cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions of allelochemicals with detoxication enzymes of insecticide-susceptible and resistant fall armyworms

Abstract The induction of glutathione S-transferases and microsomal oxidases by host plants and allelochemicals was examined in sixth-instar larvae of insecticide-susceptible and resistant strains of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Among 11 host plants studied, parsnip and parsley were the best inducers of glutathione S-transferase, resulting in increases of 39- and 19-fold, respectively, compared with the artificial diet. The inducer in parsnip leaves was identified by mass spectrometry, high-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography as xanthotoxin, a furanocoumarin. Xanthotoxin also showed a bimodal effect on the microsomal oxidase systems, increasing cytochrome P-450 content and heptachlor epoxidase activity but inhibiting aldrin epoxidase, biphenyl 4-hydroxylase, and p-chloro-N-methylaniline N-demethylase. Using indole 3-acetonitrile, indole 3-carbinol, and flavone as inducers, the inducing pattern of glutathione S-transferases was the same toward 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, and methyl iodide. Microsomal oxidase and glutathione S-transferase were also inducible by host plants and allelochemicals in larvae of a carbaryl-resistant strain.
Subsurface Radioactive Contaminant Transport Modeling Using Particle and Kalman Filter Schemes

Contamination of groundwater by radioactive contaminants can be harmful to the environment. Various prediction models have been adopted to simulate the state of contaminants in the subsurface. Conventional numerical models are simplified by approximation and the model parameters are assumed to be constant, thereby introducing error to the prediction results. Particle and Kalman filters are used in this research to simulate the radioactive contaminant cobalt-57 transport in a subsurface environment by using a two-dimensional advection-dispersion model. A radioactive contaminant concentration was predicted spatially and temporally within boundary conditions. The errors in the prediction results were assessed by using the root-mean-square-error (RMSE) equation. The results show that the Kalman filter performs better than the particle filter when the prediction model is linear. Furthermore, the results from filters are closer to the true value in comparison with the numerical solution, and the filters are capable of reducing the RMSE of the numerical solution by approximately 80%.
Non-frequency-shifted, high-fidelity phase conjugation with aberrated pump waves by Brillouin-enhanced four-wave mixing

The results of an experimental investigation of a new geometry for producing phase conjugation by Brillouin-enhanced four-wave mixing are presented. In this geometry, the four-wave mixing medium is carbon disulfide, and the backward-going pump wave is created from the transmitted forward-going pump wave by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in glycerol. The two pump waves are hence phase conjugates of each other, and the quality of the phase-conjugation process is not degraded even by the use of an aberrated pump wave. The probe wave is created by SBS in carbon disulfide, which has a Brillouin frequency half that of glycerol, and the conjugate wave is therefore generated at the same frequency as the probe. Since the pump and signal waves differ in frequency by the Brillouin frequency of the carbon disulfide four-wave mixing medium, high reflectivities (approximately 2000%) are obtained as a result of Brillouin resonance enhancement.
Abstract 1202: A role for adhesion in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mitochondrial translocation

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Co-overexpression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) and c-Src often occurs in tumors, resulting in synergistic increases in oncogenic activity and correlation with poor patient prognosis in several cancers1. We have demonstrated that overexpression of EGFR and c-Src, and stimulation with EGF results in the transient translocation of both kinases to the mitochondria, which correlates with reduced adriamycin-induced apoptosis, and lowered O2 consumption and ATP production. Translocation requires EGFR endocytosis, as well as EGFR and c-Src catalytic activity2,3. It has been suggested that to translocate to the mitochondria, EGFR is retrograde trafficked to the ER, where it is removed from the membrane and then enters the mitochondria4. Here we show that EGFR remains associated with endosomal membranes upon translocation from the plasma membrane to mitochondria, as demonstrated by the colocalizaton of EGFR, mitochondria and extracellularly applied dextran. This translocation requires the activity of integrins, as cells plated on poly-L-lysine show significantly reduced mitochondrial-EGFR in response to EGF stimulation. Alternatively, adhesion to fibronectin in the absence of other extracellular signals was sufficient to activate EGFR and cause mitochondrial translocation. Adhesion resulted in phosphorylation on Y845, Y992, and Y1068, but not Y1045 of EGFR, while EGF stimulation, even on poly-L-lysine, resulted in the phosphorylation of all these sites. pY1045 is involved in Cbl recruitment and lysosomal degradation of EGFR5, suggesting adhesion stimulates EGFR signaling and mitochondrial translocation, while preventing lysosomal degradation. Future work will examine the role of Y1045 in mitochondrial EGFR translocation, mitochondrial function and resistance to chemotherapy. References: 1. Biscardi, J. S., Tice, D. A., and Parsons, S. J. (1999) Adv. Cancer Res. 76, 61-119. 2. Demory, M. L., et. al. (2009) J Biol Chem, 284: 36592-36604. 3. Boerner, J. L., Demory, M. L., Silva, C., and Parsons, S. J. (2004) Mol Cell Biol, 24: 7059-7071. 4. Cao, X., Zhu, H., Ali-Osman, F., and Lo, L.W. (2010) Mol. Cancer. 10:26. 5. Groval, L.M., Stang, E., Sorkin, A., and Madshus, I.H. (2004) Exp Cell Res, 300:388-95. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1202. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1202
Chebyshev Optimal Waste Discharges

