cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissection of the PHO pathway in Schizosaccharomyces pombe using epistasis and the alternate repressor adenine

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, intracellular phosphate levels are maintained by the PHO pathway, activation of which is assayed by increased phosphatase activity. The PHO pathway of Schizosaccharomyces pombe upregulates phosphatase activity (encoded by pho1+) during low extracellular phosphate levels, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. We utilized an alternate repressor of pho1+ expression (adenine supplementation) along with epistasis analysis to develop a model of how S. pombe PHO pathway components interact. Analyzing Pho1 activity in S. pombe PHO pathway deletion mutants during adenine starvation, we observed most mutants with a phosphatase defect in phosphate starvation also had a defect in adenine starvation. Pho7, a transcription factor in the PHO pathway, is necessary for an adenine starvation-mediated increase in Pho1 activity. Comparing adenine starvation to phosphate starvation, there are differences in the degree to which individual mutants regulate the two responses. Through epistasis studies, we identified two positive regulatory arms and one repressive arm of the PHO pathway. PKA activation is a positive regulator of Pho1 activity under both environmental conditions and is critical for transducing adenine concentrations in the cell. The synthesis of IP7 also appears critical for the induction of Pho1 activity during adenine starvation, but IP7 is not critical during phosphate starvation, which differs from S. cerevisiae. Finally, Csk1 is critical for repression of pho1+ expression during phosphate starvation. We believe all of these regulatory arms converge to increase transcription of pho1+ and some of the regulation acts through pho7+.
A Communicative Approach to the Passive in First-Year German.

"What to teach" is a question faced by instructors of first-year German courses, especially in college-level courses where one confronts an introductory book covering all points of grammar in a single academic year. In those cases, instructors often cover one chapter after the other, steadily moving through all the material in the book's layout. But for those programs that aim more at promoting communicative competence for their students as outlined by the ACTFL proficiency guidelines, textbook grammatical items are often not presented in a way that supports desired or even useful skills. Intermediate Low or sometimes Mid is a goal for two semesters of college-level language instruction, and the corresponding standards call for the ability in speaking to engage in "predictable and concrete exchanges, ... include personal information ..., [some] daily activities, ... as well as physical and social [some immediate] needs" (Breiner-Sanders, 16-17). Depending on the desired goals for the first year of German, the instructor needs to cover a variety of areas and to decide which ones are instrumental to language competence. In communicative first-year German courses, conversational past, simple present tense, and future (present tense with appropriate adverbs of time), along with modal verbs and supporting vocabulary, are often used to achieve the desired communication goals. More traditional programs, on the other hand, tend to cover as wide a range of grammatical topics as possible, as allowed by time constraints. A recent review of common first-year German textbooks at the college level revealed that in many programs, parts of the text were not covered in a single year; "b far the most frequent reason mentioned for the de emphasis was the lack of time to 'cover' the whole textbook in one school year ... thus leaving o t subjunctive and passive" (Olsen 140). Other reasons mentioned for omitting parts of the book "evolved from pedagogical priorities: A distinction was made between receptive and productive skills as well as the level of control expected at different course levels" (Olsen 140). So should instructors strive to "cover" areas that support attainable communicative skills, or cover as many grammar topics as possible? According to Olsen's findings, such structures as relative pronouns, subjunctive and passive are often omitted. Relative pronouns and subjunctive can, no doubt, be omitted with ample skills remaining to attain the communicative proficiencies mentioned above, but the ability to say what happens to someone or something, i.e. the passive, would certainly be a useful skill in communicative tasks and would give students a head start on more advanced grammar topics. Some areas to investigate in deciding whether to add passive to the list of first-year "grammar topics" are u efulness (ACTFL proficiency guidelines for a desired level), frequency of passive usage in au-
Functional characterization of Drosophila sialyltransferase.

Sialylation is an important carbohydrate modification of glycoconjugates in the deuterostome lineage of animals. By contrast, the evidence for sialylation in protostomes has been scarce and somewhat controversial. In the present study, we characterize a Drosophila sialyltransferase gene, thus providing experimental evidence for the presence of sialylation in protostomes. This gene encodes a functional α2-6-sialyltransferase (SiaT) that is closely related to the vertebrate ST6Gal sialyltransferase family, indicating an ancient evolutionary origin for this family. Characterization of recombinant, purified Drosophila SiaT revealed a novel acceptor specificity as it exhibits highest activity toward GalNAcβ1-4GlcNAc carbohydrate structures at the non-reducing termini of oligosaccharides and glycoprotein glycans. Oligosaccharides are preferred over glycoproteins as acceptors, and no activity toward glycolipid acceptors was detected. Recombinant Drosophila SiaT expressed in cultured insect cells possesses in vivo and in vitro autosialylation activity toward β-linked GalNAc termini of its own N-linked glycans, thus representing the first example of a sialylated insect glycoconjugate. In situ hybridization revealed that Drosophila SiaT is expressed during embryonic development in a tissue- and stage-specific fashion, with elevated expression in a subset of cells within the central nervous system. The identification of a SiaT in Drosophila provides a new evolutionary perspective for considering the diverse functions of sialylation and, through the powerful genetic tools available in this system, a means of elucidating functions for sialylation in protostomes.
Reproducibility of Tumor Measurements in Ovarian Cancer: A Study of Interobserver Variability

