cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-body break-up in the d + d → d + p + n reaction

Abstract Neutron-charged-particle and charged-particle-charged-particle coincidence spectra from the d + d → d + p + n reaction were measured for θ 1 = −θ 2 = 20° at bombarding energies 6–13 MeV. Deuteron-neutron and deuteron-proton spectra for θ 1 = −θ 2 are dominated by a broad peak associated with deuteron-nucleon quasi-free scattering. The measured data were interpreted using the quasi-free scattering model. The constructed model describes the general behavior of the coincidence spectra rather well, although the calculated spectral shapes are broader than the measured ones. The limitations of the simple quasi-free scattering model are shown also by the fact that the model predicts an order of magnitude too high cross section and that the normalization constant to the measured peak cross section is energy dependent.
Cell Signaling and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Mesothelioma

Malignant mesotheliomas are a histologically diverse, polyclonal group of tumors arising most commonly in the pleura and to a lesser extent in the peritoneum, pericardium, and tunica vaginalis testis. They are primarily associated with exposures to naturally occurring mineral fibers including asbestos, erionite, and fluoro-edenite, although radiation- and chronic inflammation-associated as well as idiopathic mesotheliomas occur. Integrated analyses of pleural mesotheliomas have shown heterogeneous mutations in tumor suppressor genes, stimulation of multiple signaling cascades and transcription factors, and, most recently, epigenetic alterations that are defined as heritable and/or reversible changes in gene expression without changes in the DNA sequence. This review focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms reported in studies on mesotheliomas and mesothelial cells, emphasizing research that has linked these changes to critical survival and proliferative pathways in the development of mesotheliomas. This information is critical to understanding how key epigenetic effects modulate the carcinogenic process and will allow new strategies to prevent and treat mesotheliomas.
Frontiers of Multimedia Research

The field of multimedia is unique in offering a rich and dynamic forum for researchers from "traditional" fields to collaborate and develop new solutions and knowledge that transcend the boundaries of individual disciplines. Despite the prolific research activities and outcomes, however, few efforts have been made to develop books that serve as an introduction to the rich spectrum of topics covered by this broad field. A few books are available that either focus on specific subfields or basic background in multimedia. Tutorial-style materials covering the active topics being pursued by the leading researchers at frontiers of the field are currently lacking. In 2015, ACM SIGMM, the special interest group on multimedia, launched a new initiative to address this void by selecting and inviting 12 rising-star speakers from different subfields of multimedia research to deliver plenary tutorial-style talks at the ACM Multimedia conference for 2015. Each speaker discussed the challenges and state-of-the-art developments of their prospective research areas in a general manner to the broad community. The covered topics were comprehensive, including multimedia content understanding, multimodal human-human and human-computer interaction, multimedia social media, and multimedia system architecture and deployment. Following the very positive responses to these talks, the speakers were invited to expand the content covered in their talks into chapters that can be used as reference material for researchers, students, and practitioners. Each chapter discusses the problems, technical challenges, state-of-the-art approaches and performances, open issues, and promising direction for future work. Collectively, the chapters provide an excellent sampling of major topics addressed by the community as a whole. This book, capturing some of the outcomes of such efforts, is well positioned to fill the aforementioned needs in providing tutorial-style reference materials for frontier topics in multimedia.
Photooxidative Degradation of Clear Ultraviolet Absorbing Acrylic Copolymer Surfaces

Photodegradation of copolymer of methyl metha-crylate and 2[2’-hydroxy 5’vinyl-phenyl] 2H-benzotriazole has been investigated in order to determine the changes in the chemical composition of the surface of the copolymer on photooxidation. An electronic energy transfer mechanism has been postulated in order to interpret the observed photochemical changes in the polymer. Preliminary examination of the photophysical pro-perties of the chromophore provides support for such a mechanism.
Verbal behavior: The other reviews

The extensive attention devoted to Noam Chomsky’s review of Verbal Behavior by B.F. Skinner has resulted in a neglect of more than a dozen other rewiews of the work. These are surveyed and found to be positive and congenial in tone, with many of the reviewers advancing his/her own analysis of speech and language. The dominant criticism of the book was its disregard of central or implicit processes and its lack of experimental data. An examination of the receptive history of Verbal Behavior offers a more balanced historical account than those which rely excessively on Chomsky’s commentary
Toward Optimal Network Topology Design for Fast and Secure Distributed Computation

A typical distributed computation problem deals with a network of multiple agents and the constraint that each agent is able to communicate only with its neighboring agents. Two important issues of such a network are the convergence rate of the corresponding distributed algorithm and the security level of the network against external attacks. In this paper, we take algebraic connectivity as an index of convergence rate, which works for consensus and gossip algorithms, and consider certain type of external attacks by using the expected portion of the infected agents to measure the security level. Extremal examples and analysis show that fast convergence rate and high security level require opposite connectivity of the network. Thus, there has to be a trade-off between the two issues in the design of network topology. This paper aims to provide an approach to design a network topology which balances between convergence rate and security. A class of tree graphs, called extended star graphs, are considered. The optimal extended star graph is provided under appropriate assumptions.
Translated Science Textbooks in Dual Language Programs: A Comparative English-Spanish Functional Linguistic Analysis.

