cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seeking Understanding or Sending Bombs: Beliefs as Predictors of Responses to Terrorism

A major question for many Americans following the terrorist attacks of September 11 was how best to respond to the attacks. This study considers some of the primary responses being discussed at the time, and individual differences in beliefs as predictors of support for those responses. Five hundred four undergraduate students indicated their level of endorsement for sending aid to Afghanistan, seeking understanding, increased surveillance and detention, attacking terrorists, and the use of military force. Right-wing authoritarianism emerged as a significant predictor of support for 4 of the 5 responses. Religious fundamentalism, belief in a just world, powerlessness, and universal-diverse orientation were each also significantly related to support for several of the responses to terrorism.
Novel micromachined silicon acoustic delay line systems for real-time photoacoustic tomography applications

In current photoacoustic tomography (PAT) systems, ultrasound transducer arrays and multi-channel data acquisition (DAQ) electronics are used to receive the PA signals. To achieve real-time PA imaging, massive 1D or even 2D transducer arrays and large number of DAQ channels are necessary. As a result, the ultrasound receiver becomes very complex, bulky and also costly. In this paper, we report the development of novel micromachined silicon acoustic delay line systems, which are expected to provide a new approach to address the above issue. First, fundamental building block structures of the acoustic delay line systems were designed and fabricated. Their acoustic properties were characterized with ultrasound and photoacoustic measurements. Second, two different acoustic delay line systems (parallel and serial) were designed and fabricated using advanced micromachining processes to ensure compact size, high accuracy, and good repeatability. The transmission of multiple acoustic signals in the acoustic delay line systems were studied with ultrasound experiment. Experimental results show that the silicon acoustic delay line systems can guide multiple channels of acoustic signals with low loss and distortion. With the addition of a set of suitable time delays, the time-delay acoustic signals arrived at a single-element transducer at different times and were unambiguously received and processed by the following DAQ electronics. Therefore, the micromachined silicon acoustic delay line systems could be used to combine multiple signal channels into a single one (without the involvement of electronic multiplexing), thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the ultrasound receiver for real-time PAT application.
Using cross-sectional couple data to disentangle the causality between positive partner perceptions and marital satisfaction

Abstract Relationship research has consistently shown that holding favorable perceptions of one’s partner has a strong, positive association with one’s relationship satisfaction. This association has been commonly interpreted as evidence to support the hypothesis that positive perceptions serve relationship-enhancing functions and lead to greater satisfaction. This article presents another explanation, arguing that being satisfied in the relationship motivates individuals to perceive their partner in a positive light. To test these two competing causality models, this study used a new methodology that does not require experimental manipulations or a longitudinal design; instead, it utilizes cross-sectional, dyadic data. The results showed that satisfaction drives positive perceptions; however, satisfaction is also influenced by how individuals perceive their partner and are perceived by their partner.
Smart electrical energy networks [review of "Power Electronics in Smart Electrical Energy Networks" (Strzelecki, R. and Benysek, G.; 2008)] [Book News]

The major aim of this book, a monograph written by an international team of authors, is to present the features, solutions, and applications of the power electronics arrangements likely to be useful in smart electrical energy networks. The book is organized into 12 chapters and includes the following topics: principles of electrical power control; an overview of power electronics converters and controls; quality problems in smart networks; high frequency AC power distribution platforms; integration of distributed generation with electrical power systems; active power quality controllers; and grid integration of wind energy systems, among other topics. The book includes numerous practical examples and very good illustrations that highlight the discussed topics. Each chapter begins with an introduction and is supplemented with a summary and list of references at the end. The book can be used a s a reference for advanced senior-level courses.
Influence of geometry and environmental parameters on the quality of signature patterns for single neuron chemical sensors

The influence of geometry and environmental parameters on the quality of spectral finger print of single neurons to chemical agents patterned over planar microelectrode arrays is studied. Long-term studies of SNRs at individual electrodes are also explored. Upon the non-invasive conditions of chemical sensing, a remarkably stable recording environment is obtained. Analysis of the sources of noise from single neuron coupling to planar microelectrode array shows that, in the low frequency range, 1/f noise is the main source of the noise and in the high frequency range the Johnson noise plays a more dominant role. Optimal geometry factors and a better sealing condition of the microchamber environment lead to an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the spectra. SNR measurements for ethanol sensing after denoising and comparison of the denosing results for a range of geometry factors and environmental conditions are demonstrated.
Tetraalkyldiarsines as Potential Precursors for Electronic Materials: Synthesis and Characterization of Various iso-Propyl Arsenic Compounds

Abstract : Tetrakis(iso-propyl)diarsine was synthesized by the reaction of (i- Pr)AsLi with (i-Pr)2Asl. The lithium salt of the secondary arsine was produced following deprotonation of (i-Pr)2AsH, obtained by reduction of (i-Pr)2AsI, which was prepared by the thermolysis of (i-Pr)3AsI2. The X-ray crystal structure of (I-Pr)3AslI has been determined on the product of the reaction of (i-Pr)3As and I2. Compounds of the general form E= As(i-Pr), (E = 0, S, Se) have been prepared. Organoarsenic chemistry, Isopropyl arsenic compounds, Diarsines.
A model of cerebral blood flow control in hypercapnia

