cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of clofibrate on Tetrahymena.

The effects of clofibrate on the growth, glycogen content, triglyceride content, and levels of some peroxisomal enzymes of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis have been studied. Clofibrate sensitivity inhibited growth and depleted the cell glycogen. The triglyceride content of Tetrahymena in Ringer's solution in the absence of an exogenous carbon source was doubled by exposure to clofibrate for 2 hr. Cells grown in the presence of clofibrate for 17 hr showed a 30% increase in isocitric dehydrogenase activity, a 30% decrease in isocitric lyase activity, and a 20% increase in catalase activity. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that clofibrate inhibits gluconeogenesis or activates glycogenolysis. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (No. GB-2788) and the National Institutes of Health (No. 5-RO1-HD-01269). Dr. Blum is the recipient of a Research Career Development Award (No. K3-GM-2341). Mr. Wexler is a predoctral trainee, supported by a Public Health Service training grant (No. 5-T01-GM-00929) from the National Institutes of Health. Miss Delores Randolph and Mr. Alvernon Hayes provided excellent technical assistance. We are also grateful to Dr. B. Wittels for instruction in the techniques of lipid analysis.
Relationship between C-reactive protein levels and regional left ventricular function in asymptomatic individuals: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Objectives This study sought to investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and regional left ventricular (LV) function in asymptomatic individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease. Background C-reactive protein is associated with an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between CRP and subclinical LV dysfunction has not been evaluated in asymptomatic individuals. Methods Regional myocardial function was analyzed as peak systolic circumferential shortening strain (Ecc) using the harmonic-phase method by tagged magnetic resonance imaging in 1,164 individuals without symptomatic cardiovascular disease from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) trial (age 66.4 ± 9.6 years old). Regions were defined by coronary territories: left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA). The relationship between log-CRP concentration and Ecc was studied by multivariable linear regression after adjustment for demographic characteristics, risk factors, and therapy (including hormone replacement therapy). Results For each region, associations differed by gender with no association of CRP and regional LV function among women. In men, after adjustment, higher log-CRP was significantly associated with lower (absolute) Ecc in the LAD and RCA regions (regression coefficient 0.37 per unit higher log-CRP [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08 to 0.65] and 0.31 [95% CI 0.02 to 0.59], respectively) and peak systolic Ecc overall (regression coefficient 0.32 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.58]). In the LCX region, the association was weaker (p = 0.06). Conclusions Among individuals without evident heart failure or other cardiovascular disorders, higher CRP was associated with lower systolic myocardial function in all regions in men but not in women. These findings support the role of inflammation and atherosclerosis in incipient myocardial dysfunction. (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00005487).
Area-efficient VLSI implementation of digital filters via multiple product intercoding

A novel approach to computing scalar-vector products based on digit coding of the vector elements is proposed. Many signal-processing algorithms involve multiplications that can be organized as a scalar-vector product. A several-fold reduction in the number of additions required to implement a scalar-vector product is obtained. This method is applied to the VLSI design of a FIR (finite impulse response) digital filter, and is shown to be competitive with other methods in use. >
Transport lattice models of heat transport in skin with spatially heterogeneous, temperature-dependent perfusion

Investigation of bioheat transfer problems requires the evaluation of temporal and spatial distributions of temperature. This class of problems has been traditionally addressed using the Pennes bioheat equation. Transport of heat by conduction, and by temperature-dependent, spatially heterogeneous blood perfusion is modeled here using a transport lattice approach. We represent heat transport processes by using a lattice that represents the Pennes bioheat equation in perfused tissues, and diffusion in nonperfused regions. The three layer skin model has a nonperfused viable epidermis, and deeper regions of dermis and subcutaneous tissue with perfusion that is constant or temperature-dependent. Two cases are considered: (1) surface contact heating and (2) spatially distributed heating. The model is relevant to the prediction of the transient and steady state temperature rise for different methods of power deposition within the skin. Accumulated thermal damage is estimated by using an Arrhenius type rate equation at locations where viable tissue temperature exceeds 42°C. Prediction of spatial temperature distributions is also illustrated with a two-dimensional model of skin created from a histological image. The transport lattice approach was validated by comparison with an analytical solution for a slab with homogeneous thermal properties and spatially distributed uniform sink held at constant temperatures at the ends. For typical transcutaneous blood gas sensing conditions the estimated damage is small, even with prolonged skin contact to a 45°C surface. Spatial heterogeneity in skin thermal properties leads to a non-uniform temperature distribution during a 10 GHz electromagnetic field exposure. A realistic two-dimensional model of the skin shows that tissue heterogeneity does not lead to a significant local temperature increase when heated by a hot wire tip. The heat transport system model of the skin was solved by exploiting the mathematical analogy between local thermal models and local electrical (charge transport) models, thereby allowing robust, circuit simulation software to obtain solutions to Kirchhoff's laws for the system model. Transport lattices allow systematic introduction of realistic geometry and spatially heterogeneous heat transport mechanisms. Local representations for both simple, passive functions and more complex local models can be easily and intuitively included into the system model of a tissue.
Epithelial Displacement in Breast Lesions: A Papillary Phenomenon

