cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphology of Thermally Polymerized Microporous Polymer Materials Prepared from Methyl Methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Microemulsions

The system composed of water, sodium dodecyl sulfate, methyl methacrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, with and without ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linking agent was used to investigate the effects of changing from visible-light to thermal polymerization. Thermal polymerization yielded porous solids within the range 20−80 wt % aqueous phase content for systems with and without cross-linker. Microstructures similar to photoinitiated polymers were observed in all ranges analyzed. Closed cell microstructures were found to exist for polymers with aqueous fractions less than 50 wt % for polymers with and without cross-linker. Polymers with aqueous fractions greater than or equal to 50 wt % were found to exhibit an open cell microstructure. These microstructures for the higher aqueous fractions differed from the previously observed morphology in other microemulsion systems. These polymers were found to be porous with polymer droplets interconnected to produce a solid mass. Also, a flakelike a...
Regioselective photocyloadditions of benzoquinones to alkylidenecyclohexanes: A new synthetic resource

Abstract Benzoquinones add regioselectively to alkylidenecyclohexanes. The photoadducts are converted into useful building blocks in good yield.
Oxidation of silicon by oxygen: a rate equation

A new rate equation fits data on the oxidation of silicon by oxygen. It can be derived from a model of molecular diffusion in the oxide layer and the influence of strain on this diffusion.[/p]
Stable isotope ratios of volcanic steam from White Island, New Zealand

The D/H and18O/16O ratios of fumarole condensates from White Island, an andesite volcano in the Bay of Plenty, have been measured during the period 1965 to 1969 to determine the origin of the water and the changes which occur as the volcanic activity changes. The D/H and18O/16O ratios of all of the samples were correlated with a slope of −2. The δ18O values were proportional to the logarithm of the chloride concentration but with distinctly different relationships between the period from 1965 to 1967, and the period of tephra eruptions in 1968. In the latter period the chloride contents were close to that of sea water while in the former quieter period the contents were lower. The δD values follow a similar pattern but with a poorer correlation, indicating that a more variable process is controlling the deuterium results.
Rapid vascular responses to anthrax lethal toxin in mice containing a segment of chromosome 11 from the CAST/Ei strain on a C57BL/6 genetic background.

Host allelic variation controls the response to B. anthracis and the disease course of anthrax. Mouse strains with macrophages that are responsive to anthrax lethal toxin (LT) show resistance to infection while mouse strains with LT non-responsive macrophages succumb more readily. B6.CAST.11M mice have a region of chromosome 11 from the CAST/Ei strain (a LT responsive strain) introgressed onto a LT non-responsive C57BL/6J genetic background. Previously, B6.CAST.11M mice were found to exhibit a rapid inflammatory reaction to LT termed the early response phenotype (ERP), and displayed greater resistance to B. anthracis infection compared to C57BL/6J mice. Several ERP features (e.g., bloat, hypothermia, labored breathing, dilated pinnae vessels) suggested vascular involvement. To test this, Evan’s blue was used to assess vessel leakage and intravital microscopy was used to monitor microvascular blood flow. Increased vascular leakage was observed in lungs of B6.CAST.11M mice compared to C57BL/6J mice 1 hour after systemic administration of LT. Capillary blood flow was reduced in the small intestine mesentery without concomitant leukocyte emigration following systemic or topical application of LT, the latter suggesting a localized tissue mechanism in this response. Since LT activates the Nlrp1b inflammasome in B6.CAST.11M mice, the roles of inflammasome products, IL-1β and IL-18, were examined. Topical application to the mesentery of IL-1β but not IL-18 revealed pronounced slowing of blood flow in B6.CAST.11M mice that was not present in C57BL/6J mice. A neutralizing anti-IL-1β antibody suppressed the slowing of blood flow induced by LT, indicating a role for IL-1β in the response. Besides allelic differences controlling Nlrp1b inflammasome activation by LT observed previously, evidence presented here suggests that an additional genetic determinant(s) could regulate the vascular response to IL-1β. These results demonstrate that vessel leakage and alterations to blood flow are part of the rapid response in mice resistant to B. anthracis infection.
Transgenic studies of pain

Abstract A revolution in molecular biological technology has allowed, for the first time, the study of pain at the level of the gene. The molecular genetic technique currently garnering the most interest is the use of transgenic mice that either overexpress, or do not express, presumably pain-related proteins. This paper reviews the findings of investigations in which a transgenic mouse has been assessed for nociceptive or analgesic sensitivity. As of this writing, 25 different kinds of mutant mice – lacking neurotrophins and their receptors, peripheral mediators of nociception and hyperalgesia, opioids and their receptors, non-opioid transmitter receptors, and intracellular molecules participating in signal transduction – have been produced and tested on behavioral assays of nociception. Results of these studies have been variously confirmatory, contradictory and enlightening compared to conventional investigations. The advantages and limitations of this approach to pain research are discussed.
Structure of borderline personality disorder symptoms in a nonclinical sample