A mathematical model of cerebral blood flow control to increases inP aCO2 is developed. The controlled system of the model (the brain) is composed of three well-mixed lumped parameter compartments: blood, cerebral extracellular fluid (ECF), and cerebral intracellular fluid (ICF). The conservation of mass equations are written for three chemical species: molecular carbon dioxide, bicarbonate ion, and hydrogen ion in each compartment, yielding nine first-order nonlinear differential equations. For the controller, cerebral blood flow is assumed a function of the chemical species in the compartments; in particular the hypotheses that blood flow is a function of interstitial fluid pH, or a function of interstitial fluid carbon dioxide tension operating through a proportional controller are investigated in detail. The parameters for these controllers were obtained from data in the physiologic literature as well as experiments performed as part of this study. This model is the first attempt to describe the transient behavior of the cerebral circulatory system to acid base disturbances. When the predictions of the model are compared with experimental data it is found that the model predicts a cerebral blood flow change to hypercapnia consistently slower than that found experimentally. This suggests that the cerebral circulatory response to CO2 inhalation is not exclusively a function of ECF or CO2 and that therefore other controls and/or mechanisms play a role as well.
Application of Strain Gage Augmeted Screws for Evaluation of Long Bone Internal Fixation

A common principle in long bone fracture management is interfragmentary contact and stabilization until sufficient osseous healing occurs to mobilize the fracture. However, in contrast to fracture repair, which relies on the combination of bone-to-bone contact and plate fixation for optimum load sharing distribution across the reparative site, there are clinical cases requiring major long bone reconstruction for leg-length inequality, or following radical tumor resection, wherein cortical bone-to-bone contact is initially absent. These cases, by their very nature, can involve cancellous bone grafts and, therefore, preclude the important biomechanical advantage of load sharing between existing cortical segments. In these instances, major load transfer must be through the plate and associated plate screws until adequate osseous consolidation allows for load sharing between bone and the internal fixation device.
Current surgical management of Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES) in patients without multiple endocrine neoplasia-type 1 (MEN1)

Abstract The role of surgery in the management of patients with sporadic (not part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1) Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES) is controversial. In this setting, 60–90% of gastrinomas are malignant and medical therapy can control the gastric acid hypersecretion in virtually every patient. Therefore, the progression of tumor is the major determinant of survival. Surgery will cure approximately one-third of patients with sporadic ZES. It will decrease the development of liver metastases and may improve survival. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is the best preoperative localization study. Its results are as good as all other imaging studies combined. Operative techniques should always include duodenotomy (opening the duodenum) and meticulous dissection of lymph nodes in the gastrinoma triangle, because duodenal primary tumors are often missed and lymph node primary tumors or metastases are common. Postoperative evaluation should include secretin test because it is the most sensitive method to document cure and detect tumor recurrence.
A review of cell culture contaminations.

It is apparent that most laboratories employing tissue and cell cultures for experimental or diagnostic purposes encounter contaminations. If not detected and properly controlled or eliminated, contaminants may severely affect such investigations, and be the cause of incorrect interpretations. The Committee on Contaminations in Cells and Tissue Cultures of the Tissue Culture Association considered it as one of its functions to review the most pertinent literature related to contaminations with cells, bacteria, yeasts, molds, parasites, Mycoplasma, and viruses. The present review article is not intended to cover the subject completely but will, hopefully, be helpful to workers in the area of cell and tissue cultures who are concerned about the problem of contamination. Apparently many are not thoroughly familiar with the proper procedures for prevention, detection, and, perhaps, elimination of contaminants from the experimental systems that they employ.
Hydrodynamic focusing with a microlithographic manifold: controlling the vertical position of a focused sample

A microfluidic manifold has been designed, fabricated, and tested that hydrodynamically focuses a sample into the center of a microchannel and provides control over the vertical position of the sample via the flow-rates of the focusing fluids. To characterize the focusing action, a mixing experiment was performed in which the sample fluid and focusing fluid contained different fluorescent dyes. By sweeping the ratio of the rate of the top focusing fluid to the rate of the bottom focusing fluid, the sample was positioned first near the top of the microchannel and then translated downward in steps to the bottom of the microchannel. Images were obtained with confocal microscopy, and the presumptive concentration distributions were computed using multiphysics software. The simulations were shown by direct visual comparison with the experimental images to accurately predict the distributions of fluids in our device. In order to quantitatively compare the two data sets, the images and simulations were analyzed using a simple center-of-mass measurement, and according to this measurement, the simulations accurately predicted the vertical position the focused sample.
Dealer Perceptions of Manufacturer Power and Influence Strategies in a Developing Country