Liquid wastes are often stored for some time before being discharged into a water resource. Storage capacity determines the set of feasible discharge schedules and, therefore, limits the levels of water quality that are attainable. Thus motivated, the paper considers the following discrete-time deterministic problems: a For a given storage capacity, what discharge schedule maximizes the minimum water quality during a finite horizon? b For a given minimum water quality during a finite horizon, what is the smallest storage capacity for which there exists a feasible discharge schedule? A characterization is provided for optimal solutions to a and b. The characterization is exploited computationally to obtain exact solutions to b and approximate solutions to a.
Microwave Characterization of High-Temperature Superconductors

Thick (10-15 µm) Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O films have been deposited onto yttria-stabilized zirconia and Ag substrates by d.c. magnetron sputtering techniques. Direct deposition onto 1" diameter yttria-stabilized zirconia yields films with typical 22-GHz surface resistance (Rs) values of 5.2 ± 2 mS2 and 52 ± 2 mK2 at 10 K and 77 K, respectively. For comparison, Rs of Cu at this same frequency is 10 mK2 at 4 K and 22 mg2 at 77 K. Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O films have also been deposited onto 1" diameter Ag substrates using Au/Cu, Cu, and BaF2 buffer layers. The lowest Rs values were obtained on films with a BaF2 buffer layer, typical values being 7.8 ± 2 mC2 and 30.6 ± 2 mC/ (measured at 22 GHz) at 10 K and 77 K, respectively. Larger films (1.5" diameter) with similar Rs values were prepared using this same technique, demonstrating that the fabrication process can be scaled to larger surface areas. These films are promising for radiofrequency cavity applications because they are thick (50 -75 times the London penetration depth), have relatively large surface areas, are fabricated on metallic substrates, and have Rs values that are competitive with Cu at 77 K and are lower than Cu at 4 K. Because they are polycrystalline and unoriented, it is anticipated that their Rs values can be lowered by improving the processing technique. High-quality films of YBa2Cu3O7 have been electron-beam deposited onto 1" LaGa03 and 1.5" LaA103 substrates. The 1" sample is characterized by Rs values of 0.2 ± 0.1 mS2 at 4 K and 18.6 ± 2 mΩ at 77 K. The 4-K value is only 2 - 4 times higher than Nb. The 1.5" sample has Rs values (measured at 18 GHz) of 0.93 ± 2 Ω and 71 ± 3 mΩ at 10 K and 77 K, respectively.
Relationship Between Accurate Auscultation of the Fourth Heart Sound and the Level of Physician Experience

Background Poor performance by physicians-in-training and interobserver variability between physicians has diminished clinicians' confidence in the value of the fourth heart sound (S4). Hypothesis We sought to determine if accurate auscultation of an S4 improves with advancing levels of experience. Methods We performed a prospective study of 100 patients undergoing left heart catheterization. Patients underwent blinded auscultation by 4 physicians (each from 1 of 4 different levels of experience), computerized acoustic cardiography, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and cardiac catheterization for measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Results While cardiology fellows', residents', and interns' auscultatory findings demonstrated no significant agreement with acoustic cardiography, an S4 auscultated by cardiology attendings had moderate diagnostic accuracy with acoustic cardiography (odds ratio [OR]: 2.31; receiver-operating-characteristic [ROC] area: 0.60). The sensitivities of the S4 were low (39%–46%) for identifying patients with abnormal measures of left ventricular filling pressure (BNP and LVEDP, respectively), and the specificities were fair (76%–80%) with acoustic cardiography. The S4 was not associated with abnormal LVEF. None of the ausculatory groups performed as well as acoustic cardiography in separating patients based on objective measures of left ventricular filling pressure. Acoustic cardiography had the lowest (superior) negative likelihood ratios compared to any ausculatory group. Conclusions The S4 auscultated by cardiology attendings demonstrated superior diagnostic test characteristics compared with internal medicine housestaff and cardiology fellows. Correlations between the S4 and measures of ventricular filling pressure were superior for acoustic cardiography compared to the auscultator groups. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
COLOR AND TEXTURE DEVELOPMENT OF POTATO CYLINDERS WITH LIQUID SMOKE DURING BAKING, FRYING AND MICROWAVING