Relations among symptoms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) borderline personality disorder (BPD) assessed using semistructured clinical interviews were examined using exploratory principal components analysis in a sample of 82 college men and women who were symptomatic for BPD (30.4% of whom met criteria for a BPD diagnosis at threshold or subthreshold certainty level). A three-component solution was found and, as expected, the first component was characterized by interpersonal instability and included unstable relationships, identity disturbance, and chronic emptiness. The second component reflected affective instability and low impulsivity. The third component reflected stress-related paranoia and low anger. Results highlight similarities in the structure of BPD criteria in clinical and nonclinical samples, and could inform future research on dimensional models of BPD. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 805–816, 2007.
Symmetric vertex partitions of hypercubes by isometric trees

Abstract For n = 2k − 1 we prove, via a counting argument, that for any tree J with vertex set T, if J is isometrically embedded in the n-cube Qn, then there exists a subgroup G of Aut(Qn) such that { g(T)¦g∈G } is a vertex partition of Qn. This generalizes the theorem of Hamming on the existence of perfect single-error-correcting codes, which corresponds to the case where J is an n-star. For the special case of an antipodal path we give an explicit construction of the group G.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Imperfect Mixing in Chemical Reactions: Visualization of Density-Driven Pattern Formation

Imperfect mixing is a concern in industrial processes, everyday processes (mixing paint, bread machines), and in understanding salt water-fresh water mixing in ecosystems. The effects of imperfect mixing become evident in the unstirred ferroin-catalyzed Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, the prototype for chemical pattern formation. Over time, waves of oxidation (high ferriin concentration, blue) propagate into a background of low ferriin concentration (red); their structure reflects in part the history of mixing in the reaction vessel. However, it may be difficult to separate mixing effects from reaction effects. We describe a simpler model system for visualizing density-driven pattern formation in an essentially unmixed chemical system: the reaction of pale yellow Fe3
Amelioration of Cisplatin-Induced Experimental Peripheral Neuropathy by a Small Molecule Targeting p75NTR

Cisplatin is an effective and widely used first-line chemotherapeutic drug for treating cancers. However, many patients sustain cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), often leading to a reduction in drug dosages or complete cessation of treatment altogether. Therefore, it is important to understand cisplatin mechanisms in peripheral nerve tissue mediating its toxicity and identify signaling pathways for potential intervention. Rho GTPase activation is increased following trauma in several models of neuronal injury. Thus, we investigated whether components of the Rho signaling pathway represent important neuroprotective targets with the potential to ameliorate CIPN and thereby optimize current chemotherapy treatment regimens. We have developed a novel CIPN model in the mouse. Using this model and primary neuronal culture, we determined whether LM11A-31, a small-molecule, orally bioavailable ligand of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), can modulate Rho GTPase signaling and reduce CIPN. Von Frey filament analysis of sural nerve function showed that LM11A-31 treatment prevented decreases in peripheral nerve sensation seen with cisplatin treatment. Morphometric analysis of harvested sural nerves revealed that cisplatin-induced abnormal nerve fiber morphology and the decreases in fiber area were alleviated with concurrent LM11A-31 treatment. Cisplatin treatment increased RhoA activity accompanied by the reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of SHP2, which was reversed by LM11A-31. LM11A-31 also countered the effects of calpeptin, which activated RhoA by inhibiting SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase. Therefore, suppression of RhoA signaling by LM11A-31 that modulates p75(NTR) or activates SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase downstream of the NGF receptor enhances neuroprotection in experimental CIPN in mouse model.
Mechanism and energetics of dimerization of SiH2 radicals on H-terminated Si(0 0 1)-(2×1) surfaces

Abstract The mechanism and energetics are presented of the dimerization of two adsorbed surface SiH 2 groups on the H-terminated Si(0 0 1)-(2 × 1) surface to form Si 2 H 4 species during the initial stages of growth in plasma deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films. The reactions are observed during classical molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of a-Si:H film deposition from SiH 2 radical precursors impinging on an initially H-terminated Si(0 0 1)-(2 × 1) surface and substrate temperature, T , over the range 500⩽ T ⩽700 K. The Si 2 H 4 species resulting from the surface SiH 2 dimerization reactions undergo surface conformational changes resulting in either a non-rotated (NRD) or a rotated dimer (RD) configuration. The RD configuration is found to be the energetically favorable one. The MD simulation results for the structure of the NRD and RD surface Si 2 H 4 configurations corroborate with ab initio calculations of optimized adsorption configurations of SiH 2 radicals on crystalline Si surfaces, as well as results of STM imaging of the thermal decomposition of disilane on Si(0 0 1).
Real-time measurement of oxygen transport across an oil–water emulsion interface

