cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weld: A Multithreading Technique Towards Latency-Tolerant VLIW Processors

This paper presents a new architecture model, named Weld, for VLIW processors. Weld integrates multithreading support into a VLIW processor to hide run-time latency effects that cannot be determined by the compiler. It does this through a novel hardware technique called operation welding that merges operations from different threads to utilize the hardware resources more efficiently. Hardware contexts such as program counters and fetch units are duplicated to support multithreading. The experimental results show that the Weld architecture attains a maximum of 27% speedup as compared to a single-threaded VLIW architecture.
A lipogenic diet in mice with a disruption of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene reveals a stringent requirement of endogenous monounsaturated fatty acids for triglyceride synthesis

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) catalyzes the de novo biosynthesis of oleate and palmitoleate, which are the major fatty acids found in triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, and phospholipids. A high carbohydrate (lipogenic) diet induces lipogenic gene expression by sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1c)-mediated gene transcription, leading to an increase in the synthesis of triglycerides. The lipogenic diet fed to mice with a null mutation in the SCD1 gene (SCD-/-) fails to induce the synthesis of triglycerides in liver, despite the induction of expression of SREBP-1 and its target genes, fatty acid synthase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. The lipogenic diet led to a decrease in the levels of triglyceride, but an increase in the level of cholesteryl esters of saturated fatty acids. Feeding a lipogenic diet supplemented with high levels of oleate to the SCD-/- mice resulted in incorporation of oleate in the liver of SCD-/- mice, but failed to restore triglycerides to the levels in the normal mouse. Triglyceride synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of [(3)H]glycerol, was dramatically reduced in the liver of SCD-/- mouse fed a lipogenic diet compared with the normal mouse. These observations demonstrate that induction of triglyceride synthesis is highly dependent on SCD1 gene expression.
2-{(E)-[1-(2-Hydroxy-ethyl)-3,3-dimethyl-3H-indol-1-ium-2-yl]vin-yl}-6-hydroxy-meth-yl-4-nitro-phenolate dihydrate.

The title merocyanine-type mol­ecule, C21H22N2O5·2H2O, crystallizes in a zwitterionic form and has an E configuration at the styryl C=C bond. The styryl part of the mol­ecule and the indolium ring are slightly twisted and form a dihedral angle of 13.4 (1)°. The 1.274 (3) A C—O bond length in the phenolate fragment is the longest among similar mol­ecules. Hydrogen bonds between solvent water mol­ecules, two hydroxyl groups and the phenolate O atom dictate the packing arrangement of mol­ecules in the crystal and join the mol­ecules into a two-dimensional polymeric network which propagates parallel to (001). Four water mol­ecules and four hydr­oxy groups form a centrosymmetric homodromic cyclic motif of O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Another cyclic centrosymmetric motif is generated by four water mol­ecules and two phenolate O atoms.
Why antibodies disobey the Hippocratic Oath and end up doing harm: a new clue

The appearance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as an endemic microbe, first in hospital and health care settings and more recently in the community, has led to a disastrous situation in which use of the available antibiotic armamentarium is increasingly ineffective and spawns further antibiotic resistance. This vicious cycle highlights the pressing need for an S. aureus vaccine. However, to date, clinical trials with S. aureus vaccines have not demonstrated sustained efficacy. In this issue of the JCI, Skurnik and colleagues report that specific antibodies to two different S. aureus surface polysaccharides, which independently promote effector cell killing of S. aureus in vitro and protection against S. aureus in animal models, bind to and abrogate the activity of one another when they are combined. This fascinating finding suggests a new paradigm to explain the failure of antibody immunity to S. aureus.
Different Roles of C-terminal Cassettes in the Trafficking of Full-length NR1 Subunits to the Cell Surface *

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels composed of NR1 and NR2 subunits. When expressed alone, the most prevalent NR1 splice variant and all NR2 subunits are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas other NR1 splice variants reach the cell surface to varying degrees. Because similar trafficking patterns have been seen for single transmembrane domain chimeric proteins with appended C termini of NMDA receptor subunits, these chimeric proteins have been used as a model for studying the mechanisms underlying the ER retention and surface trafficking of NMDA receptors. Using this approach, an RRR motif in the C1 cassette has been identified as a major ER retention signal present in NR1 subunits, and the surface localization of other NR1 splice variants has been explained by the absence of the C1 cassette or by the presence of a PDZ/coatomer protein complex II-binding domain in the C2′ cassette. However, when we tested these conclusions using full-length NR1 constructs, a more complex role of the C-terminal cassettes in the trafficking of NR1 subunits emerged. Our experiments showed that two independent ER retention motifs in the C1 cassette, KKK and RRR, are the signals mediating ER retention of the full-length NR1 subunits and that the C2 cassette has an additional inhibitory effect on the forward trafficking of NR1 subunits. On the other hand, C0 and C2′ cassettes had an enhancing effect on the trafficking of NR1 subunits to the cell surface. Our observations identify the unique roles of C-terminal cassettes in the trafficking of full-length NR1 subunits.
Neurite Development in PC12 Cells on Nanostructured Substrates