We evaluated the accuracy and interobserver variability of intraoperative tumor measurements in ovarian cancer. Thirty-four obstetrician-gynecologists, 26 gynecologic oncologists, and 12 residents estimated the size of a primary ovarian cancer and four metastases in a simulated patient at laparotomy. The validity of the model was rated from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) as 6.9 +/- 1.3 (range 4-10). Actual diameters and range of estimates were, respectively, primary ovarian tumor, 13 cm and 4 to 20 cm; plaque right pelvic sidewall, 8.5 cm and 0 to 12 cm; paraaortic nodes, 2 cm and 0 to 5 cm; right hemidiaphragm, 1 cm and 0.3 to 3 cm; and left hemidiaphragm, 5 cm and 2 to 7 cm. There was no significant difference in measurements between the three groups of surgeons. More surgeons underestimated than overestimated tumor diameters. Tumor measurements in individual patients are highly variable; interpretation of the surgical literature and ovarian cancer treatment protocols based on tumor volume are subject to significant measurement error.
Gastroparesis after celiac plexus block

A 36-yr-old woman with metastatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas underwent neurolytic celiac plexus block with 100% ethanol and 0.5% bupivacaine for intractable back pain. Several hours after the procedure she developed severe nausea and vomiting, which persisted for days despite cessation of opioid analgesics, and administration of intravenous metoclopramide and ondansetron. Both esophagogastroduodenoscopy and barium examination of the stomach and small intestine showed excess gastric fluid but no evidence of mechanical obstruction. A radionuclide study revealed delayed gastric emptying of solids. Treatment with oral cisapride 10 mg p.o. q.i.d. resulted in considerable symptomatic improvement. We document the first reported case of gastroparesis after celiac plexus block and discuss possible etiological mechanisms.
Multidisciplinary Optimization of Airbreathing Hypersonic Vehicles

Airbreathing hypersonic aircraft and missiles are characterized by a high degree of interdependence between airframe and engine. For nonaxisymmetric vehicles the propulsion system exerts a major ine uence on vehicle lift and pitching moment; this in turn ine uences vehicle stability, control, and overall mission performance. Because of strong interactions between the airframe and engine, conceptual design of this class of vehicle requires a multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) process that can simultaneously account for the impact of selected geometric variables on all vehicle subsystems. This paper describes the development and implementation of an MDO design system that combines propulsion and external aerodynamic forces, mass properties and internal volumetric modeling, and performs geometric optimization of a hypersonic cruise missile to maximize overall mission range. The result is a cone guration with range 46% greater than the initial baseline. Such a dramatic performance increase is indicative not only of the power of optimization, but of the dife culty in cone guring hypersonic vehicles to synergize the interaction of all vehicle components without MDO methods.
Abstract 4754: Targeting of Ewing sarcoma by CAR-reengineered GD2-specific T cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Primary metastatic Ewing sarcoma involving the bone and/or bone marrow has remained largely incurable. Relapses after intensive multimodal treatment regimens are attributed to a rare subpopulation of residual cells capable of reinitiating tumor growth. Cellular immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transduced T cells is a promising strategy to eradicate minimal residual disease and prevent relapse. Based on the observation that Ewing sarcoma cells express the ganglioside antigen GD2, we have explored the capacity of T cells transduced with GD2-specific CARs to functionally interact with Ewing sarcoma cells. Surface GD2 expression was detected on 10 of 11 Ewing sarcoma cell lines by flow cytometry analysis, and on 11 of 12 primary Ewing tumor samples by immunofluorescence staining. To obtain GD2-specific effector T cells, CD3/CD28 stimulated T cells from five healthy donors were retrovirally transduced with the second generation GD2-specific CAR 14.G2aCD28ζ, resulting in CAR surface expression in 83.8±2.7% (81.1-87.8%) of the cells. Ewing sarcoma cell lines expressing various levels of GD2 were used as target cell lines for 14.G2aCD28ζ-mediated cytolysis in a 51Cr release assay. Both GD2hi VH-64 and GD2intermediate Cado-ES-1 cells were efficiently lysed by gene-modified T cells (36.6±7.7% and 25.3%±8.2 lysis at a 40:1 effector-to-target cell ratio) in the absence of background cytolysis of GD2-negative tumor cells and by non-transduced T cells. Moreover, efficient and antigen-specific granzyme B secretion was found after coincubation of various Ewing sarcoma cell lines and a primary Ewing sarcoma cell culture with CAR gene-modified T cells. 14.G2aCD28ζ T cells further eradicated Ewing sarcoma cells in a serum-free spheroid model for anchorage-independent micrometastatic tumor growth. Functional activation of CAR-expressing T cells in response to GD2 positive Ewing sarcoma cells was further demonstrated by significant secretion of IFN-γ and TNFα and significant proliferative responses to various cell lines expressing low, intermediate or high levels of GD2. Thus, GD2 is a promising target antigen for the redirected antitumor activity of T cells not only in neuroblastoma and melanoma, but also in Ewing sarcoma. To address the preclinical in vivo efficacy of 14.G2aCD28ζ T cells, we have now established an in vivo model of disseminated disease by intravenous transfer of Ewing sarcoma cells to sublethally irradiated NOD/scid mice. Magnetic resonance imaging allows to visualize metastatic tumor manifestations in xenotransplanted mice. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4754. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4754
FORMATION OF BLOOD VESSELS DURING LUNG DEVELOPMENT. • 2301

