cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Weight of Insulin in N,N-Dimethylformamide

THE detailed investigations of Sanger and co-workers have established the molecular weight of insulin as some multiple of about 6,000 1. It is not clear, however, whether the fundamental covalently bonded unit is the 6,000 or 12,000 species. (The determination of the positions of the S—S linkages in insulin1 does not establish the fundamental unit as the 6,000 species. The methods of analysis do not preclude the possibility of a staggered arrangement of the S—S linkages such that the 12,000 species is covalently bonded together.) Several workers using a variety of techniques—osmotic pressure, sedimentation and light-scattering—achieved results indicating that the minimum molecular weight of insulin in aqueous solution is 12,000 2. However, other work has indicated a value of 6,000. Harfeneist and Craig3, by counter-current distribution methods in 2-butanol-dichloracetic acid systems, Fredericq4 by sedimentation-diffusion studies in alkaline solutions, and Kupke and Linderstrom-Lang5 by osmotic pressure determinations in aqueous guanidine chloride solutions, have all recently contributed data consistent with the value of 6,000. Osmotic pressure studies of insulin in N,N-dimethylformamide in this laboratory also indicate a molecular weight of 6,000 for the fundamental unit.
Interpreting blood pressure in young adults.

Epidemiologic studies show a strong relationship between blood pressure (BP) measurements and the incidence of major cardiovascular events [(1)][1]. The primary basis for the treatment of hypertension has been the belief that reducing BP provides cardiovascular protection. This is supported by
Hemodynamic Changes After Cardioversion of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

After cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, there is a gradual increase of 56% in cardiac output over 4 weeks. The increase is caused by the gradual return and increasing strength of left atrial mechanical activity as the atrial myopathy of chronic atrial fibrillation subsides. Cardiac output decreases after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in more than a third of patients, and the decrease may last a week. Acute pulmonary edema is uncommon; 50% of cases occur within 3 hours of cardioversion, with a mortality of 18%. The reduced cardiac performance after cardioversion most likely results from the combination of heart disease and cardiac depressant effects of anesthetic drugs used. Pulmonary and/or coronary artery emboli and the resumption of right atrial mechanical activity before left atrial mechanical activity may be additional factors in the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema after cardioversion. Anticoagulant therapy should be continued for a month or longer after cardioversion in those patients who maintain sinus rhythm to prevent thromboembolism. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:1070-1076
Interactions among endoplasmic reticulum, microtubules, and retrograde movements of the cell surface

Relationships among the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), microtubules, and bead movements on the cell surface were investigated in the thin peripheral region of A6 cells, a frog kidney cell line. ER tubules were often aligned with microtubules, as shown by double-labeling with DiOC6(3) and anti-tubulin in fixed cells. In living cells stained with DiOC6(3) and observed in time lapse, there were frequent extensions, but few retractions, of ER tubules. In addition, there was a steady retrograde (towards the cell center) movement of all of the ER at approximately 0.3 microns/min. Since microtubules are often aligned with the ER, microtubules must also be moving retrogradely. By simultaneous imaging, it was found that the ER moves retrogradely at the same rate as aminated latex beads on the cell surface. This indicates that the mechanisms for ER and bead movement are closely related. Cytochalasin B stopped bead and ER movement in most of the cells, providing evidence that actin is involved in both retrograde movements. The ER retracted towards the cell center in nocodazole while both ER and microtubules retracted in taxol. Time lapse observations showed that for both drugs, the retraction of the ER is the result of retrograde movement in the absence of new ER extensions. Presumably, ER extensions do not occur in nocodazole because of the absence of microtubules, and do not occur in taxol because taxol-stabilized microtubules move retrogradely and there is no polymerization of new microtubule tracks for ER elongation.
Hydrolysis of Acetals and Ketals Using LiBF4

(1982). Hydrolysis of Acetals and Ketals Using LiBF4. Synthetic Communications: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 267-277.
Thermochemical remanent magnetization in Precambrian rocks: Are we sure the geomagnetic field was weak?

[1] Thellier paleointensity determinations from two dikes of the Early Proterozoic (∼2.46 Ga) Matachewan dike swarm (Canada) yield field values of 2.14 ± 0.18 and 9.81 ± 1.65 μT. Corresponding values of virtual axial dipole moment are very low (0.54 ± 0.05 × 1022 and 2.49 ± 0.42 × 1022 Am2, respectively) when compared with the modern field. The characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) was isolated over a narrow range of high unblocking temperatures (∼520–580°C). Detailed rock magnetic analyses indicate that the ChRM is carried by nearly stoichiometric pseudo single domain magnetite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the magnetite is in the form of fine intergrowths with ilmenite, formed by oxyexsolution during cooling. The high-temperature oxidation defined in the SEM images could have continued at temperatures below the Curie point of magnetite. In this case, the ChRM would be a thermochemical remanent magnetization (TCRM) rather than a thermal remanent magnetization (TRM). Estimates of the TCRM/TRM ratio show that the Thellier data could underestimate the true field value by a factor of 4 without violating experimental selection criteria. This uncertainty in TRM fidelity translates into a potential range of field values that spans that defined by the modern field (∼8 × 1022 Am2) and proposed low Precambrian levels (∼2 × 1022 Am2). Therefore understanding further how TCRM is acquired and records the field represents a major challenge if these and many other similar rocks are to be used in Thellier studies aimed at defining the strength of the Precambrian field.
Legal issues in maximum security institutions for people with mental illness: liberty, security, and administrative discretion.