A method for real-time, in situ measurement of oxygen transport across oil-in-water emulsion interface was developed. This method is based on reversible fluorescence quenching of tris ruthenium (II) bis (hexafluorophosphate) complex dye encapsulated in the oil phase of an emulsion upon interaction with oxygen. Oxygen transport across the oil–water interface for four different emulsions (whey protein isolate (WPI), sodium-dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cross-linked WPI and SDS–chitosan emulsions) was measured and effective diffusion coefficients were calculated. Results show that cross-linking of WPI did not alter the oxygen transport rate (p > 0.01), while addition of a chitosan layer to the SDS emulsion significantly reduced the oxygen transport rate (p < 0.01). An increase in temperature from 25 to 40 °C reduced the oxygen transport rate in WPI and cross-linked WPI emulsions (p < 0.01). Effective diffusion coefficient values for transport of oxygen based on fluorescence data were 0.14–1.15 × 10−12 cm2/s for the tested emulsions. Regardless of relatively low effective diffusion coefficients, the selected emulsions exhibited poor barrier properties in limiting oxygen transport across an emulsion interface. In summary, this rapid method is sensitive to detect changes in rate of oxygen transport due to changes in temperature and chemical composition of emulsion interface. This method can be used to screen and evaluate the barrier properties of encapsulation matrices leading to rational design of encapsulated structures.
Rapid Chromatic Adaptation of Normal and Dichromatic Observers

A large number of spectral sensitivity curves has been obtained for three observers: a normal, a deuteranope, and a protanope, by means of a rapid chromatic adaptation technique. Sensitivity curves for several adapting luminances and colors have been obtained. It has proved possible to fit these data by summing three hypothetical underlying sensitivity functions which are applicable to all three observers. The analysis of the theoretical fits appears to be in support of the concept of protanopia as a lack of “red cones” and of deuteranopia as a fusion of the inputs from “red” and “green cones.” There is evidence that chromatic adaptation is not, however, as selective as the hypothetical underlying sensitivity functions require.
Selection for resistance to carbamate and organophosphorus insecticides in Anopheles albimanus.

THE development of resistance in anopheline mosquitoes to DDT, HCH, and cyclodienes, and the consequent set back in malaria eradication programmes has lent urgency to the search for alternative insecticides to replace the chlorinated hydrocarbons. During the past few years, more than 1,300 new insecticides, chiefly organophosphates and carbamates, have been tested under an international collaborative programme of the World Health Organization1. Testing consists of seven sequential stages and only insecticides that satisfy the criteria in all stages are recommended for use on a large scale.
Real-time video surveillance on an embedded, programmable platform

In this work, a hardware-software co-design is proposed to effectively utilize FPGA resources for a prototype of an automated video surveillance system on a programmable platform. Time-critical steps of a foreground object detection algorithm are designed and implemented in the FPGA's logic elements to maximize parallel processing. Other non time-critical tasks are achieved by executing a high level language program on an embedded Nios-II processor. Custom and parallel processing modules are integrated into the video processing chain by a streaming protocol that aggressively utilizes on-chip memory to increase the throughput of the system. A data forwarding technique is incorporated with an on-chip buffering scheme to reduce computations and resources in the window-based operations. Other data control interfaces are achieved by software drivers that communicate with hardware controllers using Altera's Memory-Mapped protocol. The proposed prototype has demonstrated real-time processing capability that outperforms other implementations.
Cheek surface reconstruction: Best choices according to zones

Reconstruction of surface defects of the cheek after resection of skin lesions should be approached according to zones of involvement. We have established an arbitrary subdivision of the cheek aesthetic unit into three overlapping zones: Zone 1, suborbital and perioral medial cheek from eyelid to mandibular rim; zone 2, temporal/preauricular; and zone 3, central cheek. We describe herein an imaginary vertical line (Z-line) extending from the lateral canthus directly downward to the margin of the mandible that represents the lateral border of the face in a direct anterior view. Incisions posterior to this line tend to be less noticeable, and thus surgical decisions are often predicated on this vertical line. Excellent reconstructive results for a given zone are predictable on the specific anatomic considerations for that zone. Techniques that have worked best for the senior author (BMZ) are outlined.
Embedded assessment of aging adults: A concept validation with stakeholders

Sensing systems embedded in the homes of elders have the potential to monitor individuals for early signs of functional and cognitive decline. However, it is not clear how the data collected from these embedded assessment systems can be useful for elders to support awareness and for their doctors to make better diagnoses. We conduct a concept validation of embedded assessment sensing concepts with elders, family caregivers, and clinicians. We describe their reactions to the sensing concepts, their different information needs, how they would use the information, and what limits its usefulness and provide recommendations for designers of embedded assessment systems.
Negative and positive regulation of a novel proline-rich protein mRNA by fungal elicitor and wounding.

