cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of gene expression in human cells using RNase P-derived ribozymes and external guide sequences

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) complexed with an external guide sequence (EGS) represents a novel nucleic acid-based gene interference approach to modulate gene expression. This enzyme is a ribonucleoprotein complex for tRNA processing. In Escherichia coli, RNase P contains a catalytic RNA subunit (M1 ribozyme) and a protein subunit (C5 cofactor). EGSs, which are RNAs derived from natural tRNAs, bind to a target mRNA and render the mRNA susceptible to hydrolysis by RNase P and M1 ribozyme. When covalently linked with a guide sequence, M1 can be engineered into a sequence-specific endonuclease, M1GS ribozyme, which cleaves any target RNAs that base pair with the guide sequence. Studies have demonstrated efficient cleavage of mRNAs by M1GS and RNase P complexed with EGSs in vitro. Moreover, highly active M1GS and EGSs were successfully engineered using in vitro selection procedures. EGSs and M1GS ribozymes are effective in blocking gene expression in both bacteria and human cells, and exhibit promising activity for antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer applications. In this review, we highlight some recent results using the RNase P-based technology, and offer new insights into the future of using EGS and M1GS RNA as tools for basic research and as gene-targeting agents for clinical applications.
Rheological behaviour and microstructure of stir-casting zinc-aluminium alloys

The influence of processing variables on the rheological and microstructural behaviour of stir-cast (rheocast) ZA-27 alloy (Zn-27 wt % Al-2wt % Cu) has been investigated experimentally. A concentric cylinder viscometer with shear rate range up to 650 sec−1 was used to measure the apparent viscosity of the slurries. During continuous cooling and at high shear rates (300–640 sec−1), non-dendritical materials obey the power-law fluid model, i.e.\(\eta _{\text{a}} = k\dot \gamma ^n \) where ηa is the apparent viscosity and\(\dot \gamma \) the shear rate. At lower shear rates (125 sec−1), the slurries display dendritical-liquid mixture with viscosity up to 50 poises. Microstructural studies of continuously cooled materials reveal a clear tendency of primary particles to cluster. This phenomenon could be explained by the reduction of the amount of entrapped liquid in the particles.
Controlled growth of InGaAs/InGaAsP/InP Quantum Dots using diblock copolymer lithography and selective area MOCVD growth

Diblock copolymer nanopatterning and selective growth is utilized to produce InGaAsP/In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As/InGaAsP Quantum Dots on InP substrates, demonstrating RTPL near 1.6 µm. Electroluminescence near 1.25 µm is achieved from ridge-waveguide devices.
Political risk and the expectations hypothesis

Abstract This paper develops and empirically supports, using 3 and 6 month interest rates, a theory that political risk can explain the shifting term premia found in U.S. data. We find that incorporating these political regime shifts yield results that support the expectations hypothesis.
Effect of Treatment Regimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on Simultaneous Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis

We evaluated the effect of treatment of gonorrhea on simultaneous Chlamydia trachomatis infection by randomly assigning 293 heterosexual men and 246 heterosexual women with gonorrhea to receive one of the following treatment regimens: (1) 4.8 million units of aqueous procaine penicillin plus 1 g of probenecid, (2) nine tablets of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole daily for three days, or (3) 500 mg of tetracycline four times a day for five days. Among the men, gonococcal infection was cured in 99 per cent given penicillin plus probenecid, 96 per cent given trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 98 per cent given tetracycline. Among the women, only 90 per cent given tetracycline were cured, in contrast to 97 per cent given penicillin plus probenecid and 99 per cent given trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Chlamydial infection, present in 15 per cent of the men and 26 per cent of the women, was cured in 30 of 32 patients given trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 27 of 29 given tetracycline, but in only 10 of 23 given penicillin plus probenecid. Among chlamydia-positive patients, postgonococcal urethritis in men and cervicitis in women occurred more often in patients given penicillin plus probenecid. Salpingitis developed in 6 of 20 women given penicillin plus probenecid, but in only 1 of 26 given trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and in none of 24 given tetracycline. We conclude that the use of penicillin plus probenecid alone for gonorrhea in heterosexual patients carries an unacceptably high risk of postgonococcal chlamydial morbidity. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline were highly effective against both pathogens and were well tolerated in men, but both drugs caused frequent side effects in women. The failure of tetracycline to cure gonorrhea in 10 per cent of women argues against its use alone; treatment with penicillin followed by tetracycline has been recommended for further trial.
Suramin inhibits growth and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) binding in osteosarcoma cell lines

