cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatic N-oxidation, acetyl-transfer and DNA-binding of the acetylated metabolites of the carcinogen, benzidine

The metabolic N-oxidation, N-acetylation and N-deacetylation of the carcinogen benzidine (BZ) and its N-acetylated metabolites were examined in vitro with rat and mouse liver subcellular fractions. N-Oxidation of N-acetylbenzidine (ABZ) and N,N'-diacetylbenzidine (DABZ) was found to occur with NADPH-, NADH-fortified microsomes, although total oxidation at both nitrogens of ABZ was substantially faster than the N-oxidation of DABZ (four times for the mouse and 48 times for the rat). In both species, N-oxidation of ABZ to the arylhydroxylamine, N'-hydroxy-N-acetylbenzidine (N'-OH-ABZ), was somewhat faster than the formation of the arylhydroxamic acid, N-hydroxy-N-acetylbenzidine (N-OH-ABZ). N-Acetylation of BZ and ABZ by liver cytosol was quite efficient for both species (0.7-2.9 nmol/min/mg cytosolic protein), and these rates were found to be 3-10 times faster than their corresponding rates of N-oxidation. N-Deacetylation of ABZ and DABZ by mouse liver microsomes occurred at a rate that was comparable with N-acetylation; while N-deacetylation by rat liver microsomes was relatively slow, only 1-2% of the rate of N-acetylation. In the case of N-hydroxylated derivatives, N-OH-ABZ and N'-OH-ABZ, hepatic cytosolic N-acetylation by both rats and mice to form N-OH-DABZ was quite rapid (0.5-1.9 nmol/min/mg cytosol protein). Hepatic microsomal deacetylation of N-OH-DABZ also occurred with both species and was 2-4 times the rate of N-acetylation. These studies indicate that a significant concentration of potentially electrophilic monoacetylated N-oxidized metabolites may accumulate within the liver cell, and that they may serve as intermediates in the synthesis of the highly toxic metabolite, N-OH-DABZ. A major metabolic pathway for the formation of N-OH-DABZ is proposed as: BZ----ABZ----N'-OH-ABZ----N-OH-DABZ. The activation of N-OH-DABZ by cytosolic N,O-acyltransferase and N'-OH-ABZ by cytosolic sulfotransferase and O-acetyltransferase (acetyl CoA-dependent binding to DNA) were also examined. N-OH-DABZ N,O-acyltransferase and N'-OH-ABZ O-acetyltransferase were found to be significant pathways for rat and mouse liver, respectively. In addition, the DNA adduct formed from N-OH-DABZ in the presence of partially-purified rat hepatic N,O-acyltransferase was shown to be N'-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N-acetylbenzidine, which is identical to that formed in rat liver in vivo and in the direct reaction of N'-OH-ABZ with DNA in vitro under acidic conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Endometrial metaplasia associated with endometrial adenocarcmoma

Endometrial metaplasia is a complex group of epithelial proliferations. The relationship of metaplasia, other than squamous metaplasia, to endometrial adenocarcinoma has not been clearly established. Between 1969 and 1979, 183 patients diagnosed as having Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma (according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) were treated at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Sixty of the patients were treated with hysterectomy without preoperative irradiation. A histopathologic review was performed without knowledge of the clinical outcome and subsequent clinopathologic correlations were analyzed. On review, 32/60 had carcinoma without metaplasia and 15/60 had both carcinoma and metaplasia. Thirteen of the 60 patients were judged not to have cancer: 12 had both hyperplasia and metaplasia and one had hyperplasia without metaplasia. None of the 12 patients reclassified as having metaplasia had a recurrence or died of endometrial carcinoma. Patients with both metaplasia and carcinoma were significantly younger than patients with only carcinoma and the associated carcinomas were more frequently well differentiated.
Towards accurate characterization of clonal heterogeneity based on structural variation

Background Recent advances in deep digital sequencing have unveiled an unprecedented degree of clonal heterogeneity within a single tumor DNA sample. Resolving such heterogeneity depends on accurate estimation of fractions of alleles that harbor somatic mutations. Unlike substitutions or small indels, structural variants such as deletions, duplications, inversions and translocations involve segments of DNAs and are potentially more accurate for allele fraction estimations. However, no systematic method exists that can support such analysis.
1072 STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS (S. EPI.) SEPSIS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY (ICN)