The author reports a field study of dyadic channel relationships in India. Among the findings is that a manufacturer's perceived power is related positively to the frequency of use of relatively hi...
A slip theory of polycrystal creep under nonradial loadings

Abstract Creep deformation occurs in ductile metals without cracks. Hence, the conditions of equilibrium and continuity of displacement are satisfied throughout the polycrystal. A method: satisfying both of these conditions to calculate the macroscopic polycrystal stress-strain-time relation from that of the component crystals has been developed. Mechanical equation of state has been shown to represent approximately the polycrystal creep behavior under tensile loadings. The tensile strain rate E 11 C is taken as a function of the tensile stress T 11 s and the current amount of tensile creep strain E 11 C . This is expressed as E 11 C =F(T 11 ,E 11 C , where F is a function. It has been found that a stress-strain-time relation satisfying the mechanical equation of state in the component crystals gives a macroscopic polycrystal stress-strain-time relation that also satisfies the mechanical equation of state. In this study, we assume the creep strain in a slip system of a component crystal to have a similar equation γ m C =ƒ(τ m ,γ n C 'S) , where γ m C is the creep strain in the mth slip system, γ n C 's cover all the slid systems, τ m is the resolved shear stress in the m th slip system, and ƒ is a function. This component crystal creep behavior is derived from polycrystal creep test under a nonradial loading. Then this derived component crystal creep characteristics is used to calculate the polycrystal stress-strain-time curves of two other nonradial loadings. These calculated curves agree with the experimental results much better than those found from the commonly used von Mises' theory.
Role of Histone H3 Lysine 9 Methylation in Epigenetic Control of Heterochromatin Assembly

The assembly of higher order chromatin structures has been linked to the covalent modifications of histone tails. We provide in vivo evidence that lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3 Lys9) is preferentially methylated by the Clr4 protein at heterochromatin-associated regions in fission yeast. Both the conserved chromo- and SET domains of Clr4 are required for H3 Lys9 methylation in vivo. Localization of Swi6, a homolog of Drosophila HP1, to heterochomatic regions is dependent on H3 Lys9 methylation. Moreover, an H3-specific deacetylase Clr3 and a beta-propeller domain protein Rik1 are required for H3 Lys9 methylation by Clr4 and Swi6 localization. These data define a conserved pathway wherein sequential histone modifications establish a "histone code" essential for the epigenetic inheritance of heterochromatin assembly.
Hammerhead Ribozyme as a Therapeutic Agent for Hyperlipidemia: Production of Truncated Apolipoprotein B and Hypolipidemic Effects in a Dyslipidemia Murine Model

In humans, overproduction of apolipoprotein B (apoB) is positively associated with premature coronary artery diseases. To reduce the levels of apoB mRNA, we used adenovirus-mediated vector to target hammerhead ribozyme at GUA(6679) downward arrow of apoB mRNA (designated AvRB15) in the liver of a dyslipidemic mouse model that is deficient in apoB mRNA editing enzyme and overexpresses human apoB100. In this study, we delivered approximately 4 x 10(11) virus particles of AvRB15 (active ribozyme) or AvRB15-mutant (inactive ribozyme) to the animals. Using Southern blot analysis, we readily detected RB15 DNA in the mouse liver as long as day 35 after injection. This result was correlated with the RNA expression of RB15 by RNase protection assay. Using reverse ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction, the 3' cleavage product of apoB mRNA was detected, and the exact cleavage site was confirmed by sequencing. Importantly, the levels of human and mouse apoB mRNA decreased approximately 80% after AvRB15 transduction. There was a marked decrease in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and human apoB of 42, 51, and 62%, respectively, when compared with the inactive ribozyme-treated group. Moreover, ribozyme cleavage of apoB mRNA generated a truncated protein of the expected size (apoB48.1), which was associated with lipoprotein particles in the very low density, low density, and high density lipoprotein fractions. Taken together, these results indicate that apoB mRNA-specific hammerhead ribozyme can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to modulate apoB gene expression and to treat hyperlipidemia.
Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric analysis of the recombinant human macrophage colony stimulating factor β and derivatives

The potential of electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) to assist in the structural characterization of monomeric and dimeric derivatives of the macrophage colony stimulating factor β (rhM-CSFβ) was assessed. Mass spectrometric analysis of the 49 kDa protein required the use of sustained off-resonance irradiation (SORI) in-trap cleanup to reduce adduction. High resolution mass spectra were acquired for a fully reduced and a fully S-cyanylated monomeric derivative (∼25 kDa). Mass accuracy for monomeric derivatives was better than 5 ppm, after applying a new calibration method (i.e., DeCAL) which eliminates space charge effects upon high accuracy mass measurements. This high mass accuracy allowed the direct determination of the exact number of incorporated cyanyl groups. Collisionally induced dissociation using SORI yielded b- and y-fragment ions within the N- and C-terminal regions for the monomeric derivatives, but obtaining information on other regions required proteolytic digestion, or potentially the use of alternative dissociation methods.
Expression of a soluble flavone synthase allows the biosynthesis of phytoestrogen derivatives in Escherichia coli.

