cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new method for picosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscopy: applications to CO photodissociation from iron porphyrins

Abstract A new method for obtaining picosecond infrared spectra and kinetics is presented. It incorporates a tunable infrared diode laser in conjunction with two cavity-dumped dye lasers synchronously pumped by a mode-locked and Q -switched Nd:YAG laser. New results are obtained for the photodissociation of hemin and myoglobin carbonyls and for their geometric structures by means of IR-optical polarization measurements.
Effects of hypolipidemic agent nordihydroguaiaretic acid on lipid droplets and hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) relies on host lipid metabolic pathways for its replication, assembly, secretion, and entry. HCV induces de novo lipogenesis, inhibits β-oxidation, and lipoprotein export resulting in a lipid-enriched cellular environment critical for its proliferation. We investigated the effects of a hypolipidemic agent, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), on host lipid/fatty acid synthesis and HCV life cycle. NDGA negated the HCV-induced alteration of host lipid homeostasis. NDGA decreased sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) activation and enhanced expression of genes involved in β-oxidation. NDGA inhibited very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion by affecting mediators of VLDL biosynthesis. Lipid droplets (LDs), the neutral lipid storage organelles, play a key role in HCV morphogenesis. HCV induces accumulation and perinuclear distribution of LDs, whereas NDGA most notably reduced the overall number and increased the average size of LDs. The antiviral effects of NDGA resulted in reduced HCV replication and secretion. Conclusion: NDGA-mediated alterations of host lipid metabolism, LD morphology, and VLDL transport appear to negatively influence HCV proliferation. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
A Facile Synthetic Approach to Imidazolidinone Biocides

A synthetic route has been developed for the production of novel N-halamine disinfectants. These compounds are derivatives of 1,3-dichloro-2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one (DC). The synthetic route chosen consists of producing a 2,2,5,5-tetrasubstituted-imidazolidin-4-thione with identical substituents at the 2- and 5-positions, followed by hydrolysis of the cyclic thione to the corresponding acyclic aminothioamide, condensation with a ketone resulting in the formation of a 2,2,5,5-tetrasubstituted-imidazolidin-4-thione having different substituents at the 2- and 5-positions, oxidation to the corresponding 2,2,5,5-tetrasubstituted-imidazolidin-4-one, and finally, chlorination to the desired N-halamine derivative. These derivatives are more nonpolar than is DC, and thereby may possess more antimicrobial activity against microorganisms containing cell membranes of considerable lipophilicity than does DC. Preliminary results presented in this work show that these new derivatives are bactericidal, with s...
EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS INDUCED RENAL LEIOMYOMA

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with many malignancies, including lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma and smooth muscle tumors such as leiomyosarcoma and leiomyoma. An association between the Epstein-Bm virus and smooth muscle tumors in immunmmpromised patients has been reported previously in the liver. lung, adrenal gland and gastrointestinal tract. In situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining have demonstrated Epstein-Bm virus infection of smooth muscle tumor cells in immunocompromised patients.’ To our knowledge we report on the first adult positive for HIV to have Epstein-Barr virus induced renal leiomyoma. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old white man with an 8-year history of HIV presented with fever of unknown origin. Abdominal computerized tomography tCT) revealed a 2 X 3 cm. left renal mass (fig. 1). Repeat scan at 3 months suggested interval growth. Metastatic evaluation by CT, chest x-ray and laboratory analysis was negative. The patient underwent left radical nephrectomy. Convalescence was unremarkable. Pathological examination of the kidney revealed a 3.0 X 2.8 x 2.5 cm. well circumscribed renal leiomyoma (fig. 2). In situ hybridization and immunostaining confirmed EpsteinBarr virus infection of the smooth muscle tumor cells. DISCUSSION The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the human herpes virus family. Primary infection with this virus manifests as mild self-limited illness to infectious mononucleosis. Disease begins in the oropharyngeal epithelial cells. The Epstein-Barr virus then infects B lymphocytes, which harbor latent virus and are important in the dissemination of the virus to other tissues. A broad immune response to the Epstein-Barr virus controls proliferation.2 In immunocompromised patients this response is suppressed, allowing uncontrolled viral proliferation.
Remarks on Beck's Effects: Linearity in Syntax

