cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electric field enhancement in ɛ-near-zero slabs under TM-polarized oblique incidence

We investigate local-field enhancement phenomena in subwavelength, \ensuremath{\epsilon}-near-zero (ENZ) slabs that do not exploit Fabry-P\'erot resonances. In particular, we study the linear response of engineered metamaterial slabs of finite thickness based on plasmonic nanoshells that show an ENZ band in the visible range, and naturally occurring materials (e.g., SiO${}_{2}$) that also display ENZ properties, under oblique, TM-polarized plane-wave incidence. We then introduce active gain material in engineered metamaterial slabs that adds peculiar spectral and angular features to transmission, reflection, and absorption properties, and leads to a further local-field enhancement. These findings are supported by two theoretical studies: First, a simple interface between two semi-infinite media, namely free space and a generic ENZ medium; then, an ENZ slab of finite thickness, with the aim of understanding the system's behavior when varying the ENZ properties as well as the incident angle. For either case we report three distinct physical conditions for which we explain spectral and angular features that might result in strong field enhancement. The gain-assisted metamaterial implementation has the potential of triggering and enhancing low-threshold nonlinear phenomena thanks to the large local fields found at specific frequency and angular bands.
Binding affinities and cooperative interactions with bHLH activators delimit threshold responses to the dorsal gradient morphogen

Abstract The dorsal (dl) morphogen gradient initiates the formation of the mesoderm, neuroectoderm, and dorsal ectoderm by setting different limits of regulatory gene expression along the dorsoventral axis of the early Drosophila embryo. In this paper, we show that low affinity dl-binding sites restrict target gene expression to the ventralmost regions (presumptive mesoderm), where there are peak levels of dl, while high affinity sites permit expression in ventrolateral regions (mesoderm and mesectoderm) containing intermediate levels of the morphogen. Activation by low levels of dl in lateral regions (the presumptive neuroectoderm) depends on cooperative DNA binding interactions between dl and bHLH proteins. The snall repressor blocks this interaction and restricts expression to the neuroectoderm. We discuss how enhancers serve as templates to bring weakly interacting regulatory factors into close proximity so that they can function combinatorially to activate and repress transcription.
Agent models II: dynamic path-planning for search and destroy missions -- the Bay of Biscay scenario

Among the many modeling methods used for military applications, simulation modeling is one of the most popular as it offers flexibility and an ability to perform "what-if" analysis. In this paper, we discuss search and destroy missions in the context of the World War II Bay of Biscay U-boat scenario. We present a simulation architecture that supports integration of human reasoning with simulation-based optimization methods.
Trap generation and breakdown processes in very thin gate oxides

Abstract Neutral electron traps are generated in gate oxide during electrical stress, leading to degradation in the form of stress-induced leakage current (SILC) and eventually resulting in breakdown. SILC is the result of inelastic, trap-assisted tunneling of electrons that originate in the conduction band of the cathode. Deuterium annealing experiments call into question the interfacial hydrogen release model of the trap generation mechanism. A framework for modeling time-to-breakdown is presented.
Private Farming in Russia: An Emerging Success?

The emergence of privately owned peasant farms in the early 1990s was one of the most important reforms in Russia's agrarian sector. Initially failing to become a significant food producer, during its second decade private farming emerged as a success in agrarian reform. This success is analyzed using two levels of analysis. At the macro-level, economic performance, government policy, and AKKOR's relationships with a range of actors are examined. The micro- or household level is examined using survey data from rural households, looking at private farmers' earned income, land holdings, and shifts in employment.
What is Fuzzy About Clustering in West Africa

Applying techniques of clustering analysis to a set of variables suggested by the convergence criteria and the theory of optimal currency areas, this paper looks for country homogeneities to assess membership in the existing and proposed monetary unions of the broader west African region. Our analysis reveals considerable dissimilarities in the economic characteristics of the countries in west and central Africa. In particular, the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) countries do not form a cluster with the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries; and, within the WAMZ, there is a significant lack of homogeneity. Furthermore, when west and central African countries are considered together, we find significant heterogeneities within the CFA franc zone, and some interesting similarities between the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and WAMZ countries. Overall, our findings raise some questions about the geographical boundaries of several existing and proposed monetary unions.
Phenomenology and communication research

The authors provide an applied example of content analysis using the phenomenological approach.
Subsystems of Processes with Deadlock Avoidance

A graph-oriented approach to deadlock avoidance, which treates both shared and exclusive locking, has been described [6]. The method is particularly suited for database systems. With enhancements introduced here, the problem of indefimite delay, i.e., the possibility that a process will not run to completion (will be delayed indefinitely) can be eliminated. The approach taken is to partition the resource system into subsystems, each of which can be scheduled independently. Indefinite delay is avoided by the construction of subsystems that guarantee the completion of a process or the granting of a resource request. Further, we show how the subsystem approach can be applied systematically so as to approximate FIFO scheduling of resource requests, while avoiding deadlock and indefmite delay. Other scheduling disciplines can also be realized. A lock manager program utilizing the FIFO method has been implemented.
Avirulent Strains of Pasteurella pestis.

