cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHAPTER 6 – Enzymes I: General Properties, Kinetics, and Inhibition

Enzymes are catalysts and are functional units of cellular metabolism. They are usually proteins but may include RNA molecules as well. RNA molecules are ribonucleases (ribozymes) that recognize specific nucleotide sequences in the target RNA and hydrolyze phosphodiester bonds. The protein portion of an enzyme is known as apoenzyme, and the fully functional enzyme with its attached nonprotein component is called holoenzyme. Enzymes are generally named for the substrate or the chemical group on which they act, and the name takes the suffix “ase.” All enzymes are assigned to one of the six classes on the basis of the type of reaction they catalyze, which include oxidoreductases (oxidation-reduction), transferases (transfer of groups), hydrolases (hydrolysis), lyases (nonhydrolytic and nonoxidative cleavage of groups), isomerases (isomerization), and ligases or synthetases. Enzymes are highly specific and usually catalyze only one type of reaction. An enzyme-catalyzed reaction is initiated when the enzyme binds to its substrate to form an enzyme-substrate complex. The catalytic property of an enzyme is based on its three-dimensional structure and on an active site whose chemical groups may be brought into close proximity from different regions of the polypeptide chain. Most enzymatic reactions involving two-substrate reactions show more complex kinetics than do one-substrate reactions. Enzyme inhibition is one of the ways in which enzyme activity is regulated experimentally or naturally. Inhibitor studies have contributed much of the available information about enzyme kinetics and mechanisms. In the body, some of the processes controlled by enzyme inhibition are blood coagulation (hemostasis), blood clot dissolution (fibrinolysis), complement activation, connective tissue turnover, and inflammatory reactions.
Synthesis and properties of a thermotropic copolyester based on 4-hydroxyacetophenone azine

The synthesis of a thermotropic copolyester based on 4-hydroxyacetophenone azine (1) and a 50 : 50 (mole ratio) mixture of sebacoyl/dodecanedioyl dichlorides was investigated in chloroform via a low-temperature solution route. Polymers with an inherent viscosity ηinh between 0,27–1,56 dL · g−1 were characterised by 1H NMR, IR, thermal analyses, gel permeation chromatography and static light scattering techniques: Enantiotropic polymers exhibit a large mesophase range (≈100°C) and the values of both crystal-nematic and nematic-isotropic transitions are molecular-weight dependent. Intrinsic viscosity was determined to relate to molecular weight by [η]/(dL · g−1) = 9,6 · 10−4 M in chloroform at 25°C, and the persistence length was calculated to be of the order of 27 A.
The biological responses of axotomized adult motoneurons to brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Recent studies showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) prevents developing motoneurons from naturally occurring and axotomy- induced cell death. Here we examined whether adult motoneurons retain responsiveness to BDNF. Consistent with previous studies, we found that adult spinal and brainstem motoneurons expressed the mRNA of BDNF receptor, trkB. In addition, the trkB immunoreactivities were readily detected in the adult spinal and brainstem motoneurons. We then demonstrated that axotomized adult motoneurons responded to exogenous BDNF. BDNF administered locally markedly attenuated the lesion-induced decrease of ChAT immunoreactivity and activity and enhanced the lesion- induced reexpression of low-affinity NGF receptor immunoreactivity in adult facial motoneurons. Furthermore, we found BDNF administered subcutaneously, intravenously, and into the cerebral ventricle attenuated the lesion-induced decrease of ChAT immunoreactivity in adult facial motoneurons in a dose-dependent fashion. Our data indicate that adult motoneurons retain their responsiveness to BDNF, suggesting that BDNF may be useful as a therapeutic agent for adult motoneuron disease.
The effect of motor and sensory set on reaction time and muscle electrical activity.

Abstract The superiority of motor set reaction time over sensory set reaction time has been accepted since the 1880s. Recently, however, there has been work favoring the sensory set. This study attempted to reconcile the varied findings. Woodworth had suggested that set and stimulus intensity interact. To test that presumed interaction and related ideas, the study proposed to determine not only the effect of motor set and sensory set on reaction time (RT) and muscle electrical activity (MEA), but also, the relationship between motor set and sensory set RT and motor set and sensory set MEA. Twenty-four subjects were tested in sessions that included the placement of electrodes on the motor end point of the extensor digitorum muscle, set instructions, practice, and data collection. Data collection consisted of recording of RT and MEA for 96 trials, 12 recordings at each of four levels of auditory stimulus intensity for each of the two sets. An ANOVA for repeated measures produced a significant interaction be...
Confining choices: should inmates' participation in research be limited?