A comparative lexicogrammatical and logicosemantic systemic functional analysis of two third-grade science curricular units on the topic of “matter” written in Spanish is presented. One of these cu...
The evolution of simple society

Anglophone archaeology arose to explain what we now refer to as the emergence of complex society. This article reviews complexity theory from its nineteenth-century origins in Darwinian thought to contemporary studies of social evolution. Rather than making a case for the continued theorization of complexity, however, this review advances the proposition that a new inquiry into the historical development of social simplicity should be inaugurated, one in which simplicity is understood as a derived trait that has evolved in creative opposition to complexity. Examples of what such an inquiry might look like are drawn from recent research into the archaeology of indigenous North America.
Furosemide-related renal calcifications in the premature infant : a longitudinal ultrasonographic study

Low birthweight infants treated with chronic furosemide therapy are at risk for the development of intrarenal calcifications. A prospective longitudinal renal ultrasound investigation was conducted to study the correlation of diuretic therapy, clinical course and ultrasonographic findings. Of 117 premature infants studied ultrasonographically upon discharge from the hospital, 20 had intrarenal calcifications. Eight patients at age 16.3±2.6 months had sonographic resolution of renal calcifications, 6.6±1.1 months after furosemide therapy had been discontinued. Of the 12 patients with persistent calcifications, 4 died from severe pulmonary disease and autopsy in 3 of them confirmed the ultrasonographic diagnosis. All 12 children but 2 continued to receive furosemide for their chronic lung disease demonstrating significant association between chronic use of loop diuretics and persistance fo the renal calcifications (p<0.001). Two patients required nephrolithotomy and 4 suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections. In 4 patients, 5 kidneys were of small size and in 2 bilateral collecting system dilation was noted. We conclude that discontinuation of furosemide therapy is associated with resolution of the renal calcifications. On the other hand, continued treatment with furosemide is associated with high renal morbidity which indicates ongoing clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up.
The Family Separations You're Not Hearing About: Worldwide Practices of Migrant Family Separation

In light of the backlash from the international community about United States' practice of family separation of the border, I look at the other countries with similar practices, notably Israel, India, Belize, Canada, the UK, and Norway. Although varying in scale and scope, each of these practices nonetheless has the potential to traumatize a child, damaging their future cognitize maturation. In addition to mental health concerns, the existence of alternatives to detention that have been successfully practiced in countries such as Belgium or Costa Rica give little reason to continue the practice of detaining families. Cover image: Loren Elliott
Examining Identification Practices and Services for Young Advanced and Gifted Learners in Selected North Carolina School Districts

Because schools often do not begin formal processes to identify students with gifts and talents until the third grade, many kindergarten through second-grade teachers face challenges in identifying...
Gas-Phase Formation of Highly Luminescent 2D GaSe Nanoparticle Ensembles in a Nonequilibrium Laser Ablation Process

Interest in layered two-dimensional (2D) materials has been escalating rapidly over the past few decades due to their promising optoelectronic and photonic properties emerging from their atomically thin 2D structural confinements. When these 2D materials are further confined in lateral dimensions toward zero-dimensional (0D) structures, 2D nanoparticles and quantum dots with new properties can be formed. Here, we report a nonequilibrium gas-phase synthesis method for the stoichiometric formation of gallium selenide (GaSe) nanoparticles ensembles that can potentially serve as quantum dots. We show that the laser ablation of a target in an argon background gas condenses the laser-generated plume, resulting in the formation of metastable nanoparticles in the gas phase. The deposition of these nanoparticles onto the substrate results in the formation of nanoparticle ensembles, which are then post-processed to crystallize or sinter the nanoparticles. The effects of background gas pressures, in addition to crystallization/sintering temperatures, are systematically studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) measurements are used to study the correlations between growth parameters, morphology, and optical properties of the fabricated 2D nanoparticle ensembles.
Rapid Liberation From Mechanical Ventilation, the ICU and Hospital by Using an ICU Dashboard and Alert Program