When Haffkine developed his plague prophylactic in 1896, many bacteriologists believed that the problem of plague prevention was at least partly solved. At the turn of the century, however, some workers1,2'3 expressed dissatisfaction with the heat-killed preparation and proceeded to investigate the possibility and practicability of a true live vaccine. In their opinion, the Haffkine prophylactic and other preparations containing only killed Pasteurella pestis and its products of metabolism and disintegration were unsatisfactory because they failed to give a high degree of protection to inoculated human beings, and particularly because it was impossible to immunize guinea pigs with them. Since the latter had been found highly susceptible to experimental inoculation with plague bacilli, there was a strong argument in favor of a live vaccine which could, in very minute doses, completely protect these animals against plague infection instead of just slightly enhancing their resistance to it, as did the killed prophylactics. The controversy over killed or live plague vaccine has continued for the past 4 decades up to the present day. The advocates of live-plague vaccine have received a powerful stimulus
The Reaction of Hydrogen with Neodymium at various temperatures

The reaction of neodymium with hydrogen was investigated from 100 to 800°C. The predominant portion of the hydrogen is taken up at constant rate. The final saturation with hydrogen is diffusion-controlled and obeys the parabolic laws. A reaction mechanism is proposed in terms of the various phases of reaction displayed by plots of average composition versus time. Es wurde die Reaktion von Neodym mit Wasserstoff von 100–800°C untersucht. Der Hauptteil des H2 wird mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit aufgenommen. Die schliesliche Sattigung ist diffusionsbestimmt und folgt parabolischen Beziehungen. Anhand der Durchschnittszusammensetzung (H/Nd) des Festkorpers als Funktion der Zeit wird ein Reaktions-mechanismus vorgeschlagen.
Anisotropic flow background to jet-correlation relative to reaction plane: A revisit of the mathematical framework

Abstract We derive the flow-background formula for jet-correlation analysis with high p T trigger particles in any azimuth window relative to reaction plane, extending the mathematic framework of previous study in [J. Bielcikova, et al., Phys. Rev. C 69 (2004) 021901(R)].
Mice lacking Sμ tandem repeats maintain RNA polymerase patterns but exhibit histone modification pattern shifts linked to class switch site locations

Antibody switching involves class switch recombination (CSR) events between switch (S) regions located upstream of heavy chain constant (C) genes. Mechanisms targeting CSR to S-regions are not clear. Deletion of Sμ tandem repeat (SμTR) sequences causes CSR to shift into downstream regions that do not undergo CSR in WT B-cells, including the Cμ-region. We now find that, in SμTR−/− B cells, Sμ chromatin histone modification patterns also shift downstream relative to WT and coincide with SμTR−/− CSR locations. Our results suggest that histone H3 acetylation and methylation are involved in accessibility of switch regions and that these modifications are not dependent on the underlying sequence, but may be controlled by the location of upstream promoter or regulatory elements. Our studies also show RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) loading increases in the Eμ/Iμ region in stimulated B cells; these increases are independent of SμTR sequences. Longer Sμ deletions have been reported to eliminate increases in RNAPII density, therefore we suggest that sequences between Iμ and Sμ (possibly the Iμ splicing region as well as G-tracts that are involved in stable RNA:DNA complex formation during transcription) might control the RNAPII density increases.
Being Prepared: Modeling the Response to an Anthrax Attack

In this issue, Fowler and colleagues' analysis strongly supports the current U.S. policy of vaccination and prophylactic antibiotics after an anthrax attack rather than preattack mass vaccination. ...
A lite bioinformatics specialization: a strategy for initiating computer science/bioinformatics collaboration

The emerging bioinformatics research community can benefit from an increase in computer science collaborators. One of the barriers to computer science collaboration is the lack of bioinformatics domain knowledge in the computer science community. This paper presents a strategy for facilitating this domain knowledge acquisition with the goal of accelerating the collaboration development process, particularly on campuses in which the computer science and bioformatics/medical communities are co-resident.
Demographic Characteristics of Special Education Teacher Educators.

