cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The vitamin K-dependent carboxylase generates γ-carboxylated glutamates by using CO2 to facilitate glutamate deprotonation in a concerted mechanism that drives catalysis

The γ-glutamyl carboxylase converts Glu to carboxylated Glu (Gla) to activate a large number of vitamin K-dependent proteins with diverse functions, and this broad physiological impact makes it critical to understand the mechanism of carboxylation. Gla formation is thought to occur in two independent steps (i.e. Glu deprotonation to form a carbanion that then reacts with CO2), based on previous studies showing unresponsiveness of Glu deprotonation to CO2. However, our recent studies on the kinetic properties of a variant enzyme (H160A) showing impaired Glu deprotonation prompted a reevaluation of this model. Glu deprotonation monitored by tritium release from the glutamyl γ-carbon was dependent upon CO2, and a proportional increase in both tritium release and Gla formation occurred over a range of CO2 concentrations. This discrepancy with the earlier studies using microsomes is probably due to the known accessibility of microsomal carboxylase to water, which reprotonates the carbanion. In contrast, tritium incorporation experiments with purified carboxylase showed very little carbanion reprotonation and consequently revealed the dependence of Glu deprotonation on CO2. Cyanide stimulated Glu deprotonation and carbanion reprotonation to the same extent in wild type enzyme but not in the H160A variant. Glu deprotonation that depends upon CO2 but that also occurs when water or cyanide are present strongly suggests a concerted mechanism facilitated by His-160 in which an electrophile accepts the negative charge on the developing carbanion. This revised mechanism provides important insight into how the carboxylase catalyzes the reaction by avoiding the formation of a high energy discrete carbanion.
Thermochemistry of uranium compounds XII. Standard enthalpies of formation of the α and β modifications of uranium pentafluoride The enthalpy of the β-to-α transition at 298.15 K☆☆☆

A solution-calorimetric determination of the enthalpies of reaction of the α and β modifications of UF5 with Ce(SO4)2 + H2SO4 is described. Auxiliary measurements were made of the enthalpies of reaction of UO2, γ-UO3, and HF(aq). From these results are calculated the standard enthalpies of formation ΔHfo(298.15 K) of β-UF5, −(2083.0 ± 6.3) kJ·mol−1 and of α-UF5, −(2075.5 ± 6.7) kJ·mol−1. The enthalpy of the (β-to-α) transition is (7.5 ± 2.1) kJ·mol−1 at 298.15 K. Suggested ΔHfo values are also given for U4F17 and U2F9.
Heparan sulfate depletion within pulmonary fibroblasts: implications for elastogenesis and repair.

We investigated the role of sulfated proteoglycans in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in pulmonary fibroblast cultures. Fibroblast cultures were subject to pharmacologic and enzymatic interventions to modify sulfated proteoglycan levels. Native and proteoglycan-depleted fibroblasts were treated with porcine pancreatic elastase at 2–4-day intervals and the elastase-mediated release of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and glycosaminoglycans was determined. Elastase treatment released significantly less FGF-2 and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) from PG-depleted fibroblasts with respect to native cells. Equilibrium ligand binding studies indicated that 125I FGF-2 binding at both cell surface receptor and heparan sulfate proteoglycan sites was reduced to different extents based on the method of proteoglycan depletion. Quantitation of elastin protein and message levels indicated that biological sulfation is required for the proper incorporation of tropoelastin into the extracellular matrix. These results suggest that sulfated proteoglycans play a central role in modulating pulmonary fibroblast extracellular matrix composition and are important mediators of elastolytic injury. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
NEW THERMALLY STABLE ADHESIVE RESINS

ABSTRACT Two new classes of adhesive resins with good thermal stability have been prepared. One class comprises units of aromatic ether, ketone and sulphone with nitrile side groups and the other class, units of m/p -arylene sulphides with nitrile side groups. Both classes are relatively low melting and when melted will wet surfaces of glass, metal and carbon fibres and give good bonds. They can be crosslinked without gas formation on heating alone or with catalysts but the crosslinked materials became rubbery at about 200–250 °C. They are stable in circulating air at 300 °C for about 200 hours.
Effect of temperature on instar number and head-capsule width of Platynota stultana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The omnivorous leaf roller, Platynota stultana (Walsingham), was reported to have five larval instars. Careful observation of larvae reared at various temperatures showed that all males and some females underwent five larval stages. Other females passed through a sixth stadium at all temperatures. The frequency of females with six instars was lowest at 25°C and increased as rearing temperatures approached extremes. Head-capsule width in both sexes was affected also by the temperature at which the larvae were reared. Generally, head-capsule width decreased significantly when the rearing temperature exceeded 30°C.
Effect of packing density on flame propagation of nickel-coated aluminum particles