Background: At the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, respiratory therapists (RTs) are required to assess for spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) readiness on all ventilated patients every morning. The RTs manually assess for SBT readiness by gathering different parameters from the electronic health record (EHR). This can become somewhat burdensome in a busy ICU. In addition patients may be ready for SBT at any time throughout the day and more frequent readiness assessments could expedite the liberation process. Our committee looked to leverage the EHR to create a novel program that will continuously screen EHR elements to assist the care team with ongoing SBT readiness assessments. Methods: A novel computer program (called the ABC App) was created, in collaboration with the Data Science team and Penn Center for Innovation to continuously screen all vented patients in the MICU by extracting data from the EHR. The information is then displayed in real-time on an ICU Dashboard, with green indicating SBT ready and red for Not SBT ready. When patients meet criteria for SBT readiness, the system alerts the RT via text message to do an SBT. If the patient is over sedated (based on RASS) the RN and providers are also prompted via text alert to address sedation. For patients not meeting readiness criteria, the parameters limiting weaning (ie, FIO2 or PEEP) are displayed on the dashboard with icons to nudge clinicians to consider weaning that parameter. The ICU dashboard and alerts were implemented in the HUP MICU for a 6-month pilot assessment. Results: Duration of ventilation decreased from 4.6 to 4.0 d. ICU LOS decreased by 1.2 d and hospital LOS dropped by 1.4 d. Conclusions: A real-time electronic dashboard and alert system affected a reduction in duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. The RTs have found the text alerts and dashboard to be highly beneficial in the ICU with many competing priorities. With these positive results, we plan to expand the ICU dashboard and text alerting system to all ICUs in the Penn Medicine Health System.
Not at Risk? News, Gatekeeping, and Missing Teens

This study examines the gatekeeping of missing teens through content analysis and in-depth interviews. The first phase of the study examines the extent to which missing teens are visible across leg...
Abstract 3691A: Targeting MARK2-HDAC-YAP signaling to overcome paclitaxel resistance in PDAC

Nanoparticle albumin-bound (Nab)-paclitaxel (taxol) combined with gemcitabine has been approved as a first-line chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. However, the response rate is still very low due to the occurrence of drug resistance and attempts in reversing the resistance have not been successful in the clinic. MARK (microtubule affinity-regulating kinase) proteins (MARK1-4) are critical for microtubule dynamics by modulating MAPs (microtubule-associated proteins). They are members of the AMPK/Snf1 family and control cell polarity and asymmetric cell division. Dysregulation of MARKs has also been associated with pathological conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer disease. Several recent studies showed that MARK family members are important regulators of Hippo-YAP (Yes-associated protein) signaling, which is critical in cancer development, drug resistance, and stem cell biology. Through Phos-tag-based kinome-wide screens, we identified MARK2 as a critical determinant for mitotic progression and paclitaxel chemosensitivity. MARK2 is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) during paclitaxel-induced mitotic arrest and normal mitosis. MARK2 inhibition did not affect growth under normal conditions, but greatly sensitized PDAC cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, our findings also suggest that MARK2 controls paclitaxel chemosensitivity by regulating class IIa HDACs (histone deacetylase). MARK2 directly phosphorylates HDAC4 on multiple sites upon paclitaxel treatment. Inhibition (with knockdown or inhibitors) of HDACs significantly enhanced paclitaxel-induced cell death in a MARK2-phosphorylation dependent manner in PDAC cells. MARK2-phosphorylated HDAC4 positively regulates YAP (the transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo pathway) activity and controls expression of YAP target genes induced by paclitaxel. MARK2, class IIa HDACs, and YAP expression levels are upregulated and positively correlated in PDAC patients. Importantly, combination of HDAC inhibition (Vorinostat/SAHA, FDA-approved) and paclitaxel overcomes paclitaxel-resistance in preclinical PDAC animal models. Together, our findings reveal the MARK2-HDAC-YAP axis as a druggable target for overcoming paclitaxel resistance in PDAC. Citation Format: Yongji Zeng, Yuanhong Chen, Jixin Dong. Targeting MARK2-HDAC-YAP signaling to overcome paclitaxel resistance in PDAC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3691A.
Why futile recanalization matters

The efficacy of stroke thrombectomy is largely determined by patient selection. If clinical trial criteria are used, a strikingly low number-needed-to-treat (NNT) of 2.6 can be achieved as published by the HERMES meta-analysis in 2015.1 In routine clinical practice, however, most physicians would accept a higher NNT if that means more patients benefit and hence, trend toward more liberal patient selection criteria. But just how liberal should we be? Futile recanalization occurs when the thrombectomy is a technical success but there is no meaningful improvement in disability. This occurs at a higher rate if patient selection criteria are too liberal. Futile recanalization is more common than we think. Van Horn et al evaluated 123 consecutive patients at a single German center from 2015 to 2019 who had complete TICI 3 reperfusion and still found 54.5% to have poor clinical outcomes at 90 days.2 Anyone who has been in practice for some time knows that thrombectomy patient selection is nuanced and gets particularly challenging with older patients where futile recanalization is the rule, not the exception. A patient’s age invariably figures prominently in the decision process. However, age, perhaps similar to how elapsed time is used, is actually a low-value variable. Much like how collateral grade can recalibrate elapsed time thresholds, many difficult to define comorbidities and cognitive changes can similarly recalibrate preconceived age thresholds (>80 years or >90 years). Understanding that futile recanalization in the elderly is a common, complicated, and a costly issue …
An Open-Globe Porcine Injury Platform for Assessing Therapeutics and Characterizing Biological Effects

