cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the distribution and binding of endogenous glutathione in wheat dough and gluten. II. Binding sites of endogenous glutathione in glutenins

For the identification of the binding sites of glutathione (GS) in glutenins, flour of the wheat cultivar " Canadian Western Red Spring " was mixed with water containing 35S-labelled reduced GS as a tracer. The resulting dough was washed in a Glutomatic, and, in order to remove gliadins, the gluten obtained was extracted with 70% aqueous ethanol adjusted to pH 5.5 with acetic acid. The residual proteins (glutenins) were hydrolyzed with thermolysin, and the hydrolysate was separated by gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G25 and by several steps of reversed-phase HPLC on C18 silica gel. The major radioactive disulphide peptides identified by scintillation analysis were collected and analysed for their amino acid sequences. Twenty-five peptides linked to GS could be assigned to known sequences of gluten proteins. Most peptides (16) were derived from low molecular weight (LMW) subunits of glutenin. Among these, 13 peptides contained the cysteine residue Cb*, which is present in the repetitive sequence region of LMW subunits and which has been postulated to form intermolecular disulphide bonds. This peptide type represented 45% of the total radioactivity of isolated peptides. Three further peptides from LMW subunits representing 46% of radioactivity included cysteine Cx, which has also been proposed to form intermolecular disulphide bonds. Four peptides with 3.2% of radioactivity could be assigned to high molecular weight subunits (cysteines Cb, Cd, Ce, Cy) and four peptides (3.0% of radioactivity) to glutenin-bound γ-gliadins (Cb*, Cw, Cz). One peptide (3.3% of radioactivity) corresponded to cysteine Cc from γ-gliadins or LMW subunits. Altogether the cysteine residues in glutenins, which are usually linked by intermolecular disulphide bonds, contributed up to 95% of total radioactivity. The results obtained are in accordance with the effect of reduced GS on the rheological properties of dough, namely the weakening of dough by depolymerization of glutenin polymers via specific cleavage of intermolecular disulphide bonds.
High-efficiency kW-class QCW 88x-nm diode semiconductor laser bars with passive cooling

We present our recent efforts to improve power rating, efficiency, reliability, and cost of diode laser bars in the 88x nm wavelength band. QCW kW-class diode laser bars are grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), and are cleaved, passivated, coated, and die bonded onto either standard copper CS-style heat sinks using indium solder, or onto expansion matched CuW CS heat sinks using AuSn solder. In an effort to realize high power operation, the high efficiency 880-nm epitaxial design has been optimized. Bars of varying fill factors, cavity lengths, and facet coating reflectivities are explored to improve the rated electrical to optical (E-O) efficiency up to approximately 70% under low duty cycle QCW operations. The enhanced E-O efficiency makes possible not only the passive cooling of the devices, but also reliable operation in the kW power range. We demonstrate that the semiconductor laser bars can survive over 100 million laser shots working in QCW mode. It is expected that the development of these passively cooled, highly efficient and highly reliable QCW kW-class diode laser bars will enable commercial applications.
Cerebrovascular angioplasty and stenting for the Prevention of stroke

Until recently, stroke preventive strategies have focused on either medical regimens aimed at antagonizing or reversing atherosclerosis, or surgical intervention for revascularization of the cerebrovascular system. However, with the advent of rapidly emerging microcatheterization techniques and technology, endovascular surgical revascularization of the brain is rapidly emerging as a powerful therapeutic modality. In particular, significant advances already have been made in revascularization of the extracranial carotid artery and many common anatomic sites of intracranial athero-occlusive disease, using special adaptations of conventional percutaneous angioplasty and stenting techniques. This paper reviews the cumulative experience with these emerging techniques, with a particular emphasis on clinical outcomes and future directions. It also reports the substantial cumulative institutional experience of the authors over the past 18 months with both extracranial carotid and intracranial artery stent-assisted carotid angioplasty.
Self-organization of a wedge-shaped surfactant in monolayers and multilayers

The self-organization behavior of a wedge-shaped surfactant, disodium-3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)phenylmethylphosphonate, was studied in Langmuir monolayers (at the air-water interface), Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers and multilayers, and films adsorbed spontaneously from isooctane solution onto a mica substrate (self-assembled films). This compound forms an inverted hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystal phase in the bulk and in thick adsorbed films. Surface pressure isotherm and Brewster angle microscope (BAM) studies of Langmuir monolayers revealed three phases: gas (G), liquid expanded (LE), and liquid condensed (LC). The surface pressure-temperature phase diagram was determined in detail; a triple point was found at approximately 10 degrees C. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images of LB monolayers transferred from various regions of the phase diagram were consistent with the BAM images and indicated that the LE regions are approximately 0.5 nm thinner than the LC regions. AFM images were also obtained of self-assembled films after various adsorption times. For short adsorption times, when monolayer self-assembly was incomplete, the film topography indicated the coexistence of two distinct monolayer phases. The height difference between these two phases was again 0.5 nm, suggesting a correspondence with the LE/LC coexistence observed in the Langmuir monolayers. For longer immersion times, adsorbed multilayers assembled into highly organized periodic arrays of inverse cylindrical micelles. Similar periodic structures, with the same repeat distance of 4.5 nm, were also observed in three-layer LB films. However, the regions of organized periodic structure were much smaller and more poorly correlated in the LB multilayers than in the films adsorbed from solution. Collectively, these observations indicate a high degree of similarity between the molecular organization in Langmuir layers/LB films and adsorbed self-assembled films. In both cases, monolayers progress through an LE phase, into LE/LC coexistence, and finally into LC phase as surface density increases. Following the deposition of an additional bilayer, the film reorganizes to form an array of inverted cylindrical micelles.
Design and performance of a hybrid mass spectrometer of QEB geometry