Historically, prisoners in the United Stateshave served as an inexpensive and readilyavailable source of human subjects forresearch. Coinciding with the civil rightsmovement, however, was an emerging conceptionof prisoners' rights that led to the NationalCommission for the Protection of Human Subjectsof Biomedical and Behavioral Research beingcharged with investigating the use of prisonersas research subjects. The recommendations thatevolved and the subsequent guidelines that havebeen implemented by the Department of Healthand Human Services significantly curtail theuse of prisoners as research subjects. Whilethese measures are designed to protect inmatesfrom the abuses of the past, of particularconcern to many health care officials isexclusion of inmates from experimental HIV/AIDSand hepatitis treatments. This paper addresseswhether the vulnerability of prisoners in theUnited States due to their incarceration issufficient to prohibit them from participationin clinical trials that offer the possibilityof life-saving treatment. It first outlinesthe evolution in moral thinking that has led tolaws broadly prohibiting prisoners frombiomedical research studies and then analyzescases in the law to develop ethical argumentsin support of the view that prisoners should beallowed to participate in clinical trials. Theconclusion is that prisoners should be allowedto participate in such trials.
Improving estimates of ecosystem metabolism by reducing effects of tidal advection on dissolved oxygen time series

In aquatic systems, time series of dissolved oxygen (DO) have been used to compute estimates of ecosystem metabolism. Central to this open-water method is the assumption that the DO time series is a Lagrangian specification of the flow field. However, most DO time series are collected at fixed locations, such that changes in DO are assumed to reflect metabolism and that effects of advection or mixing are negligible. A weighted regression model was applied to remove variability in DO time series from tides, thereby helping to partially relax this assumption and improve metabolism estimates. The method offers a distinct advantage over traditional deconvulution methods by targeting the periodicity of the tidal component while preserving the true biological signal. The model was first applied to simulated DO time series with specified biological and physical characteristics, and then applied to 1 yr of continuous monitoring data from four stations within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The correlation of DO and metabolism estimates with tides was greatly reduced after using weighted regression. The model was especially effective when the magnitude of tidal influence was high and correlations between tidal change and the solar cycle were low at the time scales of interest. The model was less robust when tides and the solar cycle were correlated for protracted periods. By reducing the effects of physical transport on metabolism estimates, there may be increased potential to empirically relate metabolic rates to causal factors on timescales of several days to several weeks.
Differential requirements for Th1 and Th17 responses to a systemic self-antigen.

T cell–APC interactions are essential for the initiation of effector responses against foreign and self-antigens, but the role of these interactions in generating different populations of effector T cells in vivo remains unclear. Using a model of CD4+ T cell responses to a systemic self-antigen without adjuvants or infection, we demonstrate that activation of APCs augments Th17 responses much more than Th1 responses. Recognition of systemic Ag induces tolerance in self-reactive CD4+ T cells, but induction of CD40 signaling, even under tolerogenic conditions, results in a strong, Ag-specific IL-17 response without large numbers of IFN-γ–producing cells. Transfer of the same CD4+ T cells into lymphopenic recipients expressing the self-antigen results in uncontrolled production of IL-17, IFN-γ, and systemic inflammation. If the Ag-specific T cells lack CD40L, production of IL-17 but not IFN-γ is decreased, and the survival time of recipient mice is significantly increased. In addition, transient blockade of the initial MHC class II-dependent T cell–APC interaction results in a greater reduction of IL-17 than of IFN-γ production. These data suggest that Th17 differentiation is more sensitive to T cell interactions with APCs than is the Th1 response, and interrupting this interaction, specifically the CD40 pathway, may be key to controlling Th17-mediated autoimmunity.
Is the spatial distribution of galaxies a bounded self-similar structure? Observational evidences.

We want to show here that the distribution of galaxies in space may be described in terms of a self-similar arrangement of the clustering on scales of distances ranging from some Mpc to (30 – 40)h −1 Mpc. To this end, the classical two-point correlation function has been evaluated both in the angular and the spatial case on the Zwicky and Cfal catalogues, respectively. In contrast to previous works, the quantity 1 + w(θ) and its spatial equivalent 1 + ξ(r) have been analysed with respect to their scaling properties with the sample depth. We have not studied the local scaling properties of the distribution (multifractality) and have approximated it to a simple fractal set. The resulting estimate for the fractal dimension (or better, the correlation dimension) is D 2 ≈ 1.7 from angular data, while D 2 ≈ 2.3 from the spatial ones. If this value is confirmed, the clustering in the galaxy distribution results to be less strong, but more extended in space, than previously found.
Longitudinal drift compression and pulse shaping for high-intensity particle beams

High beam current can be achieved by longitudinally compressing bunched beams. The objective of drift compression is to compress a long beam bunch by imposing an initial longitudinal velocity distribution over the length of the beam in the beam frame. The longitudinal dynamics of drift compression and pulse shaping for high intensity particle beams are studied using a one-dimensional warm-fluid model. Two self-similar drift compression solutions admitted by the one-dimensional warm-fluid equations are derived. The pulse shaping problem is also solved such that an arbitrary input pulse shape can be shaped into the pulse shapes required by the self-similar drift compression solutions.
Has Television Personalized Voting Behavior

