cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suberin-Grown Fusarium-Solani F-Sp Pisi Generates a Cutinase-Like Esterase Which Depolymerizes the Aliphatic Components of Suberin

Abstract Fusarium solani pisi isolate T-8 was found to grow with suberin from potato tuber periderm as the sole source of carbon. The extracellular fluid from such cultures catalysed the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate and radioactive apple cutin. The major portion of this esterase was bound to the suberin-containing mycelial mat from which the activity could be washed out with a 0·4% Triton X-100 solution. All of this esterase activity was contained in two isozymes which were purified by a passage of the Triton wash through QAE-Sephadex followed by ion exchange chromatography with SP-Sephadex. Both isozymes were homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with or without SDS. Each showed a molecular weight of 23 000. Analysis of the aliphatic components released by the esterase from suberin by combined GLC/MS showed that all classes of monomers were released by the esterase. The two enzymes were very similar in their catalytic properties and amino acid composition to two isozymes of cutinase isolated from the extracellular fluid of the same fungus grown on apple cutin. The esterases had one disulphide bridge and no free SH group just as previously noted for fungal cutinases. Ouchterlony double diffusion analyses showed that the two esterases isolated from suberin-grown cells cross-reacted with complete fusion of the precipitin lines when tested with antibodies generated against the two cutinases generated by cutin-grown cells. These results strongly suggest that F. solani pisi generates extremely similar, if not identical, polyesterases to degrade cutin and suberin when these polymers constitute the sole carbon source.
Density functional theory for hydrogen storage materials: successes and opportunities

Solid state systems for hydrogen storage continue to be the focus of considerable international research, driven to a large extent by technological demands, especially for mobile applications. Density functional theory (DFT) has become a valuable tool in this effort. It has greatly expanded our understanding of the properties of known hydrides, including electronic structure, hydrogen bonding character, enthalpy of formation, elastic behavior, and vibrational energetics. Moreover, DFT holds substantial promise for guiding the discovery of new materials. In this paper we discuss, within the context of results from our own work, some successes and a few shortcomings of state-of-the-art DFT as applied to hydrogen storage materials.
Current management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Almost 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with large, locally advanced tumors in the absence of distant metastases. Because surgical resection is often contraindicated by vascular invasion, this disease has a dismal prognosis. This Review summarizes the status of aggressive surgical resection and neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer and suggests a treatment algorithm based on published clinical evidence. Almost 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with large, locally advanced tumors in the absence of distant metastases. Because surgical resection is frequently contraindicated by vascular invasion, locally advanced pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis with a 6–10-month median survival. Recent advances in the multimodality treatment of other gastrointestinal malignancies have not altered the management of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, a clinical dilemma reflected by the number of nonrandomized trials and anecdotal reports addressing this difficult disease. Our review summarizes the current status of aggressive surgical resection and neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer and suggests a treatment algorithm for patients with this disease based upon published clinical evidence.
Noncatalytic coal char gasification

A simple particle model is used to interpret differential thermogravimetric data taken on the gasification of coal/char with CO2, H2 and H2O. The model takes into account the major physical factors which influence the gasification rate, viz., the changing magnitudes of surface area, porosity, activation energy and effective diffusivity during gasification. Specific reaction rate constants based on surface area and activation energies are extracted from the data. Practical criteria for regimes of reaction rate and diffusion control and for particle isothermality are developed. For isothermal particles at low classical Thiele moduli, the data can be correlated with only one parameter, which has a simple physical interpretation.
The defect structure of CdTe: Self-diffusion data

Abstract Cadmium and Te tracer self-diffusion was studied for pure and indium-doped CdTe. Analysis of the results leads to a point defect model in which imperfections with various charges play a role. Expressions for the tracer diffusion coefficients by various mechanisms and for the diffusion coefficients of individual point defects are derived.
Modification of intracellular pH and thermotolerance development by amiloride.

The intracellular pH (pHi) of cells heated at 45·0°C in the presence or absence of amiloride and in choline chloride substituted sodium-free medium was measured with flow cytometry using the pH sensitive dye, carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor (SNARF-1). Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells at pH 7·3 and low-pH-resistant (PHV2) cells at pH 6·6 were studied. Bimodal population distributions of pHi were obtained for both CHO and PHV2 cells following a treatment in which cells were heated 10 min at 45·0°C, incubated 4 to 10 h at 37°C, then reheated 45 min at 45·0°C. Amiloride or sodium-free medium modified the changes in pHi, but did not eliminate them entirely. Cells were sorted from the higher pHi and lower pHi subpopulations and plated for cell survival. The survival after both heat treatments was three to five-fold higher for cells sorted from the higher pHi subpopulation than cells sorted from the low pHi subpopulation. The development of thermotolerance was delayed in CHO cells but not in PHV2 cells when amilo...
Evaluation of Zeolites Fed to Male Broiler Chickens

