cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voltage-Dependent Conformational Changes of the Voltage Sensor of KVAP Measured with LRET

The opening and closing of voltage-dependent ions channels depend upon conformational changes initiated in the voltage-sensors. The nature and extent of this rearrangement has been widely investigated in K+ channels, using various techniques, but so far, there is no agreement on this fundamental mechanism in K+-channel gating.We investigated the voltage-sensor operation using a LRET technique employing Tb3+ ions bound to several Lanthanide-Binding-Tags (LBT) genetically encoded at the top of the S3 and S4 segments of the KvAP channel. A fluorescently-labeled pore-blocking toxin, the Agitoxin-2, was conveniently used as an acceptor placed at a non-mobile position near the pore-axis. Three mutations, S179G, K181D and P176E, were systematically introduced in the pore region to increase toxin binding. Various fluorophores were covalently attached to cysteines individually inserted at positions N5, Q13 and D20 of the agitoxin. After purification, mutant channels were reconstituted into proteoliposomes and submitted to a Nernst-clamp procedure combining the use of valinomycin and a K+ chelator. This method allowed us to stably clamp the liposomal electrical potential at negative and positive potentials. Thus, this allowed us to stabilize the voltage-sensor in its closed state and in its open-inactivated state during the data acquisition period. Channels were then blocked with the fluorescent toxins and LRET measurements were recorded. Sensitized emissions of the acceptors were fitted with a square-base pyramidal multi-exponential model (Posson and Selvin, 2008) allowing the extraction of the four distances separating the position of the acceptor near the pore and the position of the donors located further away in the four subunits. The voltage-dependent coordinates of the LBTs indicate a rotational movement of the top of S4, with little participation of the top of the S3 segment.Support: FWF and AHA0725763Z, NIHGM068044 and GM30376.
Comparison of Sutures Used for Wound Closure in Sturgeon following a Gonad Biopsy

Abstract Suture materials play an important role in sturgeon husbandry of domestic stocks and in management of wild stocks. Sturgeons have no apparent external sex characteristics; therefore, males and females are usually identified by direct examination of their gonads through an abdominal incision. The suture material provides tissue support for healing of the wound. Many types of suture materials are available for wound repair. Using Gulf of Mexico sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus de sotoi, we evaluated the absorbable Vicryl, PDS II, and Panacryl materials and the nonabsorbable Ethibond sutures to close abdominal skin incisions after gonad tissue biopsies. Both the absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures effectively sew the skin after the gonad biopsy. All sturgeons survived the surgery and incisions healed after 30 d of the intervention. Vicryl appears to be the most appropriate suture material for closure of sturgeon gonad biopsy wounds because it did not require removal and reduced prolonged skin irritati...
Minority Carrier Transport and Their Lifetime in InGaAs/GaAsP Multiple Quantum Well Structures

Minority carrier transport across InGaAs/GaAsP multiple quantum wells is studied by measuring the response of p-i-n and n-i-p GaAs solar cell structures. It is observed that the spectral response depends critically upon the width of the GaAsP barriers and the device polarity. Electron tunneling is not as efficient as hole tunneling due to a higher conduction band barrier. The spectral response depends on the relative magnitude of the carrier lifetime as compared with the tunneling lifetime. This paper deduces an estimated electron lifetime of 110 ns in In0.14Ga0.86As wells and 25 ns in In0.17Ga0.83As wells, which agree with published results.
Rapid and Micro High-pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Chloramphenicol in Plasma

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method was developed for chloramphenicol in plasma. Plasma samples were deproteinized with 2.5 volumes of acetonitrile, and the supernates were chromatographed on a reversed-phase column, using acidified ethanol-water as the mobile phase and UV spectrophotometry for detection. The sensitivity for accurate quantitation of chloramphenicol was about 2.5 microgram/ml in plasma, and concentrations as low as 0.5 microgram/ml could be detected. Only about 8 min is needed for each sample. This method is specific, rapid, and sufficiently sensitive and may be useful for clinical monitoring.
Involvement of phospholipid, biomembrane integrity, and NO peroxidase activity in the NO catabolism by cytochrome c oxidase.

Abstract The physiological regulation of mitochondrial respiration by NO has been reported to result from the reversible binding of NO to the two-electron reduced binuclear center ( Fe a 3 2 + – Cu B 1 + ) of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). Although the role of CcO and its derived catalytic intermediates in the catabolism of NO has been documented, little has been established for the enzyme in its fully oxidized state ( Fe a 3 3 + – Cu B 2 + ) . We report: (1) CcO, in its fully oxidized state, represents the major component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain for NO consumption as controlled by the binding of NO to its binuclear center. Phospholipid enhances NO consumption by fully oxidized CcO, whereas the consumption of NO is slowed down by membrane structure and membrane potential when CcO is embedded in the phospholipid bilayer. (2) In the presence of H2O2, CcO was shown to serve as a mitochondria-derived NO peroxidase. A CcO-derived protein radical intermediate was induced and involved in the modulation of NO catabolism.
HfCo2 Laves phase intermetallics—part I: solubility limits and defect mechanisms