Le japonais et le coreen presentent le meme contraste : une phrase qui a un item de polarite negative sujet et un syntagme-wh objet in situ est non grammaticale, mais la meme phrase qui a subi un scrambling est grammaticale. Dans cette note, l'A. montre en quoi son analyse du phenomene realisee en 1997 est superieure a celle de Beck et Kim (1997)
Pramlintide acetate injection for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Background: Amylin is a hormone cosecreted with insulin by the β cells of the pancreas. It suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying. Pramlintide acetate is an amylin analogue that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2005. Objective: This article reviews the current primary literature on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of pramlintide injection in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Among other topics covered are the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and dosing and administration of pramlintide. Methods Pertinent English-language articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966–January 2007), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–present), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (1995–January 2007), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1995–January 2007), and EMBASE Drugs & Pharmacology (1991–1st quarter 2007). The search terms included pramlintide, amylin, gastric emptying, pharmacokinetic, pharmacoeconomic, postprandial hyperglycemia, and glucagon . Articles were selected for review if they described studies having a randomized, double-blind, controlled design and included glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) as an end point. Results: Pramlintide is administered subcutaneously in the abdominal area or thigh immediately before each main meal to achieve maximal reductions in post-prandial glucose excursions. Its C max is reached within 20 minutes, and its t 1/2 is 48 minutes. Metabolism is primarily via the kidneys. Pramlintide therapy was associated with inhibition of postprandial glucagon secretion in 24 patients with type 2 DM; prolonged gastric emptying in 11 patients with type 1 DM; a 23% reduction in total energy intake in 11 patients with type 2 DM; and a reduction in markers of oxidative stress in 18 patients with type 1 DM (all, P 1c and 0.5-, 0.3-, and 0.6-kg reductions in body weight, respectively (all, P 1c and 1.4- and 1.3-kg reductions in body weight (all, P Conclusions: Pramlintide therapy was associated with reductions in HbA 1c and body weight in four 52-week studies in patients with type 1 DM and type 2 DM. Hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia were the most frequently occurring adverse events, particularly during the first month of therapy. Pramlintide was associated with reductions in measures of oxidative stress, but studies are needed to evaluate the effects of this agent on DM-related complications.
Light scattering and excitation in lobster giant axon Effects of ion substitution

Changes in the light scattering signal from single giant axons of lobster were observed during the propagation of the action potential in order to correlate membrane excitability with possible structural changes reflected in the optical properties of the axolemma. Substitution of guanidine and aminoguanidine for sodium resulted in a decreased action potential amplitude to 69 and 50% of control values, respectively. The amplitude of the light signal was, however, not significantly changed by these substitutions and is, therefore, reported to be independent of the transmembrane potential and current. The venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus caused a marked prolongation of the action potential and the light scattering signal without significantly altering their amplitudes. A two-state model of the early (sodium) activation channel is suggested, in which the light scattering signal is correlated with a possible difference in the scattering efficiency between the states of the channel.
Report of the Task Force on Residency Training Information (2006-2007), American Board of Emergency Medicine

The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) gathers extensive background information on emergency medicine residency training programs and the residents training in those programs. We present the tenth annual report on the status of US emergency medicine residency programs.
The organizational structure of the North American fresh tomato market: Implications for seasonal trade disputes

Primary data collected from grower-shippers of fresh tomatoes in California, Florida, and Mexico reveal considerable heterogeneity among firms. Many firms which are extending their shipping seasons outside traditional seasons must have access to land in diverse geographic areas through ownership and contracts. Besides attempting to be low-cost producers, some firms compete by differentiating their products. The extended shelf life tomato from Mexico is one such differentiated product which has garnered higher FOB prices relative to Florida tomatoes. The implications of heterogeneous firms for trade disputes have not been considered in recent deliberations concerning Florida- and Mexico-based tomato growers. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
WHICH TREATMENT FOR CHILDHOOD ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA IN SECOND REMISSION

The best therapy for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who have an initial bone marrow relapse and subsequently achieve second remission is controversial. Some findings suggest that bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is better than chemotherapy whereas others do not. An analysis of 871 children treated by BMT or chemotherapy showed that outcome was correlated with risk factors at diagnosis and with length of first remission. BMT seemed superior in patients who relapsed within 18 months of first remission while on maintenance chemotherapy. BMT was not demonstrably superior in patients who relapsed more than 18 months after first remission. The choice of treatment in childhood ALL must be based on prognostic variables at diagnosis and on the circumstances of the relapse.
Calcium Chelators Influence Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Rabbit and Pig Muscle

SUMMARY: Intravenous antemortem injections of EDTA, EGTA and CDTA significantly inhibited muscle shortening during development of rigor mortis. Post-mortem micro-injections of CaCl2 increased shortening, but MGCl2 had no measurable effect. Even though average shear values for muscle from EDTA-treated rabbits were lower than those of untreated controls, the differences were not statistically significant. However, muscle from EDTA-treated pigs was significantly more tender than that from untreated controls. The interrelationships between ATP levels and pH values at 0 and 24 hr post-mortem were investigated and their effects upon muscle shortening and tenderness are considered and explained. A highly significant negative relationship was shown to exist between cooking losses and both initial pH and initial ATP values for both rabbit and pig muscle.
The role of the globus pallidus D2 subfamily of dopamine receptors in pallidal immediate early gene expression.