Abstract Zeolites were evaluated with respect to their source, particle size, and preparation method on male broiler performance. In the experiment, 3600 male chicks were randomized into 72 pens using 12 rations replicated 6 times. All birds (except treatment 12) received a basal ration at 1 day of age. Treatment 12 received a 1% zeolite ration at 1 day of age. At 21 days of age, all birds were put on their respective treatment rations. was a difference in feed efficiency at 21 days of age. Treatment 12 (1% zeolite) fed at day 1 gave a significant (P≤.05) difference in feed efficiency at 21 days of age. No significant differences in mortality, shank pigmentation, or litter moisture percent were found at 50 days of age. The addition of certain zeolites to male broiler rations at 21 days of age gave significant (P≤.05) improvements in body weight gains and feed efficiency.
Effect of multi-modal forcing on thermal transport in a coaxial combustor geometry

This paper investigates open-loop control of the mixing between an inner stream and an outer stream in a coaxial combustor geometry. The inner and outer air streams enter the combustor geometry at different temperatures and mimic a gaseous fuel and combustion air stream respectively. Of specific interest in this study is the behavior of the coherent structures in the coaxial jet streams, and the manipulation of these coherent structures with controlled perturbation to enhance jet-spreading and scalar-mixing. The spectra of the unforced flow reveal the presence of a dominant coherent mode at 100 Hz (identified as the fundamental mode f 0 ), as well as 150 Hz (3f 0 /2) and 300 Hz (3f 0 ). Single-mode forcing of both the inner-jet and the outer-jet at 100 Hz, 150 Hz, 300 Hz, and 1 kHz is explored, and attention is focused on the spreading of the inner-jet shear layer and the outer-jet shear layer. It is observed that the 300 Hz mode shows the greatest enhancement in the spreading rate of the velocity shear-layer in the near field (x/D < 1), while downstream of x/D = 1, the 100 Hz appears to show the most significant effect. Scalar mixing is also significantly enhanced, with the 300 Hz forcing showing the largest enhancement. Dual-mode forcing is also investigated with 100 Hz inner-jet, 300 Hz outer-jet forcing and 300 Hz inner-jet, 100 Hz outer-jet forcing. The 100 Hz inner-jet, 300 Hz outer-jet forcing is shown to lead to greater enhancements in scalar mixing than all other cases considered.
Early Childhood Programs in Other Nations: Goals and Outcomes

United States interest in the potential early childhood programs have for improving outcomes for children is shared by policymakers and researchers in many other nations. Throughout the world, enrollments in preschool and child care programs are rising. This article reviews international research documenting how participation in early childhood programs influenced children’s later development and success in school. Studies conducted in 13 nations (Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom) are included, along with key features of each nation’s provision of early childhood programs. The article summarizes conclusions that are supported by research in various countries, indicating that participation in preschool promotes cognitive development and school success, although the specific type of program attended matters little. Preschool experience helps low-income children narrow, but not close, the achievement gap separating them from more advantaged children. International evidence also suggests that maternal employment and reliance on child care do not harm children and may yield benefits if the child care is of good quality. The author draws insights from the experience of other nations concerning such issues as defining quality, the effectiveness of early childhood programs in redressing social and economic inequities, and understanding how research can influence policy. A lthough most of the research discussed in this journal issue pertains to early childhood programs in the United States, rising preschool enrollments and increased utilization of nonparental child care are worldwide trends. The demand for educationally oriented preschool services has been fueled by the growing awareness of the developmental importance of the early years of life; the years from three to five are increasingly seen as an auspicious time for children to begin their education. The economic pressures that promote employment by mothers have played a role as well. The author of a recent international review of early childhood education notes similarities between the United States and other countries: “increasing participation of mothers in the labor force, dwindling family size, and disapThe Future of Children LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS Vol. 5 • No. 3 ‐ Winter 1995
Rous sarcoma virus transforming protein lacking myristic acid phosphorylates known polypeptide substrates without inducing transformation

Mutagenesis of glycine 2 of p60src, the transforming protein of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), yields a protein that is neither myristylated nor bound to cellular membranes. Although these mutant viruses retain full tyrosine protein kinase activity, they are transformation-defective. We examined in detail tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular polypeptides and the phenotype induced by infection with two such viruses. Infection failed to cause growth in agar, cytoskeletal reorganization, or changes in fibronectin synthesis and protease secretion. Strikingly, tyrosine phosphorylation of the known substrates of p60src was extensive, and differed from that found in wild-type transformed cells only quantitatively. There was no apparent correlation between the extent to which any of eight known protein substrates of p60src were phosphorylated and the phenotype of infected cells. We suggest that the phosphorylation of as yet unidentified proteins, which are probably found in cellular membranes, is essential for transformation by RSV.
Concentrated CO2-in-Water Emulsions with Nonionic Polymeric Surfactants

