cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein Splicing in Vitro with a Semisynthetic Two-component Minimal Intein

Protein splicing elements, or inteins, catalyze their own excision from flanking polypeptide sequences, or exteins, thereby leading to the formation of new proteins in which the exteins are linked directly by a peptide bond. A trans-splicing system, using separately purified and expressed N- and C-terminal intein fragments of about 100 amino acids each, fused to appropriate exteins, was recently derived from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA intein (Mills, K. V., Lew, B. M., Jiang, S.-Q., and Paulus, H. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 95, 3543-3548). We have replaced the C-terminal intein fragment of this system with synthetic peptides comprising 35-50 of the C-terminal residues of the RecA intein. The N-terminal intein fragment and the synthetic peptide were reconstituted by renaturation from guanidinium chloride. In the absence of added reductants, a disulfide-linked dimer of the N-terminal fragment and the peptide accumulated and could be induced to splice by reduction of its disulfide bond. The intermediate and spliced products were identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and derivatization with thiol-reactive biotin followed by Western blotting with a streptavidin-enzyme conjugate. This is the first example of protein splicing involving a synthetic intein fragment and opens the way for studying the active site structure and function of the intein by the use of different synthetic peptides, including ones with non-natural amino acids.
Characterization of adenovirus p21 gene transfer, biodistribution, and immune response after local ocular delivery in New Zealand white rabbits

Previous studies suggest that local gene therapy with rAd-p21(WAF1/Cip-1) [. Arch. Ophthalmol. 120, (2002) 941-949] may provide an effective adjunctive anti-proliferative treatment to prevent glaucoma surgery failure. To further investigate rAd-p21 in this indication, we have characterized several parameters of local gene delivery to conjunctiva including, vector delivery and transgene expression in target tissue, inflammatory response, biodistribution to non-target tissues, and immune response. Quantitative PCR and RT-PCR assays were employed to evaluate rAd-p21 dissemination and gene transfer following a single subconjunctival injection. In target tissue, significant levels of rAd-p21 DNA were found in 6/6 animals 1 and 4 days after injection. rAd-p21 DNA and RNA could be detected in the un-injected contralateral eye but at levels that were 10000-100000 lower than in the injected eye. Expression of human p21 transgene in conjunctival fibroblasts was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Biodistribution of rAd-p21 following subconjunctival injection was substantially limited to ocular tissue. In 1/6 rabbits, rAd-p21 DNA was found in whole blood, liver, and spleen at levels that were barely detectable. All non-target organs were negative on day 4. In contrast, in a rabbit injected intravenously as a positive control, all blood samples and tissues samples were positive. rAd-p21 delivery to conjunctiva followed by filtration surgery caused an early acute inflammatory response, which by day 14 was indistinguishable from placebo-treated eyes. Neutralizing anti-adenovirus antibodies were detected following administration of rAd-p21 to conjunctiva, however, vector delivery and transgene expression were unaffected in a subsequent administration to the contralateral eye in the same animal. These results show that local delivery to conjunctiva may be a suitable delivery mode for ocular gene therapy.
Student Ratings of a Male and Female Professors’ Lecture on Sex Discrimination in the Workforce

Using an experimental design, male (n = 41) and female (n = 46) undergraduate students in the southeastern USA evaluated an identical written lecture by a male and female professor on pay disparities between men and women in the workforce suggesting sex discrimination. Regardless of the students’ sex, the male professor and his lecture was rated more positively and less sexist than the female professor. Moderated multiple regression analysis indicated that more traditional and gender stereotypical attitudes toward women in male students were related to greater sexism ratings of the female professor compared to the male professor whereas; no differences on ratings of sexism between the male and female professor were found for male students with more liberal attitudes.
On the use of Green's functions for solving melting or solidification problems

Abstract An analytical cum computational technique is proposed using Green's functions for solving melting or solidification problems. It is suggested that from a computational viewpoint, this procedure may be very attractive for tackling problems involving non-linear boundary conditions, or multi-component systems. The application of the technique is illustrated on two examples, the melting ablation of a slab due to convective heat transfer and the dissolution-melting of a slab into a binary liquid mixture.
Renumbering strategies for unstructured-grid solvers operating on shared-memory, cache-based parallel machines

Two renumbering strategies for field solvers based on unstructured grids that operate on shared-memory, cache-based parallel machines are described. Special attention is paid to the avoidance of cache-line overwrite, which can lead to drastic performance degradation on this type of machines. Both renumbering techniques avoid cache-misses and cache-line overwrite while allowing pipelining, leading to optimal coding for this type of hardware.
Failure of the naïve loop expansion for the effective potential in φ4 field theory when there is “broken symmetry”

We determine the effective potential V[φ] in zero dimensional gφ4 field theory when there is broken symmetry classically [Vcl = 14g(φ2 − a2)2] as a power series in 1/g. We find that the usual loop expansion ignores a secondary minimum of the path integral and is only valid for |φ| ≳ a. When |ja| ≲ 1, where j is the external source, there is a secondary minimum of equal importance to the absolute minimum. In that region a kink solution to the differential equation for φ[j] exists, φ[j] = a tanh(ja) + O(ja2/ga4), which interpolates between the minima at φ = −a and φ = +a. We obtain the 1/g expansion for V[φ] for φ < a and φ ⩾ a. For all g, a mean-field approximation gives an expression for V[φ] which interpolates between these two regimes. In higher dimensions the kink solution becomes φ[j] = a tanh(jaΩ), where Ω is the volume of space-time, suggesting a discontinuity in φ[j] in the infinite-volume limit.
Characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A-like binding sites in human ganglioneuroblastoma.

