cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The function of zinc metallothionein: a link between cellular zinc and redox state.

A chemical and biochemical mechanism of action of the metallothionein (MT)/thionein (T) couple has been proposed. The mechanism emphasizes the importance of zinc/sulfur cluster bonding in MT and the significance of the two cluster networks as redox units that confer mobility on otherwise tightly bound and redox-inert zinc in MT. In this article, it is further explored how this redox mechanism controls the metabolically active cellular zinc pool. The low redox potential of the sulfur donor atoms in the clusters readily allows oxidation by mild cellular oxidants with concomitant release of zinc. Such a release by oxidants and the preservation of zinc binding by antioxidants place MT under the control of the cellular redox state and, consequently, energy metabolism. The binding of effectors, e.g., ATP, elicits conformational changes and alters zinc binding in MT. The glutathione/glutathione disulfide redox couple as well as selenium compounds effect zinc delivery from MT to the apoforms of zinc enzymes. This novel action of selenium on zinc/sulfur coordination sites has significant implications for the interaction between these essential elements. Tight binding and kinetic lability, modulation of MT by cellular ligands and the redox state, control of MT gene expression by zinc and many other inducers all support a critical function of the MT/T system in cellular homeostasis and distribution of zinc.
Variable impact of intracavitary brachytherapy fractionation schedule on biologically effective dose to organs at risk in patients with cervical cancer.

Abstract Purpose To determine the effect of intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) fractionation schedule on biologically effective dose to organs at risk. Methods and Materials We reviewed records from 26 patients who had CT imaging during ICBT for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer. Using α/β = 10, we calculated hypothetical nominal doses to achieve a biologically effective dose at 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2α/β=10) of 40 Gy to Point A for high-dose-rate ICBT with 1–15 fractions. Corresponding minimum EQD2α/β=3s to the maximally irradiated 2 cc of rectum, bladder, and sigmoid were calculated for each fractionation scheme and added to EQD2α/β=3 from external beam radiotherapy. Total EQD2α/β=3s were compared with American Brachytherapy Society suggested dose constraints (rectum/sigmoid, ≤75 Gy; bladder, ≤90 Gy). Results Except for rectal EQD2α/β=3 in three patients, the rectal, bladder, and sigmoid EQD2α/β=3s decreased with increasing fractionation in all patients. Although the total rectal EQD2α/β=3s were less than the American Brachytherapy Society rectal dose constraint in all patients at all fractionation schedules, the total bladder EQD2α/β=3s routinely exceeded the bladder dose constraint, even at maximum fractionation. By contrast, increasing fractionation decreased the number of patients with doses exceeding the sigmoid dose constraint by 48%. Conclusions The relationship between ICBT fractionation schedule and relative EQD2α/β=3s to rectum, bladder, and sigmoid depends on individual anatomy. Fractionation optimization can improve therapeutic ratios by minimizing the risk or severity of toxic effects. For patients in whom many fractions optimize the therapeutic ratio, low-dose-rate or pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy may be preferred.
In-vitro transdermal permeation of oxycodone: (I) effect of PH, delipidization and skin stripping

AbstractThe effect of pH, skin stripping and delipidization on the in-vitro transdermal permeation of a weak base analgesic, oxycodone (pKa=8.53), was studied using hydrodynamically calibrated Valia-Chien diffusion cells. Saturated oxycodone. HCl solutions in citrate-phosphate buffers ranging from pH 4 to 10 were used as the donor solution. Skin samples from the abdominal and dorsal sites of hairless rats, abdominal site of hairless mouse, rabbit pinna ear, as well as human cadaver skin were used in permeation studies. The pHs at which maximum flux attained varied from 6.5 to 7.5 depending upon animal model. The permeabilities of protonated form through intact skin of all the animal models used, was about 7-15 fold lower than that of nonionic form. The unexpected high permeation rate at pHs ranges 4 to 6.5 across human cadaver could be attributed to the possible damage upon storage. The skin stripping and delipidizaton process appeared to increase the permeation rates of oxycodone and the degree enhanceme...
Longitudinal-to-transverse mapping for femtosecond electron bunch length measurement

A longitudinal-to-transverse mapping technique is proposed to measure the length and temporal profile of ultrashort electron bunches. In this scheme a special chicane and a radio-frequency deflecting cavity are used to transform the beam's longitudinal distribution into angular distribution which is further converted to transverse distribution after a parallel-to-point imaging beam line. With this technique, the temporal profile of the electron beam is exactly mapped to the transverse profile. This makes it possible to measure ultrashort electron bunch length with a resolution well beyond 1 femtosecond.
Postnatal emergence of serotonin-induced plateau potentials in commissural interneurons of the mouse spinal cord.