Abstract Concentrated CO 2 -in-water (C/W) emulsions are reported for amphiphiles containing alkylene oxide-, siloxane-, and fluorocarbon-based tails as a function of temperature and salinity. Poly(ethylene oxide)– b –poly(butylene oxide) (EO 15 – b –BO 12 ) can emulsify up to 70% CO 2 with droplet sizes from 2 to 4 μm in diameter, as determined by video-enhanced microscopy. This emulsion is stable over 48 h against both flocculation and coalescence. In contrast, it is extremely difficult to form concentrated water-in-CO 2 (W/C) emulsions with surfactants containing alkylene oxide moieties due to limited solvation of such tails by CO 2 . In several cases, C/W emulsions are formed even when the surfactant prefers CO 2 . This violation of Bancroft's rule may be attributed in part to the low viscosity of the compressed CO 2 , which governs several mass and momentum transport mechanisms relevant to emulsion formation and stabilization. For the first time, W/C microemulsions are observed in a system with a nonionic amphiphile, namely F(CF 2 CF 2 ) 3–8 CH 2 CH 2 O(CH 2 CH 2 O) 10–15 H. For the same system, the emulsion morphology changes from C/W to W/C as the temperature increases. The electrical conductivity of C/W emulsions is predicted successfully as a function of the dispersed phase volume fraction of CO 2 with Maxwell's theory for inhomogeneous systems.
Improved Regional Analyses and Heavy Precipitation Forecasts With Assimilation of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder Retrieved Thermodynamic Profiles

This paper describes a procedure to assimilate Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)-retrieved thermodynamic profiles into a regional configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and validates subsequent precipitation forecasts over the eastern half of the continental U.S. Quality indicators were used to select the highest quality temperature and moisture profiles for assimilation throughout the entire atmosphere in clear and partly cloudy regions and above cloud top in cloudy regions. Separate error characteristics for land and water profiles were also used in the assimilation process. Assimilation of AIRS profiles produced analyses with a better validation to in situ observations than the short-term WRF forecast first-guess field. The AIRS-enhanced initial conditions improved simulation of a severe weather event over Texas and Louisiana from February 12-13, 2007. For this event, assimilation of AIRS profiles produced a more unstable boundary-layer air mass in the warm sector ahead of an advancing midlatitude cyclone, resulting in enhanced convective available potential energy in the model. The simulated squall line and precipitation totals from a forecast initialized with AIRS-enhanced initial conditions more closely reflected ground-based observations than one initialized with a no-AIRS control forecast. The impact of the improved initial conditions through the assimilation of AIRS profiles was further demonstrated through an evaluation of a 37-day period from the winter of 2007. The unstable environment over the Gulf of Mexico and coastal region with the AIRS-enhanced initial conditions resulted in 20%+ improvements in the 6-h accumulated precipitation forecasts out to 48 h over that period.
How annotation styles influence content and preferences

Photo-tagging web sites provide several methods to annotate photographs. In this paper, we study how people use and respond to three different annotation styles: single-word tags, multi-word tags, and comments. We find significant differences in how annotation styles influence the objectivity, descriptiveness, and interestingness of annotations. Although single-word and multi-word tags are not normally differentiated, users prefer multi-word tags for their combination of descriptiveness and succinctness. We also discover that producers and consumers assess annotation styles differently in terms of ease of use, support for different user goals, and amount of effort required, demonstrating that allowing multiple modes of annotation is generally beneficial, as is considering both tag production and consumption.
Efficient integral-equation-based method for accurate analysis of scattering from periodically arranged nanostructures.

A plethora of applications are grounded on the physics of electromagnetic interaction with a periodic arrangement of nanostructures. These range from metamaterials and negative index materials to photonic band-gap structures to surface plasmon polariton optics to nanofrequency selective surfaces. There is therefore a need for rigorous physics based methods that are both accurate and fast to enable rapid design and analysis. Difficulties that need to be overcome to realize such a simulation tool are twofold: (i) at wavelengths in the range 200--1300 nm metals behave as dielectrics with negative real permittivity. Their frequency response must be explicitly accounted for in the simulation. (ii) The computational cost to compute response over a broad band of frequencies is high. This paper develops an integral-equation-based analysis technique that addresses these challenges. This integral equation relies on a periodic layered medium formulation. The Green's dyad for this formulation is derived, and separated into a superposition of two contributions: direct and reflected components. The means to accelerate the computation of the Green's dyad and the evaluation of inner products is prescribed. The proposed technique is validated extensively against available analytical data for hypothetical materials as well as silver. It is shown that this solver can accurately predict the enhanced transmission from perforated silver films for several configurations. While the application domain in this paper is the study of enhanced transmission in perforated silver films, the method presented herein is sufficiently general and can be applied to several other application domains with little or no change.
Clutch Size, Oviposition Time, and “Floor” Eggs as Factors in Turkey Hatchability,

