cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The stereospecificity of LY253352 for α1-adrenoceptor binding sites in the brain and prostate

Abstract 1. The stereospecificity of the enantiomers of LY253352, a potent and selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, were studied in the human prostate and canine brain using radioligand receptor binding methods. 2. The mean equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) in the canine brain and human prostatic adenoma was 84.4 pM and 65.4 pM, respectively. 3. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor density in the canine brain was approximately eight fold greater than in the human prostatic adenoma. 4. The mean Ki values of (-)-LY253352 and (+)-LY253352 in the prostate were 0.19 nM and 5.79 nM, respectively. 5. The mean Ki values of (-)-LY253352 and (+)-LY253352 in the brain were 0.29 nM and 34.7 nM, respectively. 6. This study indicates that the stereochemical specificity of the optical isomers of LY253352 is a manifestation of differential affinities of the enantiomers for alpha 1-adrenoceptor binding sites. 7. The differential affinities of (+)-LY253352 in the brain and prostate are suggestive of subtle unique properties of adrenoceptor binding sites in these tissues.
Responses to Thyrotropin during Development in Japanese Quail

Japanese quail, a species with a precocial pattern of development, were used as a model for studying the ontogeny of thyroid responses to TSH. Thiourea was administered to embryos early in incubation, and the effects were assessed by measuring thyroid 32P uptake, serum thyroid hormones, thyroid weights, and body weights. Thyroid stimulation after thiourea treatment indicated that maturation of thyroid-pituitary negative feedback occurs between days 9 and 10 of the 16.5-day incubation period. Since thyroid function continues to increase faster than thyroid size, hypothalamic or higher control of the pituitary appears to dominate over thyroid-pituitary feedback effects for the remainder of the embryonic period. TSH administration to embryos and chicks resulted in similar time-course and dose-response characteristics, as judged by the thyroid 32P uptake response. Single injections of TSH into 14-day-old embryos resulted in parallel increases in serum T3 and T4, with essentially no change in the T3 to T4 rati...
Afferent modulation of dopamine neuron firing differentially regulates tonic and phasic dopamine transmission

The mesolimbic dopamine system is centrally involved in reward and goal-directed behavior, and it has been implicated in multiple psychiatric disorders. Understanding the mechanism by which dopamine participates in these activities requires comprehension of the dynamics of dopamine release. Here we report dissociable regulation of dopamine neuron discharge by two separate afferent systems in rats; inhibition of pallidal afferents selectively increased the population activity of dopamine neurons, whereas activation of pedunculopontine inputs increased burst firing. Only the increase in population activity increased ventral striatal dopamine efflux. After blockade of dopamine reuptake, however, enhanced bursting increased dopamine efflux three times more than did enhanced population activity. These results provide insight into multiple regulatory systems that modulate dopamine system function: burst firing induces massive synaptic dopamine release, which is rapidly removed by reuptake before escaping the synaptic cleft, whereas increased population activity modulates tonic extrasynaptic dopamine levels that are less influenced by reuptake.
Projectile Impact Behavior of Z-Fiber Reinforced Laminar Composites

The bending toughness, strength retention, resistance to damage and bending stiffness of glass fiber mat, laminar composites under high strain rate impact loading conditions was studied. One of the main disadvantages of laminar composite materials is their poor interlaminar shear strength. Recent work has demonstrated a method of Z-direction reinforcement of these composites using electrostatic flocking techniques improve delamination resistance and fracture toughness without degrading the composites tensile strength or other in-plane properties when loaded quasi-statically. The Z-direction reinforcement is accomplished by electrostatically flocking short fibers perpendicular to and between the composite ply layers. In this study, composite samples were prepared using the flocking method in two fabrication modes by the; so-called Z-Axis wet and Z-Axis dry procedures. In this work, Z-direction reinforced composite panels (including a non reinforced control) that were previously projectile impact damaged were tested using established mechanical testing procedures. Damage areas were quantified and compared using image processing techniques. Three point bending tests were also conducted on these projectile impact damaged panels to determine and compare their bending toughness, strength retention and modulus. The results show that Z-Axis reinforcement by the flocking technique improves the overall mechanical strength and stiffness properties of glass fiber mat laminar composites. For example, Z-Axis reinforced projectile damaged and not damaged glass fiber mat composite laminates are found to have flexural strengths 9% to 15% higher and a flexural modulus (stiffness) 22% to 26% higher than comparable (not Z-Axis flock reinforced) glass fiber mat samples.
A new species of Loxandrus LeConte (Coleoptera:Carabidae: Loxandrini) from South america

ABSTRACT Loxandrus semperfidelis, new species (Carabidae: Loxandrini), is described from its type locality, Orellana Province, Ecuador, and distributional range extending to Peru. This large and robustly–built South American species is distinguished from all other loxandrines by the unequal widths of the elytral intervals, in which odd–numbered intervals are as much as twice as wide as even–numbered ones. Males are distinctive in having a ventral abdominal process, or “keel”, which is not known from any other species of Carabidae. Both adult and first instar larval characteristics are described.
Behavioral Response and Transmitter Release During Atonia Elicited by Medial Medullary Stimulation