Most studies of the mouse hindlimb locomotor network have used neonatal (P0–5) mice. In this study, we examine the postnatal development of intrinsic properties and serotonergic modulation of intersegmental commissural interneurons (CINs) from the neonatal period (P0–3) to the time the animals bear weight (P8–10) and begin to show adult walking (P14–16). CINs show an increase in excitability with age, associated with a decrease in action potential halfwidth and appearance of a fast component to the afterhyperpolarization at P14–16. Serotonin (5-HT) depolarizes and increases the excitability of most CINs at all ages. The major developmental difference is that serotonin can induce plateau potential capability in P14–16 CINs, but not at younger ages. These plateau potentials are abolished by nifedipine, suggesting that they are mediated by an L-type calcium current, ICa(L). Voltage-clamp analysis demonstrates that 5-HT increases a nifedipine-sensitive voltage-activated calcium current, ICa(V), in P14–16 CINs...
Structural insights into the binding of uranyl with human serum protein apotransferrin structure and spectra of protein-uranyl interactions.

Ab initio quantum mechanical computational studies for the structure and IR spectra of the uranyl complex with human serum apotransferrin (TF) protein are carried out to model uranyl intake into th...
Transient oxidation of Mo–Si–B alloys: Effect of the microstructure size scale

Abstract The composition and phase constituency of Mo–Si–B alloys are known to be important parameters in determining the oxidation response. For three phase Mo + T 2 + Mo 3 Si alloys with constant composition and phase constituency, it is observed that a refined microstructure scale provides superior oxidation resistance. The transient stage of oxidation is shortened and the recession of the alloy is decreased with microstructural refinement. In order to identify the phase interaction during the transient stage, oxidation of each of the three alloy phases, Mo, Mo 3 Si (A15) and Mo 5 SiB 2 (T 2 ) has been investigated separately. Quantification of the separate phase size distributions by image analysis was coupled with the individual phase oxidation response to evaluate the overall oxidation behavior and phase interaction effects. A kinetic model for oxidation of Mo–Si–B alloys is proposed that incorporates the key role of microstructure scale on the transient stage and provides guidance for microstructure design.
Partitioning algorithm for path determination of automated robotic part delivery system in manufacturing environments

This paper presents a student research project as a supplement to the undergraduate curriculum for students in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of the project presented in this paper is to provide students with experience in design of a routing path for an automated robotic part delivery system in manufacturing environments. Despite all advancement in automation of manufacturing processes, still there are many challenges that need attentions in automating part transformation between manufacturing stations on an unstructured plant. In this study, first a mathematical model of a plant layout containing static obstacles is constructed. A partitioning algorithm is then introduced that partitions the layout into obstacle-free regions. Next, a searching algorithm is utilized to yield all possible combinations of regions that can connect a starting point to a destination throughout the plant layout. Finally, physical paths are constructed by drawing line segments within the obstacle-free regions and through the intersections between the regions. A program in C language has been developed that accommodates the algorithm introduced. Excellent level of success has been measured in the performance of the designed algorithm and program code. This study could be potentially beneficial to the industry since it tends to remove the labor costs.
Long-chain fatty acids and ethanol affect the properties of membranes in Drosophila melanogaster larvae

The larval fatty acid composition of neutral lipids and membrane lipids was determined in three ethanol-tolerant strains ofDrosophila melanogaster. Dietary ethanol promoted a decrease in long-chain fatty acids in neutral lipids along with enhanced alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) activity in all of the strains. Dietary ethanol also increased the incorporation of14C-ethanol into fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) by two- to threefold and decreased the incorporation of14C-ethanol into free fatty acids (FFA). When cultured on sterile, defined media with stearic acid at 0 to 5 mM, stearic acid decreased ADH activity up to 33%. In strains not selected for superior tolerance to ethanol, dietary ethanol promoted a loss of long-chain fatty acids in membrane lipids. The loss of long-chain fatty acids in membranes was strongly correlated with increased fluidity in hydrophobic domains of mitochondrial membranes as determined by electron spin resonance and correlated with a loss of ethanol tolerance. In the ethanol-tolerant E2 strain, which had been exposed to ethanol for many generations, dietary ethanol failed to promote a loss of long-chain fatty acids in membrane lipids.
Effect of Short-Term Study Abroad Programs on Students' Cultural Adaptability

The number of U.S. students studying abroad has been growing, particularly those participating in short-term trips. However, literature on the effect of these short-term trips is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the effect on bachelor students' cross-cultural adaptability using a pre-post design. Significant changes were found on all subscales as well as on the total score, thus supporting the use of these short-term trips for this purpose.
Three-Dimensional Hydroelastic Dynamic Analyses Including Torsion for a Large Floating Platform in Frequency and Time Domains