Abstract LOW hatchability in turkeys is undoubtedly one of the most important basic problems still facing the commercial producer of turkey hatching eggs today. Considerable attention has been devoted to turkey hatchability at this laboratory over the past few years (Abplanalp and Kosin, 1953; Kosin, 1954; Kosin and St. Pierre, 1956; Jensen and McGinnis, 1957; Kosin, 1958). The purpose of this paper is to report on a series of studies concerned with examining the effect of some components of the egg production complex in turkeys on hatchability. MATERIALS AND METHODS In most instances, the material was collected over several years (1955–1958) during regular spring hatching months. Typically, turkey hatching operations at this Station start in February and extend through July. The eggs, from single-sire pens, are collected for 1–14 days before incubation, with detailed records (identity data, date and time of day laid, weight, incubation data, etc.) kept by…
Enhanced cellular responses and environmental sampling within inner foreskin explants: implications for the foreskin's role in HIV transmission.

The decrease in HIV acquisition after circumcision suggests a role for the foreskin in HIV transmission. However, the mechanism leading to protection remains undefined. Using tissue explant cultures we found that Langerhans cells (LCs) in foreskin alter their cellular protein expression in response to external stimuli. Furthermore, we observe that upon treatment with TNF-α, tissue-resident LCs became activated and that stimulatory cytokines can specifically cause an influx of CD4+ T-cells into the epithelial layer. Importantly, both of these changes are significant in the inner, but not outer, foreskin. In addition, we find that LCs in the inner foreskin have increased ability to sample environmental proteins. These results suggest differences in permeability between the inner and outer foreskin and indicate that HIV target cells in the inner foreskin have increased interaction with external factors. This increased responsiveness and sampling provides novel insights into the underlying mechanism of how circumcision can decrease HIV transmission.
Pretreatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor improves doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy via preservation of mitochondrial function.

Objective Doxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapy drug, but its application is associated with cardiotoxicity. Free radical generation and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to contribute to doxorubicin-induced cardiac failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are commonly used as cardioprotective agents and have recently been shown in clinical studies to be efficacious in the prevention of anthracycline-induced heart failure. This study evaluated a mechanism for these protective effects by testing the ability of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril to preserve mitochondrial function in a model of chronic doxorubicin treatment in rats. Methods Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups and followed for a total of 10 weeks: (1) control-untreated, (2) doxorubicin treated, and (3) doxorubicin + enalapril treated. Doxorubicin was administered via intraperitoneal injection at weekly intervals from weeks 2 to 7. Enalapril was administered in the drinking water of the doxorubicin + enalapril group for the study duration. Results Doxorubicin treatment produced a significant loss in left ventricular contractility ( P P .05) and prevented the doxorubicin-associated reduction in respiratory efficiency and cytosolic adenosine triphosphate content ( P .05). Enalapril also abolished the robust doxorubicin-induced increase in free radical formation. Conclusions Administration of enalapril attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction via preservation of mitochondrial respiratory efficiency and reduction in doxorubicin-associated free radical generation.
Moisture barrier coatings to prevent environmental degradation of KDP crystals

Degradation of sol-gel coated KDP surfaces has been observed in crystals used on the OMEGA laser system in 40-50% relative humidity environments. The defect characteristic is an etch pit which develops under the sol-gel coating and produces a significant loss in the crystal due to scatter. Both diamond-turned and polished KDP surfaces show evidence of defect growth after sol-gel coating and exposure to ambient conditions; however, there is no relationship between defect growth and exposure to laser radiation. The defect size, orientation, and density is uniform across a diamond-turned surface, and the growth rate is accelerated with exposure to higher relative humidity. Experiments with a thermosetting polysiloxane and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) demonstrate these materials are successful barriers to prevent the transport of water vapor via the sol-gel coating to the KDP surface. Both materials meet the OMEGA laser damage threshold requirement and have been successfully applied to 300mm diameter KDP crystals.
Myelin basic protein specific T-helper cells induce experimental anterior uveitis

Immunopathological changes in the eyes were examined in Lewis rats after active and passive induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) with myelin basic proteins (MBP) at various stages of EAE. The onset of anterior uveitis (AU) coincided with hind limb paralysis, but uveitis persisted after clinical signs of EAE had subsided. A mild form of uveitis was characteristic for the majority of rats. The changes within the iris and ciliary body consisted of an accumulation of inflammatory cells lining the anterior surface of iris, the trabecular meshwork, and, in some cases, within the ciliary body and the aqueous humor. A similar histopathological picture was observed when rats were injected with the secondary encephalitogenic determinant for Lewis rats, MBP peptide 87-99. Flow cytometry analysis of T cells from the anterior segment of the inflamed eyes after immunization with MBP revealed the presence of CD4+ cells exclusively expressing V beta 8.2 and OX-40 markers. Our data suggest that MBP are encephalitogenic and uveitogenic in Lewis rats and that the V beta 8.2-positive T cells in the eye represent encephalitogenic T cells. Many of those T cells were distributed in the iris and the anterior chamber. These findings indicate that these MBP-specific T cells may play a critical role in EAE as well as in AU.
The role of exhaled nitric oxide in evaluation of acute asthma in a pediatric emergency department.