S.epi is known to cause infection in neonates with indwelling catheters or ventricular shunts. Recently it has been associated with infections in infants with no such foreign bodies. In our ICN from July through October S.epi was the most common cause of sepsis, responsible for 6/10 cases. BW and gest. age in these 6 infants was 1425±434 grams and 31±3 weeks (mean±SD). All infants had umbilical venous (1) or arterial (5) catheters which were removed 7-45 days prior to onset of symptoms. 4 infants had peripheral venous catheters in place. Onset of symptoms occurred between 11 and 54 days of age. In all infants symptoms were indolent and present for >24 hours prior to evaluation for sepsis. They included: tachypnea and hypoxemia (2), apnea and bradycardia(3), feeding intolerance(3), lethargy (5), and fever (1). 3 infants were started on ampicillin and gentamicin with no improvement, 2 were begun on vancomycin, and 1 was untreated prior to 2 sets of positive blood cultures. S.epi sensitive to vancomycin and chloramphenicol was isolated from the blood of all 6 infants. After 24 hours of vancomycin all improved dramatically. All urine and CSF cultures were sterile. Although S.epi frequently contaminates cultures, the organism must be regarded as a potential pathogen in the ICN and treated aggressively.
Distributed computing and computer security education

This paper presents our experience in using cluster computing when teaching Computer and Data Security. The background knowledge together with the topics that fit the best applications of distributed computing and the hardware and software needs are discussed. Several project activities are presented with some analyzed in detail. The first requires the students to develop a computer cluster out of a regular public lab and use it for building security attacks such as password and encryption key cracking. The second deals with prime number generation using a client /server architecture (implemented in Java) and an Oracle database complemented by the implementation of resiliency (reassigning jobs when a node dies). These projects allow the implementation of real world - like attacks while using relatively inexpensive resources. Based on class assessment, they were highly appreciated by the students, increasing their awareness on the power of distributed computing with respect to data security and ensuring their preparedness to further advances in computing.
Parsing the "Minnowbrook Tradition"

(2009). Parsing the 'Minnowbrook Tradition' Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 97-101.
BIP 4 CD=LW

Using Books in Print database for organizing collection development requests has resulted in less work for all of us. Mercer University’s Jack Tarver Library purchased the BIP database in 2010 and transitioned to using it more as an organizer tool than simply as a finding aid. This paper describes how this medium‐sized academic library uses ver‐ sion 1.0 to 1) provide one‐stop viewing of requests for library staff and the public, 2) reduce printing costs, and 3) make effective use of student assistants. Included are challenges we have encountered with moving to version 2.0 and detailed procedures for workflow using version 1.0.
Food Pantry Use among Low-Income Households in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Abstract This study was conducted to understand why some low-income people use pantries and others do not.Telephone and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 400 adults living in households with an income below 185% of the poverty level. Households were selected from a preliminary screening of 25,000 households in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania and included 174 current pantry users and 226 nonusers. Consistent with prior research, most households using food pantries report difficulty adequately feeding their families, and pantry use appears to be evolving into a chronic issue rather than one of short-term emergency. New pantry users are likely to remain pantry users for roughly 2 years. Pantry use is highest among African-American households, single-headed households with children, and households with low levels of education. Regression analysis indicates, however, that pantry use is higher among these groups only because these households are generally the poorest. When variables for income and assets are entered into the regression equation, the only variable significantly related to the probability of using a pantry is whether or not the household owns a car.This latter finding underscores the importance of neighborhood-based pantries and localized food-distribution systems.
Sensitivity to Phonological Similarity within and across Languages.

The influence of phonological similarity on bilingual language processing was examined within and across languages in three experiments. Phonological similarity was manipulated within a language by varying neighborhood density, and across languages by varying extent of cross-linguistic overlap between native and non-native languages. In Experiment 1, speed and accuracy of bilinguals’ picture naming were susceptible to phonological neighborhood density in both the first and the second language. In Experiment 2, eye-movement patterns indicated that the time-course of language activation varied across phonological neighborhood densities and across native/non-native language status. In Experiment 3, speed and accuracy of bilingual performance in an auditory lexical decision task were influenced by degree of cross-linguistic phonological overlap. Together, the three experiments confirm that bilinguals are sensitive to phonological similarity within and across languages and suggest that this sensitivity is asymmetrical across native and non-native languages and varies along the timecourse of word processing.
Embedding Wear Models into Friction Models

Frictional behavior in dry or boundary-lubricated tribosystems is commonly time-dependent. Examples include phenomena like running-in, scuffing initiation, adhesive transfer, coating wear-through, and lubricant starvation. Fundamental models for the sliding friction coefficient usually focus either on determining a steady–state value or on predicting periodic behavior like stick-slip. They often neglect the details of long- and short-period frictional transients, some of which are quite repeatable. In addition to generating heat, frictional work is known to be dissipated in several ways, including roughness changes, wear particle generation, tribomaterial evolution, and microstructural alteration. Pairs of materials can display identical average friction coefficients but significantly different wear processes because frictional work is dissipated differently from one pair of materials to the next. The attributes of friction-versus-time behavior for combinations of metals, ceramics, and polymers can be comprised of stages whose understanding may require the development of piecewise friction models that include wear. This paper discusses past work on the subject, exemplifies embedding a simple wear model into a friction-versus-time model, and indicates how friction process diagrams can play a role.
MRI‐defined vascular depression: a review of the construct