Recent increasing demands for more ocean energy and space utilization require larger scale of offshore structures, and the large scale leads to needs for comprehensive hydroelastic analysis to accurately account for the interaction of the floating body’s deformation with waves or other environmental loads. In this study, as generalization of the previous hydroelastic analyses by the present authors [4, 5], the three-dimensional hydroelastic analysis including torsion is achieved. Ocean wave is assumed to be potential flow. The example large-scale floating body studied here is 480 m long and 400 m wide with 8 m draft. It is modeled by 7857 elastic plate elements which have 6 degrees of freedom at each element. Modal analysis by finite element method (FEM) for all free boundary conditions is conducted and provides mode shapes, modal inertia/stiffness, and dry natural frequencies. The mode shapes are verified against experimental results by Leissa [10]. Using the mode expanded boundary element method (BEM), hydroelastic dynamics is first solved in frequency domain. Subsequently, the large flexible platform is applied to irregular waves in time domain. To investigate the three-dimensional dependency of dynamics, a series of oblique waves are applied as well as head waves, and the dynamic responses of the elastic system are systematically analyzed. Considering remarkable effect of added mass due to large submerged volume, its effects on elastic modes and resonance phenomena are also investigated. To validate the accuracy, pertinent verifications are carried out for both frequency and time domains.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Girlhoods in the Golden Age of U.S. Radio: Music, Shared Popular Culture, and Memory

Memory and storytelling can provide valuable tools for media scholars aiming to better understand popular media audiences from a historical perspective. Girls' stories are particularly important because they have been absent from most official recorded history and archived documents. In this study, we interview 30 U.S. women born 1918–1948 in order to uncover their girlhood experiences with mid-20th Century media. Their narratives reveal 1) a shared experience of radio listening; 2) an emphasis on the “experience” of using media artifacts rather than on the content; and 3) the appeal of music and dance as a girlhood pastimes.
Exploring the construct of family business in the emerging markets

This paper examines the relevance for the emerging markets of the construct of family business, in terms of three parameters – pre-dominance of the family in business, engagement of the family dominantly in the business, and identification of the family with the business. The literature proposes these parameters to be the distinctive measures of family business construct. Using the GLOBE cultural clustering, family business models are studied in various emerging market cultures. Many diverse models of family businesses are found to be rated low on the three parameters. The study suggests a need for additional ways of measuring family influence.
Frequent interchromosomal template switches during gene conversion in S. cerevisiae

Although repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) by gene conversion is the most accurate way to repair such lesions, in budding yeast there is a 1,000-fold increase in accompanying mutations, including interchromosomal template switches (ICTS) involving highly mismatched (homeologous) ectopic sequences. Although such events are rare and appear at a rate of 2 × 10(-7) when template jumps occur between 71% identical sequences, they are surprisingly frequent (0.3% of all repair events) when the second template is identical to the first, revealing the remarkable instability of repair DNA synthesis. With homeologous donors, ICTS uses microhomologies as small as 2 bp. Cells lacking mismatch repair proteins Msh6 and Mlh1 form chimeric recombinants with two distinct patches of microhomology, implying that these proteins are crucial for strand discrimination of heteroduplex DNA formed during ICTS. We identify the chromatin remodeler Rdh54 as the first protein required for template switching that does not affect simple gene conversion.
Primary skeletal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the pediatric age group.

