cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured zeolite 4A molecular sieving air separation membranes

A novel membrane forming strategy is reported to probe the intrinsic O2/N2 selectivity of zeolite 4A membrane and to fabricate highly selective nanocomposite membranes by using a nanocrystal-derived hierarchical porous zeolite 4A membrane whose non-zeolitic mesoporsity is filled with a nonpermeable polymer material (polyfurfuryl alcohol).
Common lessons learned from an analysis of multiple case histories

In recent years there has been increased emphasis on process safety as a result of major chemical incidents involving gas releases, major explosions, and environmental incidents. Spending some time to fix our eyes on the historical catastrophes of industrial processes is necessary for process safety improvement. While each case history presents an important foundation for understanding, identifying, and eliminating root causes, to prevent recurrence of these incidents there is a need to identify the common lessons learned. Root causes are usually deficiencies in safety management systems, but can be any factor that would have prevented the incident if that factor had not occurred. In this article, multiple case histories were analyzed to understand the common similarities between process incidents. The objective of this article is to focus on learning some common lessons from the historical incidents in order to prevent recurrences of similar incidents. Ten important lessons were identified and are described in this article. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2011
Effects of parathion on lipolysis in isolated rat adipose tissue cells.

The effects of the pesticide, Parathion (0,0-diethyl 0-p-nitrophenyl thiophosphate) and various lipolytic and antilipolytic agents on lipolysis in adipose tissue were studied with isolated fat cells from rat epididymal fat pads. Lipolysis was measured as the release of free fatty acids into an albumin-bicarbonate medium. Parathion depressed lipolysis in a linear manner at concentrations ranging from 10−9 to 10−3M. At a concentration of 10−5M, Parathion depressed the lipolytic response to epinephrine (0.15 μg/ml) and slightly to cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (10−3 M) and enhanced the antilipolytic response to nicotinic acid (33 μM). It is possible that Parathion may interfere with adenyl cyclase activity.
The pressure of a hard sphere fluid on a curved surface

Utilizing the integral equation approach to the hard sphere fluid system developed in the preceding paper, the hard sphere-hard wall interaction is studied. For the case of a flat wall, perturbation solutions of the integral equation valid to second and third order in the packing fraction,y, are derived. For a surface of arbitrary curvature, an equation of state valid to second order in the packing fraction is also derived. When applied to very small cavities, it is found that the pressure at high densities is significantly higher than it would be for a flat wall.
COMPLEX FORMATION BETWEEN CHLOROQUINE AND FERRIHAEMIC ACID IN VITRO, AND ITS EFFECT ON THE ANTIMALARIAL ACTION OF CHLOROQUINE.

RESISTANCE of malarial parasites to Chloroquine and its analogues was first reported in 19611, and during the past several years has caused increasing concern. Among the possible mechanisms to be considered in the development of drug resistance is production by the parasite of a metabolite which can interact with Chloroquine and thereby interfere with the action of the drug. This communication presents spectrophotometric evidence that ferrihaemic acid, a product of haemoglobin breakdown by the malarial parasite, can bind strongly to chloroquine in vitro. The anti-malarial action of chloroquine against P. berghei infection in mice is markedly inhibited by such complex formation.
Effects of Motivational Interviewing for Incarcerated Adolescents on Driving Under the Influence after Release

Motivational Interviewing (MI) to reduce alcohol and marijuana-related driving events among incarcerated adolescents was evaluated. Adolescents were randomly assigned to receive MI or Relaxation Training. Follow-up assessment showed that, as compared to RT, adolescents who received MI had lower rates of drinking and driving, and being a passenger in a car with someone who had been drinking. Effects were moderated by levels of depression. At low levels of depression, MI evidenced lower rates of these behaviors; at high levels of depression, effects for MI and RT were equivalent. Similar patterns were found for marijuana-related risky driving, but effects were non-significant.
Curing characteristics of an epoxy resin in the presence of ball-milled graphite particles

The effects of simply-made graphite particles (GPs, 1 wt%) on curing kinetics of an epoxy resin were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Two approaches based on constant and variable activation energy were applied to analyze the DSC curves. Results from the constant energy method showed that addition of the GPs increased the activation energy Ec and the overall order of reaction m + n. With the variable energy method, the activation energy varied with curing conversion substantially in the GP/epoxy system; in contrast, the variation in the pure epoxy was very limited. The GPs also decreased the heat of reaction (ΔH) and increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) for the epoxy. Comprehensive analyses indicated that the GPs did not significantly impede the curing reaction, which can enable improvement of the composite functionalities without creating processing penalties. The information obtained from this study provides an understanding of multiple factors involved in the complex relationship of structure and properties of the composites.
Infant temperament moderates associations between childcare type and quantity and externalizing and internalizing behaviors at 2 1/2 years

This study tested interactive effects of quantity and type (center-based versus other) of non-parental care, and infant temperament, on children's externalizing and internalizing behaviors at 2 ½, controlling for childcare quality. Sixty-four mothers and children participated. Mothers rated depressive symptoms prenatally, infant temperament at 5 months, childcare quality and child behavior at 2 ½ years, and reported childcare arrangements. At 6 months, infants were videotaped to obtain a measure of activity in response to novelty. Based on ANCOVA, long hours in non-parental care were associated with: (1) more externalizing for children in center care identified as easily frustrated as infants; and (2) more internalizing for children identified as both highly distressed and highly active in response to novelty as infants. Children in higher quality childcare were less externalizing and internalizing than those in lower quality childcare; this effect remained significant with all other variables controlled.
Photon dose calculation incorporating explicit electron transport.