Abstract The combustion-wave propagation of nickel-coated aluminum particles is studied theoretically for packing densities in the range of 10–100% of the theoretical maximum density. Emphasis is placed on the effect of packing density on the burning properties. The energy conservation equation is solved numerically and the burning rate is determined by tracking the position of the flame front. Atomic diffusion coefficients and reaction rate of isolated nickel-coated aluminum particles are input parameters to the model. The burning behaviors and combustion wave structures are dictated by the heat transfer from the flame zone to the unburned region. Five different models for the effective thermal conductivity of the mixture are employed. The impact of radiation heat transfer is also assessed. As a specific example, the case with a particle size of 79 μm is considered in detail. The burning rate remains nearly constant (
Anticoagulant-related bleeding: Clinical epidemiology, prediction, and prevention

Abstract objective: To review (1) the clinical epidemiology of bleeding during anticoagulant therapy with heparin or warfarin, (2) data useful in estimating the risk for bleeding in individual patients, and (3) the efficacy of methods for its prevention. methods: Relevant literature was identified by a computerized search of the Medline database and by review of the bibliographies of original and review articles. Studies were classified according to their design. Estimates of the risk for bleeding during anticoagulant therapy, compared with the risk without therapy, were obtained from randomized trials. Estimates of the frequency of bleeding during the course of anticoagulant therapy and information about risk factors for bleeding were obtained primarily from longitudinal studies of inception cohorts of patients followed from the start of therapy. main results: The average daily frequencies of fatal, major, and major or minor bleeding during heparin therapy were 0.05%, 0.8%, and 2.0%, respectively; these frequencies are approximately twice those expected without heparin therapy. The average annual frequencies of fatal, major, and major or minor bleeding during warfarin therapy were 0.6%, 3.0%, and 9.6%, respectively; these frequencies are approximately five times those expected without warfarin therapy. The risk for anticoagulant-related bleeding is highest at the start of therapy: during warfarin therapy, the risk for major bleeding during the first month of therapy is approximately 10 times the risk after the first year of therapy. An individual patient's risk for major anticoagulant-related bleeding can be estimated on the basis of specific risk factors such as the intensity of the anticoagulant effect achieved and the presence of serious comorbid diseases, especially cerebrovascular, kidney, heart, and liver disease; older age and concurrent medicines may also be independent risk factors. Major bleeding most often affects the gastrointestinal tract, soft tissues, and urinary tract. Diagnostic evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding and gross hematuria leads to identification of previously unknown lesions in approximately one-third of cases, even when the prothrombin time is elevated. Intracranial bleeding is rare, but it is frequently fatal. The frequency of bleeding during warfarin therapy is reduced by less intense therapy achieving a prothrombin time with an International Normalized Ratio of 2.0 to 3.0, which is efficacious for most indications. conclusion: Anticoagulant-related bleeding is common and often serious. The risk for bleeding can be estimated in an individual patient, giving the primary physician a quantitative basis for weighing the risks and benefits of therapy and for optimizing patient management. The frequency of anticoagulant-related bleeding is reduced by less intense warfarin therapy. Future studies should evaluate new approaches to management that may further reduce complications while maintaining efficacy.
Authorizations and restrictions on soy protein in foods in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration makes the basic decisions on what materials will be permitted in U.S. foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture then selects those items which it will allow in meats and poultry products. The Food and Drug Administration is in the process of developing definitions for soy products and issuing the regulatory controls over their uses. Care is being taken not to impose burdensome regulatory restrictions on a technology that is in a rapid state of development.
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Resistive Heaters as Circuit Protection Devices

With increased opportunities for the exploitation (i.e., reverse engineering) of vulnerable electronic components and systems, circuit protection has become a critical issue. Circuit protection techniques are generally software-based and include cryptography (encryption/decryption), obfuscation of codes, and software guards. Examples of hardware-based circuit protection include protective coatings on integrated circuits, trusted foundries, and macro-sized components that self-destruct, thus destroying critical components. This paper is the first to investigate the use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to provide hardware-based protection of critical electronic components to prevent reverse engineering or other exploitation attempts. Specifically, surface-micromachined polycrystalline silicon to be used as meandering resistive heaters were designed analytically and fabricated using a commercially available MEMS prototyping service (i.e., PolyMUMPs), and integrated with representative components potentially at risk for exploitation, in this case pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistors (pHEMTs). The MEMS heaters were initiated to self-destruct, destroying a critical circuit component and thwart a reverse engineering attempt. Tests revealed reliable self-destruction of the MEMS heaters with approximately 25 V applied, resulting in either complete operational failure or severely altering the pHEMT device physics. The prevalent failure mechanism was metallurgical, in that the material on the surface of the device was changed, and the specific failure mode was the creation of a short-circuit. Another failure mode was degraded device operation due to permanently altered device physics related to either dopant diffusion or ohmic contact degradation. The results, in terms of the failure of a targeted electronic component, demonstrate the utility of using MEMS devices to protect critical components which are otherwise vulnerable to exploitation.
Cecile M. Pickart (1954–2006)

