cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymeric membranes based on bisphenol-A for gas separations

Abstract Pure gas sorption and transport data for five, commercially available, bisphenol-A-based polymers were used to examine the effect of the connecting group between bisphenol-A units on the gas separation characteristics of membranes formed from these polymers. An unusually high He/CH4 selectivity was noted for one of the members in the series of polymers. This property was explained in terms of the low free volume present in this material as compared to the other polymers derived from bisphenol-A monomers. Permeability coefficients for a mixture of carbon dioxide and methane were measured and compared to predicted values using an extension of the dual mode/partial immobilization model for mixed gases. Measured mixed gas separation factors were compared to predicted values and to ideal separation factors obtained from pure gas permeability coefficients.
Evaluation of a micro-fabricated pyrolyzer for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores

Abstract A micro-fabricated device for pyrolysis (i.e. micro-pyrolyzer) has been evaluated for pyrolysis and thermal hydrolysis methylation using Bacillus anthracis spores. The micro-pyrolyzer consists of a silicon wafer substrate with either a circular (2.7 mm diameter) or square (6.25 mm2 area) silicon-nitride membrane heated by a platinum resistive element. A metal housing (i.e. test fixture) encloses the micro-pyrolyzer and serves as a manifold for the air carrier gas. The test fixture was interfaced to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer via a direct capillary ( 100 μm ×1.4 m). The 360–440 °C pyrolysis of B. anthracis spores produced dipicolinic acid (DPA) similar to that from a furnace pyrolyzer. In further studies, B. anthracis spores subjected to thermal hydrolysis methylation conditions produced ions characteristic of dipicolinic acid dimethyl ester. Results demonstrate the micro-pyrolyzer devices are capable of temperatures and heating rates to perform pyrolysis and thermal hydrolysis methylation.
Phonograph Toys and Early Sound Cartoons: Towards a History of Visualized Phonography

Between 1909 and 1925, a number of toys were patented and produced that were operated by the spinning motion of a phonograph player. In this article, the author argues that these ‘phonotoys’ comple...
Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Device Research Wear and Corrosion Technology Transfer from Orthopedics

The general requirements for joint replacement devices emphasizes the importance of device material biocompatibility, with no inflammatory or toxic response to wear beyond a tolerable level, the appropriate mechanical properties for the desired application, and lastly economically viable manufacturing and processing methods. Implicit in these requirements is the importance of understanding wear and failure mechanisms of implanted devices. However, compared to orthopedic total joint replacement (TJR) devices, functional wear failure mechanisms for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) TJR implants have not been clearly defined. Our research group has started initial translational investigations involving the analysis of failed retrieved TMJ TJR devices alloy microstructure compared to control, never implanted, TMJ TJR devices utilizing established orthopedic TJR device retrieval tribocorrosion evaluation protocols. This and future studies will guide future material choices and functional design improvements for TMJ TJR devices. Orthopedic TJR implant schemes may also be improved by understanding the degradation mechanism of TMJ TJR implants, as the materials employed in both TJR devices are similar.
A single administration of low-dose varenicline saturates α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the human brain.

The primary objective of this project was to determine the α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) occupancy in human brain of a single low dose of varenicline (0.5 mg), and to explore the relationship between receptor occupancy by varenicline and tobacco withdrawal symptoms (*denoting other putative nAChR subunits). Otherwise healthy smokers (n=9) underwent two positron emission tomography (PET) sessions with the selective α4β2* radioligand 2-FA. For the PET sessions, participants received either a low dose of varenicline (0.5 mg) or matching placebo pill (double-blind, random order) before imaging. For both sessions, participants received bolus plus continuous infusions of 2-FA, were scanned for 1 h after allowing the radiotracer to reach a steady state, smoked to satiety, and were scanned for 2 more hours. We estimated the fractional receptor occupancy by a single dose of varenicline (0.5 mg) and the corresponding varenicline dissociation constant (KV), along with the effect of low-dose varenicline, pill placebo, and smoking-to-satiety on withdrawal rating scales. The data are compatible with 100% occupancy of α4β2* nAChRs by a single dose of varenicline, with a 90% lower confidence limit of 89% occupancy for the thalamus and brainstem. The corresponding 90% upper limit on effective KV with respect to plasma varenicline was 0.49 nM. Smoking to satiety, but not low-dose varenicline, significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms. Our findings demonstrate that low-dose varenicline results in saturation of α4β2* nAChRs in the thalamus and brainstem without reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Abstract 5086: Pemetrexed induces a strong activation of AMPK in human carcinoma cells, even in the absence of LKB1