We investigated the role of substrate topography on neurite development in pheochromocytoma (PC12 cells) by culturing the cells on substrates having nanoscale pillars and pores. In general, cells on nanopillars and nanopores developed fewer and shorter neurites as compared to cells on smooth substrates. But in comparison between the nanopillars the nanopores, cells on nanopores developed more and longer neurites than cells on nanopillars. These results showed that PC12 cells were spatially aware of the difference in the nanoscale structures of the underlying substrates and responded with differences in neurite outgrowth. This fact suggests the possibility to use nanoscale topographic features to control neurite development in neurons.
End-tidal carbon dioxide is associated with mortality and lactate in patients with suspected sepsis

Abstract Objective Exhaled end-tidal carbon dioxide (Etco 2 ) concentration is associated with lactate levels in febrile patients. We assessed the association of Etco 2 with mortality and lactate levels in patients with suspected sepsis. Methods This was a prospective observational study. We enrolled 201 adult patients presenting with suspected infection and 2 or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. Lactate and Etco 2 were measured and analyzed with patient outcomes. Results The area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.75 (confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.86) for lactate and mortality and 0.73 (CI, 0.61-0.84) for Etco 2 and mortality. When analyzed across the different categories of sepsis, the AUCs for lactate and mortality were 0.61 (CI, 0.36-0.87) for sepsis, 0.69 (CI, 0.48-0.89) for severe sepsis, and 0.74 (CI, 0.55-0.93) for septic shock. The AUCs for Etco 2 and mortality were 0.60 (CI, 0.37-0.83) for sepsis, 0.67 (CI, 0.46-0.88) for severe sepsis, and 0.78 (CI, 0.59-0.96) for septic shock. There was a significant inverse relationship between Etco 2 and lactate in all categories, with correlation coefficients of −0.421 ( P P P = .011), respectively. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated, demonstrating 3 significant predictors of mortality: use of vasopressors 16.4 (95% CI, 1.80-149.2), mechanical ventilation 16.4 (95% CI, 3.13-85.9), and abnormal Etco 2 levels 6.48 (95% CI, 1.06-39.54). Conclusions We observed a significant association between Etco 2 concentration and in-hospital mortality in emergency department patients with suspected sepsis across a range of disease severity.
Better the devil you know: familiarity affects foraging activity of red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus

Many animals can recognize previously encountered individuals and modify their behaviour towards them. Individuals also can have increased growth or other fitness components when interacting with familiar compared to unfamiliar individuals. One hypothesis explaining fitness benefits is that animals forage less in the presence of unfamiliar conspecifics because they spend time avoiding or interacting with these potentially more aggressive individuals. We tested this hypothesis in a territorial salamander, Plethodon cinereus, which is active on the forest floor at night. In our first experiment, we tested whether nocturnal activity was a suitable quantitative reflection of foraging. Level of nocturnal activity had a significant positive effect on mass gain and a significant negative effect on prey abundance in enclosures. Adult P. cinereus are known to be less aggressive towards familiar juveniles, and juveniles grow more when cohabitating with familiar adults, so we tested whether a lack of familiarity between juveniles and adults decreases nocturnal foraging activity of juveniles or adults. Juveniles were less active in enclosures with unfamiliar females than with familiar females with whom they had cohabitated in the laboratory. There were no differences in juvenile foraging activity based on familiarity with males. Surprisingly, adult salamanders were more active in enclosures with familiar juveniles than in enclosures with unfamiliar juveniles, even though juveniles are much smaller and do not pose physical danger towards adults. We conclude that adults and juveniles forage more when they interact with familiar conspecifics and we discuss hypotheses that may explain why familiarity affects interactions in these contexts.
Damming waters and wisdom: protest in the Narmada River Valley

Abstract The science, technology, and wisdom of building large dams seem to be deemed unfashionable in the developed world. Developing countries like China and India, however, continue to believe that large dams are rational and legitimate development solutions. The Sardar Sarovar, across the river Narmada, is one such large dam which the Indian government has been building since the early 1960s. The past two decades have, however, spawned a unique, people-based, and non-violent protest against the Sardar Sarovar dam led by the Narmada Bachao Andolan . This paper documents the history of the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the flawed rationale behind the building of Sardar Sarovar.
Selective solubilization of two populations of polypeptides from bovine retinal basement membranes.

Abstract Basement membranes isolated from the entire neural retinae of normal cows consist of a heterogeneous mixture of polypeptides resolvable as two major populations, one collagenous and the other non-collagenous. The non-collagenous population consists of disulfide-bonded aggregates of which the major fraction is soluble in lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) at 4°C without reducing agent, with the remainder requiring reduction for solubilization at 4°C. Only the second 4°C extract is contaminated with small amounts of hydroxylated amino acids. The non-collagenous population consists of up to 25 polypeptides detectable in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels, all of which stain blue with Coomassie Blue R-250, are insensitive to bacterial collagenase and migrate on or slightly below the central diagonal in urea- SDS SDS electrophoresis. The collagenous population is soluble in LDS at 100°C under reducing conditions and has a collagenous amino acid composition, although consisting of only 272 glycine residues/1000. This fraction consists of four major and four minor polypeptides detectable in SDS gels, all of which stain red (metachromatically) with Coomassie Blue R-250, are degraded by bacterial collagenase and migrate below the central diagonal in urea- SDS SDS electrophoresis. The four major collagenous polypeptides are larger than the α-chains of type I collagen. In total, the solubilized proteins account for 60% of the general protein, but only 30% of the sum of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. The insoluble residue has a collagenous amino acid composition similar to that of the 100°C extract, but with lower 3-hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine contents.
Properties of tyrosine aminotransferase from rat liver.