A sample of members of the Teacher Education Division of The Council for Exceptional Children was surveyed to determine demographic characteristics and job satisfaction of special education teacher educators. In this paper, the demographic data are compared to those from an earlier study. Analyses of data according to respondents' sex and academic rank are included and discussed in terms of implications for the future of the profession.
Anhydrous cobalt and nickel hypophosphites

Abstract Anhydrous Co(HoPO2)2 and Ni(H2PO2)2 as well as [Ni(py)2H2PO2)2] were prepared. Infrared and electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that all are high-spin octahedral complexes. Anion coordination is proposed as bridging and chelating bidentate ligands.
Clinical Pearls in Neurology

Atthe2001AnnualConferenceoftheAmerican College of Physicians, a new teaching format to aid physician learning, Clinical Pearls, was introduced. Clinical Pearls is designed with the 3 qualities of physician-learners in mind. First, we physicians enjoy learning from cases. Second, we like concise, practical points that we can use in our practice. Finally, we take pleasure in problem solving. In the Clinical Pearls format, speakers present a number of short cases in their specialty to a general internalmedicineaudience.Eachcaseisfollowedby
Sources of global warming of the upper ocean on decadal period scales

[1] Recent studies find global climate variability in the upper ocean and lower atmosphere during the twentieth century dominated by quasi-biennial, interannual, quasi-decadal and interdecadal signals. The quasi-decadal signal in upper ocean temperature undergoes global warming/cooling of ∼0.1°C, similar to that occurring with the interannual signal (i.e., El Nino–Southern Oscillation), both signals dominated by global warming/cooling in the tropics. From the National Centers for Environmental Prediction troposphere reanalysis and Scripps Institution of Oceanography upper ocean temperature reanalysis we examine the quasi-decadal global tropical diabatic heat storage (DHS) budget from 1975 to 2000. We find the anomalous DHS warming tendency of 0.3–0.9 W m−2 driven principally by a downward global tropical latent-plus-sensible heat flux anomaly into the ocean, overwhelming the tendency by weaker upward shortwave-minus-longwave heat flux anomaly to drive an anomalous DHS cooling tendency. During the peak quasi-decadal warming the estimated dissipation of DHS anomaly of 0.2–0.5 W m−2 into the deep ocean and a similar loss to the overlying atmosphere through air-sea heat flux anomaly are balanced by a decrease in the net poleward Ekman heat advection out of the tropics of 0.4–0.7 W m−2. This scenario is nearly the opposite of that accounting for global tropical warming during the El Nino. These diagnostics confirm that even though the global quasi-decadal signal is phase-locked to the 11-year signal in the Sun's surface radiative forcing of ∼0.1 W m−2, the anomalous global tropical DHS tendency cannot be driven by it directly.
Incidence of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from Dogs

Clindamycin is increasingly used to treat canine pyoderma. Eight of 608 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates were positive for inducible clindamycin resistance by double-disk diffusion testing and PCR detection of ermB. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates that are erythromycin resistant but clindamycin susceptible by in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be tested for inducible clindamycin resistance.
Comparison of isoflurane and sevoflurane for short-term anesthesia in piglets.

Abstract Objectives To compare isoflurane (ISO) and sevoflurane (SEVO) short-term anesthesia in piglets during castration. Study design Prospective, randomized study. Animals A total of 114 male piglets aged 6–10 days, body weight 1.3–5.0 kg. Methods Piglets were randomly selected from multiple litters and randomly assigned to being anesthetized with ISO or SEVO prior to castration. To calculate appropriate doses for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, a square root of time model was used, with calculations based on metabolic size and attainment of 1.3× minimum alveolar concentration. The equipotent target alveolar concentration of ISO was 1.82% and for SEVO 4.03%. After doses were calculated, a table listing piglet weights and agent requirements was produced. Anesthetics were delivered via liquid anesthetic injection into a previously developed rebreathing inhaler that was filled with oxygen prior to use. Piglets were anesthetized, castrated and allowed to recover prior to return to the sow. Times for induction, recovery and total time to standing were recorded, and end-tidal carbon dioxide (P e ′CO2) tensions were measured by capnography immediately after mask removal. Each response variable was analyzed in sas using the Proc Mixed procedure, with piglet weight and days of age as covariates. Castration problems and mortality were assessed relative to unanesthetized littermates. Results There were no statistically significant differences in age, weight or total anesthetic time between the anesthetics. Induction time was shorter, recovery time longer, and P e ′CO2 lower with ISO. No morbidity or mortality was associated with either group. Conclusion and clinical relevance Isoflurane and SEVO, delivered in a novel inhaler, provided economical, safe, rapid anesthetic induction and maintenance. Optimal conditions were provided for castration and recoveries were brief and smooth. Statistically significant differences in times would be of minor clinical importance. The cost of anesthesia was much less with ISO than with SEVO.
Spatial Distribution of Green Mold Foci in 30 Commercial Mushroom Crops