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major cellular energy sensor, functioning as a regulator of signaling cascades controlling protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Because of the dependence of many tumors on the deregulation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling cascade, the discovery of AMPK activators is an attractive approach for cancer therapeutics, aimed at reinstating control over cellular metabolic functions altered during carcinogenesis rather than inhibiting cellular targets. The antifolate pemetrexed is FDA approved for first line treatment of mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While pemetrexed acts primarily as a thymidylate synthase inhibitor, we discovered that the drug is also an inhibitor of aminoimidazolecarboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (AICART), the second folate-dependent enzyme of de novo purine synthesis. The inhibition of AICART by pemetrexed resulted in a marked accumulation of the reaction substrate, ZMP, a known allosteric activator of AMPK in several human carcinoma cell lines. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was inhibited following pemetrexed treatment, as determined by hypophosphorylation of S6K1 and 4EBP1, and this effect was dependent on AMPK activation. Co-administration of GSK690693, a pan AKT inhibitor prolonged mTORC1 inhibition following pemetrexed treatment and offset the consequences of negative feedback activation of mTORC1 through PI3-kinase and mTORC2 activity. Interestingly, cells insensitive to mTORC1 inhibition following AMPK activation retained sensitivity to the secondary effect of pemetrexed, apparently due to inhibition of lipid synthesis through phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase by AMPK. We concluded that the growth inhibitory effect of pemetrexed following AMPK activation in human carcinoma cells was due to a combined effect of inhibition of mTORC1 signaling and lipogenesis, both of which were mediated by activation of AMPK. Somewhat surprisingly, several cell lines null for LKB1, the major upstream kinase of AMPK, retained sensitivity to the secondary effects of pemetrexed mediated through AMPK activation. This suggests that the effect of pemetrexed on AMPK activity will be preserved in tumors lacking LKB1, a common genotype of human NSCLC. Hence, pemetrexed exerts its effects on carcinoma cells by both inhibition of traditional antifolate targets and by a novel mechanism, activation of AMPK. (Supported in part by NIH Grant CA-27605) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5086.
Heat shock proteins and thermal resistance in yeast.

Abstract A rapid shift in cultivation temperature of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from 23° to 36° results in protection from death due to extreme heat treatment (52°). The level of this acquired thermal resistance shows an excellent correlation with the cellular level of the heat shock proteins which are transiently induced by such a temperature shift.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse and Methadone Maintenance Treatment

(1991). The National Institute on Drug Abuse and Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: Vol. 23, Opioid Dependence and Methadone Maintenance Treatment, pp. 111-112.
CTCF and cohesin help neurons raise their self-awareness.

In the brain neurons form extensively intermingled projections and synaptic interactions between them. To achieve proper neural connectivity, interactions between sections belonging to the same neuron are avoided. However, how can a cell tell, when it encounters another neuronal projection, whether it is part of the same cell? In other words, how do neurons become self-aware? Work of the last several years has revealed a complex system of self-recognition that involves expression of variable and cell-specific sets of cell-surface proteins (1). These sets constitute unique “barcodes” for each neuron and serve as molecular readouts of cell identity so that cells can distinguish between “self” and “non-self.” In PNAS, Monahan et al. (2) present data that provide insights into the molecular process by which otherwise identical cells can express unique “barcodes” of membrane proteins. Their results point to a role of large-scale chromatin architecture in setting and maintaining stochastic and cell-specific expression patterns of cell-surface proteins.
Ebselen protects brain, skin, lung and blood cells from mechlorethamine toxicity:

Nitrogen mustards are vesicants capable of burning the skin, eyes and respiratory tract of exposed individuals. While generally less toxic than sulfur mustards, these compounds have the potential for use as chemical warfare agents. Presently, no antidote exists for treatment against nitrogen mustard toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro toxicity of the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine (HN2) in four cell models: CEM-SS human T cells, A431 human skin epithelial cells, rat hippocampal astrocytes and rat pleural mesothelial cells. Furthermore, the efficacy of the synthetic seleno-organic compound ebselen (Eb) (2-phenyl-1,2- benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one) as a cytoprotective agent against such toxicity was evaluated. Significant increases in cell viability, as assessed using an MTT assay for viability, was demonstrated when 30 microM Eb was used as a cotreatment with HN2 in all cell models tested at the following doses of HN2: A431 skin cells,10-40 microM; rat astrocytes, 20 and 40 microM; rat mesothelia, 10-40 microM; and human T cells 4-16 microM. Decreases in cell viability and toxicity to HN2 were confirmed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Membrane damage, observed with HN2 exposure, such as blebbing and loss of cell projections, was ameliorated with Eb cotreatment. Our results demonstrate a generalized protective effect observed with Eb cotreatment that suggests that this agent may have potential as an antidote for HN2 exposure and toxicity.
Structure-Function Analysis of Human α1→3Fucosyltransferases A GDP-FUCOSE-PROTECTED, N-ETHYLMALEIMIDE-SENSITIVE SITE IN FucT-III AND FucT-V CORRESPONDS TO Ser178 IN FucT-IV