Objectives: Fractional excretion of nitric oxide (FENO) has been used as a noninvasive marker to assess and manage chronic asthma in adults and children. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of obtaining FENO concentrations in children treated in the emergency department (ED) for acute asthma exacerbation and to examine the association between FENO concentrations and other measures of acute asthma severity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of children 2–18 years old who were seen in an urban ED for acute asthma exacerbation. Using a tidal breathing method with real-time display, the authors measured FENO concentrations before and 1 hour after the administration of corticosteroids and at discharge from the ED. Outcome measures included pulmonary index score (PIS), hospital admission, and short-term outcomes (e.g., missed days of school). Results: A total of 133 subjects were enrolled. Sixty-eight percent (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60% to 76%) of the subjects provided adequate breaths for FENO measurement. There was no difference in the median initial FENO concentration among subjects, regardless of the severity of their acute asthma. Most subjects showed no change in their FENO concentrations from the start to the end of treatment. FENO concentrations were not significantly associated with other short-term outcomes. Conclusions: Measurement of FENO is difficult for a large proportion of children with acute asthma exacerbation. FENO concentration during an asthma exacerbation does not correlate with other measures of acute severity and has limited utility in the ED management of acute asthma in children.
Heavy-particle emission from the reactions 19F + d and 19F + 3He

Abstract The reactions 19 F(d, 6 Li) 15 N, 19 F(d, 9 Be) 12 C and 19 F( 3 He, 10 B) 12 C have been studied at bombarding energies between 7.5 and 13.0 MeV. The heavy particles emitted were identified by a simultaneous analysis of particle energy and time of flight. Differential cross sections for the reaction 19 F(d, 6 Li) 15 N have been measured at several bombarding energies in the range 9.0–12.5 MeV. Excitation functions for this reaction were measured at θ lab = 70° and 180° between E d = 7.5 and 13.0 MeV. Angular distributions were measured for the 19 F(d, 9 Be) 12 C reaction at E d = 9.0 and 12.0 MeV, and a 180° yield curve was measured between E d = 9.0 and 12.6 MeV. An angular distribution for the 19 F( 3 He, 10 B) 12 C reaction was obtained at E( 3 He ) = 13 MeV . The observations that in all cases the angular distributions show diffraction-like structure and the excitation functions do not fluctuate strongly indicate that a direct-reaction mechanism is dominant. However, attempts to fit the data with calculations based on the distorted-wave Born approximation and assuming pick-up of an α-particle (for the (d, 6 Li) case) or a 7 Li (for the (d, 9 Be) and ( 3 He, 10 B) cases) were mostly unsuccessful.
Large-Scale Sea Level Response to Atmospheric Forcing along the West Coast of North America, Summer 1973

Abstract Along the west Coast of North America, the response of sea level to fluctuations in alongshore wind stress at large alongshore scales (> 1000 km) accounted for a substantial faction of the total sea level variance during summer 1973. Space-time contour plots of sea level and alongshore stress show that the response of sea level to poleward propagating wind stress events was generally stronger than the response to equatorward propagating events. Atmospheric forcing was most effective in two regions along the coast, with relatively strong forcing and response along northern California and Oregon, and somewhat weaker forcing and response along northern Baja California. The forced fluctuations in sea level propagated poleward away from these forcing regions, causing local sea level to be most correlated with alongshore wind stress earlier in time and at a distant equatorward 1ocation. Along the southern and central California coast, fluctuation in sea level were partly forced along northern Baja Cali...
Vibrational spectroscopy and dynamics of water confined inside reverse micelles.

In this work, we combine atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with theoretical vibrational spectroscopy to study the properties of water confined inside bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse micelles. This approach is found to successfully reproduce the experimental spectra, rotational anisotropy decays, and spectral diffusion time-correlation functions as a function of micelle size. These results are interpreted in terms of water molecules in different hydrogen bonding environments. One interesting result from our simulation, not directly accessible experimentally, involves the distance from the surfactant headgroup/water interface over which the dynamical properties of water become bulk-like. We find that this distance varies with micelle size, casting doubt on the core/shell model. In particular, the distance increases with decreasing micelle size, and hence decreasing radius of curvature of the interface. We suggest that this arises from curvature-induced frustration. We also find that the...
Determination of the linkages of disaccharides cotaining a 2-acetamido-2-deoxy sugar unit by solvent effects in circular dichroism☆

Abstract The circular dichroism spectra of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy sugars in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (F6Pr-2-ol) solutions show a positive band in the n-π* region (209 nm) in contrast to a negative c.d. band in water solution. This difference is interpreted as an indication of a change in the average orientation of the hydroxyl groups adjacent to the amide group. C.d. spectra of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy sugars having a methyl group at O-1 and O-3 confirm this interpretation and suggest that the c.d. spectrum of a disaccharide in F6Pr-2-ol reflects strongly the disaccharide linkage. Large differences in the c.d. spectra of (1→4) and (1→6)-linked disaccharides in this solvent lead to rules for distinguishing the linkages of the disaccharides.
Use of intravenous abciximab as adjunctive therapy for carotid angioplasty and stent placement.

