cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXAMINATION OF THE TRANSITION STATE OF THE LOW-MOLECULAR MASS SMALL TYROSINE PHOSPHATASE. 1. COMPARISONS WITH OTHER PROTEIN PHOSPHATASES

The reactions of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) with the low-molecular mass tyrosine phosphatase Stp1 and with the mutants D128N, D128A, D128E, and S18A have been studied by measurement of heavy-atom isotope effects in the substrate. The isotope effects were measured at the nonbridging oxygen atoms [18(V/K)nonbridge], at the bridging oxygen atom (the site of bond cleavage) [18(V/K)bridge], and at the nitrogen atom in the nitrophenol leaving group [15(V/K)]. The results with native Stp1 were 1.0160 +/- 0.0005 for 18(V/K)bridge, 1.0007 +/- 0.0001 for 15(V/K), and 1.0018 +/- 0.0003 for 18(V/K)nonbridge. The values for 18(V/K)nonbridge and 15(V/K) differ from those previously measured with other protein-tyrosine phosphatases and from those of the aqueous hydrolysis reaction of pNPP. The values indicate that in the transition state of the native Stp1 reaction the leaving group bears a partial negative charge, and there is nucleophilic interaction between the Cys nucleophile, and the phosphoryl group, causing some decrease in the nonbridge P-O bond order. The transition state remains highly dissociative with respect to the degree of bond cleavage to the leaving group. Mutation of the general acid from aspartic acid to glutamic acid slows catalysis but causes no change in the isotope effects and thus does not alter the degree of proton transfer to the leaving group in the transition state. Mutations of this residue to asparagine or alanine give values for 18(V/K)bridge of about 1.029, for 15(V/K) of about 1.003, and for 18(V/K)nonbridge of 1.0010 (D128A) to 1.0024 (D128N). These data indicate a dissociative transition state with the leaving group departing as the nitrophenolate anion and indicate more nucleophilic participation than in the aqueous hydrolysis of the pNPP dianion, just as in the native enzyme. The isotope effects with the S18A mutant, in which a hydrogen bonding stabilization of the anionic Cys nucleophile has been removed, were within experimental error of those with the native enzyme, indicating that this alteration has no effect on the transition state for phosphoryl transfer from pNPP.
Blood groups and secretion of blood group substances. Comparison of allergic with nonallergic persons in a Pacific Northwest college population.

Abstract The blood group distribution of 5,657 mixed-white college students from the Pacific Northwest was found to be 42.4 per cent O, 43.4 per cent A, 10.6 per cent B, and 3.6 per cent AB. Seventy-nine per cent of 1,125 group A persons were A 1 . Eighty-three per cent of 4,387 students were Rh-positive, and 24.1 per cent of 3,144 were nonsecretors of blood group substance. There were no significant differences in such distributions within this population between allergie (hay fever and asthma) and nonallergic persons.
Extended holomorphic anomaly and loop amplitudes in open topological string

Abstract Open topological string amplitudes on compact Calabi–Yau threefolds are shown to satisfy an extension of the holomorphic anomaly equation of Bershadsky, Cecotti, Ooguri and Vafa. The total topological charge of the D-brane configuration must vanish in order to satisfy tadpole cancellation. The boundary state of such D-branes is holomorphically captured by a Hodge theoretic normal function. Its Griffiths' infinitesimal invariant is the analogue of the closed string Yukawa coupling and plays the role of the terminator in a Feynman diagram expansion for the topological string with D-branes. The holomorphic anomaly equation is solved and the holomorphic ambiguity is fixed for some representative worldsheets of low genus and with few boundaries on the real quintic.
Asynchronous and asymmetric burst-suppression in a patient with a corpus callosum lesion

Abstract Introduction : Burst suppression is seen in the electroencephalograms of patients receiving high doses of pentobarbital. In such circumstances, burst suppression is characterized by bilaterally synchronous and symmetric bursts of electrical activity followed by intervals of attenuation. Methods : We report on a case of asymmetric and asynchronous pentobarbital-induced burst suppression that occurred after a corpus callosum lesion sustained during trauma. Conclusions : To our knowledge, this is the first such reported human case of asymmetric and asynchronous pentobarbital-induced burst suppression. These findings suggest that the corpus callosum may be involved in the synchronization of the burst-suppression pattern.
Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling to endothelial nitric oxide synthase: more than a FLeeTing moment.