The origin of endothelial cells during lung development was investigated by following the expression of an endothelial cell marker, Factor VIII. By the earliest time we examined (rat embryonic day 13) the bronchial buds were surrounded by Factor VIII-positive cells and these endothelial cells followed the epithelium during subsequent bronchial divisions. This suggests that endothelial cells accompany the entry of the tracheal bud and originate from outside the mesenchyme. However, the surrounding mesenchyme simultaneously contained scattered endothelial cells which proliferated as development proceeded. By embryonic day 14, the proliferating endothelial cells appeared to associate into tubular structures whose lining did not form a continuous sheet. Light microscopy showed that cells within this loose network undergo pyknotic cell death. This suggests that the lumen of the blood vessel is generated in situ by deletion of cells. Thus, it appears that the vascular supply of the lung originates from endothelial cells adherent to the invading bronchi (angiogenesis). In addition, in situ formation of blood vessels (vasculogenesis), also seems to occur. Since the lung has three recognizable circulations, pulmonary, alveolar and bronchial, it would be important to investigate which of these two processes underlies the development of these circulations.
A model for the software engineering capstone sequence using the Rational Unified Process

Most computer science (CS) programs require one or more courses in software development. They may be called software engineering, senior design project, senior practicum or some other variation on these titles. Often considered a capstone, project-oriented requirement, these courses are taught using a wide range of instructional approaches. Many projects are based on the traditional waterfall model or some variant thereof. This paper presents a comprehensive, two-course approach to teaching a software development sequence in a CS program using a disciplined, heavyweight development process namely the Rational Unified Process (RUP)®. Using a use-case driven, architecture-centric, iterative development approach, the paper presents a detailed description of eleven project deliverables.
Effects of Antecedent GABA A Receptor Activation on Counterregulatory Responses to Exercise in Healthy Man.

The aim of this study was to determine whether antecedent stimulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptors with the benzodiazepine alprazolam can blunt physiologic responses during next-day moderate (90 min) exercise in healthy man. Thirty-one healthy individuals (16 male/15 female aged 28 ± 1 year, BMI 23 ± 3 kg/m2) were studied during separate, 2-day protocols. Day 1 consisted of morning and afternoon 2-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic or hypoglycemic clamps with or without 1 mg alprazolam given 30 min before a clamp. Day 2 consisted of 90-min euglycemic cycling exercise at 50% VO2max. Despite similar euglycemia (5.3 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and insulinemia (46 ± 6 pmol/L) during day 2 exercise studies, GABA A activation with alprazolam during day 1 euglycemia resulted in significant blunting of plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone responses. Lipolysis (glycerol, nonesterified fatty acids) and endogenous glucose production during exercise were also reduced, and glucose infusion rates were increased following prior euglycemia with alprazolam. Prior hypoglycemia with alprazolam resulted in further reduction of glucagon and cortisol responses during exercise. We conclude that prior activation of GABA A pathways can play a significant role in blunting key autonomous nervous system, neuroendocrine, and metabolic physiologic responses during next-day exercise in healthy man.
Polarization-based microscopy using a fiber optic spectral polarimeter