Human alpha 1-->3fucosyltransferases constitute a family of closely related membrane-bound enzymes distinguished by differences in acceptor specificities and inherent protein biochemical properties. One such biochemical property is sensitivity to enzyme inactivation by sulfhydral-group modifying reagents such as N-ethylmaleimide. The basis for this property has been studied using a fusion protein of FucT-III and FucT-V composed of Protein A coupled to the catalytic domain of the enzyme. The results indicate that modification of FucT-V by 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) resulted in efficient enzyme inactivation that could be reversed by excess thiol reagent suggesting that the free sulfhydral group on the enzyme was required for activity. Recombinant forms of both FucT-III and FucT-V were irreversibly inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide and could be effectively protected from inactivation by GDP-fucose and GDP but not by UDP-galactose, fucose, or N-acetyllactosamine. Analysis of the distribution of Cys residues in aligned sequences of cloned human alpha 1-->3fucosyltransferases indicated one site, Cys143 of FucT-III and Cys156 of FucT-V, corresponded to the highly conservative replacement of Ser178 in FucT-IV, an enzyme insensitive to N-ethylmaleimide. A site-directed mutagenesis experiment was performed to replace Ser178 of FucT-IV with a Cys residue. The mutant FucT-IV enzyme was active; however, the Km for GDP-fucose was increased about 3-fold compared to the native enzyme to 28 +/- 3 microM. This enzyme was N-ethylmaleimide sensitive and could be partially protected by GDP-fucose but not N-acetyllactosamine. These results support the importance of Ser178 of FucT-IV in donor substrate binding and strongly suggest analogous Cys residues are the GDP-fucose protectable, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive sites present in FucT-III and -V.
Return distributions and volatility forecasting in metal futures markets: Evidence from gold, silver, and copper

The characterization of return distributions and forecast of asset-price variability play a critical role in the study of financial markets. This study estimates four measures of integrated volatility—daily absolute returns, realized volatility, realized bipower volatility, and integrated volatility via Fourier transformation (IVFT)—for gold, silver, and copper by using high-frequency data for the period 1999 through 2008. The distributional properties are investigated by applying recently developed jump detection procedures and by constructing financial-time return series. The predictive ability of a GARCH (1,1) forecasting model that uses various volatility measures is also examined. Three important findings are reported. First, the magnitude of the IVFT volatility estimate is the greatest among the four volatility measures. Second, the return distributions of the three markets are not normal. However, when returns are standardized by IVFT and realized volatility, the corresponding return distributions bear closer resemblance to a normal distribution. Notably, the application of financial-time sampling technique is helpful in obtaining a normal distribution. Finally, the IVFT and realized volatility proxies produce the smallest forecasting errors, and increasing the time frequency of estimating integrated volatility does not necessarily improve forecast accuracy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 31:55–80, 2011
Ethylene production by plant cell cultures: the effect of auxins, abscisic Acid, and kinetin on ethylene production in suspension cultures of rose and ruta cells

Cell suspension cultures of Ruta graveolens (rue) and Rosa sp. produce ethylene. Both cultures grow at a high rate in hormone-free media. The rose cells are undifferentiated while the Ruta cells differentiate and form shoots after extended culture in hormone-free medium. Addition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid stimulated ethylene production in Ruta cells but not in rose cells. Abscisic acid (ABA) inhibited growth and ethylene production in rose, but only ethylene production in Ruta cells. Addition of kinetin reversed the inhibition by abscisic acid in the rose cells but not in the Ruta cells. The results suggested a distinct physiological difference between the two cultures. The Ruta cells responded to the growth regulators in a manner similar to whole plants.
Age, investing horizon and asset allocation

In contrast to standard financial advice, most empirical evidence suggests that stockholding increases with age. One difficulty in interpreting this is that age may not effectively proxy for investing horizon or that age may be proxying for other effects, such as increases in financial sophistication. Using data from the most recent Survey of Consumer Finances this paper finds that age is not closely related to reported investing horizon and that proxies for investment horizon and financial sophistication are significant for stockholding.
The Effect of Y on the Strength of FeCrAl Alloy/Sapphire Interfaces

The effect of Y on the interfacial strength of the FeCrAl/sapphire system has been quantitatively measured by the laser-spallation technique in order to understand the ‘reactive element effect’. The presence of Y improved the interfacial strength of the FeCrAl/sapphire interface in the as-deposited state from 330±31 MPa to 686±36 MPa. However, after a high temperature anneal of 16 hours at 850°C, the interfacial strength of the Y-free samples increased to 545±68 MPa, while the interfacial strength of Y-containing sample decreased to 599±22 MPa. The increase in the interfacial strength of the Y-free films was attributed to an improvement in the crystalline quality of the interface. The decrease in interfacial strength of the annealed Y-containing film in spite of the improvement in the crystalline quality of the interface was attributed to the depletion of Y at the interface due to formation of Y 2 O 3 precipitates, again consistent with the view that Y improves the strength of FeCrAl/sapphire interfaces significantly.
Development of a femoral non-union model in the mouse