See related article, pages 715–722 There is substantial evidence supporting the idea that the process of angiogenesis requires the synthesis of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). NO, characterized as a major endothelial-derived relaxing factor, exerts paracrine and autocrine roles in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis, vascular tone, and microvascular permeability. During the early steps of angiogenesis in which new blood vessels sprout from existing vascular beds, there is a persistence of vasodilation and increase in vascular permeability, suggesting that these hemodynamic changes in the existing vasculature are indispensable during an angiogenic process. A number of angiogenic factors can triggers the release of NO, synthesized by the endothelial isoform of NO synthase (eNOS). One such factor is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which as its name implies, is a critical mitogenic, chemoattractant, and survival factor for endothelial cells1 in addition to being characterized as a potent vascular permeability factor.2 Early studies have demonstrated that VEGF can readily stimulate NO production in cultured cells and isolated blood vessels and that NO is essential in mediating the VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and organization into tubes in 3D cultures.3,4 Subsequent in vivo studies have also demonstrated that eNOS knockout mice had significantly attenuated VEGF and ischemia induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability.5,6 These studies place eNOS derived NO as a key mediator of VEGF induced angiogenesis in postnatal mice. Since the discovery of VEGF, or VEGF-A, and subsequent members of the VEGF family (VEGF-B, -C, -D, -E, and placenta growth factor, PlGF), intense research has been performed to elucidate their modes of action. These growth factor ligands bind to 3 receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), namely VEGF receptor-1, -2, and -3 as well as to coreceptors such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans or neuropilins. Like many other RTKs, these receptors are able to form …
Characterization of CSL (CBF-1, Su(H), Lag-1) Mutants Reveals Differences in Signaling Mediated by Notch1 and Notch2

Notch is a conserved signaling pathway that plays essential roles during embryonic development and postnatally in adult tissues; misregulated signaling results in human disease. Notch receptor-ligand interactions trigger cleavage of the Notch receptor and release of its intracellular domain (NICD) from the membrane. NICD localizes to the nucleus where it forms a transcriptionally active complex with the DNA-binding protein CSL and the coactivator Mastermind (MAM) to up-regulate transcription from Notch target genes. Previous studies have determined the structure of the CSL-NICD-MAM ternary complex and characterized mutations that affect complex assembly in functional assays. However, as CSL is expressed in all cell types, these studies have been limited to analyzing mutations in NICD and MAM. Here, we describe a novel set of cellular reagents to characterize how mutations in CSL affect its function as a transcriptional activator. Using retrovirally transduced embryonic fibroblasts from a CSL-null mouse, we generated cell lines that express either wild-type or mutant CSL molecules. We then analyzed these mutants for defects in Notch1- (NICD1) or Notch2 (NICD2)-mediated activation from two different transcriptional reporters (HES-1 or 4×CBS). Our results show that mutations targeted to the different domains of CSL display significant differences in their ability to adversely affect transcription from the two reporters. Additionally, a subset of CSL mutants is sensitive to whether NICD1 or NICD2 was used to activate the reporter. Taken together, these studies provide important molecular insights into how Notch transcription complexes assemble at different target genes and promoter arrangements in vivo.
The computer science minor, a description and a proposal

Along with undergraduate and graduate degree programs in computer science, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of South Carolina (USC) offers a computer science minor. The recommended computer science minor at USC consists of the first four courses of the undergraduate computer science degree program. A survey of the graduates of 1977 from the College of Science and Mathematics at USC shows that there was a surprisingly low number of students completing the computer science minor. Several reasons are given for this, and a proposal is presented for modifications in the computer science minor.The Computer Science Minor at USC
Preliminary report on the efficacy of sequential methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil in advanced breast cancer

Recent in vitro and animal tumor studies suggest that sequential methotrexate (MTX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may be much more tumoricidal than either drug when used alone or in conventional combinations. Seventeen evaluable female patients with advanced carcinoma of the breast were treated with MTX 200 mg/M2 I. V. followed one hour later with 5-FU 600 mg/M2 I. V. Leucovorin 10 mg/M2 was begun orally 24 hours later and continued every six hours for six doses. Thirteen of these patients had not responded to prior drug treatment. Of the 17 patients, 11 responded to therapy, 9 had an objective response of greater than 50% tumor regression, and 2 had a minimal response of less than 50% tumor regression. The greatest number of responses was seen in skin and soft tissue. Disease-free interval, hormonal status, and prior therapy, with the exception of MTX and 5-FU containing drug regimens, did not appear to affect response rates. Toxicity was minimal and not life threatening. Based on these results it is believed that larger trials with this drug sequence are warranted.
Use of Medical Consultants for Hospitalized Surgical Patients: An Observational Cohort Study

Importance Payments around episodes of inpatient surgery vary widely among hospitals. As payers move toward bundled payments, understanding sources of variation, including use of medical consultants, is important. Objective To describe the use of medical consultations for hospitalized surgical patients, factors associated with use, and practice variation across hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational retrospective cohort study of fee-for-service Medicare patients undergoing colectomy or total hip replacement (THR) between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2010, at US acute care hospitals. Main Outcomes and Measures Number of inpatient medical consultations. Results More than half of patients undergoing colectomy (91 684) or THR (339 319) received at least 1 medical consultation while hospitalized (69% and 63%, respectively). Median consultant visits from a medicine physician were 9 (interquartile range [IQR], 4-19) for colectomy and 3 for THR (IQR, 2-5). The likelihood of having at least 1 medical consultation varied widely among hospitals (interquartile range [IQR], 50%-91% for colectomy and 36%-90% for THR). For colectomy, settings associated with greater use included nonteaching (adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.26]) and for-profit (ARR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01-1.20]). Variation in use of medical consultations was greater for colectomy patients without complications (IQR, 47%-79%) compared with those with complications (IQR, 90%-95%). Results stratified by complications were similar for THR. Conclusions and Relevance The use of medical consultations varied widely across hospitals, particularly for surgical patients without complications. Understanding the value of medical consultations will be important as hospitals prepare for bundled payments and strive to enhance efficiency.
The design and implementation of the exported procedure call