Cecile M. Pickart, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, died of kidney cancer on April 5, 2006, in Baltimore, at the age of 51. On this very sad day, the ubiquitin-proteasome field lost a true pioneer and talent, the scientific community lost a beloved leader and colleague, and the world lost a remarkable human being.
LONG-TERM VARIATIONS IN ULTRAVIOLET SUNLIGHT REACHING THE BIOSPHERE: . CALCULATIONS FOR THE PAST THREE DECADES

The long-term data base on atmospheric ozone combined with a set of radiative transfer calculations provides estimates of the variability in ultraviolet (UV) sunlight that should have occurred over the period1957–1988 under clear, pollution-free skies. Results refer to the earth's surface at specific locations in the Northern Hemisphere and to averages over collections of sites located in three latitude bands from 30 to 64°N. For any one year the annually integrated solar irradiance, weighted by the action spectrum for erythema, typically lies within3–4% of the 32-year mean. No statistically significant trends span the entire 32-year time frame. However, over the shorter time period1970–1988 the annually integrated erythemal irradiance shows an upward trend of +2.1 ± 1.2% per decade based on all ozone data at latitudes from 40 to 52°N. No trends exist in lower (30-39°N) and higher (53-64°N) latitude bands. We caution that a trend line provides a very simple index of the variability in UV sunlight, and these results should not necessarily be extrapolated into the future.
Interaction between transient metabolically mediated dilatation and pressure induced constriction in the canine coronary artery.

This study explored the interaction between metabolically mediated vasodilatation (ventricular extra-activation) and pressure induced vasoconstriction (transient augmentation of aortic diastolic pressure). Eight dogs having formalin-induced heart block were chronically instrumented with aortic and left ventricular catheters and an electromagnetic flow probe on the left circumflex coronary artery. At a heart rate of 60 beats/min a single ventricular extra-activation introduced at 200 ms after the normal paced beat resulted in a 13 ± 1% decrease in diastolic coronary vascular resistance index (DCVRI) in the first response beat (D1) and a persistent vasodilatation lasting for five beats (D1–D5). An increase in aortic diastolic pressure (32 ± 3% for 520 ± 15 ms) resulted in 13 ± 2% increase in DCVRI in the D1 which was not evident in subsequent beats. Following a combined intervention, DCVRI in D1 was not significantly different from control but DCVRI did decrease to a greater degree in the subsequent response beats (D2–D7). These data indicate that the responses of two opposing vasoactive stimuli, i.e., pressure induced vasoconstriction and metabolic vasodilatation, were negated in the first response beat. The metabolically mediated vasodilatation was unaltered in the subsequent response beats.
The proteins of lymphocyte- and macrophage-tropic strains of simian immunodeficiency virus are processed differently in macrophages

Abstract Since the pathogenesis of SIV mac disease complex is thought to be explained by the tropism of the infecting virus for either CD4 + T-lymphocytes or macrophages or both types of cells, we compared the infection in primary macaque macrophages with molecularly cloned, lymphocyte-tropic SIV mac 239 and a cloned, macrophage-tropic chimeric virus (SIV mac 239/17E) whose env gene was derived from brain of a macaque (17E) dying from SIV-induced encephalopathy. SIV mac 239/17E caused a productive, syncytial cytopathic infection accompanied by accumulation of virus particles within cytoplasmic esicles of the macrophages. Pulse-chase and immune precipitation studies showed that both the viral glycoprotein precursor (gp160) and the gag precursor (p57) were cleaved into gp120 and p27, respectively, and both were released into the culture medium of infected cells, although most of the p27 remained cell associated. SIV mac 239 also infected macrophages, but in comparison to SIV mac 239/17E, minimal virus replication occurred. Immunocytostaining revealed that while occasional syncytia were observed in cultures, the majority of the infected cells were not associated with syncytium formation. Ultrastructural studies did not reveal the accumulation of virions within infected macrophages. Pulse-chase studies showed that both gp160 and p57 were produced but were cleaved inefficiently and only minimal amounts of gp120 and p27 were released into the culture medium, even after prolonged incubation times. The processing of proteins of the two viruses was indistinguishable in lymphocytes. Since these two viruses are identical except for changes within the env gene, these results indicate that efficient assembly and release of SIV from blood-derived macrophages is mediated by changes in the envelope glycoprotein.
Beyond the relational database model