Summary Objectives Advancements in our knowledge of fracture healing have occurred in large part by the understanding of this process on a microscopic level. The ability to develop experimental non-union models in animals will assist in the investigation of this problem and are likely to lead to novel treatments. We report on a technique for developing experimental non-unions in mice. Methods Femoral fractures were created in 48 CD1 mice, 24 mice underwent standard closed femoral fractures, and 24 mice underwent creation of a femoral non-union through an open osteotomy and fracture devascularisation method. All fractures were subsequently rodded. Histological examinations of the fractures were then conducted at eight time points post-operatively. Results The control group showed normal fracture healing with histological evidence of bony fracture bridging by 28 days and mature bony remodelling at 63 days. The non-union group showed delayed fracture healing at all time points and no evidence of bony healing at 63 days. Conclusion This is the first report of a reliable method to develop fracture non-union in mice. We believe this technique will be critical to further the investigation of fracture non-union in normal mice and provides the great advantage of using the plethora of transgenic and knockout mouse models to analyse non-union at the cell and molecular level.
APPROACH TOWARD ENVIRONMENTAL STABILIZATION OF CHEMICAL AMPLIFICATION RESISTS

A molecular design for stabilization of chemical amplification resists toward airborne contamination is described, which is based on our observation that glass transition temperatures (Tg) primarily govern the absorption of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) vapor in thin polymer films. Employing the meta-isomer (Tg=85°C) of poly(t-butoxycarbonyloxystyrene) (PBOCST) to replace the para-isomer (Tg=130°C) in the IBM′s tBOC resist has proved the validity of our Tg theory in NMP uptake measurements as well as in negative lithographic imaging. Furthermore, the use of a meta-isomer to lower Tg for better annealing has been shown to be also useful in decreasing NMP absorption in aqueous base developable, . positive copolymer resists, providing increased contamination resistance. We believe that annealing of resist films to minimize free volume plays a key role in environmental stabilization of chemical amplification resists.
Photoluminescence of GaAs-related 1.32 eV emission in bulk GaAs

A detailed study of the 1.32 eV photoluminescence emission present in p-type GaAs was made at various temperatures and excitation intensities in conjunction with the effects of electron irradiation and infrared absorption measurements. The authors find that the binding energy of the acceptor responsible for the 1.32 eV emission is not the same as that of the GaAs-/GaAs-- transition as commonly believed. It is proposed instead that the acceptor responsible for this luminescence is a gallium antisite double acceptor-effective mass donor pair complex, GaAs-donor. The activation energy of this complex acceptor is determined to be approximately 197 meV.
Arterial baroreceptor sensitivity in calves.

Abstract Baroreceptor sensitivity and blood flow fluctuations were studied in normal calves during drug induced changes in systemic arterial pressure. These experiments show that the sensitivity of the baroreceptor system in calves is considerably less than in humans. Furthermore, the intrinsic mechanisms by which cardiac muscle force is adjusted to changes in arterial pressure load also appear to be poorly developed in the calf. The lack of correspondence of the sensitivity of the control mechanisms between the calf and man limits the applicability of results derived from calf experiments to human physiology.
Steal phenomenon from mammary side branches: when does it occur?

Abstract Background . The hemodynamic significance of patent mammary graft side branches is still controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the potential for flow steal of patent mammary side branches in different hemodynamic conditions. Methods . Echo-Doppler measurement of mammary graft flow was performed at rest and after dipyridamole-induced coronary vasodilatation in 10 patients with angiographic demonstration of evident mammary graft side branches (study group) and in 10 matched control patients (control group). Concomitant thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy was performed to assess the adequacy of mammary flow to the myocardial oxygen demand. Patients of the study group were also submitted to flow evaluation in condition of selective muscular or combined systemic and coronary relaxation. Results . No difference in mammary flow and adequacy to myocardial oxygen demand was detected between patients of the study and control groups both at rest and after dipyridamole infusion. In patients with patent side branches the systolic-to-diastolic flow ratio was maintained in case of combined coronary and peripheral vasodilatation, whereas selective muscular relaxation led to an increase in the systolic and a reduction in the diastolic flow. Conclusions . Flow steal from patent mammary graft side branches is possible only in case of selective muscular vasodilatation. As this situation is unlikely to occur in the clinical setting, the potential for flow steal of mammary side branches in cardiac surgery patients seems to be minimal.
Retinopathy of prematurity and pulse oximetry: a national survey of recent practices.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if practices related to the use of pulse oximetry in the first 2 weeks following birth and after 2 weeks of age have a relationship to the rate of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and retinal ablation surgery in infants ≤1500 g. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire was mailed in July 2001 to 318 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States and information was collected regarding SpO2 guidelines and the rate of both severe ROP and retinal ablation surgery. RESULTS: A total of 142 surveys were returned (45%). In all, 87% of the NICUs had SpO2 guidelines, and 60% of these centers maintained a different range of SpO2 for infants ≤ or >2 weeks of age. The range of SpO2 was 82 to 100% with an average minimum (min) and maximum (max) of 89 and 95%, respectively. In the NICUs with an SpO2 max of >98% in the first 2 weeks following birth, the rate of retinal ablation surgery was 5.5 vs 3% in those units with a max SpO2 >98% (p 92 vs 1.3% when the max SpO2 was ≤92% (p 92 vs 2.4% when max SpO2 was ≤92% (p<0.0005). CONCLUSION: NICUs in the US today have a wide range of SpO2 guidelines. The results of this survey show a “gradient of risk” towards less retinal ablation surgery when the max SpO2 is <98% in the first 2 weeks following birth (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant lower rate of ≥stage 3 ROP and retinal ablation surgery when the max SpO2 was ≤92% after the first 2 weeks of age. A randomized, controlled trial is needed to establish a safe upper limit of SpO2 in the premature infant at risk for developing ROP.
Intramucosal adenocarcinoma arising within a colonic polypoid ganglioneuroma in a 21 year old female with Cowden syndrome