Objective To review the construct of MRI-defined vascular depression and to examine the substantive and methodological issues that bear on its validity as a distinct subtype of depression in late life. Design Literature review. Results We identified three areas that are critical to establishing the validity of MRI-defined vascular depression: (1) understanding and delineating the relationship between MRI hyperintensities, executive dysfunction, and antidepressant treatment outcome; (2) understanding the relationship between, and establishing the validity of, qualitative and quantitative approaches to the measurement of MRI hyperintensities (the primary feature of the proposed subtype); (3) establishing the clinical presentation and course of the subtype in the context of other late-life disorders. Conclusions Despite considerable data supporting the validity of MRI-defined vascular depression, there are a number of critical issues that remain, including establishing a causal relationship between cerebrovascular disease and late-life depression, establishing consistent diagnostic criteria, determining the importance of lesion type and location, and understanding the course of the disorder. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural complexity and juvenile fish predation on meiobenthos: an experimental approach☆

Abstract The impact of juvenile spot (Leiostomus xanthurus Lacepede) predation/disturbance on meiofauna and the effectiveness of simulated worm tubes as refuges from predators were assessed in a series of laboratory experiments with intact natural estuarine sediments and three densities of worm tube mimics (0, 1.6, and 6.3 tubes/0.01 m2). There was no statistically significant predation on any meiofaunal taxa in the habitat containing no tube mimics. However, mortality was significant for three of six taxa in the “low complexity” habitat (1.6 tubes/0.01 m2) and three of six taxa in the “high complexity” habitat (6.3 tubes/0.01 m2) when fish were present. The evidence for predation in more complex habitats suggests structure promotes mortality for certain meiofaunal taxa. Such effects could result from 1. (1) the interaction of predators and/or prey with the refuge element such that certain prey became more vulnerable 2. (2) the ability of certain predators to forage more efficiently amidst structure.
A buoyancy-dominated desalination unit

Abstract A theoretical investigation is made into the effects of natural convection upon the reverse osmosis of a weak solution flowing in a horizontal tube. Applied to the desalination of sea water, the transport rates arising from this laminar-flow, mixed-convection regime suggest a potentially viable design configuration. Comparison with recent experimental results shows qualitative agreement and suggests a need for additional experimentation.
Accounting choice: The role of monitoring costs

Focusing on monitoring costs, the agency framework is used to extend and test the positive theory of accounting choice. To reduce monitoring cost, a firm is predicted to adopt those accounting methods employed by other firms facing the most similar economic environment. This allows the firm's shareholders (typically acting through the Board of Directors) to use the performance of these other firms to better impute and reward its own manager's performance. This hypothesis is tested and supported by examining, for a sample of industrial firms, the choice of depreciation method.
New business models for the new media world

Purpose – The authors perform market trend analysis and to examine the clash between new and traditional media and explore future industry competitive scenarios.Design/methodology/approach – IBM conducted a comprehensive study that included interviews with leaders of media companies and an in‐depth analysis of the factors that are shaping the industry outlook. IBM conducted in‐person interviews with more than 75 senior media executives, industry analysts, economists and technology visionaries and also worked with the Economist Intelligence Unit to survey another 125 industry executives.Findings – IBM sees four primary business models emerging – traditional media, walled communities, content hyper‐syndication and new platform aggregation. The research also found evidence of another developing conflict that it calls the media divide. It could pit partner against partner in a struggle for growth.Practical implications – IBM proposes seven industry‐specific recommendations for incumbent media companies as the...
Pharmacological prospects in the kallikrein-kinin system

Abstract From an abtruse backwater position in biomedical research, the kallikrein-kinin system is beginning to be understood in terms of its relevance to homeostatic mechanisms and disease states. Implications with respect to disease etiology and development of new drugs are discussed.
Conditions of radioiodination with iodogen as oxidizing agent.

Abstract Different factors that give the maximum iodination of proteins by iodogen method have been evaluated. The quantity of iodogen was varied from 2 to 20 μg; pH from 3 to 9; the quantity of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from 25 μg to 2 mg; the 131 I activity from 200 μCi to 5mCi and the reaction time from 2 to 30 min. The maximum iodination of proteins is achieved with iodogen-to-iodide molar ratio of 100–200 and iodogen-to-protein molar ratio of 1–2 at pH 6–8 for 10–15 min at room temperature.
Nickel partitioning between olivine and liquid in natural basalts: Henry's Law behavior

Abstract Equilibrium, reversal experiments on natural mid-ocean ridge olivine basalt 527-1-1 were performed to determine whether Ni behaves according to Henry's Law when partitioned between olivine and liquid. The results indicate that nickel obeys dilute solution behavior in both olivine and liquid at the concentration ranges found in most natural basalts (100–300 ppm Ni in glass). The partition coefficientKdNi (O1/L) at the liquidus temperature (1267°C) was bracketed at 10.25 ± 0.50. In addition, it was determined that the apparent partition coefficients in experiments with amounts of nickel in the ppm range are extremely sensitive to the loss of nickel to metal containers during runs. The electron microprobe can be used successfully to determine natural nickel concentrations in both olivine and basaltic liquid.
The inhomogeneous temperature field of the specimen as a factor in kinetic investigations by the nonisothermal method