Significant advances have been made in recent years to improve photon dose calculation. However, accurate prediction of dose perturbation effects near the interfaces of different media, where charged particle equilibrium is not established, remain unsolved. Furthermore, changes in atomic number, which affect the multiple Coulomb scattering of the secondary electrons, are not accounted for by current photon dose calculation algorithms. As local interface effects are mainly due to the perturbation of secondary electrons, a photon–electron cascade model is proposed which incorporates explicit electron transport in the calculation of the primary photon dose component in heterogeneous media. The primary photonbeam is treated as the source of many electron pencil beams. The latter are transported using the Fermi–Eyges theory. The scatteredphoton dose contribution is calculated with the dose spread array [T. R. Mackie, J. W. Scrimger, and J. J. Battista, Med. Phys. 12, 188–196 (1985)] approach. Comparisons of the calculation with Monte Carlo simulation and TLD measurements show good agreement for positions near the polystyrene–aluminum interfaces.
Preprocess before You Build: Introducing a Framework for Privacy Requirements Engineering

With the increased ubiquity of technology comes the challenge of addressing the privacy concerns of the intended users. Privacy is an extremely complex social phenomenon with myriads of variations. Difficulty in designing privacy-aware applications, however, do not stem from a lack of models or design frameworks. Rather, it stems from the gap between the two, the lack of guidance in eliciting privacy requirements. To address this issue, we introduce the Preprocess, a methodological framework for privacy requirements engineering, and demonstrate its power through an application example.
Patient Simulation: A Literary Synthesis of Assessment Tools in Anesthesiology

High-fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) has been hypothesized as a modality for assessing competency of knowledge and skill in patient simulation, but uniform methods for HFPS performance assessment (PA) have not yet been completely achieved. Anesthesiology as a field founded the HFPS discipline and also leads in its PA. This project reviews the types, quality, and designated purpose of HFPS PA tools in anesthesiology. We used the systematic review method and systematically reviewed anesthesiology literature referenced in PubMed to assess the quality and reliability of available PA tools in HFPS. Of 412 articles identified, 50 met our inclusion criteria. Seventy seven percent of studies have been published since 2000; more recent studies demonstrated higher quality. Investigators reported a variety of test construction and validation methods. The most commonly reported test construction methods included "modified Delphi Techniques" for item selection, reliability measurement using inter-rater agreement, and intra-class correlations between test items or subtests. Modern test theory, in particular generalizability theory, was used in nine (18%) of studies. Test score validity has been addressed in multiple investigations and shown a significant improvement in reporting accuracy. However the assessment of predicative has been low across the majority of studies. Usability and practicality of testing occasions and tools was only anecdotally reported. To more completely comply with the gold standards for PA design, both shared experience of experts and recognition of test construction standards, including reliability and validity measurements, instrument piloting, rater training, and explicit identification of the purpose and proposed use of the assessment tool, are required.
Vibration‐stirred microhydrogenation

A reaction vessel assembly suitable for small-scale catalytic hydrogenations is described. A specially-shaped, vibrating stirrer is used produce vigorous agitation of the reaction mixture.
Induction of rabbit hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 by imidazole: enhanced metabolic activity and altered substrate specificity

