate was significantly lower in prol.AS-treated rats than in control NRS-treated rats, whereas 20α-OH-P secretion rate was not altered by the treatment. Rat prolactin did not increase P secretion over controls. A large dose of LH resulted in a significant decrease in P secretion in the 8-pup group, but i...
Determination of total phosphorus in detergents by atomic absorption spectroscopy.

A method is described for the determination of phosphorus in solid detergents. Nitric acid plus perchloric acid followed by treatment of the residue with hydrofluoric acid serves admirably to dissolve detergents in aqueous solutions. The phosphorus is determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy using a phosphorus hollow cathode tube. The method of additions is utilized to overcome matrix interference. The values obtained for phosphorus are in good agreement with a standard colorimetric method. No loss occurred by volatilization.
The changing status of inpatient dermatology at American academic dermatology programs.

Abstract Background: Changes in health care delivery financing such as the adoption of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) in 1983 has affected inpatient services of dermatology programs across the United States. Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the present status of inpatient dermatology at academic medical centers compared with 1982. Methods: Questionnaires inquiring about the state of inpatient service were sent to the chairpersons of each dermatology residency program in the United States. Results: Of the 71 programs responding, 79% reported a reduction in inpatient activity. Nearly half of the dermatology programs with dedicated dermatology beds in 1982 reported not continuing to have these in 1997 (41 to 24). The average number of patients admitted for skin disease decreased from 119 in 1982 to 36.5 in 1997, and the average daily census decreased from 8.9 to 2.2. Conclusion: There has been a decline in the number of patients hospitalized by academic dermatology departments and a shift of some patients hospitalized to beds where the attending is other than a dermatologist.(J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:755-7.)
All-optical switching in a coupled cavity-atom system

We report an experimental demonstration of all-optical switching in a cavity QED system consisting of multiple three-level atoms confined in a cavity mode.
The D-linking effect on extraction from islands and non-islands

“D-linked” wh-phrases such as 'which car' are known to increase the acceptability of sentences with island violations. One influential account of this attributes the effect to working memory: the D-linked filler is easier to retrieve at the site of the gap and this leads to the amelioration in acceptability. Such an account predicts that this effect should occur in general with non-trivial wh-dependencies, not just in island environments. An experiment is presented here to test this prediction. Wh-questions with both D-linked and bare wh-phrases and with both island and non-island embedded clauses are presented to participants, who rate their acceptability on a 7-point scale. Results show that D-linking significantly increases acceptability in both island and non-island environments, in accord with analyses that attribute the effect to working memory. In addition, the increase in acceptability is uniform in both types of environments, suggesting that the island effect itself may not be attributable to working memory.
Patient rated outcomes and survivorship following cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS + HIPEC)†

Background Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CS+HIPEC) is a treatment combining cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity. Recipients may gain extended life when compared with best supportive care; yet results often are achieved with substantial morbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) deficits. The purpose of this study was to record patient rated outcomes and the HRQOL of long-term survivors.MethodsOne hundred and two patients living 12+ months post-treatment completed a survey including the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colon (FACT-C), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.ResultsSF-36 Physical Component scores were significantly lower than general population norms (46.7, z?=?-2.943, P?=?0.003), while Mental Component scores were significantly higher (53.6, z?=?4.208, P?=?0.001). FACT scores were higher than general FACT normative scores. The majority (56%) of these survivors reported significant sleep quality impairment.Conclusion Although most HRQOL scores were comparable to or higher than those of the general population, long-term physical and functional deficits remain. These deficits, along with the poor sleep quality of recipients, may be improved by survivorship programs or targeted psychosocial interventions. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:376–380. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interface dynamics and the motion of complex singularities