Activation of the medial medulla is responsible for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep atonia and cataplexy. Dysfunction can cause REM sleep behavior disorder and other motor pathologies. Here we report the behavioral effects of stimulation of the nucleus gigantocellularis (NGC) and nucleus magnocellularis (NMC) in unrestrained cats. In waking, 62% of the medial medullary stimulation sites suppressed muscle tone. In contrast, stimulation at all sites, including sites where stimulation produced no change or increased muscle tone in waking, produced decreased muscle tone during slow-wave sleep. In the decerebrate cat electrical stimulation of the NGC increased glycine and decreased norepinephrine (NE) release in the lumbar ventral horn, with no change in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or serotonin (5-HT) release. Stimulation of the NMC increased both glycine and GABA release and also decreased both NE and 5-HT release in the ventral horn. Glutamate levels in the ventral horn were not changed by either NGC or NMC stimulation. We conclude that NGC and NMC play neurochemically distinct but synergistic roles in the modulation of motor activity across the sleep–wake cycle via a combination of increased release of glycine and GABA and decreased release of 5-HT and NE. Stimulation of the medial medulla that elicited muscle tone suppression also triggered rapid eye movements, but never produced the phasic twitches that characterize REM sleep, indicating that the twitching and rapid eye movement generators of REM sleep have separate brain stem substrates.
The Mayo Lung Project: preliminary report of "early cancer detection" phase.

The Mayo Lung Project has been established to assess the effectiveness of close surveillance in reducing the death rate from bronchogenic carcinoma. Candidates for study are high-risk patients (men, aged 45 or older, smoking at least one pack of cigarettes daily) with life expectancy of at least 5 years. A lung-health questionnaire, chest roentgenogram, and 3-day pooled specimen of sputum provide the basic information. Candidates with positive test results receive appropriate treatment. Those whose initial data are negative are randomized into either a close-surveillance (participant) group or a control group. Participants are restudied every 4 months. Controls receive whatever medical care they ordinarily would, but no regular restudy except annual follow-up by letter. This routine will extend over 5 years or more, and tracing 5 to 10 years further. Lung-cancer death rates in the two groups will be compared. Preliminarily, it appears such programs can be incorporated into private group practices.
Culturally Based Solutions to Preserve the Health of Native Hawaiians

Health is that quality of life in which there is an absence of disease, and a presence of general well-being. For many Native Hawaiians, health encompasses a holistic perspective whereby all parts of the individual (biological, psychological, cognitive, social, spiritual) and world (individual, family, community, environment) are considered. Culturally based solutions for Native Hawaiians draw upon the strengths of the culture, with core elements including spirituality, and cultural values and practices, and the inclusion of Native Hawaiians in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. The promotion of culturally based solutions does not imply the abandonment of all Western interventions of health care; rather, it suggests a need to expand our repertoire of knowledge on health and to learn from many sources. Examples such as Aloha ‘Āina (caring for the land) and ‘Ohana Intervention (working with families) illustrate new possibilities to complement Western interventions of health care. T...
Vaya con Dios: Religion and the Transnational History of the Americas

Over the past decade, the transnational turn within US academic history has won recognition from the country's key legitimating professional institutions, from journals of record to first-tier search committees and major conferences. For historians of Latin America, as for scholars of diaspora and others who have long worked to historicize the nation-state, this is familiar territory. Their work has always challenged imperial hubris and debunked claims to national autogenesis. World systems theory, dependency theory, the Atlantic World tradition, border studies, the historical record seen from the vantage of the invaded – these insured that simply telling the truth about history was an inherently anti-imperialist act. What has yet to be thoroughly integrated into this tradition, however, are recent questions raised by scholars of religious developments in the global south or the margins of first-world nation-states. As arguably the most successful transnational movement in history, religion commands our attention. Moreover, despite the unease it arouses, the study of transnational religion has much to offer to even self-consciously anti-imperialist scholarship. Since the Enlightenment, secular states and rational subjects have proclaimed themselves the rightful tutors of their counterparts mired in magical religion and primitive superstition. Because many anti-imperialist theories share some of the Enlightenment assumptions animating this particular civilizing mission, they cede key ground to imperialism. Recent scholarship on religion challenges a series of dichotomies at the heart of imperialism and some anti-imperialisms as well: religion and secularism, faith and reason, tradition and modernity, obedience and free will. These interventions suggest that to win the debate over Empire, transnational history must change its terms.
Continuous and discontinuous finite element methods for a peridynamics model of mechanics