This article explores four legal issues relevant to the provision of care in secure hospitals. These include the current status of right to treatment litigation; the potential impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act; new developments in laws governing restraint and seclusion; and the need for uniform institutional policies on risk assessment. These issues illustrate the potential conflicts between individual autonomy and institutional control that have been at the heart of mental health law for three decades. The article suggests that because of the diminishing oversight provided by the federal judiciary, institutional custodians have a particular obligation to ensure that individual rights are not overwhelmed by concerns with security. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Altered vascular activation due to deficiency of the NADPH oxidase component p22phox.

Abstract Background Reactive oxygen species generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase play important roles in vascular activation. The p22 phox subunit is necessary for the activity of NADPH oxidase complexes utilizing Nox1, Nox2, Nox3, and Nox4 catalytic subunits. Methods We assessed p22 phox -deficient mice and human tissue for altered vascular activation. Results Mice deficient in p22 phox were smaller than their wild-type littermates but showed no alteration in basal blood pressure. The wild-type littermates were relatively resistant to forming intimal hyperplasia following carotid ligation, and the intimal hyperplasia that developed was not altered by p22 phox deficiency. However, at the site of carotid artery ligation, the p22 phox -deficient mice showed significantly less vascular elastic fiber loss compared with their wild-type littermates. This preservation of elastic fibers was associated with a reduced matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 12/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 expression ratio. A similar decrease in the relative MMP12/TIMP1 expression ratio occurred in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells upon knockdown of the hydrogen peroxide responsive kinase CK1αLS. In the ligated carotid arteries, the p22 phox -deficient mice showed reduced expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP-C), suggesting reduced activity of CK1αLS. In a lung biopsy from a human patient with p22 phox deficiency, there was also reduced vascular hnRNP-C expression. Conclusions These findings indicate that NADPH oxidase complexes modulate aspects of vascular activation including vascular elastic fiber loss, the MMP12/TIMP1 expression ratio, and the expression of hnRNP-C. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the effects of NADPH oxidase on vascular activation are mediated in part by protein kinase CK1αLS.
Natural infraspecific variation in fatty acid composition of Cuphea (Lythraceae) seed oils

Abstract Fatty acid analyses of seed lipids were performed for 28 populations representing three widely distributed Cuphea species. Locality and climatic data for all samples were also compiled. The objectives of this study were to examine the extent of variation in seed oil composition among the wild populations, and to discover any patterns of relationship between fatty acid composition of seed oils and environmental factors. While we found the dominant fatty acid in the oil of each species remained consistent over the environmental and geographical ranges of the samples in the present study, variation as high as 30.6% in the amount of the dominant fatty acid produced was observed. Correlation analysis between fatty acid composition and the individual environmental factors of latitude, elevation or temperature showed no consistent pattern of influence. However, when considered together, the interaction of all three, and especially latitude and elevation, contributed significantly to the variation among populations. Environmental data at microhabitat level and through controlled environmental experiments will be needed for more precise understanding of factors affecting Cuphea seed oil composition at the population level.
Hydrogenation of ethylene over zinc oxide. Effect of an electrodynamic field

Abstract The effect of externally applied alternating electric fields on the hydrogenation of ethylene over randomly oriented zinc oxide surface has been studied. Reaction partial orders and activation energy were altered by the presence of an electric field. Variant behavior was observed, depending on the reaction temperature. At lower temperatures the effect of the field was to accelerate reaction rate and at higher temperatures, rate was decreased by the field.
Comparisons of retrievals and radiances from the AIRS and AMSU instruments on the aqua satellite to those obtained from operational radiosondes

Measurements from the AIRS and AMSU instruments on the Aqua satellite are being matched with radiosonde and aircraft data used in the NCEP analysis. Over five months of data will be available. Results of these matches will be presented.
UV-inactivated vaccinia virus (VV) in a multi-envelope DNA-VV-protein (DVP) HIV-1 vaccine protects macaques from lethal challenge with heterologous SHIV

