cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A reconnaissance study of halogenated organic compounds in catfish from the lower Mississippi river and its major tributaries

Abstract Blue catfish, ( ictarurus furcatus ), black bullhead catfish, ( ictalurus melas ), channel catfish ( ictalurus punctatus ), and flathead catfish ( pylodictus olivaris ), were collected along a 1200 mile river reach of the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. Tissue samples were extracted and analyzed by fused silica capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to determine the concentrations of hydrophobic organic halogenated contaminants that have bioconcentrated within the tissues. The compounds identified in the tissue include chlordane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and its metabolites along with several other chlorinated pesticides. The data indicates that the southern reach of the river system appears to be more contaminated than the middle and upper reaches of the study area.
Effect of melt spinning variables on the structure and properties of a dispersion strengthened Al-Fe-V-Si alloy

Skinner, et al, have developed a series of quaternary Al-Fe-V-Si alloys, with a view to replace titanium alloys for applications at temperatures up to 650 K. One among them is FVS 1212 (Fe-11.5%, v-1.4%, Si-2.2%, Al-bal). The structure of this alloy is essentially a dispersion of Al{sub 12} (Fe,V){sub 3} dispersoids ({alpha} particles) in aluminum matrix. Though the particles have resistance to coarsening at temperature sup to 650 K, they confer brittleness at room temperature making low-temperature fabrication of this alloy difficult. Since the flow stress is greater when the clustering increases, it may be implied that the drag increases with increase in clustering. As a corollary, dispersion of fine dispersoids, would evidently lead to lower flow stress. This indicates that if the Zener drag is reduced to a sufficiently low value by proper dispersion of fine particles, the flow stress would decrease causing a shift towards superplasticity. This provided the impetus for a basic investigation involving the relationship between the microstructure (and properties) and rapid solidification conditions, so that a desirable starting material could be prepared. It may be mentioned in this connection that the previous investigators chose the rapid solidification conditions to get ribbons varying over a narrowmore » range in thickness. Thus, the cooling rates in these investigations may be presumed to be varied over a small range. It was thus felt by the present investigators that work involving variation of the cooling rate over a larger range would probably provide additional clues for achievement of superplasticity in the dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy under consideration.« less
Excitation of Helium by Electron Impact

Excitation of helium atoms by electron impact is studied for intermediate- and high-energy electrons. Calculations of the differential cross sections for the 1S - 2 /sup 1/S transition are made by use of a one-dimensional integral representation of the scattering amplitude obtained in the Glauber approximation. Comparisons with the Born approximation and with measurements between 22 and 600 eV are presented. Several sets of ground-state and excited- state wave functions are used. The results are a distinct improvement over the Born approximation at all energies considered and arc in good agreement with the measurements above ~ 90 eV. At lower energies the Glauber predictions reproduce the qualitative features of the data. The results also show that the more- general one-dimensional integral expression for charged-particle-atom scattering amplitudes, derived earlier, can be used to perform calculations with relative ease. (auth)
Autonomous detection of cryospheric change with hyperion on-board Earth Observing-1

On-board detection of cryospheric change in sea ice, lake ice, and snow cover is being conducted as part of the Autonomous Sciencecraft Experiment (ASE), using classifiers developed for the Hyperion hyper-spectral visible/infrared spectrometer on-board the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) spacecraft. This classifier development was done with consideration for the novel limitations of on-board processing, data calibration, spacecraft targeting error and the spectral range of the instrument. During on-board tests, these algorithms were used to measure the extent of cloud, snow, and ice cover at a global suite of targets. Coupled with baseline imaging, uploaded thresholds were used to detect cryospheric changes such as the freeze and thaw of lake ice and the formation and break-up of sea ice. These thresholds were used to autonomously trigger follow-up observations, demonstrating the capability of the technique for future planetary missions where downlink is a constrained resource and there is high interest in data covering dynamic events, including cryospheric change. Before upload classifier performance was assessed with an overall accuracy of 83.3% as measured against manual labeling of 134 scenes. Performance was further assessed against field mapping conducted at Lake Mendota, Wisconsin as well as with labeling of scenes that were classified during on-board tests.
Iso-cannabispiran, a new spiro compound isolated from Panamenian variant ofCannabis sativa L.

An acidic fraction of Panamenian variant ofCannabis sativa L., afforded upon repeated chromatography a new non-cannabinoid phenol {5′-hydroxy-7′-methoxy spiro-(cyclohexane-1, 1′-indan)-4-one}Ia, named iso-cannabispiran.
Structure and properties of glasses in the MI + M2S + (0.1Ga2S3 + 0.9GeS2), M = Li, Na, K and Cs, system