This paper describes the exported procedure call, a mechanism that pushes computation out of the operating system kernel and into user space. It supports a simple, secure model for system extensions. An exported procedure call incurs overhead crossing of the user-kernel boundary, but once in user space, it has greater security and usability and is significantly simpler than an equivalent kernel operation. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of the exported procedure call by discussing two implementations. One is the Modify-on-access (Mona) file system and the other is the Magi device interface. Mona and Magi use the exported procedure call in order to safely execute untrusted or complex system extensions. This paper shows that in situations where raw kernel performance is not paramount, the exported procedure call is desirable. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Visual Simulation Support Environment Based on the DOMINO Conceptual Framework

The purpose of this paper is to present a Visual Simulation Support Environment (VSSE) based on the multifaceD coOnceptual fraMework for vIsual simulatioN mOdeling (DOMINO). The ever-increasing complexity of visual simulation model development is undeniable. There is a need for automated support throughout the entire visual simulation model development life cycle. This support is furnished by the VSSE which is composed of integrated software tools providing computer-aided assistance in the development and execution of a visual simulation model. The VSSE has been jointly developed with the DOMINO. Its architecture consists of three layers: hardware and operating system, kernel VSSE, minimal VSSE, and VSSEs. This paper focuses on the minimal VSSE toolset. Evaluation of the VSSE shows that it adequately satisfies all of its 13 design objectives.
Manganese(II) complex of the ‘tripod’ ligand tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine. Seven-coordinate Mn(II) in the crystal structure

Abstract Mn(II) coordination compounds with tripodal N,N,N-tris-(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine (TMBA) have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The crystal structure of [Mn(TMBA)(NO3)(CH3OH)](NO3)H2O has been determined. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with four formula units in a cell of dimensions a = 11.3825(2), b = 13.4338(2), c = 17.9548(3) A , β = 100.026(1)° ; final R = 0.0299, based on 4745 independent reflections. The structure indicates the complex ion has a heptacoordinate metal center with a coordination polyhedron best described as a capped octahedron. The octahedron is defined by three nitrogen atoms from the benzimidazole moieties (N(1A), N(1C) and N(1B)), the oxygen atom of the methanol O(41), and two oxygen atoms from the coordinating nitrate group O(11) and O(12). The capping ligating atom is the bridging N(1) from the TMBA ligand with a longer MnN distance of 2.551(1) A.
Depth-dependent photoadaption by zooxanthellae of the reef coral Montastrea annularis

Zooxanthellae living in colonies of the Caribbean reef coral Montastrea annularis photoadapt to depth-dependent attenuation of submarine light. Studies carried out at Discovery Bay, Jamaica, show that in shallow-living coral colonies, the zooxanthellae appear photoadapted to function at high light intensities, and do poorly if transplanted to low light intensities; in contrast, zooxanthellae in deeper-living coral colonies can be damaged by high light intensities. The adaptation to decreasing light intensity and changing spectral quality appears to be accomplished by increasing the size of the photosynthetic unit (PSU), as opposed to increasing the number of PSU's per cell. Whole cell absorption increases with depth, partially offsetting the loss of light energy due to depth-dependent attenuation. Calculations of photosynthetically usable radiation, the light an alga is capable of absorbing in its own submarine habitat, suggest that the algae at different depths are optimizing rather than maximizing their ability to harvest submarine light energy.
The effects of pantothenic acid, cysteine and dithiothreitol in intact, reperfused pig hearts

The objective of this study was to augment myocardial tissue levels of amphiphiles using a treatment protocol of pantothenic acid, cysteine and dithiothreitol (DTT) in 24hr fasted pigs and to test their influence on mechanical recovery in reperfusion. Eighteen pig hearts were extracorporeally perfused aerobically, subjected to regionally reversible ischemia in the left anterior descending perfusion system and reperfused. Nine hearts served as a placebo group; nine hearts were treated. All hearts received trace-labeled palmitate to measure fatty acid oxidation and were perfused with an infusion of 20% Intralipid to augment perfusate levels of fatty acids. Fasting alone in the presence of carbon substrates in the coronary perfusate was not sufficient to de-inhibit pantothenic acid kinase such that CoA synthesis was not enhanced. Tissue contents of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in reperfused myocardium were no different than in aerobic heart muscle but free CoA and free and total carnitine were reduced, suggesting a leakage of cytosolic contents across injured sarcolemma. Treatment significantly impaired mechanical recovery during reflow, presumable due to the noxious properties of DTT whose reported effects in heart muscle are wide ranging, difficult to predict in intact hearts and may be harmful.
Urethane foams from animal fats: X. urethane polyols from epoxidized tallow, trimethylolpropane, and propylene oxide1