Abstract Solubility limits and constitutional defects in Laves phase intermetallics are investigated with the C15 HfCo2 system. Several binary alloy compositions based on HfCo2 are characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and density measurements. Rietveld refinements of XRD scans are used to determine lattice constants, anisotropic strain parameters, and atomic occupancies. Compositional trends are compared against predicted or calculated trends due to an anti-site substitution or vacancy defect mechanism. Geometric models and atomic size factors are used to establish solubility limits and to give insight into defect mechanisms. Results from various, complementary experiments are consistent with anti-site substitutions on both sides of HfCo2 stoichiometry.
Antenna pulsewidth distortion paradox explained

A paradox of why there can be no pulsewidth distortion for an antenna array which is receiving or transmitting a wide-bandwidth chirp waveform is presented and explained. When a very narrow pulse is received at an off-boresite angle by an antenna array using phase steering, the pulse becomes distorted, that is, dispersed. The pulsewidth spreading is equal to the difference in the times of arrival of the pulse at the opposite ends of the antenna. However, if a wideband chirp waveform instead is incident on the antenna, no dispersion can be made to occur if the antenna is resteered toward the signal source during the time the chirp waveform is being received. The steering prevents frequency scanning of the antenna beam because of the changing carrier frequency of the linear FM chirp waveform. This represents a paradox because the dispersion still exists over the antenna. The author explains why the chirp signal is received undistorted at the output of the antenna in spite of the dispersion. >
Enzymatic preparation of the (+),L-diastereoisomer of [methenyl-14C]-N5,N-10-methenyltetrahydrofolic acid

Abstract [Methyl-14C]-N5,N10-Methenyltetrahydrofolic acid has been prepared by the enzymatic reaction of formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase with formate and (+,−), L -tetrahydrofolate, then purified by means of column chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column. The enzymatically synthesized material is twice as active as the chemically prepared (+,−), L -N 5 ,N 10 - methenylatetrahydrofolic acid when assayed with the N5,N10-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase from chicken liver. The chromatographic behavior of the enzymatically and chemically synthesized N5,N10-methenyltetrahydrofolic acid is identical. The specific rotations of these compounds were determined.
Awakening Resilience: Recovery Within Intimate Female Friendships

A multi-ethnic female creates her own definition of self with the help of strong female role models—women of strength. The author uses a storytelling method, characteristic Native American way of relating, as a vehicle for her narration. It is a story of transitions with challenges in relationships and new beginnings that define the woman as well as the therapist.
Likelihood estimation after nonparametric transformation

We propose a two-step likelihood estimation procedure for the coefficients in a semiparametric transformation model. A simple nonparametric estimator for the unknown transformation is substituted into the likelihood. The resulting maximiser is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. Numerical studies indicate that the estimator may be as precise as an efficient semiparametric procedure.
Impact of Spina Bifida on Parental Caregivers: Findings from a Survey of Arkansas Families.

The well-being of caregivers of children with spina bifida and other conditions is an important topic. We interviewed the primary caregivers of 98 children aged 0–17 years with spina bifida sampled from a population-based birth defects registry in Arkansas and the caregivers of 49 unaffected children. Measures of caregiver well-being were compared between the groups and by level of lesion (sacral, lower lumbar, and upper lumbar/thoracic). We performed linear and logistic regression analysis to test the associations controlling for other characteristics. Among caregivers of children with spina bifida, the average number of hours of sleep was significantly less than reported by other caregivers and was associated with lesion level among children less than 7 years of age. Significant associations, often varying by child age, were also found for the caregiver’s reports of lower Quality of Well-Being (QWB) score, often feeling blue, rarely feeling happy, fair or poor health, lack of leisure days, and not hosting friends, but no significant association was found with not visiting friends. The intensive long-term care required by children with spina bifida, particularly by those with higher lesions, can negatively impact caregiver health and well-being. Support for these caregivers is needed.
A primal simplex algorithm to solve a rectilinear distance facility location problem

This paper considers the problem of locating m new facilities in the plane so as to minimize a weighted rectangular distance between the new facilities and n existing facilities. A special purpose primal simplex algorithm is developed to solve this problem. The algorithm will maintain at all times a basis of dimension m by m; however, because of the triangularity of the basis matrix, it will not be necessary to form a basis inverse explicitly.
Genetic variation and joint segregation of biochemical loci in the common meadow mushroom, Agaricus campestris

In this paper we report the results of an electrophoretic examination of genetic variation in the common meadow mushroom, Agaricus campestris. An examination of variability at 10 biochemical loci in a single natural population revealed an average heterozygosity of 0.281. Mendelian segregation was verified for 13 loci in single-spore-derived lines from individual sporophores. One linkage was found (Gpt-2 with Pep-GL-1, r = 0.065) among 47 pairwise examinations for joint segregation.
Anatomy of the Thoracic Duct