Scholars and political observers have suggested that television has “personalized” voting behavior in American presidential elections by encouraging citizens to cast ballots on the basis of candidate image and personality. Though an oft-heard assertion, little solid evidence exists that this is true, and the reinvigoration of partisanship and the persistence of ideological conflict suggest personalization may be less pervasive than supposed. In this paper, I use National Election Studies data to examine whether voters are more concerned with candidates’ personal characteristics now than they were at the outset of the television era. I find, however, that voters are no more likely today to mention candidate personality as a reason for their vote choice than they were in the 1950s and 1960s. Moreover, while personality affects voting behavior, its influence on candidate choice is not significantly larger than it was a half-century ago. The results are not contingent on exposure to television or political awareness and are insensitive to different measures of perceptions of candidate image. The findings are consistent with the resurgence of partisan voting in American elections and suggest that some concerns about TV’s effects on political judgment are exaggerated.
Characterization of indoor air quality in wood-burning residences

Abstract Findings from a residential wood-burning study in Waterbury, VT, are presented, with emphasis on indoor-outdoor comparisons of particle mass, size distribution, and composition. The air monitoring program was carried out from January to March 1982 to evaluate the impact of residential wood combustion on indoor and outdoor air quality. Indoor and outdoor data on respirable particle concentrations were obtained for 24 residences, 19 with wood-burning appliances. This paper focuses on 6 of these homes which were selected for more intensive study, including matched indoor-outdoor particle measurements to determine elemental composition, individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations, and organic- and elemental-carbon content. Data are presented comparing particle-phase organic and elemental concentrations between indoor and outdoor environments.
Apolipoprotein(a) Synthesis and Secretion from Hepatoma Cells Is Coupled to Triglyceride Synthesis and Secretion

Abstract Apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) is synthesized and secreted from liver cells and represents one of the two major protein components of the atherogenic lipoprotein, Lp(a). Little is known, however, of the factors that regulate the secretion of this protein. We have undertaken an analysis of the response to oleate supplementation in stable clones of HepG2 and McA-RH7777 cells expressing either a 6 K-IV or 17 K-IV isoform of apo(a). These cell lines were examined by pulse-chase analysis and each demonstrated an increase (range 2–6-fold) in apo(a) secretion following supplementation with 0.8 mm oleate. Microsomal membranes, prepared from HepG2 cells expressing a 6 K-IV apo(a) isoform, demonstrated that oleate supplementation increased the apparent protection of apo(a) from protease digestion, suggesting that alterations in the translocation efficiency of apo(a) may accompany the addition of oleate. Cells incubated with brefeldin A demonstrated increased recovery of the precursor form of apo(a) with oleate supplementation, suggesting that alterations in post-translational degradation may also contribute to the observed increase in apo(a) secretion following oleate addition. To further characterize the oleate-dependent increase in apo(a) secretion, cells were incubated with an inhibitor of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. These experiments demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in apo(a) secretion from both cell lines. Furthermore, addition of either the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor or triacsin C, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA synthase, completely abrogated the oleate-dependent increase in apo(a) secretion. Taken together, these data provide evidence that apo(a) secretion from hepatoma cells may be linked to elements of cellular triglyceride assembly and secretion.
New TIT Capacitor with ZrO2/Al2O3/ZrO2 dielectrics for 60nm and below DRAMs

New ZrO2/Al2O3/ZrO2 (ZAZ) dielectric film was successfully developed for DRAM capacitor dielectrics of 60nm and below technologies. ZAZ dielectric film grown by ALD has a mixture structure of crystalline phase ZrO2 and amorphous phase Al2O3 in order to optimize dielectric properties. ZAZ TIT capacitor showed small Tox.eq of 8.5 Aring and low leakage current density of 0.35fA/cell, which meet leakage current criteria of 0.5fA/cell for mass production. ZAZ TIT capacitor showed smaller cap leak fail bit than HAH capacitor and stable leakage current up to 550degC anneal. TDDB (time dependent dielectric breakdown) behavior reliably satisfied the 10-year lifetime criteria within operation voltage range
Total Energy Management System for Cloud Computing

Reducing the energy used in Cloud Computing is an important issue a sustainable society. There are many existing approaches for reducing energy use in data centers, but new approaches are needed in case of energy management of Cloud Computing. Cloud Computing involves decentralized data centers, so new flexible way for collecting energy consumption data becomes quite important. Many current approaches focus on reducing energy consumption by air handling equipment, however energy from IT resources also need to be optimized for a total energy management of Cloud Computing. For advanced energy management for Cloud Computing, we developed a Cloud energy management system with sensor management functions, with an optimized VM allocation tool to minimize energy consumption at multiple data centers. Our evaluations showed more than a 30% energy savings for the servers in our experimental environment. Our system can be extended to optimize energy usage from various perspectives, such as for minimizing electricity bills or carbon emissions.
Effect of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) fed as hay, on natural and experimental Haemonchus contortus infections in lambs