To increase the precision of the results of an analysis of the kinetics of physicochemical processes by nonisothermal techniques the measured process temperature must be corrected to allow for the inhomogeneity of the temperature field of the specimen. Alternatively, the dimensions and heating conditions of the specimen must be such that this inhomogeneity does not exceed given permitted limits.
Destruction of tumor cells by monokines released from activated human blood monocytes: evidence for parallel and additive effects of IL-1 and TNF

The incubation of human peripheral blood monocytes with endotoxins activates the cells to lyse tumorigenic targets directly and also induces the production and release into the culture medium of factors that produce lysis of mouse-transformed fibroblasts L-929 (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-sensitive) and human A-375 melanoma cells (interleukin-1 (IL-1)- and TNF-sensitive). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the culture medium of endotoxin-activated but not of control monocytes contained both IL-1 and TNF with a molecular weight of 17,000 daltons each. TNF activity was determined by lysis of L-929 cells, and IL-1 activity was measured by the proliferation of D-10 cells. The production of IL-1 and TNF was concentration-dependent, and the amounts of these monokines were paralleled. The antitumor activity of the culture supernates from endotoxin-treated monocytes was significantly decreased by incubation with heterologous antisera to IL-1, TNF, or both. Recombinant human IL-1 and TNF were used in parallel experiments and as positive controls. Each monokine used produced cytotoxic effects in susceptible targets. The combination of IL-1 and TNF, which more likely resembles culture supernates of activated macrophages, produced an additive antitumor cytotoxicity effect.
Alkalosis attenuates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in neonatal lambs

Hyperventilation (respiratory alkalosis) is an important treatment for persistent pulmonary hypertension in neonates. The precise way that hyperventilation attenuates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is unclear. We studied the effect of alkalosis on hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in 13 acutely instrumented, pentobarbital anesthetized, neonatal lambs. We specifically examined the relative effects of a metabolic alkalosis versus a respiratory alkalosis on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and compared these results to the control response to hypoxia without alkalosis. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was significantly milder whenever the animal was alkalotic, regardless of whether the alkalosis was respiratory of metabolic. Thus, the elevated pHa rather than decreased PaCO2 during hyperventilation appears to be the major factor in moderating the response of the pulmonary vessels to acute hypoxia in this neonatal lamb model.
Assessment of Intestinal Amino Acid Availability in Cattle by Use of the Precision-Fed Cecectomized Rooster Assay

The digestibilities of amino acids in duodenal digesta of steers were measured using a precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Freeze-dried duodenal digesta from steers fed five different diets were utilized. Amino acids present in digesta of steers fed diets supplemented with corn gluten meal were more digestible than those from digesta of steers fed diets supplemented with soybean meal, blood meal, fish meal, or no true protein source. Measurements of amino acid digestibility in the cecectomized rooster were similar to those obtained previously when measured with reference to chromic oxide in steers fitted with duodenal and ileal cannulae, suggesting that the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay is an appropriate technique for estimating small intestinal digestibility of amino acids in cattle.
SECA, a new mediator of the human eosinophil response

Abstract Spontaneous eosinophilic chemotactic activity (SECA) present in human sera can mediate the directed movement of normal human eosinophils. Our data utilize normal peripheral blood eosinophils obtained from subjects with 500 eosinophils/m 3 or less. SECA is defined as that chemotactic activity for eosinophils present in serum that has been heat-inactivated immediately after collection. It was demonstrated in patients with severe chronic eczema with eosinophilia (20 to 30%); mixed collagen vascular disease with vasculitis; clinical serum sickness; acute glomerulonephritis, and chronic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Control sera were obtained from normal, healthy individuals. The data indicated: (1) that SECA in patient sera was significantly higher than in control sera; (2) when activated by endotoxin, no additional chemotactic activity was generated from patient sera over that spontaneously present—by contrast, addition of endotoxin to control sera did result in increased chemotactic activity; (3) sera from patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma had no SECA.
Multipactoring electron gun for high duty linacs

A high duty factor electron gun suitable for linac applications is described. This gun operates on the secondary emission principle to generate a pulsed, monochromatic electron output beam in excess of 20 mA average current. It has been operated at 14 percent duty factor and shows a high degree of stability and ease of control.
Effect of frustration on the band edge in amorphous semiconductors

The existence of odd-membered rings leads to an erosion of antibonding states in a simple tight-binding Hamiltonian on a random network. We obtain better estimates of the magnitude of this erosion by systematically introducing fivefold rings into a diamond lattice with a supercell containing 8000 atoms. It is shown that the position of the band edge moves roughly linearly with the number of fivefold rings and that the slope agrees with that obtained from perturbation theory.
Loss of Radioactivity from Labeled DNA of Primary Human Amnion Cells

Primary human amnion cultures labeled with glycine-2-C14or thymidine-2-C14released more radioactivity into the media than could be accounted for by cell replacement. This is interpreted as degradation of acid-insoluble polydeoxynucleotides in a living human cell.
Differential effects of hypothalamic transections on the wood gnawing behavior of rats.