Abstract The structure and properties of glasses in the MI + M 2 S + (0.1Ga 2 S 3 + 0.9GeS 2 ), M = Li, Na, K and Cs, system were studied using Raman, IR spectroscopy, DSC and density measurements to help better understand the ionic transport in these glasses. The glass forming ranges of these ternary glasses were compared to those of the binary alkali sulfide and germanium sulfide systems. The more extensive glass forming range in the Na 2 S system was used to examine the more extensive changes of structure and properties of these glasses as a function of Na 2 S content. As expected, non-bridging sulfurs (NBS) form with the addition of alkali sulfide. Unlike their oxide counterparts, however, the alkali sulfide doped glasses appear to support longer-range super-structural units. For example, evidence that the adamantine-like Ge 4 S 10 4 - structure exists in the K 2 S and Cs 2 S modified glasses is found in the Raman spectra of the glasses. The structural role of the alkali iodide addition was also explored since the addition of alkali iodide helps to improve the conductivity. For most of these glasses, as observed in many other oxide glasses, the added MI dissolves interstitially into the glass structure network without changing the alkali sulfide network structure. In 0.6Na 2 S + 0.4(0.1Ga 2 S 3 + 0.9GeS 2 ) glasses, however, the added NaI may affect the glass structure as it causes systematic changes in the frequency of the Ge–S network mode as seen in the Raman spectra.
A Large-Scale Digitizer System (Lsd) for Charge and Time Digitization in High-Energy Physics Experiments

A large-scale digitizer (LSD) system for acquiring charge and time-of-arrival particle data from high-energy-physics experiments has been developed at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. The objective in this development was to significantly reduce the cost of instrumenting large-detector arrays which, for the 4?-geometry of colliding-beam experiments, are proposed with an order of magnitude increase in channel count over previous detectors. In order to achieve the desired economy (~ $65 per channel), a system was designed in which a number of control signals for conversion, for digitization, and for readout are shared in common by all the channels in each 128-channel bin. This paper describes the overall-system concept, and the distribution of control signals that are critical to the 10-bit charge resolution and to the 12-bit time resolution. Also described is the bit-serial transfer scheme, chosen for its low component and cabling costs.
Zone-center (q=0) optical phonons in CuO studied by Raman and infrared spectroscopy.

Etude des monocristaux de CuO par diffusion Raman polarisee et par reflexion IR. La theorie des groupes predit neuf vibrations optiques, dont trois sont actives en Raman (Ag+2Bg) et six (3Au et 3Bu) sont actives en infrarouge. Observation de ces neuf frequences. Modelisation des spectres de la reflexion infrarouge par une methode de la fonction dielectrique a trois parametres modifiee, adaptee a un cristal monoclinique. Les neuf frequences optiques du centre de zone (q=o) sont ajustees par un modele de la dynamique reticulaire base sur la methode de la matrice FG de Wilson
Extraction and purification of 1H, 2H, and isotope hybrid algal cytochrome, ferredoxin and flavoprotein

Abstract Cytochrome c, ferredoxin, and phytoflavin, three low molecular weight, thermally stable proteins, have been isolated from the thermophilic alga Synechococcus lividus grown in both 1H2O and 2H2O. The isolation, purification, and physical properties of these three proteins are given in detail and their utility for magnetic resonance studies is described.
Lab on a chip fluorescence measurements — From single biomolecules to testing standards

Faint fluorescent signals from within lab on a chip devices may be overwhelmed by autofluorescent background noise from nearby surfaces and bulk materials. This measurement challenge becomes increasingly relevant as plastic chips are commercialized and standardized.
Regulation of Transcriptional Networks by PKC Isozymes: Identification of c-Rel as a Key Transcription Factor for PKC-Regulated Genes.

Background Activation of protein kinase C (PKC), a family of serine-threonine kinases widely implicated in cancer progression, has major impact on gene expression. In a recent genome-wide analysis of prostate cancer cells we identified distinctive gene expression profiles controlled by individual PKC isozymes and highlighted a prominent role for PKCδ in transcriptional activation. Principal findings Here we carried out a thorough bioinformatics analysis to dissect transcriptional networks controlled by PKCα, PKCδ, and PKCe, the main diacylglycerol/phorbol ester PKCs expressed in prostate cancer cells. Despite the remarkable differences in the patterns of transcriptional responsive elements (REs) regulated by each PKC, we found that c-Rel represents the most frequent RE in promoters regulated by all three PKCs. In addition, promoters of PKCδ-regulated genes were particularly enriched with REs for CREB, NF-E2, RREB, SRF, Oct-1, Evi-1, and NF-κB. Most notably, by using transcription factor-specific RNAi we were able to identify subsets of PKCδ-regulated genes modulated by c-Rel and CREB. Furthermore, PKCδ-regulated genes condensed under the c-Rel transcriptional regulation display significant functional interconnections with biological processes such as angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and cell motility. Conclusion/significance Our study identified candidate transcription factors in the promoters of PKC regulated genes, in particular c-Rel was found as a key transcription factor in the control of PKCδ-regulated genes. The deconvolution of PKC-regulated transcriptional networks and their nodes may greatly help in the identification of PKC effectors and have significant therapeutics implications.
Single motherhood by choice: A parenting alternative