Summary The structure and expression of a cDNA clone (PvPRP1) isolated from a cDNA library prepared from bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cells treated with fungal elicitor have been characterized. Sequence analysis of the 1.1 kb insert revealed a complete open reading frame which encodes a 32 kDa protein. The protein resembles other proline-rich proteins in plants but possesses several unique features: (i) the N-terminal half of the protein is proline rich and contains three identical repeats of Pro-Val- His-Pro-Pro-Val-Lys-Pro-Pro-Val and six related repeats; (ii) the proline-rich region contains two tracts of six histidine residues; and (iii) the C-terminal half is low in proline and lacks repeats. Genomic blotting experiments suggest the presence of a single PvPRP1 gene as well as more distantly related genes within the bean genome. A dramatic decrease in PvPRP1 mRNA levels occurs within 2 h of elicitor treatment of cell cultures. The PvPRP1 mRNA is present at a moderate level in hypocotyls. Upon wounding, the mRNA level initially decreases over 5 h and then accumulates over 25 h to levels which are higher than the basal level in unwounded hypocotyls. Based on the similarity to other proline-rich proteins with repeated motifs, including the presence of a putative signal peptide, it is likely that the PvPRP1 protein is targetted to the cell wall. The expression of the PvPRP1 gene appears to be integrated with the remodeling of the plant cell wall during the defense response.
Protein kinase Cε confers resistance of MCF-7 cells to TRAIL by Akt-dependent activation of Hdm2 and downregulation of p53

Protein kinase Cɛ confers resistance of MCF-7 cells to TRAIL by Akt-dependent activation of Hdm2 and downregulation of p53
FREEZE: Rate adaptation in wireless LANs using channel contention estimates

IEEE 802.11 provides different data rates for a device to utilize based on the channel conditions. Rate adaptation is an important feature of wireless LANs and most of the work in this area use frame error rate as an indicator of signal to noise ratio (SNR). SNR is then used to base the choice of data rate used for transmission. In infrastructure based 802.11 LANs, frames can be lost due to collisions and hence increase the error rate, although the SNR might be high. Thus using frame error rate alone as a deciding factor for rate adaptation would not be a good choice. In this paper we use the 802.11 protocol features to estimate the contention in the system. The contention can be determined by measuring the freezes a node experiences while transmitting. We further show that our estimate is a good indicator of the contention in the channel. This estimate along with the frame error rate is then used in making rate adaptation decisions. Our simulations show 35 percent better performance in throughput as compared to other rate adaptation techniques such as ARF.
Mycoflora in cystic fibrosis: some ecologic aspects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans.

The mycotic and bacterial flora of 65 patients with cystic fibrosis was studied.C. albicans andP. aeruginosa were present in 33% and 43% of sputa samples, respectively; only 6.5% harbored both organisms. The mycotic flora of the nasopharynx, rectum and skin of the cystic fibrosis patients was similar to that of children with other chronic lung diseases and to that of normal children.In vitro studies clearly revealed inhibition ofC. albicans byP. aeruginosa. It is suggested thatP. aeruginosa, so prevalent with cystic fibrosis, has an inhibitory effect onC. albicans and that this interaction is effective to some extent in preventing candidal infection.
Regulation of the Immunostimulatory Activity of Rat Pulmonary Interstitial Dendritic Cells by Cell-Cell Interactions and Cytokines

Pulmonary dendritic cells (DC) are potent antigen-presenting cells that are thought to play a critical role in the initiation of immune responses within the lung. Because the lung is both a site of entry into the body for microbial pathogens and the organ of gas exchange, pulmonary immune responses must be meticulously regulated to achieve a balance between host defense and respiration. The initial interaction of DC with T cells in the lung is an excellent point at which to control local immune responses. Studies of the regulation of DC accessory cell function have been greatly hampered by difficulties in obtaining pure populations of pulmonary DC that have not been subjected to prolonged incubations during which the DC may undergo functional alteration. We now describe a method for isolating pulmonary DC from the rat that yields 1 x 10(5) cells/rat with > 90% purity. These cells are potent accessory cells, inducing T cell proliferation in a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) at a stimulator-to-responder rati...
The past and future of time zone challenges

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to answer the question asked by Buelen “What do we still need to learn about outsourcing across time zones?”.Design/methodology/approach – This paper serves as a response to the commentary by Erik Beulen in SOIJ Vol. 5 No. 1 titled “I'm working while they're sleeping: time zone separation challenges and solutions”.Findings – The paper finds that we are still very much at the beginning of the “era of time zone dependent work.”Originality/value – This futures analysis leads to the projection that many more individuals will be entering time zone dependent work. While technology may elevate some of the hardships of temporal separation, it will exacerbate others.
NED-2: an agent-based decision support system for forest ecosystem management

Abstract Decision making for forest ecosystem management can include the use of a wide variety of modeling tools. These tools include vegetation growth models, wildlife models, silvicultural models, GIS, and visualization tools. NED-2 is a robust, intelligent, goal-driven decision support system that integrates tools in each of these categories. NED-2 uses a blackboard architecture and a set of semi-autonomous agents to manage these tools for the user. The blackboard integrates a Microsoft Access database and Prolog clauses, and the agents are implemented in Prolog. A graphical user interface written in Visual C++ provides powerful inventory analysis tools, dialogs for selecting timber, water, ecological, wildlife, and visual goals, and dialogs for defining treatments and building prescriptive management plans. Users can simulate management plans and perform goal analysis on different views of the management unit, where a view is determined by a management plan and a point in time. Prolog agents use growth and yield models to simulate management plans, perform goal analyses on user-specified views of the management unit, display results of plan simulation using GIS tools, and generate hypertext documents containing the results of such analysis. Individual agents use metaknowledge to set up and run external simulation models, to load rule-based models and perform inference, to set up and execute external GIS and visualization systems, and to generate hypertext reports as needed, relieving the user from performing all these tasks.
Excretion of monovalent ions and water in the saliva of the ferret