We present a fiber optic spectral polarimeter, an instrument that allows measurement of the spectrally resolved Stokes parameters. The instrument consists of a pair of polarization maintaining (PM) fibers spliced at 45 degree(s) with respect to each other in line with a polarizer module whose transmission axis is aligned to the fast axis of the first PM fiber. The generated spectrum is composed of three quasi- cosinusoidal components, which carry information required to reconstruct the spectrally resolved Stokes parameters of incident light. Fourier transform of the measured spectrum provides the significant parameters for determination of the spectrally resolved Stokes parameters of light. The performance of the fiber optic spectral polarimeter is demonstrated by the computer simulation and experiments with input light of known polarization states. A unique characteristic of this instrument is that the spectrally resolved polarization state of incident light can be determined from one spectral measurement without any mechanical movement. Moreover, the instrument can be incorporated into a tomographic imaging system such as a conventional microscopy system. Polarization based microscopy combined with a fiber optic spectral polarimeter will provide measurements that allow better understanding of depolarization process of light passing through biological materials for diagnostic imaging.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Respiratory protection policies and practices among the health care workforce exposed to influenza in New York State: Evaluating emergency preparedness for the next pandemic

Background New York State hospitals are required to implement a respiratory protection program (RPP) consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration respirator standard. Guidance provided during the 2009 novel H1N1 pandemic expanded on earlier recommendations, emphasizing the need to keep staff in all health care settings healthy to maintain services. Methods New York State hospitals with emergency departments having more than 1,000 visits annually were invited to participate; 23 hospitals participated. Health care workers, unit managers, and hospital managers were interviewed regarding knowledge, beliefs, and practices of respiratory protection. Interviewees were observed donning and doffing an N-95 respirator as they normally would during patient care. Written RPPs for each hospital were evaluated. Results The majority of the hospitals surveyed had implemented an RPP, although unawareness of the policies and practices, as well as inadequacies in education and training exist among health care workers. Conclusion Health care workers and other hospital employees may be unnecessarily exposed to airborne infectious diseases. Having an RPP ensures safe and effective use of N-95 respirators and will help prevent avoidable exposure to disease during a pandemic, protecting the health care workforce and patients alike.
ASSOCIATIONAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF COTTONWOOD TO A BOX ELDER HERBIVORE

Associational resistance, which refers to decreased herbivory experienced by a plant growing with heterospecific neighbors, is a well documented ecological phe- nomenon. In contrast, studies that describe increased herbivory due to heterospecific neigh- bors (associational susceptibility) are relatively rare. In this study we document associational susceptibility among hosts of the fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria). Cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia X P. fremontii) located under box elder (Acer negundo) were col- onized by two to three times more cankerworms, and suffered two to three times greater defoliation than cottonwoods growing under mature cottonwoods, or cottonwoods growing in the open. This associational pattern reflects fall cankerworm's strong preference for box elder over cottonwood: egg densities were 26 times greater on box elder than cottonwood, first instar larvae consumed 75 times more box elder than cottonwood in larval palatability trials, and fourth instar larvae consumed three times more box elder than cottonwood. In terms of larval performance, first instar larvae exhibited approximately six times greater mortality and 40% slower development time on cottonwood relative to box elder, whereas fourth instar larval performance did not differ between the hosts. Based on these and other findings, we predict that, when generalist herbivores reach outbreak proportions and con- sume their preferred hosts, they will then move to nearby less-preferred hosts to complete their life cycle. This "spillover" effect will result in associational susceptibility for less- preferred hosts and is likely common in forest outbreak situations where herbivore densities are high. With increased emphasis on diversified plantings in agriculture and forestry, it is important to understand potential drawbacks such as associational susceptibility.
Attosecond dynamics using sub-laser-cycle electron pulses

We demonstrate that an electron wave packet produced during intense field ionization can be used for probing molecular dynamics with an attosecond time resolution. When a H2 molecule is ionized by an intense infrared laser field, a vibrational and an electronic wave packet are simultaneously produced. Using the vibrational wave packet in H as a molecular clock, we deduce the time structure and magnitude of the re-collision electron wave packet. Delaying the re-collision time by changing the laser wavelength, we measure the D vibrational motion with 200 as and 0.05 A resolution. We also show that attosecond measurements can be achieved without attosecond optical pulse because of entanglement between vibrational and electron wave packets. Attosecond science will be developed using both optical and electron pulses.
Persuade him by email, but see her in person: Online persuasion revisited

This study replicated and expanded on earlier research on gender differences in the evaluation of computer-mediated persuasive messages. Participants discussed a counter-attitudinal topic with a same-gender confederate. Those participants made to feel a sense of shared identity (high oneness) with the communicator were the most favorable toward the proposal whereas those participants made to feel a distinct identity (low oneness) were the least favorable. However, the results were different for men and women depending on communication modality. Cognitive responses indicated that men engaged in a more rational evaluation of the persuasive message in the email condition, even when the communicator and recipient did not share an identity. Thus, one implication of this research is that email may be an effective route for men to use for interacting with one another if they share no mutual identity.
OSCAR at Ohio State University: a report