The thoracic duct is a major anatomic structure of the upper part of the abdomen, chest, and the lower part of the neck. This article reviews the embryology, anatomy, and multiple variations of the thoracic duct. Proper knowledge of this anatomy should ease understanding the pathophysiology of diseases involving the lymph channels and also prevent injury to the duct during major procedures in which the duct or its tributaries can be involved.
ROLE OF TRANSCRIPTION-COUPLED DNA REPAIR IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS

Susceptibility to environmental carcinogenesis is the consequence of a complex interplay between intrinsic hereditary factors and actual exposures to potential carcinogenic agents. We must learn the nature of these interactions as well as the genetic defects that confer enhanced risk. In some genetic diseases an increased cancer risk correlates with a defect in the repair or replications of damaged DNA. Examples include xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconi's anemia, and Bloom's syndrome. In Cockayne's syndrome the Specific defect in transcription-coupled repair (TCR) does not predispose the patients to the sunlight-induced skin cancer characteristic of XP. The demonstration of TCR in the XP129 partial revertant of XP-A cells indicates that ultraviolet (UV) resistance correlates with repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in active genes. Repair measured as an average over the genome can be misleading, and it is necessary to consider genomic locations of DNA damage and repair for a meaningful assessment of the biological importance of particular DNA lesions. Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are found in many human tumors. TCR accounts for the resulting mutational spectra in the p53 gene in certain tumors. Li-Fraumeni syndrome fibroblasts expressing only mutant p53 are more UV-resistant and exhibit less UV-induced apoptosis than normal human cells or heterozygotes for mutations in only one allele of p53. The p53-defective cells are deficient in global excision repair capacity but have retained TCR. The loss of p53 function may lead to greater genomic instability by reducing the efficiency of global DNA repair while cellular resistance may be assured through the operation of TCR and the elimination of apoptosis.
Estimation via corrected scores in general semiparametric regression models with error-prone covariates

This paper considers the problem of estimation in a general semiparametric regression model when error-prone covariates are modeled parametrically while covariates measured without error are modeled nonparametrically. To account for the effects of measurement error, we apply a correction to a criterion function. The specific form of the correction proposed allows Monte Carlo simulations in problems for which the direct calculation of a corrected criterion is difficult. Therefore, in contrast to methods that require solving integral equations of possibly multiple dimensions, as in the case of multiple error-prone covariates, we propose methodology which offers a simple implementation. The resulting methods are functional, they make no assumptions about the distribution of the mismeasured covariates. We utilize profile kernel and backfitting estimation methods and derive the asymptotic distribution of the resulting estimators. Through numerical studies we demonstrate the applicability of proposed methods to Poisson, logistic and multivariate Gaussian partially linear models. We show that the performance of our methods is similar to a computationally demanding alternative. Finally, we demonstrate the practical value of our methods when applied to Nevada Test Site (NTS) Thyroid Disease Study data.
Later toilet training is associated with urge incontinence in children

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010; 194: W316-22.Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between the apparent diffusion coef-ficient (ADC) value on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Gleason score of prostate cancer and percentage of tumor involvement on prostate core biopsy. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 57 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who underwent endorectal MRI with DWI between July 2007 and March 2008. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on ADC maps at sites of visible tumor on DW images and ADC maps. A hierarchic mixed linear model was used to compare the ADC value of prostate cancer with the Gleason score and the percentage of tumor on core biopsy. Results: Eighty-one sites of biopsy-proven prostate cancer were visible on DW images and ADC maps. The least-squares mean ADC for disease with a Gleason score of 6 was 0.860 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (standard error of the mean [SEM], 0.036); Gleason score of 7, 0.702 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (SEM, 0.030); Gleason score of 8, 0.672 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (SEM, 0.057); and Gleason score of 9, 0.686 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (SEM, 0.067). Differ-ences between the mean ADC values for a prostate tumor with a Gleason score of 6 and one with a Gleason score of 7 (p = 0.0096) and for a prostate tumor with a Gleason score of 6 and one with a Gleason score of 8 (p = 0.0460) were significant. Comparison between the ADC and percentage of tumor on core biopsy showed a mean ADC decrease of 0.006 (range, 0.004-0.008 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) for every 1% increase in tumor in the core biopsy specimen. Conclusion: DWI may help differentiate between low-risk (Gleason score, 6) and intermediate-risk (Gleason score, 7) prostate cancer and between low-risk (Gleason score, 6) and high-risk (Gleason score > 7) prostate cancer. There is an inverse relationship between the ADC and the percentage of tumor involvement on prostate core biopsies.
Expeditionary Campaign Infrastructure modelling