Background Cowden syndrome (part of the PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndromes) is a relatively rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis which is characterized by the growth of lesions in multiple organ systems, including skin, breast, thyroid, endometrium and central nervous system. While most of these lesions are benign, Cowden syndrome confers a substantial risk for several cancers including breast, thyroid and endometrial cancer. Hamartomas of the colon are seen; while there are reports of colon cancer in patients with Cowden syndrome, specialized screening for colon cancer is typically not recommended (NCCN Practice Guidelines in Oncology, v.l.2009). Here, we report a rare case of a large adenoma with intramucosal adenocarcinoma associated with a colonic ganglioneuroma in a young woman with confirmed Cowden syndrome.
Data in the fast lanes of racetrack memory.

This article discusses the development of a nanoscopic wire that can be used in integrated circuits to move data more quickly than existing technologies. The potential for this technology to out-pace magnetic hard disk drives and flash memory as a means of storing and transferring data is considered. The potential for this application of nanotechnology to eliminate performance gaps in magnetic hard drives is considered. INSETS: RACETRACKS FOR DATA;USING SPIN TO MOVE BITS;Emerging Memories.
Early sequential changes in left ventricular dimensions and filling pressure in patients after myocardial infarction.

Abstract Early consecutive changes in pulmonary arterial end-diastolic pressure (PAEDP) and echocardlographic left ventricular dimensions were measured in 14 patients within the first 8 days after acute myocardial infarction. Left ventricular volumes were estimated from echocardiographic left ventricular dimensions. Left ventricular compliance was assessed by three formulas, ΔV ΔP , ΔV/ESV/ΔP and LVID d PAEDP , where AV = echocardiographic stroke volume, ΔP = a derived left ventricular diastolic pressure change from the lowest level of early diastolic to the end-diastolic pressure, ESV = left ventricular end-systolic volume, and LVIDd = echocardiographic left ventricular end-diastolic dimension. To compare pressure, dimension and compliance values, linear relations were assumed between values for left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, pulmonary arterial end-diastolic pressure and the day after infarction. The estimated third day values for the variables obtained from these linear relations were used so that each patient's values would contribute equal weight to the statistical analysis. The estimated third day compliance values from each formula correlated highly with one another (r = 0.69 − 0.82). Neither ΔV ΔP nor ΔV/ESV/ΔP had a significant correlation with LVIDd. Echocardiographic end-diastolic volume correlated with both end-systolic volume (r = 0.89) and echocardiographic stroke volume (r = 0.62) but not with pulmonary arterial end-diastolic pressure. When the first and last measurements for each patient are used, large changes in pulmonary arterial end-diastolic pressure associated with no or small alterations in echocardiographic left ventricular end-diastolic dimension in 12 patients imply acute changes in ventricular compliance. Sequential compliance values ( ΔV ΔP ) increased in seven survivors and decreased in one. ΔV ΔP decreased in the five patients who died or had electrocardiographic evidence of extension of infarction. Early sequential changes in filling pressure, echocardiographic dimensions, and left ventricular compliance had a close correlation with the clinical course of the patients in our series and these data may assist in the management of patients with hemodynamic instability after acute myocardial infarction.
Vertical-channel natural convection spanning between the fully-developed limit and the single-plate boundary-layer limit

The effect of interplate spacing on natural convection in an open-ended vertical channel bounded by an isothermal and an unheated wall was studied both experimentally and computationally. The investigation encompassed the full range of operating conditions of the channel, i.e. from the limit of the fully-developed channel flow to the limit of the single vertical plate. Overall, a 50-fold variation in the spacing between the channel walls was investigated, and the vertical plate was employed in order to achieve the limit of infinite spacing. The experiments were performed in water (Pr ≊ 5) with the aforementioned parametric variation of the interplate spacing and for an order of magnitude range of the wall-to-ambient temperature difference. The numerical solutions were carried out for the experimentally investigated operating conditions and took account of both natural convection in the channel and conduction in the wall. It was found that the flat plate heat transfer does not form an upper bound for the channel heat transfer. The channel heat transfer is particularly sensitive to changes in interplate spacing for narrow channels and at small temperature differences. The results for all operating conditions were brought tightly together in terms of the groups Nus and (S/H)Ras, and a highly accurate correlation encompassing eight decades of (S/H)Ras, was developed. Excellent agreement between the experimental results and the computational predictions was obtained.
The tiering of hospitality and tourism journals: Hospitality program administrator opinion survey results