Abstract Tumors derived from primitive neural crest cells are the most common malignant neoplasms of infancy and early childhood. We recently reported [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin specific binding in one such tumor, the ganglioneuroblastoma. We now characterize this binding and compare it with 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) sites in human and rat cortex. In competition studies, the rank order of drug affinities was suggestive of a 5-HT1A binding site: 5-HT>8-OH-DPAT, RU24969 > methysergide, methiothepin, 1-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl aminopropane (DOI), ketanserin > mianserin. Regression analysis showed a correlation with drug affinities in human cortex. [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding was saturable and linear with absence of cooperativity, indicative of a single population of sites. The density of sites in ganglioneuroblastoma was two- to four-fold less than in human or rat cortex. [3H]5-HT binding also identified 5-HT1 binding sites in ganglioneuroblastoma, comparable in density to [3H]8-OH-DPAT-labelled sites. No specific binding was found using [3H]paroxetine, [3H]DOB, [3H]ketanserin, or [3H]mesulergine to label other types of 5-HT recognition sites. These data confirm the presence of a 5-HT1A-like binding site in human ganglioneuroblastoma.
Fibonacci Numbers and an Area Puzzle: Connecting Geometry and Algebra in the Mathematics Classroom

A mathematical puzzle that asks about “missing” area leads to an exploration of the Fibonacci sequence as well as genuine inquiry in plane geometry connected to algebra. This article discusses the inquiry, the concepts, the solution, and an extension that deepens all students’ understanding of connections between algebra and geometry.
Withholding of drip irrigation between transplanting and flowering increases the yield of field-grown tomato under plastic mulch

Abstract Experiments were conducted in summer of 2003 and 2004 to study the effect of withholding irrigation on tomato growth and yield in a drip irrigated, plasticulture system. Irrigation treatments were initiated at tomato planting (S0), after transplant establishment (S1), at first flower (S2), at first fruit (S3), or at fruit ripening (S4). An additional treatment received only enough water to apply fertigation (FT). Withholding drip irrigation for a short period (S2–S3) increased tomato marketable yield by 8–15%, fruit number by 12–14% while reducing amount of irrigation water by 20% compared to the S0 treatment. Withholding drip irrigation also increased irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Similar trends were observed in 2003 and 2004 despite large differences in rainfall, heat units, and tomato yield between years. This suggests that if soil moisture is adequate at transplanting, subsequent withholding of irrigation for 1–2 weeks after tomato transplanting may increase yield while reducing the amount of irrigation water.
Identification and distribution of developing innate lymphoid cells in the fetal mouse intestine

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) contribute to lymphoid tissue development and influence immune responses. Locksley and colleagues identify arginase 1–expressing fetal ILC precursors that give rise to multiple ILC subsets and lymphoid tissue–inducer cells.
The effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for painful shoulder conditions: a meta-analysis

Background Shoulder pain is the third leading musculoskeletal complaint seen by general practitioners. Physical therapy is often the first line of intervention in this population; however, there is limited description of what constitutes effective physical therapy treatment. No study has examined the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise across all painful shoulder conditions. Our purpose was to examine the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise as an intervention across all pathoanatomic mechanisms of shoulder pain in terms of range of motion (ROM), pain, and function. Methods Medline via Ovid, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 1997 through March 2011. Randomized controlled trials comparing physical therapist–prescribed exercises against any other type of intervention were included. Articles were qualitatively evaluated by use of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale by 5 separate reviewers. Data from included studies were extracted and synthesized with respect to the primary outcomes of ROM, pain, and function. Individual effect sizes were calculated with a standard formula, and overall effect was calculated by use of random- and fixed-effects models. Results We qualitatively reviewed 19 articles; 17 achieved the criterion of 6 or better on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Significant heterogeneity in reporting among included studies limited quantitative assessment. Overall, therapeutic exercise has a positive effect on pain and function above all other interventions. The findings for ROM were inconclusive. Conclusion Therapeutic exercise is an effective intervention for the treatment of painful shoulder conditions; however, subsequent research is necessary for translation into clinical practice.
Effects of adrenalectomy and type I or type II glucocorticoid receptor activation on 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor binding and 5-HT transporter mRNA expression in rat brain