The excretion of water and the monovalent ions Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO-3 in the parotid and submandibular saliva of the ferret was studied during pilocarpine-induced salivation. The excretory profiles of these ions were very similar to those of dog, monkey, and man. It was concluded that this docile small carnivore is a useful animal for studies of salivary gland physiology.
Co-continuous nanoscale assembly of Nafion–polyacrylonitrile blends within nanofibers: a facile route to fabrication of porous nanofibers

A facile route to fabrication of porous high surface area nanofibers is demonstrated via electrospinning of a polymer blend followed by selective removal of one of the components. First, electrospinnability of Nafion–polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions in N,N-dimethylformamide is studied over a wide range of blend compositions. Pure Nafion solutions are not electrospinnable by themselves owing to the presence of aggregates in solution due to ionic interactions, thereby resulting in low solution viscosities. Addition of only 5 wt% PAN in Nafion allows us to successfully electrospin nanofibers, possibly due to the enhancement of entanglements within the solution. An extensional rheology study is conducted to quantify and understand non-electrospinnability. In the second step, the nanoscale internal morphology of Nafion–PAN nanofibers is studied using transmission electron microscopy of microtomed nanofiber sections. The electrospinning process allows us to develop the co-continuous morphology of PAN and Nafion within the nanofibers. To further corroborate our findings and develop high surface area nanofibers, we selectively remove Nafion or PAN to form pure mesoporous carbon (after calcination) and mesoporous Nafion nanofibers respectively. Interestingly, even with an initial composition of 80 : 20 (wt/wt) Nafion : PAN, the nanofibers retain their overall shape after selective Nafion removal, indicating the presence of a continuous PAN phase. The resultant porous carbon nanofibers exhibit a specific surface area of >1500 m2 g−1. While mesoporous carbon nanofibers can have a wide range of applications such as in supercapacitors, high surface area porous Nafion nanofibers will facilitate the development of super-sensitive gas sensors.
Analysis of a chlorinated terphenyl (aroclor 5460) and its deposition in tissues of cod (Gadus morhua).

An analytical procedure for Aroclor 5460, a chlorinated terphenyl, is described. Cod fed Aroclor 5460 deposited this material in various tissues. Absorptive and excretory efficiency seemed poor. Some selectivity in absorption, deposition or excretion of Aroclor 5460 was observed.
A short survey on the state of the art in architectures and platforms for large scale data analysis and knowledge discovery from data

Intended as a survey for practicing architects and researchers seeking an overview of the state-of-the-art architectures for data analysis, this paper provides an overview of the emerging data management and analytic platforms including parallel databases, Hadoop-based systems, High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms and platforms popularly referred to as NoSQL platforms. Platforms are presented based on their relevance, analysis they support and the data organization model they support.
Studies on myosin aggregation.

Abstract Myosin aggregation has been studied at alkaline as well as acid reaction, and the effect of Ca and Mg ions has been noted. At certain alkaline pH values—which decrease as ionic strength increases—myosin forms a gross lattice and settles quickly giving the impression of contraction. An endothermic aggregation reversible in cold has also been observed.
Val bean (Lablab purpureus L.) proteins: composition and biochemical properties

Val bean (Lablab purpureus L.) proteins were fractionated using the Osborne protein fractionation scheme and biochemically characterized. The seed flour contained 302 g kg−1 protein (micro-Kjeldahl N × 6.25) on a dry weight basis. Albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin accounted for 22.8%, 45.1%, 1.8% and 30.3%, respectively, of the total soluble seed proteins. Among the solvents tested, 0.1 mol L−1 aqueous NaOH was the most effective protein solubilizer. Isoelectric focusing indicated the seed proteins to be predominantly acidic (pI range was ∼4–7). Val globulin is a glycoprotein composed of at least three polypeptides in the molecular mass range 51–64 kDa. Albumin fraction had the highest trypsin inhibitory activity, while the globulin fraction registered the highest hemagglutinating activity. Sulfur amino acids were the first limiting amino acids in the total seed proteins. The proportion of essential to total [E/T(%)] amino acids for the bean flour was 36.97%. Among the protein fractions, glutelin fraction had the highest E/T (42.86%) followed by albumin (41.57%), globulin (39.87%), and prolamin (39.15%). Native globulin, although resistant to pepsin, was effectively digested in vitro upon moist heat (100 °C, 30 min) denaturation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of cellulose/ethylene diamine/salt systems