Abstract A series of sequential chromatographic procedures which yield essentially homogeneous tyrosine aminotransferase ( l -tyrosine:2-oxglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.5) from rat livers is described. Analysis of the purified enzyme indicates that its molecular weight is about 100,000, and that it consists of two subunits of identical mass and charge, each bearing one functional site for reaction with pyridoxal phosphate.
Discontinuous behavior of effective transport coefficients in quasiperiodic media

We investigate the effective conductivityσ* of a quasiperiodic medium in ℝd and the discontinuous dependence, found in ref. 1, ofσ* on the wavelengths of the system. It was shown there, for example, that the effective conductivityσ*(k) for a layered medium with a one-dimensional local conductivityσk(x)=A+cosx+coskx, A>2, is discontinuous ink. An explicit class of higherdimensional examples which exhibit the discontinuity is constructed here. The conductivityσ*(k, L) of a sample of lengthL in one dimension asL→∞ is also analyzed and shown to have a plateau structure for any irrationalk well approximated by rationals.
A refined view of the determinants of gait: Significance of heel rise ☆ ☆☆ ★ ★★

Abstract Kerrigan DC, Della Croce U, Marciello M, Riley PO. A refined view of the determinants of gait: significance of heel rise. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:1077-80. Objectives: Although the major determinants of gait described by Saunders and colleagues have been accepted for more than 40 years, recent investigations raise the question of whether the reduction in center of mass (COM) displacement compared with a compass gait model indeed results from the factors originally described. We tested the hypothesis that heel rise at the end of stance is a true determinant that can explain a considerable portion of the reduction in COM vertical displacement during walking. Design: Stereophotogrammetric data during walking were collected. A modified compass gait model incorporating the effect of heel rise, as compared with predictions based on a standard compass model, were used to estimate the isolated effect of heel rise on reducing the vertical displacement of COM. Setting: A gait laboratory. Participants: Thirty able-bodied subjects. Main Outcome Measure: The estimated reduction in COM displacement due to heel rise was compared with the actual reduction in displacement. Results: The estimated effect of heel rise on reduction in COM displacement was 23.4 ± 7.6mm, whereas the actual reduction in COM displacement was 21.2 ± 6.5mm (difference not significant, paired p = .185). Conclusion: During normal walking, heel rise from foot flat has a considerable role in raising the height of the COM when it is at its lowest, thus reducing its overall displacement. Insofar as reduction of COM vertical displacement may have important energy implications, appreciating the specific gait parameter of heel rise is key in rehabilitative approaches to improve gait disability. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
MRI pyschophysics: An experimental framework relating image quality to diagnostic performance metrics

Purpose: To determine the minimal image quality needed to preserve diagnostic performance relative to arthroscopy in the knee. Materials and Methods: Synthetic noise was added to images from clinical MRI scans (three-dimensional SPACE pulse sequence; Siemens) from five patients who had undergone knee MRI with arthroscopic follow-up, resulting in 25 simulated sets of images with standardized signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20. All cases were scored by four musculoskeletal radiologists progressing from low to high SNR and grading all cartilage surfaces, major ligaments and menisci on a 5-point scale. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for the detection of meniscal tears and cartilage abnormalities. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was determined for each structure at each SNR level. In addition, reader confidence was measured and pairwise comparisons across SNR levels were performed. Results were compared with arthroscopy as the reference standard. Results: ROC AUC was maximized for meniscal tears at SNR = 5 (structure specific CNR = 3.2) and for cartilage abnormalities at SNR = 10 (CNR = 4.2). Observer confidence was maximized for menisci at SNR = 5 (CNR = 8.0), for ligaments at SNR = 10 (CNR = 13.6) and cartilage at SNR = 10 (CNR = 8.2). Conclusion: For 3D isotropic imaging in the knee, images with SNR < 10 or CNR < 10 should be rejected as nondiagnostic. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1402–1408. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman spectroscopy of filamentous bacteriophage Ff (fd, M13, f1) incorporating specifically-deuterated alanine and tryptophan side chains. Assignments and structural interpretation