Abstract Context.—Displacement of epithelial cells (DE) in the breast may occur after various types of needling procedures. Objective.—To determine if specific lesions or entities in the breast are...
Facile synthesis of rice shaped CuO nanostructures for battery application

The oxides of transition metals are an important class of semiconductors, which have applications in electronics, magnetic storage media, solar applications and catalysis. Among them, CuO has attracted much attention due to its widespread applications. In this paper, a facile synthesis of rice shaped CuO nanostructures have been prepared by reflux method for battery application using Copper nitrate and ammonia as precursors. Samples were prepared at three different reaction timings namely 6, 12 and 24 h. The as-prepared samples were calcinated at 400 °C to ensure the formation of copper oxide. The final products were subjected to X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in order to study the effect of reaction time on the properties of the prepared copper oxide nanostructures. It is found that at controlled reaction time rice shaped CuO nanostructures are obtained. Cyclic voltammogram was recorded to understand the electrocatalytic behaviors of the rice shaped CuO sample prepared under optimized condition.
Risk of Anaphylaxis with Repeated Courses of Rasburicase: A Research on Adverse Drug Events and Reports (RADAR) Project

Background Rasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase, is used to rapidly metabolize uric acid in patients with hyperuricaemia. Rasburicase is an immunogenic therapeutic protein, which has been shown to elicit antibody response in 64 % of healthy volunteers within 1–6 weeks after the initial course, with persistent antibodies for over 1 year. Drug labelling indicates that anaphylaxis rarely occurs (in <1 % of patients) after a single course of therapy with rasburicase, but there are no data available on the incidence of anaphylaxis in patients receiving a subsequent rasburicase course.
Row Reduction of a Matrix and A = CaB

1. ROW REDUCTION IS EA = R. It is hard to say anything new about row reducing a matrix. But in writing again about linear algebra (and creating short teaching codes for students in the course), we found some ideas that were new to us. We are always working with an m-by-n real matrix A of rank r. We felt sure that the reduced row echelon form-the MATLAB command is R = rref(A)-could make clear all four of the fundamental subspaces. Finally it did. Our first example is very small, just 2-by-2 of rank 1:
Inhibition of histone deacetylation enhances endotoxin-stimulated transcription but does not reverse endotoxin tolerance

Covalent modification of histones and the subsequent remodeling of chromatin have emerged as important mechanisms in regulating gene expression. In particular, recent identification of the enzyme families responsible for the steady-state balance of histone acetylation has served to redefine our understanding of these modifications as fundamental biochemical processes regulating transcription. Current evidence suggests that histone acetylation correlates positively with gene activation, while histone deacetylation acts to repress transcription. In this study, we examined the role of histone modification in the inflammatory response to endotoxin. We focused on the endotoxin-stimulated expression of the interleukin-1 b promoter and tested the hypotheses that persistent histone deacetylation was responsible for the decreased expression of this promoter observed after prolonged exposure to endotoxin, a manifestation of a phenomenon known as endotoxin tolerance. We found that histone deacetylase inhibitors enhanced endotoxin-stimulated transcription; however, deacetylation inhibitors could neither block the development of tolerance nor restore endotoxin sensitivity in a tolerant cell. Deacetylase inhibitors could not restore LPS-mediated transcription in tolerant cells. These results show that histone acetylation/deacetylation regulates, at least in part, the endotoxin-induced expression of inflammatory genes and that repressed transcription observed in endotoxin tolerance is not caused by enhanced activity of histone deacetylases.
Dispersion of a Non-Uniform Slug in Time-Dependent Flow

Dispersion of a non-uniform slug in time variable fully developed laminar flow is studied by an exact method which in principle is valid for all values of time. A generalized dispersion model, which involves an infinite set of time-dependent coefficients K i ( T ), arises naturally as a consequence of the analysis. Expressions are obtained from first principles for the convective coefficient K 1 ( T ), the apparent diffusion coefficient K 2 ( T ), and the rest of the coefficients K i ( T ). The convective coefficient K 1 ( T ) is a new quantity which is time dependent, even if the velocity field is steady, because the initial distribution of solute is non-uniform. The general method of analysis proposed is applied to the particular case of a slug of material of length x s and radius aR which is initially symmetrically located in a tube of radius R , and then is dispersed in steady laminar flow. Breakthrough curves for various downstream positions show that the mean velocity of the material in the slug is greater than the average velocity of flow for small residence times and, as one would expect intuitively, approaches this value as the distance between the injection and observation points increases. It also is shown that for T ≲ 0.5, K 2 , the axial dispersion coefficient, decreases as the initial slug radius decreases. However, for all values of 9 a 9, both K 1 and K 2 approach the asymptotic values of —½ and (Pe) -2 + 1/192 respectively for values of dimensionless time T ≳ 0.5. Since the initial concentration distribution of solute in the slug affects the time of arrival of the peak mean concentration at a downstream location, this may cause errors in the estimation of mean flow rates by tracer techniques. For example, if one injects a quantity of material into a stream and assumes it is uniformly distributed across the tube, when in reality it occupies only a part of the tube, this leads to overestimating the average flow velocity. This may be of practical importance in a variety of applications.
Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Tuberculosis: A Better Solution?