Abstract Pretreatment of rabbits with imidazole resulted in a twofold increase in hepatic microsomal cytochrome P -450 content, with the apparent induction of two or more distinct forms of the cytochrome [ K. K. Hajek and R. F. Novak (1982) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 108 , 664–672 ]. The metabolic properties of imidazole-induced microsomes have been compared to those of uninduced, phenobarbital- and β-naphthoflavone-induced preparations. Metabolic activity was enhanced as a consequence of increased P -450 content and as a result of the presence of different forms of the cytochrome. When rates were expressed per nanomole P -450 the following were observed: (a) p -nitroanisole O -demethylation was comparable in all preparations; (b) N,N -dimethylaniline N -demethylation was comparable in imidazole- and β-naphtho-flavone-induced, and uninduced microsomes; (c) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was approximately twofold greater in imidazole-induced relative to phenobarbital-induced microsomes, but was only one-half that of β-naphthoflavone-induced microsomes; and (d) metabolism of N,N -dimethylnitrosamine was enhanced fivefold, alcohol oxidation increased three- to fivefold, and aniline hydroxylation was threefold greater in imidazole-induced microsomes compared to phenobarbital- or β-naphthoflavone-induced preparations. Eadie-Scatchard analysis yielded a single K m value for dimethylnitrosamine N -demethylase activity in imidazole-induced microsomes; in contrast, both high- and low- K m values were obtained for phenobarbital- or β-naphthoflavone-induced microsomal preparations. Dimethylnitrosamine N -demethylase activity was P -450 dependent; neither flavin monooxygenase nor monoamine oxidase appeared to contribute significantly to dimethylnitrosamine metabolism. Dimethyl sulfoxide was a competitive inhibitor of dimethylnitrosamine N -demethylase activity in imidazole-, phenobarbital-, and β-naphthoflavone-induced microsomes. Dimethyl sulfoxide competitively inhibited ethanol oxidation in imidazole-induced microsomes; it was a noncompetitive inhibitor of ethanol oxidation in phenobarbitalor β-naphthoflavone-induced microsomes.
Over-expression of the Arabidopsis NPR1 gene in citrus increases resistance to citrus canker

Citrus canker, caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a serious leaf and fruit spotting disease affecting many important citrus cultivars including grapefruit and certain sweet oranges. Currently, efficacious and economical disease control measures for highly susceptible citrus cultivars are lacking. Development of commercial cultivars with greater field resistance to citrus canker is the optimum strategy for effective disease management. In this study, we generated transgenic ‘Duncan’ grapefruit (DG) and ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange (Ham) expressing the Arabidopsis NPR1 gene (AtNPR1), which is a key positive regulator of the long-lasting broad-spectrum resistance known as systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Our results indicate that over-expression of AtNPR1 in citrus increases resistance to citrus canker and that the resistance is related with the expression levels of AtNPR1 in the transgenic plants. The line (DG 42-2) with the highest expression level of AtNPR1 was also the most resistant, which developed significant fewer lesions accompanied by a ten-fold reduction in Xcc population. The lesions developed on DG 42-2 were smaller and darker than those on the control and lacked callus formation. These lesion phenotypes resemble those on canker resistant kumquats and canker susceptible citrus trees treated with SAR-inducing compounds. Therefore, over-expression of AtNPR1 in citrus is a promising approach for development of more resistant cultivars to citrus canker.
Coherent control of second harmonic generation using spectrally phase coded femtosecond waveforms

Abstract We report the demonstration of coherent control of second harmonic generation (SHG) with over three orders of magnitude contrast in the SHG yield. Under conditions of large group-velocity mismatch and narrow phase matching bandwidth, we show that SHG can serve (in the perturbative limit) as a nonlinear optical but classical analogue for quantum mechanical two-photon transitions in atomic media, with advantages in efficiency and ease of implementation. Our coherent control scheme results in a spectral phase correlator for ultrashort pulse waveforms, which may have applications in novel high-bandwidth optical communication schemes. We demonstrate a set of different waveforms with similar strong control yields by introducing families of binary phase codes taken from communication theory into the coherent control process. The response to these waveforms under certain nonideal situations is also studied.
High self-esteem buffers negative feedback: Once more with feeling

In this article, I report three studies showing that global self-esteem influences people's emotional reactions to negative outcomes. Using social outcomes as well as personal ones (Study 1), naturally occurring outcomes as well as experimentally induced ones (Study 2), and implicit self-feelings as well as self-reported ones (Study 3), I show that high-self-esteem people suffer less emotional distress when they encounter negative outcomes than do low-self-esteem people. I conclude that global self-esteem plays an important role when people confront negative feedback and rejection.
The Optimization of an Optical Missile Guidance Tracker

An antitank missile guidance system is described, which employs a tracker using two parallel optical paths and a pyrotechnic flare. Both optical channels are spectrally filtered; one rejects the target and views only the flare image; the other rejects the flare and views only the target. In performing the guidance tracking task, the operator superimposes the flare image on the target, thus providing steering signals to the missile. This paper describes an optimum flare as one with maximum luminous spectral emittance, minimum bandwidth, and minimum noise. Then with the selected flare as a basis, the optical components are matched individually and as an assembly to obtain maximum flare–filter system output. Calculated improvements of 100 to 250% were obtained in the performance of critical components which were reflected in the system operation and were subsequently verified by system field tests. The transmission ratios, visibility coefficients, improvement factors, and other bases for improvement are stated and discussed. Finally, the experiments performed and improvements achieved are described.
The Public-Private Nexus in Education

A partnership is generally viewed as a formal agreement between two or more parties that provides mutual benefits to those parties. It is rare that such partnerships exist between public and private elementary or secondary schools. Despite the fact that only about 10 percent of the students are enrolled in private schools, educational institutions in the two sectors are competing for many of the same students and do not find it to their advantage to work together. In higher education there exist a variety of agreements, such as consortia based upon joint sharing of libraries, course registrations, and cooperative programs; however, such partnerships are still modest in scope and are the exception rather than the rule.
The effect of national revenues on sub-national revenues evidence from the U.S.