The experience of single motherhood by choice has become more prevalent in the last twenty years and yet the literature reveals a dirth of information about this parenting style. This article delineates the experience of choosing single motherhood utilizing artificial insemination by donor. Several issues are examined: (a) emotional factors and personality characteristics of the mother, (b) physiological factors related to artificial insemination, (c) ethical and legal considerations of artificial insemination and single motherhood, and (d) various economic concerns related to single motherhood.
Impact of Base Analogues within a CpG Dinucleotide on the Binding of DNA by the Methyl-Binding Domain of MeCP2 and Methylation by DNMT1

The epigenetic control of transcription requires the selective recognition of methylated CpG dinucleotides by methylation-sensitive sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. In order to probe the mechanism of selective interaction of the methyl-binding protein with methylated DNA, we have prepared a series of oligonucleotides containing modified purines and pyrimidines at the recognition site, and we have examined the binding of these oligonucleotides to the methyl-binding domain (MBD) of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Our results suggest that pyrimidine 5-substituents similar in size to a methyl group facilitate protein binding; however, binding affinity does not correlate with the hydrophobicity of the substituent, and neither the 4-amino group of 5-methylcytosine (mC) nor Watson-Crick base pair geometry is essential for MBD binding. However, 5-substituted uracil analogues in one strand do not direct human DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) methylation of the opposing strand, as does mC. Important recognition elements do include the guanine O6 and N7 atoms present in the major groove. Unexpectedly, removal of the guanine 2-amino group from the minor groove substantially enhances MBD binding, likely resulting from DNA bending at the substitution site. The enhanced binding of the MBD to oligonucleotides containing several cytosine analogues observed here is better explained by a DNA-protein interface mediated by structured water as opposed to hydrophobic interactions.
Non-destructive chromatographic indicator for (and quantitative analysis in) the paper chromatography of carbohydrate compounds convertible to barium salts

Abstract The scope of application of Thorin as a chromatographic indicator has been investigated for various barium salts and has been found useful in column, paper and thin-layer chromatography. A procedure based on the use of Thorin is described for quantitative analysis in paper chromatography.
CAMEL DONGA METEORITE, A NEW EUCRITE FROM THE NULLARBOR PLAIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Twelve stones, ranging up to 504 g (total weight 2.92 kg), of a very fresh eucrite have been collected from a 1 km2 area on the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia. The location is approximately 75 km N6°E from Nurina Siding on the Trans-Australian Railway; coordinates 30°19′S, 126°37′E. This eucrite consists almost entirely of pyroxene (mean composition Wo 16 Fs 49) and plagioclase (mean composition An 85) in approximate proportions 3: 2, with 2% almost pure Fe metal and accessory amounts of troilite, ilmenite, and an SiO2 phase. Gabbroic and doleritic clasts are present in a groundmass of comminuted pyroxene and plagioclase. The chemical composition (weight per cent) is: SiO2 49.53, TiO2 0.74, Al2O3 12.49, Cr2O3 0.33, FeO 16.07, MnO 0.56, MgO 6.31, CaO 10.41, Na2O 0.49, K2O 0.04, P2O5 < 0.01, H2O + < 0.1, H2O — 0.07, Fe metal 2.07, Ni < 0.01, Co < 0.01, FeS 0.19, C 0.03, sum 99.33.
Dolomitization of Fossiliferous Siliciclastic Sediments in Salisbury Embayment: ABSTRACT

Bioclastic, medium-grained sand beds in the Chesapeake Group formations (Miocene) of Maryland and Virginia, contain abundant intergranular dolomite and calcite cement. The sand beds are dominated by fairly well-sorted subrounded quartz grains (mean grain size approximately 250 µm), molluscan-shell debris, and variable amounts of mud and iron oxides that coat many of the grains. The surfaces of the quartz grains surrounded by carbonate cement are etched and pitted, indicating high pH conditions within the diagenetic environment. Initially abundant primary porosity and permeability may be completely filled with diagenetic equant calcite spar and/or rhombic dolomite. However, shell material may be completely dissolved by this process, creating a conspicuous secondary po osity. Dolomitization appears to be stratigraphically controlled by impermeable silty clay layers, above and below the sandy beds, which confine the diagenetic fluids to these zones. Though calcitization appears to be more variable, it also seems to be stratigraphically controlled. Preliminary 13C and 18O results indicate that the dolomite and calcite cements are in isotopic equilibrium, and a 14C-age determination suggests that dolomitization began less than 30,000 yr ago. The abundant presence of limpid dolomite suggests a fresh or brackish water origin for these cements, and the presence of ferroan dolomite may indicate an organic influence in the dolomitization process. The confinement of diagenetic fluids in thin (1-2 m) permeable sand layers may induce the concentration of the necessary available cations to initiate dolomitization. End_of_Article - Last_Page 302------------
Defining web ethics