Structural interpretation of the Raman spectra of filamentous bacteriophages is dependent upon reliable assignments for the numerous Raman vibrational bands contributed from coat protein and packaged DNA of the virion. To establish unambiguous assignments and facilitate structural conclusions derived from them, we have initiated a systematic study of filamentous bacteriophage Ff (fd, f1, M13) incorporating protein subunits with specifically deuterated amino-acid side chains. Here, we report and interpret the Raman spectra of fd virions which incorporate: (a) a single deuterio-tryptophan residue per coat protomer [fd(Wd5)], (b) ten deuterio-alanines per protomer [fd(10Ad3)], and (c) both deuterio-tryptophan and deuterio-alanine [fd(Wd5 + 10Ad3)]. The unambiguous assignment of coat protein Raman bands in normal and deuterated isotopomers of fd establishes the validity of earlier empirical assignments of many key Raman markers, including those of packaged ssDNA (Thomas et al., 1988). Present results confirm that deoxyguanosine residues of the packaged ssDNA molecule depart from the usual C2'-endo/anti conformation characteristic of protein-free DNA in aqueous solution, although C2'-endo/anti conformers of thymidine are not excluded by the data. The combined results obtained here on normal fd, and on fd incorporating deuterio-tryptophan [fd(Wd5) and fd(Wd5 + 10Ad3)], show also that the microenvironment of the single tryptophan residue per coat protomer (W26) can be clearly deduced as follows: (a) The indole 1-NH donor group of each protomer in fd forms a moderately strong hydrogen bond, most likely to a hydroxyl oxygen acceptor. (b) The planar indole ring exists in a hydrophilic environment. (c) The torsion angle describing the orientation of the indole ring (C3-C2 linkage) with respect to the side-chain (C alpha-C beta bond) is unusually large, i.e., magnitude of X2,1 approximately 120 degrees. With respect to alanine isotopomers, the present results show that alanine residues, and possibly other methyl-containing side chains, are significant contributors to the fd Raman spectrum. The present study provides new information on protomer side chains of fd and demonstrates a Raman methodology which should be generally useful for investigating single-site interactions and macromolecular conformations in other nucleoprotein assemblies.
Further observations on the formation mechanisms of precipitate-free zones in an aged AI-16 wt pct ag alloy

In summary solute diffusion effects can describe the presence of asymmetric solute concentration profiles and asymmetric PFZ around grain boundaries in an aged Al-16 wt pct Ag alloy. These effects are also responsible for the lack of precipitate (..gamma..) coarsening and cause reprecipitation during the initial aging treatment.
Convective-diffusive transport in vapor growth ampoules

Theoretical and experimental work on heat and mass transport in crystal growth by closed ampoule vapor transport is reviewed. It is shown that double-diffusive phenomena, together with the three-dimensional boundary conditions of real systems lead to a complexity of the transport modes that are beyond the reach of the simplifying models currently used in the materials preparation literature. Consequences of the new insights for earth-bound vapor transport and for optimization of future space experiments are discussed.
Asymmetric total synthesis of batzelladine D.

The first enantioselective total synthesis of a batzelladine alkaloid is described. The central reaction in the synthesis of (−)-batzelladine D (2) is a tethered Biginelli condensation of a guanidine aldehyde and an acetoacetic ester to generate a 7-substituted-1-iminohexahydropyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidine intermediate having the anti stereochemistry of the methine hydrogens flanking the pyrrolidine nitrogen.
Electrochemical Reduction of Cobaltocenium in the Presence of β-Cyclodextrin

The cathodic voltammetric behavior of cobaltocenium (Cob+) and carboxycobaltocenium (Cob+-COO-) in aqueous solution was investigated in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The one-electron reduction of Cob+ leads to the deposition on the electrode surface of the reduced, neutral form, cobaltocene (Cob). In contrast, the reduction of Cob+-COO- does not produce any deposits because Cob-COO- is water soluble. Upon addition of the CD host, the voltammetric waves of both compounds shift to less negative values revealing the formation of inclusion complexes between the reduced forms and the β-CD host. In the case of Cob+, the formation of the β-CD·Cob complex results in the disappearance of the distortions in the current−potential curves which were associated with the deposition of free Cob. Digital simulations of the voltammetric responses in the presence of β-CD led to the determination of the corresponding equilibrium association constants. The values obtained were 2000 and 1800 L/mol for the complexation...
Multivariate regression tests of the arbitrage pricing theory: An instrumental variable approach

This article expands the theoretical basis upon which empirical testing of the arbitrage pricing theory (APT) rests. Specifically, it specifies linear restrictions for worlds in which the APT holds. These restrictions may, in principle, be tested. Since the regressors in the model are only “noisy” proxies for a specific linear transformation of the factors or mimicking portfolios, testing regressions suffer from an errors-in-variables problem. The standard econometric treatment for this problem is the instrumental-variables approach. A size-based example is employed to compare the test results derived from the instrumental-variables approach to those obtained via the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. The results from both methods cannot reject a two-factor APT for the size-sorted portfolio sample.
Rats self-administer sufentanil in aerosol form

An ultrasonic nebulizer was used to create a drug vapor to develop an animal model for the self-administration of inhaled nonvolatile psychoactive drugs. An aerosol mist of a sufentanil citrate solution (10, 25, 50, or 75 μg/ml) was delivered to rats in response to lever presses on an FR 5 schedule of reinforcement. The speed of acquisition of the operant response and the selectivity of the drug effect were examined. Rats given access to sufentanil vapor (50 or 75 μg/ml) in 13–15 h overnight training sessions reached an average of one reinforcement per hour on an FR 5 schedule of reinforcement significantly sooner than did rats given access to water vapor. Responding maintained by sufentanil durign 2-h daily testing sessions was dose dependent at 25, 50, and 75 μg/ml. Substituting water vapor for each of the four sufentanil concentrations significantly reduced responding within 5–20 sessions. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, IP) decreased responding for sufentanil to the level attained under water vapor. Presentation of drugs in aerosol form thus provides reasonable means of demonstrating in animals the reinforcing properties of non-volatile drugs by the pulmonary or intranasal route.
Close Packing of Nitroxide Radicals in Stable Organic Radical Polymeric Materials.