Abstract The globus pallidus plays an important role in basal ganglia circuitry, representing the first relay nucleus of the ‘indirect pathway’ of striatal efferents. In contrast to the well-characterized actions of dopamine on striatal neurons, the functional role of the dopamine innervation of globus pallidus is less well understood. Previous research showed that systemic administration of either a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist or combined dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonists induces Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene c-fos, in neurons of globus pallidus [Ruskin and Marshall (1997) Neuroscience 81, 79–92]. To determine whether the ability of the D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride, to induce Fos in rat pallidal neurons is mediated by D2-like receptors in striatum or globus pallidus, intrastriatal or intrapallidal sulpiride infusions were conducted. The diffusion of intrastriatal sulpiride was estimated by measuring this antagonist’s competition for N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ)-induced D2 receptor inactivation. The phenotype of the striatal neurons expressing Fos after intrastriatal infusion was assessed by combining Fos immunocytochemistry with D2 receptor mRNA in situ hybridization. Intrastriatal infusions of (−)-sulpiride (10–200 ng) dose-dependently increased the number of striatal cells expressing Fos; and the Fos-immunoreactive striatal cells were D2 receptor mRNA-expressing, the same population in which systemic D2 receptor antagonists induce Fos. Intrastriatal infusions of high (5 μg), but not low (10–200 ng), (−)-sulpiride doses also induced Fos in globus pallidus cells but the sulpiride appeared to spread to the globus pallidus. Direct intrapallidal infusions of (−)-sulpiride (50–100 ng) dose-dependently induced Fos in globus pallidus with minimal influence on striatum or other basal ganglia structures. Using sensitive in situ hybridization conditions, prominent labeling of D2 receptor mRNA was evident in globus pallidus. D2 receptor mRNA was densest in a lateral 200 μm wide band that follows the curvature of the pallidal/striatal boundary. Cellular analysis revealed silver clusters associated with D2 receptor mRNA labeling over globus pallidus neurons that were immunoreactive for neuron-specific nuclear protein. These results strongly suggest that the dopaminergic innervation of globus pallidus, acting through D2-like receptors internal to this structure, can control gene expression in pallidal neurons.
Thermodynamics of Water Entry in Aquaporins

Permeation of water across cell membranes is facilitated by highly efficient, selective water channels called aquaporins. While a large number of experimental and computational studies over the last decade have provided great details about the mechanisms of permeation and selectivity in these proteins, some of the fundamental aspects of the mechanism are still unknown. Here, we report on a computational study employing various simulation and analysis techniques to characterize the thermodynamics of water molecules inside the aquaporins in its most detailed manner. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations on various aquaporins have been performed and the spatial translational and rotational components of diffusion and entropy were computed using the 2 phase thermodynamic method (2PT). For the first time, we find that the spontaneous filling of AQPs by water is primarily the result of an entropic gain. Our results also indicate a strong interconversion of the entropy components as water molecules enter the channel; while water molecules exhibit the highest rotational motion in the extra/intra cellular mouths of the pore, their translation is slow compared to the bulk value. The frequencies in the power spectra of translational and rotational motions overlap, indicating a strong coupling of these motions inside the pore. A shooting mechanism with near diffusive behavior is observed in the extracellular mouth of the pore, which can explain the fast conduction of water in aquaporins.
Optically tunable spin-exchange energy at donor:acceptor interfaces in organic solar cells

Spin-exchange energy is a critical parameter in controlling spin-dependent optic, electronic, and magnetic properties in organic materials. This article reports optically tunable spin-exchange energy by studying the line-shape characteristics in magnetic field effect of photocurrent developed from intermolecular charge-transfer states based on donor:acceptor (P3HT:PCBM) system. Specifically, we divide magnetic field effect of photocurrent into hyperfine (at low field 10 mT) regimes. We observe that increasing photoexcitation intensity can lead to a significant line-shape narrowing in magnetic field effect of photocurrent occurring at the spin-exchange regime. We analyze that the line-shape characteristics is essentially determined by the changing rate of magnetic field-dependent singlet/triplet ratio when a magnetic field perturbs the singlet-triplet transition through spin mixing. Based on our analysis, the line-shape narrowing results indicate that the spin-exchange energy at D:A interfaces can be optically changed by changing photoexcitation intensity through the interactions between intermolecular charge-transfer states. Therefore, our experimental results demonstrate an optical approach to change the spin-exchange energy through the interactions between intermolecular charge-transfer states at donor:acceptor interface in organic materials.
Sharp Local Bounds for Orders of Contact

Abstract I outline a proof of the sharp local bound for a jump discontinuity in the maximum order of contact of complex analytic varieties with a real hypersurface. This involves a new algebraic-geometric approach to questions arising in the study of the Cauchy-Riemann equations.
Competitive Adsorption of Dopamine and Rhodamine 6G on the Surface of Graphene Oxide