To access OSCAR use the following three steps: Type Telnet OSCAR.US.OHIO‐STATE/EDU or Telnet 128. 146. 15. 27. Enter V for VT100. Enter Y to confirm. To exit: Enter N to reach main menu. Enter X at main menu.
Factors Influencing Success in Intermediate Algebra

Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate the following factors with respect to their influence on success in an intermediate college algebra course: short weekly quizzes, computer algebra software projects, and a practice comprehensive final exam. The results suggest that all three factors significantly influence success in an intermediate algebra course. Success was measured by achievement on an independent final exam.
Analysis of Potential for Mitigation of Building-Integrated PV Array Shading Losses Through Use of Distributed Power Converters

Partial shading of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) arrays is very common, as they are limited by building geometry and most often installed in crowded urban or suburban environments. Power losses in shaded BIPV systems tend to be disproportionately large, due in large part to mismatches in operating conditions between panels. Maximum power point tracking at a modular level, which can be achieved through the use of module integrated dc-dc converters (MICs), may be used to mitigate some of these losses. This paper investigates the potential power gain provided by MICs for several representative partially shaded BIPV array scenarios. A flexible, comprehensive simulation model for BIPV systems is developed, which allows for variations in insolation and temperature at the PV cell level, while accurately modeling MICs and their effect on array performance. Shadows from nearby objects are mapped onto the modeled BIPV arrays and simulated on an annual, hourly basis, with varying array configuration as well as object size and placement. Results of these simulations show that the impact of MICs on system power output varies depending on factors such as radiation availability, time shaded throughout the year, shadow size and distribution on the array, and inverter design. Annual power gains of 3–30% are realized for a moderately shaded system with MICs when compared to conventional approaches. Further opportunities for increased energy capture in a BIPV system with MICs are identified and discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Flammability merit sequence and specimen homogeneity

Composite assemblies of materials of sharply different thermal properties cannot be listed in a flammability merit sequence intended to have a wide range of application. For such assemblies, relative flammabilities depend on the time scale of the flammability test utilized. Metal-foil-faced foamed plastics exhibit this effect to a marked degree.
Response of hamster thyroid light cells to plasma calcium

Light cells in the hamster thyroid gland were examined by electron microscopy and histochemical methods in control, hypercalcemic and hypocalcemic animals. Elevation of plasma calcium levels stimulated a marked depletion of light cell granules as detected by electron microscopy and silver impregnation. In the hypercalcemic state the size and number of light cells did not differ from that of control animals. Hypocalcemic hamsters showed a significant increase in light cell numbers with marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia of this cell type. These observations support the view that the light cell in the hamster thyroid is associated with thyrocalcitonin secretion.
Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes Recovered from Scarlet Fever Patients in Central Taiwan from 1996 to 1999

One hundred seventy-nine Streptococcus pyogenes isolates recovered from scarlet fever patients from 1996 to 1999 in central Taiwan were characterized by emm, Vir, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing methods. The protocols for Vir and PFGE typing were standardized. A database of the DNA fingerprints for the isolates was established. Nine emm or emm-like genes, 19 Vir patterns, and 26 SmaI PFGE patterns were detected among the isolates. Among the three typing methods, PFGE was the most discriminatory. However, it could not completely replace Vir typing because some isolates with identical PFGE patterns could be further differentiated into several Vir patterns. The prevalent emm types were emm4 (n = 81 isolates [45%]), emm12 (n = 64 [36%]), emm1 (n = 14 [8%]), and emm22 (n = 13 [7%]). Some emm type isolates could be further differentiated into several emm-Vir-PFGE genotypes; however, only one genotype in each emm group was usually predominant. DNA from nine isolates was resistant to SmaI digestion. Further PFGE analysis with SgrAI showed that the SmaI digestion-resistant strains could be derived from indigenous strains by horizontal transfer of exogenous genetic material. The emergence of the new strains could have resulted in an increase in scarlet fever cases in central Taiwan since 2000. The emm sequences, Vir, and PFGE pattern database will serve as a basis for information for the long-term evolutionary study of local S. pyogenes strains.
Microfluidic device for electric field-driven single-cell capture and activation.

