cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rhodospirillum rubrum CO-Dehydrogenase. Part 2. Spectroscopic Investigation and Assignment of Spin−Spin Coupling Signals

The carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) from Rhodospirillum rubrum was examined at several potentials. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of CODH poised at approximately −295 mV exhibits a species (referred to as Cred1) that was previously attributed to [Fe4S4]C1+ (S = 1/2) weakly exchange-coupling with Ni2+ (S = 1) to yield apparent g-values of (gz,y,x = 2.03, 1.88, 1.71). UV−visible absorption spectroscopy showed only one [Fe4S4] cluster to be reduced at −295 mV. Based upon our assignment of S = 1/2 resonances in indigo carmine-poised C531A CODH (see Part 1: Staples, C. R.; Heo, J.; Spangler, N. J.; Kerby, R. L.; Roberts, G. P.; Ludden, P. W. J. Am. Chem. Soc. In press) to a [(COL)Fe3+-Ni2+-H-]4+ cluster, a careful search for similar resonances in the EPR spectrum of the enzyme state of wild-type CODH producing Cred1 was undertaken. Coupled putative [(COL)Fe3+-Ni2+-H-]4+ signals were observed in low intensity, which, in conjunction with the other assignments, prompted a reinterpretatio...
Antibodies to polymerized human serum albumin in acute and chronic liver disease

Since antibodies to polyalbumin have been noted to occur in patients with hepatitis or cirrhosis, we investigated sera from 219 patients with a variety of acute and chronic liver diseases with and without HBsAg using an ELISA. The prevalence of circulating polyalbumin antibodies was shown to be significantly increased over that of healthy controls (6.7%) in patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis (67%), acute viral hepatitis (41%) and fulminant hepatic necrosis (38%), but such antibodies were absent in chronic hepatitis B patients and other liver diseases. Serial studies in acute hepatitis showed evidence of antibodies early in the course of illness with disappearance prior to full recovery. In acute hepatitis B, the presence of polyalbumin antibodies was significantly associated with female sex (p less than 0.01), 3-fold higher transaminase levels and shorter duration of clinical illness (less than 4 weeks in all cases). Polyalbumin antibodies appear to be associated with diseases characterized by active hepatocyte necrosis. Since they are evident early in acute hepatitis B when complexes of polyalbumin and virus are likely, these antibodies may play an adjunctive role to other hepatitis B-related antibodies in the clearance of hepatitis B virus infection.
Solution of one class of systems of dual summation equations for associated Legendre functions

We have obtained analytical solutions of one class of systems of dual summation equations for associated Legendre functions with fractional indices. Such equations appear in studying the interaction of vector electromagnetic fields with the circular edge of a conductive open cone in the low-frequency region. We have derived formulas for the reexpansion of Legendre functions, which are used for passage from summation equations to infinite systems of linear algebraic equations, containing convolution-type matrix operators. The operators inverse to them are applied for finding a solution in the required class of sequences. We give an example of determining the effect of interaction of TM- and TE-waves with the edge of a finite cone.
The effect of early music training on child cognitive development

Abstract The relationship between participation in a structured music curriculum and cognitive development was studied with 71 4- through 6-year olds. Children were pre- and posttested with six subtests of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, fourth edition (SB) and the Young Child Music Skills Assessment (MSA). Approximately one half of the sample participated in a 30-week, 75-minute weekly, parent-involved music curriculum. Statistical analysis showed significant gains for participants receiving music instruction on the MSA and on the SB Bead Memory subtest. Four-order partial correlations analysis found musical treatment influence on Bead Memory scores when the participants were controlled for sex, ethnicity, parental education, and economic class. Treatment also produced higher scores on other SB measurements for select populations. This study suggests a significant correspondence between early music instruction and spatial–temporal reasoning abilities.
Platelet-Activating Factor Stimulates Eicosanoid Production in Cultured Feline Tracheal Epithelial Cells

The effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on eicosanoid generation and release in cultured feline tracheal epithelial cells was investigated by measuring a wide range of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathway products. Subconfluent epithelial cell cultures were stimulated by PAF and eicosanoid production was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of [3H]-labeled arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites and by radioimmunoassay (RIA) following HPLC separation. The HPLC chromatograms revealed that PAF augmented the release of prostaglandin (PG)E2, PGF2α, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), and AA. Among these eicosanoids, PGE2 predominated under baseline conditions and following PAF exposure. RIAs of the nonradiolabeled HPLC elution corresponding to various eicosanoid standards demonstrated that PAF increased the production of 6-keto-PGF1α, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), PGD2, 5-HETE, and 15-HETE, as well as PGE2, PGF2α, and 12-HETE. The PAF-induced eicosanoid augmentation was dose-dependent and occurred within 1 hour with a prompt decline following termination of PAF exposure. This stimulating effect of PAF on eicosanoid release was blocked by two PAF receptor antagonists, Ro 19-3704 and WEB 2086. The PAF-induced increase in eicosanoid release was similar in magnitude to the increase caused by calcium ionophore (Ca-ionophore) A23187, a potent known stimulus for eicosanoid release. Cells of different culture durations (3 and 6 days) showed similar capacity for eicosanoid production. We conclude that PAF stimulates the production of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathway products from airway epithelial cells via PAF receptors, and that these epithelium-derived eicosanoids may be responsible for some of the PAF-induced respiratory physiological and pathophysiological effects.
Estimating Motion and size of moving non-line-of-sight objects in cluttered environments