The design of Web browsers has resulted in a transfer of power to Web users and developers who often lack an ethical framework in which to act. For example, the technology makes it simple to copy and use other people’s Web page formatting without their permission. The author argues that we need to educate more people about ethical Web practices, and the author asks for “rules of the road” which amateurs and professionals can understand and follow. This article discusses four areas of concern about Web development: the browser wars, information storage and retrieval, access for the handicapped, and cookies. For teachers, there are suggestions on how to use browsers to help students learn about Web ethics.
On the Mechanism of Alleviation by Phenobarbital of the Malfunction of an Epilepsy-Linked GABAA Receptor†

A mechanism for the alleviation of the malfunction of a mutated (γ2K289M) epilepsy-linked γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter receptor by phenobarbital is presented. Compared to the wild-type receptor, the GABA-induced current is considerably reduced in the mutated (α1β2γ2K289M) epilepsy-linked GABAA receptor [Baulac, S., Huberfeld, G., Gurfinkel-An, I., Mitropoulou, G., Beranger, A., Prud'homme, J. F., Baulac, M., Brice, A., Bruzzone, R., and LeGuer, E. (2001) Nat. Genet. 28, 46−48]. This is due to an impaired GABA-induced equilibrium between the closed- and open-channel forms of the receptor [Ramakrishnan, L., and Hess, G. P. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 7534−7540]. We report that a barbiturate anticonvulsant, phenobarbital, alleviates the effect of this mutation. Transient kinetic techniques with a millisecond-to-microsecond time resolution and the wild-type and mutated receptors recombinantly expressed in mammalian HEK293T cells were used. The efficacy of phenobarbital in potentiating currents elic...
Heart-Rate-Corrected QT Interval Evolution in Premature Infants During the First Week of Life

Automated monitoring of the QT interval is increasingly common in a variety of clinical settings. A better understanding of how the heart-rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) evolves in early postnatal life is needed before its clinical utility in neonates can be determined. This study aimed to use real-time bedside monitoring as a tool to describe the QTc evolution of premature neonates during the first week of life. All neonates born at a gestation age (GA) of 31 weeks or later and admitted to the level 2 intensive care nursery of the authors’ institution between December 2012 and March 2013 were included in this study. The authors prospectively collected QTc values at 15-min intervals during the first week of life, then used two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare these data among three GA cohorts: 31 to <34 weeks (cohort A), 34 to <37 weeks (cohort B), and ≥37 weeks (cohort C). All the cohorts demonstrated a statistically significant decline in the 24-h average QTc during the first 3–4 days of life before reaching a stable baseline. No diurnal variation in the QTc was identified in any of the study patients. Marked variability and a progressive decline in the QTc of premature neonates occur during the first 3–4 days of life. Understanding this phenomenon is imperative when screening programs for the early detection of QT prolongation are considered.
Viral acylproteins: greasing the wheels of assembly

Viruses take advantage of the host's protein modification and targeting pathways to modify their own proteins and to ensure that they assume active configurations and locate appropriately for assembly. In many viruses, one recurrent theme in such processes is exploitation of cellular protein acylation pathways for the addition of myristic and palmitic acid to capsid or envelope proteins.
Bak/bax-dependent Apoptotic Signaling In Vdac2-/- Cells

Bid, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, upon activation forms truncated Bid (tBid) that binds to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) and engages Bak/Bax-dependent release of cytochrome c (cyto c) and other intermembrane space proteins from mitochondria to the cytosol to induce apoptosis. The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is the major permeability pathway for metabolites and ions in the OMM but its role in the tBid-induced OMM permeabilization remains controversial. Previously we reported that among the VDAC isoform-specific knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), only VDAC2-/- MEFs lack tBid induced complete cyto c release and loss of ΔΨm. Here we show by single cell fluorescence imaging that permeabilized VDAC2-/- MEFs expressing cyto c-GFP were resistant to tBid (37nM)-induced cyto c-GFP release. Furthermore, by rescuing VDAC2-/- MEFs with VDAC2 the tBid-induced cyto c-GFP release was restored. In addition, tBid adenovirus infection caused less cell death in intact VDAC2-/- MEFs than in wildtype (WT) MEFs. It has been reported that VDAC2 is required for proper targeting of Bak in OMM. Indeed, Bak did not appear in the membrane fraction of VDAC2-/- MEFs. Along this line we show that permeabilized Bak-/- cells were more resistant to tBid induced cyto c release and loss of ΔΨm than WT and Bax-/- MEFs. Strikingly, washout of the cytosol further desensitized the Bak-/- MEFs to tBid. Unlike VDAC2-/- MEFs, the Bak-/- MEFs constitutively overexpressed Bax that was primarily localized in the cytosol. However, recombinant Bax (200nM) could induce cyto c release and depolarization in VDAC2-/- MEFs and also supported the tBid-induced cyto c release. Thus, in VDAC2-/- cells Bak does not localize to the mitochondria and fails to interact with tBid and does not allow a compensatory increase in Bax. The combination of these two mechanisms greatly attenuates tBid-induced OMM permeabilization and apoptosis.
High-sensitivity material systems for two-photon three-dimensional microfabrication