The relationship between the polymer network and electronic transport properties for stable radical polymeric materials has come under investigation owing to their potential application in electronic devices. For the radical polymer poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-4-yl-1-oxyl methacrylate), it is unclear whether the radical packing is optimal for charge transport partially because the relationship between radical packing and molecular structure is not well-understood. Using the paramagnetic nitroxide radical as a probe of the polymer and synthetic techniques to control the radical concentration on the methyl methacrylate backbone, we investigate the dependence of radical concentration on molecular structure. The electron paramagnetic resonance data indicate that radicals in the PTMA assume a closest approach distance to each other when more than 60% of the backbone is populated with radical pendant groups. Below 60% coverage, the polymer rearranges to accommodate larger radical–radical spacing. These f...
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulation Influences Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition in a Rabbit Menopause Model

Objective: Osteoporosis trials suggest raloxifene decreased cardiovascular events in women with pre-existing atherosclerosis. We assessed the hypothesis that selective estrogen receptor modulation induces plaque stability in “menopausal” animals. Methods and results: Atherosclerosis was induced in 42 ovariectomized New Zealand white rabbits by cholesterol feeding and mechanical injury. Animals were imaged by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for baseline atherosclerosis, and randomized to control (OVX (ovariectomized control group), n = 12), raloxifene 35–60 mg/kg/day by diet admixture (RLX (raloxifene therapy group), n = 24), or immediate sacrifice (n = 6) for immunohistopathologic correlation of MRI. Six months later, rabbits underwent repeat MRI then sacrifice for micro-computed tomography (CT) and molecular analysis. Unlike OVX, RLX reduced atheroma volume. Analysis for lesion inflammation revealed reductions in COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2), MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) expression and macrophage infiltration in RLX versus OVX with concomitant upregulation of estrogen receptor (ER). CT showed similar total vascular calcification between groups, but calcifications in RLX were less nodular with better radial organization (mean calcific arc angle 63 ± 7 ◦ versus 33 ± 6 ◦ in OVX), the predicted result of a 53% increase in BMP-2 (bone-morphogenetic protein-2). Conclusions: Raloxifene treatment results in reduced lesion volume, enhanced mechanical stability of vascular calcification, and less inflamed lesions characterized by less macrophage infiltration and reduced COX-2, MMP-1 and MCP-1 expression. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Interaction of human endothelial cells with elevated glucose concentrations and native and glycosylated low density lipoproteins.

We have investigated whether and how the elevated glucose concentrations characteristic of diabetes may alter the interaction of endothelial cells with low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Protracted exposure of cultured human endothelial cells to 20 mmol/l glucose failed to affect either the relationship between the degree of confluency of the monolayer and the extent of LDL degradation or the dose-responses for LDL uptake and degradation. In contrast, non-enzymatic glycosylation of LDL by pre-incubation of LDL with glucose markedly inhibited their uptake and degradation by endothelial cells. Thus, at protein concentration of 5 μg/ml, the amount of glycosylated 125I-LDL associated with cells was decreased fourfold compared with native 125I-LDL (47±3 versus 194±10 ng·mg cell protein-1·24 h-1, mean±SEM), and degradation was decreased twenty-fold (135±4 versus 2873±115 ng·mg cell protein-1·24 h-1). The degree of inhibition was proportional to the extent of glycosylation. At all concentrations studied, methylated LDL behaved similarly to glycosylated LDL. The decreased recognition of glycosylated LDL by the endothelial lining of small and large blood vessels may have an impact on tissue physiology and on the overall fate of the glycosylated molecules.
Characterization of buried metal-molecule-metal junctions using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy

We have devised an infrared spectromicroscopy based experimental configuration to enable structural characterization of buried molecular junctions. Our design utilizes a small mercury drop at the focal point of an infrared microscope to act as a mirror in studying metal-molecule-metal (MmM) junctions. An organic molecular monolayer is formed either directly on the mercury drop or on a thin, infrared (IR) semi-transparent layer of Au deposited onto an IR transparent, undoped silicon substrate. Following the formation of the monolayer, films on either metal can be examined independently using specular reflection spectroscopy. Furthermore, by bringing together the two monolayers, a buried molecular bilayer within the MmM junction can be characterized. Independent examination of each half of the junction prior to junction formation also allows probing any structural and/or conformational changes that occur as a result of forming the bilayer. Because our approach allows assembling and disassembling microscopic junctions by forming and withdrawing Hg drops onto the monolayer covered metal, spatial mapping of junctions can be performed simply by translating the location of the derivatized silicon wafer. Finally, the applicability of this technique for the longer-term studies of changes in molecular structure in the presence of electrical bias is discussed.
Substrate binding and activation via pendant hydrogen-bonding groups as an approach to biomimetic homogeneous catalysis