The motion of the interface between two fluids in a quasi-two-dimensional geometry is studied via simulations. We consider the case in which a zero-viscosity fluid displaces one with finite viscosity and compare the interfaces that arise with zero surface tension with those that occur when the surface tension is not zero. The interface dynamics can be analyzed in terms of a complex analytic function that maps the unit circle into the interface between the fluids. The physical region of the domain is the exterior of the circle, which then maps into the region occupied by the more viscous fluid. In this physical region, the mapping is analytic and its derivative is never zero. This paper focuses upon the determination of the nature of the interface and the positions of the singularities of the derivative of the mapping function g. Two kinds of initial conditions are considered: case A, in which the singularities closest to the unit circle are poles; and case B, in which the t=0 interface is described by a function g with only zeros inside the unit circle. In either case, different behaviors are found for relatively smaller and larger surface tensions. In case A, when the surface tension is relatively small, the problem is qualitatively similar with and without surface tension: the singularities move outward and asymptotically approach the unit circle. For relatively large surface tension, the singularities, still polelike, move towards the center of the unit circle instead. In case B, for zero surface tension, the zeros move outward and hit the unit circle after a finite time, whereupon the solution breaks down. For finite but relatively small surface tension, each initial zero disappears and is replaced by a pair of polelike excitations that seem to approach the unit circle asymptotically, while for a relatively large surface tension, each initial zero is replaced by a polelike singularity that then moves towards the unit circle.
SHOCK CHARACTERIZATION OF EPOXY - 42 VOLUME PERCENT GLASS MICROBALLOONS

The present study examined the shock characteristics of an anhydride-cured epoxy (Epon 828 base), filled with approximately 42 volume percent microballoons (GMB), with a density of 0.94 g/cm 3 . The Hugoniot relationship was determined between the shock pressures of 0.5 and 4.2 GPa. A light-gas gun was used to impact samples of the epoxy-GMB material onto targets of known impedance and known Hugoniot equation. A VISAR laser interferometer system was used to measure the particle velocity in the known target material. From the measured projectile velocity and the Hugoniot of the known material, the particle velocity, shock velocity and pressure in the EPOXY-GMB was determined. Shock attenuation studies were also done on this material. It was found that the shock wave profile consisted of an elastic and a plastic wave due to the initial strength of the glass microballoons, 0.24 GPa, the crushing of the glass microballoons, and the final state of dense epoxy containing a small amount of glass. This material fits the P-α model very well.
Causes and control of excess body fat

Obesity is a major health problem in developed countries and a growing one in the developing world. It increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver and some forms of cancer. A better understanding of the biological basis of obesity should aid its prevention and treatment.
Formation of coated aerosol particles by simultaneous diffusion and chemical reaction

Abstract Chemical reaction between a reactive gas and an aerosol droplet can lead to the formation of a coated particle if the reaction rate is fast compared with diffusion within the droplet and if a reaction product has low solubility in the solution. The problem of diffusion and simultaneous reaction is analyzed analytically and numerically, and the results are applied to existing data on the reaction between a phosphoric acid droplet and ammonia in an ammonia-air gaseous mixture. Estimates of the reaction rate constant and the solubility of ammonia in the phosphoric acid are made based on comparisons between theory and experiment. In addition, the supersaturations required to precipitate ammonium orthophosphate-dihydrogen are determined.
The synthesis of the drugstore beetle pheromone (Stegobinone)

2,3-Dihydro-2,3,5-trimethyl-6-(1-methyl-2-oxobutyl)-4H-pyran-4-one (1 (Stegobinone), the sex pheromone of the drugstore beetle, was successfully prepared from 4,6-dimethyl-3,5,7-nonatrione (2) by a biogenetically plausible scheme.
A Wnt signaling system that specifies two patterns of cell migration in C. elegans.