In contrast to classical partial differential equation models, the recently developed peridynamic nonlocal continuum model for solid mechanics is an integro-differential equation that does not involve spatial derivatives of the displacement field. As a result, the peridynamic model admits solutions having jump discontinuities so that it has been successfully applied to fracture problems. The peridynamic model features a horizon which is a length scale that determines the extent of the nonlocal interactions. Based on a variational formulation, continuous and discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods are developed for the peridynamic model. Discontinuous discretizations are conforming for the model without the need to account for fluxes across element edges. Through a series of simple, one-dimensional computational experiments, we investigate the convergence behavior of the finite element approximations and compare the results with theoretical estimates. One issue addressed is the effect of the relative sizes of the horizon and the grid. For problems with smooth solutions, we find that continuous and discontinuous piecewise-linear approximations result in the same accuracy as that obtained by continuous piecewise-linear approximations for classical models. Piecewise-constant approximations are less robust and require the grid size to be small with respect to the horizon. We then study problems having solutions containing jump discontinuities for which we find that continuous approximations are not appropriate whereas discontinuous approximations can result in the same convergence behavior as that seen for smooth solutions. In case a grid point is placed at the locations of the jump discontinuities, such results are directly obtained. In the general case, we show that such results can be obtained through a simple, automated, abrupt, local refinement of elements containing the discontinuity. In order to reduce the number of degrees of freedom while preserving accuracy, we also briefly consider a hybrid discretization which combines continuous discretizations in regions where the solution is smooth with discontinuous discretizations in small regions surrounding the jump discontinuities.
Arthroerisis of the subtalar joint

Arthroerisis of the subtalar joint can be a valuable tool for the foot and ankle surgeon in treating flexible pes planus deformity in adults, as well as in children. Whether by itself, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as Achilles tendon lengthening (to allow dorsiflexion to at least neutral), midfoot or hindfoot osteotomies (to correct significant bony deformities), and posterior tibial tendon advancements (with associated symptomatic accessory navicular), arthroerisis can be helpful to correct deformity. When compared with procedures that involve osteotomy or arthrodesis, there is less morbidity to the patient who undergoes arthoerisis during surgery as well as postoperatively. There is no risk of nonunion, less immobilization is usually required, and arthroerisis is technically easy to perform. As with all surgical procedures, proper patient selection is extremely important.
Recent developments in thermoluminescence kinetics

Abstract Thermoluminescence (TL) kinetics have been investigated that are more general than those described by the well known 1st and 2nd order kinetic equations. Single glow peak systems studied include the general one-trap kinetic expression from which the 1st and 2nd order kinetics are derived. Glow curves computer from this expression were regarded as “data”, and their properties determined by inspection and by fitting to the less general 1st and 2nd order kinetics. Often the computed glow curves are well fitted by the 1st and/or 2nd order kinetics over their upper 60%, but not in the wings. The best-fit determined kinetic parameters usually differ appreciably from those used to compute the “data” curves. The properties of the general one-trap kinetics are exemplified by measured glow curves from CaF2:Mn. To describe systems with two or more glow peaks, kinetics have been developed that appear to be the simplest possible extension of the general one-trap kinetic expression that describes the retrapping of thermally released charges on all traps present. Called interactive TL kinetics, its properties have also been studied by computing glow curves and determining their properties by inspection and fitting the computed curves to 1st and 2nd order glow peaks. The interactive kinetic glow curves exhibit all of the properties mentioned above for single peak glow curves and, in addition, reproduce many experimentally determined features that are anomalous and/or not described by the usual 1st and 2nd order kinetics. Also, glow curves computed from the interactive kinetic equations for increasing initial trapped charge concentrations, i.e. increasing premeasurement doses, exhibit supralinearity. Thus the little understood supralinearity appears to be a natural property of TL systems described by interactive kinetics.
Chromatographic and pharmacological characteristics of the active neurohypophysial principles of the spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias

Abstract Neurointermediate lobes (NIL) from Squalus acanthias were extracted and subjected to a series of chromatographic procedures to partially purify and characterize the active oxytocic principles. There is a basic principle present with high relative antidiuretic and frog-bladder activities. This is “slow-moving” on paper chromatograms. Its properties are consistent with the assumption that it is arginine vasotocin. The bulk of the oxytocic activity is found in a “neutral” fractien with chromatographic properties similar to those of oxytocin. This fraction is “fast-moving” on paper chromatograms. It appears to contain high specific oxytocic activity, about 70 U/mg. Apparent homogeneity on partition column chromatography and paper chromatography suggests that it contains a single active peptide. If it does, biological properties distinguish the peptide (EOP I) from any active neurohypophysical principle of known structure. There was no evidence for the presence of a “slow-moving” oxytocic principle other than arginine vasotocin in this S. acanthias NIL extract.
Evaluating Electrostatic Contributions to Binding with the Use of Protein Charge Ladders

Electrostatic interactions between charges on ligands and charges on proteins that are remote from the binding interface can influence the free energy of binding (delta Gb). The binding affinities between charged ligands and the members of a charge ladder of bovine carbonic anhydrase (CAII) constructed by random acetylation of the amino groups on its surface were measured by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE). The values of delta Gb derived from this analysis correlated approximately linearly with the charge. Opposite charges on the ligand and the members of the charge ladder of CAII were stabilizing; like charges were destabilizing. The combination of ACE and protein charge ladders provides a tool for quantitatively examining the contributions of electrostatics to free energies of molecular recognition in biology.
Rare use of robotic surgery for removal of large urachal carcinoma.