A convenient three-stage reaction has been devel-oped for the preparation of polyols from epoxidized tallow (ET), trimethylolpropane (TMP), and propyl-ene oxide (PO), without the previously required water washing step. ET is first heated with excess TMP under catalysis by BF3, causing rapid ring open-ing of the oxirane function. In the second stage, KOH catalyzes ester interchange of TMP with the triglyc-eride. Finally, PO is caused to react with free TMP and with other available hydroxylic components, to produce a homogeneous mixture of polyols. The polyols, all liquid at room temperature, were adjusted to equivalent weights of 100 and 120 with added triisopropanolamine and reacted with a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of a blowing agent to give low-density rigid foams. Densities ranged from 1.6 to 1.8 lb/ft3 and compressive strengths from 21 to 30psi.
Fixed combination of amlodipine and atorvastatin in cardiovascular risk management: patient perspectives

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are two of the most commonly co-occurring cardiovascular risk factors which together cause an increase in coronary heart disease-related events that is more than simply additive for anticipated event rates with each condition. Data have shown that even relatively small reductions in both blood pressure and cholesterol levels can lead to large reductions in the risk for cardiovascular events. However, though there are robust data on the beneficial effect of concomitant reduction in these risk factors, the reality is that this is achieved in <10% of patients. There is nonadherence with prescribed therapies with up to 50% of patients stopping their medications of their own volition for a variety of reasons. There is a reasonable evidence base to suggest that simplifying drug regimens and reducing pill burden will enhance patient adherence. The fixed-dose combination containing the antihypertensive agent amlodipine besylate and the statin atorvastatin is the first combination of its kind, which is both efficacious and safe and could potentially improve medication compliance, thereby improving the outcomes in these patients.
Adult family relationships in the context of friendship

Relationships with family and friends have been found to consistently influence adult well-being. This study explored the complex and interactive nature of family and friend relationships by examining whether the longitudinal effects of positive and negative family relationship quality on well-being differ in the context of positive friendships. Adults with a best friend were sampled from the longitudinal Social Relations, Aging, and Health Study (N = 455). Among respondents with a highly positive friend relationship, less negative family relationships were linked to better health and self-esteem. Findings provide insight into the complex ways social relations impact positive outcomes in adulthood.
A coding system to measure elements of shared decision making during psychiatric visits.

Objective:Shared decision making is widely recognized to facilitate effective health care. The purpose of this study was to assess the applicability and usefulness of a scale to measure the presence and extent of shared decision making in clinical decisions in psychiatric practice. Methods:A coding scheme assessing shared decision making in general medical settings was adapted to mental health settings, and a manual for using the scheme was created. Trained raters used the adapted scale to analyze 170 audio-recordings of medication check-up visits with either psychiatrists or nurse practitioners. The scale assessed the level of shared decision making based on the presence of nine specific elements. Interrater reliability was examined, and the frequency with which elements of shared decision making were observed was documented. The association between visit length and extent of shared decision making was also examined. Results:Interrater reliability among three raters on a subset of 20 recordings ranged fr...
Gas Standards Development in Support of NASA’s Sensor Calibration Program Around the Space Shuttle

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) requires accurate gas mixtures containing argon (Ar), helium (He), hydrogen (H2), and oxygen (O2) in a balance of nitrogen (N2) to calibrate mass spectrometer-based sensors used around their manned and unmanned space vehicles. This also includes space shuttle monitoring around the launch area and inside the shuttle cabin. NASA was in need of these gas mixtures to ensure the safety of the shuttle cabin and the launch system. In 1993, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was contracted by NASA to develop a suite of primary standard mixtures (PSMs) containing helium, hydrogen, argon, and oxygen in a balance gas of nitrogen. NIST proceeded to develop a suite of 20 new gravimetric primary PSMs. At the same time NIST contracted Scott Specialty Gases (Plumsteadville, PA) to prepare 18 cylinder gas mixtures which were then sent to NIST. NIST used their newly prepared PSMs to assign concentration values ranging...
Microstructure development and dielectric properties of hydrothermal BaTiO3 thin films

Abstract Polycrystalline BaTiO3 thin films were processed hydrothermally by reacting TiO2 films at 90 °C in alkaline solutions containing Ba2+. Films grown on (100) SrTiO3 suggested that BaTiO3 nucleation occurred at the film-substrate interface as well as the film-solution interface. As-reacted BaTiO3 films grown on Pt-coated glass substrates had a dielectric constant and tanδ of 80 and 0.20 respectively. Current–voltage (I–V) measurements suggested that the leakage mechanism combined aspects of Poole–Frenkel and Schottky-barrier controlled processes, and had an associated metal/ceramic barrier height of 0.46 eV. Annealing the BaTiO3 films at 200–500 °C in air resulted in lower values for dielectric constant, tanδ, and leakage current, and a larger barrier height.
Enantioselective Staudinger Synthesis of β-Lactams Catalyzed by a Planar-Chiral Nucleophile1