A photoacid generator (PAG) is described that can be efficiently activated by two-photon excitation and can be used for high-sensitivity three-dimensional micro-patterning of acid-sensitive media. The molecule has been specifically engineered to have both a large peak two-photon absorption cross section (δ = 690 x 10-50 cm4 s photon-1 at 705 nm) and a high quantum yield for the photochemical generation of acid (φH+ ≈ 0.5). Under near-infrared laser irradiation, the PAG produces acid subsequent to two-photon excitation and initiates the polymerization of epoxides. The PAG was used in conjunction with the epoxide resist SU-8 for negative-tone three-dimensional microfabrication and was incorporated into a specially formulated chemically amplified resist for positive-tone fabrication of a three-dimensional grating structure. These material systems expand the potential of three-dimensional microfabrication as a tool for manufacturing micro-electromechanical systems, micro-fluidics, and micro-optical structures.
Expression of the protease inhibitor ecotin and its co-crystallization with trypsin.

Abstract We have expressed the serine protease inhibitor ecotin to high levels (greater than 400 mg/l of cell culture) in its natural mileau, the Escherichia coli periplasm, using the endogenous signal peptide and the heterologous tac promoter. After induction, functional, soluble ecotin comprises 15% of total cellular protein. This expression system has facilitated initiation of a crystallographic study to determine the structural basis for inhibition of the pancreatic serine proteases by ecotin. Ecotin was co-crystallized with rat trypsin mutant D102N. Preliminary crystallographic analysis of co-crystals showed that they diffract to at least 2.7 A, and indicate that they belong to the monoclinic space group, P 2 1 . The cell constants are a = 52.0 A , b = 93.3 A , c = 160.7 A , and β = 96 ° . Four molecules each of trypsin and ecotin are found in the asymmetric unit.
In vivo volumetric imaging of human retinal circulation with phase-variance optical coherence tomography

We present in vivo volumetric images of human retinal micro-circulation using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (Fd-OCT) with the phase-variance based motion contrast method. Currently fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) is the standard technique in clinical settings for visualizing blood circulation of the retina. High contrast imaging of retinal vasculature is achieved by injection of a fluorescein dye into the systemic circulation. We previously reported phase-variance optical coherence tomography (pvOCT) as an alternative and non-invasive technique to image human retinal capillaries. In contrast to FA, pvOCT allows not only noninvasive visualization of a two-dimensional retinal perfusion map but also volumetric morphology of retinal microvasculature with high sensitivity. In this paper we report high-speed acquisition at 125 kHz A-scans with pvOCT to reduce motion artifacts and increase the scanning area when compared with previous reports. Two scanning schemes with different sampling densities and scanning areas are evaluated to find optimal parameters for high acquisition speed in vivo imaging. In order to evaluate this technique, we compare pvOCT capillary imaging at 3x3 mm2 and 1.5x1.5 mm2 with fundus FA for a normal human subject. Additionally, a volumetric view of retinal capillaries and a stitched image acquired with ten 3x3 mm2 pvOCT sub-volumes are presented. Visualization of retinal vasculature with pvOCT has potential for diagnosis of retinal vascular diseases.
Preprocessing of Signals from Bar-Coded Silicon Using a Microprocessor

Bar code is a useful method of data entry in an automated environment. The method is very popular in normal label reading (paper label with black bars on white background) because of it simplicity. However, for materials where the contrast is not good, such as silicon, the signal processing becomes more complex. This paper describes a signal-processing technique developed to measure the widths of the bars and spaces and classify them according to width sizes based on a Nearest Neighbor (NN) approach. The classified data can then be decoded to give the equivalent alphanumeric representation of the code.
Information Needs, Seeking Behaviors, and Support Among Low-Income Expectant Women

Previous studies have consistently found associations between low income and infant health outcomes. Moreover, although health information-seeking is a maternal behavior related to improved health outcomes, little is known about the health information-seeking behaviors and information needs of low-income pregnant women. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the information needs, information-seeking behaviors, and perceived informational support of low-income pregnant women. Accordingly, the study recruited 63 expectant women enrolled in a subsidized prenatal care program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during two time periods: March-May 2011 and October-December 2011. Results indicated that participants relied heavily upon interpersonal sources of information, especially family and the father of the baby; rarely used the Internet for health-related information; and desired information beyond infant and maternal health, such as finding jobs and accessing community/government resources. Participants who used family members as primary sources of information also had significantly increased levels of perceived informational support and reduced uncertainty about pregnancy. Our findings have implications for the dissemination of pregnancy-related health information among low-income expectant women.
Effect of Pressure on Ordered Structures and Phase Transitions in Cu-Au Alloys:Comments

The relative stability of a long period superlattice over the ordinary superlattice (or a long period superlattice with infinite period) decreases as the period M becomes larger and vice versa. The pressure dependence of the phase relations of superstructures of a Cu–51 a/o Au alloy observed by H. Iwasaki and co-workers is compared with related observations dealing with the relative stability of these two types of superlattices in the light of the above relation.
Evolution of satellite resonances by tidal dissipation.