Statistical analyses were performed on spatial distributions of mushroom green mold foci caused by Trichoderma spp. in 30 standard Pennsylvania doubles (743 m2 production surface) selected at random from over 900 total crops mapped. Mapped production houses were divided into four tiers of six beds each with 16 sections per bed (total = 384 sections per double). Each section contained approximately 2 m2. Green mold foci were mapped according to presence or absence in each section as they became visible during the course of the mushroom production. There was a trend toward higher disease incidence at the ends of the doubles, although this was not consistent from level to level. Spatial analysis revealed that green mold foci were more likely to occur in neighboring sections along the beds rather than above, below, or across from each other. Cultural practices that were associated with movement along the beds, i.e., nutrient supplementation, spawning, bed tamping, surface covering, etc., were considered the most likely factors influencing the incidence of green mold in spawned compost. Airborne contamination was considered a less likely source of inocula contributing to epidemic development. Sanitation practices that reduce spore loads along the beds are expected to provide the greatest degree of green mold control.
Reciprocity Law Failure in Desensitized Emulsions

The reciprocity law failure of desensitized emulsions has been studied in the range of the moderate and extremely high intensity exposures. It is shown that in the desensitized emulsion some of the decreased efficiency associated with normal saturation effects is removed in the high intensity range relative to the nondesensitized basic emulsion. Two of the three dyes studies have shown two steps of low intensity reciprocity failure: a strong, primary low intensity failure and a weak, secondary failure. Speculations on the mechanisms of these two failures are given.
The use of computer analysis in describing multiple opiate receptors.

Abstract The computer curve fitting program LIGAND has been used to simultaneously analyze 50 competition experiments using five labeled opioid ligands. The results describe four or five distinct sites, although the maximum number of sites cannot be determined. A site with high affinity for all the compounds tested, similar to the μ 1 site described by Pasternak, was apparent in 4 and 5-site models.
DNA cleavage assay for the identification of topoisomerase I inhibitors

The inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) has proven to be a successful approach in the design of anticancer agents. However, despite the clinical successes of the camptothecin derivatives, a significant need for less toxic and more chemically stable Top1 inhibitors still persists. Here, we describe one of the most frequently used protocols to identify novel Top1 inhibitors. These methods use uniquely 3'-radiolabeled DNA substrates and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to provide evidence for the Top1-mediated DNA cleaving activity of potential Top1 inhibitors. These assays allow comparison of the effectiveness of different drugs in stabilizing the Top1-DNA intermediate or cleavage (cleavable) complex. A variation on these assays is also presented, which provides a suitable system for determining whether the inhibitor blocks the forward cleavage or religation reactions by measuring the reversibility of the drug-induced Top1-DNA cleavage complexes. This entire protocol can be completed in approximately 2 d.
31P-NMR studies of respiratory regulation in the intact myocardium

The mechanism by which mitochondrial respiration is coupled to ATP consumption in intact tissues is unclear. We determined the relationship between high-energy phosphate levels and oxygen consumption rate in rat hearts operating over a range of workloads and perfused with different substrates. With pyruvate + glucose perfusion, ADP levels were in general very low, and varied with MVO2 yielding an apparent Km of 25 ± 5 μM, suggesting regulation of oxidative phosphorylation through availability of ADP. In contrast, with glucose perfusion in the presence or absence of insulin, ADP levels, ADP/ATP ratio or the phosphate potential were relatively constant over the workload range examined and generally not correlated with alterations in MVO2; it is suggested that under these conditions, carbon substrate delivery to the mitochondria may control mitochondrial respiration. The common feature of both of the suggested regulatory mechanisms is substrate limitation which, however, is exercised at different metabolic points depending on the carbon substrate available to the myocardium.
Differentiation of Alona Costata Sars From Two Related Species (Cladocera, Chydoridae) 1)

[Die drei Arten der Gattung Alona, welche in dieser Arbeit behandelt werden, sind nahe verwandt aber leicht voneinander zu unterscheiden. A. rustica Scott, welche hier zum ersten Mal von ausserhalb Grossbritanniens gemeldet wird, hat eine weite Verbreitung in Nordamerika. A. iheringi Sars aus Brasilien und A. estonica Maemets aus Estland reprasentieren Angehorige der gleichen Art und wurden hier daher mit A. rustica vereinigt. A. bicolor sp. nov. unterscheidet sich von den beiden anderen Arten durch folgende Merkmale: 1) das Rostrum uberragt das Ende der Borsten der ersten Antennen, 2) das Nebenauge ist grosser als das Auge, 3) der vordere Lippenanhang hat einen grossen, rundlichen Einschnitt an der vorderen Oberkante, 4) die Schale ist zweifarbig, und 5) die Individuen sind gewohnlich grosser. A. bicolor ist bis heute nur aus Neu-England bekannt, wo sie in denselben Gewassern wie die anderen beiden Arten vorkommen kann. A. costata und A. rustica leben auch in anderen Gegenden zusammen in denselben Seen., Die drei Arten der Gattung Alona, welche in dieser Arbeit behandelt werden, sind nahe verwandt aber leicht voneinander zu unterscheiden. A. rustica Scott, welche hier zum ersten Mal von ausserhalb Grossbritanniens gemeldet wird, hat eine weite Verbreitung in Nordamerika. A. iheringi Sars aus Brasilien und A. estonica Maemets aus Estland reprasentieren Angehorige der gleichen Art und wurden hier daher mit A. rustica vereinigt. A. bicolor sp. nov. unterscheidet sich von den beiden anderen Arten durch folgende Merkmale: 1) das Rostrum uberragt das Ende der Borsten der ersten Antennen, 2) das Nebenauge ist grosser als das Auge, 3) der vordere Lippenanhang hat einen grossen, rundlichen Einschnitt an der vorderen Oberkante, 4) die Schale ist zweifarbig, und 5) die Individuen sind gewohnlich grosser. A. bicolor ist bis heute nur aus Neu-England bekannt, wo sie in denselben Gewassern wie die anderen beiden Arten vorkommen kann. A. costata und A. rustica leben auch in anderen Gegenden zusammen in denselben Seen.]
Domain-specific and cell type-specific localization of two types of cell wall matrix polysaccharides in the clover root tip