To better understand the complex interactions leading to dissolution of cellulose in ethylene diamine (EDA)/salt solvents, studies of interactions in sub systems of solution components and a model system based on cellobiose were conducted. Interaction between EDA and salt cation was investigated through comparison of solvation of K+, Na+ and Li+ in the EDA/H2O binary solvent system. The least degree of solvation of K+ in EDA increased its availability for direct interaction with cellulose. Wide angle X-ray diffraction was utilized to study the interaction between EDA and cellulose. The effect of various solvents on cellulose crystalline polymorph was compared. The results indicated that cellulose was easily accessible to EDA and 1,3-diaminopropane, but was not affected by water or ethanolamine. The effect of salt concentration was investigated using cellobiose as a model compound through HSQC (Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence) NMR spectroscopy. Solid state CP/MAS (cross polarization/magic angle spinning) 13C NMR spectroscopy was employed to characterize changes in the conformation of the CH2OH group of cellulose during dissolution. A mechanism scheme of cellulose dissolution in EDA/KSCN systems was proposed based on the information gathered.
Oxyhalogen−Sulfur Chemistry: Kinetics and Mechanism of the Oxidation of Thionicotinamide by Peracetic Acid

The kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of an important xenobiotic, thionicotinamide (TNA), using peracetic acid in slightly acidic media were studied by spectrophotometric techniques. The reaction is characterized by a very rapid initial oxidation of the sulfur atom of the thioamide group to the S-oxide, followed by a much slower decomposition of the S-oxide to form additional oxidation products, mainly the thionicotinamide sulfinic acid. In excess thionicotinamide, the stoichiometry of the reaction was determined to be CH3CO3H + (C5H5N)C(S)NH2 → (C5H5N)C(NH)SOH + CH3COOH, whereas in excess peracetic acid the stoichiometry was 2:1, 2CH3CO3H + (C5H5N)C(S)NH2 + H2O → (C5H5N)C(NH)SO2H + 2CH3COOH + 2H+. The sulfoxide is quite stable, but there was no experimental evidence for the existence of any stable sulfone−sulfonic acid intermediates. Results show that the sulfur atom in thionicotinamide is the reactive center, undergoing a stepwise addition of oxygen to form successively the sulfenic acid and the sulfi...
Compression Behavior of Municipal Solid Waste: Immediate Compression

AbstractAn evaluation of scale effects, stress, waste segregation, and waste decomposition on the immediate compression behavior of municipal solid waste is presented. Laboratory experiments were conducted in 64-, 100-, and 305-mm-diameter compression cells. A field-scale experiment [Deer Track Bioreactor Experiment (DTBE)] was conducted on waste of the same composition and material properties. A methodology is presented for determining the end-of-immediate compression strain (ɛEOI) that is applicable to both laboratory- and field-scale data. The compression ratio (Cc′) was comparable between tests conducted in 100- and 305-mm compression cells. Compression tests in 305-mm cells conducted on six wastes (three size-differentiated fresh wastes and three decomposed wastes) yielded Cc′ ranging from 0.22 to 0.28 in the stress range of 25–100 kPa. A similar Cc′ (0.23) was determined for the DTBE (20–67 kPa). The variation in Cc′ is related to the waste compressibility index (WCI), which is a function of waste d...
Congressional Politics of International Financial Rescues

In the 1990s, the American executive organized financial rescues for Mexico and several Asian economies. These rescues were controversial in Congress, where members voted repeatedly to reduce or eliminate the executive’s freedom to engage in them. I analyze these roll calls with an eye toward explaining who opposes and who supports international financial rescues. Ia rgue that the interests of private actors (district constituencies and interest groups) have an important effect on member voting. Following Stolper-Samuelson reasoning, I find that a member is significantly more likely to favor (oppose) rescues as the proportion of high-skilled (low-skilled) workers in a district increases. In addition, I find that campaign contributions from international banks increase the probability that a member will vote in favor of rescues. Overall, the findings suggest that the distributional effects of rescues find expression in Congress and constrain U.S. international financial policymaking. I n the 1990s, currency crises in Latin America and East Asia impelled the American executive to assume the mantle of leadership in international financial affairs. Face dw ith the possibility that financial market instability would undercut economic growth and threaten policy reform si nthese regions, Clinton administration officials organized a series of major financial rescues (“bailouts” to detractors). Congress, however, balked at the executive’s internationalist approach to emerging market crises. Lawmakers opposed the use of government funds in the Mexican peso crisis, passed legislation that temporarily removed the executive’s discretion to use the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF) for financial rescues, and then threatened permanent restrictions. This opposition is important because the ability of the executive to stabilize the international financial system and to orchestrate financial rescues depends upon the continued support of Congress. Executive authority in this domain is a delegated power, subject to the will of Congress.
New insights on the role of hormonal therapy in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. It is often diagnosed in advanced stages and despite therapy, 70% relapse within 2 years with incurable disease. Regimens with clinical benefit and minimal toxicity are urgently needed. More effective hormonal therapies would be appealing in this setting. Estrogens (E2) are implicated in the etiology of OVCA. Estrogens drive proliferation and anti-estrogens inhibit ovarian cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Despite estrogen receptor (ER) expression in 67% of OVCAs, small anti-estrogen therapy trials have been disappointing and the benefit of hormonal therapy has not been systematically studied in large well-designed trials. OVCAs often manifest de novo anti-estrogen resistance and those that initially respond invariably develop resistance. Estrogens stimulate ovarian cancer progression by transcriptional activation and cross talk between liganded ER and mitogenic pathways, both of which drive cell cycle progression. Estrogen deprivation and estrogen receptor (ER) blockade cause cell cycle arrest in susceptible OVCAs by increasing the cell cycle inhibitor, p27. This review summarizes and discusses scientific and epidemiological evidence supporting estrogen’s role in ovarian carcinogenesis, provides an overview of clinical trials of ER blockade and aromatase inhibitors in OVCA and reviews potential causes of antiestrogen resistance. Anti-estrogen resistance was recently shown to be reversed by dual ER and Src signaling blockade. Blocking cross-talk between ER and constitutively activated kinase pathways may improve anti-estrogen therapeutic efficacy in OVCA, as has been demonstrated in other cancers. Novel strategies to improve benefit from anti-estrogens by combining them with targeted therapies are reviewed.
Image reconstruction method for a two-layer tissue structure accounts for chest-wall effects in breast imaging