Minimally invasive surgery has been used traditionally for removal of colorectal, gastric and gallbladder disease pathologies with great success. Many advantages have been demonstrated with the addition of robotic surgery, such as 3-D visualization, articulation of instruments and improved surgeon ergonomics while operating. These benefits have allowed the implementation of robotic surgery into new areas. We describe here a rare case of a robotic resection of an urachal carcinoma. A 53-year-old female patient presented to her primary care physician (PCP) with a chief complaint of recurrent urinary tract infections. An initial urinary bladder ultrasound showed a large mass anterior and superior to the bladder, thus prompting an abdominal/pelvic MRI, which confirmed a large complex cystic mass anterior to and abutting the urinary bladder (5.4 × 6.7 × 5.9 cm). A follow-up cystoscopy showed no abnormal findings within the bladder. Based on the patient’s symptoms and imaging, a careful evaluation by her PCP, oncology and surgical team prompted for the removal of the mass. Because of the uncertainty, complexity and location of the mass the patient was offered surgical treatment with the da Vinci robot. Histopathology revealed an urachal adenocarcinoma, well differentiated. We present that surgical resection of an urachal tumor can be performed with the da Vinci robot. Robotic surgery can add to the benefits seen with the conventional laparoscopic approach and thus can be an accepted method for treatment of abdominal wall masses.
TETRAHYDROBIOPTERIN BINDING TO MACROPHAGE INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE : HEME SPIN SHIFT AND DIMER STABILIZATION BY THE POTENT PTERIN ANTAGONIST 4- AMINO-TETRAHYDROBIOPTERIN

The characteristics of tetrahydrobiopterin (H4biopterin) binding to pteridine-free recombinant macrophage inducible nitric oxide synthase expressed in Escherichia coli were investigated with a special focus given to effects caused by 2,4-diamino-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydro-6-(l-erythro-1,2-dihydroxypropyl)pteridine (4-amino-H4biopterin), a novel pterin-based inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The 4-amino compound completely inhibited enzyme stimulation by 10 microM H4biopterin with a half-maximally active concentration of 7.2 +/- 0.39 microM, whereas H2biopterin and sepiapterin were much less potent. Binding studies using [3H]H4biopterin at 4 degrees C revealed biphasic association of the radioligand according to two first-order reactions with apparent rate constants of 2.2 and 0.05 min-1, each accounting for approximately 50% of total binding. Dissociation of [3H]H4biopterin occurred with rate constants of 0.005 and 0.0028 min-1 in the absence and presence of l-arginine, respectively. Specific binding of 10 nM [3H]H4biopterin was antagonized by unlabeled H4biopterin and its 4-amino analog with half-maximal effects at 84 +/- 6 and 34 +/- 3.2 nM, respectively. Binding of H4biopterin and 4-amino-H4biopterin was accompanied by a partial low spin to high spin conversion of the heme that was completed by l-arginine. Similarly, the active cofactor and the inhibitory 4-amino derivative both induced significant formation of stable protein dimers that survived during SDS electrophoresis, suggesting that the allosteric effects caused by H4biopterin do not explain sufficiently the essential role of the pteridine cofactor in NO biosynthesis.
IDENTIFICATION OF AN OSTEOBLASTIC SILENCER ELEMENT IN THE FIRST INTRON OF THE RAT OSTEOCALCIN GENE

The osteocalcin gene has been used as a model for studying the regulation of gene expression by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, as well as for examining factors which contribute to osteoblast-specific regulation of gene expression. Most of these studies have focused on transactivation. We report the identification of a sequence in the first intron of the rat osteocalcin gene which suppresses the expression of osteocalcin-CAT fusion genes approximately 10-fold in ROS 17/2.8 and UMR 106 osteosarcoma cells. Mutation of a TTTCTTT motif in the first intron abolishes this suppression. The silencing effect of this motif is also observed after bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2)-induced expression of the osteoblastic phenotype in the MLB13MYC clone 17 cell line. Mutation of the splice donor site does not affect suppression by these sequences in ROS 17/2.8 cells. When multimerized and placed upstream of the native osteocalcin promoter, these sequences retain their ability to mediate transcriptional repression. Electrophoresis mobility shift analysis demonstrates a specific protein-DNA interaction with the TTTCTTT motif in nuclear extracts from ROS 17/2.8, UMR 106, and MLB13MYC clone 17 cells but not those from COS-7 kidney cells. The mutation of this motif, which abolishes suppressing activity in the native context, also abolishes binding. The presence and activity of this suppressor in cells of the osteoblast lineage suggest that it is expressed with other cell-specific transcriptional regulators of the osteocalcin gene, coordinately regulating expression of this gene in bone cells.
Qualitation and quantitation of some terphenylquinones