The benefit of intravenous abciximab as an adjunctive to percutaneous coronary intervention has been demonstrated in large-scale randomized studies. The role of intravenous abciximab is being defined in carotid angioplasty and stent placement as the procedure is gaining popularity for the treatment of high-grade carotid stenosis in patients considered high-risk for carotid endarterectomy. This paper summarizes the pathophysiological basis and the available data for the use of abciximab as an adjunct to carotid artery stenting. (Int J Cardiovasc Intervent 2003; 5: 61-66)
The effects of Kepone pretreatment on biliary excretion of xenobiotics in the male rat

Abstract Hepatic excretory function of Kepone (chlordecone)-preexposed (10, 50, 150 ppm in daily ration for 15 days) male rats was examined in conjunction with hepatic mitochondrial Mg 2+ ATPase (MATPase) activity. Biliary excretion of intravenously administered polar metabolites of imipramine (PMIMP) and phenolphthalein glucuronide (PG) was studied in bile duct-cannulated intact animal preparations, and MATPase was assayed via the continuous method using isolated mitochondria. Biliary excretion of PG and PMIMP was suppressed (73 and 69%, respectively) at 150 ppm, and that of PG at 10 ppm (23%). No significant effect on biliary excretion of these chemicals was evident in the other groups. Volume of bile flow was increased at the highest dose of Kepone exposure while the excretory function was compromised. Inhibition of MATPase was 34% at 50 ppm and 40% at 150 ppm, while 10 ppm Kepone-pretreated animals showed no significant inhibition of this enzyme system. These data suggest that although observed inhibition of hepatobiliary function resulting from Kepone pretreatment can be linked to the inhibition of the MATPase system, a direct correlation may not exist.
Diblock copolymers with tunable pH transitions for gene delivery.

Abstract A series of diblock copolymers containing an endosomal-releasing segment composed of diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The materials were designed to condense plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic interactions with a cationic poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (DMAEMA) first block. The pDMAEMA was employed as a macro chain transfer agent (macroCTA) for the synthesis of a series in which the relative feed ratios of DEAEMA and BMA were systematically varied from 20% to 70% BMA. The resultant diblock copolymers exhibited low polydispersity (PDI ≤ 1.06) with similar molecular weights ( M n = 19.3–23.1 kDa). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements in combination with 1 H NMR D 2 O studies demonstrated that the free copolymers assemble into core-shell micelles at physiological pH. Reduction of the solution pH to values representative of endosomal/lysosomal compartments induced an increase in the net cationic charge of the core through protonation of the DEAEMA residues. This protonation promotes micelle destabilization and exposure of the hydrophobic BMA residues that destabilize biological membranes. The pH value at which this micelle-to-unimer transition occurred was dependent on the hydrophobic content of the copolymer, with higher BMA-containing copolymer compositions exhibiting pH-induced transitions to the membrane-destabilizing state at successively lower pH values. The ability of the diblock copolymers to deliver pDNA was subsequently investigated using a GFP expression vector in two monocyte cell lines. High levels of DNA transfection were observed for the copolymer compositions exhibiting the sharpest pH transitions and membrane destabilizing activities, demonstrating the importance of tuning the endosomal-releasing segment composition.
Source of Dichromatism in Two Maldanid Polychætes

THE tubiculous Maldanid polychaetes are among the most abundant infaunal components of intertidal and sub-tidal bottom communities of the North American Atlantic coast. Within their respective ranges the two species Clymenella torquata Leidy and Axiothella mucosa Andrews show a striking dichromatism: populations may be either green or orange. A population inhabiting a particular microgeographic area is always consistent, although the distance over which a colour change occurs may be only a few miles. Continuous intergraduations do not occur. A third closely related species, Euclymene collaris Claparede, does not undergo the colour change; it exists only in the orange form even where it is sympatric with the green forms of the first two. Table 1 lists the colour of populations found at each of seven macrogeographical locations sampled by me.
Application of molecular encapsulation for toxicology studies: Toxicokinetics of p-chloro-α,α,α-trifluorotoluene in α-cyclodextrin or corn oil vehicles in male F344 rats