We develop a new tomographic imaging reconstruction algorithm for a two-layer tissue structure. Simulations and phantom experiments show more accurate reconstruction of target optical properties compared with those results obtained from a semi-infinite tissue model for layered structures. This improvement is mainly attributed to the more accurate estimation of background optical properties and more accurate estimation of weight matrix for imaging reconstruction by considering the light propagation effect in the second layer. Clinical results of breast lesions are also presented to demonstrate the utility of this new imaging algorithm.
Passage to Nonselective Media Transiently Alters Growth of Mycophenolic Acid-Resistant Mammalian Cells Expressing theEscherichia coliXanthine–Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase Gene: Implications for Sequential Selection Strategies

Abstract The Escherichia coli xanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene ( Ecogpt ) rescues mammalian cells from inhibition of purine nucleotide biosynthesis by mycophenolic acid (MPA). We used Ecogpt and other selectable markers to obtain subclones of NIH 3T3 derivatives (EN/NIH) stably expressing transfected genes of interest. In their respective selective mediums, growth of MPA-resistant (MPA R ) isolates was indistinguishable from that of aminoglycoside-resistant counterparts expressing selectable marker genes conferring resistance to protein synthesis inhibitors hygromycin B, puromycin, and G418. Growth of aminoglycoside-resistant isolates remained unaltered on passage to nonselective media. In contrast, MPA R cells transferred from MPA complete media to nonselective media displayed morphologic changes with static growth. These findings resolved completely by third passage in nonselective media and were independent of the gene of interest cis -linked to the selectable marker. Sequential selection strategies involving cell culture conditions resulting in these altered growth characteristics significantly impaired detection (by selection in G418) of genomic events associated with reactivation of enhancerless, transcriptionally silent neo integrants present in MPA R EN/NIH isolates. We explored the cause of these cell culture findings and defined transfection and sequential selection strategies for MPA R derivatives that successfully circumvented these effects.
A fast wavelet-based Karhunen-Loeve transform

Abstract The paper describes the role of the standard wavelet decomposition in computing a fast Karhunen–Loeve transform. The standard wavelet decomposition (which we show is different from the conventional wavelet transform) leads to a highly sparse and simply structured transformed version of the correlation matrix which can be easily subsetted (with little loss of Frobenius norm). The eigenstructure of this smaller matrix can be efficiently computed using standard algorithms such as QL. Finally, we provide an example of the use of the efficient transform by classifying a 219-channel AVIRIS image with respect to its eigensystem.
Quartz crystal microbalance detection of glutathione-protected nanoclusters using antibody recognition.

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) immunosensor was developed for the quantitative detection of glutathione-protected nanoclusters. Advantages intrinsic to QCM were employed to make it an attractive alternative to other immunosensing techniques. We have addressed challenges in the area of QCM mass sensing through experimental correlation between damping resistance and frequency change for a reliable mass measurement. Electrode functionalization was optimized with the use of protein A to immobilize and present polyclonal IgG for antigen binding. This method was developed for the detection of glutathione (antigen)-protected clusters of nanometer size with high surface area and thiolate valency. Quantitation of glutathione−nanocluster binding to immobilized polyclonal antibody provides equilibrium constants (Ka = (3.6 ± 0.2) × 105 M-1) and kinetic rate constants (kf = (5.4 ± 0.7) × 101 M-1 s-1 and kr = (1.5 ± 0.4) × 10-4 s-1) comparable to literature reports. These observations further imply that immunoreac...
Planetscope: An Exoplanet Coronagraph on a Balloon Platform