We present a technique for motion and size estimation of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) moving objects in cluttered environments using a time of flight camera and multipath analysis. We exploit relative times of arrival after reflection from a grid of points on a diffuse surface and create a virtual phased-array. By subtracting space-time impulse responses for successive frames, we separate responses of NLOS moving objects from those resulting from the cluttered environment. After reconstructing the line-of-sight scene geometry, we analyze the space of wavefronts using the phased array and solve a constrained least squares problem to recover the NLOS target location. Importantly, we can recover target's motion vector even in presence of uncalibrated time and pose bias common in time of flight systems. In addition, we compute the upper bound on the size of the target by backprojecting the extremas of the time profiles. Ability to track targets inside rooms despite opaque occluders and multipath responses has numerous applications in search and rescue, medicine and defense. We show centimeter accurate results by making appropriate modifications to a time of flight system.
Mathematical Conditions of the Population Explosion

The time dependent coefficients in the population growth equation of Wilhelmsson are discussed and compared with a generalized Verhulst model. A sufficient mathematical condition for a population explosion at finite time–the explosion type described by Wilhelmsson is derived.
Characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials Based on Microstructural Skeletonization

The understanding of the relationship between the microstructure of materials for energy applications and their transport and electrochemical properties is needed to optimize their long-term performance. The improvements of 3D imaging techniques such as x-ray nanotomography allow access to geometrical and elemental information with ever increasing accuracy and details. These advances warrant determining new relevant metrics for material characterization, the calculation of which will require adaptations of the methodologies for parameter extraction.This study presents the development of a tool for the characterization of porous, heterogenous materials that provides coherent geometrical and topological information. We illustrate the relevance of the methodology by discussing the differences between geometrical concepts for estimating phase size distributions of real heterogeneous materials investigated using x-ray nanotomography and how research between different scales and physics can be bridged. This is achieved by providing, on the one hand, inputs to classical continuum models and, on the other hand, by synergetic combination with discrete element methods.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Effects of Nozzle Body on Jet Noise

Abstract Most models for jet noise assume that the turbulence producing the noise is far enough removed from any solid surface that the presence of surfaces (such as the nozzle itself) has negligible effect on the sound field. This paper addresses the validity of this assumption. Experiments were performed on a low Mach number jet in which the dominant sound source, the pairing of vortex rings, was well documented by previous work [1]. The vortex rings were stabilized spatially and temporally by artificial excitation at St D j = 1.14 and became coplanar (one inside the other) at x / D j ≌ 2·5 with a frequency of occurrence St D j = 0·285. In the current study, the directivity of this source was measured for various external nozzle geometries. The external nozzle shape was changed from a conventional conic shape to a flat plate whose diameter was then changed by a factor of three to determine how external nozzle shape and size affected the sound of the vortex pairing in the jet. To explain the variations in directivity observed with the different nozzle geometries, a simple model of the vortex ring pairing was created using Biot-Savart vortex simulations. Vortex sound theory, including surface dipole terms, was applied to this estimate of the vorticity field to calculate the resulting dipole and quadrupole sound sources. The dipole sound was of the same order as the freestream quadrupole sound. When the phase-average sound field measured in the experiments was decomposed into multipole components, the relative strengths of the low frequency dipole and quadrupole components were in good agreement with those of the simulation, supporting the general conclusion that the dipole produced by the presence of the nozzle is not negligible for vortex motions within the first few diameters of the jet, and supporting the validity source of the vortex sound theory itself. The decomposition also inveiled a weaker monopole, which is seen as evidence of subharmonic feedback from the pairing to the jet nozzle, helping stabilize successive pairings even though no excitation was provided as these subharmonic frequencies.
P2-077: Comparison of manual and automated determination of hippocampal volumes in MCI and older adults with cognitive complaints