Abstract A new hybrid tandem mass spectrometer consisting of a quadrupole mass filter followed by a double focusing mass spectrometer has been constructed. In this paper, we report on the design and performance of this instrument. Examples of some of the various types of experiments that can be performed on this instrument are shown and other possible experiments are discussed with special emphasis on comparison with other tandem mass spectrometers in general and tandem hybrid mass spectrometers in particular. Possible design changes that should improve the performance of the instrument are also discussed.
R150A mutant of F TraI relaxase domain: reduced affinity and specificity for single-stranded DNA and altered fluorescence anisotropy of a bound labeled oligonucleotide.

F factor TraI is a helicase and a single-stranded DNA nuclease (“relaxase”) essential for conjugative DNA transfer. A TraI domain containing relaxase activity, TraI36, was generated previously. Substituting Ala for Arg150 (R150A) of TraI36 reduces in vitro relaxase activity. The mutant has reduced affinity, relative to wild type, for a 3‘-TAMRA-labeled 22-base single-stranded oligonucleotide. While both R150A and wild-type TraI36 bind oligonucleotide, only wild type increases steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of the labeled 22-base oligonucleotide upon binding. In contrast, binding by either protein increases steady-state anisotropy of a 3‘-TAMRA-labeled 17-base oligonucleotide. Time-resolved intensity data for both oligonucleotides, bound and unbound, require three lifetimes for adequate fits, at least one more than the fluorophore alone. The preexponential amplitude for the longest lifetime increases upon binding. Time-resolved anisotropy data for both oligonucleotides, bound and unbound, require two...
A comparison of conservative therapy and early selective ligation in the treatment of lymphatic complications following vascular procedures.

Abstract Background : Lymphatic leakage is a relatively uncommon but serious complication following vascular procedures. A conservative approach consisting of bed rest, leg elevation, prophylactic antibiotics, compressive dressings, and intermittent aspiration is the most commonly used treatment. Because of the long time it takes to cure this condition and the potential for infections, a more aggressive approach consisting of wound exploration and ligation of the leaking lymphatic has been proposed. We review our experience of the past 3 years treating 17 of these complications by using 1 of these 2 approaches. Patients and methods : Seventeen groin complications were seen over a period of 3 years. Ten (59%) patients were treated by selective ligation assisted with isosulfan blue dye injection, and the remaining 7 (41%) were treated conservatively. Results : Mean hospital stay was 2.4 days (range 1 to 4) for the operative group versus 19 days (range 14 to 42) for the conservative group. One complication was seen in the operative group, whereas 4 (57%) patients developed groin infections following conservative therapy. One (10%) patient developed a recurrence following ligation that was treated successfully by reoperation. Conclusion : Our experience with the use of surgical ligation of leaking lymphatic assisted by isosulfan blue, when compared with conservative treatment, has led to a decrease in hospital stay, lower complication rates, and fewer recurrences. In our view, this approach represents the best form of treatment for postoperative groin lymphatic complications.
Material symmetry and the evolution of anisotropies in a simple material—II. The evolution of material symmetry

A proper evolutionary definition of material symmetry is presented. The evolution of a material's symmetries as the material undergoes a deformation history is followed, and a procedure for the identification of those changes which are common to all simple materials is provided. Explicit results are presented for initially isotropic, transversely isotropic, and orthotropic materials under- going simple deformation histories. In this paper, we will follow the evolution of a material's symmetries as the material undergoes a deformation history. The purpose is to identify those changes which are common to all simple materials. Section 2 covers the preliminaries from continuum mechanics. Sections 3 and 4 are devoted to explaining what is meant by material symmetry (MS) and material symmetry groups (MSGs). The MS is defined not as an absolute property of a material, but as a property associated with the state of the material. This definition allows MS to change as the material changes its state. Section 5 states the problem and provides its solution. We show that the current MSG of the material is obtained as the superset of the intersection of the material's initial MSG with a group of transformations which describe the symmetries of the deformations the material has undergone. Sections 6-10 confine their attention to materials which are initially in a state such that their MS can be associated with a group of orthogonal transformations (i.e. the material's group of MSGs can be generated from an orthogonal generator). In particular, explicit results are presented for initially isotropic, transversely isotropic, and orthotropic materials. In each case, several different deformation histories are considered. There is a general lack of references on the subject of the evolution of anisotropies from a continuum point of view. The need for such a study has for some time been expressed in the field, and is described by J. L. Erickson Cl) who stated: "For the most part, non-linear continuum theory has been based on the premise that the symmetry of a material never changes. To analyze common phase transition, we need to revise such a theory of symmetry, but this is easier said than done . . .".
Neutron radiative capture methods for surface elemental analysis