Using immunocytochemical techniques and antibodies that specifically recognize xyloglucan (anti-XG), polygalacturonic acid/rhamnogalacturonan I (anti-PGA/RG-I), and methylesterified pectins (JIM 7), we have shown that these polysaccharides are differentially synthesized and localized during cell development and differentiation in the clover root tip. In cortical cells XG epitopes are present at a threefold greater density in the newly formed cross walls than in the older longitudinal walls, and PGA/RG-I epitopes are detected solely in the expanded middle lamella of cortical cell corners, even after pretreatment of sections with pectinmethylesterase to uncover masked epitopes. These results suggest that in cortical cells XG and PGA/RG-I are differentially localized not only to particular wall domains, but also to particular cell walls. In contrast to their nonoverlapping distribution in cortical cells, XG epitopes and PGA/RG-I epitopes largely colocalize in the epidermal cell walls. The results also demonstrate that the middle lamella of the longitudinal walls shared by epidermal cells and by epidermal and cortical cells constitutes a barrier to the diffusion of cell wall and mucilage molecules. Synthesis of XG and PGA/RG-I epitope-containing polysaccharides also varies during cellular differentiation in the root cap. The differentiation of gravitropic columella cells into mucilage-secreting peripheral cells is marked by a dramatic increase in the synthesis and secretion of molecules containing XG and PGA/RG-I epitopes. In contrast, JIM 7 epitopes are present at abundant levels in columella cell walls, but are not detectable in peripheral cell walls or in secreted mucilage. There were also changes in the cisternal labeling of the Golgi stacks during cellular differentiation in the root tip. Whereas PGA/RG-I epitopes are detected primarily in cis- and medial Golgi cisternae in cortical cells (Moore, P. J., K. M. M. Swords, M. A. Lynch, and L. A. Staehelin. 1991. J. Cell Biol. 112:589-602), they are localized predominantly in the trans-Golgi cisternae and the trans-Golgi network in epidermal and peripheral root cap cells. These observations suggest that during cellular differentiation the plant Golgi apparatus can be both structurally and functionally reorganized.
Using types to analyze and optimize object-oriented programs

Object-oriented programming languages provide many software engineering benefits, but these often come at a performance cost. Object-oriented programs make extensive use of method invocations and pointer dereferences, both of which are potentially costly on modern machines. We show how to use types to produce effective, yet simple, techniques that reduce the costs of these features in Modula-3, a statically typed, object-oriented language. Our compiler performs type-based alias analysis to disambiguate memory references. It uses the results of the type-based alias analysis to eliminate redundant memory references and to replace monomorphic method invocation sites with direct calls. Using limit, static, and running time evaluation, we demonstrate that these techniques are effective, and sometimes perfect for a set of Modula-3 benchmarks.
Effect of gossypol on the ultrastructure of rat spermatozoa.

Gossypol was found to induce sterility in male rats when administered orally. A reduction in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis from the gossypol-treated rats was observed when compared to the control animals. An examination of the spermatozoa from the treated rats showed the following ultrastructural modifications: disorganization of the mitochondrial sheath and missing cell membrane from the middle piece, broken cell membrane and missing members of both outer fibers and inner microtubules of the principal piece, and broken cell membrane of the sperm head. Serial mating experiments proved that gossypol-treated males were indeed sterile. The results suggest that gossypol at low concentrations is able to affect the motility of spermatozoa, thus contributing to its contraceptive action.
Sensitivity Analysis and Model Reduction Applied to Adapting Biological Systems

A common problem in systems biology is relating the relevant parameters of a mathematical model to its observed qualitative features. In this work, we study a nonlinear dynamic model of a biochemical system with an underlying network topology. The system is parameterized by a high-dimensional vector and it outputs multiple boolean functionalities. The first part of this work develops a regularized sensitivity analysis to determine parameter/functionality relationships and discusses the conditions under which these relationships may be generalized across parameter vectors and network topologies. The second part of this work discusses a method of reducing a given parameter/functionality relationship on a dense network topology to a similar relationship on a sparser network. Throughout this work, we apply our techniques to an established model of biochemical adaptation.
Improved biological activity of a mutant endostatin containing a single amino-acid substitution