The pandemic of HIV-1 has continued for decades, yet there remains no licensed vaccine. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-envelope, multi-vectored HIV-1 vaccine in a macaque-SHIV model, illustrating a potential means of combating HIV-1. Specifically, recombinant DNA, vaccinia virus (VV) and purified protein (DVP) delivery systems were used to vaccinate animals with dozens of antigenically distinct HIV-1 envelopes for induction of immune breadth. The vaccinated animals controlled disease following challenge with a heterologous SHIV. This demonstration suggested that the antigenic cocktail vaccine strategy, which has succeeded in several other vaccine fields (e.g. pneumococcus), might also succeed against HIV-1. The strategy remains untested in an advanced clinical study, in part due to safety concerns associated with the use of replication-competent VV. To address this concern, we designed a macaque study in which psoralen/ultraviolet light-inactivated VV (UV VV) was substituted for replication-competent VV in the multi-envelope DVP protocol. Control animals received a vaccine encompassing no VV, or no vaccine. All VV vaccinated animals generated an immune response toward VV, and all vaccinated animals generated an immune response toward HIV-1 envelope. After challenge with heterologous SHIV 89.6P, animals that received replication-competent VV or UV VV experienced similar outcomes. They exhibited reduced peak viral loads, maintenance of CD4+ T cell counts and improved survival compared to control animals that received no VV or no vaccine; there were 0/15 deaths among all animals that received VV and 5/9 deaths among controls. Results define a practical means of improving VV safety, and encourage advancement of a promising multi-envelope DVP HIV-1 vaccine candidate.
Michael addition for crosslinking of poly(caprolactone)s

Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) networks have received significant attention in the literature because of many emerging potential applications as biodegradable materials. In this study, the Michael addition reaction was used for the first time to synthesize biodegradable networks using crosslinking of acetoacetate-functionalized PCL (PCL bisAcAc) oligomers with neopentyl glycol diacrylate. Hydroxyl-terminated PCL telechelic oligomers with number-average molecular weights ranging from 1000 to 4000 g/mol were quantitatively functionalized with acetoacetate groups using transacetoacetylation. In addition to difunctional PCL oligomers, hydroxyl-terminated trifunctional star-shaped PCL oligomers were functionalized with acetoacetate groups. Derivatization of the terminal hydroxyl groups with acetoacetate groups was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and base titration of hydroxyl end groups. PCL bisAcAc precursors were reacted with neopentyl glycol diacrylate in the presence of an organic base at room temperature. The crosslinking reactions yielded networks with high gel contents (>85%). The thermomechanical properties of the networks were analyzed to investigate the influence of molecular weight between crosslink points. The glass transition and the extent of crystallinity of the PCL networks were dependent on the molecular weight of the PCL segment. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the plateau modulus of the networks was dependent on the molecular weight of PCL, which was related to the crosslink density of the networks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5437–5447, 2009
Chronic treatment with high doses of haloperidol fails to decrease the time course for the development of depolarization inactivation of midbrain dopamine neurons

Abstract Using extracellular single unit recording techniques, we investigated the effects produced by chronic treatment with high doses of haloperidol (CHAL, 5 mg/kg/day, s.c.) on midbrain dopamine (DA) neuronal activity. This regimen of HAL treatment produced a time-dependent reduction in the number of spontaneously active DA neurons. Additionally, this dose regimen induced an irregular firing pattern in many of the remaining active DA neurons in both the ventral tegmental area (A10) and substantia nigra pars compacta (A9) regions. These effects were comparable to those obtained previously in rats treated chronically with lower doses of HAL (0.5 mg/kg/day, s.c.). However, there was a greater decrease in the number of spontaneously active DA cells detected in rats treated with high doses of HAL for three weeks compared to those receiving the low doses. On the other hand, higher doses of apomorphine (200 μg/kg, i.v.) were required to reverse both the reduction of DA activity and irregular discharge pattern in rats treated chronically with high doses of HAL. In conclusion, the results of the present study substaniate the view that CHAL-induced depolarization inactivation (DI) of DA neurons is a time-dependent process and chronic treatment with high doses of HAL did not shorten the time course required for the development of DI on the majority of midbrain DA neurons.
Burial and Preservation of Carbonate Rocks Over Phanerozoic Time

Comparison of results for the original burial rate of carbonate sediments over Phanerozoic time, as calculated using the GEOCARBSULFvolc model, with their rate of preservation to the present (survival rate) shows a considerable loss of mass, partly by subduction of oceanic crust, during the past 250 million years. Before that time, despite the evidence that preserved Paleozoic carbonates appear to have been deposited only in shallow water, we contend that there was also inorganic deposition of carbonates in the Paleozoic deep sea with subsequent loss by subduction. Inorganic carbonate deposition may have been abetted by the vastly different seawater and atmospheric composition for most of the Paleozoic than those of post-Cretaceous and end Paleozoic–early Mesozoic times. The hypothesis helps to explain the loss of mass greater than that predicted for shallow-water carbonates prior to 250 Ma.
Biosynthesis and regulation of superoxide dismutases