Abstract Both an accelerator and a 252 Cf neutron source have been used to induce characteristic gamma radiation from extended soil samples. To demonstrate the method, measurements of the neutron-induced radiative capture and activation gamma rays have been made with both Ge(Li) and NaI(Tl) detectors, Because of the possible application to space flight geochemical analysis, it is believed that NaI(Tl) detectors must be used. Analytical procedures have been developed to obtain both qualitative and semiquantitative results from an interpretation of the measured NaI(Tl) pulse-height spectrum. Experiment results and the analytic procedure are presented.
RHABDOVIRUSES AND APOPTOSIS

Viral-induced apoptosis is recognized as a common method utilized by viruses to overcome the host. Recent evidence indicates that infection by rhabdoviruses such asvesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), and rabies virus results in apoptotic cell death. Similar morphological changes and host cell proteins are inducedin cells infected with these different viruses; however, the viral proteins responsible for these changes vary. In addition, the molecular mechanism(s) utilized by these viruses to induce apoptosis are on the brink of discovery. This article serves to summarize our current understanding of the apoptotic process during rhabdovirus infection and to illustrate forthcoming areas of study in the field
Analysis of National County-Level Heavy-Duty Freight Truck Emissions

A national level travel demand model for heavy freight trucks was created to determine the effects if these vehicles on national air quality. A commodity-based freight flow model was created from various sources to estimate national county-level freight flows. The flows were then converted to truck trips through the use of payload factors determined from the vehicle inventory and use study (VIUS) database. Finally, the truck trips were assigned to a national highway network and heavy freight vehicle, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) was determined on the county level. The model performance was evaluated against both the results for another national level model, the Freight Analysis Framework, and against actual vehicle count data. The estimated truck activity characteristics were then input to a freight truck emission model to evaluate the air quality impacts of freight trucking. The model represents a new method for the development of freight truck travel demand models by using actual truck travel characteristics to fit the results of the gravity model procedure. This represents a useful advance in working around the lack of trip distribution data in the field of freight activity and air quality modeling.
Effect of prepartum and postpartum dietary energy on growth and lactation of primiparous cows.

Abstract Sixty-seven Holstein replacement heifers (19 mo) were fed a standard (59.7% TDN) or a high energy (69.3% TDN) diet until parturition. After parturition, primiparous cows were fed either 0 or 2.8% supplemental tallow for 150 d in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with prepartum treatments. High energy prepartum increased BW (693.5 vs. 663.7kg) and body condition scores (3.72 vs. 3.55) at calving. Increased energy density of the diet prepartum did not affect milk yield or composition. Supplemental dietary fat postpartum increased milk yield approximately 1.5 kg/d, but the response was not observed until 7 wk postpartum. Heifers fed the standard diet prepartum and no supplemental fat postpartum had higher DMI than other treatments. Heifers fed high energy prepartum and supplemental fat postpartum lost the greatest BW and body condition from 1 to 5 wk postpartum. Heifers fed high energy diets prepartum had higher concentrations of blood NEFA, BHBA, and liver triglycerides. Increases in BW and body condition scores at calving above approximately 660kg and 3.5, respectively, do not enhance lactation performance. When 2.8% supplemental fat was fed to primiparous cows, milk yield improved approximately 1.5 kg/d after wk 7 of lactation.
Catalytic activity is required for calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV to enter the nucleus.

Abstract Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) is a nuclear protein kinase that responds to acute rises in intracellular calcium by phosphorylating and activating proteins involved in transcription. Consistent with these roles, CaMKIV is found predominantly in the nucleus of cells in which it is expressed. Here we evaluate nuclear entry of CaMKIV and demonstrate that the protein kinase homology domain is both necessary and sufficient for nuclear localization. Unexpectedly, although catalytic activity is required for nuclear translocation, it is not required for CaMKIV to interact with the nuclear adaptor protein, importin-α. Because the catalytically inactive molecules remain in the cytoplasm, these data suggest that this interaction is not sufficient for nuclear entry. We evaluated a role for other proteins known to interact with CaMKIV in regulation of its nuclear entry. Although our data do not support a role for calmodulin or protein phosphatase 2A, the catalytically inactive CaMKIV proteins interact more avidly with CaM-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK), which is restricted to the cytoplasm. We find that the catalytically inactive proteins do not inhibit nuclear entry of wild-type CaMKIV but do inhibit the ability of the wild-type protein kinase to stimulate cyclic AMP response element-binding protein-mediated transcription. Because activation loop phosphorylation is required for the transcriptional roles of CaMKIV, these data suggest that CaMKK phosphorylation of CaMKIV may occur in the cytoplasm. We propose that sequestration of CaMKK may be the molecular mechanism by which catalytically inactive mutants of CaMKIV exert their “dominant-negative” functions within the cell.
Insulin-Glucagon Interactions: Using a Game To Understand Hormonal Control