Human endostatin has an internal Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif at position 126–128 following a proline at position 125. Asn-Gly-Arg-containing peptides have been shown to target tumour vasculature and inhibit aminopeptidase N activity. We previously compared the in vitro and in vivo biological activities of native endostatin and endostatin with a proline to alanine mutation (P125A-endostatin). P125A-endostatin exhibited greater inhibition of both endothelial cell proliferation and human ovarian cancer growth compared to native endostatin. Here we explore further the effects on biological activity of the P125A mutation, and show that aminopeptidase N is not involved. To determine whether the increased biological activity of the mutant was due to unmasking of downstream NGR-sequence, effect of endostatin on aminopeptidase N activity was investigated. Neither the native nor the P125A-endostatin inhibited aminopeptidase N. However, synthetic peptides consisting of the S118-T131 region of endostatin inhibited aminopeptidase N. These results suggest that the internal NGR site in native or mutant endostatin is not accessible to aminopeptidase N, and that this activity is not involved in the enhanced biological activity of the P125A form. P125A-endostatin bound to endothelial cells more efficiently than native endostatin and exhibited greater inhibition of not only proliferation but also migration of endothelial cells. P125A-endostatin also localised into tumour tissue to a higher degree than the native protein, and displayed greater inhibition of growth of colon cancer in athymic mice. Both proteins inhibited tumour cell-induced angiogenesis effectively. Real-time PCR analysis showed that both native and P125A-endostatin decreased expression of key proangiogenic growth factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 1 were downregulated more by the mutant. These studies suggest that the region around P125 can be modified to improve the biological activity of endostatin.
Enzymatic synthesis and rapid translocation of phosphatidylcholine by two methyltransferases in erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract The synthesis of phosphatidylcholine from phosphatidylethanolamine is carried out by two methyltransferases in erythrocyte membranes. The first enzyme uses phosphatidylethanolamine as a substrate, requires Mg2+, and has a high affinity for methyl donor, S-adenosyl-L-methionine. The second enzyme methylates phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine and has a low affinity for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. The first enzyme is localized on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane and the second enzyme faces the external surface. This asymmetric arrangement of the two enzymes across the membrane makes possible the stepwide methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine localized on the cytoplasmic side and facilitates the rapid transmembrane transfer of the final product, phosphatidylcholine, to the external surface of the membrane. A mechanism for an enzyme-mediated flip-flop of phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the outer surface of erythrocyte membranes is described.
Preparation of porous manganese oxide nanomaterials by one-pot synthetic sol–gel method

For the first time, the simple epoxide addition, sol–gel method has been employed to successfully prepare porous, high surface area manganese (II) aerogel nanomaterials. These uniform materials can then undergo calcination at relatively low temperature to selectively yield the mixed-valent Mn3O4 complex illustrating both an ease of preparation and synthesis versatility.
CELL POPULATIONS AND CELL PROLIFERATION IN THE IN VITRO RESPONSE OF NORMAL MOUSE SPLEEN TO HETEROLOGOUS ERYTHROCYTES : ANALYSIS BY THE HOT PULSE TECHNIQUE

The role of proliferation in the development of 19S antibody-forming cells in the primary response has been investigated in an in vitro system. Spleen cell suspensions from normal, unimmunized mice were cultured in vitro in the presence of mammalian erythrocytes and the number of 19S hemolytic plaque-forming cells that arose 4 days later was measured. The hot pulse technique for the selective irradiation of those cells which synthesize DNA during a defined period of time has been described. The effect of such hot pulses administered at various times after the addition of antigen on the subsequent appearance of antibody-forming cells was determined. The results established that: (a) the onset of DNA synthesis does not start for approximately 24-32 hr after the addition of antigen, (b) essentially all the antibody-forming cells arise by cell division, and (c) different cell populations are involved in the response to two non-cross-reacting antigens.
Auditory vigilance correlates of electrodermal response habituation speed.

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that individual differences in the speed of habituation of the phasic eleclrodermal response (EDR) reflect characteristic rates of attentional decrement with stimulus repetition. Subjects selected for the extrems of EDR habituation speed to a pure tone were subsequently tested in an auditory vigilance task. Slow habituators showed a high and substained rate of signal detection, while Fast habituatos showed a lower overall rate and a time-on-task decrement. Further analyses employing signal detection theory measures indicated that these detection differences were due to group differences in response criterion levels rather than to differences in the rate of attentional decrement. The implications of this finding for understanding individual differences in EDR habituation speed are discussed.
Binding of volatile anesthetics to serum albumin: measurements of enthalpy and solvent contributions.