of language and semantic memory testing. Results: As a group, patients with progressive fluent aphasia demonstrated prominent left-greater-thanright temporopolar thinning, while patients with progressive non-fluent aphasia demonstrated thinning in left-greater-than-right inferior frontoinsular cortex. Yet there were notable individual differences in anatomic abnormalities that corresponded with differences in language, cognition, and behavior. Within the group of patients with fluent aphasia, the patient with the most prominent semantic impairment had the greatest degree of thinning of the left temporopolar cortex (31%) as compared to a group of controls; this patient also had prominent abnormalities of affective and social behavior, which may relate to prominent right temporopolar thinning (29%). Within the group of patients with non-fluent aphasia, the patient with non-fluent progressive aphasia and apraxia of speech had thinning not only in left inferior frontal gyrus (19%) but also in ventral precentral gyrus (26%) and supplementary motor area (24%). Conclusions: Quantitative cortical thickness analysis of MRI data shows promise in applications to individual subjects with progressive aphasia for localizing regional cortical thinning that may underlie specific language and behavioral abnormalities. Further investigation will determine whether this approach will be helpful in more detailed subtyping of these patients, in differential diagnosis, or as an imaging biomarker for monitoring the effects of potential future therapies. Supported by NIA R01-AG29411, K23-AG22509, NCRR P41RR14075, U24-RR021382, and the MIND Institute.
Exploratory space-time analysis of local economic development

Many questions regarding local economic growth lay at the intersection of the disciplines of geography and economics, that is, the space-time interface. This paper attempts to show how space-time analysis can help identify communities that are at risk from economic contractions. Exploratory data analysis is illustrated to provide insights on the temporal and spatial patterns of economic growth. Then this paper offers a space-time analysis of employment rates in Ohio counties over the time period of 1969–2007.
The Malone antegrade continence enema procedure: the Amsterdam experience

Abstract Background The Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure has been previously described as a safe and effective option for the treatment of children with chronic defecation disorders when maximal medical therapy and conventional treatment have failed. Purpose To evaluate clinical success, complications, and quality of life of children with chronic defecation disorders with a MACE stoma. Methods A retrospective analysis of 23 patients who underwent the construction of a MACE stoma was performed. Preoperative and postoperative data were evaluated. A specific questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results A significant increase was found in defecation frequency (1.0 [range, 0-4] pretreatment vs 5.5 [range, 0-28] posttreatment per week; P P Conclusions The MACE procedure is an effective treatment in children with intractable defecation disorders. Postoperative complications are, however, not uncommon. Further refinement of the technique focused to reduce the complication rate is necessary to expand the application of this approach.
Linear and nonlinear, scalar and vector transport processes in heterogeneous media: Fractals, percolation, and scaling laws

Abstract We discuss recent developments in the application of fractal concepts and percolation theory to transport processes in heterogeneous media. The phenomena that we discuss include several types of nonlinear transport processes in disordered systems, which are relevant to the flow of non-Newtonian fluids in porous media, to electrical current in composites and doped polycrystalline semiconductors, to fracture and breakdown in disordered materials and natural rock, to elastic and viscoelastic properties of solids, polymers and gels, to flow in geological formations, and to several other problems. We emphasize the universal aspects of such phenomena, i.e., those that are independent of the microscopic or small-scale features of the systems in which they occur.
Sexual Selection in the Three-Spined Stickleback: Ii. Nest Raiding During the Courtship Phase

The purpose of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that the disruptive acts (nest raiding), directed by male three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., toward the eggs and nests of conspecific males evolved as a result of intrasexual selection. We compared the frequency with which a resident male was raided by neighbors when a transparent cylinder containing a male was introduced into his territory, with the frequency of raiding during the presence of a similarly introduced female. On the basis of the intrasexual selection hypothesis, we predicted that raiding should occur more often when the female was present. We also studied the relationship between raiding and the relative dominance status of raided and raiding males. If raiding and dominance conflict are alternative strategies in intrasexual competition, then raiding should have been most intense when raided and raiding males were least discrepant in dominance status. Resident males responded appropriately to introduced fish, i.e., with more courtship and nesting behavior toward females and more aggression toward males. Introduced females were much more effective in eliciting raiding by neighbors than introduced males. The highest status neighbors tended to raid the most. There was some evidence that raiding reduced the raided male's courtship motivation. The outcome of the study is compatible with the hypothesis that nest raiding is adaptive because it increases the relative attractiveness of the raider to females.
Early childhood development—global action is overdue

In 2007, The Lancet declared that early childhood development was a global challenge of the greatest urgency. 4 years later, we have made progress, but still have far to go in making early childhood development the global priority it must be.
Real-space renormalization and effective-medium approximation to the percolation conduction problem

We present a new approach, the renormalized effective-medium approximation (REMA), for the percolation conductivity problem in disordered conductance networks. This approach combines real-space renormalization and effective-medium approximation techniques. We use it to investigate two-, three-, and four-dimensional bond-disordered conductance networks. REMA provides excellent predictions for the network conductivity $g(p)$ over the entire range of fraction $p$ of conducting bonds in two and three dimensions. REMA reproduces the exact bond percolation threshold of the square lattice and predicts bond percolation thresholds for the simple cubic lattices in three and four dimensions which differ only by about 6% and 1%, respectively, from the best available estimates. It also provides good estimates of the conductivity critical exponents $t$ and $s$ in both two and three dimensions.
Funding Status Projections for Southern Public Teaching Pension Plans

The average funding status for eleven southern state pension plans used by teachers as of 2005 is 86%, which translates into over a $40 billion shortfall. Employing Monte Carlo simulation, this study projects the expected future funding status along with confidence intervals for each of these states over the next 10 years. Projections suggest the average underfunding will remain virtually the same based on current state pension contributions and asset allocations. However, if underlying pension asset returns fail to meet expectations due to high funding risk, the average underfunding could fall to 73%, a shortfall of over $150 billion.
Anabolic action of insulin on skin wound protein is augmented by exogenous amino acids.