Parasitic infection is one of the leading economic constraints in small ruminant production. This problem is exacerbated as the resistance of nematode populations to chemical treatment (anthelmintics) becomes increasingly more common. Condensed tannin (CT) containing plants are being investigated as alternative solutions to address these problems. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of the CT containing forage, Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza, SL) fed as hay, on Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep. Naturally and experimentally infected lambs were fed either SL or bermudagrass (BG, control) hay for 49 days. All lambs were fed BG hay for an additional 14 days. SL hay effectively reduced (67-98%) fecal egg count (FEC) during the time of feeding for both infection groups. FEC increased in both infection groups after SL feeding was stopped which indicated an effect on fecundity. SL hay feeding also reduced worm numbers, with more of an effect on reducing naturally infected worm burdens (67.2%) than on establishment of incoming larvae (26.1%). SL fed as hay may be more useful to remove existing worms than establishing worms. The decrease in FEC would have the benefit of reduced pasture contamination.
Functional expression and characterization of the mouse epitope tag-protein kinase C isoforms, α, βI, βII, γ, δ and ε

Abstract To simplify the detection of the exogenously produced protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, we constructed the T7-Tag PKCα, βI, βII, γ, δ and e expression plasmids. T7-Tag sequences (AlaSerMetThrGlyGlyGlnGlnMetGlyArg) were inserted at the 5′-end of the translational initiation site. Transient transfection of T7-Tag PKC expression plasmids into CV-1 cells increased the levels of PKC protein, and PKC activity. T7-Tag-PKCe, like native PKCe, transactivated the transcription of a NF-κB reporter construct. These results indicate that the plasmids encoding T7-Tag PKC are functional and may be useful to define the role PKC isoforms play in cell proliferation, differentiation and tumor promotion.
Localization of Thy-1 expression during postnatal development of the mouse cerebellar cortex

Thy-1 is a cell membrane differentiation antigen with a restricted distribution in murine tissues. In both mice and rats the antigen is widely expressed in the CNS, while in the neonatal cerebellum it is expressed at very low levels. We have devised a protocol of immersion fixation by freeze-substitution that preserves both antigenicity and tissue morphology. We have stained freeze-substituted tissue sections of developing mouse cerebella with monoclonal anti-Thy-1. Thy-1 is faintly detectable at birth in Purkinje cells and in the molecular layer. The intensity in these two sites increases to a maximum at day 9; this subsequently decreases in the Purkinje cell cytoplasm until most are negative by day 21, but persists in the molecular layer into adulthood. Thy-1 is not detectable in the external granular layer and is only detectable in the glomeruli of the internal granular layer. Ascending fibre tracts are positive from day 5 onwards. The chronologic and anatomic expressions of Thy-1 are compatible with a role of Thy-1 in the generation and maintenance of synapses.
Some properties of low-altitude winds at Cape Kennedy, Florida.

T ground wind problem in relation to the design of space vehicles (see, e.g., Ref. 1) is being attacked in two ways: analytical methods are being developed for determining design loading conditions, and an effort is being made to acquire an understanding of low-altitude winds and turbulence and to develop analytical representations of the wind field. For the latter, NASA constructed a 150-m meteorological tower at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Because of the influence of local surface features, buildings, and other factors, as well as the amount and type of data required in design studies of space vehicles, it is necessary to acquire low-altitude turbulence information at the specific location of interest. The tower at Cape Kennedy is located near Launch Complex 39 in a well-exposed area essentially free from nearby structures. The wind data used herein were obtained from this tower at heights of 18, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 m and were recorded on magnetic tape. Temperatures and temperature differences were recorded on paper strip charts. For identification purposes, the data are labeled as tests 1-6. The following stability conditions prevailed: neutral during tests 1A-1C, stable during test 2, unstable during tests 3, 4, and 5, and undergoing transition from unstable to stable during test 6. The wind direction was from the north during tests 1A-1C, and from the southeast during tests 2-6. Tests 1A-1C represent 20-min samples taken during a 2-hr period of high-wind-speed conditions on the same day. These tests are of particular importance in the problem of determining the response of a space vehicle to ground winds.
Stability and convergence of some finite element algorithms for nonlinear elastodynamics