Analysis of a realistic model shows how satellites' gravitational interaction can halt their differential tidal evolution when resonant commensurabilities of their orbital periods are reached. The success of this study lends support to the hypothesis that orbit-orbit resonances among satellites in the solar system, including the Titan-Hyperion case, did evolve as a result of tidal energy dissipation. Consideration of the time scale for this evolution process, possible now that the capture mechanism has been revealed, can offer more sophisticated constraints on the tidal dissipation function, Q, and on past orbital conditions.
Immunohistochemical studies on electron transport proteins associated with cythochromes P-450 in steroidogenic tissues II. Microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in the rat adrenal

Abstract NADPH-cytochrome c reductase (NADPH : ferricytochrome oxido-reductase, EC 1.6.2.4), the flavoprotein which mediates the NADPH-dependent reduction of cytochromes P -450 in adrenocortical microsomes, has been localized immunohistochemically at the light microscopic level in rat adrenal glands. Localization was achieved through the use of sheep antiserum procued against purified, trypsin-solubilized rat hepatic microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in both an unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase techniques and an indirect fluorecent antibody method. The sheep antibody to rat hepatic microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase concomitantly inhibited the NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and progesterone 21-hydroxylase activities catalyzed by isolated rat adrenal microsomes. When sections of rat adrenal glands were exposed to the reductase antiserum in both immunohistochemical procedures, positive staining for NADPH-cytochrome c reductase was observed in parenchymal cells of the three cortical zones but not in medullary chromaffin cells. The intensity of staining, however, was found to differ among the three cortical zones, with the most intense staining being found in the zona fasciculata and the least in the zona glomerulosa. The intensity of staining was also found differ among cells within the zona fasciculata. These immunohistochemical observations demonstrate that microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase is not distributed uniformly throughout the rat adrenal cortex.
Brain Extracellular Matrix in Neurodegeneration

The role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in neurological development, function and degeneration has evolved from a simplistic physical adhesion to a system of intricate cellular signaling. While most cells require ECM adhesion to survive, it is now clear that differentiated function is intimately dependent upon cellular interaction with the ECM. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ECM is increasingly found to be involved in the enigmatic process of neurodegeneration. Descriptive studies of human neurodegenerative disorders and experimental studies of animal models of neurodegeneration have begun to define potential mechanisms of ECM disruption that can lead to synaptic and neuronal loss.
Divertor design for the tokamak physics experiment

In this paper we discuss the present divertor design for the planned TPX tokamak, which will explore the physics and technology of steady-state (1000s pulses) heat and particle removal in high confinement (2--4{times} L-mode), high beta ({beta}{sub N} {ge} 3) divertor plasmas sustained by non-inductive current drive. The TPX device will operate in the double-null divertor configuration, with actively cooled graphite targets forming a deep (0.5 m) slot at the outer strike point. The peak heat flux on, the highly tilted (74{degrees} from normal) re-entrant (to recycle ions back toward the separatrix) will be in the range of 4--6 MW/m{sup 2} with 18 MW of neutral beams and RF heating power. The combination of active pumping and gas puffing (deuterium plus impurities), along with higher heating power (45 MW maximum) will allow testing of radiative divertor concepts at ITER-like power densities.
Relative importance of certain variables in the clinical determination of blood pressure.

T HERE are four variables which have an effect on the indirectly determined blood pressure in the brachid artery of man which have been brought to the attention of the clinician in recent years. They are: the position,2-” the venous content,3,4 the thickness,‘j and the location (right or left)7 of the arm. The importance of these factors does not seem to have been stressed sufficiently, for there is still a clinical tendency toascribe significance to changes in blood pressure easily attributable to the error of measurement inherent in the sphygmomanometric method. It is the purpose of this paper to reemphasize these common causes of variance with the method and to add a few observations especially on the relative importance of position and venous content.
Lack of efficacy of 9-aminocamptothecin in adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme and recurrent high-grade astrocytoma

9-Aminocamptothecin (9-AC) was administered as a 72-h i.v. infusion every 2 weeks to a total of 99 adults with high-grade astrocytomas. Fifty-one patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme received 9-AC treatment prior to radiation therapy and 48 patients with high-grade astrocytomas were treated at the time of tumor recurrence. Upon entrance into these research protocols, all patients had measurable disease that was evaluated on a monthly basis with volumetric CT or MRI scans. A partial response was defined by > or =50% reduction in the contrast enhancing volume on stable or decreasing doses of glucocorticoids. The study specified that all apparent responders would have central review of their radiologic studies and histopathology. The initial patients treated with 9-AC were also receiving anticonvulsants and were noted to have minimal myelosuppression with this chemotherapy. Thus, 9-AC doses were escalated from the previously reported maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 850 microg/m2/24 h. We then established new MTDs for patients receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants. We defined these MTDs to be 1,776 microg/m2/24 h for newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients and 1,611 microg/m2/24 h for patients with recurrent disease. Twenty-two patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme received 9-AC at doses > or =1,776 microg/m2/24 h. Of these, 18 had evaluable disease on central review, and 0 of 18 (0%) demonstrated a partial or complete response. Twenty-one patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytomas were treated at 1,611 microg/m2/24 h; 20 had evaluable disease and 0 of 20 (0%) had a partial or complete response. Thus, the overall response rate in the 38 evaluable patients treated at the MTD was 0 of 38 (0%). Furthermore, of the 51 evaluable patients who were treated at doses less than the MTD, only one partial response was observed, yielding an overall response rate of 2%. Evidence of drug failure was rapid with tumor progression in one-half of patients after 2 drug cycles. 9-AC lacks evidence of substantial activity in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent high-grade astrocytomas.
TeraGrid resource selection tools: a road test