The incidences of tuberculosis in general and of drug-resistant tuberculosis in particular have increased significantly since 1985 in the United States. The proposed revision of the 1990 guidelines for preventing the transmission of tuberculosis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be tremendously expensive. A better solution might consist of the implementation of a graded-response strategy depending on the magnitude of the problem posed by tuberculosis in a particular area, reeducation in and strict adherence to the basic principles of infection control, and the investigation of various masks and respirators to determine which are cost-effective.
Impact of variable nitrogen fertilisation on arthropods in cotton in Georgia, USA

Abstract Reducing fertiliser applications can reduce production costs for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growers, as well as nitrogen (N) leaching into the soil and contamination of surface and ground water. But altered N fertilisation may also affect pests and their natural enemies. In this study, plots with four different levels of fertiliser input (0, 45, 90 and 135 kg ha−1 N) were used to investigate the influence of N on cotton pest and beneficial arthropod populations, and on cotton yield in Tifton, GA, USA. We predicted that (1) N fertilisation will correlate positively with cotton plant growth; (2) increased N fertilisation will increase pest populations because plants with more N will be more nutritious for and attractive to herbivores; (3) populations of beneficial arthropods and predation of pests will decline with increased N fertilisation because of reduced plant signaling; (4) increased N fertilisation will increase pest mortality due to parasitoids because of increased host quality. Cotton plant growth was enhanced by N fertilisation but yield was unaffected. N fertilisation significantly affected some pest arthropods but inconsistently. Mirids were most abundant in the high N treatment in 1 year of the study and cotton aphids were most abundant in the highest N treatment in the other year of the study. Arthropod predators were generally more abundant in the high N treatment but only spiders and Geocoris spp. were significantly affected by N treatment, with highest numbers present in the highest N treatment but the significant differences were each only in a single year. The greatest mortality of sentinel pest eggs (Spodoptera exigua) due to predation occurred under low N conditions. N fertilisation had no significant effects on parasitism of feral or sentinel caterpillars.
Political Theology and Nineteenth-Century Catholicism

The twenty-first century has seen a renewal of scholarly interest in religion that might seem surprising, especially given how many scholars have for so long steadfastly behaved as though religion ...
Melting and Evaporation of Hydrometeors in Precipitation from the Anvil Clouds of Deep Tropical Convection

Abstract Five cases of horizontally uniform precipitation associated with anvil clouds were investigated using weather radar, rawinsonde, satellite and raindrop size data collected during the Global Atmospheric Research Program's Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE). The area of horizontally uniform precipitation was in each case characterized by rainfall rates of 1–10 mm h−1 in contrast to the 10–100 mm h−1 observed in convective cells. Concentrations of precipitation-sized ice particles above the melting layer and liquid water below the melting layer, together with observed particle spectra, suggest that aggregation occurs above the melting layer, and that riming occurs in sufficient amounts to produce graupel within the anvil cloud. All five cases exhibited distinct radar bright bands in the melting layer. Cooling rates associated with the melting in this 1 km thick layer near the base of the anvil cloud were 1-7 K h−1. These cooling rates were comparable to the 0.2–6 K h−1 cooling rates due to evaporat...
Bacteroides gingivalis, Bacteroides intermedius and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in human periodontal diseases

Bacteroides gingivalis, Bacteroides intermedius and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans seem to be major pathogens in advancing periodontitis in man. First, these organisms are recovered in higher prevalence and proportions from progressive periodontitis lesions than from quiescent periodontal sites. Second, antibody levels against B. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans are markedly elevated in serum and gingival crevice fluid of periodontitis patients compared to normal controls. Third, B. gingivalis and B. intermedius elaborate potent proteases and A. actinomycetemcomitans various noxious substances which have the potential to perturb important host defenses and to disintegrate key constituents of the periodontal tissues. Monitoring these bacteria in advanced periodontal lesions may greatly assist the assessment of treatment efficacy and risk of further periodontal breakdown.
OS/2 EE database manager overview and technical highlights

Structured Query Language (SQL) has become an industry standard. It is supported by mainframe products. This paper describes the OS/2 EE Database Manager, which is based on the relational database model of E. F. Codd and on the SQL query language. A functional overview of the OS/2 EE Database Manager and OS/2 EE is provided; technology applied to different areas is highlighted.
Iron content and molecular weight of uteroferrin and a comparison of its iron and copper forms.