The rate of color and texture development in partially fried before freezing potato cylinders processed by deep fat frying, microwaving and baking was determined. The effect of 0, 1, 3 or 5% wt/wt solution containing 30% liquid smoke was measured at intervals during thermal processing and the reaction order and rate determined. Also, five different wood and dextrose-derived browning agents were compared at 1% wt/wt addition. The processing method had a significant effect on the reaction rates of color and texture development during processing. Microwaving was faster than frying, which was faster than baking. The addition of liquid smoke led to a significant increase in the rate of color production but had no statistically significant effect on texture. The addition of 1% liquid smoke increased the reaction rate by adding carbonyls, which limit the reaction rate in potatoes. Higher levels of liquid smoke did not change the reaction rate because the carbonyls were no longer limiting the reaction. The processing method and the addition of the browning agent had no effect on the reaction order which remained a pseudo zero-order reaction. Thus, liquid smoke could be used to reduce processing times, potentially saving money and decreasing acrylamide formation.
Effect of Subgrid Modeling on the In-Cylinder Unsteady Mixing Process in a Direct Injection Engine

Fuel-air mixing in a direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine occurs in a highly unsteady, turbulent and three-dimensional flow. As a result, any cycle-to-cycle unsteady variation in the mixing process can directly impact the performance of the DISI engine. To study the unsteady process in these engines, we have developed and implemented a large-eddy simulation (LES) approach with an innovative subgrid scalar mixing model based on the linear-eddy mixing (LEM) model into a commercial IC engine code (KIVA-3V). Time-averaged results of the simulations using the new LES version (KIVALES) are compared to the steady-state predictions of the original KIVA-3V. Significantly different in-cylinder turbulent fuel-air mixing is predicted by these two methods. Analysis shows that KIVALES resolves spatial features larger than the grid and that the subgrid kinetic energy adjusts to the LES resolution. As a result, KIVALES captures a highly unsteady, anisotropic fuel-air mixing process whereas a more diffused mixed field is predicted by the original KIVA-3V This ability of KIVALES is attributed to the subgrid closure which scales the subgrid dissipation with the local grid size and thus, decreases the overall dissipation in the flow.
The importance of rules-based monetary policy in practice

Abstract This paper draws on several actual policy experiences of the author to demonstrate why it is important to have a rules-based monetary policy. These experiences show that policy rules provide a needed “steady as you go” strategy and serve as an insurance against excessive intervention. They also show why in practice one must consider rules-based policy in the broader policy context in which the Federal Reserve operates.
Comparison of Several Traps for Catching German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae), catch by five types of traps and modifications of each, were tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Cockroach catch differed significantly among traps. Lo-line trap caught the greatest number of cockroaches in the test arena for each size class (23% small nymphs, 39% of gravid females, and 60% of other size classes in the experimental arena). Jar traps caught the least number of cockroaches in the test arena for each size class (range, 7–23% of each size class trapped). Modifications of traps also altered catch of cockroaches. Food bait tablets increased catch significantly; however, increases were small (<10%). Size of traps did not affect catch; whole traps or half traps caught the same number of cockroaches. Jar traps were much less effective than sticky traps, catching only half the number of cockroaches as sticky traps. A thin layer of petrolatum was a more effective barrier in jar traps to cockroach escape than powdered Olancha clay. Traps with petrolatum caught about twice as many cockroaches as traps with clay. Trapping of any of six life stages was not significantly affected by catch of any of the other stages. Rather, trap catch of each life stage was dependent on the number of that life stage available in the experimental arenas. In conclusion, of the traps tested, the Lo-line trap was the most sensitive for measuring cockroach catch, whereas the Detector trap (one third of trap) was the most economical trap (greatest sensitivity for lowest cost).
Head and neck manifestations of langerhan's cell histiocytosis in children: A 46-year experience

Abstract Objective Langerhan's cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of polyclonal Langerhan's cells, most commonly presenting with head and neck manifestations. This is a report of a series of patients with LCH at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital over a 46-year period. The purpose was to examine the head and neck presentations of LCH, their treatments and outcomes, and to compare with other previously reported series. Methods This was a retrospective study of all patients with a diagnosis of LCH who presented to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN between 1962 and 2008. Patients who presented with an initial diagnosis of LCH but were later determined to not fit the diagnostic criteria were excluded from the study. IRB approval was obtained and a chart review was conducted to collect data regarding demographics, tumor site(s) and manifestations, pathology, treatment, surgical procedures, and outcomes. This data was compiled and compared to previously published results. Results Eighty-eight cases of LCH with at least one head and neck manifestation were diagnosed during the period studied. There were 54 males and 34 females, with an average age of onset of 4.1 years. The most common lesions were those involving the skull (44.3%) and cervical lymph nodes (40.9%). The most common treatment was chemotherapy (80%) and corticosteroids (64%), with vinblastine being the most common chemotherapeutic agent. Surgical intervention occurred in 39% of cases. Total mortality due to LCH was 9.1%. The results were found to generally concur with other previously published studies. Conclusion This study represents the largest series of head and neck manifestations of LCH reported to date. Although LCH is a rare disease, it often mimics other common head and neck pathologies and therefore requires a high index of suspicion. Biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis and the mainstay of treatment is chemotherapy.
Complete mapping of the stereochemical course of retentive deprotonation/alkylation of 1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-ones.