Abstract Toxicokinetics of p -chloro-α,α,α-trifluorotoluene (CTFT) after administration as an aqueous α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) molecular encapsulation suspension (α-CD vehicle) or as a corn oil solution (corn oil vehicle) were compared. Male F344 rats were administered intragastrically CTFT in α-CD vehicle or corn oil vehicle at dose levels of 10, 50, or 400 mg/kg. Other male F344 rats were administered CTFT intravenously in a 10% Tween 80 aqueous solution. Serial blood samples were taken from a cannulated jugular vein for up to 52 hr after dosing and the CTFT concentrations in whole blood were determined by gas chromatography. The biological elimination half-life of CTFT from the center compartment was not affected by the vehicle used; however, absorption of CTFT from the α-CD vehicle was much faster than from the corn oil vehicle. The average absorption half-lives from the α-CD vehicle and corn oil vehicle were 17 and 98 min, respectively. Despite the differences in absorption, no statistical difference was observed in the calculated areas under the blood concentration versus time curves (AUC) obtained from rats dosed with either vehicle. Dose proportionality for CTFT was established up to 400 mg/kg and bioavailability was shown to be complete for both vehicles.
A common modality of action of simulated space stresses on the oxidative metabolism of ethylmorphine, aniline and p-nitroanisole by male rat liver.

High gravity, cold and starvation elicited similar responses in male Simonson rats. These responses included a decreased rate in body weight gain, increased metabolism of aniline and p-nitroanisole, and no consistent pattern of change in the metabolism of ethylmorphine. Cold and starvation increased the amount of hepatic cytochrome P-450, while hypobaric-hyperoxia caused no change in any of the parameters measured. When 1% acetone was given to the rats in their drinking water, the effects on drug metabolism were similar to those produced by food restriction in that the metabolism of aniline and p-nitroanisole was increased, and the metabolism of ethylmorphine unchanged. The type I binding spectrum of acetone suggests that it is either a substrate, inhibitor, or both for hepatitic oxidative enzymes.
The function of balance in US news coverage of uncontested issues: The case of female genital cutting:

Most research on reporter practices examines coverage of contested topics. These require reporters to demonstrate objectivity by counterposing authoritative sources representing opposing sides. I e...
Unclean at any speed

This paper discusses the hybrid electric cars that are looking for environmental friendly. The electric cars that would help to reduce pollution and fossil fuel dependence.
DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION OF TYPE VI COLLAGEN IN THE ATRIO-VENTRICULAR CANAL ENDOCARDIAL CUSHIONS OF THE EMBRYONIC HEART. • 167

The development of the endocardial cushions in the embryonic heart appears to involve the expression of a number of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their receptors. Defects of atrioventricular canal endocardial cushion formation occur most frequently in children with trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome). Genes encoding two of the three chains for type VI collagen, a component of most ECMs, are located on human chromosome 21 within the region thought responsible for the congenital heart defect phenotype associated with trisomy 21. We have examined the expression patterns of type VI collagen in the embryonic mouse heart. An affinity-purified polyclonal type VI collagen antibody was used for immunohistochemical analysis on cryofixed mouse heart sections (d8.0 p.c. to neonatal). Primary antibody was visualized with a FITC-conjugated secondary antibody viewed under fluorescent microscopy. We have determined that type VI collagen is first expressed in the endocardial cushions of the antrioventricular (AV) canal in close association with the endocardium and forming cushion mesenchymal cells. Although type VI collagen is subsequently expressed in other areas of the heart, it remains concentrated in the cushion tissue destined to become the AV valves and membranous septa. This expression pattern is retained in the AV valve leaflets and septa of later stage embryos and neonatal mice. Localization of the three individual type VI collagen chains by in situ hybridization using radiolabeled chain-specific riboprobes on embryonic mouse heart sections correlates well with the observed type VI collagen protein immuno-localization. These data demonstrate that type VI collagen is expressed in the developing AV valves and septa, supporting the molecular genetic studies indicating that type VI collagen is involved in the heart defect phenotype seen in trisomy 21.(Supported by NIH SCOR in Congenital Heart Disease, HL 42266-06).
Magnetism of metal cyanide networks assembled at interfaces

Abstract Studies of metal cyanide thin films prepared directly at interfaces are reviewed. The systems range from monolayers, single-layer analogs of Prussian blue-like networks, to bulk powders prepared as thin films. Monolayer networks are prepared at the air/water interface and transferred to solid supports using Langmuir–Blodgett film methods. Films of bulk materials are prepared directly on solid surfaces using a templated sequential deposition procedure. The magnetic properties of the films have been explored, and in some cases, these monolayers and surface films give rise to new behavior that is only possible because of the fabrication method or thin film architecture. The methods of synthesis can generate oriented samples, even when the materials are poorly crystalline. Furthermore, the interface-assembled networks are inherently anisotropic, leading to phenomena not present in the solid-state analogs, such as anisotropic photomagnetism in a thin film of RbjCok[Fe(CN)6]l·nH2O.
Laparoscopic versus open celiac ganglionectomy in patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome

Objective Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder characterized by abdominal pain and compression of the celiac artery. Traditional management consists of open MAL division, with or without arterial reconstruction. We present our outcomes using a laparoscopic approach and compare them to patients treated with open MAL division during the same period. Methods A retrospective medical records review of all patients with MALS treated at the University of California – Los Angeles from January 1999 to 2009 was performed. Results Fourteen patients with MALS were treated. All patients underwent an extensive preoperative gastrointestinal (GI) workup with 10 undergoing attempted laparoscopic division of the MAL and celiac ganglion (laparoscopic ganglionectomy [LG]). Two intraoperative conversions were performed for bleeding. Six patients were treated in the open surgery group (open ganglionectomy [OG]). There were no deaths or reoperations in either group. Median time to feeding was 1.0 vs 2.8 days ( P ≤ .05) in the LG and OG groups, respectively, which was statistically significant. Median length of hospitalization was also significantly lower in the LG group compared with the OG group (2.3 vs 7.0 days; P ≤ .05). Eight patients had LG (100%) and 5 patients had OG (83%) and had immediate symptom resolution (postoperative day 1). Three patients with recurrent symptoms after LG underwent angiography demonstrating persistent celiac stenosis, then an angioplasty was performed. Median follow-up was 14.0 months (2-65 months) for all patients. Three patients who received LG (38%) and 3 patients who received OG (50%) had persistent pain at last follow-up. Six patients in the OG group (100%) and 7 patients in the LG group (88%) had ceased taking chronic oral narcotics at their last follow-up visit. Conclusion Both laparoscopic and open MAL division and celiac ganglionectomy can be safely performed with minimal patient morbidity and mortality. Late recurrence is frequently seen; however, this seems to be milder than the presenting symptoms. The laparoscopic approach results in avoidance of laparotomy and was associated with shorter inpatient hospitalization and decreased time to feeding in our study. Optimal patient selection and prediction of clinical response in these patients remains a challenge.
“Class news”: A single-subject longitudinal study of prose production and schema formation during childhood

Notebooks containing 120 consecutive passages concerning “Class News” were obtained from a single second-grade student. Descriptive grammars based on sets of rewrite rules were constructed in order to summarize the structure and organization of passages generated during the early, middle, and later parts of the series. Both the grammar describing the passages and the passages themselves increased in complexity throughout the school year. Later versions of the grammar incorporated and often elaborated rules from the earlier grammars and also added new rules. Class news passages increased in length as new topics were added to the class news scheme and as more detailed accounts of individual events and activities were provided. The results are discussed in terms of the development of a class news schema and of the child's use of structure in the production of prose.
Winner-Take-a-Hike Markets: The Arrogant Agent Problem in a Model of Devious Colleague Selection:

To protect their office rank and “strutils' (which are utils obtained by strutting around the office), the senior professionals in a law firm or academic department sometimes resort to devious prescreening of job applicants, passing over the best candidates. This practice is more tempting for a hiring professional who is wealthy, in a large organization, and (perhaps) in a bad marriage. A diagram depicts the trade-off between office status and pecuniary income. Winner-take-a-hike deceptions may distort returns to schooling, contribute to the glass ceiling, and motivate both discrimination and reverse discrimination to-ward women and ethnic minorities.
SU‐FF‐T‐323: MLC IMRT Vs. Solid Compensators Based IMRT — Comparison of Various Clinical Cases

Purpose: To compare multileaf collimator(MLC)intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) with solid compensator based IMRT in order to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of solid compensator based IMRT.Method and Materials: Using the CMS radiotherapy planning system a sequence of two separate IMRT plans were prepared using superposition algorithm. First plan in each sequence delivered IMRT by means of the MLC, whereas the second one delivered IMRT by means of solid compensator. Quality Assurance (QA) IMRT was performed on a 2100CD Varian linear accelerator for both plans. For the QA measurements we utilized a 120‐leaf Millennium MLC with 0.5 cm resolution and brass compensators (milled by DECIMAL INC.). Cases for different sites, e.g. head and neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis were investigated using 6 or 16 MV photons. Number of delivered monitor units, intensity map shapes and the dose distributions for GTV, CTV and OAR were compared for both plans. Results: Preliminary results indicate that solid compensator plans use significantly less monitor units and deliver smaller dose to the OAR as compared to the MLC plans. Moreover, solid compensators offer generally better resolution of intensity maps than MLC. Finally, in the process of segmentation, MLCIMRT changes DVH. In contrast, solid compensators by avoiding segmentation process of intensity maps, leave DVH unchanged between original, optimized plan and deliverable plan. Conclusion: The presented comparison demonstrates that solid compensator based IMRT is feasible. In addition, solid compensator based IMRT can provide clinical advantage over MLCIMRT for some treatments.