Abstract The molecular weight of the purple, iron-containing glycoprotein uteroferrin has been determined to be 35140±1610 by sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation. This is consistent with measurements carried out by other procedures. The dry weight of a solution of uteroferrin with an absorption of 1.00 cm−1 at 280 nm was 0.87 mg/ml. Highly purified uteroferrin has a ratio of absorbance at 280 nm to 545 nm of about 13.2 and a revised extinction coefficient at 545 nm of 3.1·103 M−1 is presented. The iron content of uteroferrin has been determined both colorimetrically and by atomic absorption spectroscopy. One iron atom is present per polypeptide chain. Reduction with dithionite leads to loss of iron, allowing the apoprotein to be prepared. Enzymatic activity can be restored to the apoprotein with Fe(III) or with Cu(II). The copper enzyme has no visible color and has a higher pH optimum than the Fe-uteroferrin. Whereas the phosphatase activity of the latter is increased several-fold by β-mercaptoethanol, reduction inactivates Cu-uteroferrin. Both forms of uteroferrin bave similar Km values for p-nitrophenyl phosphate and are inhibited by molybdate but not by tartrate. Excess Cu(II) and Fe(III) strongly inhibit uteroferrin phosphatase activity and these results may explain the failure of others to restore activity to the apoprotein using Cu(II) and Fe(III) salts.
p21 (WAF1/CIP1) Expression Is Induced in Newly Nondividing Cells in Diverse Epithelia and during Differentiation of the Caco-2 Intestinal Cell Line

We examined the relationship between expression of the p21 (WAF1/CIP1) inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, cessation of proliferation, and terminal differentiation in the epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract. Usingin situhybridization, we performed a detailed study of patterns of p21 mRNA expression in different regions of the stomach, along the length of the intestine, and in tongue, cervix, and hair follicle. We detected strong hybridization only in cells that had ceased proliferation and begun the process of terminal differentiation. Induction of p21 transcription may serve as a useful marker for dissection of differentiation programs in these diverse epithelia. To determine the relative levels of p21 expressed in various regions of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the colon, we used quantitative RT–PCR with endogenous and exogenous sequences as internal standards. The highest levels of p21 expression were detected in the distal small intestine. To further investigate the role that cell cycle regulation may play during differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells, we examined the expression of p53, p21, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and E2F1 in the Caco-2 colon carcinoma cell line, which differentiates spontaneously after reaching confluence. p21 and p53 mRNA and protein levels increase as Caco-2 cells differentiate. In both undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 cells, p53 protein was not inducible by DNA damaging agents, suggesting the absence of functionally wildtype protein. Caco-2 cells should provide a useful model system for studying regulation of p21 and determining if it plays a role during intestinal epithelial cell differentiation.
Dietary sodium chloride deprivation throughout development selectively influences the terminal field organization of gustatory afferent fibers projecting to the rat nucleus of the solitary tract

In order to determine whether the developing central gustatory system responds to altered sensory experience, terminal fields of the chorda tympani nerve (CT) within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in control, NaCl deprived, and rats in which CT taste responses “recovered” from NaCl deprivation were investigated via anterograde transport of HRP. Rats fed a low sodium diet (0.03% NaCl) from the third day of gestation to at least 35 days postnatal exhibited both abnormally distributed and irregularly shaped CT terminal fields. Specifically, the dorsal zone of the field was the smallest in controls whereas it was the largest in deprived rats, occupying more medial and caudal territory within the nucleus. The portion of the field immediately ventral to the dorsalmost zone was characterized by a compact, oval shape in control rats and an irregular, broad configuration in deprived rats. Although it has been observed that deprivation-induced changes in the neurophysiology of the CT are reversible, the central morphological alterations reported here remain abnormal. Restoration of 1.0% NaCl in the diet at 28 days postnatally, for at least 60 days, did not result in normal CT terminal fields. The pattern of the field in rats “recovered” from NaCl deprivation was comparable to that found in deprived rats, and the size of the field was three times that found in control and deprived rats. The terminal fields of another nerve containing gustatory afferents, the lingual-tonsilar branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (LT-IX), were studied for comparison. Interestingly, the pattern of the LT-IX field was not altered by sodium deprivation. The relative size and topography of the LT-IX fields in deprived rats were similar to controls. Thus, sodium deprivation appears to alter selectively the anatomical organization of the CT. Differences in vulnerability between the CT and LT-IX terminal fields may derive from differences in the responsiveness of these nerves to NaCl, and/or to differences in the timing of early neural events.
A new approach to scenario analysis using simplified chemical transport models

[1] Given the computational burden of running full chemical transport models, it is highly desirable to have alternative ways to obtain fast and accurate approximations to at least some of these model outputs. We propose two methods that closely approximate the ammonia wet deposition of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, a regional-scale three-dimensional chemical transport model. The first method uses a greatly simplified version of CMAQ, called here “Tracer,” which requires one fortieth the processing time of CMAQ. The second method uses an extension of the Tracer model called “Multitracer.” Both methods make use of a CMAQ run under a reference emission scenario and are shown to provide good approximations to CMAQ outputs under different emission scenarios. The first fast approximation method proposed here requires a Tracer run under the new emission scenario while the second proposed approximation only requires a matrix multiplication between a precomputed matrix that approximates the transport in the model, obtained from a single Multitracer run, and the new emission. It will be shown that this method is not a simple source-receptor approximation of the model. As an important application of the second predictor, we propose an inverse modeling method for ammonia that makes it possible to adjust emissions by a different factor for each of the 100 subregions of the spatial domain. Testing with pseudodata yields a good match between the inverse modeled emissions and the actual emissions. Estimates of emissions using actual observations in the eastern United States show a reasonable adjustment field.
Point defects in particle-irradiated single crystals of tetragonal Ge O 2