A series of direct-integration and model-expansion finite element algorithms for a geometrically and materially nonlinear elastodynamic problem are constructed and analysed. The algorithms are constructed by temporally approximating the individual nonlinear stiffness terms such that discrete conservation laws are obtained. This conservative property has a positive effect in providing a stable appromixation, and in addition allows the stability properties of the algorithms to be easily assessed. Stability and convergence criteria for the algorithms are rigorously established using an energy method.
Camphoroquinone reduction: another reaction catalyzed by rat liver cytosol 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Abstract A new purification scheme is described for the female rat liver cytosolic enzyme dually catalyzing the oxidation of androsterone (3 α -hydroxysteroid: NAD ( P ) + oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.50) and acenaphthenol ( trans -1,2-dihydrobenzene-1,2-diol:NADP + oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.1.20). This purification procedure yielded the most highly purified preparation of this enzyme thus far published as adjudged from its androsterone oxidation activity. In addition, we have demonstrated that this purified enzyme also catalyzes the reduction of camphoroquinone, a natural monoterpene, non-aromatic quinone. The nature of the products of the camphoroquinone reduction has been partially elucidated and agrees with previously published results (Robertson, J.S. and Solomon, E. (1971) Biochem. J. 121, 503–509). Kinetic studies of the metabolism of androsterone, camphoroquinone and acenapthenol by the enzyme have been performed, yielding respective K m and V max values. The results of these studies allow a clarification of the mechanism of action of this enzyme, particularly with respect to its dihydrodiol dehydrogenase activity.
Breeding Distributions of North American Bird Species Moving North as a Result of Climate Change

Geographic changes in species distributions toward traditionally cooler climes is one hypothesized indicator of recent global climate change. We examined distribution data on 56 bird species. If global warming is affecting species distributions across the temperate northern hemisphere, these data should show the same northward range expansions of birds that have been reported for Great Britain. Because a northward shift of distributions might be due to multidirectional range expansions for multiple species, we also examined the possibility that birds with northern distributions may be expanding their ranges southward. There was no southward expansion of birds with a northern distribution, indicating that there is no evidence of overall range expansion of insectivorous and granivorous birds in North America. As predicted, the northern limit of birds with a southern distribution showed a significant shift northward (2.35 km/year). This northward shift is similar to that observed in previous work conducted in Great Britain: the widespread nature of this shift in species distributions over two distinct geographical regions and its coincidence with a period of global warming suggests a connection with global climate change.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF SPHERICITY TEST CRITERION IN THE MULTIVARIATE GAUSSIAN DISTRIBUTION

Summary In this paper, the exact distribution of the likelihood-ratio criterion for testing the hypothesis of sphericity in a multivariate normal distribution is derived as a mixture of incomplete beta functions. Some advantages of the present derivation are also indicated.
SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS FOR EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE CW OPERATION IN THE MID- AND FAR-INFRARED: INTERSUBBAND QUANTUM-BOX LASERS

Intersubband quantum-box (IQB) lasers, that is, devices consisting of 2D arrays of single-stage intersubband QB emitters, are proposed, as an alternative to 30-stage quantum-cascade (QC) devices, as sources for efficient room-temperature (RT) emission in the mid- and far-IR (3–5 and 8–12 μm) wavelength ranges. Preliminary results include: (1) the realization of the first mid-IR (λ = 4.7 μm) single-stage emitters operating at RT; (2) etch-and-regrowth at the nanoscale level by employing in situ gas etching and MOCVD regrowth; (3) the formation of 30 nm-diameter SiO2 posts on 80 nm centers, thus forming the mask for the fabrication of IQBs via in situ etch and regrowth.
CO2 and cost optimization of reinforced concrete frames using a big bang-big crunch algorithm

A hybrid Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) optimization algorithm is applied to the design of reinforced concrete frames. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the total cost or the CO2 emissions associated with construction of reinforced concrete frames subjected to constraints based on the specifications and guidelines prescribed by the American Concrete Institute (ACI 318-08). Designs are presented for several reinforced concrete frames that minimize the cost and the CO2 emissions associated with construction. In the first frame example, low-cost designs developed using BB-BC optimization are compared to designs developed using a genetic algorithm. In the second set of frame designs, both low-cost designs using BB-BC optimization are compared to designs developed using simulated annealing. The BB-BC algorithm generated designs that reduced the cost and the CO2 emissions of construction for example frames.
Work-related falls among union carpenters in Washington State before and after the Vertical Fall Arrest Standard.

Background Washington State enacted a change in their fall standard for the construction industry in 1991, preceding the Safety Standard for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry promulgated by Federal OSHA in 1994. Methods We evaluated changes in the rate of falls from elevations and measures of severity among a large cohort of union carpenters after the fall standard change in Washington State, taking into account the temporal trends in their overall injury rates. Results Therewasa significant decrease in the rate offalls from heightafter the standard went into effect, even after adjusting for the overall decrease in work-related injuries among this cohort. Much of the decrease was immediate, likely representing the publicity surroundingfatalfallsandsubsequentpromulgationofthestandard.Thegreatestdecrease was seen between 3 and 3Ω years after the standard went into effect. There was a significantreductioninmeanpaidlostdayspereventafterthestandardchangeandtherewasa significant reduction in mean cost per fall when adjusting for age and the temporal trend for costs among non-fall injuries. Conclusions Throughtheuseofobservationalmethodswehavedemonstratedsignificant effects of the Washington State Vertical Fall Arrest Standard among carpenters in the absence of a control or comparison group. Without controlling for the temporal trend in overallinjury rates, the rate of decline in falls appeared significantly greater, but the more pronounced, but delayed, decline was not seen. The analyses demonstrate potential error in failing to account for temporal patterns or assuming that a decline after an intervention is related to the intervention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:157–165, 2003. 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
GLASS FORMATION IN MECHANICALLY ALLOYED Fe-BASED SYSTEMS