Abstract In C. elegans , a bilateral pair of neuroblasts, QL and QR, give rise to cells that migrate in opposite directions along the anteroposterior (A/P) body axis. QL and its descendants migrate posteriorly whereas QR and its descendants migrate anteriorly. We find that a Wnt family member, EGL-20, acts in a dose-dependent manner to specify these opposite migratory behaviors. High levels of EGL-20 promote posterior migration by activating a canonical Wnt signal transduction pathway, whereas low levels promote anterior migration by activating a separate, undefined pathway. We find that the two Q cells respond differently to EGL-20 because they have different response thresholds. Thus, in this system two distinct dose-dependent responses are specified not by graded levels of the Wnt signal, but instead by left–right asymmetrical differences in the cellular responsiveness to Wnt signaling.
Thyroid Hormone Regulates TRH Biosynthesis in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Rat Hypothalamus

Thyroid hormone is important in the regulation of synthesis and secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the anterior pituitary, but its role in the control of hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is controversial. To determine whether thyroid hormone regulates the function of TRH in the hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular system, a study was made of the effect of hypothyroidism on thyrotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA (proTRH mRNA) and TRH prohormone in the rat paraventricular nucleus. Extracts of rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus were examined by quantitative Northern blot analysis, and coronal sections of rat brain were examined by in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. A nearly twofold increase in proTRH mRNA was observed in hypothyroid animals; this increase could be obliterated by levothyroxine treatment, suggesting an inverse relation between circulating thyroid hormone and proTRH mRNA. In situ hybridization showed that this response occurred exclusively in medial parvocellular neurons of the paraventricular nucleus. A simultaneous increase in proTRH mRNA and immunoreactive TRH prohormone in this region suggests that hypothyroidism induces both transcription and translation of the TRH prohormone in the paraventricular nucleus.
Immunopotentiation of DNA vaccine against herpes simplex virus via co-delivery of plasmid DNA expressing CCR7 ligands.

The CCR7 ligands, secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC) and Epstein–Barr virus-induced molecule 1 ligand chemokine (ELC), were recently recognized as key molecules in establishing functional microenvironments for the initiation of immune responses in secondary lymphoid tissue. Here, we investigated the effect of CCR7 ligands-DNA administration on systemic and mucosal immune responses to plasmid DNA encoding gB of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Systemic co-transfer of both CCR7 ligands enhanced serum gB-specific IgG Ab but failed to elicit enhancement of distal mucosal IgA responses. In contrast, mucosal co-transfer provided significant increases of distal mucosal IgA responses. CCR7 ligands also enhanced T cell-mediated immunity as measured by CD4+ T helper cell proliferation and CD8+ T cell-mediated CTL activity. Of particular interest, is the observation that SLC significantly increased the production of Th1-type cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) (P<0.05), whereas ELC increased the production of both Th1-type and Th2-type (IL-4) cytokines (P<0.05). Moreover, co-vaccination of CCR7 ligands increased the number of dendritic cells in secondary lymphoid tissue. These data indicate that CCR7 ligands may prove to be useful adjuvants for genetic vaccination against intracellular infection as well as cancer.
Electrochemical oxidation of hypoxanthine

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of hypoxanthine (6-oxypurine) in aqueous solution has been studied. The evidence strongly supports the view that hypoxanthine is initially electrooxidized in a 2 e −2H + reaction to give 6,8-dioxypurine. The latter compound is more easily oxidized than hypoxanthine and is immediately further electrooxidized to 6,8-dioxypurine-diimine in a 2 e −2H + reaction. Thus, the primary electrooxidation of hypoxanthine is a 4 e −4H + process to 6,8-dioxypurine-diimine. This diimine is not very stable, although it can be reduced to 6,8-dioxypurine under cyclic voltammetric conditions. A UV-absorbing intermediate is formed upon electrochemical oxidation of hypoxanthine which may be easily observed using thin-layer spectroelectrochemical techniques. The same UV-absorbing intermediate is generated upon electrooxidation of 6,8-dioxypurine. Controlled potential electro-oxidation of hypoxanthine results in the transfer of between 4 e and 6 e per molecule depending upon the time of the electrolysis conditions involved. Under conventional controlled, potential electrolysis conditions close to 6 e are transferred and three major products are formed: 5-imino-2,4-imidazoledione, 5-hydroxyhydantoin-5-carboxamide and 4-amino-4-carboxyimidazole-5-one. Tentative reaction schemes are proposed to explain the formation of these products.
The effects of colchicine and vinblastine on parathyroid hormone secretion in the rat.