Abstract In a biomimetic approach to organometallic catalysis, pendant hydrogen-bonding groups are shown to influence the chemistry of ligand binding and activation in an iridium complex. Such groups can bind a substrate by hydrogen bonding and so offer the possibility of a biomimetic approach to catalysis where binding is controlled via molecular recognition. Because catalyst design in this area may be challenging, combinatorial and rapid screening methods may be needed to assay potential catalysts and initial progress on developing these methods for hydrosilation of alkenes and imines is described. Catalysis of aldehyde imination and the origin of pKa changes of bound H2 are discussed.
Acute GIycemic Control in Hospitalized Patients: Evidence Published Since the American College of Endocrinology Position Statement

Abstract Background: In a 2004 position statement, the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) recommended that the plasma glucose level be ≤110 mg/dL (fasting) and Objective: This paper reviews published studies on this topic, with focus on those appearing after the ACE statement. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by a MEDLINE search of references and studies and by extensive familiarity with the topic. Results: The results of observational studies have been mixed and are complicated by uncertainty as to whether hyperglycemia is simply a marker of illness severity or is causally related to adverse clinical outcome. Conclusions: Intriguing evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that tight glycemic control in the hospitalized patient improves mortality and morbidity, although the above-recommended glucose target values have not been met in some studies.
A loop theorem/Dehn’s lemma for some orbifolds

The equivariant loop theorem implies the existence of a loop theorem/Dehn’s lemma for 3–orbifolds that are good (covered by a 3–manifold). In this note we prove a loop theorem/Dehn’s lemma for any locally orientable 3–orbifold (good or bad) whose singular set is labeled with powers of 2. The proof is modeled on the standard tower construction.
[Bis(3‐mesitylpyrazol‐1‐yl)(5‐mesitylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borohydrido]dichloro­(5‐mesitylpyrazole)titanium(III) toluene solvate

In the title TiIII complex, [Ti(C36H40BN6)Cl2(C12H14N2)]·C7H8, the Ti atom is coordinated in a distorted octa­hedral geometry by three N atoms that are constrained to a facial arrangement by the TpMs* ligand [TpMs* = HB(3-mesityl­pyrazol­yl)2(5-mesitylpyrazol­yl)], by two mutually cis chloride ligands and by an N atom from a 5-mesitylpyrazole ligand.
On a theorem of Gorman

Abstract This letter reconsiders Gorman's conditions for integration of a system of exactly aggregatable demand functions and shows that the system can be integrated using some standard results in Lie group theory.
Early nasogastric tube removal combined with metoclopramide after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.

Purpose: Prolonged nasogastric decompression increases pulmonary complications by inhibiting clearance of respiratory secretions. The literature supports early nasogastric tube removal following bowel resection. Metoclopramide stimulates bowel activity, promoting return of function. We examined combining early nasogastric tube removal with metoclopramide after radical cystectomy. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 1996, 27 prospective cystectomy patients received intravenous metoclopramide (metoclopramide group) combined with early nasogastric tube removal (less than 24 hours). A total of 54 concurrent cystectomy controls received no metoclopramide and nasogastric tubes remained until return of normal bowel function. Results: Preoperative and perioperative factors were comparable between the 2 groups. Nasogastric tubes were removed from 78% of the metoclopramide group in less than 24 hours, 11% on day 2 and 11% on day 3 compared to none on day 1, 50% on day 2 and 50% on day 3 or greater in controls. The metoclopramide group had a more rapid return of normal bowel sounds (2.9 versus 4.0 days, p = 0.0002) and earlier tolerance of solid food (6.7 versus 7.9 days, p = 0.04). Nasogastric tube replacement was required in 3 of 27 metoclopramide cases versus 5 of 54 controls. Atelectasis occurred more often in the control group (33 versus 15%). There were no bowel related complications in the metoclopramide group but partial small bowel obstruction in 2 controls was treated conservatively. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that combining intravenous metoclopramide with early nasogastric tube removal after cystectomy and urinary diversion may reduce postoperative atelectasis and speed return of bowel function while posing no danger to the small bowel anastomosis. This regimen may result in fewer complications and shorter hospitalizations, translating into lower costs without compromising quality of care.
Differential Nutrient Limitation of Soil Microbial Biomass and Metabolic Quotients (qCO2): Is There a Biological Stoichiometry of Soil Microbes?