We evaluated the effects of adrenalectomy (ADX) and replacement with glucocorticoid receptor agonists on serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor binding in rat brain. 5-HT1A receptor binding was increased in the CA2-CA4 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus 1 week after ADX. This effect was prevented by the systemic administration of aldosterone (10 micrograms/microliters/h) but not by RU28362 (10 micrograms/microliters/h). No significant effect was observed on 5-HT2 receptor binding in rat cortex. The expression of 5-HT transporter mRNA was unchanged in the raphe nucleus as measured by in situ hybridization.
What's different about banks?☆

Abstract Negotiable certificates of deposit (CD's) trade in the capital market in competition with other securities like commercial paper and bankers' acceptances. If CD's must pay lenders competitive monetary interest, the reserve tax on CD's is borne by bank borrowers. Viability of the tax means there must be something special about bank loans that makes some borrowers willing to pay higher interest rates than those on other securities of equivalent risk. Moreover, there must be something special about banks that prevents other intermediaries from competing to assure that it never pays to finance loans with CD's.
Flow Past a Backward-Facing Step: Comparison of PANS, DES and URANS Results with Experiments

Flow past a backward-facing step is computed using three different turbulence modeling approaches; Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS), and the newly developed Partially Averaged Navier-Stokes (PANS) [1, 2] method. PANS is a family of closure models parameterized by different ratios of resolved-to-modeled kinetic energy and dissipation. The corresponding resolution control parameters are f k (the ratio of unresolved to total kinetic energy) and f ϵ (the ratio of unresolved-to-total dissipation). The main objectives of this study are: (i) to investigate the merits of PANS relative to the other two methods by comparing against existing experimental data; and (ii) to examine the effect of the PANS parameter f ϵ on the computed flow field. In addition, we study the sensitivity of PANS results to grid-size and the level of unsteadiness in the inflow. Overall, the results clearly demonstrate the suitability of PANS for computing unsteady turbulent flows at a reasonab...
Carbon molecular sieve gas separation membranes-I. Preparation and characterization based on polyimide precursors

Abstract Carbon molecular sieving membranes are new, high-performance materials for gas separations. The selectivities of these membranes are much higher than those typically found with polymeric materials and the selectivities are achieved without sacrificing productivity. Ultramicroporous carbon membranes can be produced by pyrolyzing various thermosetting polymeric materials under a variety of pyrolysis conditions. The membranes described in this paper were produced from the pyrolysis of a hollow-fiber polyimide precursor under conditions found to yield membranes with good air separation properties. Membranes were produced by two different temperature protocols, and were evaluated with mixed gas feeds at pressures ranging up to 200 psig (1.48 MPa). The lower temperature protocol yielded membranes with O 2 N 2 selectivities ranging from 8.5 to 11.5, and a higher temperature pyrolysis yielded membranes with selectivities ranging from 11.0 to 14.0. These membranes were found to be quite stable over time periods of several days with high-purity, dry feeds. Limited studies also showed that these membranes were highly effective for the separation of other mixed gas pairs, including CO 2 N 2 , CO 2 CH 4 , and H 2 CH 4 .
Conformal supergravity tree amplitudes from open twistor string theory

Abstract We display the vertex operators for all states in the conformal supergravity sector of the twistor string, as outlined by Berkovits and Witten. These include ‘dipole’ states, which are pairs of supergravitons that do not diagonalize the translation generators. We use canonical quantization of the open string version of Berkovits, and compute N -point tree level scattering amplitudes for gravitons, gluons and scalars. We reproduce the Berkovits–Witten formula for maximal helicity violating (MHV) amplitudes (which they derived using path integrals), and extend their results to the dipole pairs. We compare these trees with those of Einstein gravity field theory.
Spontaneously generated radioactive nanoparticles in the environment

For almost 100 years, and perhaps longer, observers have detected spontaneous dispersal of radioactivity from macroscopic quantities of radioactive materials with the first published observations reported in 1910. In the 1960’s and later, radioactivity was observed to migrate through HEPA filters de-spite their well-established filtration characteristics. In measurements of ground water, radioactivity has been found to disperse from its original location of deposition in soil, despite the size, insolubility, and resistance to chemical reactions of the radioactive particles originally deposited. Similarly, measurements of the uptake of these materials in lung tissue and studies of their solubility in simulated biological fluids showed the solubility to be related to the radioactivity of the materials. In numerous practical examples, the migration and deposition of radioactivity affects work and operational practices. Despite this long and varied history indicating the importance of self-dispersal of radioactive materials, no measurements had ever been reported of the materials which were actually dispersed until recently and the results are quite surprising, suggesting a well-defined process creating discrete nanoparticle fractions. This paper will review the history of the observations of spontaneous dispersal of radioactivity and close with a description of the first measure-ments of the dispersed nanoparticles and suggestions of the physical processes involved in their formation.
Detailed and reduced chemistry for methanol ignition