Abstract The past two decades have witnessed an explosion in our understanding of oxygen toxicity. The discovery of superoxide dismutases (SODs) (EC.1.15.1.1), which specifically catalyze the dismutation of superoxide radicals (O 2 − ) to hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and oxygen, has indicated that O 2 − is a normal and common byproduct of oxygen metabolism. There is an increasing evidence to support the conclusion that superoxide radicals play a major role in cellular injury, mutagenesis, and many diseases. In all cases SODs have been shown to protect the cells against these deleterious effects. Recent advances in molecular biology and the isolation of different SOD genes and SOD c-DNAs have been useful in proving beyond doubt the physiological function of the enzyme. The biosynthesis of SODs, in most biological systems, is under rigorous controls. In general, exposure to increased pO 2 , increased intracellular fluxes of O 2 − , metal ions perturbation, and exposures to several environmental oxidants have been shown to influence the rate of SOD synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recent developments in the mechanism of regulation of the manganese-containing superoxide dismutase of Escherichia coli will certainly open new research avenues to better understand the regulation of SODs in other organisms.
Specific solvent effects of dioxane and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine in the anionic polymerization of styrene with Li+ as counterion

The anionic propagation of living polystyryllithium shows a distinctly different behavior depending on the nature of the solvent used (polar or non-polar). To demonstrate the transition of one type of behavior to the other, studies have been earned out in the past in mixtures of benzene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and mixtures of dioxane and THF. The results found in mixtures of benzene and THF could entirely be accounted for in terms of classical dielectric theory In contrast to this tile reactivity of the ion pair in dioxane -THF mixtures cannot be explained in these simple terms In order to elucidate this controversy, similar experiments were carried out in this work in mixtures of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylene diamine (TMEDA) and THF and the results are compared with those previously found in the other mixtures. From this comparison it can be concluded that in all cases the specific solvation of Li' is of utmost importance and that it is the solvent-separated ion pairs, the concentration of which is always small compared to that of the externally solvated contact ion pairs, which are mainly responsible for the observed propagation. A direct comparison between dioxane and TMEDA does not seem to hold. Indeed, whereas the bidentate TMEDA replaces equally well two THF molecules in the externally solvated contact ion pairs as in the solvent-separated ion pairs, one must conclude from the comparison of the results that dioxane cannot enter the solvation shell of the solvent-separated ion pair without destroying it. On top of that, recent results show that unlike TMEDA. which can act as a bidentate ligand, dioxane, even in its boat-form, cannot do this, since the free electron pairs on the oxygen atoms remain too far away from the Li + -cation.
Electrodialytic production of gas-free sodium hydroxide based on Donnan breakdown

Abstract An approach to generating high purity NaOH solutions in a continuous flow system by electrodialytic means is described. Sodium hydroxide of ordinary purity flows along one side of a perfluorinated cation exchange membrane; this channel also contains a noble metal anode. Sodium ions from this donor channel are elctrodialyzed across the membrane into a flowing water receptor channel, bounded on the other side by an identical membrane. This membrane is in intimate contact on its far side by a perforated inert plate, beyond which the cathode is located. Water flows through the cathode channel. The restrictor plate causes the accumulation of high concentrations of NaOH on the electrode side of the cathode membrane, resulting in its eventual Donnan breakdown and passage of cathodically generated OH- through it to the central channel. From the purity of the H+ -exchanged conductance of the NaOH solution generated, it is estimated that the generated product is at least an order of magnitude purer in terms of carbonate contamination relative to the feed NaOH solution. The pure NaOH generated is directly fed into a high pressure pump and used for anion chromatography.
Pretreatment with anti-VEGF therapy may exacerbate inflammation in experimental acute colitis.

Abstract Aim Our previous investigations of angiogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease showed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade reduced colonic neovascularization and inflammation. We hypothesized that pretreatment with bevacizumab, a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody, would attenuate the severity of angiogenesis and inflammation in a murine model of colitis. Methods C57BL/6 mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of bevacizumab (250 μ g/dose) before induction of colitis with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The colons were examined at predetermined time points. Colonic inflammation and microvessel density were assessed microscopically. Results All mice acutely developed melena and weight loss (18.8% ± 1.1% control vs 20.2% ± 1.1% treated, P = .37) and regained a similar weight percentage after the recovery (26.5% ± 4.0% vs 20.9% ± 4.4%, P = .37). Microvessel density acutely increased in both groups in response to DSS, with a trend toward inhibited angiogenesis in the treated group at the conclusion of the acute phase (194,100 ± 14,240 vs 149,400 ± 17,590 μ m 2 , P = .11). Bevacizumab-treated mice exhibited significantly increased inflammation after the acute phase (8.3 ± 0.8 vs 13.0 ± 2.0, P = .05), but were similar to control after the recovery (7.3 ± 1.5 vs 5.5 ± 1.0, P = .27). Conclusions Preemptive VEGF inhibition does not significantly attenuate angiogenesis and, in fact, worsens inflammation in a model of acute colitis. Preventive VEGF blockade may disrupt healing and exacerbate injury via alternative angiogenic or inflammatory pathways.
Traffic delays on a two-lane road

the point in alternate 'bunches' of vehicles and of gaps free of vehicles. The gaps have negative exponential distributions with finite means g-1 and G-1 for the v- and V-streams, respectively, although more general distributions may be considered, while the length of the bunches may be of a more general form. In the v-stream we suppose the length of a bunch is a random variable with the distribution function (d.f.) A6(x) (O < x, e < so), where the first interval e of the total distance judged to be occupied by a bunch is actually free of
Overexpression of GRK2 in Alzheimer disease and in a chronic hypoperfusion rat model is an early marker of brain mitochondrial lesions.