Open-globe injuries can result in permanent vision loss, partly due to extended delays between injury and medical intervention. Even with early intervention, the management of open-globe injuries remains a challenge for ophthalmologists, mostly due to inadequate or suboptimal current therapies. To aid in the development of novel therapeutics and track toxicological and pathophysiological changes, this article details an open-globe injury platform capable of inducing injuries in enucleated porcine eyes. The injury platform relies on a high-speed solenoid device to mimic explosive injury scenarios, allowing for large, complex injury shapes and sizes that are often observed in casualties and are more difficult to treat. The system can be implemented with precise computer control of the injury mechanism to allow for more complex setups. Also, the system can make use of real-time intraocular pressure measurement to track changes during injury induction and to assess therapeutic efficacy for restoring intraocular pressure and the integrity of the eye. These protocols will assist with implementation of the injury model in prospective laboratories seeking to develop therapeutics or studying biological changes that occur from this type of traumatic injury. Published 2020. U.S. Government. Basic Protocol 1: Preparing gelatin molds and porcine eye tissue Basic Protocol 2: Creating an open-globe injury using a solenoid device Alternate Protocol 1: Constructing a computer-controlled system for open-globe injury Alternate Protocol 2: Constructing a pressure measurement system for tracking intraocular pressure Support Protocol 1: Assessing ocular compliance in porcine eyes Support Protocol 2: Assessing outflow rate from the anterior chamber Support Protocol 3: Assessing burst pressure in porcine eyes.
Ultrabright Entangled-Photon-Pair Generation from an Al Ga As -On-Insulator Microring Resonator

An on-chip entangled-photon pair source from an AlGaAs-on-insulator microring resonator is demonstrated, offering a nearly 1000-fold improvement over state-of-the-art brightness while maintaining g97% fidelity and g99% purity.
The Vibrio fischeri–Euprymna scolopes Light Organ Symbiosis

The light organ symbiosis between the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes has received increasing interest from researchers representing a range of disciplines, including microbiology, zoology, oceanography, immunology, and genetics. An improved understanding of the factors underlying the natural symbioses can help face problems such as the (re)emergence of diseases with environmental hosts, the effective application of probiotics, overreactions to commensal bacteria by the immune system, and the negative effects of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The light organ is also accessible to experimentally added solutes. Pores connect the outside environment with the site of infection in the light organ, so reagents can be added to cure an infection or monitor biochemical processes at the site of infection. One of the most intriguing colonization factors is bioluminescence. Long considered an energetic drag on cultured cells, luminescence is critical for full colonization of the E. scolopes light organ by V. fischeri. The observation that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan monomer (PGM) stimulate developmental processes in a mutualistic animal-bacteria association is notable for at least two reasons. First, the molecules are also recognized by the innate immune systems of animals and often trigger antimicrobial responses. This suggests conserved mechanisms for mutualist and pathogen detection by animals, with host responses being context dependent. Second, the particular PGM molecule shed by V. fischeri is identical to "cytotoxins" of pathogens Bordetella pertussis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, revealing an interesting and unanticipated similarity between mutualistic and pathogenic bacteria-animal associations.
Do occasional brief seizures cause detectable clinical consequences

Abstract Seizures, particularly when prolonged or frequent, have been associated with a variety of adverse outcomes. However, epidemiological data provide little evidence for adverse effects of isolated brief seizures per se. Even the animal data is mostly for prolonged or frequent seizures. Febrile seizures lasting
Phrase completion scales : A better measurement approach than likert scales?

Valid and reliable measures are fundamental to advancing social science. Phrase completion scales were designed to provide enhanced psychometrics compared to Likert scales by more closely conforming to foundational measurement and statistical assumptions. This article tests the two approaches by examining responses (N = 134) to items formatted using the Likert approach with comparable items formatted using the phrase completion approach. An assessment of the written comments, Cronbach's alphas, inter-item correlations, factor scores, and SEM coefficients suggested that items constructed in the phrase completion format may yield higher validity and reliability relative to Likert constructed items. The advantages of phrase completion scales may be particularly pronounced when measuring attitudes that fall at all points along the underlying attitudinal continuum.
The Challenge of Immigration Policy in the New South Africa

South Africa's immigration policy is in a state of flux. South Africa's borders, once heavily guarded by government troops fighting African National Congress guerillas, have proven to be an ineffective barrier to the recent surge in illegal immigrants and refugees entering the country.1 Following the national election which brought Nelson Mandela's coalition government to power, illegal immigrants have flocked to South Africa in the hope that the Mandela government will be more sympathetic to their interests than were previous administrations.2 South Africa is particularly attractive to immigrants and refugees due to its higher wages, better living standards, and more secure future.3 The South African Department of Home Affairs estimates that as many as 2,000,000 illegal immigrants now reside in South Africa.4 The emergence of South Africa as a magnet for the region's immigrants and refugees presents a difficult challenge to a country which is in the process of redefining itself and its relationship with other African nations following the demise of apartheid. Lured by potential economic opportunities, immigrants to South Africa have found "little more than grinding poverty and xenophobia" upon reaching
Neurofilament protein synthesis and phosphorylation