Reactor irradiation of single-crystal tetragonal Ge${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ predominantly generates two spin-1/2 paramagnetic defects. The ESR parameters for one of the centers are almost isotropic with $g$ values slightly less than ${g}_{e}$. This center is also generated by 1.5-MeV electron irradiation, and is attributed to an ${F}^{+}$ center. The second defect is holelike with rhombic $g$ values. A model consisting of an $\mathrm{O}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ (peroxy) molecular ion, located at a cation vacancy with two adjacent anion vacancies, is proposed for this holelike center. These two centers, correspond to defects reported earlier by Purcell and Weeks from polycrystalline studies; however, improved models are obtained from single-crystal measurements. Optical-absorption bands are observed at 2.5 and 3.8 eV for spectra polarized parallel to the $c$ axis. The intensity of the 2.5-eV band correlates with the ${F}^{+}$ ESR resonance. Optical excitation into the 3.8-eV band results in its bleaching and the accompanied growth of the 2.5-eV band; the changes are reversed by excitation into the 2.5-eV band. The band at 2.5 eV is assigned to a transition of the ${F}^{+}$ center and the reciprocal relationship between the 2.5-eV band and the 3.8-eV band strongly suggests that the latter is a transition of the $F$ center.
The temperature dependence of energy transfer between the Tm 3F4 and Ho 5I7 manifolds of Tm-sensitized Ho luminescence in YAG and YLF

Abstract The temperature dependence of the energy transfer process between the Tm 3F4 and Ho 5I7 manifolds in Tm : Ho doped laser materials is investigated. Decay data of luminescence in Tm : Ho : YAG and Tm : Ho : YLF in the temperature range 243–323 K are analyzed to extract energy transfer rates and elucidate the theoretical description of the energy distribution between Tm and Ho ions in solid host materials.
The effect of chemical or enzymatic modifications upon the ability of collagen to form multimers and to initiate platelet aggregation.

Abstract The previous paper (1) presented some correlations between collagen multimer formation and platelet aggregation. The present study investigates the effect of chemical or enzymic modification upon its melting temperature and rate of multimerization, and therefore upon platelet aggregation. Digestion of collagen with tadpole or bacterial collagenase led to a decreased melting point of the collagen fragments and prevented their initiation of platelet aggregation. In contrast, the absence of interchain crosslinks, in lathyritic collagen, had no effect on these parameters and thus these crosslinks are not required for collagen multimer formation and induction of platelet aggregation. Oxidation of the galactoses alone with galactose oxidase, or of all the sugars by periodate, led to a perturbed melting curve featuring two melting points, ∼ 28° and 37°. These treated collagen preparations were thus unable to form multimers at platelet aggregation (> 29°) temperatures, and they could not initiate the aggregation of platelets. Reduction with sodium borohydride regenerated a normal melting curve, multimerization, and platelet aggregation initiation. Thus the carbohydrate residues, and a majority of the intact tropocollagen chains, are required for the maintenance of native structure and of multimerization at 37° which, in turn, are necessary for initiation of platelet aggregation by guinea pig skin collagen.
Synthesis of sulfhydryl cross-linking poly(ethylene glycol)-peptides and glycopeptides as carriers for gene delivery.

Sulfhydryl cross-linking poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-peptides and glycopeptides were prepared and tested for spontaneous polymerization by disulfide bond formation when bound to plasmid DNA, resulting in stable PEG-peptide and glycopeptide DNA condensates. A 20 amino acid synthetic peptide possessing a single sulfhydryl group on the N-terminal cysteine, with two or five internal acetamidomethyl (Acm)-protected cysteine residues, was reacted with either PEG vinyl sulfone or iodoacetamide tyrosinamide triantennary N-glycan. Following RP-HPLC purification, Acm groups were removed by silver tetrafluoroborate to generate sulfhydryl cross-linking PEG-peptides and glycopeptide that were characterized by either 1H NMR or LC−MS. Sulfhydryl cross-linking PEG-peptides and glycopeptides were found to bind to plasmid DNA and undergo disulfide cross-linking resulting in stable DNA condensates with potential utility for in vivo gene delivery.
Phenotypes and alloantigen-presenting activity of individual clones of microglia derived from the mouse brain