Competitive adsorption–desorption behavior of popular fluorescent labeling and bioanalyte molecules, Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and dopamine (DA), on a chemically heterogeneous graphene oxide (GO) surface is discussed in this study. Individually, R6G and DA compounds were found to adsorb rapidly on the surface of graphene oxide as they followed the traditional Langmuir adsorption behavior. FTIR analysis suggested that both R6G and DA molecules predominantly adsorb on the hydrophilic oxidized regions of the GO surface. Thus, when R6G and DA compounds were adsorbed from mixed solution, competitive adsorption was observed around the oxygen-containing groups of GO sheets, which resulted in partial desorption of R6G molecules from the surface of GO into the solution. The desorbed R6G molecules can be monitored by fluorescence change in solution and was dependent on the DA concentration. We suggest that the efficient competitive adsorption of different strongly bound bioanalytes onto GO–dye complex can be used for the ...
Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein Levels and 9-Year Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Women: The Women’s Health and Aging Study II

Inflammation has been linked to both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diseases of the brain, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). With the aging of the U.S. population and greater incidence of chronic diseases compared to infectious diseases, recent literature has focused on exploring cardiovascular risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Elevated inflammation has been suggested as one possible mechanism relating such chronic diseases to cognitive dysfunction. Inflammatory markers have also been implicated in the development of amyloid beta peptides, a primary component of amyloid plaques that are the hallmark characteristic of AD. An increasing number of studies have explored the associations between inflammation and dementia outcomes; however, far fewer have characterized inflammation in relation to preclinical domain-specific cognitive declines. In a cohort of Japanese Americans, participants in the highest quartile of C-reactive protein (CRP) had a three times greater risk for all-cause and cause-specific dementias (1). Similar results were observed in a population-based sample from the Netherlands (2), the Framingham Study and Uppsala Longitudinal study of Adult Men (3). Other studies have found that inflammatory markers, such as CRP and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), did not independently predict a greater risk for dementia, but that in combination with other elevated inflammatory markers, a greater risk for dementia was observed (4). Fewer studies have examined the association between inflammation and domain-specific cognitive declines. In a longitudinal study of older adults, inflammation was associated with global cognitive decline, but not declines in memory, intelligence, or processing speed (5). Another longitudinal study of aging examined the impact of inflammation on delayed memory recall, but did not include a test of immediate memory (6). Prior analyses have not studied inflammation-related cognitive decline in the domains of executive function and psychomotor speed, both of which are important to functional independence (7). Inflammation may be a precipitating factor linking vascular diseases and dementia and age-related cognitive decline. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that higher levels of inflammation, as measured by serum IL-6 and CRP, are associated with faster rates of decline over 9 years in three major cognitive domains among cognitively intact community-dwelling older women: verbal memory (immediate and delayed), psychomotor speed, and executive function.
Student Team Reading and Writing: A Cooperative Learning Approach to Middle School Literacy Instruction

The goal of this project was to create a middle school literacy program that was more responsive to the needs and abilities of early adolescents in urban middle schools. The program components included: (a) cooperative learning classroom processes; (b) a literature anthology for high interest reading material; (c) explicit instruction in reading comprehension; (e) integrated reading, writing, and language arts instruction; and (f) a writing process approach to language arts. The study was conducted in 5 schools in a large urban school district, 2 implementing Student Team Reading and Writing (STRW) and 3 comparison schools. The results indicated that the students in STRW had significantly higher achievement in reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, and language expression. The results suggest that a multifaceted approach to restructuring can effectively improve the achievement of students in urban middle schools.
Voyager 2 at Uranus - A synopsis of atmospheric science results

Knowledge of the Uranian atmosphere took a quantum leap when the Voyager 2 spacecraft made a close approach in January 1986. Among the highlights of the early results are measurements of the atmospheric composition (He mole fraction = 0.15; Ch4 mole fraction = 0.02), rotation period of the deep interior (17.24 h), thermal structure and dynamics (the planet is coldest at midlatitudes; retrograde equatorial winds are inferred), and upper-atmosphere processes (a phenomenon called electroglow is only partly understood and is recognized as an important process n all the major-planet atmospheres examined by Voyager).
Accuracy of Core Alignment with End-View Function for Multicore Fiber