Abstract Microchemical and photochemical procedures which would permit rapid, sensitive detection of atromentin, aurantiacin, and thelephoric acid were examined. Photochemically induced fluorescence and chromophore formation with a ceric ammonium sulfate (CAS) reagent were useful for this purpose, especially when the terphenyl-quinones were adsorbed on polyamide powder. Quantitation of atromentin was possible with a CAS procedure, and all three of the terphenylquinones could be quanti-tated with pyridine-water (Py–W) and combined Py–W–CAS procedures. The relative sensitivities for the quantitative methods for atromentin were CAS > Py–W–CAS > Py–W. The procedures permitted the determination of atromentin and aurantiacin in concentrations of 2 to 120 mcg./ml. and 4 to 120 mcg./ml., respectively, and of thelephoric acid in concentrations of 2 to 40 mcg./ml. Precise standardization of analytical conditions was critical.
The Impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 Sends Ripples Through the Rings of Jupiter

Jupiter's main ring shows vertical corrugations reminiscent of those recently detected in the rings of Saturn. The Galileo spacecraft imaged a pair of superimposed ripple patterns in 1996 and again in 2000. These patterns behave as two independent spirals, each winding up at a rate defined by Jupiter's gravity field. The dominant pattern originated between July and October 1994, when the entire ring was tilted by about 2 kilometers. We associate this with the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts of July 1994. New Horizons images still show this pattern 13 years later and suggest that subsequent events may also have tilted the ring. Impacts by comets or their dust streams are regular occurrences in planetary rings, altering them in ways that remain detectable decades later.
Mathematical programming techniques in majorization

In this paper, we are concerned with mathematical programs which construct nonmajorizing vectors for several specific majorization applications. In particular, we develop a linear integer program and two integer goal programs which solve the assignment majorization problem. We also develop a quadratic program for solving majorization problems which arise in probability and statistics. In the appendix, we present a general goal-programming algorithm for these, as well as others, goal programs.
Micelle Formation and Testosterone Solubilization by Sodium Glycocholate

Surface tension and light-scattering studies on aqueous solutions of sodium glycocholate gave CMC values of 0.0129 and 0.0138 mole/1., respectively. Light-scattering studies in 0.1 M NaCl gave a weight-average micellar weight of about 1950, indicating that four monomers of glycocholate aggregate to form the primary micelle. Preferential broadening of the angular methyl signals in the NMR spectra suggests that glycocholate micelles are formed by back-to-back hydrophobic association of the steroid nuclei. The signal due to the glycine methylene protons in the hydrophilic region of the molecule showed little broadening. Solubility studies showed that testosterone is solubilized by glycocholate below the apparent binary CMC. The solubilizing capacity is quite low. The complex association between testosterone and glycocholate suggests mixed micelle formation.
Theory And Application Of Laser Interferometer Systems

AbstractThe theory and operation of the laser interferometer is explained in this paper. The laser system is widely used in the metal working industry, IC manufacturing, RU and agrowing new area of disc drive track writing. The type of measurements made includelength, angle, flatness, straightness and squareness. The advantage of the laser over con-ventional equipment includes high speed, versatility and the inherent accuracy of the system. IntroductionThe development of the laser remote interferometer was a major step forward in man'sability to measure distance easily and precisely.The laser is no longer a scientist's laboratory curiosity. Since the 1960's, with theadvance in electronics and optics, laser interferometry has now become a practical measur-ing tool for use in industrial environments.Currently, there are various types of laser interferometer systems on the market, eachutilizing some distinct properties of light and optics. The remote interferometer systemdiscussed in this paper is based on Michelson's experiment and a unique two frequencyhelium -neon laser to perform length, angle, straightness and squareness measurement.
Does Education Influence Ethical Decisions? An International Study

This study examined whether having attended a public, private or religious affiliated grade and/or high school influenced a college student’s ethical decision making process. We also examined whether having taken an ethics course in college influences a student’s ethical decision making process. Our sample included 508 accounting students (237 men and 271 women) from Albania, Ecuador, Ireland and the United States. Our analyses indicated no differences in ethical decision making that associated with either grade-or-high-school education. While our data showed no difference in the reported attitudes between students from Ecuador and the United States after controlling for social desirability response bias, we found significant differences between the attitudes students from the United States and students from both Albania and Ireland. While gender was also significant for six of our seven scenarios, social desirability response bias was significant in all of our scenarios.
MODELING VARIABLE DEMAND EQUILIBRIUM UNDER SECOND-BEST ROAD PRICING