Autocrine production of growth factors has been shown to be involved in the multistep process of tumorigenesis. The ability of suramin, a polyanionic anti-parasitic drug, to block growth factor-induced cell proliferation makes it a potential antineoplastic drug. We studied the effects of suramin on seven osteosarcoma cell lines. Using clinically achievable concentrations of suramin (50-400 micrograms/ml), we found a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation. We also showed that suramin is able, dose-dependently, to prevent binding of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 to its receptors. DNA synthesis inhibition by suramin was attenuated by TGF-beta 1 in some cell lines. Two cell lines that were inhibited by TGF-beta 1 were affected similarly by suramin as cell lines that were stimulated by TGF-beta 1. In conclusion, in five out of seven osteosarcoma cell lines, we showed a correlation between inhibition of growth factor-stimulated mitogenesis and binding of TGF-beta 1 to its receptor. Similar effects in TGF-beta 1-inhibited osteosarcoma cell lines suggest involvement of other mechanisms and/or growth factors. However, suramin proves to be a potent inhibitor of osteosarcoma cell proliferation in vitro.
Sense of Effort Determines Lower Limb Force Production During Dynamic Movement in Individuals With Poststroke Hemiparesis

Objective. This study’s purpose was to determine if individuals who have had a stroke primarily use sense of effort to gauge force production during static and dynamic lower limb contractions. If relying on sense of effort while attempting to generate equal limb forces, participants should produce equal percentages of their maximum voluntary strength rather than equal absolute forces in their limbs. Methods. Ten stroke participants performed isometric and isotonic lower limb extensions on an exercise machine. Results. When participants attempted to produce equal bilateral isometric forces, there was a significant difference in absolute force between limbs (ANOVA, P < .0001) but no significant difference when force was normalized to each limb’s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force (P = .5129). During bilateral isotonic contractions, participants produced less absolute force in their paretic limb (P = .0005) and less relative force in their paretic limb (normalized to MVC force) when participants were ...
Workshop on the health effects of HCl in ambient air.

Abstract This article presents a summary of the proceedings of the Workshop on the Health Effects of HCl in Ambient Air, held in Detroit, Michigan, on October 15, 1990. Participants addressed three topic areas: sources, levels, and chemistry of HCl in ambient air; toxicity of atmospheric HCl to humans and animals; and the need for future research on toxicity and exposure. Consensus conclusions related to each of these topic areas, arising form the deliberations of the workshop participants, are presented. These include: (1) atmospheric HCl will most commonly exist in the gaseous form; (2) long-range transport of HCl is probably of limited importance; (3) ambient HCl levels are in the low parts per billion range; (4) irritation of the upper airways appears to be the most sensitive indicator of exposure; (5) such effects are likely to occur only at exposure levels much greater than those measured in ambient air; and (6) future health research should focus on occupationally exposed populations and potentially sensitive subgroups, e.g., asthmatics.
Microwave-to-light motors

A working electronic motor operating at the record frequency 50 GHz is described. Means for bridging the frequency range into light are discussed, and a "Poynting vector motor" is proposed, eliminating the need of rectification and a separate driving unit.
An explicit upper bound for Weil-Petersson volumes of the moduli spaces of punctured Riemann surfaces

An explicit upper bound for the Weil-Petersson volumes of punctured Riemann surfaces is obtained using Penner's combinatorial integration scheme from [4]. It is shown that for a fixed number of punctures n and for genus g increasing,
Extensions to the distributed approximating functional: The harmonic propagator.

The formalism of the distributed approximating functional for integrating the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation is extended to allow an analytic treatment of all Hamiltonians of quadratic order. The resulting propagator matrix is highly banded in both position and momentum representations. For certain choices of the parameters, the action of this matrix can be cast in the form of a Toeplitz operator. We demonstrate that banded Toeplitz matrix-vector multiplication can be performed in significantly fewer numerical operations than is required by conventional split-operator fast Fourier transform algorithms. Numerical examples verify the efficiency of this approach in both storage and speed. Extensions of the method to Monte Carlo path integration, and the implementation on massively parallel computer architectures, are discussed.
ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF ONDANSETRON AS AN ANTIEMETIC DRUG IN CHILDREN TREATED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY 95

Chemotherapy-induced emesis is a major problem in the treatment of childhood mali-gnancies. Ondansetron, a highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist has been used in the prevention of chemotherapy induced emesis and nausea in children. In this pro-spective study ondansetron was given as anti-emetic prophylaxis to 60 children recei-ving 81 chemotherapy courses for up to 8 days each. Children were suffering from a variety of malignant tumours and their ages ranged between 10 months and 15 years. Ondansetron was given intravenously, 5 mg/m2, 15 minutes before, 4 and 8 hours following each dose of chemotherapy and was continued during the whole course of chemotherapy. The number of vomits and retching (each counting as an emetic episode) were recorded daily. The degree of nausea was assessed as follows: a) none (not feeling sick at all), b) mild (feeling sick) and c) severe (feeling very sick). The chemotherapeutic regimens were categorized according to their emetogenic potency as groups I (regimens containing cisplatin), II(noncisplatin containing regimens) and III (24 hour infusion of MTX, ARA-C). Responses were graded according to the number of emetic episodes during the worst-24-hour period: major response (1-2 emetic episodes/mild nausea), complete response (0 emetic episodes/no nausea).Table
Molecular Engineering and Measurements To Test Hypothesized Mechanisms in Single Molecule Conductance Switching