Rapid solidification processing of metallic melts has been traditionally employed to synthesize metallic glasses in several alloy systems. However, in recent years, solid-state processing methods, and more specifically, mechanical alloying, have become popular methods to synthesize glassy phases in metallic alloy systems. Although a large number of criteria have been developed to identify alloy compositions that can be solidified into the glassy state, very few attempts have been made to predict the glass-forming ability by solid-state processing methods. To evaluate if some clear criteria could be developed to predict glass formation by solid-state processing methods and to understand the mechanism of glass formation, mechanical alloying of powder blends was conducted on several Fe-based alloy systems. Three different aspects of glass formation are specifically discussed in this paper. One is the development of a criterion for identifying glass-forming systems from phase diagram features, the second is the process of mechanical crystallization (formation of a crystalline phase on continued milling of the amorphous powders obtained by mechanical alloying), and the third is the novel phenomenon of lattice contraction during amorphization. It was shown that the conditions under which a glassy phase is formed by mechanical alloying are different from the solidification methods.
Jocelin of Brakelond and the power of Abbot Samson

This article reconsiders a well-known narrative source from the beginning of the thirteenth century, Jocelin of Brakelond's Chronicle. Much of the value of this text has traditionally been seen in its intimate portrayal of Abbot Samson of Bury St Edmunds (1182–1211). Jocelin's account can be understood less as a depiction of Samson's life and character than of the workings of his power within the monastery and within broader East Anglian society, as seen in his management of opposition to his rule through the use of documentation and his access to the royal court. This suggests a different understanding of the position of the abbot of Bury in which he is depicted less as a great lord and more as a pragmatic and inventive politician.
Clinical Experience with Intravenous Lipid Emulsion for Drug-Induced Cardiovascular Collapse

Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) is an emerging therapy for refractory cardiotoxicity due to lipid-soluble drugs. The purpose of this study was to assess survival to hospital discharge, effects on hemodynamic parameters, and adverse event occurrence for patients who were treated with ILE as part of the resuscitative effort for drug-induced cardiotoxicity. This is a multicenter retrospective chart review of inpatients at three tertiary referral medical centers receiving ILE for drug-induced cardiotoxicity between November 2007 and March 2009. Nine cases with drug-induced cardiovascular collapse, defined as cardiac arrest or refractory shock, were selected for review if patients received either bolus or infusion of ILE in any combination. No interventions were done. The main outcome measures were survival to hospital discharge, effect on hemodynamic parameters, and adverse event. Hemodynamic vital signs (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, calculated mean arterial pressure [MAP]) were measured before administration of ILE and up to five measurements (if available) were recorded after administration of ILE. Attribution of adverse events was determined by assignment of Naranjo adverse drug reaction (ADR) likelihood score (3) with adjudication of three medical toxicologists; disagreements were settled by majority consensus. Of nine cases identified based on inclusion criteria (three cardiac arrest, six refractory shock), five (55%) survived to hospital discharge. ILE regimens were bolus alone in five patients and bolus plus infusion in four patients. Hemodynamic trends in response to ILE demonstrated no difference in MAP immediately pre- and post-administration of ILE (p = NS). Administration of infusion (versus boluses alone) did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in MAP. Adverse events due to ILE therapy that were categorized as “possible” or “probable” based on Naranjo scores included lipemia, digit amputation, lung injury, renal failure, and deep venous thrombosis. ILE administered to patients with drug-induced cardiovascular collapse was associated with 55% survival but with clinically significant adverse effects. At this time, ILE should be restricted to cardiotoxicity involving cardiac arrest or refractory shock until further prospective studies can better evaluate risks and benefits of ILE therapy.
The threshold for the detection of strabismus.

Abstract Purpose To identify the threshold at which horizontal or vertical strabismus becomes reliably detectable by observers and to determine the effects of interpupillary distance, age, gender, and observer experience. Methods Six models of different gender, age, and interpupillary distance were digitally photographed in several predetermined gaze positions off-axis in the horizontal and vertical planes. Standardized distance, zoom factor, and lighting were used. The images were digitally altered to exactly superimpose one eye deviated and one eye aligned with the axis of the camera. This simulated horizontal and vertical strabismus ranged from 2.5 to 20 prism diopters (PD). The images were arranged in random order and presented to groups of lay and professional observers, and their responses were recorded. Results The statistically significant threshold for detecting esotropia, exotropia, and hypertropia was 12.5 PD. Hypotropia had a higher threshold of 20 PD. Observer experience and model age each had a significant effect on the ability to detect strabismus. Conclusion Our study demonstrates a unique method for assessing the significance of different types and degrees of strabismus. Our findings may be used to help patients with strabismus as they consider others' perception of their ocular misalignment. Physicians can also use this information in making decisions regarding surgery.
When Can the Result of Epidemiologic Research Not Eliminate the Need To Invoke the Precautionary Principle