On a grid of computers, users often must decide between individual machines for job submission. Usually, the goal is to minimize time-to-completion. Several tools are available on TeraGrid to help users make this decision. In this paper, we use these tools to perform actual job submissions on TeraGrid machines. We evaluate the time-to-job-start effectiveness of these tools.
Subdirectly irreducible and free Kleene-Stone algebras

A Kleene-Stone algebra is a bounded distributive lattice with two unary operations that make it a Kleene and a Stone algebra. In this paper, we determine all subdirectly irreducible Kleene-Stone algebras, and describe the free Kleene-Stone algebra on a finite set of generators as a product of certain free Kleene algebras endowed with a Stone negation.
Crucial Role of Interleukin-1 β and Nitric Oxide Synthase in Silica-induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in Mice

Crystalline silica stimulates macrophages in vitro to release interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and nitric oxide (NO) and induces apoptosis of macrophages. Because the fibrogenic potential of a particulate paralleled its ability to induce apoptosis in macrophages, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by which IL-1beta and NO mediate apoptosis and inflammation in murine silicosis. First, we demonstrated that silica induced NO production and apoptosis in vitro using the IC-21 macrophage cell line. Both NO release and apoptosis could be inhibited by neutralizing anti-IL-1beta antibody or the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), demonstrating the requirement for IL-1beta-mediated NO release in silica-induced apoptosis. We exposed IL-1beta knockout (IL-1beta(-/-)) mice, inducible NOS knockout (iNOS(-/-)) mice, and wild-type mice to 250 mg/m(3) silica for 5 h/d for 10 d using an inhalation chamber. Exposure of wild-type mice to silica resulted in lung inflammation, apoptosis, and significantly larger and more numerous silicotic lesions than in IL-1beta(-/-) mice over a 12-wk course. We also exposed iNOS(-/-) mice via inhalation in the same protocol and compared with wild-type mice and demonstrated that iNOS(-/-) mice had significantly reduced apoptosis and inflammation. These results demonstrated an association between apoptosis and inflammation in murine silicosis and support a potential role for IL-1beta-dependent NO-mediated apoptosis in the evolution of silicosis.
Synthesis and evaluation of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphoric acid analogues as alternate substrates for methylerythritol phosphate synthase.

Four deoxyxylulose phosphate (DXP) analogues were synthesized and evaluated as substrates/inhibitors for methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) synthase. In analogues CF3-DXP (1), CF2-DXP (2), and CF-DXP...
GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION AMONG HOST‐ASSOCIATED POPULATIONS OF THE GALLMAKER EUROSTA SOLIDAGINIS (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Eurosta solidaginis, a gallmaking tephritid (Diptera), infests at least two species of Solidago in the eastern United States. We used horizontal starch gel electrophoresis of enzymes to examine whether populations on the two principal host plant species, Solidago altissima and S. gigantea, have diverged genetically. At the d-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) locus, the predominant allele in all nine populations from S. altissima (HBDH1.00 ) was absent or uncommon in all but 1 of the 12 populations from S. gigantea. At the phosphoglucomutase locus (PGM), the most common allele in all populations was PGM1.00 , but the frequency of this allele was, with one exception, higher in populations from S. gigantea than in populations from S. altissima. Genetic heterozygosity was usually greater in populations from S. altissima (H = 0.028) than in populations from S. gigantea (H = 0.009). A phylogenetic tree derived from a genetic distance matrix clustered gallmaker populations from the same host plant together.
Identification of dimethylbenzimidazole axial coordination and characterization of (14)N superhyperfine and nuclear quadrupole coupling in Cob(II)alamin bound to ethanolamine deaminase in a catalytically-engaged substrate radical-Cobalt(II) biradical state