Flavones are plant secondary metabolites with potent pharmacological properties. We report the functional expression of FSI, a flavonoid 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase-encoding flavone synthase from parsley in Escherichia coli. This expression allows the biosynthesis of various flavones from phenylpropanoid acids in recombinant E. coli strains simultaneously expressing five plant-specific flavone biosynthetic genes. The gene ensemble consists of 4CL-2 (4-coumarate:CoA ligase) and FSI (flavone synthase I) from parsley, chsA (chalcone synthase) and chiA (chalcone isomerase) from Petunia hybrida, and OMT1A (7-O-methyltransferase) from peppermint. After a 24-h cultivation, the recombinant E. coli produces significant amounts of apigenin (415 μg/l), luteolin (10 μg/l), and genkwanin (208 μg/l). The majority of the flavone products are excreted in the culture media; however, 25% is contained within the cells. The metabolic engineering strategy presented demonstrates that plant-specific flavones are successfully produced in E. coli for the first time by incorporating a soluble flavone synthase confined only in Apiaceae.
A gas chromatographic method for the determination of aldose and uronic Acid constituents of plant cell wall polysaccharides.

A major problem in determining the composition of plant cell wall polysaccharides has been the lack of a suitable method for accurately determining the amounts of galacturonic and glucuronic acids in such polymers. A gas chromatographic method for aldose analysis has been extended to include uronic acids. Cell wall polysaccharides are depolymerized by acid hydrolysis followed by treatment with a mixture of fungal polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. The aldoses and uronic acids released by this treatment are then reduced with NaBH4 to alditols and aldonic acids, respectively. The aldonic acids are separated from the alditols with Dowex-1 (acetate form) ion exchange resin, which binds the aldonic acids. The alditols, which do not bind, are washed from the resin and then acetylated with acetic anhydride to form the alditol acetate derivatives. The aldonic acids are eluted from the resin with HCl. After the resin has been removed, the HCl solution of the aldonic acids is evaporated to dryness, converting the aldonic acids to aldonolactones. The aldonolactones are reduced with NaBH4 to the corresponding alditols, dried and acetylated. The resulting alditol acetate mixtures produced from the aldoses and those from the uronic acids are analyzed separately by gas chromatography. This technique has been used to determine the changes in composition of Red Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) hypocotyl cell walls during growth, and to compare the cell wall polysaccharide compositions of several parts of bean plants. Galacturonic acid is found to be a major component of all the cell wall polysaccharides examined.
Modern algebra and information science

Mathematical concepts used in modern algebra are useful for modeling aspects of information systems. One such aspect is the syndetic structure employed in information retrieval systems. The equivalence classes of modern algebra can represent the See Also components of traditional library catalogs, while partial orderings and mappings assist in modeling syndetics in more sophisticated systems, such as thesauri. Utilizing the full strength of algebraic techniques should provide improvements to the models suggested in this article.
Heterogeneity of rat cardiac cells of defined origin in single cell culture

Abstract Cells derived from tissue containing different elements of the conduction system of the neonatal rat heart have been isolated and maintained separately in culture. The autorhythmic cells are of three morphological types, one of which has not previously been described, and the distribution of these types is dependent on the anatomic origin of the cells. The heterogeneity in morphology and intrinsic rate of contraction is consistent with in vivo observations.
An initial report of a new biological marker for bipolar disorder: P85 evoked brain potential

Objectives: Progress toward understanding the neurobiological and genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder has been limited by the scarcity of potential biological markers that predict its occurrence. A measure of the integrity of brain inhibitory function, sensory gating, measured using the amplitude of the evoked potential at 50 ms to the first of two paired clicks divided by the response to the second, has been characterized as a biological marker for schizophrenia. Currently, no such biological marker exists for bipolar disorder. The goal of this research was to determine how gating of an auditory brain potential at 85 ms (P85), not previously examined in sensory gating studies, differentiated control and patient groups. Methods: P50 and P85 auditory evoked potentials were collected from individuals diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (n = 45), paranoid schizophrenia (n = 66), and bipolar I disorder (n = 42) using DSM-IV criteria and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; and from 56 healthy controls. Results: The P85 gating ratio was significantly larger in the bipolar disorder group compared to each of the other groups (F3,204 = 5.47, p = 0.001, and post-hoc tests). The P50 gating ratio was significantly larger for the schizoaffective group than for the control group (F3,204 = 2.81, p = 0.040), but did not differ from the ratio for the schizophrenia, paranoid type (p = 0.08) and bipolar groups. Conclusions: The previously unstudied P85 gating ratio may provide a new marker specific to bipolar disorder. The findings will promote further studies to investigate the unique contribution of this measure as an endophenotype.
The Synthesis of Alkenes via Reduction-Elimination of 1,2-Diol Cyclic Phosphate Derivatives