Abstract Bilateral parasagittal knife cuts were made in the hypothalamus of rats at lateral planes 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mm from the midline. Cuts through the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) at L-0.5 produced the hyperphagia syndrome and did not significantly depress wood gnawing. Cuts just lateral to the VMH at L-1.0 also produced the hyperphagia syndrome but depressed wood gnawing below control levels. Cuts along the medial edge of the lateral hypothalamus at L-1.5 produced a mild hypophagia-hyperphagia syndrome and completely blocked wood gnawing behavior. The findings suggested the possibility that specific hypothalamic neural pathways may control gnawing behavior.
Phosphatidylinositol inositolphosphohydrolase activity in mammary tissue

Abstract 1. 1. Both the high speed supernatant and microsomes isolated from lactating bovine mammary tissue contain phosphatidylinositol inositolphosphohydrolase which hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol releasing inositolphosphate. 2. 2. A phosphorylase which hydrolyzes inositolphosphate to liberate free inositol is also present in both preparations.
Thromboxane release from irradiated perfused rat lungs: role of oncotic agents.

Abstract Isolated lungs from 20 Gray (Gy) whole body irradiated rats were perfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate plus 3% bovine serum albumin (KRB-BSA). The pulmonary effluent showed a 99% (p
Trade-Based Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

This chapter contributes to the literature on trade-based money laundering and terrorist financing by providing an analysis of previously unused statistical techniques and methodologies as a means of monitoring, detecting and prosecuting criminal money laundering activities. It describes how new statistical profiling methodologies that evaluate transactions contained in a country's international trade database can mitigate the risks associated with trade-based money laundering. The chapter discusses the application of four new trade-based money laundering profiling techniques which focus on country, customs district, product, and transaction price risk characteristics. One of the key findings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report was that trade data analysis is a useful tool for identifying trade anomalies, which may lead to the investigation and prosecution of trade-based money laundering cases. The report explains that money laundering through the over- and underinvoicing of goods and services, is one of the oldest methods of transferring value across borders, and it remains a common practice today.
Lupus-like disease and high interferon levels corresponding to trisomy of the type I interferon cluster on chromosome 9p.

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with type I interferons (IFNs) and can be induced by IFNα treatment. This study looked for evidence of autoimmunity in a pedigree consisting of 4 family members with a balanced translocation 9;21 and 2 members with an unbalanced translocation resulting in trisomy of the short (p) arm and part of the long (q) arm of chromosome 9. These latter 2 subjects had 3 copies of the IFN gene cluster. Methods Subjects were evaluated clinically and serologically for autoimmune disease. Expression levels of IFNα4, IFNβ, the type I IFN–inducible gene Mx1, the type I IFN receptor, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the main IFN-producing cells, were quantified by flow cytometry. Results Both subjects with trisomy of chromosome 9p had a lupus-like syndrome with joint manifestations and antinuclear antibodies: one had anti-RNP and antiphospholipid autoantibodies, and the other had anti–Ro 60. The 3 family members with a balanced translocation 9;21 had no clinical or serologic evidence of autoimmunity, similar to that in relatives who were unaffected by the chromosomal translocation. In the 2 subjects with trisomy of 9p, high levels of IFNα/β (comparable with those found in patients with SLE), increased signaling through the IFN receptor (as indicated by high Mx1 expression), and low levels of circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (as observed in patients with SLE) were evident. These abnormalities were not seen in individuals with a balanced translocation. Conclusion Trisomy of the type I IFN cluster of chromosome 9p was associated with lupus-like autoimmunity and increased IFNα/β and IFN receptor signaling. The data support the idea that abnormal regulation of type I IFN production is involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Abstract A141: Synthesis and bioactivity of core‐expanded calixarene‐based antitumor agents