Manipulative activities have been used by many chemistry teachers to help students understand complex material and are often presented as games. The game described here is an in-classroom manipulative exercise that was devised to help prehealth and predietetics undergraduate majors understand the important concepts of the metabolic effects of the two antagonistic hormones insulin and glucagon in regulating human homeostasis. Student responses indicate that they believe the game increases their understanding of these effects and that they enjoyed playing the game. Pre and post activity assessments showed a significant difference in understanding the effects of the different hormones.
The decay of 3.2 sec 58Cu and an unusually hindered E2 transition in 58Ni

Abstract Ten γ-rays from the decay of 3.2 sec 58Cu have been observed with high-resolution Ge(Li) detectors. These γ-rays have been incorporated into the known level scheme of 58Ni. The 02+, 2942.5 keV level in 58Ni decays strongly (84%) to the 11+, 2901.9 keV level and only weakly (8% each) to the 22+, 2775.4 and 21+, 1454.1 keV levels. The mean lifetime of the 2942.5 keV level was measured as 2.1 ± 0.2 nsec. The measured lifetime and branching ratios imply that the 1488.3 keV , 0 2 + →2 1 + , E 2 transition is hindered by a factor of 3.3 × 103 compared to the Weisskopf estimate. The experimental level energies and transition rates have been compared with the results of shell-model calculations based on a 56Ni core and two valence neutrons in the p 3 2 , f 5 2 and p 1 2 orbits. Whereas the correspondence between the experimental and calculated energy level spectrum is reasonably good, that between the transition rates is not.
Electron-transfer-mediated and direct surface photochemistry: CH3Cl on Ni(111).

Direct photolysis and electron-induced fragmentation of ${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$Cl on a Ni(111) surface was observed in time-of-flight studies using 193-nm radiation. With 248-nm radiation, only electron-induced fragmentation was observed. With 351-nm radiation no fragments were observed. The electron-induced process was surface specific, occurring within a limited adsorbate thickness determined by the penetration depth of the excited substrate electrons into the adsorbate. Cross sections are reported as a function of coverage.
The decomposition of a bigraded left regular representation of the diagonal action of S n

Abstract Let μ = (μ1 ⩾ μ2 ⩾ ⋯ ⩾ μk + 1) = (k, 1n − k) be a partition of n. In [GH] Garsia and Haiman show that the diagonal action of Sn on the space of harmonic polynomials H μ affords the left regular representation p of Sn. Furthermore, Garsia and Haiman define a bigraded character of the diagonal action of Sn on H μ and show that the character multiplicities are polynomials K λ, μ (q, t) that are closely related to the Macdonald-Kostka polynomials Kλ, μ(q, t). In this paper we construct a collection of polynomials B(μ) that form a basis for H μ which exhibits the decomposition of H μ into its irreducible parts. Through this connection we give a combinatorial interpretation of the polynomials K λ, μ (q, t) .
MATERNAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IMMUNITY AND RISK OF CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION IN FUTURE PREGNANCIES. • 1009

MATERNAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IMMUNITY AND RISK OF CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION IN FUTURE PREGNANCIES. • 1009
In situ examination of water diffusion to the polypropylene‐silane interface using FTIR‐ATR

This study investigated the effect of moisture on a model silane coupling agent modified adhesive bond. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the transport of moisture to a polypropylene-silane interphase and monitor the resulting chemical changes. The FTIR-ATR method offers the advantage of in-situ examination of the diffusion process, as well as the ability to characterize chemical changes that occur due to the presence of moisture. Experiments were conducted at ambient and elevated temperatures. The results of the real-time measurements demonstrated that moisture will migrate through the polypropylene to the silane interphase. The diffusion behavior was described well by a Fickian model. The apparent diffusion coefficients for water in the polypropylene-silane bilayer were on the order of the diffusion coefficients for water in polypropylene at both test temperatures. Furthermore, changes in the spectra were observed during the diffusion experiments. These changes were indicative of hydrolysis of the siloxane backbone in the silane layer while buried beneath the polypropylene film. This finding is significant as it presents direct evidence of a degradation mechanism in silane-modified adhesive bonds. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 1971–1985, 1997
An evaluation of the variability of tumor-shape definition derived by experienced observers from CT images of supraglottic carcinomas (ACRIN protocol 6658).

Purpose: Accurate target definition is considered essential for sophisticated, image-guided radiation therapy; however, relatively little information has been reported that measures our ability to identify the precise shape of targets accurately. We decided to assess the manner in which eight "experts" interpreted the size and shape of tumors based on "real-life" contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans. Methods and Materials: Four neuroradiologists and four radiation oncologists (the authors) with considerable experience and presumed expertise in treating head-and-neck tumors independently contoured, slice-by-slice, his/her interpretation of the precise gross tumor volume (GTV) on each of 20 sets of CT scans taken from 20 patients who previously were enrolled in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group protocol 91-11. Results: The average proportion of overlap ( i.e. , the degree of agreement) was 0.532 (95% confidence interval 0.457 to 0.606). There was a slight tendency for the proportion of overlap to increase with increasing average GTV. Conclusions: Our work suggests that estimation of tumor shape currently is imprecise, even for experienced physicians. In consequence, there appears to be a practical limit to the current trend of smaller fields and tighter margins.
Applying Teaching Techniques and Teaching Ideas in Methods Preparation Courses

(1996). Applying Teaching Techniques and Teaching Ideas in Methods Preparation Courses. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 43-45.
Lithographic patterning of photoreactive cell-adhesive proteins.