Passive and automatic core alignment of MCFs with an end-view function is demonstrated. It is confirmed that the accuracy of the end-view alignment method is feasible for fusion splicing of MCFs.
Cytochrome P-450 and the activation of promutagens in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the cellular content of cytochrome P-450 was investigated and shown to be related to the growth phase of aerobic cultures when glucose was the carbon source. When grown on glucose medium the log-phase cells of the diploid strain D5 contained about 9× more cytochrome P-450 than log-phase cells of the diploid strain D4. The D4 cells grown on medium containing glucose contained about 10× more cytochrome P-450 than D4 cell grown on medium containing galactose as carbon source. Cells of strain D4, harvested from log-phase cultures grown on glucose, were capable of metabolizing aflatoxin B1, dimethylnitrosamine, β-naphthylamine, ethyl carbamate, cyclophosphamide and dimethylsulphoxide to products active genetically in the same cells. The metabolism of the compounds tested was attributed to cyctochrome P-450-dependent mixed-function oxidation since genetic activity was high in log cells grown on medium containing glucose but negligible in log cells grown on medium containing galactose. However, aflatoxin B1 differed from the other promutagens tested since the genetic activity of this compound in cells grown on galactose medium was similar to the activity in cells grown on glucose medium. This result is discussed in relation to enzyme systems which could metabolize aflatoxin B1. The results of treating log-phase cells of the strain D5, grown on medium containing glucose, with aflatoxin B1 and dimethylnitrosamine are presented and compared with the results from the strain D4.
DIFFERENT PEPTIDE BINDING SPECIFICITIES OF HSP70 FAMILY MEMBERS

Abstract A set of heptapeptides was used to compare the relative peptide affinities of three proteins of the hsp70 family: bacterial DnaK, mammalian cytosolic hsc70, and BiP from mammalian ER. Each hsp displays a characteristic pattern of relative affinities. Dnak and hsc70 are more similar to each other than to BiP. A difference in peptide binding specificity may be an important determinant in adjusting an hsp70 family member to its particular cellular function.
Polymorphism for interspecific cross-compatibility in phlox.

Abstract Extensive polymorphism for the cross-compatibility of Phlox pilosa with P. glaberrima occurs within Illinois populations. The polymorphism is genetically determined. Thus, there is an opportunity for selection to enhance existing cross-compatibility barriers in areas of species contact. There is no evidence that selection has favored the reinforcement of such barriers.
A top-down approach for construction of hybrid polymer-virus gene delivery vectors.

Abstract Safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids remains the primary hurdle for human gene therapy. While many researchers have attempted to re-engineer viruses to be suited for gene delivery, others have sought to develop non-viral alternatives. We have developed a complementary approach in which viral and synthetic components are combined to form hybrid nanoparticulate vectors. In particular, we complexed non-infectious retrovirus-like particles lacking a viral envelope protein, from Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-VLP) or human immunodeficiency virus (H-VLP), with poly- l -lysine (PLL) or polyethylenimine (PEI) over a range of polymer/VLP ratios. At appropriate stoichiometry (75–250 µg polymer/10 6 VLP), the polymers replace the function of the viral envelope protein and interact with the target cell membrane, initiate cellular uptake and facilitate escape from endocytic vesicles. The viral particle, once in the cytosol, efficiently completes its normal infection process including integration of viral genes with the host genome as demonstrated by long-term (at least 5 weeks) transgene expression. In addition, hybrid vectors comprising H-VLP were shown to be capable of infecting non-dividing cells.
Vibrational excitations of a one-dimensional electron-phonon system in strong coupling

We consider an electron interacting with optical phonons through the deformation potential in one dimension. We calculate the energy spectrum of such a system to one order in $\frac{1}{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}}$ beyond the strong-coupling limit. We calculate the self-energy, effective mass and modified phonon spectrum to this order. The modified phonon spectrum is determined by the solution of a homogeneous linear integral equation. We are able to solve this integral equation in closed form for the odd-parity phonon modes. The result is a frequency spectrum ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{n}={\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}{[1\ensuremath{-}\frac{4}{n(n+3)}]}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, where $n=1,3,5,\dots{}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ is the unperturbed optical-phonon frequency. For $n=1$, ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{1}=0$ and this mode is a translation. For even-parity modes, the phonon frequency spectrum is determined numerically.
Lumbosacral distraction spondylodesis with autologous bone graft together with posterolateral fusion

We supplement posterolateral fusion with medial interspinal distraction spondylodesis to attain decompression in addition to fixation in the dorsal part of the two lower lumbar motion segments. An exactly fitted corticospongiosa bone graft from the spina iliaca posterior is wedged between the spinal processes L4 and S1 under distraction with maximal kyphosis of the lumbar spine; metallic implants are not used. The graft maintains the distraction until the posterolateral fusion band is fixed. Furthermore, a third fusion band is thus made. Indication, technique, and postoperative treatment are described. The outcome and durability of the distraction are checked with a standardized measurement procedure for motion segments L4 to S1.
The Origins of the Chinese Fertility Decline

Education and urbanization are shown to have been negatively correlated to marital fertility in both urban and rural China prior to the initiation of the substantial family planning programs. We maintain that early use of contraception by better educated and urban strata is a plausible cause of the observed fertility differentials because other proximate variables are unlikely. Coale’s m, a presumed indicator of controlled fertility, suggests early fertility control in urban and better educated strata. The apparent preprogram beginnings of fertility control among educational and urban elites does not, however, minimize the awesome effects on fertility of the powerful Chinese family planning programs, once begun.
Modeling fluid flow and transport in variably saturated porous media with the STOMP simulator. 2. Verification and validation exercises