Colchicine and vinblastine have been shown to interfere with the secretory process of several hormones. This inhibitory effect is apparently related to the microtubule-disrupting effects of these two drugs. The development of a sensitive radioimmunoassay for rat PTH in our laboratory has allowed us to assess the effects of colchicine and vinblastine on PTH release in vivo. As demonstrated by others, rats injected with these drugs become hypocalcemic. In our hands, the administration of colchicine (2.5 mg/kg iv) produced a decrease in ionized calcium (Ca++) from 4.51 ± 0.08 to 3.61 ± 0.24 mg/100 ml; concomitantly, immunoreactive plasma PTH increased from 80 ± 10 to 287 ± 23 pg/ml. When vinblastine was administered (10 mg/kg iv), Ca++ decreased to 4.2 ± 0.07 mg/100 ml and PTH rose to 257 ± 50 pg/ml. Greater degrees of hypocalcemia produced by EDTA administration in rats pretreated with colchicine of hypocalcemia produced by EDTA administration in rats pretreated with colchicine or vinblastine resulted in hi...
Branchial anomaly in a newborn presenting as stridor

A male patient presented at day 3 of life with a small anterior neck mass and mild intermittent upper airway obstruction. Despite intravenous antibiotics, the patient rapidly progressed to impending airway obstruction requiring surgical intervention. The clinical, radiographic, and histologic findings of this extremely rare case of a third branchial anomaly will be presented. The embryologic basis for the connection to the aerodigestive tract and the access provided to gram negative enteric organisms in newborns will be discussed.
Geometric tracking control of a quadrotor UAV on SE(3)

This paper provides new results for the tracking control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV has four input degrees of freedom, namely the magnitudes of the four rotor thrusts, that are used to control the six translational and rotational degrees of freedom, and to achieve asymptotic tracking of four outputs, namely, three position variables for the vehicle center of mass and the direction of one vehicle body-fixed axis. A globally defined model of the quadrotor UAV rigid body dynamics is introduced as a basis for the analysis. A nonlinear tracking controller is developed on the special Euclidean group SE(3) and it is shown to have desirable closed loop properties that are almost global. Several numerical examples, including an example in which the quadrotor recovers from being initially upside down, illustrate the versatility of the controller.
Lack of institutional pathways for referral: results of a survey among pediatric surgeons on prenatal consultation for congenital anomalies

Objective This paper aimed to assess pathways through which pediatric surgeons receive couples for prenatal consultation after prenatal diagnosis. Method A questionnaire was mailed to pediatric surgical centers to assess the following: (1) surgical caseload per year; (2) number of centers in which prenatal consultation is offered; (3) presence of a ‘structured’ prenatal consultation clinic; (4) number of consultations per year; (5) pathways for referral to the pediatric surgeon; and (6) the availability of psychological counseling. Results Response rate was 81%, (42/52 centers). Thirty-eight centers (93%) offered prenatal consultation. Seven centers (18%) reported to have a ‘structured’ clinic in terms of time and location. In 13 centers (34%), 1–9 consultations were carried out, from 10 to 19 in18 centers (47%), from 20 to over 50 in 7 centers (18%). In 34 centers, internal referrals from the obstetric departments were counseled, and in 28 centers, there were also external referrals. Eleven centers reported that couples were self-referred. Information regarding prenatal counseling was available on the institutional website in 10/38 (26%) centers. Psychological counseling was available in 36 centers. Conclusion Despite the fact that the majority of pediatric surgical centers provides prenatal consultation, caseloads are very variable as are referral modalities. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.