The authors discuss rare primary skeletal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 16 patients treated from 1973 to 1989. The symptoms of these patients related to bone lesions in 95% of the cases. These bone lesions were monostotic or polyostotic, with or without regional and distant metastases. The locations of these lesions were long bones in 13 patients, pelvic bones in seven patients, and skull and vertebral bodies in two patients. The anatomical locations of these lesions in the bones were diaphysis alone in one patient, epiphysis in two patients, metaphysis in three patients, and a combination of diaphyseal, epiphyseal, and metaphyseal lesions in seven patients. Extraskeletal involvement was present in nine patients; extraskeletal sites included regional or distant lymph node involvement in seven cases, the mediastinum in two, lung nodules in two patients, the skin and subcutaneous regions in four patients; bone marrow in three patients, and peripheral nervous system (PNS) in one patient. Two patients had stage I disease, three had stage II disease, eight had stage III disease, and three had stage IV disease. The majority of patients had large noncleaved cell diffuse lymphomas or DHL by Rappaport classification. All patients were treated with the LSA2-L2 protocol; six patients received radiation therapy to the affected bone, and ten patients received no radiation therapy. Three patients failed on treatment within the first 4 months of therapy. Two patients developed a second tumor, one in the radiation therapy field and the other in a patient who received no radiation therapy. Eleven patients are alive without evidence of disease, with a median observation time of 6.5 years. The event-free survival for the 16 patients receiving LSA2-L2 was 73%, and the lymphoma-free survival was 81%. Extension of disease to multiple sites or location of the primary site was not of prognostic significance, but the finding of central nervous system (CNS), PNS, or bone marrow disease at diagnosis was. Whether the skeletal lesions were uni- or multifocal, with regional or distant metastases, the prognosis for lymphoma-free survival was good. The role of radiation therapy for all patients and intensive treatment for earlystage disease is discussed. The authors conclude that chemotherapy is the most important modality of treatment for any stage, histology, or location of the tumor. This chemotherapy shou ld include drugs that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of pediatric lymphoma, such as cyclophosphamide, cytosine arabinoside, vincristine, methotrexate, and daunomycin, in dosages sufficient to produce marrow suppression and early recovery, allowing for continuous or intermittent therapy. Radiation therapy should be used if there is no response or progression of disease (demonstrated either clinically or by scans, confirmed by a biopsy) within the first few months of treatment. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Conversion of the Polycyclic Tris‐Anhydrotetramer of O‐Aminobenzaldehyde to Cu(TAAB)2+

Abstract Polycyclic tris‐anhydrotetramer 6 of o‐aminobenzaldehyde was synthesized directly from reduction of o‐nitrobenzaldehyde and its structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography. This provides a practical synthesis of 6, as opposed to starting from the unstable o‐aminobenzaldehyde. The tris‐anhydrotetramer 6 is useful for the synthesis of a variety of TAAB‐metal complexes.
Laboratory evaluation of aggregation, direct mutual interference, and functional response characteristics of Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae)

Studies of parasitoid behavior yield information on behavioral strategies, and are crucial tests of theoretical models. The studies reported here provided insights into behavioral and functional responses of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) parasitoid, Pseudacteon tricuspis (Borgmeier) that were previously unknown. Laboratory studies were performed to quantify aggregative responses of P. tricuspis adults to variable host ant densities, determine effect of direct mutual interference between multiple ovipositing P. tricuspis females confined with host S. invicta, elucidate the effect of confining one or two additional males with premated females on progeny sex ratios, and determine the form of the functional response of individual ovipositing P. tricuspis. Consistent with theory and field observations, P. tricuspis tended to aggregate at host patches containing greater numbers of ants. Some evidence of direct mutual interference was found, as per capita oviposition success declined when more than one female was confined and weak, but significant, reductions in searching efficiency were found when more than two P. tricuspis females are simultaneously ovipositing. The presence of one or two males did not appear to affect ovipositional efficiency of solitary premated females, but normally male–biased sex ratios of progeny trended toward a 1:1 ratio when the number of males was increased from zero to two. None of the linear parameters in the logistic models were significantly different from zero suggesting that P. tricuspis had constant, type 1, attack rates regardless of host density, at least under our laboratory experimental design.
Pharmacy student perceptions on the introduction of clinical case studies solved with Apple mobile devices into a basic health science laboratory

Abstract Objective To describe the incorporation of clinical case studies solved with mobile devices into a basic health laboratory and to report student experiences and perceptions of these case studies. Methods First-year pharmacy students in a basic health sciences laboratory were given a description of a patient, which included symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results. Using only their Apple mobile devices (iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone) as a resource, the students diagnosed the patient and then explained the symptoms, risk factors, pathophysiology, and common treatments. A paper-based survey was administered to 88 pharmacy students to assess their experiences and perceptions of the use of their mobile devices to solve the case studies. Results The response rate of the survey was 100%. Over 80% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the incorporation of patient case studies solved with mobile devices into the laboratory increased their perceived understanding of the lab material, patient symptoms, pathophysiology, and treatments. Overall, 97% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the use of mobile devices by pharmacists has the potential to improve patient health care. Conclusions The incorporation of clinical case studies solved with mobile devices was perceived as helpful to pharmacy students in a basic science laboratory to increase their understanding of basic science material and related clinical information.
Crisis Visits and Psychiatric Hospitalizations Among Patients Attending a Community Clinic in Rural Southern California