Abstract STOMP, a subsurface flow and transport simulator for investigating remediation technologies, described in the preceding paper, is tested against simulation results from a published numerical code, MOFAT-2D, and against nonhysteretic and hysteretic data from three-phase flow experiments. There is good agreement between the STOMP and MOFAT-2D simulations and between measured data and numerical results when STOMP is used to simulate the experiments. However, there are some discrepancies between measured and predicted fluid contents. Discrepancies at low fluid contents are assumed to be a function of relative permeability-saturation relations, and discrepancies near complete wetting-fluid saturation are relations, and discrepancies near complete nonwetting-fluid entry pressure in the fluid saturation-pressure relations. Despite the discrepancies, overall predictions of subsurface fluid behavior are good. These results suggest that STOMP may accurately forecast multiphase-flow behavior at a site when the site is adequately characterized and the model parameters are correctly calibrated to the site.
A K-harmonics description of 16O breathing mode

Abstract We calculate the properties of the 16 O breathing mode in a K min K -harmonics calculation. The breathing mode has single particle quantum numbers that are identical to the nucleon quantum numbers in the ground state. We calculate an excitation energy of 27 MeV, and a monopole transition matrix element of 7.21 fm 2 . Six excited monopole states are calculated to be bound in 16 O, with k equal to K min . These states exhaust 90 % of the isoscalar monopole sum rule. The first excited K min state, the breathing mode, exhausts 68 % of the isoscalar sum rule.
Explaining the Growth of E-Commerce Corporations (ECCs): An Extension and Application of the Eclectic Paradigm

The emergence of the Internet has created a dynamic electronic marketplace, where a new species of e-commerce corporations are taking root. However, the factors affecting the growth of these e-commerce corporations is a relatively unexplored area in international business. This study contributes to the international business literature in two significant ways. First, it attempts to critically evaluate the major international business theories to identify the variables affecting the growth of e-commerce corporations. Second, the proposed framework in the study extends the explanatory power of the eclectic paradigm not only by interpreting the paradigm in the context of e-business, but also by including an element of network-based advantages to the OLI-configuration.
Effect of PVA functionalization on hydrophilicity of Y-junction single wall carbon nanotubes

Hydrophilic surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of great interest for various applications including chemical and biological sensing. Surface functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) mats with a biocompatible polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was studied. PVA modification induced a drastic change in water wettability of the SWNT surface transforming it from hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic. These PVA modified SWNTs mats have also demonstrated increasing impedance variation in relative humidity compared to the pristine nanotubes. An appreciable change in conductivity of Y-junction SWNT mats as a function of relative humidity indicates its potential application as humidity sensor. This higher sensitivity for humidity variation shown in Y-junction SWNT mats could be attributed to the greater portion of semiconducting nanotubes in these mats revealed by Raman analysis. A possible conductance changing mechanism of surface modified SWNTs mats is discussed.
Liver arginase. IV. Effect of pH on kinetics of manganese-activated enzyme.

Abstract 1. 1. The pH-activity curve of purified Mn++-activated arginase, virtually free of other activating cations has been determined. The curve shows the optimum activity to be at pH 10.2. The acid branch of the pH-activity curve appears to be determined by two acid-dissociation groups, one with a pK of 7.92 and the other of 8.75. 2. 2. Experiments were performed to test the possibility of the occurrence of two arginases, one activated by Mn++ and the other by Co++. This was done by determining the activities of the purified enzyme preparation in the presence of varying concentrations of Mn++ to Co++ at the pH values of 6.5 and 9.5. From the results it was concluded that the activation by Mn++ and Co++ can be adequately explained on the basis of a single arginase enzyme. 3. 3. The constants of the Michaelis-Menten enzyme-substrate dissociate equation, Ks and Vm, vary with pH. The curves of this variation can be interpreted mathematically on the basis of the dissociation constant of the amino group of arginine, and of the constants for the ionizable groups essential for the catalytic activity in the enzyme. This analysis leads to an intrinsic Michaelis-Menten dissociation constant Ks0 = 1.5 × 10−3M at 25 ° and 2.8 × 10−3M at 35 °. 4. 4. The active form of arginase attacked by the enzyme is deduced to be the zwitterion of the amino acid. 5. 5. The turnover number of arginase has been calculated to have the value of 1.32 × 105 molecules of arginine hydrolyzed per molecule of enzyme per minute at 25 °.
Coaches’ Attitudes and Involvement in Alcohol Prevention Among High School Athletes