To clarify the origin and function of the microglia residing in the central nervous system, we cloned brain cells from newborn and adult mice in soft agar containing the macrophage-specific growth factor, colony-stimulating factor-1 and expanded the cells from individual colonies in liquid culture medium. The results of molecular, immunophenotypic and functional analyses showed that the clones consisted of microglia derived from the macrophage family of cells. For instance, the microglia contain mRNA transcripts for the receptor for colony-stimulating factor-1 and truncated CD4 transcripts similar to those found in mouse macrophages but not T helper cells. About a third of the microglial progenitors gave rise to progeny that constitutively induced the selective proliferation of naive allogeneic CD8+ T cells in a CD4+ T cell-independent manner, a response that was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the microglia. Since all microglia expressed similar levels of MHC class I molecules, the basis for the alloantigen presentation likely resides in the ability of some clones of microglia to synthesize co-stimulator molecules that are required for CD8+ T cell proliferation. Thus, at least some microglia in mouse brain arise from endogenous progenitors and appear capable of specialized functions.
Analog simulation and control of a distributed parameter system

Abstract Simulation of distributed parameter systems with flow variations is often rather difficult. A method which also can handle dispersion effect is outlined applying a passive network with buffer amplifiers and variable resistors. This technique is used in simulation of a hear exchanger connected to a control system using a combination of feedforward and feedback. Such a control system offers a number of improvements which are demonstrated through the simulation.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE RICE KERNEL STRUCTURE IN STORAGE, MARKETING, AND PROCESSING: A REVIEW

In rice, resistance to insect infestation is related to the silica-rich husk tissues (palea and lemma) that are held together by two hook-like structures. The structure and composition of the pericarp, seed coat, nucellus, and the seed coat and nucellar cuticles govern, in part, entry of water into the kernel, resistance to mold damage, and resilience during gram handling and transportation. Ease of disruption of aleurone cells, and accompanying fusion of lipid bodies, may be responsible for rancidity in undermilled rice. Uneven distribution of protein in the subaleurone and central starchy endosperm governs the nutritive value of milled rice and makes possible preparation of protein-rich flours. Separation of the germ during rice milling is related to the structure of a fibrous zone separating the scutellar epithelium from the starchy endosperm. Modifications of the scutellum and aleurone layers during parboiling affect milling of rice.
Hydrocarbon metabolism in the intertidal fiddler crab Uca pugnax

The fiddler crab Uca pugnax was examined for its ability to metabolize foreign hydrocarbons. The microsomal mixed function oxidase system was identified in U. pugnax tissues using Aldrin epoxidation rates as the assay. Rates were slow: 96 pM Dieldrin per mg microsomal protein per hour in the hepatopancreas, 438 pM mg-1 h-1 in the gill, and 228 pM mg-1 h-1 in claw-muscle microsomes. Using standard methods, no difference in rates could be detected between crabs living in clean areas and those living in environments highly contaminated with foreign hydrocarbons. In vivo rates of naphthalene oxidation were measured and used to calculate a clearance time for U. pugnax body tissues based on the aromatic hydrocarbon content of crabs collected from an oil-polluted salt marsh. Calculated clearance time was beyond the life span of the crab. It is concluded that this minimal ability of U. pugnax to metabolize foreign hydrocarbons partially accounts for its sensitivity to oil pollution in the environment.
Acoustic-Phonon Anomaly in MgB2

Recent first-principles calculations of the phonon dispersion curves in MgB2 have suggested the presence of anomalies in some of the curves, particularly in the longitudinal acoustical (LA) branch in the Gamma to A direction. Similar behavior has been observed in numerous other superconductors with T-c's higher than those of standard electron-phonon BCS superconductors. Phenomenological calculations of the Gamma-->A LA dispersion based on both an acoustical plasmon and a "resonant polarization" mechanism are given here to emphasize the importance of these similarities.
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy: an important step between clinical assessment and coronary angiography in patients with stable chest pain.

This editorial refers to ‘Potential impact of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy as gatekeeper for invasive examination and treatment in patients with stable angina pectoris: observational study without post-test referral bias’† by P.F. Hoilund-Carlsen et al ., on page 29 Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is an effective and cost-effective technique in patients presenting with stable chest pain. It provides a reliable assessment of coronary obstruction leading to inducible perfusion abnormalities and of the prognosis of disease. It can therefore be used both for diagnosis and for triage of patients between initial medical therapy and invasive investigation with a view to revascularization. It is recommended as the first-line diagnostic procedure when exercise electrocardiography is difficult or inconclusive, such as when the resting ECG is abnormal, when maximal dynamic exercise is unlikely to be achieved, and in women.1 Although comparison between a test of coronary function and coronary anatomy is fraught with difficulties, the sensitivity of MPS for detecting angiographic stenosis is 85–90% and the normal MPS rate in a low likelihood population (normalcy) is 90–95%, depending upon the population studied.2 As with any diagnostic test, MPS is most useful in patients with an intermediate (25–75%) likelihood of underlying coronary disease, but its prognostic value also makes it helpful in patients with a high likelihood. It is diagnostically least useful in patients with a low likelihood of disease in whom performing any diagnostic test can be questioned, although a normal scan reliably indicates a risk of myocardial infarction or cardiac death below 1% per year for up to 5 or even 10 years depending upon risk factors. Coronary angiography has historically been used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary disease although as an anatomical test it does not … *Corresponding author. E-mail address : r.underwood{at}imperial.ac.uk
Enzymatic synthesis of peptides containing unnatural amino acids.