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding (G) protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are cytosolic proteins that are known to contribute to the adaptation of the heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and to regulate downstream signals through these receptors. GPCRs mediate the action of messengers that are key modulators of cardiac and vascular cell function, such as growth and differentiation. GRKs are members of a multigene family, which are classified into three subfamilies and are found in cardiac, vascular and cerebral tissues. Increasing evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that vascular damage is an early contributor to the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) and/or other pathology that can mimic human AD. Based on this hypothesis, and since kinases of this family are known to regulate numerous receptor functions both in the brain, myocardium and elsewhere, we explored cellular and subcellular localization by immunoreactivity of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), also known as ?-adrenergic receptor kinase-1(?ARK1), in the early pathogenesis of AD and in ischemia reperfusion injury models of brain hypoperfusion. In the present study, we used the two-vessel carotid artery occlusion model, namely the 2-VO system that results in chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) and mimics mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and vascular changes in AD pathology. Our findings demonstrate the early overexpression of GRK2 member kinase in the cerebrovasculature, especially endothelial cells (EC) following CBH, as well as in select cells from human AD tissue. We found a significant increase in GRK2 immunoreactivity in the EC of AD patients and after CBH, which preceded any amyloid deposition. Since GRK2 activity is associated with certain compensatory changes in brain cellular compartments and in ischemic cardiac tissue, our findings suggest that chronic hypoperfusion initiates oxidative stress in these conditions and appears to be the main initiating injury stimulus for disruption of brain and cerebrovascular homeostasis and metabolism.
Beam transformations with indefinite metamaterials

We investigate structured light propagation in indefinite optical metamaterials and propose several novel functionalities enabled by these strongly anisotropic structures, including beam intensity and wavefront shaping as well as transformations of orbital angular momentum.
Speaking of Slavery: Color, Ethnicity, and Human Bondage in Italy . By Steven A. Epstein. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2001. Pp. xiv, 215. $32.50.

Stephen Epstein is one of a growing group of scholars who are proposing a new interpretation of slavery in medieval and early modern Europe. The subject itself is not new. In the case of Italy, over the past century a few scholars have studied Italian slavery in local or regional studies, and it was the subject of a major work by Charles Verlinden (L'Esclavage dans l'Europe mA©diA©vale, vol. 2: Italie â€“ olonies italiennes du Levant â€“ Levant latin â€“ Empire byzantine. Ghent: Rijsuniversiteit te Gent, 1977) and featured prominently in general surveys by Jacques Heers (Esclaves et domestiques au moyen A¢ge dans le monde mediterranean. Paris: Fayard, 1981) and the present reviewer (Slavery from Roman Times to the Early Transatlantic Trade. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1985). Nevertheless, the historical profession has tended to ignore post-Roman slavery in the Mediterranean world, or to consider it either an attenuated relic from classical times or as a shadowy prelude to the great expansion of slavery in the colonial Americas. The numbers and percentages of slaves in Italy never approached those of true slave societies, in which more than 30 percent of the population was unfree. Common conclusions heretofore have been that slavery was not too important in the Italian economy, because most slaves were domestics; that slaves were not treated too harshly, because most lived in the households of their owners; and that slavery died out without leaving much of a trace in modern Italian society.
Fractional representations for systems over a P.I.D.: A constructive technique

Abstract In this note we present a constructive technique for obtaining polynomial matrix fraction representations for reachable linear systems over a principal ideal domain. An example is given to illustrate the algorithm.
Radiology information systems, picture archiving and communication systems, teleradiology--overview and design criteria.

Information technology (IT), long taken for granted in commercial settings, is now being utilized for healthcare applications. Medical imaging has lagged comparatively due to the extremely vast data content of each frame; thus, the requirement for expensive high-end components. Further, IT in radiology has evolved from two distinctly separate camps—information systems, known as RIS (radiology information systems) and PACS (picture archiving and communications systems). Both RIS and PACS applications have migrated to the PC environment, enabling cost-effective implementation, but from two backgrounds: RIS from vendors using conventional information systems platforms and products, and PACS from radiographic film and modality vendors. The radiology department at Texas Tech University has assembled a seamlessly integrated, enterprise-wide RIS/PACS/teleradiology intranet. The design criteria include user-friendliness, flexibility to respond to changing needs, and open modular architecture to assure interoperability, cost-effectiveness, and future-proofing of investment. Since no single venor could provide an integrated system meeting our specifications, we decided to assume the burden of constructing our own system. As the system integrator, we embrace open architecture, thus enabling the incorporation of industry-standard-compliant, COTS (commercially off the shelf) products as modules. Microsoft Windows NT operating system, Visual C++ programming language, TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internetworking protocol), relational SQL (structured query language) database, ODBC (open database connectivity), HL-7 (health level seven) and DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) interfaces are utilized. The usage of COTS components reduces the cost to very affordable levels. With this approach, any module in our system can be replaced when outmoded, without affecting other modules in our system, making it truly future-proof. Construction and evolution of our system (TECHRAD) is reviewed.
ESTIMATED SPEED/FUEL CONSUMPTION RELATIONSHIPS FOR A LARGE SAMPLE OF CARS