Abstract Simplified chemical-kinetic mechanisms are sought that can provide agreement with measured shock-tube autoignition times and counterflow critical ignition conditions for methanol (CH 3 OH) oxidation. Existing detailed chemistry over-predicts measured counterflow ignition temperatures by 100 K or more. It was found that the elementary step CH 3 OH + HO 2 → CH 2 OH + H 2 O 2 most strongly affects the predictions. Increasing the pre-factor in the Arrhenius expression for the rate of this step from different available literature values by a factor ranging from 2 to 13, namely to 8 × 10 13 cm 3 /(mol s), within existing uncertainty, produces agreement of predictions with experiment. Using this revised rate, unimportant steps are deleted from the San Diego mechanism to obtain a set of 26 irreversible elementary steps (augmented to 27 by including fuel dissociation to CH 3 + OH for high-temperature shock-tube conditions) that predict ignition nearly as well as the detailed mechanism. In this mechanism, the intermediate species CH 2 OH, CH 3 O, HCO, H, O, and OH accurately obey steady states, while the intermediates CH 2 O, HO 2 , H 2 O 2 , CO, and H 2 do not. The result is a six-step overall reduced mechanism that describes ignition well at the lower temperatures. At higher temperatures, the aforementioned fuel decomposition becomes important, increasing the six-step mechanism to a seven-step mechanism. Expressions for the reaction rates, branching ratios, and steady-state species concentrations in the six-step reduced mechanism are given to facilitate future methanol ignition computations. Higher alcohols, which are less dependent on HO 2 attack in ignition, are indicated to nevertheless possibly benefit from an increase of the rate of the corresponding step.
Analytical and experimental performance of capacitor powered coaxial plasma guns.

Predicted and observed calorimetric exhaust efficiencies of capacitor powered coaxial plasma guns
Privacy and Generation Y: Applying Library Values to Social Networking Sites

Librarians face many challenges when dealing with issues of privacy within the mediated space of social networking sites. Conceptually, social networking sites differ from libraries on privacy as a value. Research about Generation Y students, the primary clientele of undergraduate libraries, can inform librarians’ relationship to this important emerging technology. Five recommendations assist librarians in expanding their traditional commitment to privacy into the realm of social networking sites.
Garveyism in Idlewild, 1927 to 1936

Although the scholarship on Garveyism and the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) is well documented, there is a continuing need to learn more information about Garveyism in the United States. Because the current literature on the UNIA-ACL at the local level is rather scant, this article explores the origins and development of Garveyism in the Idlewild community to determine the extent to which other Michigan divisions, including the Detroit chapter, worked collectively for the general welfare of preserving the Idlewild community. This article concentrates on two significant stages of UNIA history in Idlewild in an attempt to rescue and reconstruct the community’s identity. First, it focuses on the role small groups of Black middle-class residents played in organizing the division during the second decade of the community’s history from 1927 to 1929. Second, it discusses the many challenges and successes the division encountered from 1929 to 1936.
Migration, Poverty, and Risk of HIV Infection: An Application of Social Capital Theory

A majority of current HIV/AIDS interventions are designed primarily after individual-based public health models and pay little attention to the socioeconomic environment in which HIV transmission occurs. This article focuses on outlining how migration acts as a conduit for disease transmission in South Africa and then proposes a macro-level prevention model based on social capital theory, thus then supplementing current prevention literature. It is based on the argument that social disruption and stresses from migration lead to sexual interactions during the migration periods that amplify the risk of HIV transmission among migrants.
Expression of Functional Human Coagulation Factor XIII A-domain in Plant Cell Suspensions and Whole Plants

Abstract Coagulation factor XIII, a zymogen present in blood as a tetramer (A2B2) of A- and B-domains, is one of the components of many “wound sealants” which are proposed for use or currently in use as effective hemostatic agents, sealants, and tissue adhesives in surgery. After activation by α-thrombin cleavage, coagulation factor XIII A-domain, a transglutaminase, is formed and catalyzes the covalent cross-linking of the α- and γ-chains of linear fibrin to form homopolymers, which can quickly stop bleeding. We have successfully expressed the A-domain of factor XIII in both plant cell cultures and whole plants. Transgenic plant cell culture allows a rapid method for testing production feasibility while expression in whole plants demonstrates an economic production system for recombinant human plasma-based proteins. The expressed factor XIII A-domain had a similar size as that of human plasma-derived factor XIII. Crude plant extract containing recombinant factor XIII A-domain showed transglutaminase activity with monodansylcadaverine and casein as substrates and cross-linking activity in the presence of linear fibrin. The expression of factor XIII A-domain was not affected by plant leaf position.
Workshop: Evaluation of educational research and development projects: Pre-conference workshop

With emphasis on project outcomes and impact, project evaluation is increasingly becoming an integral part of a NSF project. Lack of an evaluation plan in a proposal for an education project may be viewed by many NSF reviewers as a weakness. The purpose of this workshop is to give the participants enough background information so that they can work with an external evaluator to develop and implement an evaluation plan for an education research and development project, particularly NSF project.
Effect of pH on the In Vitro Dissolution and In Vivo Absorption of Controlled-Release Theophylline in Dogs