Abstract Several proteases were studied as potential catalysts for the enzymatic synthesis of oligopeptides containing the unnatural amino acid allylglycine, the overall objective being the synthesis of a reactive tetrapeptide that could be chemically polymerized into a potentially biocompatible or biodegradable material. Commercially available enzymes were screened for esterase activity toward the methyl ester of the amino acid allylglycine ( dl -AgOMe) to identify potential catalysts for dipeptide synthesis. Proteases from Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae , pronase E and protease Nagarse synthesized the protected dipeptide Cbz-allylglycine-phenylalaninamide(Cbz-L-Ag-L-PheNH 2 ) from Cbz- dl -AgOMe and L-PheNH 2 . However, the same enzymes were not able to catalyze the synthesis of Cbz-phenylalanine-allylglycine ethyl ester (Cbz-L-Phe-L-AgOEt). Thus, although these enzymes could use allylglycine as the acyl donor they could not employ it as the acyl acceptor in peptide synthesis. In contrast, chymotrypsin was able to use allylglycine ethyl ester (DL-AgOEt) as the acyl acceptor in the synthesis of Cbz-L-Phe-L-AgOEt, but was not able to synthesize Cb-L-Ag-L-PheNH 2 . The two dipeptides, Cbz-allylglycine-phenylalanine and phenylalanine-allylglycine ethyl ester, served as substrates for the thermolysin-catalyzed synthesis of the tetrapeptide Cbz-L-Ag-L-Phe-L-Phe-L-AgOEt.
Regulation of Brain Cell Death and Survival After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background This study investigated the effect of low flow cardiopulmonary bypass, circulatory arrest, and selective cerebral perfusion on expression and phosphorylation of selected regulators of cell death and survival in striatum of newborn piglets. Methods Animals were assigned to sham operation and three experimental groups. The experimental groups were placed on bypass, cooled to 18°C, and subjected to 90 minutes of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass (LFCPB) at mL/(kg · min), or selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) at 20 mL/(kg · min), followed by rewarming and 2 hours of recovery. The oxygen pressure in the microcirculation of the cortex was measured by quenching of phosphorescence. Levels of phosphorylated and total protein were determined by Western blot analysis. Results Control oxygen pressure was 55 ± 9 mm Hg and decreased during DHCA, LFCPB, and SCP to 1.1 ± 0.6 mm Hg, 9.8 ± 2.3 mm Hg, and 9.3 ± 1.9 mm Hg, respectively ( p p p p p p p p p Conclusions Stable levels of Bcl-2 and Bax and the increases in pAkt and pERK1/2 after LFCPB and SCP are likely indicators of improved chances for cell survival.
On the mechanism of lyophilic sols formation

The experimental data on adsorption of polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers [with the general formula CmH2m+1+O(CH2CH2O)nH] on arsenic trisulfide were examined. In all cases the adsorbed molecules are oriented as follows: The alkyl radicals border the solid surface and the oxyethylene chains are directed toward the water. The arrangement of different surfactant molecules varies, depending on the length of the nonpolar part of the molecule. For small m values (m <- 4) the orientation is almost horizontal, even in the saturated surface layers, and gradually approaches the vertical as the number m increases to 12 or more. On this basis it becomes possible to explain the regularities of stabilization action of nonionic surface-active agents (NSAA) on hydrophobic sols. The statement that the oriented adsorption of NSAA molecules entails the surface hydrophilization of colloidal particles is confirmed. It is shown that the colloidal dispersions formed in the presence of NSAA are lyophilic sols.
Choosing teaching as a career in urban public Catholic and Jewish schools by graduates of elite colleges

Recruitment, preparation, and retention of graduates of elite colleges is considered an innovative approach to improve teacher quality and promote change in the neediest schools. While the debate over the effectiveness of such programs is heavily focused on programs like Teach For America, this paper considers three teacher preparation programs located at elite colleges that combine alternative and traditional teacher preparation. This article argues that teachers who were trained at elite colleges and who chose teaching in urban public, urban Catholic, and Jewish schools tend to (a) conceptualize teaching around broad issues related to social justice, educational change, and community revitalization, arguing they joined teaching to improve society, and (b) seek leadership positions in their respective school sectors. These findings carry substantial policy implications in the areas of teacher recruitment, preparation, retention, and teacher quality.
A molecular description of profile analysis: Decision weights and internal noise

Systematic inefficiencies and internal noise in a spectral profile discrimination task were investigated. Listeners detected a 1000-Hz sinusoid added in-phase to the central component of a complex consisting of 11 equal-intensity sinusoids. Parameters for a channel model that employs decision weights and internal noise were estimated with molecular psychophysical techniques. Maximum likelihood predictions of the model were generally within a few decibels of observed thresholds. The degree to which an assumption of ideal weights leads to overestimation of internal noise was also assessed.
Role of iodine in thyroid physiology