Background Variation in microbial metabolism poses one of the greatest current uncertainties in models of global carbon cycling, and is particularly poorly understood in soils. Biological Stoichiometry theory describes biochemical mechanisms linking metabolic rates with variation in the elemental composition of cells and organisms, and has been widely observed in animals, plants, and plankton. However, this theory has not been widely tested in microbes, which are considered to have fixed ratios of major elements in soils. Methodology/Principal Findings To determine whether Biological Stoichiometry underlies patterns of soil microbial metabolism, we compiled published data on microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) pools in soils spanning the global range of climate, vegetation, and land use types. We compared element ratios in microbial biomass pools to the metabolic quotient qCO2 (respiration per unit biomass), where soil C mineralization was simultaneously measured in controlled incubations. Although microbial C, N, and P stoichiometry appeared to follow somewhat constrained allometric relationships at the global scale, we found significant variation in the C∶N∶P ratios of soil microbes across land use and habitat types, and size-dependent scaling of microbial C∶N and C∶P (but not N∶P) ratios. Microbial stoichiometry and metabolic quotients were also weakly correlated as suggested by Biological Stoichiometry theory. Importantly, we found that while soil microbial biomass appeared constrained by soil N availability, microbial metabolic rates (qCO2) were most strongly associated with inorganic P availability. Conclusions/Significance Our findings appear consistent with the model of cellular metabolism described by Biological Stoichiometry theory, where biomass is limited by N needed to build proteins, but rates of protein synthesis are limited by the high P demands of ribosomes. Incorporation of these physiological processes may improve models of carbon cycling and understanding of the effects of nutrient availability on soil C turnover across terrestrial and wetland habitats.
1029-16 The Function of G-Proteins and Alpha-Adrenergic Receptors in Retrieved Human Vein Grafts

Although little is known about the pharmacology of the smooth muscle cells of human saphenous vein coronary artery bypass grafts, there is evidence to suggest that the function of G-proteins and alpha-adrenergic receptors is altered. This study examines the alpha-adrenergic function of smooth muscle cells of aorto-coronary vein bypass grafts and saphenous veins obtained from eight patients undergoing repeat coronary artery bypass grafting for recurrent ischemic symptoms. After removal from the patient, each specimen was placed into oxygenated Krebs solution, rapidly cleaned, dissected and patent segments sectioned into 5 mm rings (4 per vessel) for isometric tension studies to phenylephrine (10-10 to 10-4M) alone and in the presence of the alpha-adrenergic 1A antagonist WB4101, the 1B antagonist chloroethylclonidine, and the G-protein inhibitor, pertussis toxin. The results suggest that the saphenous veins have a homogenous population of alpha adrenergic population (1B) which are coupled to pertussis toxin insensitive G-proteins (Table). The retrieved vein grafts show a predominantly homogenous alpha adrenergic population (1A). which are coupled to pertussis toxin sensitive G-proteins (Table). Saphenous Vein Vein Graft Phenylephrine (control) 5.04 ± 0.09 5.79 ± 0.16 * WB4101 (10-5 M) 5.16 ± 0.33 4.73 ± 0.18 † Chloroethylclonidine (0-5 M) 4.74 ± 0.15 # 5.38 ± 0.23 Pertussis Toxin (100 μg/ml) 4.87 ± 0.28 4.87 ± 0.16 Mean ± s.e.m., –log10[EC50] * p l 0.05 compared to saphenous vein # p l 0.05 † P l 0.01 compared to phenylephrine control These results show changes both in receptor sub-type and functional coupling to G-proteins, associated with arterio-venous grafting, possibly reflecting changes in smooth muscle cell phenotype.
Shaping AGU's contributions to policy debate

In their Forum piece in the April 9 issue of Eos, Kaula and Anderson paint an unrealistically stark choice for the roles AGU might play in policy debates that substantially involve geophysical science. On the one hand is the antiseptic model of AGU-above-the-policy-fray: the aloof provider of geophysical facts from the literature. On the other hand is the model of AGU-as-policy-advocate: blending geophysical knowledge with value judgements in order to argue for specific policy actions in the political trenches. The problem with the first model is that the form assumed by most geophysical facts in the literature is rather distant from the needs of policy makers. Thus, the facts are easily overlooked in the face of pressing short-term political agendas. The problem with the second model is that AGU is a professional society comprised of scientists who hold many different value orientations. Any particular set of values adopted in a piece of political advocacy is likely to be at odds with many AGU members.
Peripunctal melanocytic nevus

We report a case of a 37-year-old male with a conjunctival melanocytic nevus presenting in a rare, peripunctal location with preservation of the lacrimal canaliculus and punctum.
Continuous Improvement in Business Education: Insights from the For-Profit Sector and Business School Deans.

Abstract Like the enterprises that hire their graduates, business schools are facing rising pressure to increase the value added by their services. To meet this challenge in an era of tightening resources, business schools will need to undergo fundamental changes in the way they operate and continuously seek ways to create future value. This article explains the balanced scorecard approach to stimulating and sustaining continuous improvement. It also reports the opinions of 38 business school deans on the structure of a potentially useful balanced scorecard for a business school. Favorable results were reported in the for-profit sector, and business schools will likely find this approach to be worthy of serious consideration.
Multiphonon scattering from surfaces: Comparison of approximations

Abstract We consider the inelastic interaction of a neutral atomic projectile scattering from a solid surface and develop several theoretical models appropriate for describing the diffuse multiphonon contribution to the scattered intensity. Through extensive numerical calculations and comparisons with experiment, we determine the limits of validity of some of the various approximations and the scattering regimes in which each is applicable.
Fabrication and Degradation of Electrospun Scaffolds from L-Tyrosine-Based Polyurethane Blends for Tissue Engineering Applications