Dogs were used to examine the effect of elevated gastric pH on the absorption of controlled-released theophylline dosage forms with pH-dependent dissolution. In vitro studies showed that a controlled-release theophylline tablet dissolved more rapidly if it was initially exposed to an acidic media. In contrast, a controlled-release theophylline beaded capsule was slightly more rapidly dissolved in the absence of an initial exposure to an acidic media. Gastric pH was increased from 0.5-2.5 to 4.5-7.0 in four dogs by using 150-mg ranitidine HCl tablets, administered every 3 h, to induce an achlorhydric condition. Gastric pH was monitored using a Heidelberg capsule. Ranitidine was shown to have no apparent effect on the absorption or clearance of theophylline administered to the dogs as an oral liquid. The mean area under the concentration-time curve to infinity (AUCinf) for the controlled-release theophylline tablet was 21% greater (p less than 0.05) when administered to the four dogs without ranitidine treatment, compared with that following dosing with ranitidine. In contrast, the controlled-release beaded capsule exhibited a 10% greater AUCinf when ranitidine was given concomitantly. In general, ranitidine-induced changes in the in vivo absorption rate parameters for both dosage forms were opposite to those predicted from the in vitro dissolution rates. The results of this study demonstrated that the extent of theophylline absorption from controlled-release dosage forms, in control dogs and dogs with ranitidine-induced achlorhydria, corresponds to the pH-dependent in vitro dissolution properties of the products.
Drug-Nutrient Interactions in Transplant Recipients

Drug-nutrient interaction refers to an alteration of kinetics or dynamics of a drug or a nutritional element, or a compromise in nutritional status as a result of the addition of a drug. The potentials for drug-nutrient interaction increase with the number of drugs taken by the patient. Organ transplant recipients are therefore at high risk for drug-nutrient interactions because multiple medications are used to manage graft rejection, opportunistic infections, and other associated complications. Unrecognized or unmanaged drug-nutrient interactions in this patient population can have an adverse impact on their outcomes. This paper reviews the importance of recognizing drug-nutrient interaction when using cyclosporine-based regimens.
Somatostatin analogs with affinity for opiate receptors in rat brain binding assay

The somatostatin analogs D-Phe-Cys-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr and the corresponding penicillamine compounds have been prepared and tested for their ability to displace [3H]naloxone and [3H] [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin from rat brain receptors. While somatostatin and the cystine containing peptide displayed little or no preference for either receptor system, the substitution of penicillamine at position two or seven resulted in analogs that displayed opposite receptor selectivity. The substitution of tyrosine for phenylalanine at position three resulted in a large increase in opiate receptor affinity which may be related to the known requirement for a phenolic hydroxyl moiety in the rigid opiate and enkephalin systems. Conformational properties of these analogs were also examined and related to their affinity for opiate and somatostatin receptors in the rat brain.
Highly perturbed states of barium in a static electric field

The spectrum of nominally bound states in barium in an electric field has been measured in a region where singly excited Rydberg states are heavily perturbed by a doubly excited state. Wave-packet and recurrence map analyses are performed and significant deviations are observed from the standard one-electron picture due to the more complex core.
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Obesity in Spinal Cord Injury

This study explored the relationship of obesity to psychosocial well-being among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), specifically looking at obesity’s relationships with stress, global quality of life, and health-related quality of life. It explored the reasons why these relationships might differ from those in the general population and examined whether these dynamics were in fact the same. No significant relationships were observed. The reasons for these findings were examined as well as their implications for future research and for modifying programs aimed at improving the health status of overweight persons with SCI, such as putting greater emphasis on improving self-perceptions.
Bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergy skin tests among college students.

Abstract Allergic conditions were evaluated for 2 successive years among 1,836 Brown University and Pembroke College freshmen (99.2 per cent). Students gave personal allergic histories and family histories of allergy, and information was supplemented by parents. Some type of allergy was present in 34.8 per cent of the population. A total of 25.0 per cent of students had a history of asthma, seasonal hay fever, or nonseasonal allergic rhinitis. The frequency of each of these conditions was 5.3 per cent for asthma, 21.1 per cent for seasonal hay fever, and 5.2 per cent for nonseasonal allergic rhinitis. Positive family histories of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were found to localize among students who had these conditions. Skin scratch tests with 15 commercial allergens and a control were performed on 1,243 students (67.7 per cent); 30.9 per cent showed at least one positive reaction, with localization found among the allergic group. No association between scratch test reaction and family history was observed.
Glucose 6-phosphate-dependent binding of hexokinase to membranes of ascites tumor cells.