Adequate levels of iodine, a trace element variably distributed on the earth, are required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The iodide cycle consists of a series of transport, oxidation and coupling steps in thyroid follicular cells to produce thyroid hormone. The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) transports iodide into the thyrocyte. Competitive inhibitors of NIS, such as perchlorate and thiocyanate, can decrease the entrance of iodide into the follicular cell. Pendrin is the primary protein that is responsible for iodide efflux out of the thyrocyte and into the follicular lumen. T4 is deiodinated in target tissues to produce the active form of thyroid hormone, T3, and other metabolites. Exposure to excessive iodine or chronic iodine deficiency may result in various clinical disorders. The Wolff-Chaikoff effect and Jod-Basedow phenomenon describe mechanisms of thyroid autoregulation and dysregulation, respectively, during iodine excess. Population studies have determined that iodine deficiency exists in approximately 38% of the world's population, is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation, and is of particular concern to women and their infants. Finally, the unique role of iodine utilization in thyroid physiology has applications in many important clinical areas.
Studies on the mechanism of potentiation of the acute toxicity of 2,4-D n-butyl ester and 2',5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide in rainbow trout by carbaryl.

Abstract The acute toxicity of several xenobiotic substances to rainbow trout including 2,4-D n -butyl ester (2,4-DB) and 2′,5-dichloro-4′-nitrosalicylanilide (Bayer 73) has been shown to be potentiated by carbaryl. The effect seen with carbaryl was also observed when arecoline, a direct acting cholinergic agent was substituted for carbaryl. The potentiating effect of both carbaryl and arecoline was abolished by atropine. Carbaryl, at a concentration which potentiates 2,4-DB and Bayer 73, was found to increase the blood and total body concentrations of these compounds during exposures in water. Since carbaryl did not decrease the rate of elimination of 2,4-DB and Bayer 73 from preloaded fish, it appears that carbaryl may increase the acute toxicity of these compounds by increasing their uptake from water by trout. In addition to blocking the increase in acute toxicity seen with carbaryl and arecoline, atropine was also capable of blocking the increase in uptake of 2,4-DB and Bayer 73 produced by carbaryl and arecoline. It was concluded that carbaryl increases the acute toxicity of 2,4-DB and Bayer 73 by increasing the uptake of these compounds from water, possibly by effects on gill blood flow or permeability.
The human intracellular interleukin 1 receptor antagonist promoter appropriately regulates gene expression in keratinocytes and gastrointestinal epithelial cells in vivo.

The 4555-bp promoter fragment for intracellular interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (4555-bp icIL-1Ra) has recently been demonstrated to regulate gene expression in a cell-type specific manner in vitro in transient transfection studies. To examine the activity of this promoter in vivo, transgenic mice possessing the 4555-bp promoter coupled to the E. coli lacZ reporter gene were created. Expression of endogenous icIL-1Ra and E. coli lacZ mRNA were examined in different tissues by RT-PCR, RNase protection assay and in situ hybridization. In transgenic mice both endogenous icIL-1Ra and E. coli lacZ were co-expressed by keratinocytes and by epithelial cells in different organs of the digestive system. The transgene was also expressed in the brain in four out of five lines, whereas endogenous icIL-1Ra was not detected in this organ. In contrast, only icIL-1Ra mRNA, but not E. coli lacZ mRNA, was detected in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated resident peritoneal macrophages from icIL-1Ra promoter transgenic mice. These results indicate that a 4555-bp promoter fragment of human icIL-1Ra appropriately regulates gene transcription in keratinocytes and gastrointestinal epithelial cells in vivo. However, other as yet unidentified regulatory regions influence icIL-1Ra gene expression in macrophages following LPS stimulation.
Economic warfare and strategic economics

Abstract “Strategic economics” encompasses all those elements of foreign economic policy that contribute to international influence. This includes both familiar techniques of overt economic warfare (e.g., sanctions) and the more subtle methods of employing economic assets to enhance power (e.g., indirect trade controls, cultivating dependencies in trade and investment, financial manipulations). The integration of these and other measures into a coherent geopolitical strategy would provide crucial support for overall U.S. diplomatic and strategic objectives.
Stability determination of two-dimensional discrete-time systems

In determining root distribution of univariate polynomials with real or complex-valued coefficients, the Bistritz tabular form offers a significant computational advantage. Stability studies of two-dimensional (2-D) discrete-time systems involve univariate polynomials possessing parameter-dependent coefficients, where the parameter takes values on the unit circle in the complex plane. This paper investigates the application of Bistritz tabular form in determining stability of 2-D discrete-time systems, and for this purpose we present two algorithms. Both algorithms utilize a recent result that has established the relationship between Schur-Cohn minors and the entries of the Bistritz tabular form corresponding to a given polynomial. A comparison between the use of the modified Jury table and the Bistritz table in stability checking of 2-D discrete-time systems is also presented.