Six customized phenylene-ethynylene-based oligomers have been studied for their electronic properties using scanning tunneling microscopy to test hypothesized mechanisms of stochastic conductance switching. Previously suggested mechanisms include functional group reduction, functional group rotation, backbone ring rotation, neighboring molecule interactions, bond fluctuations, and hybridization changes. Here, we test these hypotheses experimentally by varying the molecular designs of the switches; the ability of the molecules to switch via each hypothetical mechanism is selectively engineered into or out of each molecule. We conclude that hybridization changes at the molecule-surface interface are responsible for the switching we observe.
Sphingomyelins suppress the targeted disruption of lysosomes/endosomes by the photosensitizer NPe6 during photodynamic therapy

Recent studies have described a biochemical pathway whereby lysosome disruption and the released proteases initiate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Irradiation of murine hepatoma 1c1c7 cells preloaded with the lysosomal photosensitizer NPe6 (N-aspartyl chlorin e6) caused a rapid loss of Acridine Orange staining of acidic organelles, release of cathepsin D from late endosomes/lysosomes and the activation of procaspase-3. Pretreatment of NPe6-loaded cultures with 10-50 microM 3-O-MeSM (3-O-methylsphingomyelin) caused a concentration-dependent suppression of apoptosis following irradiation. This suppression reflected a stabilization of lysosomes/endosomes, as opposed to an inhibition of the accumulation of photosensitizer in these organelles. Exogenously added sphingomyelin, at comparable concentrations, offered some protection, but less than 3-O-MeSM. Fluorescence microscopy showed that 3-O-MeSM competed with NBD-C6-sphingomyelin (6-{[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]hexanoyl} sphingosyl phosphocholine) for co-localization with LysoTracker Red in acidic organelles. Pre-treatment of 1c1c7 cultures with 3-O-MeSM also suppressed the induction of apoptosis by TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha), but offered no protection against HA14-1 [ethyl 2-amino-6-bromo-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate], staurosporine, tunicamycin or thapsigargin. These results suggest that exogenously added 3-O-MeSM is trafficked to and stabilizes late endosomes/lysosomes against oxidant-induced damage, and further implicate a role for lysosomal proteases in the apoptotic processes initiated by TNFalpha and lysosomal photosensitizers.
Dynamic light-scattering studies of longitudinal and shear waves in a molecular liquid

Abstract We have obtained new light scattering data on triphenylphosphite in both the viscoelastic and glassy regimes. We have developed a means of studying the Brillouin lineshapes and have determined that they are Lorentzian throughout. We found that in the glass the Brillouin linewidth increases with the rate of thermal quenching. And we analyzed the linewidth and shift data, both ours and that of others, in terms of the variable kη, where k is the scattering wavevector and η is the coefficient of shear viscosity; we discuss the weakness and strengths of such an analysis.
SU‐FF‐T‐233: Example Responses of the Free Radical Diagnostic Alpha‐Diphenyl‐Piorhylhydrasy (DPPH) to a Conventional Dose Rate and a Very High Dose Rate Electron Beam

Alpha‐Diphenyl‐piorhylhydrasy, or DPPH, a free radical diagnostic, can be used as a dosimeter when it is suspended in a medium that is at least partially translucent. The amount of color change of DPPH from a nominal purple to yellow is an indication of the number of free radicals created. Purpose: As a preliminary investigation, we examined two different combinations of DPPH and the response to two different 6 MeV electron beams.Method and Materials: The combinations consisted of DPPH with water and with bovine serum albumen, (BSA). The two electron beams were from a Varian 2100EX with a conventional dose rate, and from a modified Varian Saturne SL42 with a very high dose rate. The Saturne was operated in 6 MV photon mode with its target and monitor chambers removed so the dose rate of the electron beam was over 3000 times higher than the conventional dose rate. The peak instantaneous dose rate, which occurs when an “electron bunch” impinges, is over 107 Gy/min for the SL42. Approximately 2 ml of the DPPH combinations were irradiated in 3 cm diameter culture dishes to different doses. Controls were taken and exposed to the same environmental conditions as the irradiated dishes. Rapid color change occurred within seconds of irradiation, and the color change was analyzed on a Power Wave X Bio‐Tek analyzer. Results/Conclusions: Although there is more scatter in the preliminary data for the SL42 irradiation, the response from both beams can be approximated as being linear up to the maximum dose measured, 6000 cGy. The slope of the response for both beams is about the same, which indicates that the free radical activity is not heavily influenced by the dose rate within this range. The possibilities of using DPPH as a “biological” dosimeter will be discussed.
Effect of Serum From Normal and Diabetic Subjects on Incorporation of Glucose I-Carbon-14 into Individual Fatty Acids of Rat Adipose Tissue

Effect of Serum From Normal and Diabetic Subjects on Incorporation of Glucose I-Carbon-14 into Individual Fatty Acids of Rat Adipose Tissue
Matching, cardinal utility, and social welfare

