cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precipitation of concanavalin A by a high mannose type glycopeptide.

Abstract The interactions of a high mannose type glycopeptide with Concanavalin A has been investigated by quantitative precipitation analysis. The equivalence points of the precipitin curves indicate that the glycopeptide is bivalent for lectin binding. These results and others demonstrate that there are two lectin binding sites per molecule of the glycopeptide: one site on the α(1–6) arm of the core β-mannose residue involving a trimannosyl moiety, and another site on the α(1–3) arm of the core β-mannose residue involving an α(1–2) mannobiosyl group. The two sites are unequal in their affinities, and bind by different mechanisms. These results are related to the possible structure-function properties of high mannose type of glycopeptides on the surface of cells.
Computerized Surgical Planning: Current Capabilities And Medical Needs

It is generally believed that medical 3D imaging augmented by computer graphics is useful in pre-operative surgical planning. Most of the existing hardware and software systems cater to only the requirements of visualizing 3D structures. This is perhaps adequate to meet the needs of pre-operative examination. However, simulation of complex osteotomy and corrective reconstruction procedures requires advanced tools for manipulating and quantitating 3D structures. This paper examines, with examples from craniofacial surgery, what new tools are needed, and outlines approaches to realize some of them.
EVIDENCE FROM THE MOON'S SURFACE FEATURES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LUNAR GRANITES

Abstract If tektites come from the moon, they indicate a granitic constitution for a considerable portion of the outer crust, especially if allowance is made for the chemical effects of volatilization (loss of alkalies). The evidence for granitic rocks from the morphology of the moon's surface is considered in this paper. The displacement of the center of the moon's visible face with respect to the center of mass is considered evidence of the existence of isostasy on the moon. It is shown that this displacement is not merely a limb phenomenon, amd that it is probably not explicable in terms of the kind of lumpy interior proposed by Urey to explain the differences of the moments of inertia. Evidence for characteristic granite landforms, including tholoids and laccoliths, is summarized. The possibility that the maria are produced by the fluidization of volcanic ash is considered. The transporting fluid is considered to be the contained gases as in a terrestrial ash flow. Ash flows on the earth are responsible for the emplacement of a large fraction of all volcanic ash. From a study of the physics of ash flows, it is concluded that the fluidization should be more effective on the moon. It should require only about 1 30 as much gas to transmit a given amount of rock, an amount which is well within reasonable expectations for the gas yield from the rocks. It is concluded that the morphology of the moon's surface does not contradict the notion that large amounts of acid rock are present on its surface.
Coupled vinyl and acetal ring‐opening polymerization

4-Methylene-1,3-dioxolane and its derivatives were polymerized by cationic catalysts. Infrared and ultraviolet studies showed that the polymers of 2,2-dimethyl- or 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane possess appreciable carbonyl content. This indicates that the polymerization takes place in such a manner that the carbon–carbon double bond opening is coupled with a concurrent acetal ring rearrangement in the propagation step to give “ketoether” sequences. 4-Methylene-1,3-dioxolane, on the other hand, was found to polymerize mostly at the carbon–carbon double bond. Copolymerization of these monomers with acrylonitrile under ultraviolet irradiation was also studied.
Probing S4 Re-Arrangement during Gating using Optical Tools

Voltage Sensor Domains (VSDs) regulate ion channels and enzymes by undergoing conformational changes in response to changes in the membrane potential. Voltage sensitivity relies on the transfer of gating charges located in the fourth transmembrane helix (S4) across the electric field. The gating charge transfer has been proposed to be associated with changes in the secondary structure of the S4 between alpha and 3-10 helix, yet this conformational transition has not been observed to date. Because such transitions are expected to extend the distance between the two ends of the S4, we sought to identify changes in the distance between genetically-encoded spectroscopic probes (a Lanthanide-Binding-Tag and a fluorescent mCherry) placed at the two ends of the S4 of the Ciona intestinalis Voltage-Sensitive Phosphatase (Ci-VSP) using LRET. We previously showed that the length of the S4 of Ci-VSP tagged with LBT and mCherry does not exhibit long-lived voltage-dependent changes and that it most likely exists as an alpha helix. We report here that short-lived changes of the S4 length in this construct could not be detected using time-resolved FRET, indicating the unlikeliness of transient alpha to 3-10 transitions. Since the recent x-ray structure of the NavAb, sodium channel from Arcobactor butzlen, displays its whole S4 in a 3-10 conformation, we substituted the S4 of Ci-VSP (from G216 to S236) by the S4 of NavAb (from F95 to Q115). As for Ci-VSP, our LRET results with this chimera show that the NavAb S4 in the Ci-VSP frame does not undergo long-lived alpha-3-10 transitions, suggesting that it most likely resides in an alpha conformation. Our results show that in both constructs, the voltage-sensor operation from resting to active does not require alpha to 3-10 transitions of the whole S4. Supported by GM030376 and U54GM087519.
Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations with T = 1 plus T = 0 pairing correlations

Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations have been performed for even-even N not-equal Z isotopes using the Kuo-Brown reaction matrix elements for the Hamada-Johnston potential. The possibility of generalized pairing is explored by considering T = 1, T = 0 and T = 1 plus T = 0 correlations for the axial and triaxial shapes. It is found that only for the nuclei with N - Z = 2 there is a small contribution by the T = 0 pairing correlations. Only the absolute value T/subz/ = 1 pairing correlations are important for the ground-state solutions. (AIP)
Locke's theory of reflection

For Locke, reflection is an operation that minds perform. When a mind reflects, it takes notice of its own mental operations, and it acquires ideas of these operations.1 Few readers of Locke's Essa...
Stability and Invariance of Psychopathic Traits from Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood

The current study examined the longitudinal stability and invariance of psychopathic traits in a large community sample of male twins from ages 17 to 23. Participants were assessed across six years to gauge the stability and measurement invariance of the Minnesota Temperament Inventory (MTI), a Cleckley-based measure of psychopathic personality traits, and how family functioning and externalizing behavior were linked to these traits. A latent variable approach was used to model the structure of the MTI and provide a statistical test of measurement invariance across time. The results revealed support for invariance and moderate to strong stability of the MTI factors, which showed significant associations with the external correlates in late adolescence but not early adulthood.
Microthemes: An Experiment with Very Short Writings

icrothemes are a special kind of student writing whose length is strictly limited, usually to 150 to 400 words. They were first developed by James Work (1979) for a literature course and later extended by John Bean and col leagues (1982) to a number of other disci plines. The name microtheme is a bit unfortunate, because the term theme for student writing has fallen out of favor. But I will use it here because it is commonly understood. Besides, it is catchy and emphasizes the uniqueness of the form. For some time I had wanted to use mi crothemes in a class?really use them, so extensively that they made up most of the graded work. Would they be a satisfactory way to enhance writing and learning? Be cause I teach mostly writing, I rarely teach a class in which all the assignments can be microthemes. My chance came recently when I was given the first semester of our Western World Lit survey, with thirty-six students. As a fair test of microthemes, I decided to assign seven of them?one ev ery other week?and let them determine most of the course grade. In addition, stu dents' grades might be raised or lowered by class participation and by faithfulness in keeping a journal of brief responses to the readings. When I introduced microthemes on the
Elastic compression stockings fail to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome after a first deep vein thrombosis

Commentary on: Kahn SR, Shapiro S, Wells PS, et al. Compression stockings to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2014;383:880–8.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) characterised by clinical features ranging from minor limb swelling to leg ulceration. One in three patients with DVT will develop PTS sequelae within 5 years, with most cases reported within the first 2 years.1 Venous hypertension, resulting from valvular reflux and residual thrombus, is implicated in the pathophysiology of PTS.2 Elastic compression stockings reduce venous hypertension and have been evaluated … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.volume%253D383%26rft.spage%253D880%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252813%252961902-9%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24315521%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61902-9&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24315521&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F18%2F1%2F22.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000332399500028&link_type=ISI
Psychobiological variables in the onset and recurrence of gouty arthritis: a chronic disease model.

Abstract Sixteen men, all with documented gout, were interviewed in depth toward the goal of elucidating dietary, medical, social, psychological, and behavioral events that were associated with arthritic episodes. All 16 reported that some of their attacks ‘came out of the blue’ but that other attacks seemed to have definite and reliable precipitants. The most commonly described precipitants included alcohol and dietary indiscretion, local joint trauma, surgery and infection, not taking prescribed medication, and life experiences that were usually associated with feelings of tense anticipation. However, the last of these was also commonly associated with several of the other precipitants, whose mechanisms for triggering an acute arthritis are generally definable. Whether there is a specific affect, such as tense anticipation, which is most likely to trigger an attack, perhaps even independently of any concomitant behavioral variables, is not clear; however, catecholamine and hydrocortisone release, which can accompany such emotional arousal, could be mediating variables. The variety of precipitants described, operating via different mechanisms to aggravate the underlying metabolic abnormality, compromise compensatory reserve, or set off local changes which provide a milieu favorable to the disease's expression, hopefully provide some insight into why chronic diseases tend to run such variable courses between and within patients.
Particulate organic carbon and inherent optical properties during 2008 North Atlantic Bloom Experiment