We describe a novel, simple method for the photolithographic patterning of cell-adhesive proteins. Intrinsically photoreactive proteins are synthesized in Escherichia coli through incorporation of the non-canonical, photosensitive amino acid para-azidophenylalanine. Upon ultraviolet irradiation at 365 nm, proteins form cross-linked films with elastic moduli that can be tuned by varying the concentration of photoreactive amino acid in the expression medium. Films of these proteins can be directly patterned using standard photolithographic techniques. We demonstrate the utility of this method of protein patterning by creating stable arrays of fibroblast cells on an engineered protein “photoresist”.
A fast adaptive grid scheme for elliptic partial differential equations

We describe the Recursive Subdivision (RS) method-an efficient and effective adaptive grid scheme for two-dimensional elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). The RS method generates a new grid by recursively subdividing a rectangular domain. We use a heuristic approach which attempts to equidistribute a given density function over the domain. The resulting grid is used to generate an adaptive grid domain mapping (AGDM), which may be applied to transform the PDE problem to another coordinate system. The PDE is then solved in the transformed coordinate system using a uniform grid. We believe parallelism is most easily exploited when computations are carried out on uniform grids; the AGDM framework allows the power of adaptation to be applied while still preserving this uniformity. Our method generates good adaptive grid domain mappings at a small cost compared to the cost of the entire computation. We describe the RS algorithm in detail, briefly describe the AGDM framework, and illustrate the effectiveness of our scheme on several realistic test problems.
Southern Lake Michigan Sediments: Changes in Accumulation Rate, Mineralogy, and Organic Content

Abstract Data combined from three one-meter gravity cores raised from a single site in southeastern Lake Michigan permit reconstruction of the last 3,550 years of sedimentation at that location. Sediment has been accumulating at about 50 g m −2 y −l through most of the upper 50 cm of the core and nearly 900 g m −2 y −1 below that depth. Several of the physical and chemical properties of the sediments change when the sedimentation rates change; more rapidly accumulating sediments have a finer grain size, more carbonate minerals and more inorganic carbon, less organic carbon, and, among the organic fractions, relatively more humin and less fulvic acid. All these rate and abundance changes apparently occurred about 3,300 years ago and seem to be associated with the lowering of lake levels since the Nipissing high stand which ended about 4,000 years ago.
Glutathione sulfinamide serves as a selective, endogenous biomarker for nitroxyl after exposure to therapeutic levels of donors

Nitroxyl (HNO) donors exhibit promising pharmacological characteristics for treatment of cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and alcoholism. However, whether HNO also serves as an endogenous signaling agent is currently unknown, largely because of the inability to selectively and sensitively detect HNO in a cellular environment. Although a number of methods to detect HNO have been developed recently, sensitivity and selectivity against other nitrogen oxides or biological reductants remain problematic. To improve selectivity, the electrophilic nature of HNO has been harnessed to generate modifications of thiols and phosphines that are unique to HNO, especially compared to nitric oxide (NO). Given high bioavailability, glutathione (GSH) is expected to be a major target of HNO. As a result, the putative selective product glutathione sulfinamide (GS(O)NH2) may serve as a high-yield biomarker of HNO production. In this work, the formation of GS(O)NH2 after exposure to HNO donors was investigated. Fluorescent labeling followed by separation and detection using capillary zone electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence allowed quantitation of GS(O)NH2 with nanomolar sensitivity, even in the presence of GSH and derivatives. Formation of GS(O)NH2 was found to occur exclusively upon exposure of GSH to HNO donors, thus confirming selectivity. GS(O)NH2 was detected in the lysate of cells treated with low-micromolar concentrations of HNO donors, verifying that this species has sufficient stability to server as a biomarker of HNO. Additionally, the concentration-dependent formation of GS(O)NH2 in cells treated with an HNO donor suggests that the concentration of GS(O)NH2 can be correlated to intracellular levels of HNO.
One commensal bacterial molecule - All we need for health?