Matching markets have historically been an important topic in economics research. On the positive (descriptive) side, researchers have modeled everything ranging from marriage markets to labor markets using the framework of matching. Matching was also one of the first areas in which market design made a name for itself, perhaps most famously in the redesign of the market that matches graduating M.D.s to their first residency programs in the United States. The arrival of computer scientists to the field of market design in general can be traced to many of the reasons suggested recently by Conitzer [2010] (in a broader context than just market design) in an article in Communications of the ACM, including the effects of new markets that have been made possible by advances in networking and Internet technology, a more computational mindset in general, and also the ability to view problems from a different perspective. In the case of matching markets in particular, in addition to the (often) constructive nature of computational approaches, there is also the historical fact that computer scientists have studied matching from many different perspectives, perhaps because matching markets have a very natural representation in the language of graphs.
“Revolutionary Viragoes”: Othered Mothering in Afro-Caribbean Diaspora Literature

I had it in my mind that I would be an old woman with you. But perhaps I always had it in mind simply to be an old woman, darkening, somewhere with another old woman —Dionne Brand, “Hard Against th...
Psychological adjustemnt and attitudes toward success and failure

Investigated the relationship of performance on the Success-Failure Inventory (SFI) and severity of psychological maladjustment (as measured by the MMPI). Ss (N = 120) were male veterans admitted to a VA Medical Center's psychiatric Day Hospital program. Ss were divided at median of SFI scores to form two groups: (a) Success-attainment (N = 60); and (b) failure-avoidance (N = 60). Multivariate analysis of the MMPI validity and clinical scales indicated that the two groups differed significantly, F(13,104) = 4.46, p <0.0000), Success-attainment group, in contrast to failure-avoidance group, scored significantly higher on K (p <.01), and significantly lower on PT (p <0.000), SC (p <.002), and SI (p <.0000). Discriminant analysis revealed that 76.67% of Ss were classified correctly into a success-attainment vs. failure-avoidance group by using the MMPI scales (p <.001).
The Explosion of Gases in Glass Vessels

WHEN Prof. Lothar Meyer was visiting Manchester a few years ago (on the occasion of the meeting of the British Association), he surprised me by saying that it was his custom in lecture to explode mixtures of ethylene and other hydrocarbons with oxygen in glass cylinders, some 10 to 12 inches long by 1½ to 2 inches in diameter (if I remember rightly), and that he had never had an accident. I suppose I did not sufficiently conceal my surprise, for he immediately demanded that we should go to the laboratory and repeat the experiment. Not having a mixture of ethylene and oxygen ready, I could not accept the challenge on the spot. The issue was therefore changed. Prof. Lothar Meyer said that he would fire a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in a thin glass test-tube without breaking it. I confess I was sceptical, until I saw him do it time after time without injury. He argued that if the thin test-tube would withstand the explosion of hydrogen and oxygen, a thick glass cylinder would withstand the more violent explosion of a hydrocarbon. Nevertheless I ventured to warn him against trying the experiment with either acetylene or with cyanogen, the two gases I had found to explode more violently than any others, especially with a small quantity of oxygen. Prof. Meyer's recent accident with acetylene and oxygen has led him to warn chemists against the danger of that mixture. I would wish to add to that warning that the danger is equally great, if not greater, with a mixture of cyanogen and oxygen.
Abrupt decrease in synaptic inhibition in the postnatal rat olfactory bulb

Olfactory bulb responses to paired-pulse stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract were examined in urethane-anesthetized rats, aged 5 days to adult. Brief inter-pulse intervals resulted in a depression of test responses at all ages. The magnitude of this depression decreased dramatically between postnatal days 19 and 20 to approach adult levels. Longer inter-pulse intervals resulted in a facilitation of test response amplitude in adult animals. This facilitation was evident at adult levels by postnatal day 10. These results suggest that both inhibitory and facilitatory synaptic mechanisms appear early in the course of rat olfactory bulb development. Furthermore, presumed granule cell-mediated inhibition is present at unusually high levels in the developing bulb, decreasing sharply between days 19 and 20.
Early interaction with C.K. Jørgensen

Abstract A personal account is given of interactions in the 1950s and 1960s with Christian Klixbull Jorgensen (CKJ). These cover his analysis of the absorption spectra of several rare-earth ions, in which he was the first to use Racah’s 1949 tables, and his construction with two colleagues of the angular overlap model. Its role in the later extension to two-electron operators in the crystal-field Hamiltonian is described. Recollections of Jorgensen the man and of his vision of chemistry are included.
Impact of 4 + 1 Block Scheduling on Patient Care Continuity in Resident Clinic

BACKGROUND Leaders in medical education have called for redesign of internal medicine training to improve ambulatory care training. 4 + 1 block scheduling is one innovative approach to enhance ambulatory education.
Electrophysiology and anatomic characterization of an epicardial accessory pathway.