This study directly examines the enthalpic contributions to binding in aqueous solution of closely related anesthetic haloethers (desflurane, isoflurane, enflurane, and sevoflurane), a haloalkane (halothane), and an intravenous anesthetic (propofol) to bovine and human serum albumin (BSA and HSA) using isothermal titration calorimetry. Binding to serum albumin is exothermic, yielding enthalpies (ΔHobs) of −3 to −6 kcal/mol for BSA with a rank order of apparent equilibrium association constants (Ka values): desflurane > isoflurane ∼ enflurane > halothane ≥ sevoflurane, with the differences being largely ascribed to entropic contributions. Competition experiments indicate that volatile anesthetics, at low concentrations, share the same sites in albumin previously identified in crystallographic and photo-cross-linking studies. The magnitude of the observed ΔH increased linearly with increased reaction temperature, reflecting negative changes in heat capacities (ΔCp). These −ΔCp values significantly exceed t...
Methyl mercury exposure in populations at risk: Analysis of NHANES 2011-2012.

Abstract Background Ingestion of fish contaminated with methyl mercury can lead to adverse health outcomes, particularly when exposure occurs in utero. NHANES 2011–2012 includes total blood mercury (TBHg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) measurements as well as a unique race/ethnicity category for Asians, allowing for improved analysis of determinants of risk. Objective Our objective was to characterize the current burden of MeHg exposure in the US among subgroups who are at risk of health effects due to their physiologic vulnerability to MeHg’s effects and/or due to frequent fish consumption, specifically women of childbearing age (WCBA) and adults ≥50 years of age. Methods We calculated 90th and 95th percentile estimates as well as geometric means of MeHg for predictive variables. We used multivariable linear regression analyses to estimate the proportional change in mean MeHg associated with each category of all predictive variables. We calculated the validity of screening procedures using fish consumption questions and TBHg testing to predict elevated MeHg. Results The geometric mean MeHg levels were highest among Asian WCBA (1.17 µg/L) and Asians ≥50 years old (2.49 µg/L). Over 23% of Asian WCBA had levels ≥3.5 µg/L and 25% of Asians ≥50 years old had levels ≥5.8 µg/L. Frequency of fish consumption explained 21–23% of the variation in MeHg. Twenty-five percent of women eating fish≥twice per week had MeHg ≥3.5 µg/L. TBHg showed high validity for MeHg ≥5.8 µg/L, and two-step screening using ≥2 fish meals/month followed by TBHg also showed high validity. Conclusion Asian WCBA continue to have increased MeHg exposure from fish consumption, putting their offspring at risk. Screening for MeHg among high-risk groups should be considered.
Crystallization of Antibodies and Antibody-Antigen Complexes

Abstract Although many antibodies have been crystallized, the number of structures determined in both their complexed and unliganded forms remains relatively small. With the recent improvements in the use of molecular replacement (MR), the structure determination of Fabs and Fab-complex structures can proceed more rapidly, but crystallization often remains a major obstacle. Substantial improvements in methodologies have helped with the success rate in the crystallizations of Fabs and Fab-antigen complexes that are beyond previous expectations. Crystallization and structure determination have been directed mainly toward Fab fragments. The reason for this choice remains linked both to the ease with which the structure of Fabs can be determined and to the difficulties that have been presented by the crystallization of whole immunoglobulins. Such difficulty is currently believed to be due to flexibility or conformational heterogeneity of the IgG as well as the added heterogeneity from the glycosylation of the Fc fragment. Fabs share some of the same problems mainly because of the degree of heterogeneity that is the result of the proteolytic cleavage used to fragment the immunoglobulins, of the flexibility in elbow regions, and in some cases of glycosylatlon. A systematic approach to the cleavage, purification, and analysis of the resultant product can yield inmunoglobulin fragments amenable to crystallization. A rational screening of crystallization conditions with extensive use of seeding can In most cases enable progress from small microcrystalline aggregates to large X-ray-quality crystals. Such methodologies have become so effective that Fabs are now being used as tools to aid in the crystallization of other molecules that have been found difficult to crystallize by themselves.
Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Ate There

In the book Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll, Alice (of Alice-in-Wonderland fame) walks through a mirror into a mirror-image world. Assuming that she is not changed by this transition, her enzymes are still only capable of processing molecules of the handedness of her native world. In short, she has a problem that will severely curtail the duration of her stay because her body cannot make use of most of the calorie-containing molecules that would exist naturally in the mirror-image world. So the question is, what can Alice eat in the mirror-image world that provides nutritional value to her?
Comparison of measurements by different instruments of the far-infrared reflectance of rough, optically black coatings