Abstract In connection with studies on the synthesis of hindered olefins we required a method for the conversion of ditertiary erythro vicinal glycols to tetrasubstituted E-alkenes, a process requiring net anti elimination of H2O2.1
Fungal parasitism of Synedra acus (Bacillariophyceae) and the significance of parasite life history

Summary Fungal parasitism of Synedra acus Kutz was investigated during a two-year study of Lake Lanier, Georgia (USA); a large monomictic reservoir of the Chattahoochee River. Consecutive epidemics of Zygorhizidium planktonicum Canter coincided with winter overturn from December to March (1993–1995). Host abundances during this period ranged from 50–100 cells ml−1 in December (11–13°C) to > 200 cells ml−1 from January to February (7–11°C). The incidence of fungal infection remained below 15% at the onset of each bloom; however, infectivity increased to 32% and 44% by January 1994 and March 1995, respectively. Host populations declined considerably following re-stratification in March, and Z. planktonicum remained absent from surface waters until the subsequent winter bloom. Laboratory studies revealed that fungal resting spores could remain dormant for at least 250 d. Activation at 10–16°C resulted in 70–80% germinability after only 6 d. On the basis of these findings, we propose that resting spores formed by the preceding epidemic remained dormant at reduced hypolimnion temperatures (
Parakeratosis of the mucosa in zinc‐deficient rats

Epithelial parakeratosis has been observed in zinc-deficient animals of several species. In the rat, it has been reported on the epidermis, footpad, esophagus, soft palate, buccal mucosa, and dorsal tongue. This study reports that the lower lip also shows a striking hyperparakeratosis, as well as epithelial hyperplasia and an increase in mitoses. The appearance of these features was rapid with changes noted at Day 7 and persisting through Day 14 and Day 28. On Day 32, zinc was restored to the diet at control levels and by 42 days the zinc-deficient group showed dramatic increases in food intake, body weight, femur zinc and, in addition, mucosa of the lower lip resembled zinc-adequate controls. These differences are statistically significant. Morphometric comparison of spinous cells from zinc-deficients with those of the controls did not show significant differences.
Improving islet transplantation by gene delivery of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its downstream target, protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt

Clinical studies have demonstrated that islet transplantation may be a useful procedure to replace beta cell function in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Islet transplantation faces many challenges, including complications associated with the procedure itself, the toxicity of immunosuppression regimens, and to the loss of islet function and insulin-independence with time. Despite the current successes, and residual challenges, these studies have pointed out an enormous scarcity of islet tissue that precludes the use of islet transplantation in a clinical setting on a wider scale. To address this problem, many research groups are trying to identify different islet growth factors and intracellular molecules capable of improving islet graft survival and function, therefore reducing the number of islets needed for successful transplantation. Among these growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a factor known to improve transplantation of a variety of organs/cells, has shown promising results in increasing islet graft survival and reducing the number of islets needed for successful transplantation in four different rodent models of islet transplantation. Protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt, a pro-survival intracellular signaling molecule is known to be activated in the beta cell by several different growth factors, including HGF. PKB/Akt has also shown promising results for improving human islet graft survival and function in a minimal islet mass model of islet transplantation in diabetic SCID mice. Increasing our knowledge on how HGF, PKB/Akt and other emerging molecules work for improving islet transplantation may provide substrate for future therapeutic approaches aimed at increasing the number of patients in which beta cell function can be successfully replaced.
Effects of food on a gastrically degraded drug: azithromycin fast-dissolving gelatin capsules and HPMC capsules.

Commercial azithromycin gelatin capsules (Zithromax®) are known to be bioequivalent to commercial azithromycin tablets (Zithromax®) when dosed in the fasted state. These capsules exhibit a reduced bioavailability when dosed in the fed state, while tablets do not. This gelatin capsule negative food effect was previously proposed to be due to slow and/or delayed capsule disintegration in the fed stomach, resulting in extended exposure of the drug to gastric acid, leading to degradation to des-cladinose-azithromycin (DCA). Azithromycin gelatin capsules were formulated with “superdisintegrants” to provide fast-dissolving capsules, and HPMC capsule shells were substituted for gelatin capsule shells, in an effort to eliminate the food effect. Healthy volunteers were dosed with these dosage forms under fasted and fed conditions; pharmacokinetics were evaluated. DCA pharmacokinetics were also evaluated for the HPMC capsule subjects. In vitro disintegration of azithromycin HPMC capsules in media containing food was evaluated and compared with commercial tablets and commercial gelatin capsules. When the two fast-dissolving capsule formulations were dosed to fed subjects, the azithromycin AUC was 38.9% and 52.1% lower than after fasted-state dosing. When HPMC capsules were dosed to fed subjects, the azithromycin AUC was 65.5% lower than after fasted-state dosing. For HPMC capsules, the absolute fasting-state to fed-state decrease in azithromycin AUC (on a molar basis) was similar to the increase in DCA AUC. In vitro capsule disintegration studies revealed extended disintegration times for commercial azithromycin gelatin capsules and HPMC capsules in media containing the liquid foods milk and Ensure®. Interaction of azithromycin gelatin and HPMC capsules with food results in slowed disintegration in vitro and decreased bioavailability in vivo. Concurrent measurement of serum azithromycin and the acid-degradation product DCA demonstrates that the loss of azithromycin bioavailability in the fed state is largely (and probably entirely) due to gastric degradation to DCA. Capsules can provide a useful and elegant dosage form for almost all drugs, but may result in a negative food effect for drugs as acid-labile as azithromycin.
Application of xanthan gum for reducing syruping in refrigerated doughs