Abstract I present for the first time an empirical examination of the impact of total federal revenues on total sub-national proceeds. Prior theory recognizes that the effects of national revenues on sub-national revenue-raising are ambiguous. Earlier studies have focused on vertical relationships between particular tax bases, such as the impact of federal commodity taxes on state or provincial commodity tax rates. Using a panel of data from U.S. states over the recent decade, I find an economically and statistically significant degree of federal crowding in of state revenues. Also, employing a difference-in-differences design to study the impact of a 2004 change in the federal deductibility of state general sales taxes, I find modest evidence that deductibility increased state revenues in states more dependent on the sales tax. I note the potential implications of these results for fiscal federalism theory and legal controversies over federal conditional spending.
Forecasts from fits of frontal fluctuations

Abstract A primitive equation ocean model is fit with strong constraints to non-synoptic hydrographic surveys in an unstable frontal current region, the Iceland–Faeroe Front. The model is first initialized from a time-independent objective analysis of non-synoptic data (spanning 2 to 6 days). A truncated set of eddy-scale basis functions is used to represent the initial error in temperature, salinity, and velocity. A series of model integrations, each perturbed with one basis function for one dependent variable in one layer, is used to determine the sensitivity to the objective-analysis initial state of the match to the non-synoptic hydrographic data. A new initial condition is then determined from a generalized inverse of the sensitivity matrix and the process is repeated to account for non-linearity. The method is first tested in `identical twin' experiments to demonstrate the adequacy of the basis functions in representing initial condition error and the convergence of the method to the true solution. The approach is then applied to observations gathered in August 1993 in the Iceland–Faeroe Front. Model fits are successful in improving the match to the true data, leading to dynamically consistent evolution scenarios. However, the forecast skill (here defined as the variance of the model–data differences) of the model runs from the optimized initial condition is not superior to less sophisticated methods of initialization, probably due to inadequate initialization data. The limited verification data in the presence of strong frontal slopes may not be sufficient to establish forecast skill, so that it must be judged subjectively or evaluated by other quantitative measures.
Receptors for glucocorticoids in lung tissue

Abstract Recent investigations have indicated that administration of corticosteroids affects the maturation of lung tissue in utero. To determine the receptivity of lung to glucocorticoids at the molecular level, the direct interaction of this hormone with lung tissue components was analyzed. Hormone binding was measured in the highspeed supernatant fraction of lung homogenates using the potent synthetic glucocorticoid, triamcinolone acetonide (TA). [ 3 H]TA binds to a macromolecular component of lung cytosol which has a sedimentation constant of 7S on sucrose gradients. This binding is of a high affinity with a dissociation constant of about 10 −9 m and can be clearly distinguished from corticoid binding in rat serum. Both natural and synthetic glucocorticoids (triamcinolone, dexamethasone, cortisol, and corticosterone) compete with the binding of [ 3 H]TA, but other steroids (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone) are inactive in this respect. Binding activity was observed in lungs from adult, fetal, and newborn rats, and also in the lungs of adult rabbits and fetal lambs. These results demonstrate a binding protein in lung with properties one would expect of a target tissue receptor for glucocorticoids.
The meaning of the word "vertigo".

Abstract Objective: To determine whether otologists see a need to further define the word “vertigo” and assess the variety of meanings that are meant in using the word. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 720 members of the American Otological Society (AOS) and American Neurotological Society (ANS) to assess the need for further definition and the current understanding of the meaning of “vertigo.” Results: The response rate was 42%. Significant variability in the intended meaning of the word “vertigo” was found suggesting that the definition is inconsistent among experts. Three quarters of the respondents indicated that the word needs further definition. The word was most commonly used to indicate sensations that include spinning or turning only. Conclusion: The definition of the term “vertigo” is inconsistent among otolaryngologists. Refinement of the definition is desirable for accurate history taking and should be limited to false illusions of circular motion. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:147-50.)
The Use of the Nitroblue Tetrazolium Reduction (NBT) Test in Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Endocarditis

The Use of the Nitroblue Tetrazolium Reduction (NBT) Test in Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Endocarditis
Liquid-Phase Chemical Sensing Using Lateral Mode Resonant Cantilevers