A microchip that performs directed capture and chemical activation of surface-modified single cells has been developed. The cell capture system is comprised of interdigitated gold electrodes microfabricated on a glass substrate within PDMS channels. The cell surface is labeled with thiol functional groups using endogenous RGD receptors, and adhesion to exposed gold pads on the electrodes is directed by applying a driving electric potential. Multiple cell types can thus be sequentially and selectively captured on desired electrodes. Single-cell capture efficiency is optimized by varying the duration of field application. Maximum single-cell capture is attained for the 10-min trial, with 63 ± 9% (n = 30) of the electrode pad rows having a single cell. In activation studies, single M1WT3 CHO cells loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fluo-4 AM were captured; exposure to the muscarinic agonist carbachol increased the fluorescence to 220 ± 74% (n = 79) of the original intensity. These results demonstrate the ...
Generating Effective Facilitation Questions for Team-Building/Personal-Challenge Activities

Abstract Team-building/personal-challenge activities are powerful tools for achieving affective learning goals. However, successful use of these activities often depends on asking the right questions.
Evaluation of the in vitro release profile of digoxin from drug-carbohydrate coprecipitates

AbstractAn improvement in the dissolution profile of digoxin by coprecipitating the drug with fructose, polydextrose or xylose is reported. The results of this investigation indicate that the need of a common solvent for the drug and the carrier is not necessarily an absolute requirement for the preparation of coprecipitates. The use of two mutually soluble solvents was found suitable to prepare polydextrose coprecipitates. The increase in the dissolution rate was attributed to the increased wettability and/or the presence of a very fine state of subdivision of the drug particles. A linear relationship was obtained when percent drug released was plotted as a function of log time. Both the slope and the intercept values of the linearized plot were used to compare the release profile of different formulations. Aging of a coprecipitate exhibited slower dissolution than the freshly prepared product.
Lymph Node Evaluation of Colon Cancer and Its Association with Improved Staging and Survival in the Department of Defense Health Care System

Background Improved survival is associated with an increased number of lymph nodes (LNs) examined. The aim of this study was to assess whether the examination of ≥12 LNs is associated with more accurate colon cancer staging.
Methods for the Determination of Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, and Tin in Sucrose, Corn Syrups, and High-Fructose Corn Syrups by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

This paper demonstrates the determination of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and tin in sucrose, corn syrups, and high-fructose corn syrups by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Sample digestion by both open vessel/hot plate and closed vessel/microwave techniques is reported. Open vessel digestion was suitable for the simultaneous determination of cadmium, copper, and lead. Average recoveries (five different sample types) for the open vessel procedure were 98%, 88%, and 93% for cadmium, copper, and lead, respectively, at 0.10 μg/g. In contrast, microwave digestion yielded average recoveries (five different sample types) of 92%, 83%, 89%, 85%, and 88%, respectively, for arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and tin at 1.0 μg/g. Method detection limits were lower with open vessel digestion versus microwave digestion because of sample volume reduction. Sample introduction included microporous membrane desolvation, which assisted digestion and matrix normalization. Keywords: Trace me...
A Geographic Information Systems–based, weights-of-evidence approach for diagnosing aquatic ecosystem impairment

A Geographic Information Systems-based, watershed-level assessment using Bayesian weights of evidence (WOE) and weighted logistic regression (WLR) provides a method to determine and compare potential environmental stressors in lotic ecosystems and to create predictive models of general or species-specific biological impairment across numerous spatial scales based on limited existing sample data. The WOE/WLR technique used in the present study is a data-driven, probabilistic approach conceptualized in epidemiological research and both developed for and currently used in minerals exploration. Extrapolation of this methodology to a case-study watershed assessment of the Great and Little Miami watersheds (OH, USA) using archival data yielded baseline results consistent with previous assessments. The method additionally produced a quantitative determination of physical and chemical watershed stressor associations with biological impairment and a predicted comparative probability (i.e., favorability) of biological impairment at a spatial resolution of 0.5 km2 over the watershed study region. Habitat stressors showed the greatest spatial association with biological impairment in low-order streams (on average, 56% of total spatial association), whereas water chemistry, particularly that of wastewater effluent, was associated most strongly with biological impairment in high-order reaches (on average, 79% of total spatial association, 28% of which was attributed to effluent). Significant potential stressors varied by land-use and stream order as well as by species. This WOE/WLR method provides a highly useful "tier 1" watershed risk assessment product through the integration of various existing data sources, and it produces a clear visual communication of areas favorable for biological impairment and a quantitative ranking of candidate stressors and associated uncertainty.
The effect of cyclic triterpenes on cholesterol synthesis from mevalonate in rat liver homogenates.

Abstract The cyclic triterpenes lanosterol, 24-methylenecycloartanol, euphol and α-amyrin have been shown to partially inhibit the incorporation of L -mevalonate-2-14C into the total non-saponifiable lipid and the digitonin-precipitable material of rat liver homogenates.
Phylogenetic relationships among species of Phillipsia inferred from molecular and morphological data

The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA have been sequenced from 29 collections of Phillipsia, mainly from the New World. The P. domingensis complex, collections with a ...
Separation and Recovery of Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids by Emulsion Liquid Membranes