Enantiopure amino-acid derived 1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-ones (BZDs) undergo highly retentive deprotonation/alkylation reactions. To confirm the role of stereolabile, axially chiral intermediates in these reactions and to determine the precise stereochemical course of deprotonation and alkylation, a new alanine-derived BZD (S)-1d was prepared. Because of slow diazepine ring inversion of the C3-alkylated derivatives of 1d, it proved possible to determine that electrophiles react at the concave face of the enolate derived from 1d. Furthermore, an enantiopure silyl enol ether derivative of (S)-1d was prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography, confirming that deprotonation resulted in an (M)-configured axially chiral enolate. Activation parameters for diazepine ring inversion in the potassium enolate of 1d were determined experimentally and are well-matched by density functional calculations. Finally, the factors leading to concave-face alkylation of the enolate derived from 1d are analyzed bas...
Controlling the aggregation and rate of release in order to improve insulin formulation: molecular dynamics study of full-length insulin amyloid oligomer models

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the physiological glucose level in human blood. Insulin injections are used to treat diabetic patients. The amyloid aggregation of insulin may cause problems during the production, storage, and delivery of insulin formulations. Several modifications to the C-terminus of the B chain have been suggested in order to improve the insulin formulation. The central fragments of the A and B chains (LYQLENY and LVEALYL) have recently been identified as β-sheet-forming regions, and their microcrystalline structures have been used to build a high-resolution amyloid fibril model of insulin. Here we report on a molecular dynamics (MD) study of single-layer oligomers of the full-length insulin which aimed to identify the structural elements that are important for amyloid stability, and to suggest single glycine mutants in the β-sheet region that may improve the formulation. Structural stability, aggregation behavior and the thermodynamics of association were studied for the wild-type and mutant aggregates. A comparison of the oligomers of different sizes revealed that adding strands enhances the internal stability of the wild-type aggregates. We call this “dynamic cooperativity”. The secondary structure content and clustering analysis of the MD trajectories show that the largest aggregates retain the fibril conformation, while the monomers and dimers lose their conformations. The degree of structural similarity between the oligomers in the simulation and the fibril conformation is proposed as a possible explanation for the experimentally observed shortening of the nucleation lag phase of insulin with oligomer seeding. Decomposing the free energy into electrostatic, van der Waals and solvation components demonstrated that electrostatic interactions contribute unfavorably to the binding, while the van der Waals and especially solvation effects are favorable for it. A per-atom decomposition allowed us to identify the residues that contribute most to the binding free energy. Residues in the β-sheet regions of chains A and B were found to be the key residues as they provided the largest favorable contributions to single-layer association. The positive ∆∆G mut values of 37.3 to 1.4 kcal mol−1 of the mutants in the β-sheet region indicate that they have a lower tendency to aggregate than the wild type. The information obtained by identifying the parts of insulin molecules that are crucial to aggregate formation and stability can be used to design new analogs that can better control the blood glucose level. The results of our simulation may help in the rational design of new insulin analogs with a decreased propensity for self-association, thus avoiding injection amyloidosis. They may also be used to design new fast-acting and delayed-release insulin formulations.
Pigmentation development in hatchery-reared flatfishes

Malpigmentation is common in hatchery-reared flatfishes, decreasing the market value of whole fish, and increasing the risk of predation for juveniles released to enhance wild stocks. Pigmentation development in flatfishes occurs in two phases. First, during embryonic and larval stages pigment cells differentiate on both sides of the body. Second, at metamorphosis larval melanophores disappear, and adult melanophores differentiate on the ocular but not on the blind side. Malpigmentation seems to result from disruptions of the second phase, and may take the form of albinism on the ocular side or darkening of the blind side. Both types of aberration may be related to aspects of the hatchery environment such as lighting, substratum, and diet. Larval nutrition appears to be a key factor and enrichment of larval diets with fatty acids and Vitamin A can greatly reduce malpigmentation rates; however, levels suffcient to prevent pigmentation defects frequently cause other abnormalities. Two developmental explanations for albinism have been proposed. The first is that differentiation of ocular-side skin follows the normal blind-side pathway and adult melanophores therefore fail to develop on the ocular side. The second hypothesis suggests that dietary deficiencies inhibit retinal development and the resulting visual defects lead to failure of a hormonal signal required for melanophore differentiation. These hypotheses may well be complementary; as yet neither has been thoroughly tested. Definitive tests will require a combination of manipulative techniques such as tissue transplantation and cell culture with nutritional, behavioural and hormonal assays. Such integrative studies will further the understanding both of normal pigmentation development and of the environmental factors that contribute to high rates of albinism in hatchery-reared flatfish.
Local properties of an Ising model on a Cayley tree