Liquid-phase operation of resonant cantilevers vibrating in an out-of-plane flexural mode has to date been limited by the considerable fluid damping and the resulting low quality factors (Q factors). To reduce fluid damping in liquids and to improve the detection limit for liquid-phase sensing applications, resonant cantilever transducers vibrating in their in-plane rather than their out-of-plane flexural resonant mode have been fabricated and shown to have Q factors up to 67 in water (up to 4300 in air). In the present work, resonant cantilevers, thermally excited in an in-plane flexural mode, are investigated and applied as sensors for volatile organic compounds in water. The cantilevers are fabricated using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible fabrication process based on bulk micromachining. The devices were coated with chemically sensitive polymers allowing for analyte sorption into the polymer. Poly(isobutylene) (PIB) and poly(ethylene-co-propylene) (EPCO) were investigated as sensitive layers with seven different analytes screened with PIB and 12 analytes tested with EPCO. Analyte concentrations in the range of 1-100 ppm have been measured in the present experiments, and detection limits in the parts per billion concentration range have been estimated for the polymer-coated cantilevers exposed to volatile organics in water. These results demonstrate significantly improved sensing properties in liquids and indicate the potential of cantilever-type mass-sensitive chemical sensors operating in their in-plane rather than out-of-plane flexural modes.
Coastal and marine information dissemination programs

Abstract Coastal and marine information dissemination programs are discussed in terms of their importance and effectiveness in helping shape decisions affecting coastal zone resources. Information is defined as the communication of knowledge through useful and meaningful collections of data. Elements that contribute to the effectiveness of an information program include: (1) inputs from an accessible resource base, e.g., by direct contact with project leaders in various areas of research, (2) timeliness of data, (3) professionally trained communicators, (4) a variety of products tailored to meet specific needs of each target audience, (5) a distribution network capable of identifying appropriate audiences, and (6) a reliable and systematic feedback mechanism.
To Mars in Weeks by Thermonuclear Microbomb Propulsion

To reduce the radiation hazard for manned missions to Mars and beyond, a high-specific-impulse–high-thrust system is needed, with a nuclear bomb propulsion system the preferred candidate. The propulsion with small fission bombs is excluded because the critical mass requirement leads to extravagant small fission burnup rates. This leaves open the propulsion with nonfission ignited thermonuclear microexplosions, with a compact fusion microexplosion igniter (driver) and no large radiator. It should not depend on the rare He3 isotope and only requires a small amount of tritium. This excludes lasers for ignition. With megaamperes of gigavolt proton beams and a small amount of tritium, cylindrical deuterium targets can be ignited. The proton beams are generated by discharging the entire spacecraft as a magnetically insulated gigavolt capacitor. To avoid a large radiator, needed to remove the heat from the absorption of the fast neutrons in the spacecraft, the microexplosion is surrounded by a thick layer of liq...
A comparative study of positional behavior in three species of tamarin monkeys

Tamarins of the genusSaguinus are small-bodied New World monkeys that exhibit clawlike or modified nails. Patterns of positional behavior and habitat utilization are presented for three species,Saguinus fuscicollis, S. geoffroy, andS. mystax. These data were collected on free-ranging tamarin populations in Panama and Peru. Despite considerable differences in body weight, all three species exhibited very similar patterns of positional behavior, with quadrupedal bounding and running accounting for 43 – 52% of travel time. Leaping was the second most common locomotor activity and accounted for 31 – 41% of travel. Although each species leaped principally on small supports in the perimeter of the tree crown, approximately 20% of all leaps inS. fuscicollis involved moderate to large sized vertical trunks located in the undercanopy. Leaping between trunks was rare in the two larger tamarin species. Measurements taken on live wild-trapped adults reveal that compared toSaguinus geoffroyi andS. mystax, S. fuscicollis is characterized by a long legspan and an especially long armspan. It is proposed that inS. fuscicollis, elongated forelimbs play an important role in maneuvering and rotating the body during the in-air phase of trunk-to-trunk leaping, and increase the breaking distance needed to decelerate the body upon impact. Additional relationships between body size, substrate preference, and positional behavior in callitrichines are discussed.
Rapid encoding and perception of novel odors in the rat.

To gain insight into which parameters of neural activity are important in shaping the perception of odors, we combined a behavioral measure of odor perception with optical imaging of odor representations at the level of receptor neuron input to the rat olfactory bulb. Instead of the typical test of an animal's ability to discriminate two familiar odorants by exhibiting an operant response, we used a spontaneously expressed response to a novel odorant—exploratory sniffing—as a measure of odor perception. This assay allowed us to measure the speed with which rats perform spontaneous odor discriminations. With this paradigm, rats discriminated and began responding to a novel odorant in as little as 140 ms. This time is comparable to that measured in earlier studies using operant behavioral readouts after extensive training. In a subset of these trials, we simultaneously imaged receptor neuron input to the dorsal olfactory bulb with near-millisecond temporal resolution as the animal sampled and then responded to the novel odorant. The imaging data revealed that the bulk of the discrimination time can be attributed to the peripheral events underlying odorant detection: receptor input arrives at the olfactory bulb 100–150 ms after inhalation begins, leaving only 50–100 ms for central processing and response initiation. In most trials, odor discrimination had occurred even before the initial barrage of receptor neuron firing had ceased and before spatial maps of activity across glomeruli had fully developed. These results suggest a coding strategy in which the earliest-activated glomeruli play a major role in the initial perception of odor quality, and place constraints on coding and processing schemes based on simple changes in spike rate.
Syntheses, Structures, and Reactivities of Cobalt(III)−Alkylperoxo Complexes and Their Role in Stoichiometric and Catalytic Oxidation of Hydrocarbons