The development of efficient methods for the stereoselective generation of beta-lactams is an important goal, due to their biological activity and their utility as synthetic intermediates. The Staudinger reaction, an overall [2 + 2] cycloaddition of a ketene with an imine, provides a nicely convergent route to this family of compounds. Nearly all studies to date of asymmetric variants of the Staudinger reaction have focused on the use of chiral auxiliaries to control the stereochemistry of the beta-lactam. In this report, we establish that a planar-chiral derivative of 4-(pyrrolidino)pyridine serves as a very effective enantioselective catalyst for the Staudinger beta-lactam synthesis, coupling a range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ketenes with an array of imines with very good stereoselection and yield.
Formation of a molten globule intermediate early in the kinetic folding pathway of apomyoglobin

Hydrogen exchange pulse labeling and stopped-flow circular dichroism were used to establish that the structure of the earliest detectable intermediate formed during refolding of apomyoglobin corresponds closely to that of a previously characterized equilibrium molten globule. This compact, cooperatively folded intermediate was formed in less than 5 milliseconds and contained stable, hydrogen-bonded secondary structure localized in the A, G, and H helices and part of the B helix. The remainder of the B helix folded on a much slower time scale, followed by the C and E helices and the CD loop. The data indicate that a molten globule intermediate was formed on the kinetic folding pathway.
Feedback regulation of opposing enzymes generates robust, all-or-none bistable responses

Summary Positive feedback loops and double-negative feedback loops can generate bistability, allowing signaling networks to convert continuously graded inputs into discrete outputs [1–4]. One particularly well-studied bistable system consists of the mitotic regulator CDK1 with its inactivator Wee1 and its activator Cdc25 [5–7]. The system functions as a mitotic trigger, toggling between a stable interphase state, where CDK1 is off, and a stable M-phase state, where CDK1 is on. One striking aspect of the CDK1–Cdc25–Wee1 system is the symmetry of its two feedback loops (Figure 1). CDK1 phosphorylates Cdc25 at multiple sites in the protein's amino-terminal regulatory region, contributing to Cdc25 activation; CDK1 phosphorylates Wee1 at multiple sites in its amino terminus, inactivating the protein. Active Wee1 phosphorylates CDK1 at Tyr15, and thereby inactivates it; active Cdc25 dephosphorylates the same site, reversing the inactivation. In principle either loop alone could generate the bistable response observed in the CDK1–Cdc25–Wee1 system [6–8], yet, throughout evolution, both loops are invariably present. This basic design — reciprocal feedback regulation of opposing enzymes — can be seen in other regulatory switches as well [9,10]. Previous work has shown that when interlinked loops operate on different timescales, it can allow the system to quickly respond and then slowly lock into a noise-resistant state [9]. However, in the case of the CDK1–Cdc25–Wee1 system, the timescales of the two loops are indistinguishable. Here we show that a mirror-image, two-loop system offers an important advantage over a one-loop system even when the timescales of the two loops are identical: the symmetrical set-up makes it substantially easier to generate a bistable response.
Control of DNA replication by protein synthesis at defined times during the S period in Physarum polycephalum.

Abstract The initiation and continuation of DNA replication in the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum was found to be dependent on concomitant protein synthesis. Addition of cycloheximide to the medium during the DNA synthetic period (S) resulted in incomplete replication; moreover, the amount of DNA synthesized increased in discrete steps in response to variation in the time of cycloheximide addition. The data suggest that the genome of Physarum consists of at least ten replicative units, the syntheses of which are controlled by proteins synthesized at defined times during the S period. Density shift experiments indicated that the replicative units were unique and were synthesized in the same temporal sequence in two consecutive S periods. Control of DNA replication by short-lived, newly synthesized proteins could explain the confinement of major nuclear DNA replication to the S period as well as the temporal order of the synthesis of this DNA in Physarum.
Extremely high electron mobilities in modulation-doped GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs heterojunction superlattices

GaAs-AlxGa1−xAs modulation doped multilayer structures with 77 K electron mobilities up to 80 300 cm2V−1s−1 at a carrier concentration of 6×1016 cm−3 have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Such high mobilities should make the performance of GaAs integrated logic circuits at liquid nitrogen temperature comparable to that of superconducting Josephson junctions.
In Situ Polymerization Initiated by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Salts

Nanotube salts serve as initiators for the in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate onto the surface of the nanotubes. The poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are soluble in chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and acetone. Atomic force microscopy images and Raman spectroscopy show that the SWNT bundles were exfoliated during the reduction, leading mostly to individual tubes.
In vivo detection of 13C isotopomer turnover in the human brain by sequential infusion of 13C labeled substrates