A molecule found on the surface of commensal bacteria is critical to the development of the immune system.
Incremental adaptive integration of layers of a hybrid control architecture

Hybrid deliberative-reactive control architectures are a popular and effective approach to the control of robotic navigation applications. However, due to the fundamental differences in the design of the reactive and deliberative layers, the design of hybrid control architectures can pose significant difficulties. We propose a novel approach to improving system-level performance of hybrid control architectures by incrementally improving the deliberative layer's model of the reactive layer's execution of its plans. Incremental supervised learning techniques are employed to learn the model. Quantitative and qualitative results from a physics-based simulator are presented.
Conformational preferences of dopamine analogues for inhibition of norepinephrine N-methyltransferase. Conformationally defined adrenergic agents. 7

A series of analogues of dopamine (DA) with varying degrees of conformational flexibility have been examined as potential substrates or competitive inhibitors of the enzyme norepinephrine N-methyltransferase (NMT). A conformationally defined (rigid) analogue of the fully extended conformation of DA, 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxybenzonorbornene hydrobromide (3; 6,7-D2HX) proved to be a better substrate than the non-catechol parent 2-aminobenzonorbornene (4; 2HX). However, analogues 3 and 4 displayed equivalent competitive inhibitory activity toward phenylethanolamine (PEA). Neither 6,7-ADTN (5), a DA analogue in the 2-aminotetralin (2AT) system, nor 6,7-DTHIQ (7), a DA analogue in the tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) system, showed substrate activity; 6,7-ADTN was a poorer competitive inhibitor than the parent 2AT but 6,7-DTHIQ was a better competitive inhibitor than its parent, THIQ (8). A tricyclic conformationally defined analogue 9 of 6,7-ADTN was devoid of either substrate or inhibitory activity. From these results it may be concluded that a fully extended side chain conformation is required for NMT substrate activity, and the better substrate activity for 6,7-D2HX compared to 4 is consistent with a proper catechol orientation for interaction with the norepinephrine (NE) binding site of NMT.
Speckle propagation through turbulence: Experimental*

Statistical characteristics of speckle fields propagated through the turbulent atmosphere are experimentally investigated. The results of measurements of the probability distribution function and their moments, and the spatial covariance function are compared with a recent theoretical treatment of the problem. The results are in good agreement in weak turbulence conditions, while the stronger turbulence results differ significantly from the theory and suggest the need for additional analytical work.
The retained intrapericardial sponge: value of the lateral chest radiograph.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to identify reasons for the difficulty in diagnosing retained intrapericardial sponges and to determine ways to improve diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: All three intrapericardially retained sponges were in the posterior pericardium, a region not visible to the surgeon. Radiographic detection of the sponges on standard anteroposterior projections is difficult because of exposure factors, other confusing linear markers, and metallic densities such as sternal sutures. However, knowledge of the typical location of a lost sponge and use of lateral radiographic projections may aid in early detection of this rare complication.
Waungwana na Wanawake: Muslim ethnicity and sexual segregation In Coastal Kenya

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to highlight a growing body of research showing that a different configuration of cultural attributes has evolved for males and females in Swahili‐speaking Islamic communities on the Kenya Coast such that the men's ‘culture’ follows the dictates of conservative Southern Arabian Islam while that of the women, in the absence of in situ Shafi‐ite female role models yet in constant association with each other, has evolved as a dynamic system of expressive culture within Islamic institutions—especially within the secularised institution and celebration of marriage. This point is made with reference to a number of recent studies of Swahili expressive culture (e.g. Parker, 1974; Russell, 1981; Campbell, 1983) and of Swahili society and social structure (e.g. Strobel, 1979; Swartz 1982a) that point out the importance of women's associations in Kenyan Coastal culture. The effect of Islam and sexual segregation on ethnicity is looked at in the context of the Swahili‐speaking co...
Neuropathy Target Esterase Gene Mutations Cause Motor Neuron Disease

The possibility that organophosphorus (OP) compounds contribute to motor neuron disease (MND) is supported by association of paraoxonase 1 polymorphisms with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the occurrence of MND in OP compound-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN), in which neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is inhibited by organophosphorylation. We evaluated a consanguineous kindred and a genetically unrelated nonconsanguineous kindred in which affected subjects exhibited progressive spastic paraplegia and distal muscle wasting. Affected subjects resembled those with OPIDN and those with Troyer Syndrome due to SPG20/spartin gene mutation (excluded by genetic linkage and SPG20/spartin sequence analysis). Genome-wide analysis suggested linkage to a 22 cM homozygous locus (D19S565 to D19S884, maximum multipoint LOD score 3.28) on chromosome 19p13 to which NTE had been mapped (GenBank AJ004832). NTE was a candidate because of its role in OPIDN and the similarity of our patients to those with OPIDN. Affected subjects in the consanguineous kindred were homozygous for disease-specific NTE mutation c.3034A-->G that disrupted an interspecies conserved residue (M1012V) in NTE's catalytic domain. Affected subjects in the nonconsanguineous family were compound heterozygotes: one allele had c.2669G-->A mutation, which disrupts an interspecies conserved residue in NTE's catalytic domain (R890H), and the other allele had an insertion (c.2946_2947insCAGC) causing frameshift and protein truncation (p.S982fs1019). Disease-specific, nonconserved NTE mutations in unrelated MND patients indicates NTE's importance in maintaining axonal integrity, raises the possibility that NTE pathway disturbances contribute to other MNDs including ALS, and supports the role of NTE abnormalities in axonopathy produced by neuropathic OP compounds.
Reported childhood abuse is associated with low serotonin transporter binding in vivo in major depressive disorder