Ethnic minorities from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds report increased utilization of mental health emergency services; however findings have been inconsistent across ethnic/racial groups. In this study we describe patients who present to a rural crisis unit in Southern California, examine rates of psychiatric hospitalizations across ethnic/racial groups, and investigate factors that are associated with increased psychiatric hospitalizations in this sample. This is a retrospective study of 451 racially and ethnically diverse patients attending a crisis unit in Imperial County, California. Chart review and data abstraction methods were used to characterize the sample and identify factors associated with psychiatric crises and subsequent hospitalizations. The sample was predominantly Latino/Hispanic (58.5%). Based on chart review, common psychosocial stressors which prompted a crisis center visit were: (a) financial problems; (b) homelessness; (c) partner or family conflict; (d) physical and health problems; (e) problems at school/work; (f) medication compliance; (g) aggressive behavior; (h) delusional behavior; (i) addiction and (j) anxiety/depression. Bivariate analyses revealed that Hispanics had a disproportionately lower rate of psychiatric hospitalizations while African Americans had a higher rate. Multivariate analyses which included demographic, clinical and psychosocial stressor variables revealed that being African American, having a psychotic disorder, and presenting as gravely disabled were associated with a higher likelihood of hospitalization while partner/family conflict was associated with a lesser likelihood in this rural community. These data elucidate the need for longitudinal studies to understand the interactions between psychosocial stressors, ethnicity and social support as determinants of psychiatric hospitalizations.
Economic aspects of appropriative water rights

Abstract In the and portion of the western U.S., economic development has been affected by the doctrine of appropriative water rights. This paper considers the efficiency aspects of the appropriative doctrine for the case of a stochastic and uncontrolled river, then, subsequently, extends the analysis to the case where the presence of an upstream storage facility provides some degree of flexibility in determining releases. Lastly, the effects of institutions which limit the degree of river use and the implicit release policies attendant are considered.
Progress toward combined phase and amplitude demodulation fluorescence lifetime measurements by flow cytometry

A phase-sensitive flow cytometer has been developed to quantify fluorescence lifetimes directly as a parameter in real time on particles and cells labeled with fluorophores. This instrument combines flow cytometry and frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy measurement principles to provide unique features for making excited-state lifetime measurements. Cells are analyzed as they intersect a high- frequency, intensity-modulated (sine wave) laser excitation beam. Fluorescence signals are processed by analog phase comparator measurement electronics to provide output signals proportional to the sine and cosine of the phase difference between the modulated signal input and a steady state reference signal. The ratios, which are proportional to the lifetimes, are displayed as frequency distributions histograms. In this study we present the underlying theory to measure fluorescence lifetimes by both phase shift and amplitude demodulation. Prototype analog amplitude demodulation electronics have been constructed and are being tested using simulated signals, fluorescent microspheres, and cells labeled with fluorescent probes.
The process of transitioning to digital operations in a clinic setting.

Transitioning to digital imaging operations in a department of radiology is often difficult for many radiologists, but it is a change that many have made effectively. Transitioning to digital operations in a clinic setting is even more difficult for the referring physician operating a business in the clinic. This paper will discuss our experience with transitioning several off site clinics to digital imaging operations. We will discuss the process followed to identify the physical equipment required to support clinic operations in a digital imaging environment, the process followed to help the physicians adjust their work patterns to allow them to practice in a digital imaging environment, and the benefits and pitfalls of implementing digital imaging in an off site clinic. Four off site clinic locations will be evaluated: 1. cancer clinic located immediately adjacent to the main hospital that relies heavily on CT and MRI images in their practice, 2. small clinic located about 60 miles from the main hospital that acquires xray images on site, 3. larger clinic located about 20 miles from the main hospital that acquires xray, MRI and CT images on site, 4. sports medicine clinic located about 2 miles from the main hospital that acquires xray images on site. Each of these clinics has a very different patient clientele and therefore operates differently in nearly all aspects of their daily operations. The physician’s need for and use of film and digital images varies significantly between the sites and therefore each site has presented different challenges to our implementation process. As we explain the decisions that were made for each of these sites and reveal the methods that were used to help the physicians make the transition, the readers should be able to draw information that will be helpful to them as they make their own transition to a digital operation.
Effect of thickness-dependent microstructure on the out-of-plane hole mobility in poly(3-hexylthiophene) films.

Regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RR-P3HT) is a widely used donor material for bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells. While much is known about the structure and properties of RR-P3HT films, important questions regarding hole mobilities in this material remain unresolved. Measurements of the out-of-plane hole mobilities, μ, of RR-P3HT films have been restricted to films in the thickness regime on the order of micrometers, beyond that generally used in solar cells, where the film thicknesses are typically 100 to 200 nm. Studies of in-plane carrier mobilities have been conducted in thinner films, in the thickness range 100–200 nm. However, the in-plane and out-of-plane hole mobilities in RR-P3HT can be significantly different. We show here that the out-of-plane hole mobilities in neat RR-P3HT films increase by an order of magnitude, from 10–4 cm2/V·s, for a 80 nm thick film, to a value of 10–3 cm2/V·s for films thicker than 700 nm. Through a combination of morphological characterization and simulations...
Impact of cytomegalovirus serology on graft survival in living related kidney transplantation: implications for donor selection.