Two comparisons of available specular infrared measurements using identical or very similar coatings reveal that specular BRDF (bidirectional reflectance distribution function) measurements of rough coatings are comparable but that simple measured reflectances are not. This is seen as indicating that the diffuse component of the measured specular reflectance is significantly larger than that of the specular component. It is noted that the diffuse component of the measurement is a convolution of the intrinsic directional reflectivity of the surface with the instrument function and that because the value of that function increases at the wavelengths under consideration, the diffuse component is larger than would otherwise be expected. The BRDF normalization is found to cause a primitive deconvolution of the instrument function and to produce a quantity that is approximately equal to the mean intrinsic directional reflectivity very near the specular direction. The analysis and comparison of data reveal that nonspecular BRDF measurements at angles well outside the instrument function can be calibrated as well by an image of the source upon the detector as by reference to a known surface.
State of the art and science of endodontics

ABSTRACT Background Advances in the art and science of endodontics have facilitated better understanding of disease processes and have led to development of treatment modalities aimed to restore health to the pulp and periradicular tissues. This article presents a summary of both basic and clinical breakthroughs in endodontics. Results The author indicates that, on the basis of the reviewed literature, pulp and periradicular diseases are primarily microbial. Basic research has led to development of methodologies that have allowed for specific and accurate identification of pathogens that are likely to cause persistent infections. Close examination of clinical data shows that meticulous debridement of the infected root canal system will result in a high probability of successful treatment outcome. Progress in visualization, mechanical and chemical disinfection, and biological seal of portals of entry will improve quality of care further. Conclusions and Clinical Implications A better understanding of the pathogenesis of pulp and periradicular diseases, inflammation and healing, as well as of pain pathways, will improve patient care and result in preservation of natural tissues.
Accounting choice theory and market-based research in accounting***

This paper summarizes the theory and evidence on accounting choice for capital markets researchers. It also explains why knowledge of that theory and evidence is important to capital markets researchers. Many capital market studies such as those of the relationship between earnings and rates of return assume that accounting choice does not vary with firm variables such as growth, gearing etc. Theory and evidence indicates such variation exists. Hence, accounting choice theory provides competing hypotheses for observed relationships in the capital markets literature such as the relation between earnings response coefficients and gearing.
Impact of an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience on Students' Performance in an Advanced Practice Experience

Objective. To determine the impact of an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) on students' clinical skills during their initial advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Design. A 4...
An Index of Arizona Summer Rainfall Developed through Eigenvector Analysis

Abstract Summer rainfall in Arizona exhibits tremendous spatial variability due to topographic irregularities and the fact that convection is the dominant precipitation generating mechanism. As such it has proven difficult to document changes over time, changes in either total amounts or in spatial distribution. In this study, eigenvector analysis is utilized to generate an effective index of this climatic parameter. From an original data matrix consisting of summer rainfall totals at 101 climatological stations for 50 years, the first time-series eigenvector is extracted and accounts for 70% of the variance. Geographic mapping of the multipliers (coefficients) reveals that the first eigenvector does adhere to physical reality, reflecting the dominant pattern of rainfall over the state. Thus, its validity as an effective index is established.
On recursive proper orthogonal decomposition via perturbation theory with applications to distributed sensing in cyber-physical systems

Distributed sensing of cyber-physical systems has become feasible with recent developments in sensor technology, wireless communication and distributed computing. Distributed sensing generates huge amounts of data from the events occurring in the physical side, which should be promptly reflected in the cyber side so that actions can be made timely by the computing systems. Due to the dense temporal-spatial distribution of the measured data, great challenges have been posed in terms of data storage, information processing and communications. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is a powerful tool to extract dominant information from distributed observational data, which has been widely used in signal processing and pattern analysis of fluid turbulence. The classical POD method implements dominant information extraction when the entire data set is known. However, in real-time measurements, new data is collected and incorporated into the historic data set at each sampling time. We propose a recursive proper orthogonal decomposition (rPOD) method based on the operator perturbation theory, where the accumulative truncation error can be controlled by a gradient search algorithm. This method is illustrated with two state-of-the-art problems governed by the heat conduction equation (1D) and the Navier-Stokes equations (2D) respectively.
Pressure drop in fully developed, turbulent, liquid-vapor annular flows in zero gravity

The prediction of frictional pressure drop in fully developed, turbulent, annular liquid-vapor flows in zero gravity using simulation experiments conducted on earth is described. The scheme extends the authors' earlier work on dispersed flows. The simulation experiments used two immiscible liquids of identical density, namely, water and n-butyl benzoate. Because of the lack of rigorous analytical models for turbulent, annular flows, the proposed scheme resorts to existing semiempirical correlations. Results based on two different correlations are presented and compared. Others may be used. It was shown that, for both dispersed and annular flow regimes, the predicted frictional pressure gradients in 0-g are lower than those in 1-g under otherwise identical conditions. The physical basis for this finding is given.
Consonance Sets for 2-Parameter Weibull and Exponential Distributions

This paper describes a general method for constructing consonance sets based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit statistic. The method is applied to constructing consonance sets for two widely applicable distributions in reliability, the 2-parameter Weibull and exponential distributions. The paper concludes with a numerical example.