[1] The co-variability of particulate backscattering (bbp) and attenuation (cp) coefficients and particulate organic carbon (POC) provides a basis for estimating POC on spatial and temporal scales that are impossible to obtain with traditional sampling and chemical analysis methods. However, the use of optical proxies for POC in the open ocean is complicated by variable relationships reported in the literature between POC and cp or bbp. During the 2008 North Atlantic Bloom experiment, we accrued a large data set consisting of >300 POC samples and simultaneously measured cp and bbp. Attention to sampling detail, use of multiple types of POC blanks, cross-calibration of optical instruments, and parallel measurements of other biogeochemical parameters facilitated distinction between natural and methodological-based variability. The POC versuscp slope varied with plankton community composition but not depth; slopes were 11% lower for the diatom versus the recycling community. Analysis of literature POC versus cp slopes indicates that plankton composition is responsible for a large component of that variability. The POC versus bbp slope decreased below the pycnocline by 20%, likely due to changing particle composition associated with remineralization and fewer organic rich particles. The higher bbp/cp ratios below the mixed layer are also indicative of particles of lower organic density. We also observed a peculiar platform effect that resulted in ∼27% higher values for downcast versus upcast bbp measurements. Reduction in uncertainties and improvement of accuracies of POC retrieved from optical measurements is important for autonomous sampling, and requires community consensus for standard protocols for optics and POC.
Christ and Time—Part Three: “Telling Time” in the Fourth Gospel:

Telling time is more than calculating the meanings of day or hour in the Fourth Gospel. After considering the typical time markers (day, year, hour), we turn to the anthropology of time to learn more subtle ways of “telling time.” Of the many classifications in anthropological literature, we focus on four as the most useful for reading the Fourth Gospel: (1) past, present, forthcoming, and future; (2) eternal and contingent; (3) sequence and duration; and (4) before and after. Of particular significance is the description of forthcoming time as the later completion of a present action. Jesus truly enjoys eternal time: uncreated in the past and imperishable in the future. He is temporally “after” John but in fact he was “before” him in time and precedence. We learn, moreover, that no character can “tell time,” the exclusive preserve of Jesus; misunderstanding his “time” remarks is a unique feature of this narrative.
Synthesis of 123I-labelled 4-iodo-2, 5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine

A rapid and convenient synthesis of the psychotomimetic agent 4-iodo-2, 5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine is described, incorporating the radioisotope 123I (T1/2 13 hr). With the amine function of 2, 5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine blocked as the phthalimide, it was found that the aromatic 4-position could be directly iodinated with iodine monochloride. The phthalic acid moiety was rapidly removed with hydrazine in butanol to provide the title compound, as the hydrochloride salt, in an overall yield of 10% and in a reaction time of less than one half-life.
Quantitative histochemical measurement of GABA-transminase: Method for evaluation of intracerebral lesions produced by excitotoxic agents

GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) activity of fresh frozen coronal sections through rat striatum was evaluated 4-6 weeks after intrastriatal application of kainic or ibotenic acid. 16 micrograms sections were processed for GABA-T histochemistry and were evaluated quantitatively by computerized densitometry using image analysis. Alternate sections (200 micrograms) were assayed for GABA-T activity in vitro. Gross examination of sections stained for GABA-T revealed obvious lack of staining in the vicinity of lesions produced by either kainate (0.5-1.0 micrograms) or ibotenate (10-20 micrograms); the extent of each lesion was clearly delineated by the stain. Quantitative analysis of stained sections revealed that the lesioned tissue contained 80-90% less GABA-T activity than control tissue. This loss of GABA-T was in agreement with values obtained in adjacent sections assayed in vitro. Similar studies in substantia nigra clearly and quantitatively demonstrated damage induced by ibotenate or kainate in this nucleus as well as in tissue in the overlying reticular formation. Moreover, two compartments of GABA-T were discriminated in substantia nigra: one associated with neural perikarya, which was sensitive to kainic and ibotenic acids (80% of total GABA-T), and a second associated with afferent terminals arising from forebrain projections (20%). Thus, after destruction of neurons with kainic or ibotenic acid, GABA-T activity is largely eliminated. Under these conditions, it appears that glia contribute relatively little to the GABA-T activity measured either histochemically or by direct chemical assay in homogenates.
Saturation of energetic particle driven Alfven wave instability through velocity space diffusion

Abstract It is demonstrated both numerically and analytically that the energetic particle driven Alfven wave instability saturates when the Alfven wave fluctuations are still quasi-coherent. The saturation is due to particle velocity space diffusion which steepens the velocity gradient of the resonant particles, thereby enhancing wave damping (Landau damping).
The in vivo stimulation of rat liver ornithine decarboxylase activity by dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, theophylline and dexamethasone

Abstract The hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity of normal rats was stimulated more than 7-fold 3 hours after a single intraperitoneal injection of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (dibu-cAMP). The 3-hour ODC activity was also stimulated by single injections of either theophylline or dexamethasone (10- and 21-fold, respectively). The simultaneous administration of actinomycin D with either dibu-cAMP, theophylline or dexamethasone reduced the 3-hour ODC activity by 91, 62 and 58 percent, respectively. When actinomycin D was given one hour after dibu-cAMP, no inhibition of ODC activity was observed.
The organisation of military religion in the armies of King Edward I of England (1272–1307)

King Edward I of England (1272–1307) was an exceptionally capable leader both on the battlefield and in the organisation of the bureaucratic institutions necessary for the successful pursuit of his military objectives. The military history of Edward’s reign has benefited from extensive scholarly attention, particularly with regard to matters such as military recruitment, battlefield strategy, and logistics. However, one major lacuna has been an examination of the pastoral care made available to soldiers serving the king in both peace and war. This study considers the means by which both professional fighting men and militia forces serving in the armies of Edward I were provided with the opportunity to obtain pastoral care. It considers in turn, soldiers attached to the royal household, the troops of the royal garrisons, militia forces drawn from the shires, and finally the contingents provided by men who held land from the king through military tenure.
Antibody responses of undernourished Sinclairs(S-1) miniature swine.