The relational model is a set-theoretic model for describing data constructs common in the business environment. Relational databases also minimize data duplication, which ensures data integrity and reduces storage requirements. Further, the relational model provides a way to represent variable-length constructs with fixed-length components. In addition, normalization theory is the basis of hundreds of papers and successful tenure applications. This ensured the academic community would carry the model forward. Finally, by following open standards, including the structured query language, vendors created a buzz with dozens of relational DBMS products such as System R, DB2, Oracle, SQL Server, Ingres, dBase, R:Base, Pearl, Paradox, and Access. An XDS have many advantages over a relational database, including seamless integration with user views as well as all the benefits of XML standards such as XML schema validation and the extensible stylesheet language for document materialization.
Determination of multiple analytes using a fiber optic biosensor based on fluorescence energy transfer

Recently, we have developed a biosensor for zinc based on the very tight binding of this metal by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which requires Zn(II) for catalysis. We were able to transduce the binding of the metal as a change in fluorescence intensity or lifetime by use of a colored inhibitor whose metal-dependent binding permits fluorescence resonance energy transfer (Forster transfer) to occur. We have extended this concept to include other metals and other analytes which may be bound in the native (or mutant) enzyme active site with a concomitant color change; the color change is transduced as a change in energy transfer efficiency. We have also recently demonstrated a similar approach, wherein the presence of a metal ion in the binding site is transduced as a change in fluorescence anisotropy. Results in cuvettes and with fiber optic sensors are shown.
How Federalism Could Spur Bipartisan Action On The Uninsured

ABSTRACT: National efforts to greatly reduce the number of uninsured Americans have made little progress for decades because achieving majority support for any one approach has proved to be impossible. While as authors we remain unreconciled on the best solution, we share the belief that federally supported state experimentation is a promising way to make progress. States should be allowed to try widely differing solutions with federal financial support under legislated guidelines, including specific protections and measurable goals. Congress would enact a “policy toolbox” of federal initiatives that states could include, and funding to states would be linked to success in reaching the goals.
The economic sources of congressional approval

Models of congressional approval have, in both theory and specification, often imitated models of presidential approval. Through their modeling decisions, researchers have implicitly assumed that the economic determinants of presidential and congressional approval are identical. Such assumptions have discouraged other researchers from testing competing hypotheses about the economic determinants of congressional approval. Using aggregate-level time-series analysis, this study investigates the question of whether or not the economic determinants of approval vary by the target of political judgment. I find that presidential approval is driven largely by sociotropic prospections, a result consistent with previous research. In contrast, I find the public relies most heavily upon egocentric retrospections when judging the U.S. Congress.
Simultaneous observability and stabilization of some uncoupled wave equations

Abstract We consider uncoupled wave equations with different speed of propagation in a bounded domain. Using a combination of the Bardos–Lebeau–Rauch observability result for a single wave equation and a new unique continuation result for uncoupled wave equations, we prove an observability estimate for that system. Applying Lionsʼ Hilbert uniqueness method (HUM), one may derive simultaneous exact controllability results for the uncoupled system; the controls being locally distributed, with their supports satisfying the geometric control condition of Bardos, Lebeau and Rauch. Afterwards, we discuss the related simultaneous stabilization problem; this latter problem is solved by a combination of the new observability inequality, and a result of Haraux establishing an equivalence between observability and stabilization for second order evolution equations with bounded damping operators. Our observability and stabilization results generalize to higher space dimensions some earlier results of Haraux established in the one-dimensional setting.
Lucid dreaming: Evidence and methodology

Lucid dreaming provides a test case for theories of dreaming. For example, whether or not “loss of self-reflective awareness” is characteristic of dreaming, it is not necessary to dreaming. The fact that lucid dreamers can remember to perform predetermined actions and signal to the laboratory allows them to mark the exact time of particular dream events, allowing experiments to establish precise correlations between physiology and subjective reports, and enabling the methodical testing of hypotheses.[Hobson et al.; Solms]
Free energies of (Co, Fe, Ni, Zn)Fe₂O₄ spinels and oxides in water at high temperatures and pressure from density functional theory: results for stoichiometric NiO and NiFe₂O₄ surfaces.

A set of effective chemical potentials (ECPs) are derived that connect energies of (Co, Fe, Ni, Zn)Fe2O4 spinels and oxides calculated at 0 K from density functional theory (DFT) to free energies in high temperature and pressure water. The ECPs are derived and validated by solving a system of linear equations that combine DFT and experimental free energies for NiO, ZnO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, FeO(OH), CoFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, NiFe2O4 and H2O. To connect to solution phase chemistry, a set of ECPs are also derived for solvated Ni2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions using an analogous set of linear equations and the solid ECPs. The ECPs are used to calculate free energies of low index stoichiometric surfaces of nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) in water as a function of temperature from 300 to 600 K at a pressure of 155 bar. Surface denuding at high temperatures is predicted, the implications of which for the formation of oxide corrosion products on heat transfer surfaces in light-water nuclear reactors are discussed.
UV Emission and Dust Properties of High Redshift Galaxies