Abstract This research study focused on the tiering of academic hospitality and tourism journals. Ninety-three hospitality program administrators responded to the tiering survey and 31% indicated their programs had established tiers. The major reasons for tiering were for promotion and salary purposes. An average of 5.7 journals make up the top tier. Repondents believe that tiering is inevitable. The top four journals having the most influence on administrative decisions are Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, Annals of Tourism Research, Cornell Hospitality Quarterly and International Journal of Hospitality Management.
Analysis of S100A1 Expression During Skeletal Muscle and Neuronal Cell Differentiation

To better understand the mechanisms that regulate the function of the calcium-binding proteins S100A1 and S100B in developing systems, we have examined the level of, subcellular distribution of, and target proteins for these proteins in skeletal muscle (L6S4) and neuronal (PC12) cell lines. Both undifferentiated and differentiated L6 and PC12 cells express S100A1 and not S100B. Whereas S100A1 protein levels were higher in differentiated cells than in undifferentiated cells, steady-state mRNA levels did not change in differentiated L6 cells and decreased in differentiated PC12 cells when compared with undifferentiated cells. These results suggest that posttranscriptional rather than transcriptional mechanisms are responsible for increased S100A1 protein expression in myotubes and neurons. The colocalization of S100A1 staining with wheat germ agglutinin staining suggests that S100A1 is associated with the Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles in PC12 and L6 cells. Using a gel overlay technique, S100A1-binding proteins were detected in undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 and L6 cells and the patterns observed were similar to those observed in brain and skeletal muscle, respectively. Although changes in the intensity of some binding proteins were detected, the overall pattern did not change when differentiated and undifferentiated cells were compared. These results suggest that the complement of S100A1-binding proteins does not change during differentiation, only the levels of some binding proteins. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the L6 and PC12 cell lines are excellent in vitro model systems for studying S100A1 expression and mechanisms that regulate S100A1 expression, subcellular distribution, and interaction with target proteins.
Conserved and clustered RNA recognition sequences are a critical feature of signals directing RNA localization in Xenopus oocytes.

Although it is widely regarded that the targeting of RNA molecules to subcellular destinations depends upon the recognition of ciselements found within their 3 0 untranslated regions (UTR), relatively little is known about the specific features of these cis-sequences that underlie their function. Interaction between specific repeated motifs within the 3 0 UTR and RNA-binding proteins has been proposed as a critical step in the localization of Vg1 RNA to the vegetal pole of Xenopus oocytes. To understand the relative contributions of repeated localization element (LE) sequences, we used comparative functional analysis of Vg1 LEs from two frog species, Xenopus laevis and Xenopus borealis. We show that clusters of repeated VM1 and E2 motifs are required for efficient localization. However, groups of either site alone are not sufficient for localization. In addition, we present evidence that the X. borealis Vg1 LE is recognized by the same set of RNAbinding proteins as the X. laevis Vg1 LE and is capable of productive interactions with the X. laevis transport machinery as it is sufficient to direct vegetal localization in X. laevis oocytes. These results suggest that clustered sets of cis-acting sites within the LE direct vegetal transport through specific interactions with the localization machinery. q 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Chemical Analysis Of Optical Coatings And Surfaces

SummaryIt is clear that a number of factors must be considered in the analysis of opticalcoatings and surfaces. Each technique imposes its own limitations on the quality of thesurface analysis. Of particluar concern are the detection limits, the spatial resolution,the ability to obtain chemical and /or quantitative information, and the ex-cant of chargingand beam damage. Although it is not possible to identify the ideal technique, the particu-lar advantages of each method should be noted. In many instances, complementary analyseswith two or more techniques may be required.Perhaps the major advantages of AES are the capability for microanalysis and the speedwith which an analysis can be performed. This latter point refers not only to the rate ofdata accumulation and the depth profiling, but also to the relative ease of data inter-pretation and quantitative analysis. Unfortunately, the electron beam used in AES can leadto charging, electromigration, desorption and heating when applied to insulating films andsurfaces. These may or may not be detrimental effects depending upon the particular sampleand the information desired.The main advantage of XPS is the ability to extract chemical bonding information fromthe photoelectron spectra. Also, the passive nature of the x -ray beam used in XPS is anadditional advantage for examining dielectric materials since it does not introduce severecharging or sample damage. Perhaps a major disadvantage of both AES and XPS is theirdetection sensitivity which is limited to approximately 0.1 atomic percent for most elementsunder routine operating conditions. It is the ability to detect many elements in the ppmrange which makes SIMS complementary to AES and XPS. In many instances, SIMS is utilizedto perform trace element analysis in 'bulk'.While these techniques are most often utilized where surface and thin film characteriza-tion is required, an alternative motive has been light - element detection, in general. AESand XPS can detect all elements except hydrogen and helium. SIMS can detect all elementsincluding hydrogen; the ability to analyze for hydrogen has been a strong driving force inthe development of SIMS.In reality, one is often forced to cope with limitations of one sort or another. In thecase of optical coatings and surfaces, this is often due to the special problems associatedwith the sensitivity of insulators to the charged particle beam probes. Thus, it isabsolutely crucial that the data be interpreted with regard to these limitations.
Solubility of Organic Biocides in Supercritical CO2 and CO2 + Cosolvent Mixtures†