It is important to control the degradation rate of a tissue-engineered scaffold so that the scaffold will degrade in an appropriate matching rate as the tissue cells grow in. A set of potential tissue engineering scaffolds with controllable rates of degradation were fabricated from blends of two biocompatible, biodegradable L-tyrosine-based polyurethanes (PEG1000-HDI-DTH and PCL1250-HDI-DTH) using the electrospinning process. The scaffolds were characterized by mat morphology, fiber diameter, diameter distribution, pore size, and hydrolytic degradation behavior. The majority of the scaffolds, despite having radically different chemical compositions, possessed no statistical difference with pore sizes and fiber diameters. The degradation pattern observed indicated that scaffolds consisting of a greater mass percentage of PEG1000-HDI-DTH decayed to a greater extent than those containing higher concentrations of PCL1250-HDI-DTH. The degradation rates of the electrospun scaffolds were much higher than those of the thin cast films with same compositions. These patterns were consistent through all blends. The work demonstrates one practical method of controlling the degradation of biopolymer scaffolds without significantly affecting an intended morphology.
Quantitative trait loci associated with the behavioral response of B×D recombinant inbred mice to restraint stress: A preliminary communication

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was used to make provisional identification of loci containing genes influencing vulnerability to stress. The effect of restraint stress on open-field activity was measured in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J inbred strains of mice and in 22 B x D recombinant inbred strains of mice. QTL analyses were performed by correlating the behavioral delta scores for each group with the strain distribution pattern of 1300 markers for the B x D mice. A significant association was found between postrestraint rearings during min 5 through 8 in the open field and the Lamb2 marker on chromosome 1 (r = .718, p < .0001). Significant associations at the p < .0001 level were also found between baseline open-field rearings of control mice during min 0 through 5 and the Zp3, Ache, and Mr66-1 markers on chromosome 5, baseline open-field rearings of control mice during min 5 through 8 and the Pmv42 marker on chromosome 15, and open-field rearings of experimental mice during min 0 through 5 and the D11Ncvs61 marker on chromosome 11.
A regime-switching approach to the study of speculative attacks: A focus on EMS crises

This paper implements a regime-switching framework to study speculative attacks against EMS currencies during 1979–1993. To identify speculative episodes, we model exchange rates, reserves, and interest rates as time series subject to discrete regime shifts between two possible states: “tranquil” and “speculative”. We allow the probabilities of switching between states to be a function of fundamentals and expectations. The regime-switching framework improves the ability to identify speculative attacks vis-a-vis the indices of speculative pressure used in the literature. The results also indicate that fundamentals (particularly budget deficits) and expectations drive the probability of switching to a speculative state.
The determination of selenium in serum and urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry : comparison with Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract An inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometric (ICPMS) method for the determination of selenium in both serum and urine is described. 78Se is used analytically in spite of 38Ar40Ar isobaric interference at mass 78. Initially 82Se was monitored but, limited isotope abundance and therefore limited detection capability for urine selenium precluded continued use. An ethanol–Triton X-100-nitric acid diluent was used to dilute serum and urine and enhance selenium ionization so that both serum and urine can be analyzed with the same calibration curve. Results derived by the ICPMS method were compared with Zeeman Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ZGFAAS) using nickel as the matrix modifier. Detection limits for ZGFAAS and ICPMS using mass 78 are 2.9 and 0.25 μg/l, respectively. ICPMS and ZGFAAS instrument responses were recorded for additions of inorganic selenium, trimethylselenonium iodide, seleno- dl -methionine, and seleno- dl -cystine to urine and serum. ICPMS slopes for all compounds added to urine and serum were found to be nearly identical. ZGFAAS response for each compound was more variable than ICPMS. ZGFAAS response for trimethylselenonium iodide was approximately 3-fold lower than for the other compounds. ZGFAAS regression slopes and correlation coefficients were 0.72 and 0.8139 for reference urine samples. ICPMS regression slope and correlation coefficient vs. the reference target values were 0.95 and 0.9700 for the same urines. Regressions slopes and correlation coefficients for reference sera were 1.01 and 0.9912 for ICPMS and 1.12 and 0.9648 for ZGFAAS. We conclude that ICPMS produced more accurate results than ZGFAAS for selenium in serum and urine.
Gender roles in the experimental community: Rajneeshpuram

This study examined gender roles at the now disbanded commune of Rajneeshpuram in Eastern Oregon. The study was a multimethod, social-psychological research project. It was expected that community members would describe themselves as androgynous. Both men and women scored high on the Feminine scale of the Personal Attributes Questionnaire, and they rated their ideal partners as androgynous. The interviews indicated that women and men did not think of themselves as feminine or androgynous, but rather as “soft.” This concept of softness is not as affect laden as that of femininity, and hence was likely to attenuate the resistance to men becoming more feminine. It was further hypothesized that occupations would have an equal number of women and men. Strict equality was not found, but many occupations manifested more of a gender balance than is seen outside of the commune. In sharp contrast to other findings, femininity was highly correlated with self-esteem.