A total of 288 high school coaches completed a survey on their attitudes toward and involvement in alcohol prevention among male high school athletes. Results indicated that coaches felt alcohol use was less of a problem among high school student-athletes than high school students in general. Only one-third of coaches (39%) worked at a school requiring them to talk to their athletes about alcohol use. Coaches most likely to be involved in alcohol prevention were those who had attended an alcohol prevention class/workshop and those who worked for schools with strong alcohol prevention policies and schools that required them to talk with athletes about alcohol use.
Chemical and biological sensing using liquid crystals

The liquid crystalline state of matter arises from orientation-dependent, non-covalent interactions between molecules within condensed phases. Because the balance of intermolecular forces that underlies the formation of liquid crystals (LCs) is delicate, this state of matter can, in general, be easily perturbed by external stimuli (such as an electric field in a display). In this review, we present an overview of recent efforts that have focused on exploiting the responsiveness of LCs as the basis of chemical and biological sensors. In this application of LCs, the challenge is to design liquid crystalline systems that undergo changes in organization when perturbed by targeted chemical and biological species of interest. The approaches described below revolve around the design of interfaces that selectively bind targeted species, thus leading to surface-driven changes in the organization of the LCs. Because LCs possess anisotropic optical and dielectric properties, a range of different methods can be used ...
A Predictive Model for the Clinical Marginal Fracture of Amalgam

The relationship of clinical marginal fracture to creep and zinc content of amalgam alloys was examined. Using multiple regression analysis, a predictive equation was found which produced an excellent fit to the experimental data (R2 = .944).
High-Resolution Cytogenetic-Based Physical Map of Human Chromosome 16

Abstract A panel of 54 mouse/human somatic cell hybrids, each possessing various portions of chromosome 16, was constructed; 46 were constructed from naturally occurring rearrangements of this chromosome, which were ascertained in clinical cytogenetics laboratories, and a further 8 from rearrangements spontaneously arising during tissue culture. By mapping 235 DNA markers to this panel of hybrids, and in relation to four fragile sites and the centromere, a cytogenetic-based physical map of chromosome 16 with an average resolution of 1.6 Mb was generated. Included are 66 DNA markers that have been typed in the CEPH pedigrees, and these will allow the construction of a detailed correlation of the cytogenetic-based physical map and the genetic map of this chromosome. Cosmids from chromosome 16 that have been assembled into contigs by use of repetitive sequence fingerprinting have been mapped to the hybrid panel. Approximately 11% of the euchromatin is now both represented in such contigs and located on the cytogenetic-based physical map. This high-resolution cytogenetic-based physical map of chromosome 16 will provide the basis for the cloning of genetically mapped disease genes, genes disrupted in cytogenetic rearrangements that have produced abnormalphenotypes, and cancer breakpoints.
Effect of Brief Mindfulness Practice on Self-Reported Affect, Craving, and Smoking: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Using Ecological Momentary Assessment.

Introduction Despite efficacious pharmacological and behavioral treatments, most smokers attempt to quit without assistance and fail to quit. Mindfulness practice may be useful in smoking cessation. Methods This ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study was a pilot parallel group randomized controlled trial of a brief mindfulness practice (Brief-MP) intervention on self-reported smoking behavior delivered to smokers on a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in the field. Adult community smokers (N = 44) were randomly assigned to a Brief-MP (n = 24) or Control (sham meditation; n = 20) group. Participants were instructed to smoke as much or as little as they liked. Participants carried a PDA for 2 weeks and were instructed to initiate 20 minutes of meditation (or control) training on the PDA daily, completing an assessment of cognitive and affective processes immediately afterwards. Additionally, they completed assessments at random times up to four times per day. Primary outcome variables were negative affect, craving, and cigarettes smoked per day, all self-reported. Results Thirty-seven participants provided EMA data totaling 1874 assessments. Linear Mixed Model analyses on EMA data revealed that Brief-MP (vs. Control) reduced overall negative affect, F(1, 1798) = 13.8, P = .0002; reduced craving immediately post-meditation, (Group × Assessment Type interaction, F(2, 1796) = 12.3, P = .0001); and reduced cigarettes smoked per day over time (Group × Day interaction, F(1, 436) = 5.50, P = .01). Conclusions Brief-MP administered in the field reduced negative affect, craving, and cigarette use, suggesting it may be a useful treatment.
Four-Color Flow Cytometric Analysis of Peripheral Blood Donor Cell Chimerism