Abstract Background. The impact of cytomegalovirus in living related kidney transplantation remains controversial. This study considers the implications of donor and recipient cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology for the selection of living related donor. Methods. Graft survival was estimated by using the bivariate Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis for 7659 living related first transplantations performed in the United States between 1989 and 1994. The effects of donor CMV serology were estimated with respect to recipient CMV serology and compared with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, transplantation, donor, and recipient characteristics. The implications of these estimates for the selection of living related donors were considered. Results. From Kaplan-Meier estimates, donor CMV-seropositive kidneys were associated with significantly reduced graft survival for CMV-seronegative recipients (p = 0.0002) but not CMV-seropositive recipients (p = 0.1623). These findings were verified by use of Cox proportional hazards analysis accounting for covariate factors. The impact of donor CMV-seropositive kidneys on CMV-seronegative recipients was similar to one HLA-DR match, greater than one HLA-B match, and significantly greater than one HLA-A match (p = 0.0331). Conclusions. Results identify donor CMV serology as an important determinant of transplantation outcome for living related first kidney transplant recipients who are themselves CMV seronegative. Consideration should be given to donor and recipient CMV serology when selecting an appropriate donor for living related kidney transplantation.
PPPS-2013: Intense atmospheric pressure plasma array for plasma polymerization

Summary form only given. Two atmospheric pressure plasma devices were fabricated with the purpose of creating plasma emissions with a greater intensity, and their potential in atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization was investigated. Both devices were arrays consisting of a central glass tube surrounded by several smaller glass tubes. Jet-to-jet coupling created a single plasma plume originating from the central tube when the devices were operated in the intense plasma mode. The intense plasma mode with all glass tubes generating plasma was compared to the single jet mode in which the same devices were operated but only the central glass tube contained plasma. It was determined that the intense plasma mode produced plasma with greater optical intensity due to more charge particles being present; however, the increase in power consumption compared to the single jet mode was negligible. This effect of increasing optical intensity during the intense plasma mode was found to be more pronounced with a greater number of tubes surrounding the central one, despite smaller tube size. A polymer deposition system using the aforementioned plasma array was developed, which enables charged particles and energetic species to be generated near the substrate. Argon was employed as the discharge gas for plasma generation and its flow rate was in the range of 2-3 slm. Methylmethacrylate (MMA) monomer was vaporized by means of a glass bubbler which was supplied argon gas with flow rates in the range of 100-400 sccm at room temperature. The resultant plasma-polymerized PMMA thin films were transparent, thin, and strong when deposited on metal, glass, and plastic substrates. This polymer deposition system combines the inexpensive elements of atmospheric pressure plasmas, film quality approaching that of vacuum plasmas, and the ability to deposit materials on temperature sensitive substrates.
Restoration of lactation in bromocriptine-treated rats by prolactin replacement: Comparison of constant versus pulsatile infusion and intrahepatic versus intrajugular routes of delivery

The effectiveness of pulsed vs constant infusion of ovine(o) prolactin (PRL), given by different schedules, at restoring lactation in PRL-suppressed rats was compared, and the possibility that the liver participates in the restorative effects of the infused hormone was investigated. Lactating dams were given subcutaneous injections of bromocriptine (BC) between days 7 and 12 postpartum to suppress endogenous PRL secretion. Osmotic minipumps were used to infuse the oPRL into either the jugular vein or the hepatic portal vein. The latter route would expose the liver to higher concentrations of PRL than would intrajugular infusion. Constant infusion of oPRL in different doses was, overall, more effective at restoring lactation (i.e. litter weight gain) than was giving pulses, regardless of the site of delivery. Infusion of the PRL at 100 μg/rat/day in pulses of 1h duration was ineffective at frequencies of either 4 or 8/day, whereas pulses of 2h duration were effective at both of these frequencies. Infusing that dose of oPRL was equally effective whether it was given in 4 or 8 pulses/day of 2 h duration. Intrahepatic infusion of oPRL was not more effective than intrajugular delivery regardless of the schedule of administration. These results indicate that pulse duration is a more important determinant of the effectiveness of the galactopoietic action of PRL in the lactating rat than is pulse frequency. No evidence was obtained that the liver participates in the galactopoietic effects of PRL.
Electromechanical emulation of active vibratory systems