The high-redshift (z>2) galaxies discovered over the last few years with the Lyman-break technique represent, in number density, a major fraction of the galaxies known in the Local Universe. Thus, understanding the properties and the nature of these high-redshift systems is instrumental to our understanding of the cosmic evolution of galaxies and their stellar content. I briefly review the observed characteristics of the Lyman-break galaxies, relate these galaxies to their most likely low-redshift counterparts, and discuss the implications of dust obscuration on the global properties of the Lyman-break population. Finally, the observational properties of the high-redshift population are set in the framework of a simple evolutionary model for the stellar, metal and dust content of galaxies, to derive the intrinsic star formation history of the Universe.
Effects of protein anabolic hormones on rates of protein degradation and protein loss in the fasting dog.

NITROGEN storage induced in the adult female dog with either growth hormone (Bartlett and Gaebler, 1952) or testosterone propionate (Bartlett, 1953) is characterized by a higher rate of protein synthesis and a lower rate of amino acid catabolism than is observed in the same animal during nitrogen balance. The size of the nitrogen pool is increased during nitrogen storage induced with growth hormone (Bartlett and Gaebler, 1952) and is unaffected by testosterone propionate (Bartlett, 1953). Administration of growth hormone plus testosterone propionate induced marked nitrogen storage and gain in body weight in the adult female dog, yet produced no change in the rate of protein synthesis, decreased the rate of amino acid catabolism, and decreased the size of the nitrogen pool (Bartlett, 1953). This latter finding, which seemed of particular interest, was interpreted as being due to a decreased rate of protein degradation. In order to test this interpretation, we have extended our studies to the fasting animal.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of the secretory proteins from rat adipose cells using a 2D liquid chromatography-MS/MS approach

We have developed two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS) and 18O proteolytic labeling strategies to identify and compare levels of secretory proteins with low abundance in the conditioned medium of rat adipose cells without or with insulin stimulation. Culture medium was concentrated and secreted proteins were separated on a RP-HPLC followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. For 18O proteolytic labeling, 16O- to 18O-exchange in the digested peptides from eight individual fractions was carried out in parallel in H2(16)O and H(2)18O with immobilized trypsin, and the ratios of isotopically distinct peptides were measured by mass spectrometry. A total of 84 proteins was identified as secreted adipokines. This large number of secretory proteins comprise multiple functional categories. Comparative proteomics of 18O proteolytic labeling allows the detection of different levels of many secreted proteins as exemplified here by the difference between basal and insulin treatment of adipose cells. Taken together, our proteomic approach is able to identify and quantify the comprehensive secretory proteome of adipose cells. Thus, our data support the endocrine role of adipose cells in pathophysiological states through the secretion of signaling molecules.
Simulations of the LEDA RFQ 6.7-MeV accelerator

The codes PARMTEQM and RFQTRAK simulate the beam transport through the radio-frequency-quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator for the low-energy-demonstration accelerator (LEDA). They predict 95% transmission for a matched 110-mA proton beam with a normalized-RMS emittance of 0.02 mm mrad. RFQTRAK simulates the effects of arbitrary vane-tip misalignments. This RFQ includes some new features in its design. It consists of four resonantly coupled 2-m-long segments that make up its 8-m length. It has higher vane-gap voltages at the high-energy end than the low-energy end. The entrance end of the RFQ has lower transverse focusing strength to facilitate beam matching. The exit of the RFQ has a transition cell and a radial-matching section. The exit radial-matching section matches the beam into the following accelerator.
Evaluation of the effects of dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation on the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin in dogs with lymphoma.

Objective—To determine the effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids on the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin in dogs with lymphoma. Animals—23 dogs with lymphoma in stages IIIa, IVa, and Va. Procedure—Dogs receiving doxorubicin chemotherapy were randomly allocated to receive food with a high (test group) or low (control group) content of n-3 fatty acids. Serum doxorubicin and doxorubicinol concentrations were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography before and 6 to 9 weeks after initiation of the diets. Lymph node concentrations of doxorubicin were assessed 6 hours after the initial treatment. Dogs' body composition was assessed by means of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Results—No significant differences in doxorubicin pharmacokinetics were detected between treatment groups. Significant differences existed between the first and second sampling times among all dogs for area under the curve, maximum serum concentration, and clearance. Differences in body composition did not affect measured pharm...
Characterization of ICRISAT Peanut Mini-Core Accessions with Regards to a Molecular Marker Associated with Resistance to Sclerotinia Blight

ABSTRACT Cultivated peanut, the second most economically important legume crop throughout the United States and the third most important oilseed in the world, is consistently threatened by various ...
Thoracic aorta false aneurysm: what surgical strategy should be recommended?