Abstract Refrigerated dough is a flour-based, unbaked product that is stored between 4 and 7 °C, and its quality during storage is very crucial. Under some conditions, liquid can separate from the dough and form a syrup like liquid that can leak out of the package. This phenomenon is called “dough syruping” and is unacceptable for the consumers. In this study, incorporation of 0.01, 0.5 and 1% xanthan gum was investigated to evaluate its effect on syrup formation and rheological properties of refrigerated dough during storage. The rheological changes were studied using farinograph. Various xanthan concentrations have impact on syrup formation and rheological properties of refrigerated dough. Syrup formation was significantly decreased by addition of increased percentages of xanthan gum in refrigerated dough formulations.
Some estimates of genotype × environment interactions in potato variety tests

Five cultivars were studied for 3 years to estimate the genotype × environment interactions. Plant height was studied at four locations. The tuber characters, yield, type, number, and specific gravity were studied at three locations. There were no significant clone × location or clone × year interactions. The clone × year × location interaction was significant for plant height and tuber yield. The clone × replication in year and location interaction was significant for all characters studied. The theoretical variance of a clonal mean was used to determine the most efficient allocation of plots. The largest reduction in standard error of the mean was obtained by increasing locations. Comparisons of standard errors of differences in percentages of the observed mean were also made to estimate precision obtained with specific testing procedures.
Nitrogen levels and yeast viability during ethanol fermentation of grain sorghum containing condensed tannins

Abstract Selected varieties of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench, give high crop yields and they also return to favorable energy balance in terms of energy calories produced per cultural energy invested. The brown, condensed-tannin, bird- and mold-resistant varieties illustrate these advantages, but their nutritional value and ability to support the expected rate of ethanol fermentation is significantly lower than that of non-brown sorghums. It has been previously shown that the addition of nitrogen to brown sorghum mash supports a high rate of fermentative metabolism without removing the tannins, and suggested that the basis for the inhibition of ethanol fermentation was nitrogen starvation of the yeast cells. In this investigation, it is demonstrated that the addition of protease enzyme to mash results in an increase in amino nitrogen sufficient to support accelerated rates of ethanol fermentation by yeast cells. Thus, the hypothesis commonly cited in the literature that the presumed inhibitor, condensed tannins, function to reduce fermentative metabolism solely via the binding and precipitation of proteins is rejected. In addition, both pre- and post-cook additions of various nitrogen sources give the same restoration of expected rates of ethanol fermentation. The results from studies on the viability of yeast cells suggest that one major cause of reduced rates of ethanol fermentation in mash prepared from brown sorghum varieties is accelerated cell death probably resulting from nitrogen starvation.
Characterization of Sheet Buckling Subjected to Controlled Boundary Constraints

A wedge strip test is designed to study the onset and post-buckling behavior of a sheet under various boundary constraints. The device can be easily incorporated into a conventional tensile test machine and material resistance to buckling is measured as the buckling height versus the in-plane strain state. The design yields different but consistent buckling modes with easy changes of boundary conditions (either clamped or freed) and sample geometry. Experimental results are then used to verify a hybrid approach to buckling prediction, i.e., the combination of the FEM analysis and an energy-based analytical wrinkling criterion. The FEM analysis is used to obtain the stress field and deformed geometry in a complex forming condition, while the analytical solution is to provide the predictions less sensitive to artificial numerical parameters. A good agreement between experimental data and numerical predictions is obtained.
Diuretics were superior to calcium channel blockers and short term ACE inhibitors for reducing heart failure in hypertension.