Epicardial Accessory Pathway. Pericardial access permitted epicardial catheter mapping and ablation of a rapidly conducting posteroseptal accessory pathway (AP) that had failed repeated ablation attempts. Transient block was achieved at the site of an AP potential. The AP was visible at surgery and resected. Histologic examination revealed cells typical of specialized cardiac conduction tissue. The location, size, and presence of conduction tissue likely account for failure of catheter ablation and resistance to drug therapy.
Spectroscopic constants and potential energy surfaces for the possible interstellar molecules A1NC and A1CN

Ab initio quantum mechanical methods were employed to study the A1NC and A1CN isomers, resulting in theoretical predictions of the equilibrium geometries, spectroscopic constants, dipole moments, relative energies, harmonic vibrational frequencies, transition state structures and the activation energy for the isomerization between the isomers. Basis sets as large as triple zeta plus double polarization plus f functions (TZ2P + f) and cc-pVQZ have been used with the self-consistent-field (SCF), configuration interaction including all single and double excitations (CISD), and coupled cluster including all single and double substitutions (CCSD) methods, as well as CCSD with the effects of connected triple excitations added perturbatively (CCSD(T)). The A1NC structure is predicted to be linear and lie about 5·5 kcal mol-1 lower in energy than the A1CN isomer at the TZ2P + f CCSD(T) level of theory. The activation energy for the isomerization from A1CN to A1NC is predicted to be 6 kcal mol-1. A1NC is more rigi...
Cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis in an Asian male born in the North American continent: A controversial entity potentially related to multicentric Castleman disease

Cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis is a rare condition primarily affecting middle-aged individuals of Japanese descent and has principally been reported in cases originating from Asia. Its relationship, if any, to Castleman disease, is controversial. The authors report a case of cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis involving a 36-year-old man of Chinese ancestry born in North America. The biopsy of an involved lymph node revealed changes resembling Castleman disease. Significantly, this case to our knowledge represents the first case of cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis presenting in a patient of Chinese ancestry born on the North American mainland. Shadel BN, Frater JL, Gapp JDG, Hurley MY. Cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis in an Asian male born in the North American continent: A controversial entity potentially related to multicentric Castleman disease.
Circus movement atrial flutter in the canine sterile pericarditis model. Differential effects of procainamide on the components of the reentrant pathway.

To evaluate the mechanisms of action of procainamide on the components of the reentrant pathway, drug-induced changes in activation patterns, effective refractory periods (ERPs), and stimulation thresholds were analyzed in nine dogs with sterile pericarditis and sustained atrial flutter. Activation maps were based on 127 close bipolar recordings from a special "jacket" electrode. From the control map, 22 +/- 2 sites covering the slow zone and the normal zone of the reentrant circuit were selected to measure ERPs and thresholds. The excitable gap was estimated from the longest ERP during pacing at the tachycardia cycle length. During atrial flutter, epicardial activation proceeded as a single wave around an arc of functional conduction block in the proximity of the atrioventricular (AV) ring or around a combined functional/anatomic obstacle, with the arc being contiguous with one of the venae cavae. An area of slow conduction, which accounted for 53 +/- 15% of the revolution time within 35 +/- 15% of the total length of the reentrant pathway, was bordered by the arc of block and the AV ring or a caval vein and the AV ring, respectively. Procainamide (5-10 mg/kg i.v.) prolonged the cycle length of atrial flutter from 144 +/- 17 to 190 +/- 24 msec (p less than 0.05) and then terminated the arrhythmia in all studies. The increase in cycle length was due to an increase in conduction time in the slow zone by 37 +/- 11 msec (86 +/- 17% of the total cycle length increase). During the last reentrant beat, conduction failed in the slow zone, with the arc of block joining the AV ring. At termination, procainamide had prolonged conduction time, stimulation threshold, and ERP in the normal zone by 11 +/- 18%, 40 +/- 80%, and 5 +/- 15%, respectively, compared with 51 +/- 16%, 86 +/- 93%, and 14 +/- 21%, respectively, in the slow zone (p less than 0.05 for all three parameters). The duration of the excitable gap did not change significantly. We conclude that procainamide preferentially affected the slow zone of single loop reentrant circuits. The drug terminated circus movement atrial flutter without abolishing the excitable gap, and its effect on conduction seemed the major determinant of the antiarrhythmic action.
Simultaneous transfer of cholesteryl ester and phospholipid by protein(s) isolated from human lipoprotein-free plasma

Abstract Protein(s) catalyzing the transfer of [3H]cholesteryl ester and [14C]-phosphatidylcholine from high density lipoproteins to low density lipoproteins have been purified 4829-fold from human plasma by chromatography of the d > 1.21 g/ml infranatant fraction of human plasma on phenyl-Sepharose, CM-cellulose, concanavalin A-Sepharose, and finally by isoelectric focussing. At each step of the purification, both transfer activities coelute. The purified protein(s), molecular weight 150,000, transfer cholesteryl esters and phosphatidylcholine with a 1:1 stoichiometry and at equal rates of flux. Rat plasma contains a protein(s) which facilitates the transfer of phosphatidylcholine as effectively as human plasma. However, the rat plasma protein(s) does not facilitate the transfer of cholesteryl esters. These results suggest that human plasma contains one or more proteins which transfer both lipids, possibly as a 1:1 complex, whereas rat plasma lacks the cholesteryl ester transfer protein.
Diffusion behavior of implanted iron in fused silica glass