Background Thoracic aorta false aneurysms (TAFA) are a surgical challenge. The best technical approach remains uncertain. Methods Between 1981 and 2004, 57 patients underwent operation for TAFA (mean age 57 ± 18 years; 43 [75%] were male). Symptoms included dyspnea 25 (44%), chest pain 22 (39%), and fever 18 (32%). Twelve (21%) were asymptomatic. Thirty-seven (65%) had undergone previous operation with a mean interval between operations of 80 ± 90 months. Fifteen (26%) had a mycotic etiology. The TAFA involved the aortic root in 10 (18%), ascending aorta in 28 (49%), arch in 6 (11%), and descending aorta in 13 (32%). Twenty-one (37%) required femorofemoral cannulation and 28 (49%), circulatory arrest. Surgical techniques included graft replacement in 27 (47%), composite root in 10 (18%), patch repair in 10 (18%), and direct suture in 10 (18%). Results Operative mortality was 7% (4 patients). Four of 32 (13%) had massive hemorrhage during redo sternotomy, and all of these had planned extramediastinal cannulation (all survived). Follow-up was 100% for 349 patient-years. Actuarial survival was 77% ± 6%, 63% ± 8%, and freedom from recurrent TAFA was 87% ± 5% and 83% ± 7%, at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Univariate analysis identified TAFA greater than 55 mm, urgent operation, and NewYork Heart Association functional class III or IV as predictors of hemorrhage during redo sternotomy. Obesity and ejection fraction of 35% or less were predictors of operative death. Conclusions Thoracic aorta false aneurysm symptoms may be minimal, and consequently a high degree of suspicion plus serial imaging is warranted. Extramediastinal cannulation, deep hypothermia, and circulatory arrest are required for large mediastinal TAFA. Despite serious risks, TAFA correction is possible with good long-term results.
Contingencies, Constraints, and Collective Security: Perspectives on UN Involvement in International Disputes

Arising from a desire for "a new and more wholesome diplomacy," as President Woodrow Wilson phrased it,1 the concept of collective security has over the years encompassed hope, delusion, and disillusion as well. From its beginning it was seen as an alternative to the "crude machinations" of the balance of power system that had led to World War I; and it was designed, by means of the League of Nations, to offer legitimate international authority to manage a preponderant collective deterrent power, and to define and resist aggression. "The scheme is collective in the fullest sense; it purports to provide security for all states, by the action of all states, against all states which might challenge the existing order by the arbitrary unleashing of their power." 2 But if the concept of collective security was thought to express an international order other than the mechanical maneuvering of a balance of power system, it was not, at the same time, thought to be a form of world government. Even while seeking an effective deterrent arrangement, President Roosevelt said of the United Nations, "We are not thinking of a superstate with its own police force and other paraphernalia of coercive power," 3although national con-
Risk of bleeding with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors sunitinib and sorafenib: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Summary Background Sunitinib and sorafenib are oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine-kinase inhibitors used in various cancers. Bleeding has been described with these agents, although the overall risk remains unclear. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to calculate the incidence and relative risk associated with use of sunitinib and sorafenib. Methods We searched PubMed (from January, 1966, to April, 2009) and meeting proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society of Medical Oncology (2004–09) for relevant clinical trials. Eligible studies included phase 2 and 3 trials and expanded-access programmes. Statistical analyses were done to calculate summary incidences, relative risks, and 95% CI, using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies. Findings 23 trials were selected for the meta-analysis, yielding a total of 6779 patients. The incidence of bleeding events (all grades) was 16·7% (95% CI 12·7–21·5), and that of high-grade events was 2·4% (1·6–3·9). The relative risk of all-grade bleeding events associated with sunitinib and sorafenib (for randomised controlled trials only) was 2·0 (1·14–3·49; p=0·015). Our analysis was also stratified by underlying malignant disease (renal-cell carcinoma vs non-renal-cell carcinoma) and agent used, but no differences were recorded. Interpretation Treatment with the VEGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitors sunitinib and sorafenib is associated with a significant increase in risk of bleeding. Funding None.
Two-dimensional shear-layer entrainment

It is observed experimentally that a spatially growing shear layer entrains an unequal amount of fluid from each of the freestreams, resulting in a mixed fluid composition that favors the high-speed fluid. A simple argument is proposed, based on the geometrical properties of the large-scale now structures of the subsonic, fully developed, two-dimensional mixing layer, which yields the entrainment ratio and growth of the turbulent mixing layer. The predictions depend on the velocity and density ratio across the layer and are in good agreement with measurements to date.
Investigating the Validity of the Environmental Framework Underlying the Original and Modified Dynamic Gait Index