Abstract This study demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneously detecting human brain metabolites labeled by two substrates infused in a sequential order. In vivo 13 C spectra of carboxylic/amide carbons were acquired only during the infusion of the second substrate. This approach allowed dynamic detection of 13 C labeling from two substrates with considerably different labeling patterns. [2- 13 C]glucose and [U– 13 C 6 ]glucose were used to generate singlet and doublet signals of the same carboxylic/amide carbon atom, respectively. Because of the large one-bond 13 C– 13 C homonuclear J coupling between a carboxylic/amide carbon and an aliphatic carbon (∼50 Hz), the singlet and doublet signals of the same carboxylic/amide carbon were well distinguished. The results demonstrated that different 13 C isotopomer patterns could be simultaneously and distinctly measured in vivo in a clinical setting at 3 T.
An enhancer in the c-mos locus binds a nuclear factor 1-like protein.

We recently identified a DNA sequence element located in the rat c-mos protooncogene which fulfills operational criteria for enhancers, increasing transcription from a heterologous promoter in fibroblasts over large distances and in an orientation-independent manner. Here we report that three mouse nuclear proteins bind to the enhancer. Several lines of evidence indicate that one is a Nuclear Factor 1 like activity. Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis of the NF-1 binding site destroys binding of the protein, but leaves enhancer activity unaffected. Tumor growth factor-β, which was shown to exert a stimulatory effect on the α2(I) collagen promoter via its NF-1 binding site, has no effect on the activity of the enhancer. Thus, the NF-1 binding site of the c-mos enhancer is not essential for its activity in fibroblasts.
BULK ISOLATION OF LARGE VENTRAL SPINAL NEURONS

—Cell bodies of spinal neurons can be isolated in bulk fractions, using methods developed for neurons from brain. The technique described here includes sieving steps which allow one to purify and concentrate selectively the larger neuronal perikarya (50 μm or more), most of which could be alpha motoneurons. An average of 170,000 large neurons can be obtained from 50 g of trimmed bovine ventral enlargements. Roughly 6% of the total large neurons in the ventral grey matter are recovered, and 85% of the isolated neurons are larger than 50 μm in their smallest dia. Non-neuronal contaminants, mostly capillary fragments, account for 19% of the total particles in the fraction. Each isolated neuron contains an average of 9690 pg protein and 1353 pg RNA and hydrolyses 2·2 pmol of acetylthiocholine/min. Pretreatment of the spinal tissue with collagenase before cell isolation is also evaluated here.
Mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data are not an improvement for species identification in scleractinian corals

There are well-known difficulties in using the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene region for population genetics and DNA barcoding in corals. A recent study of species divergence in the endemic Caribbean genus Agaricia reinforced such knowledge. However, the growing availability of whole mitochondrial genomes may help indicate more promising gene regions for species delineation. I assembled the whole mitochondrial genome for Agaricia fragilis from Illumina single-end 250 bp reads and compared this sequence to that of the congener A. humilis. Although these data suggest that the cytochrome b (CYB) gene region is more promising, comparison of available CYB sequence data from scleractinian and other reef-building corals indicates that multilocus approaches are still probably necessary for phylogenetic and population genetic analysis of recently-diverged coral taxa.
The influence of mono- and divalent cations on the cardiac metabolism of arachidonic acid.

Abstract Our previous study indicated that, in the isolated rabbit heart, perfusion with Ca2+ free Krebs Henseleit buffer (KHB) results in increased conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1α, probably as the result of increased availability of substrate to cuclooxygenase. Since perfusion with Ca2+ free buffer is known to cause alterations in the cardiac content of various mono- and divalent cations, the present study was performed to determine: a) The relationship between the conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and cardiac content of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+; and b) Whether enhanced arachidonic acid conversion to prostaglandins during Caa2+ free perfusion is due to reduced incorporation of this fatty acid into tissue lipids. Perfusion of the rabbit heart with Ca2+ free buffer produced a significant reduction in the tissue content of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. However, the production of 6-keto-PGF1α from exogenous arachidonic acid was linearly correlated with tissue Mg2+. These observations, together with our finding that perfusion with Ca2+ free KHB reduced the incorporation of [3H] arachidonic acid into tissue lipids, suggests that Ca2+ free perfusion may, by reducing the activity of arachidonyl CoA synthetase (a Mg2+ dependent enzyme), decrease the acylation of arachidonic acid into lipids, thus increasing the availability of arachidonic acid to cyclooxygenase.
Fluorescence polarization immunoassay of a high-molecular-weight antigen using a long wavelength-absorbing and laser diode-excitable metal-ligand complex.