Neurofilament proteins, a major intermediate filament component of the neuronal cytoskeleton, are organized as 10 nm thick filaments in axons and dendrites. They are large, abundantly phosphorylated proteins with numerous phosphate acceptor sites, up to 100 in some cases, organized as numerous repeat motifs. Together with other cytoskeletal components such as microtubules, MAPs, actin and plectin-like linking molecules, they make up a dynamic lattice that sustains neuronal function from neuronal “birthday” to apoptotic cell death. The activity of the neuronal cytoskeleton is regulated by phosphorylation, dephosphorylation reactions mediated by numerous associated kinases, phosphatases and their regulators. Factors regulating multisite phosphorylation of NFs are topographically localized, with maximum phosphorylation of NF proteins consigned to axons. Phosphorylation defines the nature of NF interactions with one another and with other cytoskeletal components such as microtubules, MAPs and actin. To understand how these functional interactions are regulated by phosphorylation we attempt to identify the relevant kinases and phosphatases, their specific targets and the factors modulating their activity. As an initial working model we propose that NF phosphorylation is regulated topographically in neurons by compartment-specific macromolecular complexes of substrates, kinases and phosphatases. This implies that axonal complexes differ structurally and functionally from those in cell bodies and dendrites. Such protein assemblies, by virtue of conformational changes within proteins, facilitate ordered, sequential multisite phosphorylations that modulate dynamic cytoskeletal interactions.
A divergent myeloid dendritic cell response at virus set-point predicts disease outcome in SIV-infected rhesus macaques.

Background The mechanism for loss of myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) from the circulation in HIV-infected individuals and its relationship to disease progression is not understood. Methods A longitudinal analysis of the mDC response in blood and lymph nodes during the first 12 weeks of infection was performed in a cohort of SIVmac251-infected rhesus macaques with different disease outcomes. Results Monkeys that rapidly progressed to disease or had long-term stable infection had significant losses or increases, respectively, in blood mDCs that were inversely correlated with virus load at set-point. The loss of mDCs from progressor animals was associated with evidence of an increase in CCR7/CCL19-dependent mDC recruitment to lymph nodes and an increase in mDC apoptosis. Conclusions mDC recruitment to and death within inflamed lymph nodes may contribute to disease progression in SIV infection, whereas mobilization without increased recruitment to lymph nodes may promote disease control.
Engineering aluminum binding affinity in an isolated EF-hand from troponin C: A computational site-directed mutagenesis study

Abstract Peptides with the ability to specifically bind aluminum would potentially be of great use in the fields of biochemistry and environmental chemistry. Unfortunately no such peptides are known. An aluminum-specific peptide may be used as an in vivo chelator, for metalloprotein design, for understanding metal-ion induced folding and metal-ion trafficking, and as an environmental sensor to monitor metal pollution in the environment. Plants genetically engineered to produce an aluminum binding peptide might be useful in environmental remediation in areas of high free aluminum ion concentration. In this paper, which is the theoretical complement to the experimental work, we analyzed crystallographic structures of EF-hands bound to various metals in order to determine the ligand distances and identities to compare to metal-ion size, charge, electronegativity, and coordination number and performed energy minimization calculations to identify possible mutations. We then constructed various mutant sequences in silico in an isolated EF-hand from troponin C and analyzed their binding behavior using molecular mechanics for binding to Tb 3+ as compared to Al 3+ . As a result of these analyses we were able to isolate some characteristics that could lead to mutant peptides with enhanced aluminum activity that we plan to test experimentally in the future. We also performed metal-ion binding studies with the isolated EF-hand used in the computational work to examine the ability of Al 3+ and comparative metals to bind the peptide. In competition studies, the peptide demonstrated preference for Tb 3+ over Al 3+ .
Phosphate is an inhibitor of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase

Bovine etyrhrocyte Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) in its oxidized form has been shown by X-ray crystallography [1] to be a dimer of two equivalent subunits, with one Cu(II) and one Zn(II) ion per subunit. The Cu ion is bound to four histidyl imidazole ligands and a water molecule making the overall geometry five-coordinate. One of these imidazoles is deprotonated and acts as a bridging ligand between Cu and Zn. The remaining ligands to Zn are two additional histidyl imidazoles and aspartyl carboxylate, forming a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Cu, Zn SOD's are found to be extremely efficient catalysts of the disproportionation of superoxide (2O2 + 2H+ → O2 + H2O2) has been proposed that this activity is their primary biological function in vivo [2]. A number of anions have been observed to bind to Cu, Zn SOD e.g. CN−, Nin23, SCin2N, OCN, and halides. Each of these anions binds to copper(II) in the enzyme, as indicated by the pronounced spectral shifts observed upon binding [3]. Inhibitory effects of these anions have been attributed to this binding [3]. There have been several observations reported in the literature that suggest that phosphate also interacts with Cu, Zn SOD. For example, it has been mentioned in passing that phosphate interferes with the binding of CN to the enzyme [4] and that it has inhibitory effect on the SOD activity [5]. In addition, it has been reported that phosphate influences the mode of binding of cobalt to the apoprotein [6] and that it interacts with the four-copper derivative (where Cu has been substituted for Zn in the native protein) [7]. We have no visible or ESR spectral changes in solutions of Cu, Zn SOD at high concentrations of phosphate, suggesting strongly that any interaction of phosphate with the enzyme does not occur by binding of that anion to Cu(II). Contrary to the reports of McAdam [8] and Cudd and Fridovich [9], who assumed that the inhibitory effect of phosphate on the SOD activity could be entirely attributed to ionic strength effects, we found that the SOD activity of native bovine Cu, Zn SOD measured at constant ionic strength decreased significantly in the presence of increasing concentrations of phosphate. In addition, we have titrated the native enzyme with NaN3 in differing concentrations of phosphate at constant ionic strength and thereby demonstrated that the presence of phosphate decreased the affinity of the enzyme for the azide anion. This result is reminiscent of the decrease in the binding affinity of this protein when arginine-141 is chemically modified with phenylglyoxal [10]. Arginine-141 may well be the site phosphate binding to this protein, since the binding of phosphate to the arginine-modified protein is apparently not affected by the presence of phosphate. Spectroscopic evidence concerning the nature of the interaction between phosphate and Cu, Zn SOD has also been obtained.
The Ballistocardiogram in Overweight Young Adults

The ability to record the mechanical function of the heart is the principal value of the ballistocardiogram. In young healthy individuals the ballistocardiogram is consistently normal. Since overweight is apparently an important factor in the development of degenerative heart diseases, a study was undertaken to correlate excess weight in otherwise healthy young students with their respective ballistocardiograms, obtained on a direct-body ballistocardiograph.
A simple method for the collection of leucocytes from rat blood

Blutleukozyten von Ratten wurden mit menschlichem (normalem) Serum behandelt. Die Viabilitat dieser Praparationen konnte dadurch demonstriert werden, dass die Zellen durch Phytohemagglutinin in «blast» Formen umgewandelt wurden.
Instantons as a bridgehead at N

Abstract It is claimed that instantons indicate that in the N → ∞ limit the weak and strong coupling β-functions are joined by a discontinuous jump.
Effect of Reserpine in Raynaud's Phenomenon

The responses of the blood vessels of the hand to intra-arterial infusion of tyramine and to application of ice to the forehead were examined in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and in normal subjects. The vasoconstrictor responses to tyramine and to ice were not significantly different in the patients and control subjects. Following intra-arterial administration of reserpine the vasoconstrictor response to tyramine was unaffected, while that in response to ice was significantly reduced to a comparable extent in both the patients and the control subjects. Catecholamine concentrations in brachial arterial and hand venous plasma were not significantly different in the patients and in the control subjects. Following oral administration of reserpine (1 mg/day) the vasoconstrictor responses to intra-arterial tyramine and to the application of ice were markedly reduced in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. In response to this form of treatment eight of the nine patients followed for 1 to 3 years showed improvement characterized by decreased frequency and severity of vasospastic attacks and by healing of ulcerations. In two patients the improvement was temporary despite continued reserpine therapy.
Prediction of Levels of Cholesterol Oxides in Heated Tallow by Dielectric Measurement

Two quality control procedures currently used for frying oil were evaluated with respect to efficiency of prediction of cholesterol oxidation products (COPS) levels. Tests in a French fried potato model system (90% tallow/10% cottonseed oil) showed the correlation between dielectric measurement and the COPS levels in the frying medium was highly significant (r = 0.94, N = 30, P < 0.01). Free fatty acid “test strips” showed no quantifiable change during 112 hr and, therefore there was no correlation with COPS levels. Free fatty acids (AOAC procedure 28.032 [b]) highly correlated with COPS levels (r = 0.94, N = 30, P < 0.01).
Effect of Ionic Liquid Treatment on the Structures of Lignins in Solutions: Molecular Subunits Released from Lignin

The solution structures of three types of isolated lignin—organosolv (OS), Kraft (K), and low sulfonate (LS)—before and after treatment with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate were studied using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) over a concentration range of 0.3–2.4 wt %. The results indicate that each of these lignins is comprised of aggregates of well-defined basal subunits, the shapes and sizes of which, in D2O and DMSO-d6, are revealed using these techniques. LS lignin contains a substantial amount of nanometer-scale individual subunits. In aqueous solution these subunits have a well-defined elongated shape described well by ellipsoidal and cylindrical models. At low concentration the subunits are highly expanded in alkaline solution, and the effect is screened with increasing concentration. OS lignin dissolved in DMSO was found to consist of a narrow distribution of aggregates with average radius 200 ± 30 nm. K lignin in DMSO consists of aggregates with a very ...
Instrumental methods and challenges in quantifying polybrominated diphenyl ethers in environmental extracts: a review