The design of a simple electromechanical system which is dynamically equivalent to an active vibratory system is studied in this paper. A two-step process is presented in which a passive vibratory system is first obtained, which is then modified in the second step to achieve active equivalence. Implementation of the active emulation step is achieved by closed-loop control of electromechanical shakers attached to the passive system and driven so as to generate the appropriate vibrations at the mounting locations of the active vibratory system. Experimental examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this design process.
Individual variation in habituation: behaviour over time toward different stimuli in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Habituation, or the relatively permanent waning of a response as a result of repeated stimulation, is a form of behavioural plasticity that allows animals to filter out irrelevant stimuli and to focus selectively on important stimuli. Individuals that fail to habituate might be at a disadvantage if they continue to respond to irrelevant stimuli; therefore, habituation can have adaptive significance. In this study we compared rates of behaviour over time toward three different ecologically-relevant stimuli (food, a male intruder and a gravid female) in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We detected evidence for habituation to the stimuli, and males in this study were especially aggressive toward both male and female conspecifics. Although there were some clear temporal patterns that could be detected by looking at average behaviour, not all individuals behaved in the same ‘average’ way. We detected substantial inter-individual variation in behaviour toward all three stimuli, inter-individual variation in rates of habituation to both male and female conspecifics, but no evidence for correlations between behaviours across stimuli (behavioural syndromes). These results suggest that individual animals vary in rates of habituation, and prompt hypotheses about the causes and consequences of variation in rates of habituation.
Selection for Eight-Week Body Weight in Two Randombred Chicken Populations Under Altered Water to Feed Ratios.2. Feed Intake, Water Intake, and Abdominal Fat Levels

Four experiments were conducted to investigate feed and water intake, feed efficiency, and abdominal fat levels of six lines of chickens developed from two randombred control populations following selection for high 8-wk BW under high (1.6%), low (.2%), and normal (.4%) dietary salt selection environments. The Athens-Canadian Randombreds (AC) and Athens Randombreds (ARB) served as base populations for development of the six lines. Progeny from these lines were evaluated in the first, fifth, sixth, and seventh generations in Experiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In Experiment 1, abdominal fat levels were shown to be inversely related to dietary salt level. The lowest abdominal fat level was observed in birds fed the 1.6% salt diet and the highest abdominal fat level in birds fed the .2% salt diet. Birds receiving the normal (.4%) salt diet had intermediate abdominal fat levels. In Experiments 2, 3, and 4, selected lines were exposed to different dietary salt levels to measure both line and dietary salt response patterns. Significant (P < .05) differences were observed between genotypes (AC vs ARB) and between dietary salt treatments for BW, feed and water intake, and water to feed ratio. However, there was no evidence of genetic change between lines in abdominal fat level as a result of selection under different salt environments.
Looping Back to Leap Forward: Transcription Enters a New Era

Comparative genome analyses reveal that organismal complexity scales not with gene number but with gene regulation. Recent efforts indicate that the human genome likely contains hundreds of thousands of enhancers, with a typical gene embedded in a milieu of tens of enhancers. Proliferation of cis-regulatory DNAs is accompanied by increased complexity and functional diversification of transcriptional machineries recognizing distal enhancers and core promoters and by the high-order spatial organization of genetic elements. We review progress in unraveling one of the outstanding mysteries of modern biology: the dynamic communication of remote enhancers with target promoters in the specification of cellular identity.
Commentary: The broken mouse: the role of development, plasticity and environment in the interpretation of phenotypic changes in knockout mice

Abstract With the advent of gene knockout technology has arisen the problem of how to interpret the resulting phenotypic changes in mice lacking specific genes. This problem is especially relevent when applied to behavioral phenotypes of knockout mice, which are difficult to interpret. Of particular interest are the roles of development and compensatory changes, as well as other factors, such as the influence of the gene knockout on nearby genes, the effect of the genetic background strain, maternal behavioral influences, and pleiotrophy.
Comparative in vitro activity of the two new oral cephalosporin metabolites RO 19-5247 and RO 15-8074.

A total of 629 clinical strains of gram positive and gram negative bacteria were tested for their susceptibility to RO 19-5247, RO 15-8074, and other antimicrobial agents. Both RO 19-5247 and RO 15-8074 had good activity against strains of Enterobacteriaceae;however, resistance was found among some strains of Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Morganella spp. Both compounds showed moderate to poor active against Acinetobacter spp.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,staphylococci and Streptococcus faecalis.Against strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and streptococci (not enterococci), each compound was highly active in vitro. RO 19-5247 and RO 15-8074 had comparable activity to cotrimoxazole, ceftazidime and ceftizoxime. Each new compound had considerably better activity then did cefaclor and amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate.
Phobos: Control network analysis