The UK's Armed Forces can be deployed to almost any part of the world and are often operating in some of the world's most inhospitable conditions where they can also be under threat from hostile actions. When deployed to these areas the troops cannot rely upon host nation support and therefore have to come with everything they may need in order to carry out operations from that location. A secure base for the forces to operate from needs to be established and the base can comprise everything one would expect to find in a small town (Accommodation, Hospitals, Technical Workshops and other Working environments), the equipment required to provide these capabilities is known as Expeditionary Campaign Infrastructure (ECI). Defence Technology and Innovation Centre (DTIC) commissioned a study to identify the common requirements across all areas of ECI and to identify where future technologies may be able to help with the operation of such camps. Identified commonalities may lead to advantages of flexibility and scale, however, others areas of interest include the provision of power, water and the use of both of these valuable assets. This study looked at the possibility of the use of renewable energies (e.g. Solar), more efficient means of providing life sustaining requirements (such as maintaining comfortable working conditions and provision of hot water), the recycling of waste water and using solid waste to generate energy.
Analytical framework for the multi-item, economic order quantity model with permissible delay in payments and a budget constraint. A note

In a previous work (Chandrashekar, A., and Gopalakrishnan, M., Purchase cards and inventory control—an analytical framework. Prod. Plan. & Cont., 2005, 16(5), 437–443) we developed a framework for comparing the use of ‘purchase cards’ (P-cards) to order merchandise directly from a supplier versus obtaining direct credit from the supplier. We illustrated for the single-item case, that there exists a critical ordering cost such that the P-card can be used if and only if the actual cost of ordering using P-card is less than this critical value. In this paper we extend this framework for determining the optimal replenishment quantity for multi-item ordering under the conditions of permissible delay in payment, a budget constraint, and permissible partial payment at a penalty. The analysis indicates that it is more economical for the purchaser to make entire payments even when the interest earned is greater than the interest charged. This note reflects reality more accurately.
Recent advances in dendrimer-based nanovectors for tumor-targeted drug and gene delivery

Advances in the application of nanotechnology in medicine have given rise to multifunctional smart nanocarriers that can be engineered with tunable physicochemical characteristics to deliver one or more therapeutic agent(s) safely and selectively to cancer cells, including intracellular organelle-specific targeting. Dendrimers having properties resembling biomolecules, with well-defined 3D nanopolymeric architectures, are emerging as a highly attractive class of drug and gene delivery vector. The presence of numerous peripheral functional groups on hyperbranched dendrimers affords efficient conjugation of targeting ligands and biomarkers that can recognize and bind to receptors overexpressed on cancer cells for tumor-cell-specific delivery. The present review compiles the recent advances in dendrimer-mediated drug and gene delivery to tumors by passive and active targeting principles with illustrative examples.
Balabanian bears thoughtful rereading today

Balabanian suggests that an "ideology of technology" has emerged, one that assumes a value-neutrality for technology while ignoring political power and economic interests, one that blames "man" when things go wrong. The author thinks Balabanian is correct to argue that there are many different "we's" in society who bear responsibility for technological choice and that as such we should distinguish levels of responsibility that may range from corporate production decisions to individual and collective consumer choices. Balabanian is also correct to suggest that technology is not neutral, that it is inherently value-laden. That is, there is inherent in the decision to design an artifact in a certain way a specific set of human needs, desires, and values. This is inescapable and has little to do with "proper/improper" use of the product or process, even though the latter may well happen, and more often than we might wish or recognize. Thus, technology is neither autonomous, nor is it neutral
Experimental and computational characterization of designed and fabricated 50:50 PLGA porous scaffolds for human trabecular bone applications

The present study utilizes image-based computational methods and indirect solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technique to design and fabricate porous scaffolds, and then computationally estimates their elastic modulus and yield stress with experimental validation. 50:50 Poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) (50:50 PLGA) porous scaffolds were designed using an image-based design technique, fabricated using indirect SFF technique, and characterized using micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) and mechanical testing. μ-CT data was further used to non-destructively predict the scaffold elastic moduli and yield stress using a voxel-based finite element (FE) method, a technique that could find application in eventual scaffold quality control. μ-CT data analysis confirmed that the fabricated scaffolds had controlled pore sizes, orthogonally interconnected pores and porosities which were identical to those of the designed files. Mechanical tests revealed that the compressive modulus and yield stresses were in the range of human trabecular bone. The results of FE analysis showed potential stress concentrations inside of the fabricated scaffold due to fabrication defects. Furthermore, the predicted moduli and yield stresses of the FE analysis showed strong correlations with those of the experiments. In the present study, we successfully fabricated scaffolds with designed architectures as well as predicted their mechanical properties in a nondestructive manner.
Atomic resolution structures of rieske iron-sulfur protein: role of hydrogen bonds in tuning the redox potential of iron-sulfur clusters.