Background Physical or psychological adversity in childhood is associated with a higher risk for depression in adulthood, and with persistent serotonergic abnormalities in humans and in animal models. We hypothesized that reported childhood abuse would be associated with lower brain serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding potential (BPP, proportional to the number of available transporters) in adults. We examined healthy volunteers and subjects with major depressive disorder, a sample enriched for childhood abuse.
Effect of iopanoic acid on basal and thyrotropin-stimulated thyroid hormone levels in suckling rat pups

We proposed that basal and thyrotropin (TSH)-stimulated thyroid hormone levels of rat pups would be altered in the presence of iopanoic acid (IA), a radiographic contrast agent which competitively inhibits T4-to-T3 conversion, and that the nature of these changes would further depend upon the route of TSH administration in a manner distinct from that reported in adults. To test this hypothesis, litters from 24 Sprague-Dawley female rats were adjusted to 8 pups each. On day 5, 80 pups received IA (2.5 mg/100 g body weight) injections. On day 8, control and IA pups were further subdivided, and given bovine TSH (bTSH) either by subcutaneous injection or by intragastric gavage (to simulate milk-borne TSH intake), and then sacrificed 0, 1.5, or 3 hours later. We found significantly higher T4 and reverse-T3 (rT3) levels in IA-treated pups, but IA had no effect on basal or TSH-stimulated T3 levels attained, regardless of route of bTSH administration or time post-treatment. Our data demonstrate that the effects of IA on T4 and rT3 levels in the immature rat are comparable to those observed in adult rats and humans, but that the marked depression of T3 levels found in IA-treated adults does not occur in the 8-day old rat pup. We speculate that the IA-treated suckling pup's ability to sustain normal basal T3 levels and generate elevated T3 concentrations in response to TSH stimulation may reflect the activity during development of a T4-5'-deiodinase relatively resistant to competitive inhibition by this drug.
Tunable-diode-laser frequency-modulation spectroscopy using balanced homodyne detection.

Quantum-limited frequency-modulation spectroscopy (FMS) has been performed with tunable diode lasers at 5.4 and 1.3 μm by employing a dual-beam balanced homodyne detection scheme to suppress optical fringes, residual amplitude modulation, and excess laser noise by 15–20 dB. Performing FMS at the two wavelengths involved different lasers (lead salt and InGaAsP, respectively), optics, and detectors, which emphasizes the versatility and applicability of the technique. System sensitivities of 1 × 10−7 and 2 × 10−7 were obtained for the respective systems.
Cell Cycle Checkpoint Models for Cellular Pharmacology of Paclitaxel and Platinum Drugs

A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic mathematical model is developed for cellular pharmacology of chemotherapeutic drugs for which the decisive step towards cell death occurs at a point in the cell cycle, presumably corresponding to a cell cycle checkpoint. For each cell, the model assumes a threshold level of some intracellular species at that checkpoint, beyond which the cell dies. The threshold level is assumed to have a log-normal distribution in the cell population. The kinetics of formation of the lethal intracellular species depends on the drug, and on the cellular pharmacokinetics and binding kinetics of the cell. Specific models are developed for paclitaxel and for platinum drugs (cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin). In the case of paclitaxel, two separate mechanisms of cell death necessitate a model that accounts for two checkpoints, with different intracellular species. The model was tested on a number of in vitro cytotoxicity data sets for these drugs, and found overall to give significantly better fits than previously proposed cellular pharmacodynamic models. It provides an explanation for the asymptotic convergence of dose-response curves as exposure time becomes long.
Generation of oxygen radicals by minerals and its correlation to cytotoxicity.

Occupational exposure to mineral dust causes pneumoconiosis and other diseases. A cytotoxicity assay to predict the potential of minerals to cause disease would be of great value as a prevention st...
On incomplete polynomials

Abstract Approximation of a monomial by incomplete polynomials was the subject of several investigations. Here the setting is inverted (approximating a polynomial by monomials) and generalized (approximating a polynomial by incomplete polynomials).
Micropropagation of shortleaf, Virginia and loblolly x shortleaf pine hybrids via organogenesis

Protocols were developed for the micropropagation of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), loblolly (P. taeda L.) x shortleaf pine hybrids, and Virginia pine (P. virginiana Mill.). For meristematic tissue induction, modified Gresshoff & Doy (GD) medium with a high concentration of benzyladenine (BA) and short pulse treatment was best for loblolly x shortleaf hybrids whereas a lower concentration of BA and longer pulse treatment was best for shortleaf and Virginia pines. Shoot growth rate for all species was generally slower on Schenk & Hildebrandt medium than on GD medium. Addition of activated charcoal improved shoot growth of shortleaf pine but not of Virginia pine or the loblolly x shortleaf hybrids. Separation of shoots was beneficial before placing in the advanced growth medium. Both GD and Litvay's media produced good advanced shoot growth, especially following the addition of 0.5% activated charcoal. Individual shoot heights of 2–3 cm and 8–12 weeks of age after separation from the cluster were best for rooting. Root induction declined rapidly thereafter. Modified GD medium with 0.5 mg 1-1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid plus 1.0 mg 1-1 3-indolebutyric acid and 20 g 1-1 sucrose was best for root induction for all species except shortleaf pine. Addition of activated charcoal produced better root systems. Too high a light intensity resulted in a lowered frequency of rooting. A large number of plantlets was produced.
Swimming behavior of Dungeness crab,Cancer magister Dana, megalopae in still and moving water