Abstract Speed-fuel consumption relationships were estimated using data on 350 1965–77 model year automobiles collected by Consumer Reports magazine. Three functional forms relating fuel consumption to speed were estimated and a summary with descriptive statistics was also computed. The results show considerable sensitivity of fuel-consumption rates to speed. Average decreases in fuel economy for all cars in the sample were 8% from 64 to 80 km/hr, 12% from 80 to 97 km/hr, and 13% from 97 to 113 km/hr. Sensitivity of the fuel consumption rates to speed increased with increasing speed and decreasing engine Size.
Tulane investigation completed.

On 7 June 1996 (p. [1489][1]), Science published a report entitled “Synergistic activation of estrogen receptor with combinations of environmental chemicals.” On Friday, 18 July 1997, the paper's senior author, John A. McLachlan, sent Science a letter formally withdrawing the report. His letter was published in the issue of 25 July (p. 462). Concurrent with the withdrawal of the paper, Tulane University convened a committee of academicians to investigate possible scientific misconduct by Steven F. Arnold, the study's principal investigator, and McLachlan, the senior author. McLachlan is the director of the Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane University. Arnold resigned from the university in 1997. After a comprehensive review, the committee determined that McLachlan did not commit, participate in, or have any knowledge of any scientific misconduct. With respect to Arnold, the committee concluded that he provided insufficient data to support the major conclusions of the Science paper. Additionally, independent review of Arnold's data does not support the major conclusions contained within the Science paper. The university is making this letter public and does not intend to make further official public comment. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.272.5267.1489
Ultrasensitive and label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor based on water-soluble electroactive dye azophloxine-functionalized graphene nanosheets

Abstract This paper reported an ultrasensitive and label-free electrochemical DNA biosensing platform based on a newly synthesized water-soluble electroactive dye azophloxine-functionalized graphene nanosheets (AP-GNs). Azophloxine can be attached on the graphene surface through synergistic noncovalent charge-transfer and π–π stacking interactions with graphene. The attachment of azophloxine on the graphene surface not only acts as a stabilizer for graphene but also as the in situ probe for the electrochemical DNA detection. Under optimum conditions, this biosensor exhibited high sensitivity and low detection limit for detecting DNA. The linear range is from 1.0 × 10 −15 to 1.0 × 10 −11 mol L −1 and the detection limit is 4.0 × 10 −16 mol L −1 . Furthermore, this biosensor showed extraordinary capability for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) assay. The results demonstrate that this AP-GNs based biosensor has potential application in sensitive and selective DNA detection.
Incorporation of clay nano-particles in aqueous foams

Abstract During the process of crude oil/gasoline loading and storage, significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be emitted to the environment. Stable aqueous foams can be spread as a flexible blanket on the top of the oil to control the VOC emission by providing a mass transfer barrier during the loading process. In this work, novel aqueous foams have been formulated by incorporating clay nano-particles in an aqueous solution of surfactants and polymers. The stability and mass transfer resistance of these foams were investigated at temperatures up to 125 F. In the presence of VOC, clay decreases the rate at which the liquid is drained out of the foam lamellae and increases the foam drainage half-life. These foams were found to be very stable in the presence of gasoline and crude oil and can last much longer than one day at the room temperature. The use of clay in the foam formulation reduces vapor diffusion through the lamellae and vapor emission through the foam column significantly for the first 10 h. Increase in temperature increases the rate of foam breakage due to higher water evaporation and lower liquid viscosity. In spite of this increase, the 0.5% polymer and 0.5% clay foam suppresses vapor emission from a gasoline longer than 3600, 1500 and 1100 min at 75 F, 105 F and 125 F, respectively. This foam also suppresses vapor emission from a crude oil longer than 4200, 2000 and 700 min at 75 F, 105 F and 125 F, respectively.
The dynamic media initiative or, running for the frontier, one step ahead of the dictionary

The purpose of this paper is to contemplate the birth of two related disciplines - digital media and dynamic media - by reflecting on fifteen years of experience at the University of Central Florida. During this interval, several research and creative initiatives converged, leading to today's School of Film and Digital Media with 25 faculties and nearly 1000 students.
In Good Company? A Multi-Study, Multi-Level Investigation of the Effects of Coworker Relationships on Employee Well-Being.