To investigate the metabolic basis of skin wound healing, we measured in anesthetized rabbits the responses of protein kinetics in scalded skin to insulin and amino acids.l-[ring-13C6]Phe was infus...
Improved jet coverage through vortex cancellation

In film cooling used in gas turbines, coolant from compressors is introduced to the hot gas stream of the turbine as crossflow jets. The interaction of the coolant jet and crossflow results in the formation of a pair of counter-rotating vortices, or kidney vortices. The sense of rotation of the kidney vortices is such that they exert two indesirable effects : 1) hot air is forced down beneath the jet to the turbine wall, and 2) the vortices tend to lift the jet off the surface by the mutual induction between the vortex pair. We report the potential of promoting jet attachment by weakening the kidney vortices through cancellation.
Potentially inappropriate medication use in hospitalized elders

BACKGROUND: Prescribing of potentially harmful medications has not been well documented in hospitals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the rate of and factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing in a large inpatient sample. DESIGN: The study was a retrospective cohort of the period between September 1, 2002, and June 30, 2005. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify patient, physician, and hospital characteristics associated with PIM prescribing. SETTING: The study collected data from 384 US hospitals. PATIENTS: The sample was composed of patients aged ≥65 years admitted with 1 or more of 7 common medical diagnoses. MEASUREMENTS: The percentage of patients prescribed PIMs as defined using a modified Beers list was measured. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for PIM use were computed. RESULTS: Of the 493,971 patients, 49% received at least 1 PIM, and 6% received 3 or more, most commonly promethazine, diphenhydramine, and propoxyphene. Patient, physician, and hospital characteristics were all associated with PIM use. Patients with myocardial infarction or heart failure were most likely (61% and 52% vs. 46% for pneumonia), men (47% vs. 49% for women) and those in managed care plans (44% vs. 49% for other plans) were less likely, and patients ≥85 years were least likely (42% vs. 53% for patients aged 65–74 years) to receive PIMs (P < .0001 for all comparisons). For high-severity PIMs, internists and hospitalists had similar prescribing rates (33%), cardiologists had a higher rate (48%), and geriatricians had the lowest rate (24%). The proportion of elders receiving PIMs ranged from 34% in the Northeast to 55% in the South, and variation at the individual hospital level was extreme. At 7 hospitals, PIMs were never prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: Wide variation in the use of PIMs is associated with hospital and physician characteristics. Care may be improved by minimizing this non-patient-centered variation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:91–102. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Robust ICI Self-cancellation OFDM Receiver with Dynamic Phase and Amplitude Estimations

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been applied in the current wireless local-area networks and digital video broadcasting since it is robust against the frequency-selective channels. However, there is still a crucial intercarrier-interference (ICI) problem due to Doppler effect, local frequency drift and sampling clock offset, associated with OFDM systems. Recently ICI self-cancellation schemes have been proposed to significantly reduce the ICI and empirically they greatly outperform the convolutional coding schemes adopted by the IEEE 802.11 standard. However, all existing ICI self-cancellation receivers are still sensitive to the phase and amplitude ambiguities due to the phase offset, the local oscillator frequency drift and the multipath reflections. Therefore, in this paper, a novel receiver design integrating the ICI self-cancellation with a proposed dynamic phase and amplitude estimation mechanism is introduced, which can well solve the ambiguity problem. The Monte Carlo simulation results show that our phase and amplitude estimators can greatly decrease the error probability for the final symbol detection in the ICI self-cancellation OFDM receivers.
Simple bridge detector for use with a low‐temperature capacitance thermometer, and thermometer performance limits

A simple high‐resolution bridge circuit for use with a glass–ceramic capacitance thermometer is described. This circuit allows a linear readout of capacitance changes and has better than 1 mK resolution and short‐term stability. Performance limits of the thermometer itself are also reported. Irreproducibility of thermometer calibration upon thermal cycling can be as large as 0.3 K, and changes in the calibration slope dC/dT are also observed. The bridge circuit described partially compensates for these shifts in dC/dT.
"Virtual Inquiry" in the Science Classroom: What is the Role of Technological Pedagogial Content Knowledge?