This paper presents a class of parameterized second-best road pricing schemes, where the toll on each tolled link is proportional to the Pigouvian charge (i.e., the difference between marginal social cost and marginal private cost). A general framework is formulated to model variable demand equilibrium under parameterized road pricing schemes of this kind, which yields an Hybrid-equilibrium (or H-equilibrium for short) solution. From an economic point of view, the formulated model is shown to be able to evaluate the parameterized pricing scheme embedded in the model. Applications including the evaluation of road pricing schemes and the issue of road pricing design are employed to highlight the attractive features of the proposed H-equilibrium formulation.
A survey on the temporal and spatial distribution of perchlorate in the Potomac River

Samples of river water and treated drinking water were obtained from eight sites along the Potomac River between western Maryland and Washington DC. Samples were collected each month from October 2007 to September 2008 and analyzed for perchlorate by ion chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data on anions were also collected for seven of the twelve months. Data were analyzed to identify spatial and temporal patterns for the occurrence of perchlorate in the Potomac. Over the year of sampling, the largest monthly increase occurred from June to July, with levels then decreasing from July to September. Samples from the period between December and May had lower perchlorate concentrations, relative to the remainder of the study year. Spatially, higher levels of perchlorate were found at sites located in west-central Maryland, the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, and central northern Virginia, with levels decreasing slightly as the Potomac approaches Washington DC. Within the sampling boundaries, river (untreated) water perchlorate concentrations ranged from 0.03 μg L−1 to 7.63 μg L−1, averaged 0.67 ± 0.97 μg L−1 over the year-long period and had a median value of 0.37 μg L−1. There was no evidence that any of the existing drinking water treatment technologies at the sampling sites were effective in removing perchlorate. There were no correlations found between the presence of perchlorate and any of the anions or water quality parameters examined in the source water with the exception of a weak positive correlation with water temperature. Results from the summer (June–August) and fall (September–November) months sampled in this study were generally higher than from the winter and spring months (December–May). All but one of the locations had annual average perchlorate levels below 1 μg L−1; however, 7 of the 8 sites sampled had river water perchlorate detections over 1 μg L−1 and 5 of the 8 sites had treated water detections over this level.
Syntheses and electronic properties of rhodium(III) complexes bearing a redox-active ligand.

A series of rhodium(III) complexes of the redox-active ligand, H(L = bis(4-methyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)amido), was prepared, and the electronic properties were studied. Thus, heating an ethanol solution of commercial RhCl3·3H2O with H(L) results in the precipitation of insoluble [H(L)]RhCl3, 1. The reaction of a methanol suspension of [H(L)]RhCl3 with NEt4OH causes ligand deprotonation and affords nearly quantitative yields of the soluble, deep-green, title compound (NEt4)[(L)RhCl3]·H2O, 2·H2O. Complex 2·H2O reacts readily with excess pyridine, triethylphosphine, or pyrazine (pyz) to eliminate NEt4Cl and give charge-neutral complexes trans-(L)RhCl2(py), trans-3, trans-(L)RhCl2(PEt3), trans-4, or trans-(L)RhCl2(pyz), trans-5, where the incoming Lewis base is trans- to the amido nitrogen of the meridionally coordinating ligand. Heating solutions of complexes trans-3 or trans-4 above about 100 °C causes isomerization to the appropriate cis-3 or cis-4. Isomerization of trans-5 occurs at a much lower temp...
Recent advances in stucture-functional studies of mitochondrial factor B

Since the early studies on the resolution and reconstitution of the oxidative phosphorylation system from animal mitochondria, coupling factor B was recognized as an essential component of the machinery responsible for energy-driven ATP synthesis. At the phenomenological level, factor B was agreed to lie at the interface of energy transfer between the respiratory chain and the ATP synthase complex. However, biochemical characterization of the factor B polypeptide has proved difficult. It was not until 1990 that the N-terminal amino acid sequence of bovine mitochondrial factor B was reported, which followed, a decade later, by the report describing the amino acid sequence of full-length human factor B and its functional characterization. The present review summarizes the recent advances in structure-functional studies of factor B, including its recently determined crystal structure at 0.96 A resolution. Ectopic expression of human factor B in cultured animal cells has unexpectedly revealed its role in shaping mitochondrial morphology. The supramolecular assembly of ATP synthase as dimer ribbons at highly curved apices of the mitochondrial cristae was recently suggested to optimize ATP synthesis under proton-limited conditions. We propose that the binding of the ATP synthase dimers with factor B tetramers could be a means to enhance the efficiency of the terminal step of oxidative phosphorylation in animal mitochondria.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENT IMPLICATIONS OF HYPERTENSION IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN POPULATION

Regardless of the etiology, hypertension remains a major public health problem in African-Americans and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Additional data on the pathophysiology of this disease in this population are needed, as are data on the best therapies to decrease the high complication rate. Because many of the large studies on hypertension have included few African-Americans, recruitment of this ethnic group into clinical trials should be promoted. Further studies into the genetic factors in the pathophysiology of racial differences in hypertension may shed more light on this complex issue.
Vitamin D receptor-mediated gene regulation mechanisms and current concepts of vitamin D analog selectivity.