Summary 1. Sinclair(S-1) miniature swine, 9 weeks of age, were divided into 2 groups and ad libitum fed diets containing 16 or 4% protein. After 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24 weeks, 2 males and 2 females from each group were injected with a suspension of bovine serum albumin, Salmonella typhosa “H” antigen and influenza virus. Blood samples were taken periodically and serum antibody titers were determined by standard methods. All animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after primary antigenic stimulation. At 120 hours before sacrifice each animal was injected subcutaneously with sheep erythrocytes; a regional lymph node was removed at necropsy and tested for antibody producing cells. 2. There was no difference in the antibody responses of the 2 dietary groups tested after 0, 4 or 8 weeks. After 12 or 16 weeks on test, the appearance of serum antibody was delayed and maximum antibody titers were attained later in undernourished swine. Serum antibody not only appeared later in undernourished swine tested after 20 or 24 weeks, but it also failed to attain the levels reached in corresponding control animals. Mercaptoethanol-sensitive antibody was affected more than mercaptoethanol-resistant antibody. Also, there was a decrease in the number of antibody producing cells obtained from the lymph nodes of undernourished swine.
The economics of schistosomiasis chemotherapy.

Abstract The optimal choice o f chemotherapy regime arises in the design o f every schistosomiasis control programme. This choice is o f particular contemporary interest for two reasons. At one extreme the development of effective single-dose oral drugs such as proziquantel and oxamniquine makes mass chemotherapy a practical option. At the other extreme there has been a revival o f advocacy for some form o f selective treatment. But all developing countries that contemplate schistosomiasis control face severe budget constraints, requiring careful analysis o f the economics o f chemotherapy. In this article, Nick Prescott presents a generalized framework For resource allocation in schistosomiasis chemotherapy, demonstrating that the optimal choice o f chemotherapy regime depends critically on the level of budget constraint, the unit costs o f screening and treatment, and rates o f compliance with screening and chemotherapy-all factors which are usually neglected in the choice o f control strategy.
Thermal contact conductance across Si3N4—Si3N4 contact

Abstract The thermal contact conductance of the sintered silicon nitride-sintered silicon nitride contact was investigated in a disc-type apparatus under a vacuum at the interface temperature range from 360 to 370 K. Since the sintered silicon nitride disk was thin, the experiment was performed in a double-layered system. The logarithm of the measured thermal contact conductance (≈ 102–106 W m−2 K−1) was proportional to the logarithm of the applied pressure (0.1–10 MPa). The relation between the measured thermal contact conductance of the silicon nitride-silicon nitride contact and the applied pressure was quite similar to the relation in a typical metal-metal contact case. The predicted thermal contact conductance was calculated from the surface profile data using the modified Greenwood-Williamson model. The predicted thermal contact conductance was coincident with the experimental results. Since the measured thermal contact conductance showed irreversibility during the loading cycle, some of the contacting asperities were apparently deforming plastically though the Whitehouse-Archard plasticity index suggested elastic deformation as the dominant mode.
Crisis intervention and social work models

Crisis theory is discussed in relation to a mental health consultation project with visiting teachers. Case illustrations of preventive intervention are offered, and characteristics of cases which best lend themselves to this type of intervention are delineated. The adaptability of the supervisory model in social work to the consultation task is demonstrated. Caplan's theory of the theme interference type of consultee-centered case consultation is illustrated in the visiting teacher project.
Internalizing Symptoms and Affective Reactivity in Relation to the Severity of Aggression in Clinically Referred, Behavior-Disordered Children

We examined the affective correlates of aggression in children referred to a partial hospitalization program for the treatment of behavior disorders who did not have a mood or anxiety disorder. Parent and teacher ratings of the children’s impulsivity, internalizing symptoms, affective reactivity, and aggression were examined for their interrelationships and then entered into regression analyses to predict the child’s level of aggression in the home, at school, and in the treatment program. Intercorrelations among three affective reactivity factors were modest. Both internalizing symptoms and affective reactivity contributed to aggression severity beyond impulsivity and demographics. Only child irritability predicted treatment program aggression. Because of their potential role in understanding children’s behavioral disturbances, internalizing symptoms and negative emotionality merit careful assessment and treatment in treatment programs serving hard-to-manage children with behavior disorders.
Experience with staging laparoscopy in pancreatic malignancy