Summary The Rieske [2Fe-2S] iron-sulfur protein of cytochrome bc 1 functions as the initial electron acceptor in the rate-limiting step of the catalytic reaction. Prior studies have established roles for a number of conserved residues that hydrogen bond to ligands of the [2Fe-2S] cluster. We have constructed site-specific variants at two of these residues, measured their thermodynamic and functional properties, and determined atomic resolution X-ray crystal structures for the native protein at 1.2 A resolution and for five variants (Ser-154→Ala, Ser-154→Thr, Ser-154→Cys, Tyr-156→Phe, and Tyr-156→Trp) to resolutions between 1.5 A and 1.1 A. These structures and complementary biophysical data provide a molecular framework for understanding the role hydrogen bonds to the cluster play in tuning thermodynamic properties, and hence the rate of this bioenergetic reaction. These studies provide a detailed structure-function dissection of the role of hydrogen bonds in tuning the redox potentials of [2Fe-2S] clusters.
Objects, XML and databases

Abstract The 16th Annual ACM Conference on Object-Oriented Programming Systems, Languages, and Applications (OOPSLA) was held in Tampa Bay, Florida in October 2001. This special issue of Information and Software Technology includes selected papers from the Workshop on Objects, XML and databases that was held at the conference on Sunday and Monday, 14 and 15 October.
Charter schools: learning from the past, planning for the future

Charter schools have garnered strong support over the past decade, however, opponents question this choice option on many grounds, including their effectiveness, accountability, equity, and sustainability. This paper addresses these concerns by synthesizing what we know from the literature on charter schools, exposing areas where evidence is lacking, conflicting or ambiguous, and assessing the overall maturation of charter school reform. To help answer the question of sustainability, we draw in part on findings from our in-progress, long-term case study of a conversion charter school. This ethnographic data reveals the existence of serious challenges for researchers and policymakers, but also provides useful guidance for the future direction of the charter school movement.
Biosynthetic enzymes regulating ratios of sex pheromone components in female redbanded leafroller moths

Abstract Changes in key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of sex pheromone components can produce differences in component ratios and structures. The sex pheromone communication system is critical to reproduction and the maintenance of a species and so changes in this system can play a major role in the speciation process. Artificial selection of female redbanded leafroller moths that produced either higher or lower ratios of 14- 12 - carbon pheromone components was used to study how the biosynthetic pathways were affected in the high and low populations. The results showed that the chain shortening enzymes were selective for the (E) isomer and so left the 14-carbon acyl intermediates enriched in the (Z) isomer. Thus, the high population, which has a higher amount of 12-carbon components, also has a lower ratio of E11- Z11–14 : OAc pheromone components. The data also suggested that chain shortening occurred prior to reduction and acetylation of the 14-carbon components. These changes are not sufficient to isolate the redbanded leafroller populations, but we discuss some cases where significant changes in pheromone component ratios are affected by the chain-shortening enzymes.
Interaction Kinetics of Reversible Inhibitors and Substrates with Acetylcholinesterase and Its Fasciculin 2 Complex

Fasciculin 2 (Fas2), a three-fingered peptide of 61 amino acids, binds tightly to the peripheral site of acetylcholinesterases (AChE; EC ), occluding the entry portal into the active center gorge of the enzyme and inhibiting its catalytic activity. We investigated the mechanism of Fas2 inhibition by studying hydrolysis of cationic and neutral substrates and by determining the kinetics of interaction for fast equilibrating cationic and neutral reversible inhibitors with the AChE.Fas2 complex and free AChE. Catalytic parameters, derived by eliminating residual Fas2-resistant activity, reveal that Fas2 reduces k(cat)/K(m) up to 10(6)-fold for cationic substrates and less than 10(3)-fold for neutral substrates. Rate constants for association of reversible inhibitors with the active center of the AChE.Fas2 complex were reduced about 10(4)-fold for both cationic and neutral inhibitors, while dissociation rate constants were reduced 10(2)-to 10(3)-fold, compared with AChE alone. Rates of ligand association with both AChE and AChE.Fas2 complex were dependent on the protonation state of ionizable ligands but were also markedly reduced by protonation of enzyme residue(s) with pK(a) of 6.1-6.2. Linear free energy relationships between the equilibrium constant and the kinetic constants show that Fas2, presumably through an allosteric influence, markedly alters the position of the transition state in the reaction pathway. Since Fas2 complexation introduces an energetic barrier for hydrolysis of substrates that exceeds that found for association of reversible ligands, Fas2 influences catalytic parameters by a more complex mechanism than simple restriction of diffusional entry and exit from the active center. Conformational flexibility appears critical for facilitating ligand passage in the narrow active center gorge for both AChE and the AChE.Fas2 complex.
THE ION EXCHANGE SELECTIVITY BEHAVIOR OF ZIRCONIUM SULPHOPHOSPHONATES TOWARDS ALKALI AND ALKALINE EARTH CATIONS