Abstract Lipophilic hormones of steroidal origin such as the sex hormones and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) function by regulating patterns of gene expression in cells. The mediators of such actions are nuclear receptors that recognize these ligands with high affinity and selectivity and function through several mechanisms as gene specific transcription factors. As a result of the mechanistic complexity of nuclear receptor action, recent studies have revealed that both synthetic analogs as well as novel mimetics of a receptor's natural hormonal ligand are capable of modulating functional responses in both cell- and gene-selective manners. These findings have given rise to the term selective receptor modulators, typified by such synthetic estrogen receptor ligands as tamoxifen and raloxifene. A number of vitamin D analogs have been prepared that appear to exhibit tissue-selective activity—most notable through their inability to induce levels of hypercalcemia typical of the activity of the natural hormone 1,25(OH)2D3. Because this debilitating yet normal feature of the natural ligand limits its usefulness in a variety of clinical indications, including its application to prevent bone disease caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism, this feature of many of the new analogs is especially welcome. This article discusses what constitutes a selective receptor modulator and whether the current vitamin D analogs represent such entities. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Direct Numerical Simulations of Bubbles in Vertical Channels

Recent DNS studies of bubbly flows in channels are discussed. Simulations of nearly spherical bubbly flows in vertical channels show that the bubbles move towards the wall for upflow and away from the wall for downflow in such a way that the core is in hydrostatic equilibrium. For down flow the wall layer is free of bubbles but for upflow there is an excess of bubbles in the wall layer. The liquid velocity in the core is uniform. For laminar downflow the velocity in the wall layer can be computed analytically but for upflow the velocity is strongly influenced by the presence of the bubbles. Results for turbulent flow show similar behavior and for downflow the velocity is given (almost) by the law of the wall. Several simulations are used to examine the effect of void fraction and bubble size for turbulent downflow.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Rhinoplasty in the Patient of African Descent

We are in the midst of truly changing times, as patients of African descent actively embrace facial cosmetic surgery. Gaining surgical consistency in patients of African descent has proven to be elusive and unpredictable for many rhinoplasty surgeons. Surgical success relies on the surgeon's ability precisely to identify anatomic variables and reconcile these anatomic realities with the patient's expectations for aesthetic improvement and ethnic identity. An appreciation for underlying heritage provides a link culturally to connect with prospective patients and serves as a tool for establishing realistic aesthetic goals. This article highlights the significance of exploring ancestry in the rhinoplasty consultation; identifies key anatomic variables in the nasal tip, dorsum, and alar base; and reviews surgical logic that has facilitated the achievement of consistent, balanced aesthetic outcomes.
The Ocean: A Natural Source of Carbon Monoxide

The surface waters of the western Atlantic are supersaturated with respect to the partial pressure of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Under these conditions, the net transport of carbon monoxide across the air-sea interface must be from the sea into the atmosphere. Thus, the ocean appears to act as a source of carbon monoxide. The ocean may be the largest known natural source of this gas, contributing possibly as much as 5 percent of the amount generated by burning of fuels by man.
ESTRADICL INHIBITS PRCLACTIN INDUCED α-LACTALBUMIN PRODUCTION IN NORMAL PRIMATE MAMMARY TISSUE IN VITRO

The effect of estradiol on prolactin induced α-lactalbumin production in normal primate mammary tissue was studied by maintaining tissues in organ culture with or without various combinations of oPRL and 17 β-estradiol. As expected α-lactalbumin was increased by oPRL. 17 β-estradiol was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on oPRL-induced α-lactalbumin production. By 9 days in culture estradiol (10-11 M) caused a mean 31% inhibition of prolactin-induced α-lactalbumin; with estradiol (10-8 M) the inhibition was 40%. In the absence of oPRL, estradiol did not inhibit α-lactalbumin production. Thus it appears that estradiol directly antagonizes the lactogenic effect of prolactin on the normal primate mammary gland.
Consumer ethics: An investigation of the ethical beliefs of the final consumer.

Though ethics in the marketing exchange process has been the focus of substantial research, very little research has been done on the buyer side of this dyad. This article presents the results of a two-part study exploring consumers’ perceptions about situations they face as consumers, and which have potential ethical content. The results identify three factors that affect consumers’ perceptions regarding the ethical content of these situations: the locus of the fault, the presence of deception on the part of the consumer, and the degree of harm. Further analysis also indicates that consumers’ ethical decision making may be related to certain demographic characteristics. Though the current study is purely exploratory, the results provide promise in developing a positive theory of consumer ethics.
Can proteins and crystals self-catalyze methyl rotations?