The Ising model on a Cayley tree displays a peculiar (continuous order) phase transition with zero long-range order at all finite temperatures. When one studies expection values of spins far removed from the surface (which contains a finite fraction of the total number of spins in the thermodynamic limit), however, one obtains the so-called Bethe approximation. Here we study such a local description by setting up a simple recurrence relation for successive shell magnetizations far removed from the surface. In the ferromagnetic case the local magnetization is a fixed point of the iterative transformation, while in the antiferromagnetic case the fixed point bifurcates to a two-cycle of the transformation (for low temperatures and fields) giving rise to local sublattice magnetizations. In both cases, local thermodynamical properties are obtained by integration.
Catalytic hydrodemetallation of nickel porphyrins: II. Effects of pyridine and of sulfiding

Abstract The hydrodemetallation (HDM) reaction of a model nickel compound, Ni-tetra(3-methylphenyl) porphyrin (Ni-T3MPP), has been investigated with pyridine over the oxide form of CoMo Al 2 O 3 catalyst and without pyridine over the sulfided catalyst. The HDM pathway for Ni-T3MPP was unchanged from that previously reported on the clean (N + S free) oxide catalyst: initial ring hydrogenation followed by the final ring cleavage and metal deposition. Marked differences were observed in the hydrogenation/ring cleavage selectivity, suggesting a dual-site catalyst. Pyridine strongly inhibited the hydrogenation sites and showed less inhibition on hydrogenolysis. Sulfiding strongly enhanced the ring cleavage steps and showed less enhancement on hydrogenation. The high bond-cleavage activity was interpreted in terms of Bronsted acidity arising from the dissociation of H2S on Mo vacancies. Metal-deposition profiles measured under diffusion-limited conditions on the sulfided catalyst were modeled using diffusivities on the order of 10−6 cm2/sec. The enhanced metal-deposition activity of the sulfided catalyst compared to the oxide catalyst was manifested in steeper, more U-shape profiles with less deposit in the center of the pellets.
Population responses of hymenopteran parasitoids to the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in recently invaded areas in north central United States

Populations of hymenopteran parasitoids associated with larval stages of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) were surveyed in 2009 and 2010 in the recently invaded areas in north central United States (Michigan), where two introduced EAB larval parasitoids, Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang and Spathius agrili Yang were released for classical biological control. Results from two years of field surveys showed that several hymenopteran parasitoids have become associated with EAB in Michigan. Among these parasitoids, the gregarious species T. planipennisi was the most abundant, accounting for 93% of all parasitoid individuals collected in 2009 (immediately after field release) and 58% in 2010 (a year later after field releases). Low levels (1–5%) of parasitism of EAB larvae by T. planipennisi were consistently detected at survey sites in both years. Separately, the abundance of the native parasitoid, Atanycolus spp., increased sharply, resulting in an average parasitism rate of EAB larvae from <0.5% in 2009 to 19% in 2010. Other parasitoids such as Phasgonophora sulcata Westwood, Spathius spp., Balcha indica Mani & Kaul, Eupelmus sp., and Eurytomus sp. were much less abundant than T. planipennisi and Atanycolus spp., and each caused <1% parasitism. Besides hymenopteran parasitoids, woodpeckers consumed 32–42% of the immature EAB stages present at our study sites, while undetermined biotic factors (such as microbial disease and host tree resistance) caused 10–22% mortality of observed EAB larvae. Relevance of these findings to the potential for biological control of EAB in the invaded areas of North America is discussed.
Mutagenic and Antifertility Sensitivities of Mice to Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) and Dimethoxyethyl Phthalate (DMEP)

Abstract Groups of male ICR mice were treated with a single ip injection of undiluted DEHP or DMEP representing 1 3 , 1 2 , and 2 3 of the acute LD50 dose. Immediately after injection, each male mouse was placed with 2 untreated virgin females for mating; the females were replaced on a weekly basis for a 12-week period. The high dose of both phthalates produced a distinct reduction in incidence of pregnancies, with lesser effects sometimes observed from the lower doses. This effect was more persistent with DEHP than with DMEP. Both phthalates produced some degree of dose- and time-dependent antifertility and mutagenic effects. There was a reduction in the number of implantations/pregnancy and of litter size, particularly in the first few weeks (postmeiotic stage) with the high dose of the compounds. Mutational effects, as expressed by an increase in early fetal deaths and reduced numbers of total implants, were seen at various weeks during the study, but most notably during the first few weeks. Thus, early fetal deaths and semisterility (decreased incidence of pregnancies, decreased number of implantations, and reduced number of offspring) constitute a spectrum of adverse reproductive and/or genetic effects noted with these 2 phthalate esters.
Ionization rate calculations for preionizers

The ionization coefficient has been calculated for cesium in argon. The calculation involved numerical solution of the electron Boltzmann equation coupled with the rate equations of the cesium level populations. Results show that resonance radiation escape depresses the high energy portion of the electron distribution function, and reduces the ionization coefficient below its value for no resonance radiation escape. The ionization coefficient is exhibited for a range of values of the electron temperature, electron density, and radiation escape parameter, that is typical of preionizer conditions. Nomenclature A ik = effective Einstein A coefficient for spontaneous emission e = magnitude of electron charge E = electric field strength /(e) = electron distribution function /Af(e) = Maxwellian electron distribution function Qk = statistical weight of the fcth level of the atom (hydrogen or cesium) k = Boltzmann constant m = electron mass ne = free electron number density
Redox behaviour of azulenyl nitrones: fully reversible one electron oxidation by cyclic voltammetry at potentials in the range of biological antioxidants

The one electron oxidation chemistry of azulenyl nitrones 4 and 5 employing cyclic voltammetry reveals that, unlike conventional nitrone spin traps such as PBN and S-PBN, such oxidation is electrochemically and chemically reversible at potentials near or within those of important biological chain-breaking antioxidants.
Cold stage design for high resolution electron microscopy of biological materials.