Abstract Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) extraction of low molecular weight organic acids resulting from whey fermentations was investigated. Rates of removal of lactic, acetic, propionic, and acrylic acids decreased as pH and concentration were increased. An ELM process for selective removal of acrylic acid from acrylic acid-propionic acid mixtures was developed through incorporation of a co-solvent (cyclohexanone) in the membrane phase of the emulsion. Degree of removal for each acid and, hence, selectivity among the acids appears to be determined by the water-membrane phase partition coefficient.
Residential recycling programs: Environmental, economic and disposal factors

Abstract The type of recycling program initiated by state or local government is related to (a) the environmental awareness of the population and the subsequent reflection of that awareness in government, (b) the state's municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal situation, and (c) the market conditions for recycled materials. Two hypotheses are studied: (1) voluntary participation recycling programs are initiated when environmental awareness is the driving force and market conditions are good and (2) mandatory participation recycling programs result when the driving force is MSW disposal difficulties. New Jersey and Oregon, two of the states, with statewide mandatory and voluntary recycling programs respectively, are studied with respect to the events leading to the enactment of their recycling programs. The hypotheses are supported by the events in each state. Hypothesis 2 is further supported by data from 48 states comparing information on each state's MSW disposal situation with the local and statewide recycling programs reported in a survey. The percentages of mandatory recycling programs increase with increasing MSW disposal difficulty. A measure of environmental awareness must be developed before hypothesis one can be studied with cross-sectional data.
STUDIES IN RADIATION-INDUCED POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL MONOMERS AT HIGH DOSE RATES. I. STYRENE.

The kinetics and degree of polymerization of the radiation-induced polymerization of styrene were investigated at dose rates up to 3 Mrads per sec. It was found that both the polymerization rates and the molecular weights at high dose rates lie well above the values predicted by extrapolation from low dose rate studies where the mechanism is primarily free radical in nature. The evidence obtained indicates that with increasing dose rate there is an increase in the ionic contribution to the polymerization mechanism. At the highest dose rates investigated, 3 Mrads per sec, the ionic mechanism dominates while the free-radical mechanism contributes insignificantly. There was no inhibition of the polymerization of styrene by dissolved air at the higher dose rates. Investigation of the polymerization of styrene saturated with water tends to support the ionic mechanism via free cations. Investigation of equimolar solutions of styrene and methyl methacrylate further support the ionic mechanism, yielding predominately polystyrene and a small amount of 50–50 copolymer. In the intermediate dose rate range, 1000 rads per sec, there is evidence that the high dose rate free-radical kinetic mechanism is the principal mechanism.
The ultrastructural morphology and distribution of trigeminohypoglossal connections labeled with horseradish peroxidase

Axon terminals projecting to the hypoglossal nucleus have been identified and characterized by electron microscopy following injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into pars interpolaris of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SPVN) in adult rats. Over 70% of the anterogradely labeled terminals contained spherical vesicles (S-terminals) and their synaptic densities were chiefly asymmetrical (Gray Type I). The rest (28%) of the labeled terminals had flattened vesicles (F-terminals) and predominantly established symmetrical (Gray Type II) synaptic contacts. The diameters of labeled terminals were 0.5–2.5 μm. Two-thirds of the S-terminals had diameters (1.25) and lower (<1.25) diameter ranges. Most axon terminals ended on dendrites of hypoglossal neurons; some, chiefly F-terminals, formed axosomatic endings. Dendrites had diameters of 0.5–5 μm. The majority of S- and F-terminals ended on dendrites with diameters of<2.5 μm. However, more F-terminals (17%) than S-terminals (11%) were presynaptic to dendrites2.5 μm in diameter. Experiments in which anterograde HRP labeling of trigemino-hypoglos projections was combined with retrograde WGA-HRP labeling of motoneurons projecting to the tongue, demonstrated that SPVN axons end on dendrites of these motoneurons. Whether some of the trigeminal fibers also terminate on intrinsic hypoglossal interneurons remains to be determined.
Morphologic characteristics of restenotic lesions following coronary interventions: Balloon angioplasty versus directional atherectomy: Can we speculate about the mechanism of restenosis from morphologic analysis?

In order to compare the processes of restenosis after balloon angioplasty as compared to that after directional coronary atherectomy, we performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of 72 lesions in 68 patients with recurrent ischemia following a successful initial procedure. For each lesion, we reviewed the pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and restenosis angiograms. The morphology of the restenotic lesions could not be predicted from pre- or post-intervention angiograms. The restenotic lesions after directional atherectomy, as compared to balloon angioplasty, did not show a statistically significant difference, although there was a trend to more eccentric narrowing. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A solid phase fluorescent immunossay for the quantitation of the C4 component of human complement.