Abstract Diffusion behavior of implanted iron in fused silica after thermal treatments was investigated by the Rutherford Back Scattering (RBS) technique. Two-way diffusion of implanted iron ions in silica after 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C and 800°C annealings has been found. Implanted iron ions diffuse towards the implanted surface after 500°C, one hour annealing; while iron ion towards the surface and the bulk of the sample after 600°C and higher than 600°C heat treatments. After 600°C half hour treatment ions diffuse towards surface slower than ions diffuse into the bulk. The diffusion behavior of the implanted iron ions during heat treamennts is controlled by competitive processes, i.e., trapping of the implantatation damage, and diffusion between amorphous bulk structure and crystallized implantation layer. Diffusion of implanted iron ions is also influenced by the changes of chemical states of implanted ions through magnetic interactions among them.
Interpolation Method Needed for Numerical Uncertainty Analysis of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict a flow field is an approximation to the exact problem and uncertainties exist. There is a method to approximate the errors in CFD via Richardson's Extrapolation. This method is based off of progressive grid refinement. To estimate the errors in an unstructured grid, the analyst must interpolate between at least three grids. This paper describes a study to find an appropriate interpolation scheme that can be used in Richardson's extrapolation or other uncertainty method to approximate errors. Nomenclature
Microsatellite evidence for high clonality and limited genetic diversity in Ziziphus celata (Rhamnaceae), an endangered, self-incompatible shrub endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge, Florida, USA

Genetic data are often crucial for designing management strategies for rare and endangered species. Ziziphus celata is an endangered sandhill shrub endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge of central Florida. This self-incompatible clonal species is known from only 14 wild populations, most of which are small (under 100 plants). Focusing on the five populations discovered in 2007, we evaluate the level of genetic diversity and identify clonal lineages within the wild populations of the species with a set of microsatellite loci. To account for somatic mutations and genotyping errors, we identified clonal lineages using a threshold cutoff for pair-wise genetic distances among samples. The microsatellites had up to 18 alleles/locus, and, consistent with outcrossing, samples were highly heterozygous (average population level H o = 0.69). Most populations of Z. celata consist of a single clone, and the most diverse population has only 10 clones. Overall Z. celata comprises 41 multi-locus genotypes, and 30 clonal lineages. With nearly 1,000 recorded plants (595 genotyped) and only 30 clonal lineages, Ziziphus celata is highly clonal: clonal richness, R = 0.049. The pair-wise distance method facilitates identification of clonal lineages, avoiding overestimation of clonal diversity. In most cases, the samples that grouped into a lineage were one to four plants differing from a surrounding genotype by a single microsatellite repeat insertion/deletion mutation, consistent with these having arisen via somatic mutations. Our data will enable managers to incorporate extant diversity from wild populations into ex situ collections. Additionally, our research demonstrates the utility of microsatellites for conservation of imperiled species, identifying genotypes of high priority for preservation.
Potential roles for pharmacists in pharmacogenetics.

Abstract Objectives : To highlight areas of pharmacogenetics in which pharmacists may play a role and to describe those roles in the context of specific examples from a major academic medical center. Data sources: Literature search (PubMed) and personal interviews for the University of California at San Francisco case examples. Data synthesis: The field of pharmacogenetics presents a wide range of opportunities for pharmacists. Specific roles for pharmacists are likely to fall within three major domains: developing research methodologies and setting research directions, establishing the value of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice, and participating in education and infrastructure development that moves pharmacogenetic technologies toward implementation. Conclusion : As drug therapy experts, pharmacists are in a unique position to push the frontiers of pharmacogenetics in both the research and clinical practice environments.
Recognizing Family Dynamics in the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an increasingly common chronic medical condition that affects not only patients but also their families. Because family dynamics, particularly the family life cycle, can and does influence the disease process, those providing counseling to CFS patients and their families would do well to recognize these dynamics. CFS as a disease process is experienced differently throughout the family cycle. This process is described and illustrated with case material.
Demographics and spatio-temporal signature of the biotoxin domoic acid in California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) stranding records

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in otherwise good nutritional condition have been consistently affected by the marine biotoxin domoic acid since the late 1990s. In this study we evaluated the temporal and spatial stranding patterns of suspected and confirmed cases of domoic acid intoxicated sea lions from 1998 to 2006, using records of strandings along the California coast obtained from members of the California Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The majority of domoic acid cases were adult females (47%-82% of the total annual domoic acid cases), a contrast to strandings that were not related to domoic acid, which were generally dominated by juveniles and pups. Exposure to this biotoxin led to a 6.67-fold increase in adult female strandings in 2000, and a 5.44-fold increase in adult female deaths in 2006, relative to strandings and deaths of adult female not affected by domoic acid. Domoic acid cases have occurred annually since 1998 (except for 1999) between April and August, with clusters centered primarily at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County), as well as at other beaches in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Orange, and San Diego counties. The larger ecological and population level implications of increased domoic acid strandings and deaths, particularly among adult female sea lions, warrant further attention and need to be investigated.
Balance of chemistry, topography, and mechanics at the cell–biomaterial interface: Issues and challenges for assessing the role of substrate mechanics on cell response