ABSTRACT A new family of ion exchangers having a layered structure and a general composition of Zr(O3PC6H4SO3 3HPO4x has been prepared. The ion exchange behavior of two members of the family (with x - 0.43 and 0.767) towards alkali and alkaline earth cations was determined. The sulfonic acid groups provide strong acid cation exchange sites while the phosphate protons exhibit moderate to weak acidity. Separation factors for the two layered exchangers were much higher than those for a conventional polystyrene sulfonic acid and even for zirconium phosphate.
Removal of Copper (II) and Nickel (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by a Composite Chitosan Biosorbent

Abstract A composite chitosan biosorbent (CCB) was prepared by coating chitosan on to ceramic alumina. The adsorption characteristics of the sorbent for copper and nickel ions were studied under batch equilibrium and dynamic flow conditions at pH 4.0. The equilibrium adsorption data were correlated with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich‐Peterson models. The ultimate monolayer capacities, obtained from Langmuir isotherm, were 86.2 and 78.1 mg/g of chitosan for Cu(II) and Ni(II), respectively. In addition, dynamic column adsorption studies were conducted to obtain breakthrough curves. After the column was saturated with metal ions, it was regenerated with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. The regenerated column was used for a second adsorption cycle.
Inverting for emissions of carbon monoxide from Asia using aircraft observations over the western Pacific

emission estimates of carbon monoxide (CO) from Asia. A priori emissions and their errors are from a customized bottom-up Asian emission inventory for the TRACE-P period. The global three-dimensional GEOS-CHEM chemical transport model (CTM) is used as the forward model. The CTM transport error (20–30% of the CO concentration) is quantified from statistics of the difference between the aircraft observations of CO and the forward model results with a priori emissions, after removing the mean bias which is attributed to errors in the a priori emissions. Additional contributions to the error budget in the inverse analysis include the representation error (typically 5% of the CO concentration) and the measurement accuracy (’2% of the CO concentration). We find that the inverse model can usefully constrain five sources: Chinese fuel consumption, Chinese biomass burning, total emissions from Korea and Japan, total emissions from Southeast Asia, and the ensemble of all other sources. The inversion indicates a 54% increase in anthropogenic emissions from China (to 168 Tg CO yr � 1 ) relative to the a priori; this value is still much lower than had been derived in previous inversions using the CMDL network of surface observations. A posteriori emissions of biomass burning in Southeast Asia and China are much lower than a priori estimates. INDEX TERMS: 0322 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Constituent sources and sinks; 0345 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Pollution—urban and regional (0305); 0365 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Troposphere—composition and chemistry; 0368 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Troposphere—constituent transport and chemistry; KEYWORDS: inverse, Asian emissions, carbon monoxide
Work and family: Understanding men's role evaluations

Analysis of data provided by a random sample (N=92) of married police officers was used to evaluate the effects of time constraints, job stress, family strengths, family structure, and social networks on men's role evaluations. These men had generally positive evaluations of their income provider, husband, father, and home care roles. Multivariate analysis showed complex relationships between work, family, and network conditions and men's evaluations of their roles. Commuting time, job stress, family strengths, number of children, kin available, friends available and contact with friends effected role evaluations. The centrality of family roles for these men and the patterns of personal gain they received did not support stereotypic images of men's family relationships.
Antiulcer activity of the calcium antagonist propyl-methylenedioxyindene--I. Effect on cold/restraint stress-induced ulcers in rats.

Abstract 1. 1. Propyl-methylenedioxyindene (pr-MDI) is an intracellularly acting calcium antagonist with H 2 -receptor blocking properties. Stimulus-secretion coupling is inhibited by much lower concentrations of pr-MDI than is excitation-contraction coupling. 2. 2. Since the processes leading to gastric ulceration are calcium-dependent, the aim of this study was to determine if pr-MDI could provide useful antiulcer activity at doses below those required to produce cardiovascular effects. 3. 3. The antiulcer activity of pr-MDI (10–30 mg/kg) was examined in the cold (4°C)/restraint (3 hr) stress-induced ulcer model in male rats, and compared with the effects of the H 2 -blocker cimetidine (10–30 mg/kg) and the calcium channel blocker verapamil (11–32 mg/kg). The drugs were adminstered intraperitoneally 10 min prior to the cold/restraint stress. 4. 4. All three drugs significantly reduced the number of ulcers and the cumulative length of ulcerated stomach surface in a roughly dose-dependent and equivalent manner. However, whereas the antiulcer doses of verapamil were extremely high, those of pr-MDI were one-sixth to one-half of its antiarrhythmic ED 50 in rodents.
An open system model for psychotherapy evaluation

An open system model, constructed with concepts from general systems theory and cybernetics, is presented and applied to the psychotherapy process and to the evaluation of patient change. It is asserted that the patient-therapist system and the patient's social system operate interdependently, exchanging mutual causal effects. To initiate change the therapist must introduce negative feedback within a range of patient toleration. Once change is initiated, the crucial determinant is the response by the social system to the input of new information. Thus patient change is a function of both the therapist and the social system. Implications for research are discussed.
Differential Processing of let-7a Precursors Influences RRM2 Expression and Chemosensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer: Role of LIN-28 and SET Oncoprotein

Overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), involved in deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, drives the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer to nucleoside analogs (e.g., gemcitabine). While silencing RRM2 by synthetic means has shown promise in reducing chemoresistance, targeting endogenous molecules, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), to advance chemotherapeutic outcomes has been poorly explored. Based on computational predictions, we hypothesized that the let-7 tumor suppressor miRNAs will inhibit RRM2-mediated gemcitabine chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Reduced expression of the majority of let-7 miRNAs with an inverse relationship to RRM2 expression was identified in innately gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines. Direct binding of let-7 miRNAs to the 3′ UTR of RRM2 transcripts identified post-transcriptional regulation of RRM2 influencing gemcitabine chemosensitivity. Intriguingly, overexpression of human precursor-let-7 miRNAs led to differential RRM2 expression and chemosensitivity responses in a poorly differentiated pancreatic cancer cell line, MIA PaCa-2. Defective processing of let-7a precursors to mature forms, in part, explained the discrepancies observed with let-7a expressional outcomes. Consistently, the ratios of mature to precursor let-7a were progressively reduced in gemcitabine-sensitive L3.6pl and Capan-1 cell lines induced to acquire gemcitabine resistance. Besides known regulators of let-7 biogenesis (e.g., LIN-28), short hairpin RNA library screening identified several novel RNA binding proteins, including the SET oncoprotein, to differentially impact let-7 biogenesis and chemosensitivity in gemcitabine-sensitive versus -resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Further, LIN-28 and SET knockdown in the cells led to profound reductions in cellular proliferation and colony-formation capacities. Finally, defective processing of let-7a precursors with a positive correlation to RRM2 overexpression was identified in patient-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues. These data demonstrate an intricate post-transcriptional regulation of RRM2 and chemosensitivity by let-7a and that the manipulation of regulatory proteins involved in let-7a transcription/processing may provide a mechanism for improving chemotherapeutic and/or tumor growth control responses in pancreatic cancer.
Hormonal stimulation of the brain for its control of oögenesis in Phormia regina (Meigen)

Abstract Neck ligation experiments revealed that a head factor(s) is required for the regulation of oogenesis in liver-fed Phormia regina . After neck ligations were performed hourly from 7 to 12 h after the onset of liver feeding, the percentage of flies containing vitellogenic ovaries increased steadily from 0 to 70% when ovaries were examined at 48 h after the onset of liver feeding. Thus, this 5 h period delineated the gate interval for cephalic involvement. Transection of either the cervical ventral nerve cord or the cardiac-recurrent nerve, of already liver-fed flies, did not affect oogenesis. Transection of either of the same two nerves, prior to liver feeding, also did not affect oogenesis. This lack of neural involvement, before and after a liver meal, indicates that a hormonal factor(s) is most likely involved in the initiation and execution of the cephalic regulation of oogenesis in P. regina . Transection of cervical tracheal trunks greatly suppressed oogenesis indicating that an adequate air supply to the head (i.e. the brain) is essential for the normal production/secretion of the cephalic factor(s). In liver-fed flies, neck-ligation suppressed oogenesis could not be reversed by a topical application of methoprene (a juvenile hormone analogue). This suggests that neck-ligation may alter factors, other than juvenile hormone, that are also important for normal oogenesis. Indeed, the same ligation was found to lower the haemolymph ecdysteroid and vitellogenin titres. Proper titres of both are known to be essential to oogenesis. The lack of neural regulation in oogenesis is incorporated into our previously developed working model and is included in the discussion to provide an overview of the factors regulating oogenesis in P. regina .
Surgical Adjuvant Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: Current Approaches and Future Directions

Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. The role of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with lymph node involvement has been established in a large number of clinical trials. However, its role in stage II colorectal cancer is less well established. 5-Fluorouracil has been the mainstay of therapy for the last four decades. With the development of novel chemotherapy and biological agents, we have entered into a new era for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The combination of adjuvant 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin has been shown to significantly improve disease-free survival and is now considered the standard of care for completely resected colon cancer in healthy patients. For rectal cancer patients with locally advanced tumors, neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The availability of oral chemotherapy agents has helped with the ease of administration and avoidance of indwelling catheters. A number of national clinical trials are under way to determine the role of targeted agents in combination with chemotherapy. The goal is to develop a regimen that would improve survival without excessive toxicity while maintaining quality of life. Patients should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials whenever feasible. Despite the advances, many patients will develop recurrent disease. It is of utmost importance to develop molecular markers that could predict which patients are at high risk for disease recurrence. Clinical trials are under way to address this issue. Thus, it will be advantageous to be able to tailor therapy individually, according to the risk of recurrence.
Amino acid transport by the small intestine of the rat. Effects of glucose on transintestinal transport of proline and valine