Abstract A pH-dependent, saturable binding of hexokinase isozyme I from Ehrlich ascites carcinoma to plasma membrane and microsome preparations from the same tissue is demonstrated. This binding is enhanced by glucose 6-phosphate and may be considered as the sum of a glucose 6-phosphate-dependent binding and an independent binding. The half saturation concentration of hexokinase is about 0.4 unit per ml for both types of binding, and a maximal binding of 0.5–2.0 units per mg membrane protein is observed for both, although the pH optimum of the independent binding (5.4) is lower than that of the dependent binding (5.9). The half saturation concentration of glucose 6-phosphate required for the dependent binding is 0.05 mM at pH 6.1. 2-Deoxylucose 6-phosphate competatively reverses the effect of glucose 6-phosphate on binding but does not diminish its inhibition of hexokinase activity.
A 2 GHz Bandwidth, High Power W-Band Extended Interaction Klystron

This paper details the development and test of a 2.2% bandwidth, 95 GHz Extended Interaction Klystron (EIK). This bandwidth was achieved with a peak RF power of ~1 kW (100 W average) while maintaining a compact size and weight (less than 6 kg).
Multiple buried channel charge-coupled device

Abstract Charge storage characteristics of a vertically stacked multiple p - n layer Si structure, under fully depleted condition, are investigated analytically and the feasibility of operating such structure as the multiple buried channel charge-coupled device (MBCCD) is discussed. Fabrication requirements of the device are outlined and the infleunce of parameter variations on its operational characteristics are described.
Loss of endothelial pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein function in atherosclerotic porcine coronary arteries

Pertussis toxin, an irreversible inhibitor of some G proteins, inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxations to certain agonists in porcine coronary arteries. In the present study, the effects of the toxin were examined on endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations of hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic porcine coronary arteries to assess the functional state of the endothelial pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. Male Yorkshire pigs were maintained on either a regular diet (control group, n = 7) or a 2% high-cholesterol diet (cholesterol-fed group, n = 7) for 10 weeks. After the initial 2 weeks of maintenance, animals in both groups underwent balloon catheter removal of the endothelium of the left anterior descending or left circumflex coronary arteries. Endothelium-dependent responses were examined in vitro after 10 weeks of maintenance; at this time, a full lining of endothelial cells in both left coronary arteries was confirmed histologically. In arteries with endothelium of the control group (normal responses), pertussis toxin significantly inhibited the endothelium-dependent relaxations to serotonin, UK14304 (a selective alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist), and thrombin but not those to ADP, bradykinin, or the calcium ionophore A23187. In previously denuded arteries of the control group (effects of endothelial regeneration alone) or intact arteries of the cholesterol-fed group (effects of hypercholesterolemia alone), the relaxations to serotonin, UK14304, and thrombin were impaired significantly; those relaxations were impaired further in previously denuded arteries of the cholesterol-fed group (effects of atherosclerosis). The inhibitory effects of pertussis toxin were significantly reduced after endothelial regeneration and in hypercholesterolemia and were almost absent in atherosclerosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fluid transport in partially filled porous sol-gel silica glass.

Comparaison des mesures de conductivite electrique-ac a basse frequence, d'un verre poreux rempli avec differentes quantites d'une solution saline, avec le coefficient d'autodiffusion de l'eau mesure dans ce meme echantillon rapporte anterieurement [F. d'Orazio et al., Phys. Rev. Lett.63,43(1989)]. Les deux parametres du transport sont de facon compatible (coherente) lies a travers la relation de Einstein sous des conditions de saturations. Une image beaucoup plus complexe est revelee pour l'echantillon non sature, vu que la presence d'une phase vapeur renforce (augmente) le coefficient d'autodiffusion. Les experiences des mesures de conductivite permettent une evaluation (repartition) independante de la contribution de la phase liquide a l'autodiffusion. Neanmoins, une comparaison entre les deux experiences indique que le role de la phase vapeur n'est pas bien cerne (compris)
Pyrolysis of 21-diazo-20-keto-5α-pregnane

Abstract The pyrolysis of 21-diazo-20-keto-5α-pregnane (VI) gives a 2,4-di(17β-androstanyl)-4-hydroxy-2-butenoic lactone (XII) by way of the initially formed 1,3-cycloaddition product XIII.
MENTAL HEALTH, SOCIAL DEVIANCE, AND RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH MATERNALLY REPORTED BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS † 4

Objective: This paper investigates the association between maternally reported adolescent behavior problems and emotional, social and health risk behaviors as reported by the adolescents themselves.
Recent Advances in LWIR Type-II InAs/GaSb Superlattice Photodetectors and Focal Plane Arrays at the Center for Quantum Devices

In recent years, Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodetectors have experienced significant improvements in material quality, structural designs, and imaging applications. They now appear to be a possible alternative to the state-of-the-art HgCdTe (MCT) technology in the long (LWIR) and very long wavelength infrared regimes. At the Center for Quantum Devices, we have successfully realized very high quantum efficiency, very high dynamic differential resistance R0A-product LWIR Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes with efficient surface passivation techniques. The demonstration of high-quality LWIR focal plane arrays that were 100% fabricated in-house reaffirms the pioneer position of this university-based laboratory.
Specificity of activated glucorticoid receptor expression in heart and skeletal muscle types