Although Co(III)−alkyl peroxo species have often been implicated as intermediates in industrial oxidation of hydrocarbons with cobalt catalysts, examples of discrete [LCoIII−OOR] complexes and studies on their oxidizing capacities have been scarce. In this work, twelve such complexes with two different ligands, L, and various primary, secondary, and tertiary R groups have been synthesized, and seven of them have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The dianion (L2-) of the two ligands N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (Py3PH2, 1) and N,N-bis[2-(1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (PyPz2PH2, 2) bind Co(III) centers in pentadentate fashion with two deprotonated carboxamido nitrogens in addition to three pyridine or one pyridine and two pyrazole nitrogens to afford complexes of the type [LCoIII(H2O)] and [LCoIII(OH)]. Reactions of the [LCoIII(OH)] complexes with ROOH in aprotic solvents of low polarity readily afford the [LCoIII−OOR] complexes in high yields. This report ...
PARAMYOSIN POLARITY IN THE THICK FILAMENT OF MOLLUSCAN SMOOTH MUSCLES

Abstract Paramyosin is the main structural component of the thick filament of molluscan smooth muscles. These filaments consist of a large paracrystalline core of paramyosin with myosin arranged on its surface. The detailed molecular packing of paramyosin in the core and the array of myosin on the surface of the paramyosin core remain unknown. An unsolved problem is the polarity of the paramyosin molecules within these thick filaments (i.e., it is not known whether the paramyosin molecules assemble with their NH 2 -terminal ends pointing toward the center or toward the end of the thick filament). Here a method to distinguish between the NH 2 - and the COOH-terminal ends of the paramyosin molecule by electron microscopy is described and used to determine their polarity in synthetic paracrystalline arrays. This method consists of labeling the cysteine residues of paramyosin molecules with the avidin-biotin system developed by Sutoh et al. (1984). Accordingly, the sulfhydryl groups of paramyosin—isolated from the anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus edulis —were modified with maleimide-biotin, and the biotinylated thiols were visualized in the electron microscope after glycerol spraying/rotary metal shadowing by attaching monomeric avidin to them. Avidin-biotin labeling of the native molecule and its carboxypeptidase fragments revealed that ABRM paramyosin contains one pair of cysteine at its NH 2 -terminal end and one pair at ∼30 nm from its COOH-terminal end. Synthetic paracrystalline arrays of paramyosin with known axial arrangement were also labeled with the avidin-biotin system. The location of the bound avidin in these paracrystals indicated the polarity of paramyosin in these arrays. The polarity was also determined by comparison of the transverse band-like staining pattern of paracrystals of α-paramyosin (intact protein) and β-paramyosin (a proteolytically cleaved α-paromyosin that has lost a small segment at its COOH-terminal end). Both methods revealed that paramyosin assembles with its NH 2 -terminal end pointing toward the center of the paracrystals. The implications of this result for the polarity of paramyosin in the native filament core, and for the arrangement of myosin on the surface of molluscan thick filaments, are discussed.
Fine Tuning Inflammation at the Front Door: Macrophage Complement Receptor 3-mediates Phagocytosis and Immune Suppression for Francisella tularensis

Complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18) is a major macrophage phagocytic receptor. The biochemical pathways through which CR3 regulates immunologic responses have not been fully characterized. Francisella tularensis is a remarkably infectious, facultative intracellular pathogen of macrophages that causes tularemia. Early evasion of the host immune response contributes to the virulence of F. tularensis and CR3 is an important receptor for its phagocytosis. Here we confirm that efficient attachment and uptake of the highly virulent Type A F. tularensis spp. tularensis strain Schu S4 by human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs) requires complement C3 opsonization and CR3. However, despite a>40-fold increase in uptake following C3 opsonization, Schu S4 induces limited pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared with non-opsonized Schu S4 and the low virulent F. novicida. This suggests that engagement of CR3 by opsonized Schu S4 contributes specifically to the immune suppression during and shortly following phagocytosis which we demonstrate by CD11b siRNA knockdown in hMDMs. This immune suppression is concomitant with early inhibition of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, TLR2 siRNA knockdown shows that pro-inflammatory cytokine production and MAPK activation in response to non-opsonized Schu S4 depends on TLR2 signaling providing evidence that CR3-TLR2 crosstalk mediates immune suppression for opsonized Schu S4. Deletion of the CD11b cytoplasmic tail reverses the CR3-mediated decrease in ERK and p38 activation during opsonized Schu-S4 infection. The CR3-mediated signaling pathway involved in this immune suppression includes Lyn kinase and Akt activation, and increased MKP-1, which limits TLR2-mediated pro-inflammatory responses. These data indicate that while the highly virulent F. tularensis uses CR3 for efficient uptake, optimal engagement of this receptor down-regulates TLR2-dependent pro-inflammatory responses by inhibiting MAPK activation through outside-in signaling. CR3-linked immune suppression is an important mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of F. tularensis infection.
Wrong-side/wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient adverse events: Are they preventable?