Increased interest in the fate, transport and toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) over the past few years has led to a variety of studies reporting different methods of analysis for these persistent organic pollutants. Because PBDEs encompass a range of vapor pressures, molecular weights and degrees of bromine substitution, various analytical methods can lead to discrimination of some PBDE congeners. Recent improvements in injection techniques and mass spectrometer ionization methods have led to a variety of options to determine PBDEs in environmental samples. The purpose of this paper is therefore to review the available literature describing the advantages and disadvantages in choosing an injection technique, gas chromatography column and detector. Additional discussion is given to the challenges in measuring PBDEs, including potential chromatographic interferences and the lack of commercial standards for higher brominated congeners, which provides difficulties in examining degradation and debromination of BDE congeners, particularly for BDE 209.
An Estimate of the Leucine Requirement of the Laying Hen

Abstract The leucine requirement of the laying hen was reported to be not less than 1.35 percent of a ration containing 15 percent protein (Cravens, 1948). Almquist (1952) made an estimate of not more than 1.36 percent from the same data. During studies with a variety of experimental diets, it was found that birds fed diets containing much less than 1.36 percent leucine continued to lay at normally expected levels under our conditions and maintained body weight. The data summarized in this report indicates that the leucine requirement of the laying hen is not more than 1.0 percent. The composition of the diets employed is given in Table 1. Diets 2 and 3 were analyzed microbiologically for leucine by the method of Steele et al. (1948), after treatment of the acid hydrolysates as described by Horn et al. (1953). The first three trials were conducted with Rhode Island Red pullets and …
Mistletoe and cancer: controversies and perspectives.

Extracts and preparations from the tree parasitic plant mistletoe (Viscum album L.) have been used in the treatment of cancer for decades. Numerous preclinical and in vitro studies have reported immunostimulatory, cytotoxic, and proapoptotic effects. Translation of these effects into clinical response continues to pose a problem. While a number of clinical studies have found improvement in quality of life (QOL), data on the efficacy of mistletoe to prolong survival are conflicting and of variable quality. Clinical trial data regarding the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of mistletoe components with known in vitro or preclinical activity are lacking. Mistletoe is a widely used form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cancer treatment, and research into its use poses the challenges of translation of preclinical data into demonstrable clinical efficacy and investigating CAM approaches as a component of complex cancer treatment systems. Semin Oncol 29:589-594. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Tidal modulation of infragravity waves via nonlinear energy losses in the surfzone

[1] The strong tidal modulation of infragravity (200 to 20 s period) waves observed on the southern California shelf is shown to be the result of nonlinear transfers of energy from these low-frequency long waves to higher-frequency motions. The energy loss occurs in the surfzone, and is stronger as waves propagate over the convex low-tide beach profile than over the concave high-tide profile, resulting in a tidal modulation of seaward-radiated infragravity energy. Although previous studies have attributed infragravity energy losses in the surfzone to bottom drag and turbulence, theoretical estimates using both observations and numerical simulations suggest nonlinear transfers dominate. The observed beach profiles and energy transfers are similar along several km of the southern California coast, providing a mechanism for the tidal modulation of infragravity waves observed in bottom-pressure and seismic records on the continental shelf and in the deep ocean.
Effects of local anaesthetics on the activity of the Na,K-ATPase of canine renal medulla.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of local anaesthetics on Na,K-ATPase activity. The ATPase activity of Na, K-ATPase-enriched membranes from canine renal medulla was determined in the absence and in the presence of lidocaine, procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, prilocaine, and procainamide at 37 and 25 degrees C. All of these local anaesthetics, except benzocaine, inhibit the activity of the Na,K-ATPase of canine renal medulla at both 25 and 37 degrees C. Benzocaine inhibits Na,K-ATPase activity at 37 degrees C, but stimulates activity at 25 degrees C. The influence of lidocaine on stimulation of Na,K-ATPase activity by Na(+) and K(+) was investigated. Lidocaine increases the apparent K(0.5) of the Na,K-ATPase for both Na(+) and K(+) and decreases the V(max) values for both ions. IC(50) values for lidocaine increase with increasing concentrations of both Na(+) and K(+). The data indicate that lidocaine diminishes the affinity of the Na,K-ATPase for Na(+) and K(+) and that binding of Na(+) or K(+) decreases the potency of lidocaine as an inhibitor of the Na,K-ATPase. Lidocaine markedly decreases the affinity of the Na,K-ATPase for ouabain, but only slightly diminishes the maximum amount of ouabain bound. Unprotonated lidocaine is apparently a more potent inhibitor than is the protonated form.
Sarcoidosis of the Eyelid Skin