Source Citation Davis BR, Piller LB, Cutler JA, et al. Role of diuretics in the prevention of heart failure: the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial. Circula...
Changes in phosphoproteins of chicken bone matrix in vitamin D-deficient rickets

Abstract Vitamin D-deficiency and rickets was produced in growing chicks. The resulting decrese in mineralization of whole bone and of fractions separated by density centrifugation was accompanied by a very significant decrease in the contents of O -phosphoserine and O -phosphothreonine. Likewise, the total amount of O -phosphoserine and O -phosphothreonine and the concentrations of these phosphoamino acids in EDTA extracts and in fractions obtained by molecular sieving was also reduced. These data provide the first in vivo evidence that phosphoproteins may be critically involved in the calcification of bone.
Water clustering in the presence of a CO2 molecule

Abstract The gas-phase geometries of the complexes CW n formed between one CO 2 molecule and various numbers n of water molecules ( n = 1–8) have been examined using the Moller–Plesset perturbation (MP2) and the density functional methods coupled with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set. For a given number of water molecules, the latter aggregate in a stable complex with strong hydrogen bonds on one side of the CO 2 molecule. The reported stabilization energies associated with the clustering of CO 2 and water molecules have been corrected for the basis set superposition error. van der Waals and O H⋯O C interactions bind the water and CO 2 molecules in the complexes. It was also found that the water moieties of some of the optimized structures of the CW4 CW8 complexes resemble the water moieties of the well known gas hydrates. The Gibbs free energy changes for clustering of molecules as stable complexes were calculated at various temperatures. These calculations revealed that their formation is spontaneous at sufficiently low temperatures. The stretching frequency of the CO 2 in the complex increases and that of the water molecules attached to the CO 2 molecule decreases compared to their free states. These shifts depend on the strength of the O H⋯O C interaction. The comparison between the stabilization energies of a number of complexes CO 2 (H 2 O) n , indicated that their stabilization energies are approximately equal to the sum of the stabilization energies of two moieties of CO 2 (H 2 O) n /2 provided that their (H 2 O) n /2 are located on the opposite sides of CO 2 .
A new simple preparation method for NaK-ATPase-rich membrane fragments.

Abstract A method for the isolation of highly active membrane bound NaK-ATPase without detergents in quantity from the electric organ of the electric eel ( Electrophorus electricus ) is described. This method consists of the homogenation of electric organ with an isotonic solution containing sucrose, histidine, EDTA, and arginine, and of the separation of the higher active membrane fraction from the microsomal fraction by density gradient centrifugation. The enzyme has a specific activity of about 20 μmol Pi/min/mg at 37°C, and 13 μmol Pi/min/mg at 30°C. Although it is not as pure as the detergent-treated enzyme preparation based on the level of phosphorylated protein, ouabain binding, or sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, its enzyme activity is comparable to that of the purified enzymes. This preparation is very stable and is able to change its medium by Sephadex chromatography without any loss of enzyme activity and protein content. This preparation is also expected to keep the original characteristics as well as the enzyme in the tissue.
Molecular mechanisms of steroid action in asthma

Glucocorticosteroids are highly effective in the control of many inflammatory and immune diseases, and recently there has been an enormous increase in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved? Recently important advances have occurred in understanding the molecular mechanisms of steroid action, largely through the application of molecular biology techniques. 2, 3 GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTORS Glucocorticoids exert their effects by binding to a single glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is predominantly localized to the cytoplasm of target cells, and only on binding of the glucocorticoid does it move into the nuclear compartment. The affinity of cortisol binding to GR is approximately 30 mmol/L, which falls within the normal range for plasma concentrations of free hormone. There is a single class of GRs, with no evidence of subtypes of differing affinity in different tissues, and its structure has been elucidated with the use of sitedirected mutagenesis, which has revealed distinct domains. 4 The glucocorticoid-binding domain is at the C-terminal end of the molecule, and two finger-like projections that interact with DNA are in the middle of the molecule. Each of these "zinc fingers" is formed by a zinc molecule bound to four cysteine residues. An N-terminal domain (-q) is involved in transcriptional trans-activation of genes once binding to DNA occurs, and this region may also be involved in binding to other transcription factors. 5 This is the least conserved part of the molecule. Deletion analysis has demonstrated a 41-amino acid core at the C-terminal end of the "r a domain that is critical for trans-activation. In human GRs there is another trans-acting domain ('r2) adjacent to the steroid-binding domain, and this region is also important for the nuclear transloca
A new algorithm for scalar register promotion based on SSA form

We present a new register promotion algorithm based on Static Single Assignment (SSA) form. Register promotion is aimed at promoting program names from memory locations to registers. Our algorithm is profile-driven and is based on the scope of intervals. In cases where a complete promotion is not possible because of the presence of function calls or pointer references, the proposed algorithm is capable of eliminating loads and stores on frequently executed paths by placing loads and stores on less frequently executed paths. We also describe an efficient method to incrementally update SSA form when new definitions are cloned from an existing name during register promotion. On SPECInt95 benchmarks, our algorithm removes about ~12% of memory operations which access scalar variables.
Institutional environment and the mechanisms of governance: the impact of intellectual property protection on the structure of inter-firm alliances

Abstract This study builds on developments in transaction cost economics to examine how institutional environment and transaction (project) characteristics affect governance of inter-firm alliances. The focus is on the choice between equity and contractual alliance forms under differing regimes of intellectual property protection and other national institutional features. Empirical results identify transaction-level characteristics as primary drivers of governance choice in alliances, but intellectual property protection is also a significant factor: firms adopt more hierarchical governance modes when protection is weak. Complete understanding of the structure of inter-firm alliances thus requires a combined focus on the institutional environment and mechanisms of governance.
PROMIS for Laparoscopy