Two multi-level studies were conducted to examine the effects of attitudes towards coworkers on daily well-being. Study 1 linked daily levels of coworker satisfaction to job satisfaction and life satisfaction and examined the extent to which job satisfaction mediated the relationship between coworker satisfaction and life satisfaction among 33 government employees. Study 2 replicated and extended Study 1 by examining the extent to which agreeableness moderated the relationships between daily levels of coworker satisfaction and job and life satisfaction among an occupationally diverse sample of 79 employees. Results revealed that coworker satisfaction varied significantly from day to day and was positively related to job and life satisfaction. Further, job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between daily coworker satisfaction and life satisfaction. Finally, agreeableness moderated the relationship between coworker satisfaction and job and life satisfaction, such that daily levels of these variables were more contingent on coworker satisfaction for agreeable individuals.
Observation of Kinetic Tritium Isotope Effects by Dynamic NMR. The Tautomerism of Porphyrin

As the knowledge of tritium isotope effects is desirable from a theoretical standpoint, we have applied {sup 3}H NMR in order to study these effects in the case of the double-hydron tautomerism of {sup 15} N-labeled porphyrin. In conclusion, the determination of kinetic tritium isotope effects is a powerful application of dynamic {sup 3}H NMR. In the case of the tautomerism of porphyrin, these effects support the stepwise hydron-tunneling mechanism and can serve to test multidimensional tunneling models in the future. 10 refs., 2 figs.
United States physician communication on cost of cancer care under the affordable health care act

Background: The aim of this study is to survey United States oncologists as healthcare system changes are implemented to reassess physician perceptions about the cost of cancer care and physicians’ perceived needs. Methods: From June through August of 2013, an electronic survey was sent to practicing oncologists across 50 states. Results: The electronic survey response rate was 15% (136 oncologists out of 899 total physicians) with respondents from 35 of the 50 states. Sixty percent of respondents thought that both out-of-pocket costs and healthcare system costs of cancer treatments were likely or extremely likely to have a larger effect on their decisions regarding which cancer treatments to recommend to patients in the future under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A large majority of respondents felt that physician education was needed on the use of cost-effectiveness data and on communicating cost of therapies with patients, 91% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: Respondents reported that their clinical treatment decisions are influenced by concerns over out-of-pocket patient costs, and that they want more cost and comparative effectiveness research as well as more education on how to communicate with patients about cost of therapy.
What Do Students Think They (Should) Learn at College? Student Perceptions of Essential Learning Outcomes

Building on the evidence that administratively determined outcomes for cognitive growth provide only a partial understanding of what is actually learned at the university level, this study puts forward a method to increase the use of student perceptions to determine the quality of a university education. To show the complexity and value of seeking to understand students' learning expectations, over 80 juniors and seniors at a state university participated in a survey wherein they identified five things that everyone should learn at college, and evaluated and described how those expectations related to their courses, faculty, and grades. The students' responses show that they have a wide range of learning objectives that fall unequally under three categories: Academic Content, Career/Academic Skills, and Life Skills. Student responses suggest that learning is often independent of courses and instructors, and that grades are not always indicative of what is learned in classes, suggesting that more could be done institutionally and in classrooms to better align what teachers intend to teach and what students expect to learn.
Section concerns addressed at Fall Meeting

To keep abreast of current issues and to plan future activities, Hydrology Section President Steve Burges brought a full agenda to the Executive Committee meeting held in San Francisco December 13, 1995. The following highlights of the meeting are offered to keep you informed about what's new in the Hydrology Section. At the 1995 AGU Fall meeting there were 741 hydrology presentations in 62 sessions. Fifty-five percent of these were in poster form. Over the past 3 years posters have gained acceptance by the hydrology community, and because they can reach a larger audience and can be viewed all day, they are the preferred medium for many presenters. In San Francisco our section continued the Outstanding Student Paper Awards Program that we initiated at the 1995 AGU Spring meeting. Up to 5% of papers given by student colleagues can be recognized as outstanding. Members who can help evaluate student papers in one or more sessions at the Spring Meeting are encouraged to volunteer. To do so, contact section Secretary Roger Bales (roger@hwr.arizona.edu).
Molecular genetics of circadian rhythms in mammals.

Recent gene discovery approaches have led to a new era in our understanding of the molecular basis of circadian oscillators in animals. A conserved set of genes in Drosophila and mammals (Clock, Bmal1, Period, and Timeless) provide a molecular framework for the circadian mechanism. These genes define a transcription-translation–based negative autoregulatory feedback loop that comprises the core elements generating circadian rhythmicity. This circadian core provides a focal point for understanding how circadian rhythms arise, how environmental inputs entrain the oscillatory system, and how the circadian system regulates its outputs. The addition of molecular genetic approaches to the existing physiological understanding of the mammalian circadian system provides new opportunities for understanding this basic life process.
A force-directed maze router