Abstract Background: The role of diagnostic laparoscopy in the staging of abdominal malignancies is not well defined. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the usefulness of diagnostic laparoscopy as a staging procedure in pancreatic malignancy. This experience between February 1988 and May 1997 involves 109 cases of suspected or proven pancreatic malignancy. All laparoscopies were performed with the patient under conscious sedation and local anesthesia in an endoscopy suite. Results: Of the 109 patients with pancreatic cancer, 45 (42%) had metastatic disease. The use of computed tomography (CT) alone revealed the existence of liver metastases in 10 of 109 (9%) patients, which were confirmed laparoscopically. The further use of laparoscopy identified metastases in 29 more cases: hepatic, 23; hepatic and peritoneal, 3; peritoneal and mesenteric, 1; and mesenteric, 2. CT in conjunction with laparoscopy therefore revealed metastatic liver, peritoneal, or mesenteric lesions in 39 of 109 (36%) patients with pancreatic cancer. After staging laparoscopy, 67 of 69 patients underwent laparotomy. Metastatic disease was identified at laparotomy in 6 more patients; however, only 4 of these patients had metastases to the liver whereas 2 had metastases to the peripancreatic lymph nodes. Therefore, in patients with pancreatic malignancy, the negative predictive value for the diagnosis of metastases to the liver, peritoneum or mesentery was 94% (61 of 65 patients). The positive predictive value of laparoscopy alone for the detection of metastatic disease to the liver, peritoneum, or mesentery was 88% (29 of 33 patients). Laparoscopy was successfully performed without complications in all patients with pancreatic cancer; however, one had a technically unsatisfactory examination. The overall rate of resectability after staging by imaging studies and laparoscopy was 57% (35 of 61 patients). Conclusions: In patients with a negative CT for metastases, laparoscopic identification of metastases avoided unnecessary laparotomy in 29 of 99 (29%) patients with pancreatic cancer. Staging laparoscopy is indicated in all cases of pancreatic malignancy before an attempt at a surgical cure. (Gastrointest Endosc 1999;49:498-503.)
Resonance Raman spectra of cytochromes C557 and C558.

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra of cytochromes c 557 and c 558 have been recorded and compared to other low-spin ferrous cytochromes. The data support the chemical evidence that there is one vinyl group on the heme and one thioether linkage to the protein.
Religious Liberalism, International Politics, and Diasporic Realities: The Chinese Students Christian Association of North America, 1909-1951

Between 1911 and 1949, when Chinese Nationalists on the mainland and in the Diaspora sought to modernize their nation, many Chinese Protestants undertook a quest to make their religion socially and po litically relevant for an emerging New China. Attributing European and American economic and military dominance and apparent cul tural superiority to the leavening influence of Christianity, they yearned to see Protestantism play just as significant a role in China's reawakening and reconstruction.2 Chinese Protestants in the United States were especially active in their efforts to build a new China, but most could do little more than contribute financial support for the state and provide some of the missionaries' material needs.3 The ma
Acquired Methemoglobinemia Revisited

Dentistry has two medications in its pain management armamentarium that may cause the potentially life-threatening disorder methemoglobinemia. The first medications are the topical local anesthetics benzocaine and prilocaine. The second medication is the injectable local anesthetic prilocaine. Acquired methemoglobinemia remains a source of morbidity and mortality in dental and medical patients despite the fact that it is better understood now than it was even a decade ago. It is in the interest of all dental patients that their treating dentists review this disorder. The safety of dental patients mandates professional awareness.
Potentiation of ovarian OCa-1 tumor radioresponse by poly (L-glutamic acid)-paclitaxel conjugate.

Abstract Purpose: It has been shown that paclitaxel (TXL) can strongly enhance tumor cells’ sensitivity to radiation. We examined whether the radiosensitizing effect of paclitaxel can be further enhanced when it is delivered systemically as a polymer-drug conjugate that provides enhanced tumor uptake and prolonged release of TXL in the tumor. Methods and Materials: C3Hf/Kam mice bearing 8-mm murine ovarian OCa-1 tumors were treated with i.v.-injected Poly(L-glutamic acid)-paclitaxel (PG-TXL) at an equivalent TXL dose of 80 mg/kg, followed 24 h later by single doses of local radiation ranging from 5 to 15 Gy. To determine how long the radiopotentiation persisted at extended times after PG-TXL administration, mice with OCa-1 tumors were given i.v. PG-TXL and 4, 24, 48, 72, 120, or 168 h later their tumors were irradiated at a dose of 10 Gy. Antitumor activity was determined by delay in tumor growth. Cell cycle distribution was assayed using flow cytometry. Tumor vascular volume was estimated using Tc-99 m-labeled red blood cells. Results: PG-TXL strongly potentiated the radioresponse of the OCa-1 tumor. The enhancement factors ranged from 2.79 to 4.28, depending on radiation dose, when PG-TXL preceded radiation by 24 h. The enhancement factor derived from radiation dose–response curves was as high as 5.13. The radiosensitizing effect of PG-TXL was also dependent on the interval between PG-TXL administration and radiation delivery, with greater enhancement been observed when the interval was decreased. The percentage of G2/M cells was significantly increased to 21.4% 48 h after PG-TXL but declined to a preinjection level of 14.8% 72 h after PG-TXL. PG-TXL only moderately increased the tumor vascular volume by 37% 24 h after PG-TXL administration. Conclusion: PG-TXL markedly potentiated response of OCa-1 tumor to radiation. When compared to literature data obtained from the same tumor model used here, PG-TXL exhibited stronger radiosensitization effect than TXL. Although its action is possibly mediated by arrest of cells in G2/M phases of cell cycle and by increased tumor blood supply, PG-TXL may exert its radiopotentiation activity through increased tumor uptake of PG-TXL and sustained release of TXL in the tumor. Our results show that conjugation of TXL to a polymer has the potential to further enhance its radiosensitizing activity and that clinical trials of PG-TXL in combination with radiation is warranted.
Axial excitation of tightly interlaced chiral sculptured thin films: averaged circular Bragg phenomenon