ABSTRACT Direct detection of mature exoplanets is possible using a visible-wavelength telescope and coronagraph in the stratosphere. We analyze two sources of dyn amic wavefront perturbations: turbulen ce in the free atmosphere and locally generated turbulence. We find that they are expected to have relatively small effects on the wavefront. We find that neither source should limit observations at 10 -9 contrast levels for planet-star separations of 0.5 arcsec. On this basis, we expect that it is feasible to image and characterize several known radial-velocity exoplanets. Keywords: coronagraph, balloon, exoplanets , atmospheric seeing, wavefront 1. INTRODUCTION Research on exoplanets is starved for data that can characterize these planets. Currently, and in the near future, most characterization observations of exoplanets are being done with space observatories, using the transit technique. In the future, however, direct observations will be able to characterize exoplanets, accessing the large family of non-transiting exoplanets, and addressing depths in the planetary atmospheres that are not accessible to transits. As a prelude to any future space observatory that is based on the coronagraphic technique, we are considering the feasibility of a balloon-borne coronagraph in the stratosphere. One of the key issues to be considered for a balloon-borne coronagraph is the quality of the wavefront owing to its passage through two atmo spheric regions of interest. First, the free atmosphere between the vacuum of space and the neighborhood of the balloon-borne instrument s will have a small but important effect upon the quality of the wavefront, as we will outline briefly in this paper. Second, the local atmosphere near the instrumentation could distort the wavefront owing to local hea ting and cooling of the air, the stratospheric equivalent of dome seeing. In this paper we describe a ba lloon flight we made to test the local optical path variations, and we give the first results of the analysis of that data. Our tentative conclusion from these calculations and observations is that the stratosphere appears to be a promising location for observing exoplanets, in the sense that wavefront perturbations are expected to be small enough to permit observing an e xoplanet with a planet-to-star contrast ratio of about 10
Effects of phenobarbital pretreatment on the hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride.

Abstract Male rats were given daily intraperitoneal injections of phenobarbital (100 mg/kg) in physiologic saline. Their controls received saline alone. After either 3 or 10 successive days of treatment, there was ultrastructural evidence of a marked proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the hepatic parenchyma of the drug-injected animals. Such phenobarbital injections also effected significant reductions in hexobarbital-induced sleeping times. These reductions were thought to reflect enhancement of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme activity in the phenobarbital-treated groups. Similarly prepared phenobarbital- and saline-injected rats were then challenged with a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (0.5 ml of a 50% solution in olive oil). Controls received pure olive oil, and they displayed no adverse effects. The CCl4 treatment, however, produced a 60% mortality over a 4-day period in the phenobarbital-pretreated rats, but only a 4% mortality, complete within 2 days, in the saline-pretreated animals. Phenobarbital-CCl4- and saline-CCl4-injected rats were then killed at intervals of 1 1 2 , 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the toxic challenge. Histologic study of the livers of these animals revealed that parenchymal necrosis evolved more slowly in the phenobarbital-pretreated rats than in the saline-pretreated animals. Ultimately, however, the extent of CCl4-induced liver necrosis was much greater in drug-pretreated rats than in their saline-pretreated counterparts, i.e., massive or submassive hepatic necrosis in the former vs. a limited centrilobular lesion in the latter. Thus phenobarbital pretreatment delayed the onset of, but ultimately enhanced, CCl4 hepatotoxicity. It was considered that this altered hepatotoxic response might be related either to the increase of smooth-surfaced membranes or to the augmentation of drug-metabolizing enzyme systems in the livers of the phenobarbital-pretreated animals.
Structural basis for the nucleic acid binding cooperativity of bacteriophage T4 gene 32 protein: the (Lys/Arg)3(Ser/Thr)2 (LAST) motif.

Abstract To identify the functional residues of the N-terminal B region of bacteriophage T4 gene 32 protein involved in its cooperative binding to single-stranded nucleic acids, a process dependent on homotypic protein-protein interaction, we have studied the interaction of the protein with synthetic peptides containing different portions of this domain. Gel-permeation chromatography showed that a 6-acryloyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (acrylodan)-labeled fluorescent peptide corresponding to the first 17 residues of gene 32 protein formed a complex with whole protein. The fluorescence was blue-shifted 14 nm upon interaction with intact protein, and somewhat less so (7-11 nm) with cleavage products of the protein lacking B domains. The intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of whole and truncated protein was quenched by this peptide and by the nonderivatized peptide. The peptide bound tightly to truncated protein at both 0.015 and 0.44 M Na+, with a stoichiometry of 1:1. Similar tryptophan quenching or acrylodan blue shifts were obtained with peptides corresponding to residues 1-9 and 3-8, but not residues 1-4, 5-9, or 5-17, indicating that the essential amino acids are contained within positions 3-8, Lys-Arg-Lys-Ser-Thr-Ala. Several other DNA binding proteins contain a LAST motif with documented involvement of these residues in nucleic acid interaction. The amino acid and coding sequence of residues 110-114, a region proposed to be involved in nucleic acid binding, is virtually identical to that of residues 3-7. Based on these observations, we have formulated a model for the cooperative interactions of gene 32 protein with single-stranded nucleic acids.
Instrumentation for Fermi Surface Measurements Using Ultrasonics

Three methods are described for enhancing specific oscillatory components of the magnetic field dependent attenuation coefficient of sound found in pure metals at liquid He temperatures. These oscillations are related to Fermi surface properties. Instrumentation suitable for these methods is described in detail. Some data taken with these techniques are shown. In addition, a description of the ultrasonic technique used is included.