Muscle metabolic responses to glucocorticoids are specific to fiber type. The present study revealed that a definite pattern exists in the formation of the two thermally activated glucocorticoid receptor complexes among the different types of muscle. Fiber types that enlarge from glucocorticoids (heart) contained the highest relative distribution of binder II and lowest content of binder IB. Fibers that atrophy from glucocorticoids (white muscle) contained negligible content of binder II and the highest appearance of binder IB. The formation of binder IB could not be explained by differences in proteolysis among the cell types. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that specific receptor forms may regulate the glucocorticoid induction of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy.
1,4-dimethyl-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane diiodide acetonitrile solvate.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C 8 H 18 N 2 2+ .-2I - .CH 3 CN, the dication lies on a mirror plane containing the molecular dication threefold axis. The structure displays CH...I interactions between H atoms of the 1,4-dimethyl-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dication and the iodide anions. The H...I distances are in the range 2.96-3.18 (4) A. The dications pack forming channels along the b axis, which contain the iodide anions and acetonitrile solvent molecules.
Acetonitrile hydration and ethyl acetate hydrolysis by pyrazolate-bridged cobalt(II) dimers containing hydrogen-bond donors.

The preparation of new CoII−μ-OH−CoII dimers with the binucleating ligands 3,5-bis{bis[(N‘-R-ureaylato)-N-ethyl]aminomethyl}-1H-pyrazolate ([H4PRbuam]5-, R = tBu, iPr) is described. The molecular structure of the isopropyl derivative reveals that each CoII center has a trigonal-bipyramidial coordination geometry, with a Co···Co separation of 3.5857(5) A. Structural and spectroscopic studies show that there are four hydrogen-bond (H-bond) donors near the CoII−μ-OH−CoII moiety; however, they are too far away to be form intramolecular H-bonds with the bridging hydroxo ligand. Treating [CoII2H4PRbuam(μ-OH)]2- with acetonitrile led to the formation of bridging acetamidato complexes, [CoII2H4PRbuam(μ-1,3-OC(NH)CH3)]2-; in addition, these CoII−μ-OH−CoII dimers hydrolyze ethyl acetate to form CoII complexes with bridging acetato ligands. The CoII−1,3-μ-X‘−CoII complexes (X‘ = OAc-, [OC(NH)CH3]-) were prepared independently by reacting [CoII2H3PRbuam]2- with acetamide or [CoII2H4PRbuam]- with acetate. X-ray diffra...
Poliomyelitis in a three-week-old infant

Summary A fatal case of meningopolioencephalitis is reported in a 3-week-old infantwhose older sibling likewise contracted the disease, both cases possibly having a common source of infection in a fatal case occurring in a neighbor. Four cases of poliomyelitis in infants under 6 months of age reported in the English literature are reviewed.
Earth Science in the City: A Reader

More than half of Earth's population lives in cities today, a figure that is projected to grow to nearly 5 billion in the coming quarter-century. A new AGU book edited by Grant Heiken, Robert Fakundiny and John Sutter, Earth Science in the City: A Reader, suggests that cities are becoming increasingly coupled with and vulnerable to their environment. The book explores the interrelationship between natural processes and the man-made urban environment, and reports on research examining the effects on urban residents and their surroundings. Included are papers looking at water use, environmental sustainability, hazard mitigation, and atmospheric sciences that propose integrated solutions to city planning, population growth, and policy decisions. In this issue, Eos talks with lead editor Grant Heiken. Heiken recently retired from the Earth and Environmental Science divisions at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
Administration of a Large Nesiritide Bolus Dose in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report and Review of Nesiritide Use in Pediatrics

Nesiritide (recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide) is often given for symptomatic relief of acute decompensated heart failure in adults. The literature describing the safety or efficacy of nesiritide in children is minimal, and we know of no data that describe the effects of a nesiritide overdose in adults or children. A 3-year-old, 10.9-kg girl was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and acute decompensated heart failure. She received several vasoactive infusions during her admission, including nesiritide. On hospital day 47 (day 45 of nesiritide therapy), the patient received an 18-fold overdose of nesiritide, with no hemodynamic, cardiac, or renal sequelae. She subsequently underwent successful cardiac transplantation. The nesiritide treatment duration was longer for this patient than the 45 days previously reported in a pediatric patient. No hemodynamic instability or cardiac or renal sequelae were associated with the large, inadvertent bolus in our patient. This case report demonstrates the lack of adverse events in a pediatric patient administered nesiritide beyond the recommended dosing parameters. Increased vigilance is always advised when administering drugs not commonly given to pediatric patients.
Thermodynamic aspect of the glass transition

Abstract A new characterization of the thermodynamic transition underlying the glass transformation is proposed. The definition incorporates both the continuous nature of the transition from supercooled liquid to amorphous solid as well as history dependent effects. Contrary to usual approaches of considering differences of thermodynamic quantities between the (metastable) equilibrium liquid and a glass, viz. δX > ≡ X e − X g , the present characterization of the glass transition is based on differences between a supercooled liquid-amorphous solid branch and the stable crystalline solid, that is, ΔX ≡ X l − X c . For the hard-sphere and the soft-sphere models, the present general definition of the glass transition reduces to δ ( C p ) → O + as T → T + g which implies a minimum in the excess entropy δS. However, for more general pair potentials, for instance, Lennard-Jones model, δ ( C p ) 0 at tthe transition point, albeit small. This behavior suggests that the glass transition is indeed dictated by the repulsive part of the potential.
A novel and functional interaction between cyclophilin A and prolactin receptor.