Abstract A non-competitive method for the determination of the C4 component of human complement in serum is described. This procedure involves use of a specific antibody covalently attached to derivatized polyacrylamide beads and a fluorescently labeled specific antibody. Reproducible results were achieved for C4 in serum in the range of 10 mg/dl to 170 mg/dl within 2h. C4 levels as low as 150 ng/ml can also be measured. Fluorescent immunoassay and radial immunodiffusion were used to determine C4 levels in healthy adults. Good agreement was found between the two methods.
Trends in Internet information behavior, 2000–2004

By 2000, the Internet became an information and communication medium that was integrated in our everyday lives. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the research reported in this article analyzes the wide variety of information that people seek on the Internet and investigates trends in Internet information activities between 2000 and 2004, using repeated cross-sectional data from the Pew Internet and American Life surveys to examine Internet activities that contribute to everyday life and their predictors. The objective is to deepen our understanding of Internet activities and everyday life and contribute to a growing body of research that utilizes large-scale empirical data on Internet use and everyday life. We ask: who is embedding the Internet into their everyday lives and what are the activities they pursue to facilitate everyday life? Findings demonstrate the differential returns for Internet use, particularly in key demographic categories. The study also contributes to emerging research on the digital divide, namely emphasis on the study of use rather than access to technology. Identifying trends in key Internet use dimensions enables policymakers to target populations who underutilize the potential of networked technologies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ion molecule reactions in di-isopropyl ether

Abstract The reactions of the ions at m / z 43 and m / z 45 which are formed by direct electron ionization of di-isopropyl ether with the parent molecules to produce ions at m / z 61 may be examples of fast endothermic reactions. High pressure mass spectrometric studies indicated rapid reactions of these fragment ions with no significant temperature coefficients. Precise mass measurements and collisionally-induced decomposition studies indicate that the ion at m / z 61 in di-isopropyl ether is a protonated alcohol. Trapped ion Fourier transform—ion cyclotron resonance studies gave rate constants for these reactions which were almost the same as the theoretical collision rate constants. Trapped ion studies in a Fourier transform—ion cyclotron resonance showed no significant radiative or collisional deactivation of the ions at m / z 45 on the time scale of seconds, an observation which suggests that the reaction is not that of excited ions.
Breeding success of barn owls (Tyto alba) fed low levels of DDE and dieldrin

The relative importance of two organochlorine pesticides in the recent reproductive failure of raptors was investigated. Captive barn owls were fed 3.0 ppm DDE and 0.5 ppm dieldrin; doses were given separately and in combination for two years. Breeding success was followed from the laying of eggs through natural incubation and rearing of young. DDE was associated with significant eggshell thinning, egg breakage, embryo mortality, and reduced production per pair. Dieldrin alone was associated with slight but significant eggshell thinning, but not with reduction of breeding success. Ecological implications of the results are discussed; it is suggested that DDE had a much more severe effect on reproduction in wild raptors than dieldrin, which contributed to their decline primarily through adult mortality.
Rarity in the tropics: biogeography and macroecology of the primates

Aim To describe rarity and elucidate its biology in a tropical mammalian order, the Primates. Location Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Madagascar. Methods A review of the literature, with some additional analyses using data from the literature. A variety of definitions of rarity are used in order to describe it and to investigate its biology by correlating the degree of rarity with a variety of biological traits indicative of resource use (e.g. size of annual home range), reproductive rate (e.g. birth interval)and specialization (e.g. number of habitat types used). Results Few primate taxa occur outside the tropics, and most taxa are rare (small geographical range size or latitudinal extent, low density or both). Latitudinal extent is narrower at lower latitudes in Africa and Asia, but the potential resultant packing of taxa appears not to explain the taxonomic diversity gradient. Whilst primate species do not show the common, positive density by range size relationship, primate genera show a significant shallow slope, and primate families/subfamilies a strongly positive slope. Rare taxa are specialized, but neither use more resources nor breed more slowly than common taxa. The correlation of rarity and specialization is via geographical range: taxa with small ranges, or small ranges for their density, are specialized, but not taxa at low density. Common taxa are generalized because they consist of more differently specialized subtaxa, not because each subtaxon is generalized. Main conclusions Most primate taxa are rare, in which case most are presumably likely to go extinct. Rare primates are specialized, but do not necessarily use more resources, nor breed more slowly. Specialization as an explanation for rarity appears to work via constriction of range size, not of density. Common primates might be common (large range size) not because subtaxa or individuals are generalized, but because they are composed of more subtaxa. A consequence could be that persistence of even common taxa will depend on conservation of several populations scattered across the taxon's geographical range.
An efficient protocol for checkpointing recovery in distributed systems

The authors present an efficient synchronized checkpointing protocol that exploits the dependency relation between processes in distributed systems. In this protocol, a process takes a checkpoint when it knows that all processes on which it computationally depends took their checkpoints, hence the process need not always wait for the decision made by the checkpointing coordinator as in the conventional synchronized protocols. As a result, the checkpointing coordination time is substantially reduced and the possibility of total abort of the checkpointing coordination is reduced. >