Background The modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI), developed from a person-environment model of mobility disability, measures mobility function relative to specific environmental demands. The framework for interpreting mDGI scores relative to specific environmental dimensions has not been investigated. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the person-environmental model underlying the development and interpretation of mDGI scores. Design This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Methods There were 794 participants in the study, including 140 controls. Out of the total study population, 239 had sustained a stroke, 140 had vestibular dysfunction, 100 had sustained a traumatic brain injury, 91 had gait abnormality, and 84 had Parkinson disease. Exploratory factor analysis was used to investigate whether mDGI scores supported the 4 environmental dimensions. Results Factor analysis showed that, with some exceptions, tasks loaded on 4 underlying factors, partially supporting the underlying environmental model. Limitations Limitations of this study included the uneven sample sizes in the 6 groups. Conclusions Support for the environmental framework underlying the mDGI extends its usefulness as a clinical measure of functional mobility by providing a rationale for interpretation of scores that can be used to direct treatment and infer change in mobility function.
Going Along Versus Going Alone: When Fundamental Motives Facilitate Strategic (Non)Conformity

Three experiments examined how 2 fundamental social motives—self-protection and mate attraction— influenced conformity. A self-protective goal increased conformity for both men and women. In contrast, the effects of a romantic goal depended on sex, causing women to conform more to others’ preferences while engendering nonconformity in men. Men motivated to attract a mate were particularly likely to nonconform when (a) nonconformity made them unique (but not merely a member of a small minority) and when (b) the topic was subjective versus objective, meaning that nonconformists could not be revealed to be incorrect. These findings fit with a functional evolutionary model of motivation and behavior, and they indicate that fundamental motives such as self-protection and mate attraction can stimulate specific forms of conformity or nonconformity for strategic self-presentation.
Dialing in color with rare earth metals: facile photoluminescent production of true white light

Combining polymeric architectures with metal ions produces hybrid materials with extremely rich properties. We are studying polymers containing terpyridine in the side chain. In this report, the chelation of lanthanide ions, Eu3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+ resulted in metal functionalized copolymers that exhibited excellent emission of red, green, and blue light respectively. The polymer architecture easily allows incorporation of all three colors into the material, which leads to the facile production of true white light in solution or the solid state. Quantum efficiencies for the polymer systems were determined. The white light system had an efficiency of 5%. Various combinations of colors were achieved from the basic RBG colors by simply varying the metal ion ratios in the polymer backbone. This easy tuning of the color makes these systems attractive. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of chemical marker M-2 formation in mashed potato—a tool to locate cold spots under microwave sterilization

Chemical marker M-2 (4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone) can be used as a tool to evaluate heating patterns of foods in microwave sterilization. This research studied the kinetics of the M-2 formation in mashed potato as influenced by temperature and salt content. Mashed potato (83.12% moisture content) with 1.5% D-ribose was heated in the capillary tubes at four temperature levels. Chemical marker M-2 yield was obtained using high performance liquid chromatography. Formation of M-2 in plain mashed potato was a first-order reaction. The rate constant changed with temperature following an Arrhenius relationship. For kinetic parameters estimation, one-step non-linear regression was the best followed by modified two-step regression. Amino acid was the limiting element in the formation M-2 in mashed potato. The salt content of 0–1% had no influence on the chemical marker yield. Addition of L-lysine more than 1% resulted in too dark color after sterilization treatments. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Convergence of knowledge management and e-learning: the GetSmart experience

The National Science Digital Library (NSDL), launched in December 2002, is emerging as a center of innovation in digital libraries as applied to education. As a part of this extensive project, the GetSmart system was created to apply knowledge management techniques in a learning environment. The design of the system is based on an analysis of learning theory and the information search process. Its key notion is the integration of search tools and curriculum support with concept mapping. More than 100 students at the University of Arizona and Virginia Tech used the system in the fall of 2002. A database of more than one thousand student-prepared concept maps has been collected with more than forty thousand relationships expressed in semantic, graphical, node-link representations. Preliminary analysis of the collected data is revealing interesting knowledge representation patterns.
L-dopa-induced hypotension: depression of spinal sympathetic neurons by release of 5-hydroxytryptamine.