Precedent data have revealed that peptidyl isomerases can modulate the function of cell-surface receptors, but no such interactions have been previously shown for the members of the cytokine receptor superfamily. We demonstrate here that a functional interaction occurs between the prolactin receptor (PRLR) and peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase cyclophilin A (CypA). CypA was coimmunoprecipitated with the PRLR in vivo from the breast epithelial cell line T47D and Chinese hamster ovary transfectants overexpressing transfected human PRLR. In addition, in vitro binding assays demonstrated a direct interaction of CypA with the PRLR, in the presence or absence of cyclosporine. Coimmunoprecipitation studies also showed an association of CypA with Jak2. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of CypA inhibited PRL-induced Rac activation, while simultaneously prolonging Jak2 phosphorylation. These proximal actions had profound downstream effects: CypA overexpression significantly enhanced the basal and PRL-stimulated expression from a β-casein reporter construct. Hence, the interaction between CypA and the PRLR plays a differential regulatory role in the various signaling pathways leading from the PRLR.
High-Peak-Power THz Field Generation and Applications

Methods for generation of intense terahertz pulses and high terahertz fields will be reviewed. Nonlinear THz spectroscopy will be discussed and THz coherent control objectives will be outlined.
Limits to Diffusive O2 Transport: Flow, Form, and Function in Nudibranch Egg Masses from Temperate and Polar Regions

Background: Many aquatic animals enclose embryos in gelatinous masses, and these embryos rely on diffusion to supply oxygen. Mass structure plays an important role in limiting or facilitating O2 supply, but external factors such as temperature and photosynthesis can play important roles as well. Other external factors are less well understood. Methodology/Principal Findings: We first explored the effects of water flow on O2 levels inside nudibranch embryo masses and compared the effects of flow on masses from temperate and polar regions. Water flow (still vs. vigorously bubbled) had a strong effect on central O2 levels in all masses; in still water, masses were considerably more hypoxic than in bubbled water. This effect was stronger in temperate than in polar masses, likely due to the increased metabolic demand and O2 consumption of temperate masses. Second, we made what are to our knowledge the first measurements of O2 in invertebrate masses in the field. Consistent with laboratory experiments, O2 in Antarctic masses was high in masses in situ, suggesting that boundary-layer effects do not substantially limit O2 supply to polar embryos in the field. Conclusions/Significance: All else being equal, boundary layers are more likely to depress O2 in masses in temperate or tropical regions; thus, selection on parents to choose high-flow sites for mass deposition is likely greater in warm water. Because of the large number of variables affecting diffusive O2 supply to embryos in their natural environment, field observations are necessary to test hypotheses generated from laboratory experiments and mathematical modeling.
A strategy for the total synthesis of dragmacidin E. Construction of the core ring system.

The construction of the dragmacidin core ring system by a route that features the application of a new indole annelation reaction sequence is described.
Estimates of US influenza-associated deaths made using four different methods

Background A wide range of methods have been used for estimating influenza-associated deaths in temperate countries. Direct comparisons of estimates produced by using different models with US mortality data have not been published. Objective Compare estimates of US influenza-associated deaths made by using four models and summarize strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Inhibition of Intrinsic Xase by Protein S: A Novel Regulatory Role of Protein S Independent of Activated Protein C

Objective— Protein S is a vitamin K–dependent plasma protein that functions in the feedback regulation of thrombin generation. Our goal was to determine how protein S regulates the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. Methods and Results— We used plasma, including platelet-rich plasma, and in vitro methods to determine how the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation is regulated by protein S. We obtained the following results: (1) activated partial thromboplastin time assays with protein S–supplemented plasma confirmed that protein S prolongs clotting time; (2) a modified activated partial thromboplastin time assay with factor IX (fIX)–deficient plasma confirmed that protein S affects fIX-initiated clotting; (3) a fIXa/factor VIIIa (fVIIIa)–mediated thrombin generation assay with either platelet-rich plasma or factor-deficient plasma, initiated with a limiting amount of tissue factor, was regulated by protein S; (4) in the presence of phosphatidylserine vesicles, protein S inhibited fIXa in the absence and presence of fVIIIa; and (5) protein S altered only the K M for factor X activation by fIXa in the absence of fVIIIa and both k cat and K M in the presence of fVIIIa. Conclusion— From our findings, it can be concluded that protein S inhibits fIXa in the presence or absence of fVIIIa in an activated protein C–independent way.