We tested the responsiveness of the National Institutes of Health-sponsored Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) global health short form and a linear analog self-assessment for laparoscopy. From May 2011 through December 2013, patients undergoing laparoscopy responded to patient reported outcome questionnaires perioperatively. Composite and single item scores were compared. One hundred fifteen patients, mean age 55 years, 58 % female, were enrolled. Visual analog pain scores differed significantly from baseline (mean 1.7 ± 2.3) to postoperative day 1 (mean 4.8 ± 2.6) and 7 (mean 2.5 ± 2.1) (p < 0.0001). PROMIS physical subscale and total physical component subscore differed significantly from baseline (14.4 ± 3.0/47.4 ± 8.3) to postoperative day 1 (12.7 ± 3.2/42.1 ± 8.8) (p = 0.0007/0.0003), due to everyday physical activities (p = 0.0001). Linear analog self-assessment scores differed from baseline for pain frequency (p < 0.0001), pain severity (p < 0.0001), and social activity (p = 0.0052); 40 % of subjects reported worsening in PROMIS physical T-score to postoperative day 1 and 25 % to postoperative day 7. Linear analog self-assessment mental well-being scores were worse in 32 % of patients at postoperative day 7, emotional well-being in 28 %, social activity in 24 %, and fatigue in 20 % of patients. Single items and change from baseline are responsive perioperative quality of life assessments for laparoscopy.
Active Transport of Iron by Intestine : Effect of Erythropoiesis stimulated by Phenylhydrazine

INTESTINAL absorption of radio-iron in intact rats was increased during the enhanced erythropoiesis which followed haemolysis induced by phenylhydrazine1. Similarly, erythropoiesis stimulated by acetylphenylhydrazine in dogs also increased iron absorption in vivo2. This report describes experiments designed to study the effects of increased erythropoiesis in the rat on iron transport across everted duodenal gut sacs in vitro. The in vitro technique has defined an active transport mechanism for iron absorption3,4 which varies adaptively with dietary iron and pregnancy5 and, as will be shown, the cellular mechanism is also involved in the response to increased erythropoiesis.
A Mechanistic Model for Predicting Heat and Mass Transfer in Vertical Two-Phase Flow

The mass transfer coefficient plays an important role in predicting corrosion rates. Using similarities between heat and mass transfer mechanisms, a mechanistic model is proposed to predict heat and mass transfer coefficients for two-phase flow in vertical pipes. The mechanistic model is evaluated by using water-air heat transfer experimental data obtained from the literature. The mechanistic model is also compared with commonly used empirical correlations. In comparison with available heat transfer correlations, the mechanistic model performs very well for vertical annular flow, bubbly flow and slug or intermittent flow that were considered. The mechanistic model is based on physics of two-phase flow and thus is expected to be more general than empirical correlations.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Building Publishers' Journal Archives in the Committee on Institutional Cooperation

In response to fiscal pressure, increasing user demand, preservation needs, and concerns regarding future access to scholarly journal content, the Committee on Institutional Cooperation's (CIC) Center for Library Initiatives (CLI) has embarked on developing several publisher-based print journal archives. These print archives include titles from Elsevier's Academic Press and the complete publisher runs from John Wiley and Sons and Springer. This article is an overview of the processes and rationale for each archive and the corresponding lessons learned from these implementations.
Partial sequence of a candidate gene for the Marfan syndrome

FIBRILLIN is a large (relative molecular mass 350,000) glyco-protein which can be isolated from fibroblast cell cultures and is a component of the microfibrils that are ubiquitous in the connective tissue space1. The microfibrils of the suspensory ligament of the lens as well as the elastic fibre microfibrils of the blood vessel wall are composed of fibrillin. The ocular and cardiovascular manifestations of the Marfan syndrome are consistent with a defect in the gene coding for a structural constituent of these connective tissues. Immunohistological experiments have recently implicated fibrillin microfibrils in the pathogenesis of the Marfan syndrome2. Genetic linkage data3, 4 localizing the Marfan gene to chromosome 15 and the in situ hybridization of fibrillin complementary DNAto 15q21.1 (ref. 5) together support fibrillin as a candidate Marfan gene. As a first step towards investigating the function of fibrillin in the architecture and development of connective tissues and its relationship to the Marfan syndrome, we report the cloning and partial sequencing of fibrillin cDNA.
Extension of Clearance and Impact Force Estimation Approaches to a Beam-Stop System

Abstract Three novel approaches to estimate clearances and impact forces, developed for a one-degree-of-freedom impact oscillator, have been extended to a simple undamped beam-stop system to demonstrate the applicability of the previously proposed methods. The case considered here is more practical, as the impact location is remote from the sensing location. The predictions of estimations of impact forces and clearances obtained using data from the mechanical experiments were compared with measured impact forces and actual clearances, respectively, and indicated a good agreement.