The precautionary principle is put to use when there is a basis for hypothesizing an impact on health from a given exposure, but available epidemiologic data do not clearly support or refute such a hypothesis. For example, in the early 1980s, prior to the availability of findings of epidemiologic research on the subject, parents may have been wise to invoke the precautionary principle in having their children wear helmets when riding bicycles. The frequency and severity of head injuries that occur during bicycle riding, together with the mechanical characteristics that helmets possess that would be expected to decrease the risk of head injury, argued that the benefit resulting from helmet use was likely to be substantial. There is no need for the precautionary principle when epidemiologic data clearly support or clearly refute a causal hypothesis. For example, the results of epidemiologic research have consistently observed that women who use oral contraceptives have an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism. Those data (together with others that bear on the plausibility of a causal connection between the two) serve as a basis for placing the increased incidence of venous thromboembolism in the evaluation of the overall risks and benefits resulting from use of this form of contraception. By the same token, numerous investigations have observed that water fluoridation is associated with a reduced prevalence of dental caries. Again, these observations (together with relevant data on the means by which fluoridation might reduce risk of dental caries), and not simply the expectation that fluoridation of water ought to have a beneficial influence in this regard, are to be considered when weighing the pros and cons of water fluoridation. In other instances, epidemiologic data clearly refute a causal hypothesis, and again in such a situation there is no need to invoke the precautionary principle. For example, although there might have been some basis for predicting that use of combination oral contraceptives could increase the incidence of endometrial and/or ovarian cancer, available data from epidemiologic studies clearly indicate that this is not the case. If anything, the incidence of these forms of cancer is reduced among women who use combination oral contraceptives. However, there are certain circumstances that may be present that prevent epidemiologic studies from providing clear support or clear refutation of a causal hypothesis:
Calculated resonance line profiles of [Mg II], [C II], and [Si IV] in the solar atmosphere

NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph space mission, launched 2013 June 27, is intended to study the structure of the solar chromosphere and the transition region between the chromosphere and corona. The spectral lines to be observed include the Mg II k line at 2796.5 A, the C II 1334.5 A line, and the Si IV line at 1393.8 A, which are formed in the middle chromosphere, the upper chromosphere, and the lower transition region, respectively. Here we calculate the profiles of these lines from four models of the solar atmosphere, intended to represent the faint and mean internetwork, a network lane, and bright network. We show how the profiles change from the center of the solar disk toward the limb of the Sun and in response to outflows and inflows. These results are intended to cover the range of expected quiet-Sun observations and assist in their interpretation. We expect that the observations will lead to improvements in the models, which can then be used to estimate the required non-radiative heating in the different regions.
Visual P3-like potentials in squirrel monkey : effects of a noradrenergic agonist

PINEDA. J. A. AND D. SWICK. Visd P3-like pofmlids in syuirrd rrmkg~: cf~~w of‘u norudrcwcr,grc~ a,q)ni.tr BRAIN RES BULL 28(3) 485-491, 1992.-Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from squirrel monkeys (Suirniri sc~iurcwc) in a 9010 visual “oddball” paradigm. A small, blue rectangle was presented every 2 s on 9Oq of the trials (background). whereas a yellow, rectangle occurred on 108 on the trials (oddball). Electrical activity time-locked to these stimulus events was recorded from epidural electrodes before and following systemic administration of the alpha-2 noradrenergic agonist clonidine (0.1 mg/kg intramuscularly, IM). Baseline data in response to oddball stimuli showed a large. P3-like potential exhibiting a fronto-central maximum along midline electrodes and a parietal maximum along lateral electrodes. A frontally dominant. long-latency, negative slow wave (SN) consistently followed this P3-like potential. Amplitudes for P3 were larger following IOR than 50~ probable oddball events. These results suggest that monkeys exhibit large, probability-sensitive P3-like potentials similar to the visual potentials reported in humans. Administration of clonidine had no effect on the amplitude. area. or latency of the monkey P3 component. This contrasts with our previous findings that the same dose of clonidine significantly decreases auditory P3s in these monkeys. Such differences may reflect distinct functional roles for norepinephrine in the processing of low-probability acoustic versus visual signals and argues against the hypothesis that norepinephrinc is a common neurotransmitter substrate for auditory and visual P3-like potentials.
Experiencing Job Burnout: The Roles of Positive and Negative Traits and States