Anginex, a synthetic 33mer β‐sheet‐forming peptide, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo . Previous studies demonstrate that Anginex, through binding to one of the hydrophobic faces of human galectin‐1 (hGal‐1), prevents endothelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, induces apoptosis in angiogenically‐activated endothelial cells (ECs), and suppresses tumor growth in animal models. Since small molecules have several pharmacologic advantages over therapeutic peptides, we sought to design a small molecule peptidomimetic of anginex. Calix[4]arene was chosen as the basic scaffold to mimic the approximate molecular dimensions, amphipathicity, and cationic topology of Anginex. Chemical modification of the hydrophobic (upper rim) and hydrophilic (lower rim) faces of calix[4]arene resulted in the discovery of a lead compound, 0118, possessing in vitro and in vivo activities similar to that of anginex. These studies reveal that small hydrophobic groups on the upper rim and dimethylaminoethylacetamide (DMAEA) moieties on the lower rim of 0118 are important for its biologic activity. Until now, structure‐activity relationship (SAR) development of calixarene has focused on modifications of its hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. Since the hGal‐1‐Anginex binding site is a hydrophobic surface, we hypothesize that a larger hydrophobic calixarene surface area will translate into enhanced bioactivity. We have chosen calix[6]arene and tetrathiacalix[4]arene as tools to explore the core‐expanded SAR of our lead compound. A calix[6]arene analog of 0118 not only has a larger hydrophobic footprint, but also a greater intra‐annular topoisomerization rate which should allow for greater conformational space sampling and, therefore, better inducible fit within its molecular receptor. The tetrathiacalix[4]arene derivative, with its longer C‐S bonds (relative to the methylene bonds of calix[4]arene and calix[6]arene), should allow for a hydrophobic footprint larger than the parent 0118 but smaller than that of the calix[6]arene analog. The current studies focus on the synthesis and biologic activity of these 0118 core‐expanded derivatives. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A141.
Integrated CAD of mechanisms

Abstract There are three major components in an integral linkage design package: synthesis, analysis and design/drafting. Through the utilization of existing design software and integration tools, such a system is being developed at the University of Minnesota. This paper presents the prototype system along with a detailed example. The system, not yet all encompassing, ties the three major components together into one useful design tool utilizing LINCAGES for synthesis, DRAM for analysis, and ICEM DESIGN/DRAFTING for the design/drafting component. The example illustrates the use of the package in the design of a six-bar stamper mechanism. The design process is followed through from initial problem definition to the final analysis of the mechanism.
Transsynaptic transfer of retrogradely transported tetanus protein-peroxidase conjugates

Tetanus toxin and its atoxic binding fragment, C-fragment (CF), are the only known proteins which undergo extensive transfer from motoneurons to presynaptic terminals in the spinal cord. Intramuscular injection of CF conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to elucidate the ultrastructural basis for this unique property. Motoneurons labeled by retrograde axonal transport contained enzymatic reaction product within cytoplasmic vesicles and were surrounded by presynaptic terminals with label in the synaptic cleft and synaptic vesicles. Membranous structures on both sides of the synapse remained labeled for several days after the injection. Nonsynaptic regions were virtually free of CF-HRP. Transport of CF may reflect the movement of the tetanus toxin receptor in a unique synaptic compartment.
Esophageal motility and outcomes following laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair and fundoplication.

Abstract Background: The addition of an antireflux procedure to all giant paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repairs remains controversial. In addition there are no series evaluating the impact of hernia repair and fundoplication on esophageal physiology. This study examines the outcomes of PEH repair with fundoplication and examines the results of preoperative and postoperative motility and pH testing. Methods: An analysis of a data base containing all patients undergoing PEH repair between September 1994 and December 1997. Patients underwent laparoscopic sac reduction, hernia repair, and fundoplication. Follow-up was performed under protocol and consisted of a symptoms assessment form, 24 hour pH, and manometry. Results: Fifty-two patients (mean age 63) were treated: 59% complained of heartburn, 50% dysphagia, and 27% chest pain; 26% had a body motility disorder. Complete manometry was not possible in 41%. Mean operative time was 4 hours. There were 48 Nissen, 4 Toupet, and 7 Collis-Nissen procedures. There were 3 (6%) intraoperative and 3 (6%) postoperative complications. There were no operative mortalities. Hospital stay was 3 days (1 to 29). Late follow-up (18 months) was available for 96% of patients and showed dysphagia in 6%, heartburn in 10%, and recurrent herniation in 8%. Objective postoperative testing was available in 61% of the patients at a mean of 8 months. Twenty-four hour pH tests were abnormal in 4 patients (2 asymptomatic and 2 with a Collis). Lower esophageal sphincter pressures increased 63% and functioned well in 71% of patients; 50% of preoperative motility disorders improved following repair. Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of giant PEH is technically difficult but feasible. Routine addition of a fundoplication is advised, as preoperative testing is unreliable for a selective approach and fundoplications are well tolerated in this group of patients.
Immunization coverage and child mortality in two rural districts of Sierra Leone

Abstract The study, which is based on data from a household level health survey conducted in early 1993 in the rural areas of the districts of Western Area and Port Loko of Sierra Leone, examines the coverage of an Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), infant and child mortality, and disease symptoms among children died under age five in the study area. The results of the study indicated that the infant and child mortality rate per thousand live births declined from about 162 in the mid 1980s to about 77 in 1993. This decline was associated with immunization coverage which considerably increased by 1993, reaching as high as above 60% of the eligible children. The study further reveals that the major symptoms of disease at the time of death of an infant or a child were fever, cough, troubled breathing, and diarrhea in that order. While fever and cough could reflect the persistence of malaria and pneumonia—two major causes of infant and child deaths not covered by existing EPI—the study also revealed that many children failed to take full doses of immunization. Similarly, inadequate coverage of domiciliary oral rehydration therapy (ORT) might have been the reason of high incidence of diarrhea-related deaths. Simple medical technologies to eliminate many of the existing major causes of infant and child mortality in rural Sierra Leone are now available. Perhaps, a strengthened primary health care service, including an extensive rural health care network, aimed at eliminating these diseases, would go a long way in reducing infant and child mortality to irreducible minimum.
Pulsed NMR of submonolayer 3He adsorbed on grafoil