The χ (Cα−Cβ) torsional barrier in the dipeptide alanine (N-methyl-l-alanyl-N-methylamide) crystal was investigated using ab initio calculations at various levels of theory, molecular mechanics, and molecular dynamics. For one of the two molecules in the asymmetric unit the calculations suggest that rotation around the χ dihedral angle is catalyzed by the crystal environment, reducing by up to ∼2kT the torsional barrier in the crystal with respect to that in the gas phase. This catalytic effect is present at both low and room temperature and originates from a van der Waals destabilization of the minima in the methyl dihedral potential coming from the nonbonded environment of the side chain. Screening of a subset of the Protein Data Bank with a pharmacophore model reproducing the crystal environment around this side chain methyl identified a protein containing an alanine residue with an environment similar to that in the crystal. Calculations indicate that this χ torsional barrier is also reduced in the pr...
The Value of DDT for the Control of the Common Chicken Louse

Abstract THE sensational results obtained by military authorities in the use of DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) for the control of the human louse led the writer to investigate its value in the control of the chicken body louse (Eomenacanthus stramineus). The reported persistency of the killing power of this new chemical gave promise of its being superior to the commonly used sodium fluoride. The only published results regarding the use of DDT for the control of chicken lice were issued by Telford (1944) in which he compared the efficacy of DDT, sodium fluoride and nicotine dust. From observations, continued a maximum of 52 hours after treatment, he concluded that DDT was as effective as sodium fluoride against the common body louse and shaft louse of the chicken. During the summer and fall of 1944 2 birds heavily infested with the chicken body louse, Eomenacanthus stramineus, and to a less extent the shaft louse, Menopon . . .
A round robin study for the characterization of latex particle morphology: multiple analytical techniques to probe specific structural features

Abstract Determining the detailed morphology of composite latex particles in a confident manner is often very challenging and sometimes seemingly impossible. This paper reports on the details of an interlaboratory study, a so-called ‘round robin’ study, designed to determine the complete details of the particle structure of a particular styrene–acrylic copolymer latex system. Independent organizations received portions of the same composite latex and each performed several analytical measurements of the characteristics of the latex particles. Techniques included SEM, TEM, AFM, NMR, DSC, MFFT, GPC, CHDF and QELS. Each analytical test was performed by at least two independent laboratories using the protocols adopted by the individual organizations. Subsequently representatives from each of the six laboratories participated in a workshop to contribute their data, assess the results from all of the information developed, and to draw collective conclusions regarding the detailed structure of the particles. Complete morphology details must include the overall particle shape, the composition of its outermost region, and the internal structure. Multiple, complimentary sets of analytical data were necessary to confidently determine the particle structure, even for the well phase separated latex particles studied here.
Perturbing families of Lyapunov functions and stability in terms of two measures

On considere les proprietes de stabilite non uniforme en termes de deux mesures en employant des familles perturbantes de fonctions de Lyapunov
Camouflaging Consumption and Colonial Mimicry: The Materiality of an Eighteenth and Nineteenth-Century Nipmuc Household

This article serves as an interpretation of Nipmuc history in colonial contexts by focusing on the engagement and survival of the “capitalist colonial” world by the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Nipmuc inhabitants of the Sarah Boston Farmstead Site in Grafton, Massachusetts. Ceramic analyses are drawn upon to argue that active consumer strategies and/or choices may potentially undermine the material and discursive markers of difference linked to notions of domesticity, class and race. The apparent homogenized or “insignificant” character of the Sarah Boston Farmstead ceramic assemblage is argued to in fact be quite significant, as its banality speaks to a degree of knowledgeable “mimicry”—tactical or not—that may have deflected (but not negated) inequality through the undermining of markers and discourses of difference.
Semiprecious alloys for cast restorations: A preliminary report

A previous clinical evaluation indicated that semiprecious metals had a definite place in the construction of dowels and cores in endodontically treated teeth. 2 The results from the present in vitro study suggest that those alloys do have a place in the fabrication of single castings as type III and IV gold alloy substitutes. Although when compared with a type III gold alloy the behavior of the semiprecious alloys tested was less like that of a noble alloy, the semiprecious alloys appeared less active than the base-metal alloy. This suggests that the semiprecious alloys should be acceptably resistant to corrosion in the oral environment.
Fostering inclusive education: principals' perspectives in Trinidad and Tobago

This paper shares elementary school principals' perspectives from one urban school district in Trinidad and Tobago, regarding factors that might enhance or limit their and/or their faculty's readiness for inclusion in their schools. Qualitative data collection comprised a self-administered questionnaire and focus group interviewing. Respondents comprise 18 school principals. Findings revealed a philosophical readiness to embrace inclusive practice, but resistance towards assuming responsibilities for such students within the classroom. Recommendations to facilitate more effective inclusion hinged upon teacher education, leadership and collaborative practice.
Unstirred Water Layers in Intestine: Rate Determinant of Fatty Acid Absorption from Micellar Solutions

Bile acid and fatty acid uptake from micellar solutions by intestinal cells fails to reflect the incremental free energy changes expected for permeation that is rate limited by cell membranes. However, altering the size of the diffulsing particle or the thickness of tle unstirred water layer does change uptake. These observations show that the unstirred water layer is rate limiting for intestinal absorption of lipids from micellar solutions.