In the Grays Harbor estuary, juvenile Dungeness crab (Cancer magister Dana) are found at higher densities in epibenthic shell deposits compared to open mud flat. Differences in predation rate between habitats have been suggested to be due to habitat preference and differential survival. Megalopae preferred shell over open space in still-water conditions. However, it is not known whether megalopae are able to select shell in flowing water since larval preference is known to differ between still and flowing water. Here we report the first experimental study of swimming behavior of Dungeness crab megalopae in a range of current velocities (0–40 cm s−1) equivalent to natural flow in Grays Harbor estuary. Experiments were conducted in daylight using a recirculating flume. Megalopae swimming speeds ranged from 8.5 cm s−1 (8 body lengths s−1) in still water to 44.8 cm s−1 (44 body lengths s−1) at flow speeds of 40 cm s−1, Neither swimming behavior nor sheltering behavior in shells showed any flow-related pattern. Megalopae spent a large proportion of time swimming against the current and made headway upstream against all current velocities tested. The results suggest that Dungeness crab megalopae are able to maneuver and actively search for settlement sites under current velocities found in natural habitats, including intertidal shell deposits, and support the hypothesis of active selection of shell by megalopae.
Family business contribution to the sustainable development in the rural US Midwest: the case of new technology adoption

Economic and social sustainability represent a major problem in the rural Midwest US. In recent decades, local economies lost numerous jobs and many businesses. The quality of life has eroded. The paper analyses the sustainability of the rural economy and identifies a strategy for reversing the downward economic and social spiral. The strategy, suggested by the analysis of responses to a survey administrated to over 900 businesses in rural Midwest, is to make a wireless infrastructure the key element of any plans for future development. Family and non-family businesses are compared from the point of view of new technology adoption.
Membrane Wing-Based Micro Air Vehicles

Micro air vehicles (MAVs) with a wingspan of 15cm or shorter, and flight speed around 10m∕s have attracted substantial interest in recent years. There are several prominent features of MAV flight: (i) low Reynolds number (104–105), resulting in degraded aerodynamic performance, (ii) small physical dimensions, resulting in certain favorable scaling characteristics including structural strength, reduced stall speed, and impact tolerance, and (iii) low flight speed, resulting in order one effect of the flight environment and intrinsically unsteady flight characteristics. Flexible wings utilizing membrane materials are employed by natural flyers such as bats and insects. Compared to a rigid wing, a membrane wing can better adapt to the stall and has the potential for morphing to achieve enhanced agility and storage consideration. We will discuss the aerodynamics of both rigid and membrane wings under the MAV flight condition. To understand membrane wing performance, the fluid and structure interaction is of critical importance. Flow structures associated with the low Reynolds number and low aspect ratio wing, such as pressure distribution, separation bubble, and tip vortex, as well as structural dynamics in response to the surrounding flow field are discussed. Based on the computational capabilities for treating moving boundary problems, an automated wing shape optimization technique is also developed. Salient features of the flexible-wing-based MAV, including the vehicle concept, flexible wing design, novel fabrication methods, aerodynamic assessment, and flight data analysis are highlighted.
"We will know it when we see it;" bevacizumab and glioblastoma.

At a recent joint meeting on January 30, 2014 between stakeholders in the Neuro-Oncology community (clinical scientists, imaging experts, representatives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and philanthropy) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), discussing endpoints for clinical trials in recurrent glioblastoma, this phrase (“we will know it when we see it”) was used on several occasions. Either in a sense of hope or perhaps frustration with the lack of new agents in this disease, the comment reflected a sense by some in the meeting that imaging surrogates of tumor burden remain problematic, objective response remains elusive, landmark time to progression endpoints not validated, and neither of these endpoints are proven (yet) to be a true measure of efficacy for new therapies. There was general agreement that a sustained, durable, objective response could serve as a surrogate for preliminary approval of new agents, even in the context of a single arm study. This agreement assumed reliable, consistent and reproducible measures of “response” were standardized and could be used effectively in multi-institutional settings. Bevacizumab was given accelerated approval using an objective response measure, based upon a single, uncontrolled clinical trial (the BRAIN study), supported by results from a second independent study (1, 2). Confirmed and independently reviewed imaging responses, taking into account enhancing and T-2 /FLAIR sequences and steroid use, were seen in both studies at a much higher rate than historical controls. In full disclosure, I advocated for this indication at the FDA Oncology Drug Advisory Committee meeting, based upon the trial evidence, our own experience and that of others, and feeling that I really “knew it when I saw it.” Full approval by the FDA required confirmation in a larger randomized study.