Hypothesis Wrong-side/wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient adverse events (WSPEs) are devastating, unacceptable, and often result in litigation, but their frequency and root causes are unknown. Wrong-side/wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient events are likely more common than realized, with little evidence that current prevention practice is adequate. Design Analysis of several databases demonstrates that WSPEs occur across all specialties, with high numbers noted in orthopedic and dental surgery. Databases analyzed included: (1) the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), (2) the Florida Code 15 mandatory reporting system, (3) the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Closed Claims Project database, and (4) a novel Web-based system for collecting WSPE cases (http://www.wrong-side.org). Results The NPDB recorded 5940 WSPEs (2217 wrong-side surgical procedures and 3723 wrong-treatment/wrong-procedure errors) in 13 years. Florida Code 15 occurrences of WSPEs number 494 since 1991, averaging 75 events per year since 2000. The ASA Closed Claims Project has recorded 54 cases of WSPEs. Analysis of WSPE cases, including WSPE cases submitted tohttp://www.wrong-side.org, suggest several common causes of WSPEs and recurrent systemic failures. Based on these findings, we estimate that there are 1300 to 2700 WSPEs annually in the United States. Despite a significant number of cases, reporting of WSPEs is virtually nonexistent, with reports in the lay press far more common than reports in the medical literature. Our research suggests clear factors that contribute to the occurrence of WSPEs, as well as ways to reduce them. Conclusions Wrong-side/wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient adverse events, although rare, are more common than health care providers and patients appreciate. Prevention of WSPEs requires new and innovative technologies, reporting of case occurrence, and learning from successful safety initiatives (such as in transfusion medicine and other high-risk nonmedical industries), while reducing the shame associated with these events.
Patient-originated futility insight: Ethical right or ethical plight?

Mr I.N. Felicitous suffered a dense stroke after an urgent carotid endarterectomy 3 days ago. Presently he remains ventilator-dependent, with improving parameters. I.N. was an all-pro NFL quarterback until retirement a decade ago, when he started a chain of fitness clubs. Physical activity has been his life. He has regained consciousness sufficient to realize his sad state of affairs. Through written messaging, he has inquired about his disability. It has been explained that he will need prolonged rehab, and the end result is uncertain at this time. I.N. wants to end his life by discontinuing supportive care. His family is distraught at his request but supports his decision. What is the most desirable ethical course? AAccept his decision and extubate BRefuse and continue supportive care CSeek a court-appointed guardian DRecommend a time-limited trial of management ERequest an ethics consultation
Quantized Water Clusters Around Apolar Molecules

Abstract In order to understand the mechanism of gas hydrate kinetics and to explore the existance of other new cavities in the hydrate structure, we have used Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation to study a system comprising two Lennard-Jones particles and 214 water molecules. Equilibrium structure and properties of twelve cases have been investigated. Our findings were as follows: • Apolar molecules promote spherical liquid water clusters in a hydrate-like labile cavity. • The size of the cavity and the coordination number is dependent upon the size of the apolar molecule. • The coordination number of water molecules is quantized in jumps of four. • Similarities are observed between the labile cavities and cavities in solid hydrates and in other chemical structures such as Buckminsterfullerene. • Such a simulation procedure suggests the possibility of other clusters which may exist in yet-to-be-found hydrates. A separate question involves whether such suggested cavities can be combined with other cavities...
Depressive Symptoms and Accuracy in the Prediction of Future Events

In two studies, the authors examined the accuracy of dysphoric and nondysphoric individuals' predictions about their future behavior. Participants predicted the occurrence of a variety of everyday events and reported on their occurrence over a period of either 4 (Study 1) or 8 (Study 2) weeks. As expected, dysphoria was unrelated to overall accuracy, but nondysphorics tended to be more accurate in making optimistic predictions and dysphorics tended to be more accurate in making pessimistic predictions. These differences were related to differences between the two dysphoric groups in base rates of reported outcome occurrence and certainty of judgments. The findings did not support depressive realism, the negative biasing effect of dysphoria on future predictions, or the contention that dysphorics are less accurate because they predict either more atypical or overly optimistic outcomes.
Frequency and temperature dependence of gain compression in GaN/AlGaN HEMT amplifiers

Abstract Volterra series analysis is used to determine gain and output power of GaN HEMT amplifiers. Gain compression defined as the difference between linear and nonlinear gain is reported for varying temperatures. Measured 1-dB gain compression of 17.5 dBm for a 1 μm ×500 μm Al0.15Ga0.85N/GaN HEMT at 300 K and at 2 GHz is in excellent agreement with the calculated value of 17 dBm. With the operating frequency increasing from 1 to 6 GHz the 1-dB gain compression point decreases from 20.5 to 13.8 dBm at 300 K. At 2 GHz the 1-dB gain compression point decreases from 17.5 dBm at 300 K to 6.5 dBm at 600 K.
C-peptide during the prolonged fast in insulinoma