Initial analysis of the Mariner 9 high resolution pictures of Phobos surface features has been completed. A control network of 38 landmarks has been established and used to determine the physical size, shape, orientation, libration, and topography properties of Phobos. The results verified the synchronous rotation of Phobos and revealed a libration of approximately 5 deg in the orbit plane of Phobos. A preliminary map of Phobos, based on the control network analysis, is given.
Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis of Blue Crab Claw Meat Volatiles

Volatile extracts were prepared from cooked blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) claw meat by both atmospheric (A-SDE) and vacuum simultaneous steam distillation-solvent extraction (V-SDE) techniques using dichloromethane as extractant. Serially diluted extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/olfactometry (GC/O). Eleven and 14 aromas were consistently detected in replicate A-SDE and V-SDE extracts, respectively. Among these, seven aromas were commonly found in both extracts. Four compounds having high log 2 (flavor dilution factors) (>5) were identified as 2,3-butanedione (sour, creamy); (Z)-4-heptenal (potato-like); 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (nutty, popcorn-like); and 3-(methylthio)propanal (salty, soy sauce-like)
Prostate Cancer Foci Detected on Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging are Histologically Distinct From Those Not Detected

Purpose: We identified histological differences between prostate cancer foci that are detected and missed using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.Materials and Methods: A total of 49 patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, including T2-weighted imaging, including diffusion weighted imaging and dynamic contrast enhanced imaging, before prostatectomy were enrolled in the study. One radiologist identified areas highly suspicious for tumor. One pathologist identified and categorized tumors in terms of size, Gleason score, solid tumor growth, intermixed benign glands, loose stroma, desmoplastic stroma and a high malignant epithelium-to-stroma ratio. Differences between detected and missed tumors were assessed using logistic regression analyses based on generalized estimating equations for correlated data.Results: All histological features showed significant differences between detected and missed tumors on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (p <0.0001). Independent p...
Global Imagery in Online Advertisements.

A WELL-DESIGNED ONLINE advertisement is essential for effective communication with potential customers and contributes to successful e-commerce. However, creating online sales messages that appeal to a broad range of cultures can pose unique challenges (Tsotra, Janson, & Cecez-Kecmanovic, 2004). Internet ads must offer both a globally appealing and a culture-specific message that in turn “enables localization of marketing communication” (Luna, Peracchio, & de Juan, 2002, p. 399). These authors also suggest that “cultural congruity” is essential for effective Internet Web sites. Thus, the inclusion of verbal and nonverbal content that is congruent with a range of cultures allows for ad elements that will be successful both locally and globally. In order to examine cultural congruity in various cultures, we conducted consumer interviews of individuals of six nationalities about their reactions to two online Internet advertisements to reveal how the underlying meanings of ad elements vary from culture to culture.
Enhanced Selectivity for Actinides over Lanthanides with CMPO Ligands Secured to a C3-Symmetric Triphenoxymethane Platform

A ligand system containing three preorganized carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) moieties anchored onto a rigid C(3)-symmetric triphenoxymethane platform has been developed for facile metal complexation and subsequent extraction from aqueous acidic nuclear waste streams. Intended to mimic the 3:1 CMPO-actinide stoichiometry of the extracted species in the TRUEX nuclear waste treatment process, the CMPO arms on this ligand are oriented such that all three CMPO moieties can cooperatively bind a metal ion. Extractions of simulated nuclear waste streams (10(-4) M metal in 1 M nitric acid) with solutions of this ligand in methylene chloride (10(-3) M) reveal a high affinity for the actinide thorium and a very low, but constant, affinity for the lanthanides across the series. Thorium and five lanthanide (lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, europium, and ytterbium) nitrate complexes of this ligand have been synthesized and fully characterized by X-ray crystallography, (1)H and (31)P NMR spectra, and FT-ICR-MS to elucidate the mechanism of this unique actinide selectivity. All six oxygen donors from the three CMPO arms of the ligand and one or two nitrate counterions coordinate these metals to afford 2+ cationic complexes in every case. Because of the large size of the ligand, both the thorium and lanthanide complexes present similarly charged and sized surfaces to the extraction solvents, but the thorium complex is extracted quantitatively over the lanthanide complexes. A possible rationale for this extraction behavior difference is presented and further illustrated by the extraction properties of this ligand system for the alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium) as picrate salts and by the solid- and solution-state structures of its lithium picrate complex.
Synthesis of 2′-C-α-difluoromethylarauridine and its 3′-O-phosphoramidite incorporation into a hammerhead ribozyme

The 2'-C-difluoromethylated nucleoside 4 was synthesized starting from uridine. 4 was then converted to the 3'-O-phosphoramidite derivative 5 and was incorporated into a hammerhead ribozyme (7). The cleavage characteristics of the modified oligonucleotide have been analysed.