A new routing algorithm is presented. It is based on a multiple star net model, force-directed placement and maze searching techniques. The algorithm inherits the power of maze routing in that it is able to route complex layouts with various obstructions. The large memory requirement of the conventional maze algorithm is alleviated through successive net refinement, which constrains the maze searching to small regions. The algorithm shows advantages in routing designs with complicated layout obstructions.
Receptor-Directed Chimeric Toxins Created by Sortase-Mediated Protein Fusion

Chimeric protein toxins that act selectively on cells expressing a designated receptor may serve as investigational probes and/or antitumor agents. Here, we report use of the enzyme sortase A (SrtA) to create four chimeric toxins designed to selectively kill cells bearing the tumor marker HER2. We first expressed and purified: (i) a receptor recognition-deficient form of diphtheria toxin that lacks its receptor-binding domain and (ii) a mutated, receptor-binding-deficient form of anthrax-protective antigen. Both proteins carried at the C terminus the sortase recognition sequence LPETGG and a H₆ affinity tag. Each toxin protein was mixed with SrtA plus either of two HER2-recognition proteins--a single-chain antibody fragment or an Affibody--both carrying an N-terminal G₅ tag. With wild-type SrtA, the fusion reaction between the toxin and receptor-recognition proteins approached completion only after several hours, whereas with an evolved form of the enzyme, SrtA*, the reaction was virtually complete within 5 minutes. The four fusion toxins were purified and shown to kill HER2-positive cells in culture with high specificity. Sortase-mediated ligation of binary combinations of diverse natively folded proteins offers a facile way to produce large sets of chimeric proteins for research and medicine.
Applying Operant Learning to the Stay-Leave Decision in Domestic Violence

Research on domestic violence has identified many factors behind an abused woman’s decision to stay in, rather than leave, the relationship, including economic concerns, psychological issues, and social consequences from society and the woman’s family and friends. The current article expands on Long and McNamara’s (1989) and Bell and Naugle’s (2005) discussions of how operant learning principles may contribute to the stay-leave decision. Human and non-human animal studies concerning the reduced effectiveness of punishment and increased effectiveness of reinforcement are discussed herein as they apply to domestic violence. Specifically, the dynamics of domestic violence increase the effectiveness of reinforcement within the relationship, decrease the effectiveness of punishment for staying in the relationship, and punish the alternative behavior of leaving the relationship. These factors combine to promote the woman staying in the relationship. Suggestions are made for modifying contingencies and a woman’s behavior that could increase the likelihood she would choose to leave a batterer.
The Expression of Myeloid Antigens CD13 and/or CD33 Is a Marker of ALK+ Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas

We retrospectively studied the immunophenotype by flow cytometry of 20 anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) (9 anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK]+ and 11 ALK-) with a particular emphasis on the aberrant expression of the myeloid associated antigens CD13 and/or CD33. All ALCLs expressed CD45, HLA-DR, and CD30. Most (8/9) ALK+ ALCLs expressed at least 1 surface T-cell antigen (CD4, 6/9 [67%]; CD7, 6/9 [67%]; CD2, 5/9 [56%]; CD5, 2/9 [22%]; CD8, 2/9 [22%]; CD3, 1/9 [11%]). All ALK-ALCLs expressed at least 1 surface T-cell antigen (CD3, 7/11 [64%]; CD4, 6/11 [55%]; CD2, 6/11 [55%]; CD7, 2/11 [18%]; CD5, 1/11 [9%]; CD8, 1/11 [9%]). CD13 and/or CD33 were expressed in all (9/9) ALK+ ALCLs compared with 1 of 11 ALK-ALCLs (9%) (P < .0001). Surface CD3 was more likely expressed in ALK-ALCLs (7/11) compared with ALK+ ALCLs (1/9) (P .03). The myeloid-associated antigens CD13 and/or CD33 are sensitive but not entirely specific markers of ALK+ ALCLs and should not be misinterpreted as indicating myeloid sarcoma.
Assessing the impact of a family planning nurse training program in Egypt

In 1991 the Egyptian Ministry of Health introduced a new training program for family planning nurses. The training program stressed the development of nurses' counseling skills. As part of the Operations Research Program, sponsored by Family Health International in collaboration with the Egypt National Family Planning Board, managerial staff from family planning agencies designed and implemented a study to evaluate the impact of the new training program. The study objective was to assess the impact of nurse training on nurse performance in the clinic and on clients' family planning knowledge, attitudes and contraceptive use. The study was designed to provide usable information to family planning managers in the field within a time period of less than one year. The study results indicate that there is an association between improved family planning training for nurses and positive changes in family planning knowledge, attitudes and behavior among women attending MoH clinics in this study. The greatest relative change occurred in knowledge. Women in the experimental group, relative to the control group, displayed increased knowledge about contraceptives, particularly the pill and the IUD. Attitudinal change was less pronounced. Favorable attitudes toward oral contraceptives and condoms became more prevalent, and reports of husband-wife communication about family planning also increased. Finally, although contraceptive use was already high prior to the nurse training, IUD use increased significantly among women in one governorate.