Passenger leukocytes have been demonstrated to play significant roles in initiating and also regulating immune reactions after organ transplantation. Reliable techniques to detect donor leukocytes in recipients after organ transplantation are essential to analyze the role, function, and behavior of these leukocytes. In this report we describe a simple, reliable method to detect donor cells with low frequencies using peripheral blood samples. Detection of small numbers of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatched cells was first studied using four-color flow cytometry in artificially created cell mixtures. By selecting the CD45+ population and simultaneous staining with several leukocyte lineage markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, and CD19), MHC-mismatched leukocytes were consistently detected in cell suspensions prepared from directly stained whole blood samples with a threshold sensitivity as low as 0.1%–0.2%. When the fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated by conventional Ficoll gradient purification, similar, but slightly lower levels of donor cells were detected. Blood samples obtained 1–5 months after liver, kidney, and intestine transplants revealed that the kind of organ allograft influenced levels and lineage pattern of the circulating donor cells. This procedure provided a simple and reliable method in determining early chimerism in transplant recipients. However, the detection of MHC-mismatched leukocytes of all lineages was much lower when frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used.
Differential activation of polymorphisms of the formyl peptide receptor by formyl peptides

We have investigated the role of two polymorphic sites (R190W and N192K) on the binding and activation of the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) by viral and formyl peptides. WEDWVGWI, a peptide with antiviral activity derived from the membrane proximal region of feline immunodeficiency virus, binds with high affinity to FPR. The three tryptophans in the peptide are all essential for FPR binding, just as they were essential for antiviral activity [S. Giannecchini, A. Di Fenza, A.M. D'Ursi, D. Matteucci, P. Rovero, M. Bendinelli, Antiviral activity and conformational features of an octapeptide derived from the membrane-proximal ectodomain of the feline immunodeficiency virus transmembrane glycoprotein, J. Virol. 77 (2003) 3724]. Formyl-NleWEDWVGWI behaved as a weak partial agonist with FPR W190/N192 but a stronger partial agonist with FPR R190/K192 and FPR R190/N192. Formyl-NleNleWEDWVGWI behaved as a full agonist toward all three FPRs but exhibited a much higher EC(50) with W190/N192 FPR (300+/-45 nM) than for R190/K192 FPR (40+/-3 nM) or R190/N192 (60+/-8 nM). Formyl-MYKWPWYVWL preferentially activated R190/K192 and R190/N192 FPRs by>5 fold compared to W190/N192 FPR. Formyl-MFEDAVAWF, a peptide derived from a protein in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and formyl-MFTFEPFPTN, a peptide derived from the N-terminus of chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus with an added N-terminal formyl-methionine exhibited the greatest selectivity for R190/K192 and R190/N192 FPRs with approximately 10 fold lower EC(50)s than that observed with FPR W190/N192. Thus, individuals with the W190 polymorphism may display a reduced ability to detect certain formyl peptides.
Regulation of gene expression in Vibrio cholerae by ToxT involves both antirepression and RNA polymerase stimulation

Summary Co-ordinate expression of many virulence genes in the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae is under the direct control of the ToxT protein, including genes whose products are required for the biogenesis of the toxin-co-regulated pilus (TCP) and cholera toxin (CTX). This work examined interactions between ToxT and the promoters of ctx and tcpA genes. We found that a minimum of three direct repeats of the sequence TTTTGAT is required for ToxT-dependent activation of the ctx promoter, and that the region from -85 to -41 of the tcpA promoter contains ele- ments that are responsive to ToxT-dependent activa- tion. The role of H-NS in transcription of ctx and tcpA was also analysed. The level of activation of ctx-lacZ in an E. coli hns - strain was greatly increased even in the absence of ToxT, and was further enhanced in the presence of ToxT. In contrast, H-NS plays a lesser role in the regulation of the tcpA promoter. Elec- trophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that 6¥ His-tagged ToxT directly, and specifically, interacts with both the ctx and tcpA promoters. DNase I foot- printing analysis suggests that there may be two ToxT binding sites with different affinity in the ctx pro- moter and that ToxT binds to -84 to -41 of the tcpA promoter. In vitro transcription experiments de- monstrated that ToxT alone is able to activate tran- scription from both promoters. We hypothesize that under conditions appropriate for ToxT-dependent gene expression, ToxT binds to AT-rich promoters that may have a specific secondary conformation, displaces H-NS and stimulates RNA polymerase resulting in transcription activation.
Comparison of CMOS and a-Si flat panel imagers for X-ray imaging

CMOS X-ray imagers are gaining importance in the field of small area X-ray imaging. The paper gives a comparison of CMOS and a-Si flat panel imagers for X-ray imaging applications. Advantages of the CMOS imagers include the higher readout speed and lower noise due to the much higher electrical charge mobility in crystalline versus amorphous silicon. The lower noise provides a wider dynamic range in CMOS even when the total pixel storage capacitance is the same as in a-Si. Also, because the noise floor is lower, the low dose Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) is significantly higher and the X-ray detection is quantum noise limited down to very low dose levels. The higher readout speed provides faster CT scanning. This is important when the patient has to hold their breath during a scan such as during breast CT exams. Besides the lower noise and higher speed, the pixel size can be much smaller because active components made of crystalline silicon are smaller than active components made of a-Si. Small pixels are advantageous for mammography, dental and other very high resolution X-ray imaging applications.