C-Peptide, a marker for insulin secretion, is purported to be elevated in patients with insulinoma but diagnostic criteria have not been established. Thirty-seven patients with histologically confirmed insulinoma studied preoperatively, 19 normal subjects, and 2 patients who subsequently acknowledged self-administration of insulin underwent the prolonged fast (< or = 72 h) according to a standard protocol. Plasma glucose, C-peptide, and insulin were measured every 6 h until plasma glucose was less than or equal to 3.3 mmol, then hourly until Whipple's triad was demonstrated or until 72 h without symptoms was reached. At the termination of the fasts, plasma was analyzed for sulfonylurea. Statistical analysis was by rank sum test. Data are expressed as median (range). The durations of fasts were 20 (2.5-68) h for patients with insulinomas and 72 h for normal subjects. At the end of fasts plasma glucose, C-peptide, and insulin concentrations were 2.2 (1.4-2.9) vs. 3.6 (2.7-5.5) mmol, P < 0.001; 0.60 (0.20-1.92) vs. 0.13 (0.07-0.43) nmol, P < 0.001; and 126 (35-840) vs. 35 (35-126) pmol, P < 0.001, respectively, for insulinoma patients and normal subjects. All plasma samples were negative for sulfonylurea. Insulinoma patients had C-peptide values at the end of the fasts greater than or equal to 0.20 nmol whereas normal subjects and patients with insulin factitial hypoglycemia had C-peptide concentrations less than or equal to 0.10 nmol when plasma glucose was less than or equal to 2.8 mmol. Insulinoma is confirmed in a sulfonylurea negative patient with Whipple's triad during the prolonged fast and a concomitant C-peptide concentration greater than or equal to 0.20 nmol.
Meal patterns prior to and following liver transplantation in rats

Afferent nerves of the liver have been suggested to have a major influence on feeding behavior. Nevertheless, total liver denervations (TLD) in rats, that were verified by histofluorescence technique, did not change short or long term meal patterns. However, these studies have been criticized that the TLD procedures may have missed some liver innervation. In the present study meal patterns were conducted prior to and following liver transplantation in rats using a transplant procedure with arterialization. The transplanted rats recovered their pre-operative body weight in 7.5 +/- 0.6 days and meal pattern analysis was conducted two days later. In comparison with pre-surgery there was no differences in 24 h food intake (gms); dark phase: intake (gms), meal size (gms), meal duration (min), inter-meal interval (min), and frequency; and light phase: intake (gms), meal size (gms), meal duration (min), inter-meal interval (min), and frequency. These data, like earlier work in TLD rats showing that the animals consumed normal meals (when offered a variety of diets), starting with the first meal post-surgery, question the importance of liver afferents in the control of feeding behavior.
Automatic cloud-shadow removal from flood/standing water maps using MSG/SEVIRI imagery

Cloud shadows are a major problem in the detection of flood/standing water using satellite data. Because cloud shadows and flood/standing water have similar spectral characteristics, the traditional means of detection based on spectral properties may fail to distinguish them from each other accurately. Because clouds cast shadows over land, this phenomenon can be analysed using the geometric correlations between clouds and cloud shadows; thus, this method might detect cloud shadows. Based on this concept, geometric relationships were established between clouds and their shadows using satellite data and satellite-solar geometries. Furthermore, an iterative method combining geometric and spectral properties was developed to automatically remove cloud shadows from flood/standing water in satellite maps. This method was applied and tested using MSG/SEVIRI Meteosat Second Generation/Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager data and continues to show promising and consistent results.
Idelalisib--a PI3Kδ inhibitor for B-cell cancers

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signal transduction pathway is highly active in tumors and drives many of the hallmarks of cancer. Efforts to develop PI3K inhibitors for oncology have been complicated by the existence of four distinct PI3K catalytic isoforms with partially overlapping functions. In addition, diverse resistance mechanisms and on-target toxic effects have been observed with many PI3K inhibitors.1,2 In this issue of the Journal, two clinical teams report that idelalisib, a selective inhibitor of the delta isoform of PI3K, provides impressive efficacy and has an acceptable side-effect profile when used to treat patients with certain B-cell cancers.3, . . .
Systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiovascular disease: prediction and potential for therapeutic intervention

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events due to atherosclerosis. Traditional cardiac risk factors cannot fully explain this increased risk. Recent evidence strongly suggests that atherosclerotic plaque is largely driven by inflammation and an active immunological response, in contrast to the long-held belief that plaque is a passive accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall. Current approaches to the prevention of atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus involve targeting modifiable cardiac risk factors. Future preventive strategies may include therapies that counteract the immunologic responses that lead to plaque formation.