Solubilities of four organic biocides in supercritical carbon dioxide were measured using a dynamic flow apparatus over a pressure range of (10 to 30) MPa and a temperature range of (35 to 80) °C. The biocides studied were Amical-48 (diiodomethyl p-tolyl sulfone), chlorothalonil (tetrachloroisophthalonitrile), TCMTB (2-(thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole), and tebuconazole (α-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-α- (1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol). Data represented the effects of temperature and pressure on biocide solubility. Measured solubilities were correlated with the density of pure solvent. The effects of methanol and acetone as cosolvents on the solubility of TCMTB and tebuconazole were determined at (50 and 65) °C and at selected pressures between (10 and 30) MPa. The introduction of 3 mol % acetone or methanol increased the solubilities of tebuconazole by a factor of 3 to 7. The cosolvent effect decreased with increase in pressure. At (5 to 10) mol % of cosolvent, the solubility of either b...
Well-Test Analysis for a Well in a Constant-Pressure Square

Very little information exists for analyzing well tests wherein a part of the drainage boundary is under pressure support from water influx or fluid injection. An idealization is the behavior of a well in the center of a square whose outer boundary remains at constant pressure. A study of this system indicated important differences from the behavior of a well in a closed outer boundary square, the conventional system. At infinite shut in, the constant-pressure boundary case well will reach the initial pressure ofthe system, rather than a mean pressure resulting from depletion. But it is possible to compute the mean pressure in the constant- pressure case at any time during shut in. Interpretative graphs for analyzing drawdown and buildup pressures are presented and discussed. This case is also of interest in analysis of well tests obtained from developed 5-spot fluid-injection patterns. (16 refs.)
Getting involved in professional policy development.

Mention the words “parliamentary procedure” to pharmacists and most will give you a blank stare. Maybe they feel that they will never be in a situation where they will need to use it. Or, maybe the term just evokes a sense of confusion. Robert’s Rules of Order is not on my bookshelf either,
In Vivo, in Vitro, and Calculated Vibrational Spectra of Plastoquinone and the Plastosemiquinone Anion Radical

Plastoquinone (PQ-9) is active as an electron/proton transfer component in photosynthetic membranes. For example, in the photosynthetic complex, photosystem II (PSII), PQ-9 acts as QA, a one-electron acceptor, and as QB, a two electron, two proton accepting species. Light-minus-dark difference Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is a technique with which mechanistic information can be obtained concerning PSII. Here, we present combined experimental and computational studies designed to identify the vibrational contributions of the electron acceptor, QA, in its oxidized and one-electron reduced states to the difference FT-IR spectrum. Infrared spectra of decyl-PQ and PQ-9 were obtained; the difference infrared spectra associated with the formation of the corresponding anion radicals were also generated in ethanol solutions. Vibrational mode assignments were made based on hybrid Hartree−Fock/density functional (HF/DF) B3LYP calculations with a 6-31G(d) basis set. Calculations were performed for ...
Supporting Narrative Retells for People With Aphasia Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Photographs or Line Drawings? Text or No Text?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine how the interface design of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device influences the communication behaviors of people with aphasia during a narrative retell task. Method A case-series design was used. Four narratives were created on an AAC device with combinations of personally relevant (PR) photographs, line drawings (LDs), and text for each participant. The narrative retells were analyzed to describe the expressive modality units (EMUs) used, trouble sources experienced, and whether trouble sources were repaired. The researchers also explored the participants' perceived helpfulness of the interface features. Results The participants primarily used spoken EMUs to retell their narratives. They relied on PR photographs more frequently than LDs; however, they reported both picture types to be equally helpful. Text was frequently used and reported as helpful by all 4 people with aphasia. Participants experienced similar rates of trouble sourc...
Reliability and Validity of the PedsQL™ Oral Health Scale: Measuring the Relationship Between Child Oral Health and Health-Related Quality of Life

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL) Oral Health Scale, a 5-item measure of child self-reported and parent-proxy reported pediatric oral health. One hundred twenty-six families participated during Phase 1 of the study, and 34 during Phase 2. Internal consistency and agreement between parent and child reports were examined. The construct, criterion-related, and convergent validity of the measure was supported by the results of this study. Using the PedsQL Oral Health Scale and the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales provide a generic health-related quality of life assessment that captures the physical, emotional, social, school, and oral domains of health.
The interactions of potassium, sodium and strophanthidin during active transport of sodium ions in frog muscle cells.