Cells respond to three main categories of physicochemical cues: chemical, topographical, and mechanical. While surface chemistry and topography have been studied extensively, substrate mechanics has only recently been appreciated. Recent technologies of creating surfaces with well-defined chemistry and topography combined with sensitive surface characterization techniques have unquestionably deepened our understanding of surface chemical and topographical effects on cell behavior. In contrast, much less is known about substrate mechanics effects on cell behavior. This review summarizes the types of substrata and characterization methods that have been used to investigate substrate mechanics effects on cell behavior. We also speculate on the relationships between changes in substrate elasticity that occur naturally in vivo (e.g. wound healing) and cellular response. We present recent developments in creating substrata with well-defined mechanical properties in our own laboratory and conclude by discussing the major challenges and issues of determining whether substrate mechanics effects on cells are a material-independent phenomenon. This relatively new field would benefit significantly from contributions by surface scientists, and we hope that this review will stimulate the development of methods to create novel substrata with tunable mechanical properties and sensitive microscale techniques to probe their mechanical properties. Such model systems in which chemistry, topography, and mechanics can be independently controlled will facilitate the quest for design principles and material selection rules to control cell response.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using enhanced-fluidity mobile phases

Abstract The use of enhanced-fluidity liquids in reversed-phase HPLC separations is characterized. Enhanced fluidi liquids are commonly used liquids with high proportions of low viscosity fluids, such as carbon dioxide, added. When carbon dioxide is added to the methanol-water mobile phase, substantially lower plate heights and time of analysis are achieved without losing mobile phase solvent strength. The results indicate that these improvements are caused by the combination of the increased diffusivity of the enhanced-fluidity solvents and the ability of carbon dioxide to readily break hydrogen bonds in the methanol-water mixtures.
Survival after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy of Men with Clinically Localized High Grade Carcinoma of the Prostate

BACKGROUND This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of radical prostatectomy for men with clinically localized, poorly differentiated (Gleason score > or = 7) prostate cancer and to characterize further the prognostic significance of traditional pathologic variables. The effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy was assessed in a subpopulation of men for whom the pathologic assessment suggested a high risk of persistent disease. METHODS Two hundred thirty-eight consecutive men, 74 of whom had clinically localized, poorly differentiated carcinoma, were followed for a median of 6.2 and 5.1 years, respectively. The disease specific outcomes were derived from a non-prostate specific antigen (PSA) screened population. RESULTS The 5-year disease specific survival (DSS) for 52 men with a clinically localized Gleason score of 7 and for 22 men with a Gleason score greater than or equal to 8 carcinoma was 92% and 79%, respectively. The 5-year likelihood of having an undetectable PSA level was 50% for those with a Gleason score of 7 and 38% for those with a Gleason score greater than or equal to 8. Gleason score was the most powerful pathologic predictor of disease progression and survival. Pathologic stage was significantly associated with disease progression for carcinomas with Gleason scores less than 7 but was found to be less predictive of progression for carcinomas with Gleason scores greater than or equal to 7. Adjuvant radiotherapy provided a significantly reduced risk of PSA-detectable progression (P = 0.02, relative risk = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.92); however, radiotherapy had no significant impact on DSS. CONCLUSIONS Long term DSS is possible in a non-PSA screened series of men with poorly differentiated prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy. These results compare favorably with alternative treatment strategies, although they do illustrate a continued need to develop more effective adjuvant therapies for men with poorly differentiated prostate cancer.
Occurrence and Proposed Cause of Hollow Husk in Maize

In 2007, a maize (Zea mays L.) ear abnormality that we term here as "hollow husk" occurred in research trials designed to alter the level or the sensing of plant ethylene. The unique experimental conditions of 2007 enabled us to document the occurrence of hollow husk and propose a physiological mechanism for its cause. Ears exhibiting hollow husk have normal appearing husks that feel hollow due to an abrupt cessation in ear development and a concomitant lack of silk emergence. Hollow husk occurred when the foliage of actively growing plants was sprayed before the VT growth stage with a chemical treatment that should either lower the level of plant ethylene (a strobilurin fungicide), or one that should decrease the plant's sensitivity to ethylene (1-MCP). An attempt to increase ethylene status (via ethephon) led to virtually no hollow husk symptoms. The percentage of plants exhibiting hollow husk symptoms depended on the hybrid, the stage of plant growth when sprayed, and the combination of management conditions that promoted plant growth. Plants sprayed at V15 generally exhibited greater symptoms than those sprayed at V11, and hollow husk successively increased with increases in N supply and decreased with increases in plant population. Based on our data, we speculate that hollow husk is a physiological ear abnormality related to a perturbation in the level or the sensitivity of the plant to ethylene.
A Channel Propagation Model for the 700 MHz Band