Abstract The effects of galactose and glucose on transport of proline and valine by the rat small intestine have been studied using an everted sac preparation. 1. 1. Two magnitudes of sacs were used; small sacs 7–8 cm long and large sacs 17 cm. long. 2. 2. Galactose inhibited the transport of both amino acids. 3. 3. Glucose eliminated completely the inhibitory effect of galactose. 4. 4. Glucose did not influence the degree of tissue accumulation or the serosal concentrations of proline or valine found at the end of a 60-min incubation. 5. 5. Glucose increased markedly the net flux of water to the serosal fluid. 6. 6. In the small sacs with relatively small increments of the serosal fluids the transport of amino acid was not significantly enhanced in the presence of glucose. But in the large sacs with a prodigious increase in serosal volume a highly significant enhancement was found. 7. 7. The glucose effect on amino acid transport by the large sacs was closely simulated, when the glucose effect on the serosal fluid volume was simulated by different means. This, however, was not the case if the amino acid transport was subject to inhibition by galactose. 8. 8. It is concluded that glucose enhances the transport of amino acids by the rat small intestine by: 1. (a) providing an energy supplement which allows the amino acid carrier to perform and maintain the control degree of epithelial accumulation in spite of a simultaneous expenditure of energy on sugar accumulation and by: 2. (b) increasing the net transintestinal water flux, and so increasing the compartment with which the accumulating epithelium equilibrates.
Extraribosomal function of metallopanstimulin-1: reducing paxillin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and inhibiting tumor growth.

Metallopanstimulin-1 (MPS-1) is a multifunctional ribosomal protein RPS27 that contains a zinc finger domain of the C4 type. MPS-1 has been found to be increased in the sera of a number of different cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, little is known about the effect of a high-level MPS-1 in regulating cancer cell behavior. In this study, we overexpressed MPS-1 protein in the HNSCC cell line UMSCC-1. We found MPS-1 distributes not only in the cytosol, but also in the nuclei. In addition, MPS-1 is secreted into the culture medium. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that growth of UMSCC-1 cells transfected with MPS-1 is dramatically inhibited. Moreover, we also found that with overexpressing MPS-1, UMSCC-1 cells were arrested on G0/G1 phase, cell proliferation rate was reduced, and tumor angiogenesis was impaired. Further gene array analysis, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting reveal that MPS-1 reduces paxillin mRNA and protein levels in UMSCC-1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data indicate that when MPS-1 is overexpressed, it has an extraribosomal function as a strong inhibitor of HNSCC tumor cell growth, which may be exerted by reduced paxillin gene expression.
Initial strontium for a chondrite and the determination of a metamorphism or formation interval

Abstract A precise Rb-Sr internal isochron was determined for Guaren˜a, an H6 chondrite, yielding an age of 4.56 ± 0.08 × 109 years. Rb-poor, Sr-rich phosphate phases (whitlockite and apatite) were obtained resulting in a precise measurement of the initial Sr isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr)I = 0.69995 ∓ 0.00015. It is shown that from precise age and initial (87Sr/86Sr)I measurements we can obtain information on the differential evolution of Rb-Sr systems involving either simple metamorphism of closed systems or multi-stage processes. The high initial ratio obtained for Guaren˜a with respect to the value for the basaltic achondrites is the first clear demonstration of differential Sr evolution of a chondrite and affords the simple explanation of Guaren˜a having been metamorphosed 74 million years after its formation. This approach may yield a “time” evolution index for the classification of meteorites.
Using financial incentives to manage the solid waste stream

States can manage the solid waste stream in part by using financial incentives that encourage the beverage industry to undertake voluntary recycling programs. Two approaches, in particular, represent innovations in public-private partnerships, or privatization: preemptive partnerships and compelled partnerships.
Behavioral impact of graduated driver licensing on teenage driving risk and exposure.

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) is a critical policy tool for potentially improving teenage driving while reducing teen accident exposure. While previous studies demonstrated that GDL reduces teenage involvement in fatal crashes, much remains unanswered. We explore the mechanisms through which GDL influences accident rates as well as its long term effectiveness on teen driving. In particular, we investigate: (1) whether GDL policies improve teenage driving behavior, or simply reduce teenage prevalence on the roads; (2) whether GDL exposed teens become better drivers in later years. We employ a unique data source, the State Data System, which contains all police reported accidents (fatal and non-fatal) during 1990-2005 for 12 states. We estimate a structural model that separately identifies GDL's effect on relative teenage prevalence and relative teenage riskiness. Identification of the model is driven by the relative numbers of crashes between two teenagers, two adults, or a teenager and an adult. We find that the GDL policies reduce the number of 15-17-year-old accidents by limiting the amount of teenage driving rather than by improving teenage driving. This prevalence reduction primarily occurs at night and stricter GDL policies, especially those with night-time driving restrictions, are the most effective. Finally, we find that teen driving quality does not improve ex post GDL exposure. Language: en