Abstract 1. 1. After the addition of 1·10 −5 M strophanthidin to a Na + -free medium, about 15 min are required for the K + -stimulated Na + efflux from muscle fibers to diminish. The strophanthidin-sensitive Na + -stimulated Na + efflux is diminished immediately after the addition of 1·10 −5 M strophanthidin. 2. 2. The half-time of inhibition by 5·10 −5 M strophanthidin is 30 min in Na + -free, 5 mM K + Ringer solution, 16 min in 80 mM Na + , 5 mM K + Ringer solution and 9 min in K + -free, 105 mM Na + Ringer solution. 3. 3. The quantitative findings suggest that strophanthidin molecules react with two different membrane-located catalytic particles that are interconvertible and in equilibrium with one another. The equilibrium is sensitive to external K + and Na + . 4. 4. K + -activated Na + extrusion in Na + -free media follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics in the absence of strophanthidin and in the presence of submaximally inhibiting concentrations of strophanthidin. 5. 5. The maximal stimulation of strophanthidin-sensitive Na + loss by K + is depressed by strophanthidin. The non-competitive kinetics observed indicate that K + and strophanthidin molecules react at different membrane sites. Also, the kinetics indicate that one strophanthidin molecule is bound per one functional catalytic site. 6. 6. In the presence of external Na + , activation of Na + extrusion by external K + follows kinetics with a marked sigmoidal character. The kinetics, under these conditions, remain sigmoidal when fixed submaximal concentrations of strophanthidin are present in the medium. A synergistic action of external Na + and strophanthidin is apparent. 7. 7. The activation of energy of K + -activated Na + extrusion in muscle fibers is 22 kcal/mole and that for strophanthidin-sensitive Na + -activated Na + efflux is 10.2 kcal/mole. 8. 8. Experimental findings are interpreted on the basis of an allosteric model in which strophanthidin molecules react with two different forms of a membrane transport enzyme.
All-semiconductor high-power eXtreme chirped pulse amplification system

A proposed method, called "eXtreme Chirped Pulse Amplification(X-CPA)", to overcome the limitation of small storage energy of semiconductor optical amplifiers is demonstrated experimentally and theoretically. Results show an efficient energy extraction, a nonlinear suppression, and an excellent optical signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we built an all-semiconductor X-CPA system using a highly dispersive chirped fiber Bragg grating which possesses 1600ps/nm with 6nm bandwidth at 975nm which generates sub-picosecond optical pulses with >kW record peak power output at 95MHz.
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Surgical Experience Over Two Decades

Abstract Background . Despite improvements in survival, for infants born with esophageal atresia tracheoesophageal fistula, or both, the morbidity associated with repair of these anomalies remains high. Methods . This report retrospectively analyzes 81 patients with esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, or both presenting to our institution between 1975 and 1995, with a focus on anastomotic complications. Results . There were 46 male and 35 female patients with a mean gestational age of 37 weeks and mean birth weight of 2443 g. Forty-four patients underwent primary esophageal anastomoses, 7 underwent delayed primary anastomoses, 12 patients underwent staged repairs, and 5 underwent repair of H-type fistulas. Among 62 patients with anastomoses, complications included stricture in 25/62 patients (40%), leakage in 12/62 patients (19%), and recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas in 6/62 patients (10%). Stricture rates for esophagocolonic anastomoses versus esophagoesophageal anastomoses were 4/8 cases (50%) versus 21/54 cases (39%). This difference was not statistically significant. All esophagoesophageal strictures were managed successfully with dilations; three of four esophagocolonic strictures required anastomotic revision. The leakage rate for esophagocolonic anastomoses versus esophagoesophageal anastomoses was 6/8 cases (75%) versus 6/54 cases (11%). This difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.0003). Two patients required revision of their colon grafts secondary to necrosis. Eighteen of 81 patients (22%) died. Operative mortality was 9/74 (12%). Causes of death included associated anomalies (n = 15), recurrent aspiration and sepsis secondary to missed fistula (n = 1), and unknown (n = 2). Conclusions . Although the morbidity associated with surgical repair of these anomalies is high, this does not affect the overall survival. The high complication rate associated with colonic interposition suggests that one should preserve the native esophagus as a primary conduit whenever feasible.
EFFECT OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA) IN THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF BPD.† 1426

The effect of a PDA in the etiopathogenesis of BPD was studied during a double blind trial of early dexamethasone (D) therapy in surfactant(S) treated infants with RDS. D (0.5 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg each for three days) or saline P were given b.i.d. starting 7.3 ± 3 hrs (mean ± SD). Infants who survived neonatal period were studied (32 placebo P, 32 D). P and D were comparable in BW (1022 ± 226 vs. 1097 ± 234 g), GA(28.2 ± 2 vs. 28.8 ± 2), sex, race, Apgar and pulmonary status at time of starting study. The diagnosis of PDA was made clinically and was confirmed by cardiac ultrasound. (*<0.05,**<0.01; §<0.05, D vs P) Table