The article examines prior research on studentsâ€™ difficulties with inquiry learning and outlines research-based decisions for the consideration of software-based scaffolds for inquiry teaching and learning. The objective is to detail research findings in a way that assists teachers in their development of pedagogical content knowledge as relevant to the selection and use of technological tools for classroom inquiry in the high school biology or college introductory biology classrooms. Employing a worked-out-example in the popular domain of DNA science, the article illustrates the research-based integration of instructional design decisions coordinated with the features of selected software tools. The coordination of software-design with instructional design has the potential of significantly enhancing studentsâ€™ learning while also supporting the development of teachersâ€™ technological pedagogical content knowledge.
Production of a Bicyclophosphate Neurotoxic Agent During Pyrolysis of Synthetic Lubricant Oil

The formation of 4-ethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2.]octane-1-oxide ("trimethylolpropane phosphate"; "TMPP"; "EPTBO") from the thermal decomposition of a synthetic aircraft engine lubricant has been observed in yields ranging from 100 μg/g to over 9,000 μg/g oil. Although the exact composi tion of the oil studied is proprietary, two ingredients typically used in synthetic lubricants of this type, trimethylolpropane esters of carboxylic acids, and tricresylphosphate, are probable precursors. The production was a linear func tion of temperature over the range of 400 to 645 °C for one test system used, and showed a dramatic increase for a second set of pyrolysis conditions that in cluded higher pressure and longer heating time. Formation of decomposition products was rapid once decomposition temperatures were reached, with some TMPP production occurring within 2 minutes. The relative volatility of this syn thetic lubricant formulation compared with previously studied sources of TMPP (polyurethane fo...
On priors providing frequentist validity of Bayesian inference for multiple parametric functions

SUMMARY We characterise priors which match, up to O(n- 1), the posterior joint cumulative distribution function of multiple parametric functions with the corresponding frequentist cumulative distribution function. This work extends and unifies the work of Ghosh & Mukerjee (1993) and Datta & Ghosh (1995a) on the topic of probability-matching priors. A set of necessary and sufficient conditions is obtained for the above characterisation. Some of these conditions depend only on the parametric functions and not on the prior. Examples are given where the joint probability matching is possible and where it is not possible.
Geographies of Travel and the Rhetoric of the Countryside: Mid-Nineteenth-Century North American and Cuban Travel Writing

North American writers documenting travel in Cuba during the mid-nineteenth century tended to interpret various aspects of public life in Cuba and the United States as determined by the two culture...
Studies on the Cellular Pathway Involved in Assembly of the Embryonic Sea Urchin Spicule

Micromeres from the 16-cell stage sea urchin embryo were isolated and cultured in vitro in seawater containing 3% horse serum. Under these conditions these cells differentiate into spicule-forming, primary mesenchyme cells. To obtain insight into the route traveled by Ca2+ to form the pseudocrystalline spicule composed of CaCO3 and matrix proteins, studies with various inhibitors were undertaken. Experiments with members of several different classes of Ca2+ channel blockers established that the Ca2+ utilized for spiculogenesis must be taken up by the cells. Moreover, studies using two agents that disrupt the endomembrane system, monensin and brefeldin A, showed that both blocked spicule formation. Based on these experiments, we conclude that extracellular Ca2+ must enter the primary mesenchyme cells prior to being deposited extracellularly as CaCO3 and that this ion and/or the matrix proteins found in the spicule are routed through the secretory pathway that has been established to exist in a wide variety of other cell types.
Corneal aberrations and visual acuity after laser in situ keratomileusis: femtosecond laser versus mechanical microkeratome.

Purpose To compare corneal high-order aberrations and visual acuity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the flap created by a femtosecond laser (bladeless) to LASIK with the flap created by a mechanical microkeratome. Design Prospective, randomized, paired-eye study. Methods Fellow eyes of 21 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism were randomized by ocular dominance. Corneal topography and visual acuity were measured before and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months after LASIK. Wavefront errors from the anterior corneal surface were calculated from the topography data over 4- and 6-mm-diameter pupils and decomposed into Zernike polynomials to the 6th order. Results There were no differences in corneal total high-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma, or trefoil between methods of flap creation at any examination over 4- and 6-mm-diameter pupils. Over a 6-mm pupil, total high-order aberrations increased by 1 month after LASIK with both treatments (P ≤ .001) and remained increased through 36 months (P ≤ .001). Uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity did not differ between methods at any examination and remained stable postoperatively through 3 years; the minimum detectable difference in visual acuity between treatments was ≤0.1 logMAR (≤1 line of vision, α = 0.05/6, β = 0.20, n = 21). Conclusions The planar configuration of the femtosecond laser flap did not offer any advantage in corneal high-order aberrations or visual acuity through 3 years after LASIK. Corneal high-order aberrations remain stable through 3 years after LASIK.
Community Colleges and Proprietary Schools: Conflict or Convergence.