Conversion from analog television in the United States combined with the appeal for broadband public safety communications is generating a lot of interest in the so-called 700 MHz band between 698-806 MHz. To our knowledge, no channel propagation model for this band exists to date. In this work, we derive such a model reduced from a measurement campaign realized through a stepped frequency system. The campaign includes 89 transmitter-receiver configurations in seven different environments relevant to residential, commercial and public safety communications, ranging from subterranean mine tunnels to an oil refinery, from mid-size to high-rise buildings. The stochastic impulse response model is complete with 17 parameters which enables reconstruction for use in simulation engines, amongst others.
On the Information Rates of Channels with Insertion/Deletion/Substitution Errors

In this work, we propose to use trellis structures to characterize channels with insertions, deletions and substitutions. We start with binary-input binary-output channels with either insertions or deletions, and develop a simulation based approach to estimate the corresponding information rates. This approach is then generalized to the case where there exist both insertions and deletions. We show that, the proposed algorithm is an efficient and flexible technique to closely estimate the information rates for channels with insertions, deletions and substitutions.
Software overhead in messaging layers: where does the time go?

Despite improvements in network interfaces and software messaging layers, software communication overhead still dominates the hardware routing cost in most systems. In this study, we identify the sources of this overhead by analyzing software costs of typical communication protocols built atop the active messages layer on the CM-5. We show that up to 50–70% of the software messaging costs are a direct consequence of the gap between specific network features such as arbitrary delivery order, finite buffering, and limited fault-handling, and the user communication requirements of in-order delivery, end-to-end flow control, and reliable transmission. However, virtually all of these costs can be eliminated if routing networks provide higher-level services such as in-order delivery, end-to-end flow control, and packet-level fault-tolerance. We conclude that significant cost reductions require changing the constraints on messaging layers: we propose designing networks and network interfaces which simplify or replace software for implementing user communication requirements.
How Much Does the CEO Matter? The Role of Managerial Discretion in the Setting of CEO Compensation

The idea that managerial discretion—defined as latitude of action—may be an important determinant of CEO compensation has been recognized for some time. However, in spite of considerable work that ...
Evolution of Human Bipedalism: A Hypothesis About Where it Happened

A geologically plausible locality for aquatic evolutionary processes leading to bipedalism is postulated.
Anthropology of Development vs. Development Anthropology: Mediating the Forester-Farmer Relationship in Pakistan

This essay, concerning the evolving role played by an anthropologist in a joint U.S./Pakistan social forestry project, won the 1989 Biannual Praxis Award from Washington Association of Practicing Anthropologists.
Agronomía Afranceada: The French Contribution to Mexican Agronomy, 1880-1940:

In this paper, which is based on a review of archival and published primary and secondary sources from many repositories in Mexico, France and the United States, we discuss the impact of French agr...
The impact of production innovations in the fuel ethanol industry

The fuel ethanol industry relies heavily on the adoption of new technology to reduce its production costs and maintain competitiveness with substitute oxygenates. This article identifies new innovations which are likely to be adopted in the next 10 years. These innovations are incorporated into model plants of 1996 and 2001 and production cost savings over the present is estimated.
Incidence and mechanisms of stroke after permanent carotid artery occlusion following temporary occlusion testing

Background and purpose Patients who require sacrifice of the internal carotid artery (ICA) have a substantial risk of stroke, despite preoperative testing with temporary balloon occlusion (TBO). The purpose of this study is to examine the incidence and mechanisms of stroke after permanent carotid artery occlusion in this population. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing TBO testing from March 2002 to December 2011 were identified. The protocol included 30 min of balloon occlusion, continuous intraprocedural neurological assessment, angiographic imaging of collateral flow during the occlusion, and perfusion imaging. Clinical records were reviewed for procedure results, procedural complications, and the incidence and causes of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and death over 6 months. Strokes were categorized as thromboembolic or hypoperfusion based on available clinical and imaging data. Results One hundred and fifty carotid occlusion tests were performed during the study period, including 84 women and 66 men. No procedural strokes were recorded. Thirty-seven patients (25%) had permanent occlusion of the tested ICA. Six of the 37 patients had ipsilateral stroke (16.2%) and three experienced TIA (8.1%). Two strokes occurred in the immediate postoperative period (thromboembolic), two strokes occurred within days of ICA occlusion (hypoperfusion), and two strokes occurred at least 30 days from the time of ICA occlusion (thromboembolic). Conclusions The rate of ischemic stroke following carotid sacrifice remains high and most strokes are thromboembolic in nature. Our testing protocol did not eliminate the risk of hypoperfusion-related stroke. Delayed venous phase by angiography may be a better indicator of hemodynamic tolerance than perfusion imaging.