Abstract Both the number and range of applications of cryotechniques in transmission electron microscopy are increasing rapidly. In some cases, most notably the determination of protein structure by electron crystallography, progress has been limited by the performance of commercially available cryo stages. We review the design and performance criteria for stages which will be necessary for wide applicability in high resolution studies of biological specimens. The important criteria include an operating temperature below -140°C with a low rate of contamination of the specimen, ability to tilt to 60°, and perhaps most important, good resolution as judged by an effective modulation transfer function of 0.8 at 0.35 nm. Most applications also require an effective cryotransfer system. Up until now, most work in high resolution electron crystallography has been accomplished with laboratory-built stages which meet some, but not all, of these criteria. The availability of cold stages which fully meet criteria will allow the rapid expansion of high resolution studies by electron microscopy in structural biology.
Methylxanthines in 1989.

Excerpt Asthmatics have used the naturally occurring methylxanthines caffeine and theobromine, which are present in coffee and tea, for hundreds of years to obtain relief from paroxysms of airway o...
Broadband magnetometry and temperature sensing with a light-trapping diamond waveguide

Nitrogen–vacancy centres offer significant promise as nanoscale magnetometers. A light-trapping diamond waveguide is demonstrated, enhancing the temperature and magnetic field sensitivity of such centres by three orders of magnitude.
The effect of small bowel bypass and subsequent resection on gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin.

Evaluation of gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin response to proximal or distal intestinal bypass and subsequent resection was undertaken. Ten dogs with gastric fistulas underwent control secretory studies consisting of basal acid output (BAO), maximal vagal stimulation (2 deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) 150 mg/kg iv), maximal histamine stimulation (160 μg/kg/hr iv), and test meal stimuli. Serum gastrin was measured basally and following gastric stimulation. Dogs were then divided into two bypass groups: Group I, distal bypass, leaving 40 cm jejunum and 4 cm ileum; and Group II, proximal bypass, leaving 4 cm jejunum and 40 cm ileum. Postoperatively, repeat studies were performed. Both groups then underwent resection of the bypassed segments followed by repeat secretory and gastrin tests. BAO was significantly increased in Group I dogs. BAO increased from a control of 0.04 ± 0.02 to 0.51 ± 0.19 meq H+/60 min (±SEM). No significant changes in BAO were observed in Group II following bypass. Acid secretion to maximal vagal or maximal histamine stimulation was not significantly different in either group. Serum gastrin response was unchanged in either group following a test meal. In Group I dogs, resection of the previously bypassed bowel produced a further significant increase in BAO (1.44 ± 0.4 meq H+/60 min). After resection of the bypassed bowel, there was no significant change in basal or stimulated gastrin. Gastric fistula BAO increased following 90% distal but not proximal bypass; subsequent resection of the bypassed segment produced a further increase in BAO. Acid secretory responses to both histamine and 2DG were not influenced by either bypass or resection. An increase in BAO without a change in the background of serum gastrin may suggest the presence of a gastric secretory inhibitor in the distal small bowel.
Synoptic Climatological Analyses of Extreme Snowfalls in the Sierra Nevada

Abstract The Sierra Nevada of eastern California receives heavy snowfall each year. However, it is the snowstorms that deposit heavy snowfall in a relatively short period of time that can cause major inconveniences and even life-threatening situations for the residents and visitors to the region. Some of these snowstorms are so extreme as to become legendary, and with increased population in this region a synoptic climatology of these extreme snowstorms can be a useful tool for assessing snowfall potential by operational forecasters. Additionally, the hydrological and climatological implications of extreme Sierra Nevada snowfalls are important for state and local resource- and emergency-planning purposes. A climatology of these snowstorms will be presented. The period of study will include the snowfall seasons (October–May) 1949/50 through 2004/05. A total of 542 snowstorms occurred during these 56 snowfall seasons. These snowstorms were analyzed to determine any common synoptic features. The most intense...
Modula-2 projects for an operation-systems course: racing sorts and multiple windows

A Modula-2-based project series is presented. This three-project sequence is suitable for an undergraduate course in operating systems or systems programming, and embodies the three important principles of concurrent programming, algorithm animation, and code modification. Heavy use is made of the Modula-2 module; much of the code in the projects is given away to the students, who must then adapt it for the purpose. The project series requires the animation of several sort algorithms, which are invoked as independent tasks under Modula-2 and display their state in different screen windows. These projects do not require special hardware and can be run using a “dumb terminal” 24 x 80 screen.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tris(2,2‘-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-Centered Polystyrenes via Reversible Addition−Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization

A novel bipyridine-functionalized dithioester, 5,5‘-bis(thiobenzoylthiomethyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine (3), was first synthesized through a simple ester exchange reaction with the commercially available dithioester, carboxymethyl dithiobenzoate (CMDB), and further used as a RAFT agent in bulk polymerization of styrene for the synthesis of well-defined bipyridine-centered polystyrene polymers. The molecular weight is well-controlled, and also the molecular weight distribution remains quite narrow. This shows that the novel bipyridine-functionalized dithioester 3 is an efficient RAFT agent. More importantly, the good agreement between theoretical and 1H NMR-determined molecular weights indirectly indicates that almost all of the polymer chains are centered by the bipyridine functional groups derived from the new RAFT agent. Two of the bipyridine-centered polystyrene polymers were further complexed with ruthenium(II) ions to produce tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-centered polystyrene metallopolymers. The metallopolym...
Influence of temperature and relative humidity on performance and CO tolerance of PEM fuel cells with Nafion®–Teflon®–Zr(HPO4)2 higher temperature composite membranes

The carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning effect on carbon supported catalysts (Pt–Ru/C and Pt/C) in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells has been investigated at higher temperatures (T > 100 °C) under different relative humidity (RH) conditions. To reduce the IR losses in higher temperature/lower relative humidity, Nafion®–Teflon®–Zr(HPO4)2 composite membranes were applied as the cell electrolytes. Fuel cell polarization investigation as well as CO stripping voltammetry measurements was carried out at three cell temperatures (80, 105 and 120 °C), with various inlet anode relative humidity (35%, 58% and 100%). CO concentrations in hydrogen varied from 10 ppm to 2%. The fuel cell performance loss due to CO poisoning was significantly alleviated at higher temperature/lower RH due to the lower CO adsorption coverage on the catalytic sites, in spite that the anode catalyst utilization was lower at such conditions due to higher ionic resistance in the electrode. Increasing the anode inlet relative humidity at the higher temperature also alleviated the fuel cell performance losses, which could be attributed to the combination effects of suppressing CO adsorption, increasing anode catalyst utilization and favoring OHads group generation for easier CO oxidation.
Capsule Commentary on Hoffman et al., Brief Training of Student Clinicians in Shared Decision Making: A Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial

The Institute of Medicine highlighted shared decision-making (SDM) over a decade ago.1 Since then, more than 80 randomized trials have been published, many demonstrating that involving the patient in decisions and improving provider communication are associated with positive healthcare quality markers and overall morbidity and mortality outcomes.2 Few have involved multi-disciplinary practitioners; the trial by Hoffman et al.3 evaluated the effectiveness of a brief intervention on facilitating shared decision making (SDM) among student clinicians (of medicine, physiotherapy and occupational therapy) from two Australian universities. Based on valid, objective measures of video recorded interactions with simulated patient encounters, they found that their intervention improved performance of student healthcare providers in several important outcomes, including SDM communication skills, self-confidence in SDM skills, SDM attitudes and involving patients in decision making. An important limitation of this study is that it is based on simulated patients rather than live patients and the impact of the intervention was measured shortly after the intervention. However, its rigorous methods and robust evaluations suggest that modest interventions can yield significant improvement in learner SDM skills. A very important finding is that participants had high confidence at baseline in their SDM skills; a confidence that was not borne when objectively measured. This has been seen in other studies, whereby learners express overconfidence in their own communication skills—which begs the question: do residents and physicians do the same? One of the core competencies for US residencies is interpersonal and communication skills. This study highlights tools that are available for measuring learner competencies in shared decision making (OPTION scale4) and in eliciting patient preferences (ACEPP5). The authors are willing to share their training materials for programs that want to adopt formal curricula in shared decision making. There are a number of potential research questions that could be asked, such as the impact of health literacy (and numeracy), language/culture concordance between the provider and the patient and whether or not training in SDM persists over time, and whether knowledge gained from artificial simulated encounters transfers to inpatient and outpatient settings.
Clusters as Ligands. 4. Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization of the Tungsten(II)-Tungsten(III) Cluster Carboxylate {[Na][W(2){OOCCCo(3)(CO)(9)}(2)(OOCCF(3))(4)(THF)(2)]}(2).