Tne thesis of convergence of community colleges and proprietary schools is put forward; reactions are solicited from the authors that follow and from readers.
Chemistry between crosslinks affects the properties of peptide hydrogels

Abstract Protein hydrogels were prepared by substituting ovalbumin with different concentrations of ethyl vinyl sulfone (EVS) or acrylic acid (AA) and crosslinking with divinyl sulfone (DVS). Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic studies confirmed the addition of EVS, AA, and DVS onto the protein. Swelling was assessed as a function of pH in the range of 2.5 to 9.4 and ionic strength. The elastic modulus of the gels was determined in shear and compression. Stress relaxation was assessed in compression. The substituent highly affected swelling and modulus with both hydrogels displaying non-Gaussian behavior in the range of hydrogel environments studied. Acrylic acid substituted ovalbumin exhibited a decreasing modulus with increasing swelling behaving as a polyelectrolyte with low added salt content. Ethyl vinyl sulfone substituted ovalbumin displayed an increasing modulus with swelling originating in the finite extensibility of the highly swollen chains. AA-substituted ovalbumin showed higher modulus and reduced swelling compared to EVS-substituted ovalbumin because of its ability to hydrogen and ionic bond to other molecules.
Role of hydrogen and humidity in the torsional fatigue of aluminum alloy 2024-T351

Abstract Reverse torsional fatigue tests conducted on aluminum alloy 2024-T351 samples exposed to argon, hydrogen and humid air environments showed that hydrogen absorption promotes multiple crack initiation and alters the fracture mode. The change in fracture mode was attributed to hydrogen-induced local overaging and interfacial weakening near the crack tip. The humid air environments produced hydrogen at high fugacities because of the reaction between water vapor and aluminum and caused greater effects on the fatigue life than did exposure to hydrogen gas at 1 atm. The local softening which resulted from overaging caused large decreases in the fatigue life.
A hyperlipidemic rabbit model provides new insights into pulmonary zinc exposure effects on cardiovascular health.

This study ascertains the effects of zinc, a major component of particulate matter, on pulmonary and systemic endpoints using hyperlipidemic rabbits to model diet-induced human atherosclerosis. New Zealand White rabbits were fed a normal or cholesterol-enriched diet and then were intratracheally instilled 1×/week for 4 weeks with saline or 16 µg/kg of zinc, equal parts sulfate and oxide. Physiologic responses, blood after each exposure, and terminal bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were assessed. Rabbits fed a cholesterol-rich diet developed hyperlipidemia and had consistently higher circulating leukocyte counts than rabbits fed normal chow. Within minutes after zinc instillation, saturation of peripheral oxygen was decreased in hyperlipidemic rabbits and heart rate was increased in hyperlipidemic rabbits with total serum cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dl. Total circulating leukocytes levels were increased 24 h after the first zinc instillation, but upon repeated exposures this effect was attenuated. After repeated zinc exposures, BAL fluid (BALF) N-acetylglucosaminidase activity was increased regardless of hyperlipidemic state. Hyperlipidemic rabbits had an increase in BALF-oxidized glutathione and a decrease in serum nitrite. The study elucidates mechanisms by which the zinc metal component of PM drives cardiovascular health effects, as well as the possible susceptibility induced by hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, the study exemplifies the benefits of monitoring circulatory physiology during exposure as well as after exposure.
Cardioversion of Supraventricular Tachycardias

Cardioversion was employed in 33 episodes of supraventricular tachycardia in 25 patients. Of these, 18 were episodes of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block and the remainder were atrial, junctional, and undefined supraventricular tachycardias. Cardioversion was successful in restoring sinus rhythm in 23 (70%). A major problem was to identify when digitalis intoxication was the cause of the supraventricular mechanism. By progressive titration of the shock energy, it was possible to determine the presence of digitalis intoxication. This was manifested by emergence of ventricular ectopic beats and acceleration in atrial rate. The use of lidocaine abolished the ventricular extrasystoles. Of the 10 patients failing to revert, seven had digitalis toxic arrhythmias. No complications were encountered.
A CAT reporter construct allows ultrasensitive estimation of TNF synthesis, and suggests that the TNF gene has been silenced in non-macrophage cell lines

We have prepared a construct (designated CATTNF) in which the mouse TNF (cachectin) coding sequence is replaced by a sequence encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), with preservation of the TNF promoter and 3'-untranslated sequences known to be important in the regulation of gene expression. When activated by LPS, permanently transfected RAW 264.7 (mouse macrophage) cells synthesize large quantities of CAT. Unlike TNF itself, CAT is nonsecreted and quite stable in the macrophage cytoplasm. Fewer than 1,000 LPS-induced macrophages can easily be detected by CAT assay. Cells maintain the ability to respond to LPS in vivo; as such, when injected intravenously, they accurately report conditions required for the production of TNF in diverse tissues. These cells may thus be used for the detection of cachectin/TNF synthesis in mice under conditions in which endogenously produced cachectin/TNF would be undetectable. Studies of the expression of CATTNF in nonmacrophage cell lines have revealed that the modified TNF gene is constitutively expressed in L-929 cells, but that its expression is tightly suppressed in HeLa cells and in NIH 3T3 cells. This finding would suggest that certain non-macrophage cells are potentially capable of utilizing the TNF promoter and translating the TNF mRNA; however, the endogenous gene has been developmentally silenced.
Nanoparticles escaping RES and endosome: challenges for siRNA delivery for cancer therapy