Abstract Interlaced chiral sculptured thin films (STFs) are proposed. The main spectral feature – the circular Bragg phenomenon – of the axial excitation response of a tightly interlaced chiral STF is shown to be an “average” of the same features individually displayed by the constituent chiral STFs.
THE PROPERTIES OF SPECIFIC STAINS FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY PREPARED BY THE CONJUGATION OF ANTIBODY MOLECULES WITH FERRITIN

In order to take full advantage of recent developments in the electron microscopic examination of cellular ultrastructure and composition, it is necessary to develop specific electron stains capable of identifying and localizing a wide variety of macromolecular components of cells. To this end, antibody conjugates have been prepared by chemically coupling the highly electron-scattering ferritin molecule to antibody. Antigen-antibody precipitations with these ferritin-antibody conjugates have demonstrated that under the appropriate conditions they retain the specific binding properties of the antibody from which they are prepared. An electron microscopic study has been made of aggregates of tobacco mosaic virus and its ferritin-conjugated antibody. The aggregates were prepared in solution and then sprayed onto specimen screens. The electron micrographs reveal that the conjugate specifically attached to, and delineated, the virus rods. The chemistry, structure, and resolving power of the ferritin-antibody conjugates, the specificity of their reactions with homologous antigen, and the nature of the problems to be faced in application of these conjugates to the study of the internal antigens of cells are discussed.
Effects of self-phase-modulation on femtosecond pulse transmission over a 2.5-km dispersion-compensated link with broadening and compression ratio >300

We report our experiment and simulation results of self-phase modulation (SPM) effects on sub-500-fs pulses over the combined standard single-mode fiber and dispersion-compensating fiber transmission link with large broadening and recompression ratio >300. The effects of nonlinearity on postcompensation and precompensation links are different. A dramatic spectral-narrowing effect was observed in the postcompensation scenario. Our results provide more insight about the interaction between SPM effects and fiber dispersions in the femtosecond pulse regime and help to define the power limit for ultrashort-pulse dispersion-compensated links.
Evaluation of in-line sensors for prediction of soluble and total solids/moisture in continuous processing of fruit juices

Abstract Three inline sensors: Near-infra red (NIR) (Protonics P-112, Katrina Inc, Hagerstown, MD); Guided Microwave (Epsilon Industrial Inc, Austin, TX) and Maselli refractometer (Maselli Measurements Inc, Stockton, CA) were evaluated for continuous measurement of soluble and total solids/total moisture in continuous processing of (8–16 Brix) apple, grape, pear, apple-cherry and apple-banana juices in a pilot scale processing unit. Experiments were conducted in the temperature range 21–65 °C, back pressure of 0–204 kPa, flow rate of 0.756–4.536 kilolit/h, and acidity of 0.3 to 0.6% malic acid, and pH range of: 3.2–3.9. The sensors were calibrated by off-line measurement of soluble solids from an Abbe refractometer and total solids/moisture by standard vacuum oven method. The process temperature was found to have great effect on the prediction of these sensors. The effects of acidity, back pressure and flow rate were negligible. High correlation coefficients were obtained for calibration curves of the soluble and total solids in different juices. Maselli refractometer gave excellent results for soluble solids under different operating conditions. NIR Katrina analyser and GM Epsilon spectrometer gave good results for soluble and total solids. The sensors were found to give reproducible results after prolonged use and were not found to have any deposits or buildups. The present research shows that these sensors can satisfactorily be used for in-line processing of different juices in industries.
Eurosprint proofing system

Eurosprint film is a new pigmented toning film which is used in proofing to tone ChromalinTM photopolymer film. Development of this dry peel-apart system and its performance is discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diameter-Axial-Polar Nephrometry: Integration and Optimization of R.E.N.A.L. and Centrality Index Scoring Systems