Extending recent research efforts on the effects of personality and moods at work, this study examined the impact of personality traits and mood states in job burnout. Specifically, the field study examined the role of 2 personality traits and positive and negative moods (states) in burnout among nurses working at 2 hospitals. Results indicate that extra-version significantly predicted the diminished accomplishment component of burnout, and neuroticism significantly predicted the exhaustion and depersonalization components. Thus, the findings indicate that personality dimensions predict burnout components differentially. Further, positive moods mediated the relationship between extraversion and accomplishment, while negative moods partially mediated between neuroticism and exhaustion. Thus, moods exhibited both direct and mediating effects. Implications for management and suggestions for figure research are offered.
Risk Factors and Clinical Impact of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase–Producing K. pneumoniae

BACKGROUND Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)–producing K. pneumoniae is an emerging pathogen with serious clinical and infection control implications. To our knowledge, no study has specifically examined risk factors for KPC-producing K. pneumoniae or its impact on mortality.
Assessment of an abbreviated odorant identification task for children: a rapid screening device for schools and clinics

To validate the level of olfactory performance of children, we tested 825 volunteers, aged 4-17 years, with an abbreviated form of our pediatric odorant identification task. The test consisted of sniffing and identifying five odorants (baby powder, bubble gum, candy cane, licorice and peach). Mean olfactory scores increased as a function of age, reaching a plateau of about 94-95% correct at 8 years of age. In general, girls out-performed boys. Physicians require a test instrument such as the one we have devised to allow them to diagnose olfactory dysfunction in children. The present task is particularly applicable in screening large numbers of children in clinics or schools because it can be administered easily and rapidly. Adult subjects with olfactory dysfunction also performed poorly on this odorant identification task designed for children. Therefore, we expect that our odorant identification task will also detect children with severe olfactory dysfunction.
Evaluation of toluene exposure via drinking water on levels of regional brain biogenic monoamines and their metabolites in CD-1 mice.

Toluene, a potentially neurotoxic substance, is found in trace amounts in groundwater. Adult male CD-1 mice were continuously fed drinking water ad libitum containing 0, 17, 80, and 405 mg/liter toluene. After a 28-day treatment, animals were tested for endogenous levels of the biogenic monoamines norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) and their respective metabolites, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), in six discrete brain regions. The maximum toluene-induced increases of biogenic amines and their metabolites generally occurred at a toluene concentration of 80 mg/liter. In the hypothalamus, a major NE-containing compartment, the concentrations of NE significantly increased by 51, 63, and 34% in groups dosed with 17, 80, and 405 mg/liter, respectively. Significant increases of NE were also observed in the medulla oblongata and midbrain. Concomitantly, concentrations of VMA increased in various brain regions. Concentrations of DA were significantly higher in the corpus striatum and hypothalamus. Alterations in levels of DA metabolites, DOPAC and HVA, were marginal. Toluene significantly increased concentrations of 5-HT in all dissected brain regions, except cerebellum, and increased the 5-HIAA levels in the hypothalamus, corpus striatum, and cerebral cortex.
Correlates of Need for Cognition Total and Subscale Scores

In two samples, the total 34-item Need for Cognition scale (Cacioppo and Petty, 1982) and three subscales identified by Tanaka, Panter, and Winborne (1988) were intercorrelated and, in Study 1, cor...
Source distribution in multicellular preparations

The electrical field generated by activity in a bundle of fibers can be viewed as arising from sources distributed throughout the cross-section. A model study is presented in which the source density is calculated at various depths in a circular, cylindrical bundle of cardiac tissue using expressions derived from a bidomain model. The results show that unlike the equivalent source density of a single fiber which is uniformly distributed in the cross-section, the source density distribution in the bundle is nonuniform. For large bundles (>4 mm), the magnitude of the source strength is greatest near the axis and decreases sharply within 250 mu m of the surface. >
HER2 targeted therapy in breast cancer...beyond Herceptin

HER2, is a member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, and when overexpressed, can correlate with a particularly aggressive clinical phenotype. It is estimated in roughly 18 to 20% of breast cancer patients, there is amplification of the HER2 gene resulting in aberrant overexpression of p185HER2 protein. As such, HER2 represents an attractive therapeutic target. In this review, we explore the clinical evolution of trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody with high specificity and affinity for the HER2 extracellular domain, and additionally examine more recent efforts targeting the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of HER2 using small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Optical properties of gold/multilayer-graphene/carbon nanotube hybrid materials

Abstract Discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method was utilized to simulate optical properties (extinction spectra and normalized electric field distribution) of multilayer graphene shell encapsulated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and their heterostructures with carbon nanotube (CNT). The results were also compared with those for gold (Au) nanoparticles and CNT–Au nanoparticle heterostructures. Encapsulation of Au nanoparticle with a multilayer graphene shell in GNPs did not suppress optical properties and surface plasmons of the former. Tunable optical characteristics of GNPs were calculated that showed resonance peak wavelengths, corresponding to encapsulated Au nanoparticle, between ∼527 and ∼663 nm as a function of size and multilayer graphene shell thickness. Enhanced optical/plasmonic behavior and intense ‘hot spots’ were estimated for CNT coated with tightly-packed GNPs as compared to CNT coated with bare Au nanoparticles.