The reaction of W(2)(OOCCF(3))(4) with (CO)(9)Co(3)CCOOH and Na[OOCCF(3)] in a nonpolar solvent mixture leads to the formation of the cluster of clusters {[Na][W(2){OOCCCo(3)(CO)(9)}(2)(OOCCF(3))(4)(THF)(2)]}(2), 1, in 40% yield. The structure of 1.3C(6)H(5)CH(3) in the solid state corresponds to a dimer of W(2) dinuclear complexes (monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 15.234(6) A, b = 23.326(11) A, c = 20.658(7) A, beta = 102.46(3) degrees; V = 7,168(5) A(3); Z = 4; R(F)() = 8.39%). Each W(2) unit is bridged by two cis cluster carboxylates, and the remaining four equatorial sites are occupied by monodentate [OOCCF(3)](-) ligands. The axial positions contain coordinated THF. The W(2) carboxylate is opened up (W-W distance of 2.449(2) A) so that the free ends of the [OOCCF(3)](-) ligands on both W(2) carboxylate units can cooperate in chelating two Na(+) ions thereby forming a dimer of W(2) complexes. A distinctive EPR spectrum with g = 2.08 is consistent with each W(2) carboxylate being a mixed-valent W(II)-W(III) species. The reaction of W(2)(OOCCF(3))(4) with (CO)(9)Co(3)CCOOH in THF in the absence of Na[OOCCF(3)] leads to the expected diamagnetic W(II)-W(II) cluster carboxylate W(2){OOCCCo(3)(CO)(9)}(3)(OOCCF(3))(THF)(2), 3.
Interventional Assessment of the Lumbar Disk: Provocation Lumbar Diskography and Functional Anesthetic Diskography

The diagnosis of diskogenic low back pain (LBP) can be elusive. Physical examination of the lumbar disk is limited and imaging offers few objective clues. While invasive, lumbar diskography is a method available to examine or "provoke" the disk directly and determine if LBP is coming from a disk and which disk(s) is responsible for the pain. Once identified, features of the abnormal disk can be evaluated, including the disk's response to intradiskal local anesthetic and disk architecture as observed on diskography imaging and postdiskogram computed tomography. Response to anesthetic can be correlated with imaging features potentially impacting treatment but can also stand alone as an independent objective marker of diskogenic LBP. Here we review the indications for lumbar diskography and the basic lumbar diskogram procedure. We also review the alternative more advanced technique for studying the anesthetic and mechanical features of the disk, functional anesthetic diskography.
Slow Sodium Channel Inactivation and Use-dependent Block Modulated by the Same Domain IV S6 Residue

Voltage- and/or conformation-dependent association and dissociation of local anesthetic-class drugs from a putative receptor site in domain IV S6 of the sodium channel and slow conformation transitions of the drug-associated channel have been proposed as mechanisms of use- and frequency-dependent reduction in sodium current. To distinguish these possibilities, we have explored the reactivity to covalent modification by thiols and block of the mutations F1760C and F1760A at the putative receptor site of the cardiac sodium channel expressed as stable cell lines in HEK-293 cells. Both mutations decreased steady-state fast inactivation, shifting V1/2h from −86 ± 1.3 mV (WT) to −72.3 ± 1.4 mV (F1760C) and −67.7 ± 1 mV (F1760A). In the absence of drug, the F1760C mutant channel displayed use-dependent current reduction during pulse-train stimulation, and faster onset of slow inactivation. This mutant also retained some sensitivity to lidocaine. In contrast, the F1760A mutant showed no use-dependent current reduction or sensitivity to lidocaine. The covalent-modifying agent MTS-ET enhanced use-dependent current reduction of the F1760C mutant channel only. The use-dependent reduction in current of the covalently modified channel completely recovered with rest. Lidocaine produced no additional block during exposure to MTS-ET-treated cells (MTS-ET 43 ± 2.7%: MTS-ET lidocaine 47 ± 4.5%), implying interaction at a common binding site. The data suggest that use-dependent binding at the F1760 site results in enhanced slow inactivation rather than alteration of drug association and dissociation from that site and may be a general mechanism of action of sodium-channel blocking agents.
Methylation Inhibitors Can Increase the Rate of Cytosine Deamination by (Cytosine-5)-DNA Methyltransferase

The target cytosines of (cytosine-5)-DNA methyltransferases in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA show increased rates of C-->T transition mutations compared to non-target cytosines. These mutations are induced either by the spontaneous deamination of 5-mC-->T generating inefficiently repaired G:T rather than G:U mismatches, or by the enzyme-induced C-->U deamination which occurs under conditions of reduced levels of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy). We tested whether various inhibitors of (cytosine-5)-DNA methyltransferases analogous to AdoMet and AdoHcy would affect the rate of enzyme-induced deamination of the target cytosine by M.HpaII and M.SssI. Interestingly, we found two compounds, sinefungin and 5'-amino-5'-deoxyadenosine, that increased the rate of deamination 10(3)-fold in the presence and 10(4)-fold in the absence of AdoMet and AdoHcy. We have therefore identified the first mutagenic compounds specific for the target sites of (cytosine-5)-DNA methyltransferases. A number of analogs of AdoMet and AdoHcy have been considered as possible antiviral, anticancer, antifungal and antiparasitic agents. Our findings show that chemotherapeutic agents with affinities to the cofactor binding pocket of (cytosine-5)-DNA methyltransferase should be tested for their potential mutagenic effects.