Abstract Relative susceptibility and free induction decay, (FID), time measurement were made on 3He submonolayers adsorbed on Grafoil in the temperature range 0.07 K to 4.2 K. The susceptability measurements for coverages of 0.5 monolayers up, showed Curie-law behavior.
Utilization of serum lipoprotein lipids by the monoacylglycerol acyltransferase.

The plasma membrane of rat liver contains an enzyme which is stimulated by heparin and hydrolyzes liposomes composed of phosphoglycerides as well as mono-and diacylglycerol (Waite, M. and Sisson, P (1973) J.Biol, Chem. 248, 7985-7902). Further, in liposomes this enzyme catalyzes a transacylation in which the acyl group is removed from position 1 of an acyl glyceride donor, and combined with the hydroxy group of a variety of acyl acceptors. To investigate the possible role of this enzyme in lipoprotein metabolism, we have incorporated specific labeled glycerides into lipoproteins. The high density, low and very low lipoproteins were then separated by molecular sieving and characterized by their physical and chemical properties. Using the labeled substrates as model lipoproteins, we found the following: 1)The enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing monoacylglycerol, diacylglycerophosphoethanolamine and diacylglycerophosphocholine; monoacylglycerol however is the preferred substrate in all three lipoprotein fractions. 2)Relative to the activity found on liposomes, the transacylation activity is low. 3)The specific radioactivity of the substrates in fraction B (low density lipoprotein) did not change during the reaction, which indicates that the labeled lipid is not a pool separate from the endogenous lipid of the lipoprotein.
The effect of a species-specific avoidance response to predatory starfish on the intertidal distribution of two gastropods.

The gastropodsAcmaea (Collisella) limatula andAcmaea (Notoacmea) scutum respond to water flowing over certain predatory starfish (i.e. to the scent of the starfish) by moving rapidly up a submerged, vertical surface. These limpets respond with upward movement to the scent ofPisaster ochraceus, Pisaster giganteus, Pycnopodia helianthoides, andLeptasterias aequalis. All of these starfish are predators on molluscs and at least occasionally inhabit the intertidal. In contrast, the limpets respond weakly or not at all to the scent ofPatiria miniata andPisaster brevispinus. Patiria is an omnivorous scavenger, andP. brevispinus is predaceous but strictly subtidal when it occurs on rocky shores. For the starfish tested, then, the limpets only give avoidance responses to starfish species naturally encountered as predators.The avoidance response ofA. limatula andA. scutum to predatory stafish can also be demonstrated in the field. When onePisaster ochraceus is placed beneath a population of limpets in the intertidal and confined so that contacts between the starfish and limpets are impossible, the limpet population is displaced significantly upward after one tidal cycle. In addition, the closer the limpets are to the starfish, the greater is their upward displacement.
Overview of the Spallation Neutron Source Linac Low-Level RF Control System

The design and production of the Spallation Neutron Source Linac Low-Level RF control system is complete, and installation will be finished in Spring 2005. The warm linac beam commissioning run in Fall 2004 was the most extensive test to date of the LLRF control system, with fourteen (of an eventual 96) systems operating simultaneously. In this paper we present an overview of the LLRF control system, the experience in designing, building and installing the system, and operational results.
A simple method based on broken‐line interpolation for displaying data from long‐term clinical trials

In displaying data from long-term clinical studies, variation across patients in the times at which readings are recorded often presents a problem. A simple method for treating such data is proposed, which avoids arbitrary conventions and methodological difficulties inherent in other approaches. It is based on within-patient broken-line interpolation, and is easy to implement on a computer. The method is tested and compared to others with computer-simulated data whose time-pattern is known. Though the comparison is of limited scope, the method appears to compare favourably with the ‘closest-reading’ and ‘window’ approaches.
Visiting the Floating World: Tracing a Cultural History of Games Through Japan and America

The goal of this paper is to establish a framework for better understanding the relationships between Japanese and American games in relation to that industry, visual styles, and cultural influence. To do that, this paper draws on a larger cultural history of Japan and America, and critiques and questions current and potential uses the concept of Orientalism in relation to digital games. In doing so, my hope is that we can arrive at a more sophisticated, nuanced understanding of that relationship, and use this framework for subsequent critical analysis. Author Keywords
DLCO versus DLCO/VA as predictors of pulmonary gas exchange.