Abstract We describe a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPI) based on an osmium metal–ligand complex, Os(bpy)2(dcbpy). The Os complex was selected for its long wavelength absorption, which allows excitation with wavelengths up to 720 nm. At these wavelengths tissue absorbance and autofluorescence are minimal, and excitation can be accomplished with LEDs or laser diodes. The Os complex displays a lifetime of 19 ns and a high initial anisotropy at two excitation wavelengths, 505 and 690 nm. A reactive NHS-ester of Os- (bpy)2(dcbpy) was synthesized containing a NHS ester, and used to label the human serum albumin (HSA) or anti-HSA. The FPIs of HSA were performed with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies using excitation at 505 or 685 nm. The results showed the potential of the Os–ligand complex to be used as a long excitation wavelength FPI probe for potential use in homogeneous immunoassays with simple excitation sources.
Decompressive hemicraniectomy in pediatric patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: case series and review of the literature.

Objective Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (mMCAI) is a life-threatening condition in pediatric patients. Despite strong evidence showing decreased morbidity and mortality in adult mMCAI patients with decompressive hemicraniectomy (DCH), there is a paucity of data on the use of DCH in children with similar conditions. Here we report experience from our center and perform a systematic review of published literature on outcomes after use of DCH in pediatric mMCAI patients. Methods By retrospective chart review, we identified 3 children with large ischemic stroke who underwent DCH for life-threatening cerebral edema. Information was obtained about patient characteristics on admission, radiological features of the stroke, surgical procedures, complications of the DCH and cranioplasty, and functional outcomes during follow-up visits. We also reviewed the current literature on DCH in pediatric stroke. Results DCH was performed in all 3 cases after development of pupillary dilatation. All 3 children survived and were ambulatory at the time of follow-up. Review of literature identified 12 other published case series describing 26 cases of DCH in pediatric patients with ischemic stroke. Descriptive statistical analysis of these cases is presented. Published reports suggest that a good outcome is possible even in the presence of signs of herniation, low preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score, involvement of multiple vascular territories, or longer time to surgery in pediatric ischemic stroke patients. Conclusions The current data suggest a role for DCH in the management of cerebral edema in pediatric patients with mMCAI. Factors that help in prognostication for adult stroke patients undergoing DCH do not appear to convey similar information about the pediatric population. This highlights the urgent need for collaboration across institutes to further investigate this potentially life-saving procedure in pediatric stroke.
Comparison of a Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay with Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay for Serodiagnosis of Swine Influenza Virus (H1N1) Infection:

A commercial indirect swine influenza virus (SIV) H1N1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay by testing 72 samples from experi- mentally infected pigs and 780 field samples of undefined SIV status. The HI assay was performed using SIV isolates A/Swine/IA/73 for H1N1 and A/Swine/IA/8548-1/98 for H3N2. The ELISA used an SIV isolated in 1988. The results showed that HI and ELISA detected an antibody in 11 and 6, respectively, of 72 serum samples collected from pigs experimentally infected with a 1992 SIV isolate (A/Swine/IA/40776/92). The presence of antibodies in these experimental samples was confirmed by HI tests in which all 72 samples were positive against the homologous virus, a more recent H1N1 SIV isolate (A/Swine/NVSL/01) supplied by Na- tional Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa, and a 1999 H1N1 isolate currently used in a commercial vaccine. On testing 780 field samples, an overall agreement of 85.5% was generated between the HI and ELISA. This study demonstrated that the ELISA is a useful serodiagnostic screening test at herd level for detecting swine antibodies against SIV. However, a new SIV isolate representing current SIV strains circulating in the field is needed to replace the older isolates used in the HI and ELISA to increase the test accuracy for sero- diagnosis of SIV.
Volumetric PIV and 2D OH PLIF imaging in the far-field of a low Reynolds number nonpremixed jet flame

Cinematographic stereoscopic PIV with temporal and spatial resolution ranging from 2.6 to 5.5 Kolmogorov scales, which is sufficient to accurately represent most of the dissipation structures, is used in conjunction with Taylor’s frozen flow hypothesis to generate quasi-instantaneous pseudo-volumes of the three-component velocity field in the far-field of a nonpremixed jet flame at the jet exit Reynolds number (Red) of 8000. The 3D data enable the computation of the nine components of the velocity gradient tensor and other important kinematic quantities. The volumetric PIV is combined with single-shot simultaneous OH PLIF imaging to mark the instantaneous reaction zone at one plane in the reconstructed volume. The combined datasets enable the investigation of the relationship between the reaction zone and the fully-3D representations of strain, vorticity, kinetic energy dissipation and dilatation, and of the impact of heat release on the structure of turbulence. In this Red = 8000 flame, it is observed that sheet-like layers of vorticity and dissipation tend to coincide and are aligned with the OH layers, an effect that is believed to be due to the stabilizing effect of heat release on this relatively low Reynolds number jet flame. Furthermore, the spatial organization of the strain field is predominantly driven by the presence of the flame rather than turbulence. Finally, intense dissipation is mostly due to the laminar shear caused by the presence of the flame rather than to the strain generated by vortical structures as typically observed in nonreacting jets.
What we value: A Delphi study to identify key values that guide ethical decision-making in public relations

Abstract This study recommends that the Public Relations Society of America expand its professional values list to include respect and trustworthiness. This addition also shows the value this study's public relations participants place on mutually beneficial relationships with their clients/employers, customers, communities, and society as a whole. The findings contribute to the growing attention to and value of relationship management theory for effective public relations.
Type of activity: resistance, aerobic and leisure versus occupational physical activity.