Purpose/Methods A 34-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary sarcoidosis was referred for examination and treatment of suspected molluscum contagiosum nodules of the eyelids. After full ophthalmic examination, she underwent a biopsy of an eyelid nodule. Results/Conclusions Histopathologic examination of the eyelid nodule showed numerous, noncaseating granulomas as well as giant cells. This case represents the rare finding of sarcoidosis of the eyelid skin in a patient with chronic but not ocular sarcoidosis.
Interactions of aged gametes: In vitro fertilization using in vitro‐aged sperm and in vivo‐aged ova in the mouse

A study of varying combinations of in vitro-aged sperm and in vivo-aged ova at 3 hr intervals from 0–24 hr resulted in failures at different steps of the fertilization process during in vitro fertilization of mouse ova. Significant decreases caused by sperm aging, ova aging, and sperm × ova aging interaction were found in sperm penetration. Pronuclear formation was not affected by sperm aging and was enhanced by ova aging, and there was a significant effect of sperm × ova aging interaction. Sperm aging significantly influenced the prometaphase stage of the fertilization process. Therefore, it is suggested that the detrimental fertilization effects resulting from aging gametes are due to different mechanisms in sperm and ova, that these mechanisms are affected at different times, and that they affect different steps in the fertilization process.
A portal model for structure sensitive hydrogen adsorption on Ru–Ag/SiO2 catalysts

Preferential adsorption of gases onto metal surfaces through defect, edge, and corner sites has been well documented. What has not been generally appreciated, however, is that the addition of a second metal can alter adsorption kinetics by preferentially occupying these relatively lower coordination surface sites. We propose a new model for H2 adsorption onto supported Ru–Ag catalysts that explicitly accounts for preferential adsorption through surface edge and corner sites, and we show that the model can explain experimentally observed decreases in the amount of H2 adsorbed per surface ruthenium atom upon increasing the amount of silver in the catalyst.
And now back to the paleolithic with your host Dwayne Merry

Dwayne Merry, Project Director. Dimensions in Cultures. Video Tape Series. Available from Coast Community College District, 1370 Adams Avenue, Coasta Mesa, California 92626. Price to be negotiated.
Analysis of Scanning DMA Transfer Functions

A new approach to determine transfer functions of scanning differential mobility analyzers (DMAs) is introduced. An expression for non-diffusive particle trajectories in a cylindrical DMA operating in a scanning voltage mode is obtained analytically. Particle trajectory simulations are then used to determine the scanning DMA transfer functions. The results suggest that the shape of the scanning DMA transfer functions may vary with mobility for scan times smaller than a certain value, which depends on the DMA flowrates, and this provides one criteria limiting the fastest scan possible with the conventional DMAs. A simple approach to determine upscan scanning DMA transfer functions in near real-time with minimal number of simulations is described. For upscan operation, the choice of the scantime is seen to impose upper and lower limits on the particle mobility range classified by a scanning DMA. The predicted effect of voltage scanning on altering DMA transfer functions is validated with fast scan experiments.
A study to develop a rating system and evaluate dental radiographs submitted to a third party carrier

The study was conducted to gain reliable baseline information on the quality of radiographs submitted to third party carriers. An easy, efficient system for rating radiographs was developed and applied to 1,000 preauthorization case submissions. The films were evaluated and the frequency distribution of errors determined. Results showed the majority of the examined full-mouth and partial-mouth radiograph series submitted to Pennsylvania Blue Shield were substandard. Recommendations for screening radiographs to upgrade their technical quality are offered.
Immunocytochemical localization of glutamic acid decarboxylase in physiologically identified interneurons of hamster spinal laminae III–V

Neurons in Rexed's laminae III-V of an isolated spinal cord-skin patch preparation from hamsters were recorded in whole-cell mode and stained intracellularly with biocytin. Evidence of inhibitory synaptic function was obtained via post-hoc immunofluorescent labeling with a monoclonal antibody directed against an axon terminal isoform of brain glutamic acid decarboxylase. For a subset of neurons, examination with laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed punctate accumulations of glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivity within axon enlargements (1-3 microm diameter), as imaged in single optical sections and confirmed by subsequent optical scans in the orthogonal plane. Axons of glutamic acid decarboxylase-immunoreactive neurons were found to exhibit dense local terminations overlapping the soma and dendrites or bifurcated into lengthy rostrocaudal daughter branches ventral to the cell body. The degree and uniformity of immunolabeling in axonal enlargements varied considerably, even amongst boutons belonging to the same cell. Glutamic acid decarboxylase-positive neurons received input from myelinated (A) afferent fibers and responded to natural stimuli appropriate for activating responses in low threshold mechanoreceptors. These results provide evidence that two different populations of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons are involved in local and intersegmental circuits that mediate integration of mechanosensory information in the deep spinal dorsal horn.