Summary Background The diffusing capacity of the lung is usually reported as both the diffusing capacity (DLCO) and the diffusing capacity divided by the alveolar volume (DLCO/VA). However, it is unclear which measure to use when interpreting pulmonary gas exchange. We therefore conducted this study to determine whether the DLCO or the DLCO/VA is a better predictor of oxygen desaturation with exercise. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the pulmonary function records of all patients who had measurement of their diffusing capacity and 6-min walk oximetry in our university pulmonary function laboratory over a 2-year period. Results There were data available on 97 patients, most of who had interstitial lung disease and/or lung volume restriction. The median DLCO was 51% predicted and the median DLCO/VA was 64% predicted. The prevalence of exercise desaturation was 43%. The overall sensitivity and specificity as determined by the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was higher for DLCO than DLCO/VA, with an optimal cut-off of normal of 55% predicted. The positive predictive values were equally low for both measures, ranging from 50% to 70%. After adjustment for VA, there were no differences between the ROC curves or predictive values for DLCO and DLCO/VA. Conclusion After adjusting for VA, neither the DLCO nor the DLCO/VA was better at predicting oxygen desaturation with exercise. The optimal cut-off of normal was 55% predicted.
Reproductive effort of Mastocarpus papillatus (Rhodophyta) along the California coast1

Species with sexual and asexual life cycles may exhibit intraspecific differences in reproductive effort. The spatial separation of sexual and asexual lineages, called geographic parthenogenesis, is common in plants, animals and algae. Mastocarpus papillatus is a well-documented case of geographic parthenogenesis in which sexuals dominate southern populations, asexuals dominate northern populations, while mixed populations occur throughout central California. We quantified abundances and reproductive effort of sexual and asexual fronds and tetrasporophytes at eight sites in California to test the hypotheses that (1) reduced sexual reproduction at higher latitudes and tidal heights explains the observed geographic parthenogenesis and (2) reproductive effort (spore production per blade area) declines with increasing latitude. Abundances of all phases varied site-specifically. However, there was no geographic pattern of reproductive effort of fronds. Reproductive effort of fronds was greater in 2006 than in 2007 and correlated with sea surface temperatures. Sexual fronds exhibited greater reproductive effort than did asexual fronds and sexual reproductive effort was also inversely correlated with local upwelling index. Tetrasporophytes showed greater reproductive effort in northern sites, but total supply of tetraspores per m2 was greatest in the middle of the sampling range where crusts were more abundant. There was no decline of reproductive effort at higher latitudes. Geographic patterns of fecundity of life stages do not explain geographic parthenogenesis in M. papillatus. Site-specific differences in viability among spores or established thalli of different life cycles may explain their respective geographic distributions, as the sexual and asexual life cycles responded differently to environmental variations.
Separation of stop consonants

To extract speech from acoustic interference is a challenging problem. Previous systems based on auditory scene analysis principles deal with voiced speech, but cannot separate unvoiced speech. We propose a novel method to separate stop consonants, which contain significant unvoiced signals, based on their acoustic properties. The method employs onset as the major grouping cue; it first detects stops through onset detection and feature-based Bayesian classification, then groups detected onsets based on onset coincidence. This method is tested with utterances mixed with various types of interference.
IMPROVED COMPRESSOR MAPS USING APPROXIMATE SOLUTIONS TO THE MOORE GREITZER MODEL

Producing compressor maps is time consuming, costly and error prone and many data samples must be collected to give sufficient accuracy. Even then, expert input is typically required to fine tune the map to the appropriate shape. In this paper, we take some of that expertise and incorporate it in the smoothing process. The main piece of knowledge used is the cubic approximation for speed lines derived from the Moore Greitzer model. This well accepted approximation captures much of the general performance properties of compressors. But it is also widely recognized as only being very roughly true of real compressors. Nevertheless, we show that embedding this approximation, however limited, in the smoothing process results in accurate interpolation and extrapolation. The aim of this work is to substantially reduce the need for human input in the fitting process. We also anticipate a number of other benefits: less data is needed, with the commensurate time and money saved; the data collection process can be monitored for possible problems; changes in the map can be quantified and, when sufficiently small, data collection can be terminated.Copyright © 2009 by National Research Council of Canada
Phosphorylation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 and Growth and Differentiation Factor-9 Plays a Critical Role in Determining Agonistic or Antagonistic Functions

Two highly homologous oocyte-secreted growth factors, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-15 and growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-9, are known to control folliculogenesis and ovulation through direct effects on granulosa cells in the developing follicles. Although much is known about the expression and biology of these proteins, the impact of posttranslational modifications of BMP-15 and GDF-9 is unknown. Here, we report that: 1) recombinant human (rh) BMP-15 and rhGDF-9 are phosphorylated; 2) the phosphorylation is essential for bioactivity; and 3) the dephosphorylated forms of rhBMP-15 and rhGDF-9 can abolish the bioactivity of rhBMP-15, rhGDF-9, and rhBMP-7, but not rh activin A. These results indicate that the phosphorylation state of rhBMP-15 and rhGDF-9 is a determinant of their agonistic and antagonistic activities.