HOWLEY, E. T. Type of activity: resistance, aerobic and leisure versus occupational physical activity. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 6, Suppl., 2001, pp. S364 ‐S369. Purpose: To define and describe the essential terminology associated with dose-response issues in physical activity and health. Methods: Recent consensus documents, position stands, and reports were used to provide reference definitions and methods of classifying physical activity and exercise. Results: The two principal categories of physical activity are occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). OPA is usually referenced to an 8-h d, whereas the duration of LTPA is quite variable. LTPA includes all forms of aerobic activities, structured endurance exercise programs, resistance-training programs, and sports. Energy expenditure associated with aerobic activity can be expressed in absolute terms (kJ·min -1 ), referenced to body mass (METs), or relative to some maximal physiological response (i.e., maximal heart rate (HR) or
Distributed filtering without knowledge of noise distribution

An algorithm of distributed filtering using set models with confidence values is derived. No knowledge of the noise distribution is needed. The only information required is the set with confidence values from which the modeling and measurement errors and the initial values are obtained. Therefore, the algorithm has great potential for real-world applications. >
Dual factor delivery of CXCL12 and Exendin-4 for improved survival and function of encapsulated beta cells under hypoxic conditions.

A bioartifical pancreas (BAP) remains a promising approach for treating insulin-dependent diabetes. Several obstacles to the clinical implementation of a BAP remain, including hypoxia following implantation. Within native pancreatic islets, CXCL12 and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) act in a paracrine fashion to promote the survival, function, and proliferation of β-cells. This work sought to investigate if the presentation of CXCL12 and delivery of a GLP-1 receptor analog, Exendin-4 (Ex-4), alone and in combination, conferred pro-survival and insulinotropic effects on an encapsulated β-cell line, βTC-tet, cultured under hypoxic conditions of 7.6 mmHg O2. Our findings indicate that presentation of CXCL12 in the encapsulation matrix completely abrogated apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Delivery of Ex-4 increased insulin secretion rate under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and additionally reduced apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, presentation of CXCL12 combined with Ex-4 delivery significantly increased insulin secretion rate under hypoxic conditions compared to delivery of Ex-4 alone. These findings demonstrate that the presentation of CXCL12 combined with the delivery of Ex-4 may constitute a promising strategy for supporting β-cell function and survival following transplantation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2292–2300. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cover Picture: The Chemistry of Escapin: Identification and Quantification of the Components in the Complex Mixture Generated by an L-Amino Acid Oxidase in the Defensive Secretion of the Sea Snail Aplysia californica (Chem. Eur. J. 7/2009)

Defensive chemicals such as the ink secretion of this marine gastropod mollusk—the sea hares Aplysia californica—are released following attacks from predators for protection. One might expect these secretions to be complex mixtures of products, given that they must work against a diversity of predators. In their Full Paper on page 1597 ff., C. D. Derby et al. describe some of the chemical complexity of the ink of sea hares attributable to the enzyme “escapin”. Escapin is an L-amino acid oxidase that oxidatively deaminates its major substrate, L-lysine, to produce an equilibrium mixture of the molecules shown in this image. Photograph from Genny Anderson (Santa Barbara City College). No Abstract
Cloning, Golgi localization, and enzyme activity of the full-length heparin/heparan sulfate-glucuronic acid C5-epimerase.

Abstract While studying the cellular localization and activity of enzymes involved in heparan sulfate biosynthesis, we discovered that the published sequence for the glucuronic acid C5-epimerase responsible for the interconversion ofd-glucuronic acid and l-iduronic acid residues encodes a truncated protein. Genome analysis and 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to clone the full-length cDNA from a mouse mastocytoma cell line. The extended cDNA encodes for an additional 174 amino acids at the amino terminus of the protein. The murine sequence is 95% identical to the human epimerase identified from genomic sequences and fits with the general size and structure of the gene from Drosophila melanogasterand Caenorhabditis elegans. Full-length epimerase is predicted to have a type II transmembrane topology with a 17-amino acid transmembrane domain and an 11-amino acid cytoplasmic tail. An assay with increased sensitivity was devised that detects enzyme activity in extracts prepared from cultured cells and in recombinant proteins. Unlike other enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, the addition of a c-myctag or green fluorescent protein to the highly conserved COOH-terminal portion of the protein inhibits its activity. The amino-terminally truncated epimerase does not localize to any cellular compartment, whereas the full-length enzyme is in the Golgi, where heparan sulfate synthesis is thought to occur.