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) technology has emerged as a promising potential treatment for viral, genetic diseases and cancers. Despite the powerful therapeutic potential of siRNA, there are challenges for developing efficient and specific delivery systems for systemic administration. There are extracellular and intracellular barriers for nanoparticle-mediated delivery. First, nanoparticles are rapidly cleared from the circulation by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Second, following their cellular uptake, nanoparticles are trapped in endosomes/lysosomes, where siRNA would be degraded by enzymes. In this review, we describe strategies for grafting a polyethylene glycol (PEG) brush to the nanoparticles for evading RES, such that they may effectively accumulate in the tumor by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. PEG has to shed from the nanoparticles to allow close interaction with the tumor cells. Current strategies for facilitating endosome escape, such as ion pair formation, "proton sponge effect", destabilizing endosome membrane, and hydrophobic modification of the vector, are discussed.
Ecological Shifts in Resource Use by Bloaters in Lake Michigan

Abstract In late August-early September 1979 and 1980, both juvenile (80–145 mm fork length) and adult (> 145 mm) bloaters Coregonus hoyi were abundant in bottom trawls from Lake Michigan, but few young-of-year bloaters (<80 mm) were caught near the bottom despite small cod-end mesh in the trawl. Along the bottom intersected by the metalimnion, juveniles were more abundant in warmer water than adults. Diets of both juveniles and adults were 99% benthic prey by biomass. Young-of-year bloaters were most common at the surface during the day and in the metalimnion (off the bottom) at night. They ate primarily small cladocerans and cyclopoid copepods. These ontogenetic shifts in resource use by bloaters may reduce interactions among size groups. Further, since alewives Alosa pseudoharengus became abundant in Lake Michigan in the 1960s, bloaters have assumed benthic habits much earlier in their lives. Our dietary data indicate that young bloaters now abandon small pelagic zooplankton for larger benthic prey at ...
Hyperspectral remote sensing of aboveground biomass on a river meander bend using multivariate adaptive regression splines and stochastic gradient boosting

Research on aboveground biomass (AGB) retrieval via remote sensing in floodplain forests, in particular, is urgently needed for improved understanding of carbon cycling in such areas. AGB estimation is particularly challenging in floodplain forests, which are characterized by high spatial variability in AGB resulting from biogeomorphodynamic processes. In this study, we perform remote AGB retrieval for a deciduous riparian forest on a river meander bend based on hyperspectral/high-dimensional Hyperion bands and other input variables. We compare multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS)-, stochastic gradient boosting (SGB)- and Cubist-based AGB estimates. Results show that MARS- and SGB-derived estimates are significantly more accurate than Cubist-based AGB. The most accurate MARS and SGB estimates have a coefficient of determination, R2, of 0.97 and 0.95, respectively, whereas the Cubist estimate with the lowest error has an R2 of 0.85. MARS and SGB AGB are not significantly different, however. Thes...
The characterization of surface carbon on organic bearing shale by Auger lineshape analysis

An investigation of the Auger lineshapes of individual organic compounds indicated the presence of positive-going peaks in differential Auger Spectra which correspond to the presence of φ-bonds, aliphatic chains and methyl or methylene groups. Also it was discovered that the intensity of the negative-going differential peak or EN(E) area was proportional to the reciprocal of two raised to the number of methyl of methylene groups present in an organic compound. This last relationship can readily yield a measure of cross-linking or methyl substitution on the surface of an organic compound or polymer. The following equation summarizes the relationship: I/I0 = 1/(2S), where I is a peak intensity, I0 is the peak intensity of a compound with no methyl or methylene substitution, and S is the number of methyl or methylene groups substituted. Samples of eastern and western shales were examined and the Auger lineshapes analyzed. The Auger lineshapes of the organic material on the surface of the shale indicated that western shales and especially Colorado shale had a greater aliphatic character than eastern shales. The eastern shales had more φ-bond substitution than western shales.
Superior vena cava syndrome in childhood and adolescence: Areview of the literature and report of three cases