Purpose: The R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior) and centrality index nephrometry scores enable systematic, objective assessment of anatomical tumor features. We systematically compared these systems using item analysis test theory to optimize scoring methodology.Materials and Methods: Analysis was based on 299 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy from 2007 to 2011 and met study inclusion criteria. Percent functional volume preservation, and R.E.N.A.L. and centrality index scores were measured. Late percent glomerular filtration rate preservation was calculated as the ratio of the late to the preoperative rate. Interobserver variability analysis was done to assess measurement error. All data were statistically analyzed.Results: A novel scoring method termed DAP (diameter-axial-polar) nephrometry was devised using a data based approach. Mean R.E.N.A.L., centrality index and DAP scores for the cohort were 7.3, 2.5 an...
MicroRNA expression in mouse oligodendrocytes and regulation of proteolipid protein gene expression

Overexpression of the major myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) is detrimental to brain development and function and is the most common cause of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. microRNA (miRNA), small, noncoding RNAs, have been shown to play critical roles in oligodendrocyte lineage. In this study, we sought to investigate whether miRNAs control PLP abundance. To identify candidate miRNAs involved in this regulation, we have examined differentiation-induced changes in the expression of miRNAs in the oligodendroglial cell line Oli-neu and in enhanced green fluorescent protein positive oligodendrocytes ex vivo. We have identified 145 miRNAs that are expressed in oligodendrocyte cell lineage progression. Dicer1 expression decreases in differentiated oligodendrocytes, and knock down of Dicer1 results in changes in miRNAs similar to those associated with differentiation. To identify miRNAs that control the PLP expression, we have selected miRNAs whose expression is lower in differentiated vs. undifferentiated Oli-neu cells and that have one or more binding site(s) in the PLP 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR). The PLP 3′UTR fused to the luciferase gene reduces the activity of the reporter, suggesting that it negatively regulates message stability or translation. Such suppression is relieved by knock down of miR-20a. Overexpression of miR-20a decreases expression of the endogenous PLP in primary oligodendrocytes and of the reporter gene. Deletion or mutation of the putative binding site for miR-20a in the PLP 3′UTR abrogated such effects. Our data indicate that miRNA expression is regulated by Dicer1 levels in differentiated oligodendrocytes and that miR-20a, a component of the cluster that controls oligodendrocyte cell number, regulates PLP gene expression through its 3′UTR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteolytic activity of dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase from human lung

Abstract Dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase (EC 3.4.15.1) was purified from human lung and some of its physical and chemical properties were investigated and compared to similar enzymes obtained from other sources. It was found that the enzyme has broad specificity in releasing consecutive dipeptides from the C-terminus of polypeptides. Enzyme hydrolysis of a peptide was stopped only when a prolyl residue was encountered in the penultimate position from the C-terminal residue. The broad specificity of this proteolytic enzyme suggests that it has potential for use as a specialized tool for the investigation of the primary structure of polypeptides and proteins.
Semidefinite programming in combinatorial optimization

We discuss the use of semidefinite programming for combinatorial optimization problems. The main topics covered include (i) the Lovasz theta function and its applications to stable sets, perfect graphs, and coding theory, (ii) the automatic generation of strong valid inequalities, (iii) the maximum cut problem and related problems, and (iv) the embedding of finite metric spaces and its relationship to the sparsest cut problem.
Use of contraception among US women with frequent mental distress.

Abstract Background This study examines whether a woman's mental health is associated with use of contraception. Study Design We used national data from 2004 and 2006 to calculate the prevalence of contraceptive use among women with frequent mental distress. We examined associations among mental distress and permanent contraception and any highly or moderately effective, reversible contraceptive method. Results Women with (86%) and without (87%) frequent mental distress reported using contraception, but contraceptive type varied by mental distress and income. Among women who use contraception, those with frequent mental distress had 1.4 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.2–1.6) of using permanent contraception. Among lower income women who use reversible contraception, those with frequent mental distress had lower odds of using highly [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8] and moderately (aOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.9) effective methods than less effective methods. Conclusion Contraceptive providers should consider mental health when providing counseling about contraception.
Self-Reported Sleep and Breathing Disturbances in Joubert Syndrome

Joubert syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by malformations of the cerebellar vermis, hypotonia, developmental delay, and respiratory variability. Because little is known about sleep and ventilatory dysregulation in this patient population, a questionnaire was distributed at the Joubert Syndrome and Related Disorders Foundation Conference. This questionnaire addressed respiratory and sleep abnormalities, and included the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Parents or proxies completed questionnaires for patients unable to do so themselves because of young age or neurologic problems. Twenty surveys were collected. The median age was 8.3 years, and 45% were female. Seven patients (35%) reported existing episodic tachypnea, four (20%) reported apnea, and three (15%) reported both. Snoring was reported by 10 patients (50%), of whom four snored nightly and five had coexisting daytime tachypnea. Six of 14 (43%) Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire responders had scores suggestive of sleep-related breathing disorder. These results suggest that episodic tachypnea, apnea, snoring, and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire scores suggestive of sleep-related breathing disorder are common in Joubert syndrome. Early detection and improved understanding of sleep and breathing abnormalities may contribute to improved outcomes for patients with Joubert syndrome.
Vaccinia virus-mediated expression and identification of the human poliovirus receptor