In studies designed to determine the respective functional roles of two bulbospinal monoaminergic pathways to sympathetic preganglionic neurons, both L-dopa and precursors of 5-HT depressed transmission through excitatory spinal reflex and bulbospinal sympathetic pathways. Transmission through spinal reflex pathways was secondarily enhanced after L-dopa. Pharmacological tests indicated mediation of these effects by monoamines. After antagonism or depletion of central 5-HT, L-dopa only enhanced transmission through both pathways. The results indicate that hypotension and other sympathoinhibitory effects of L-dopa are produced at the spinal level by release of 5-HT from terminals of bulbospinal 5-HT pathways that are inhibitory to sympathetic preganglionic neurons. The excitatory effects of L-dopa are apparently mediated by release of catecholamines from bulbospinal noradrenergic pathways that are excitatory.
Abstract 1285: The effects of the HK5-ferritin interaction and iron on tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, or the development of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels, is a process essential to wound healing, reproduction, and tumor growth. Tumor angiogenesis is an important factor in the growth and spread of cancer. In order for tumors to grow beyond 2mm^3, vasculature is necessary to provide oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products. The imperfect blood vessels built within tumors also allow tumor cells to travel through the bloodstream and metastasize. Endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis are known to form from plasma proteins. For example, angiostatin is derived from plasmin. A newly described angiogenesis inhibitor derived from high molecular weight kininogen (HK) is domain 5 of HK (HK5). HK5 has been shown to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. HK5 binds to the endothelial cell surface receptors uPAR, cytokeratin-1, gC1qR and tropomyosin to disrupt angiogenic signaling. Our laboratory has shown that the iron storage protein ferritin binds to HK5, inhibiting its antiangiogenic effects and thereby allowing endothelial cells to migrate and proliferate. We have begun to investigate the physical interaction of ferritin with the HK5 protein with the long-term goal of developing inhibitors of the HK5-ferritin interaction. Human recombinant HK5 and ferritin H were purified and their interaction studied using fluorescence anisotropy. The two proteins were found to bind with a Kd of 1.36μM. The influence of metals on the interaction was also evaluated. We found that in the presence of iron the interaction between ferritin and HK5 was maximal, while in the presence of zinc, the interaction was minimal. EDTA pretreatment of the two proteins further improved binding. The results suggest that iron is essential to the optimal binding interaction of HK5 and ferritin. Future studies will be directed at the identification of specific amino acid residues involved in this interaction. (supported by NIH R01 DK071892) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1285.
Effect of random mating on yield and specific gravity in twoSolanum tuberosum subsp.tuberosum populations

A group of biparental crosses of breeding clones and varieties (Solanum tuberosum subsp.tuberosum) from the USDA potato breeding program, Beltsville, MD, was used to establish two randomly mated populations. Random mating without selection was continued for seven generations, then cycles 1, 3, 5, and 7 were tested for yield and specific gravity.
Multidisciplinary approaches to solar hydrogen

This review summarizes three different approaches to engineering systems for the solar-driven evolution of hydrogen fuel from water: molecular, nanomaterials and biomolecular. Molecular systems have the advantage of being highly amenable to modification and detailed study and have provided great insight into photophysics, electron transfer and catalytic mechanism. However, they tend to display poor stability. Systems based on nanomaterials are more robust but also are more difficult to synthesize in a controlled manner and to modify and study in detail. Biomolecular systems share many properties with molecular systems and have the advantage of displaying inherently high efficiencies for light absorption, electron-hole separation and catalysis. However, biological systems must be engineered to couple modules that capture and convert solar photons to modules that produce hydrogen fuel. Furthermore, biological systems are prone to degradation when employed in vitro. Advances that use combinations of these three tactics also are described. Multidisciplinary approaches to this problem allow scientists to take advantage of the best features of biological, molecular and nanomaterials systems provided that the components can be coupled for efficient function.
Gastrointestinal Emergencies in the Oncology Patient

A large number of cancer patients present with gastrointestinal (GI) complaints owing to either the disease process or complications of treatment. Nausea and vomiting occur frequently and require prompt intervention to avoid dehydration, delays in treatment, and lack of compliance. Different diagnostic considerations must be kept in mind, including chemoradiation, obstruction at any level of the GI tract, brain metastasis, and metabolic causes. Diarrhea is encountered frequently and may be related to infection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), secretory tumors, or neutropenia in the cancer patient. In addition, malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is common in patients with intra-abdominal or extra-abdominal malignancies. Treatment of such obstructions varies according to the etiology and patient’s performance status. The different modalities of therapy for them are discussed in this chapter. GI bleeding, hepatobiliary problems such as acute cholangitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites, and their treatment in cancer patients are also described. Recognizing, establishing an accurate diagnosis of, and promptly intervening for these clinical situations once a physician is presented with them is of paramount importance, as they may significantly affect the patient’s survival.
The Role of Media Use in the Classroom and at Home in Improving News Consumption and Political Knowledge

ABSTRACTConcerns regarding political knowledge and participation among young people continue to spur research into effective civic instruction. Through a quasi-experiment involving 361 students in four high schools as well as the parents of 152 of these students, we measured the effects of incorporating news magazines and discussion into social studies curricula on students’ levels of news consumption and political knowledge. We found that reading and discussing news at home and in school positively affected news consumption and political knowledge for students who were not in honors or advanced placement courses. This was also true for political knowledge when taking into account parents’ knowledge of politics. Students outside of honors and advanced classes, and whose parents had low levels of knowledge, were among those most likely to benefit from the intervention.