Obstruction of the superior vena cava is rare in childhood and adolescence. Its etiology is now mainly iatrogenic. Mediastinal tumors are the main primary causes of the superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) in childhood and adolescence. The most common mediastinal tumors presenting with the SVCS are the lymph node tumors and especially the lymphosarcomas. About 50% of the mediastinal tumors are primary in the mediastinum. Early treatment is designed to cause a rapid shrinking of the tumor and should not be delayed by an overly diligent pursuit of the diagnosis. Treatment should consist of a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroids. Surgery should be limited to obtaining tissue for diagnosis, except when the tumor is localized to the mediastinum and is completely resectable. One hundred and seventy two children and adolescents with the SVCS are reviewed and three patients are added.
Coronary artery disease and colorectal neoplasia.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine whether patients with coronary artery disease are at elevated risk for colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among consecutive patients in three colonoscopy practices in New York City from 1986 to 1988. All study participants completed an interview questionnaire covering demographics, diet, environmental and behavioral exposures, family and personal medical history, and other variables. For the present study, 298 newly diagnosed colorectal adenoma cases and 107 incident cancer cases were compared with 507 colonoscoped controls without colorectal neoplasia or other significant findings on colonoscopy. Data on history of coronary artery disease (angina and/or heart attack) were obtained solely from the study participants' questionnaire responses. RESULTS: No association was observed between angina, heart attack, or either and colorectal adenomas in males. However, prior coronary artery disease was found to be associated with colorectal cancer in males more than 60 years of age and with colorectal adenomas in females aged 50 years or younger. CONCLUSION: Men with coronary artery disease may be at elevated risk for subsequent colorectal cancer. Young women with coronary artery disease also may be at elevated risk for colorectal neoplasia.
T cells in coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis.

Myocarditis is a complex disease in which distinct immunopathogenic mechanisms cause tissue injury. In some but not all cases, autoimmunity is a major pathogenic factor. Cross-reactivity between viral and myosin epitopes underlies both cellular and humoral autoimmunity in myocarditis. Thus, the genetics of the host as well as the virus determine disease pathogenicity. Innate immunity, as represented by γδ+ T cells, is important in determining disease susceptibility. The innate effectors rapidly localize in the infected myocardium and through release of IFNγ (Vγ4+ cells; BALB/c) or IL-4 (Vγ1+ cells; C57Bl/6), modulate the developing adaptive immune response to either a Th1 or Th2 response, respectively. The Vγ4+ cells in BALB/c mice recognize CD1d, a major histocompatibility complex class I-like antigen. The ligand for Vγ1+ cells is unknown. Only infected myocytes up-regulate CD1d. Signaling through both infection (double stranded RNA) and TNFα is required for CD1d up-regulation.
Immunization against Brucella infections: serological and immunological studies on a soluble antigen from Brucella melitensis.

Glenchur et al. [1] demonstrated that Brucella melitensis produces as many as 36 precipitinogens, varying considerably in quantity with the different strains. They also showed [2] that the soluble constituents of B. melitensis induce antibodies active in agglutination, precipitation, blocking reactions, and cutaneous hypersensitivity. Other workers [3-7] developed a passive hemagglutination test for Brucella infection and immunity studies. Diaz et al. [8] studied in detail 2 antigenic preparations involved in the passive hemagglutination test: the NaOH-treated etherwater extract (EW-T) of smooth Brucella and the water-soluble extract of sonic-vibrated smooth or
Evidence for reduced fibrinolytic activity in unstable angina at rest. Clinical, biochemical, and angiographic correlates.

BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of the fibrinolytic system in patients with unstable angina at rest associated with transient electrocardiographic changes. METHODS AND RESULTS Tissue plasminogen activator activity in plasma was comparable among patients with unstable angina (n = 17), patients with stable exertional angina (n = 10), and control patients with normal coronary arteriograms (n = 8). In contrast, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity in plasma was elevated in the unstable angina group (21.67 +/- 9.52 AU/ml) as compared with either the stable angina group (12.01 +/- 7.06 AU/ml, p less than 0.02) or the controls (12.49 +/- 8.54 AU/ml, p less than 0.02). Coronary angiography performed within 24 hours after the last anginal episode showed a similar extent of coronary artery disease in the unstable and stable angina groups. However, intracoronary thrombi were observed in eight patients in the unstable angina group while no thrombus was noted in the stable angina group (chi 2 = 7.22, p less than 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that patients with unstable angina at rest have a reduced fibrinolytic activity and an increased incidence of intracoronary thrombi. It is postulated that elevated PAI-1 activity in the presence of coronary arterial wall injury may be an important factor leading to the development of acute coronary syndromes.
NODIFS-simulating faults fast

This article introduces, perhaps for the first time, an asynchronous, distributed, circuit partitioned algorithm that is capable of fault simulating both combinational and sequential digital designs on parallel processors. In this approach, called NODIFS (NOvel asynchronous DIstributed algorithm for Fault Simulation), every circuit component is modeled as an asynchronous and concurrent entity that is checked for faults as soon as appropriate signal transitions and fault lists are asserted at its input ports. The circuit is partitioned such that components of every partition are allocated to a unique processor of the parallel processor system. >