We have used cDNA encoding the cellular receptor for poliovirus (PVR) to prepare polyclonal antisera against beta-galactosidase PVR fusion proteins. One of these antisera allowed identification of a glycoprotein doublet band of about 67 kDa in membrane preparations of HeLa cells and in a PVR cosmid-bearing mouse cell line. In vitro translation of PVR-specific transcripts gave rise to a protein of 46 kDa; the product had a molecular weight of 67 kDa when microsomal membranes were added to the cell-free extract. Overexpression of PVR cDNA in mouse L-cells by means of a recombinant vaccinia virus led to the synthesis of a glycoprotein having a molecular weight identical to that of the glycosylated in vitro product. The vaccinia virus-mediated protein was also recognized by a monoclonal antibody that blocks poliovirus infection. Its biological activity was demonstrated by poliovirus binding and infectivity assays. The data show that PVR is a glycoprotein of 67 kDa and that this protein is sufficient to confer poliovirus susceptibility to mouse cells.
In Vivo Synthesis of Crown Gall-specific Agrobacterium tumefaciens -directed Derivatives of Basic Amino Acids

Several kinds of primary sunflower (Helianthus annuus) crown gall tissues were established in tissue culture and then labeled in vivo with either [14C]arginine, [14C]histidine, [3H]lysine, or [3H]ornithine. Crown gall tissues incited by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains that utilize octopine as a sole source of carbon or nitrogen for growth synthesized the four members of the N2-(1-carboxyethyl)-amino acid family: octopine, histopine, lysopine, and octopinic acid. Those tissues incited by A. tumefaciens strains that utilize nopaline synthesized nopaline and two new compounds, a lysine and an ornithine derivative (ornaline). A normal tissue culture, a habituated tissue culture, and a crown gall culture from a strain of the bacteria unable to utilize either octopine or nopaline did not synthesize any of the amino acid derivatives. We could not detect any other crown gall-specific derivatives of the four basic amino acids.
Biomimetic synthesis and patterning of silver nanoparticles

The creation of nanoscale materials for advanced structures has led to a growing interest in the area of biomineralization. Numerous microorganisms are capable of synthesizing inorganic-based structures. For example, diatoms use amorphous silica as a structural material, bacteria synthesize magnetite (Fe3O4) particles and form silver nanoparticles, and yeast cells synthesize cadmium sulphide nanoparticles. The process of biomineralization and assembly of nanostructured inorganic components into hierarchical structures has led to the development of a variety of approaches that mimic the recognition and nucleation capabilities found in biomolecules for inorganic material synthesis. In this report, we describe the in vitro biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using silver-binding peptides identified from a combinatorial phage display peptide library.
Reversible-logic design with online testability

Conventional digital circuits dissipate a significant amount of energy because bits of information are erased during the logic operations. Thus, if logic gates are designed such that the information bits are not destroyed, the power consumption can be reduced dramatically. The information bits are not lost in case of a reversible computation. This has led to the development of reversible gates. This paper proposes three new reversible logic gates; two of the proposed gates can be employed to design online testable reversible logic circuits. Furthermore, they can be used to implement any Boolean logic function. The application of the reversible gates in implementing several benchmark functions has been presented.
Simplified phase functions for colorant characterization

For colorant-formulation work using sophisticated radiative-transfer methods, we would like to characterize the colorant with as few parameters as possible. A new two-parameter phase function was found to give calculated results close to those of Mie theory for several typical cases. Together with an absorption and a scattering coefficient, we would therefore need only four parameters for accurate results.
Viral Infection in Pregnancy: HIV and Viral Hepatitis

With universal HIV testing prior to or early in pregnancy, early and effective antiretroviral therapy for all pregnant women, scheduled cesarean delivery if indicated, and antiretroviral therapy for the infant, as well as effective pre- and postconception counseling, HIV-infected women can have healthy and successful pregnancies.
Maternal inheritance of enzymes in the mealybug Pseudococcus obscurus (Homoptera).

In the mealybug Pseudococcus obscurus Essig (Pseudococcidae) two esterases, a tyrosinase and a mannosephosphate isomerase, exhibited an unusual type of maternal inheritance. Electromorphs (alleles) were transmitted by both parents but segregation was delayed by one generation and full sisters always had the same phenotype. Moreover, for esterase-1, in which three alleles were present, some of the females exhibited all three alleles. Several other polymorphic loci exhibited normal transmission and segregation. This mode of inheritance can be readily explained by assuming that most or all of the enzymes coded for by these loci are produced by the mycetocytes. The mycetocytes house intracellular bacteria-like symbionts and are usually formed by the fusion of the polar bodies and one or more cleavage nuclei. For a locus with two alleles exhibiting this type of inheritance, the expected frequencies of the three phenotypes are p3, 3pq and q3. An equation is presented for estimating the frequency of alleles from the frequencies of the phenotypes and it is shown that for three samples from wild populations there is a good agreement between the expected and observed frequencies of the phenotypes.