Cobalt(II)-(14)N superhyperfine and (14)N nuclear quadrupole couplings in cryotrapped free and ethanolamine deaminase-bound cob(II)alamin have been characterized in the disordered solid state by using X-band electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy. Enzyme-bound cob(II)alamin was cryotrapped after formation by substrate-initiated, thermally activated cleavage of the cobalt-carbon bond of adenosylcobalamin. Free dimethylbenzimidazole axial base-on cob(II)alamin was formed by photolysis of the corresponding adenosylcobalamin and cryotrapped in glycerol-aqueous glass. Three-pulse ESEEM experiments were performed by using microwave pulse excitation at the g( perpendicular) value of Co(II) at magnetic field values of 287.0 and 345.0 mT and over a range of tau values from 227 to 1316 ns. Two common sets of (14)N features are distinguished in the ESEEM spectra. One set is assigned to the remote (N1) nitrogen in the dimethylbenzimidazole alpha-axial ligand by using two independent approaches: (a) comparison of ESEEM from cob(II)alamin with ESEEM from cob(II)inamide-ligand model compounds and (b) from the correspondence between the N1 (14)N nuclear quadrupole parameters derived from ESEEM simulations and those computed by using density functional theory. The second set is assigned to the corrin ring (14)N nuclei. The results identify the coenzyme's on-board dimethylbenzimidazole moiety as the alpha-axial ligand to cob(II)alamin in ethanolamine deaminase in the substrate radical-Co(II) biradical catalytic intermediate state. Thus, Co(II) is a pentacoordinate, alpha-axial liganded complex during turnover. We infer that dimethylbenzimidazole is also the alpha-axial ligand to the intact coenzyme in the resting enzyme. A 14% increase in the isotropic hyperfine coupling of the remote dimethylbenzimidazole (14)N nucleus in enzyme-bound versus free base-on cob(II)alamin shows an enhanced delocalization of unpaired spin density from Co(II) onto the axial ligand, which would contribute to the acceleration of the cobalt-carbon bond cleavage rate in situ.
An analysis of some perceptual effects of morphine, chlorpromazine, and LSD

Male albino rats were trained to detect either a pure tone or a weak footshock embedded in white noise by utilizing a discrete-trial two-choice, successive discrimination procedure. The effects of morphine, chlorpromazine (CPZ), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were then analyzed on several measures of performance. Morphine (2.5--10 mg/kg) produced a nonspecific decrease in accuracy of discrimination on trials when the stimulus was presented as well as on trials when no stimulus occurred. Morphine was also followed by dose-dependent decreased in speed to initiate trials and by increases in intersubject variability. CPZ (1.0--4.0 mg/kg) caused a decrease in accuracy only on no-stimulus trials and, like morphine decreased speed to initiate trials. LSD (0.04--0.16 mg/kg/ decreased overall accuracy in a nonspecific manner (i.e., when shock and tone discriminations were considered together) and decreased speed by producing periods of nonresponding.
Talmudic lattice path counting

Consider all planar walks, with positive unit steps (1, 0) and (0, 1), from the origin (0, 0) to a given point (a, b). Let L be the line joining the beginning to the end, i.e., the line b x a y = 0. Call the region below L "downtown," and the region above L "uptown," the line L being the border-line between downtown and uptown. Each such walk has a + b 1 points, not counting the endpoints. For i = 0 , . . . , a + b 1, let W~ be the set of walks with "exactly" i points downtown and "exactly" a + b 1 i points uptown. H o w do we treat those walks that have some points o n L ? If there are i points downtown and j points on L, then each of the sets IV,,., W~+1,... , W/+ i has equal claim to this walk. If it is possible to
Empirical Data from Oort’s Cloud

Empirical evidence about the size and the origin of the Oort’s cloud of comets is confronted with theories about its origin. The slow diffusion of the orbits of the “new” comets into the inner solar system implies a redefinition of the concept of “new” comet. A gradual transfer of orbital angular momentum occurs from the planets to the comets as the comets grow older on shorter period orbits. The observed retrograde to prograde ratio of the new comets is difficult to explain. Either it comes from a poorly understood observational bias, or from a neglected secular action of the Galaxy, or it implies a recent asymmetrical perturbation of the Oort’s cloud (less than 10–20 million years ago). The grazing incidence of a giant molecular cloud or an exceptionally close stellar passage would introduce such an asymmetry; this would also be true for the unseen hypothetical stellar companion of the Sun recently invoked to explain the periodicity of the geological extinction of species through violent cometary showers.
A study of open dielectric waveguide problems using the generalized integral equation method

Summary form only given. A formulation that can be applied to 2-D and 3-D open dielectric waveguide problems was discussed. This method transforms complex problems to simplified equivalent planar ones, which are then solved using known planar integral equation techniques. The electric field in the dielectric waveguide is expressed in terms of a volume polarization dipole moment, from which a planar polarization dipole moment is defined. Generalized boundary conditions on the surface of the dielectric waveguide are enforced to make the introduced planar dipole moment equivalent to the original volume polarization dipole moment. In this manner, a simplified planar integral equation is derived, which is then solved in the spectral domain to provide very satisfactory results. This formulation was applied to a variety of infinite as well as finite dielectric slab waveguides. >
DNA hypermethylation regulates the expression of members of the Mu-class Glutathione-S-Transferases and Glutathione Peroxidases in Barrett's adenocarcinoma

Background: The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent oxidative DNA damage underlie the development of Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) and its progression to Barrett’s dysplasia (BD) and adenocarcinoma (BAC). Methods: The promoter regions of 23 genes of the glutathione S -transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) families were systematically analysed. Quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing, real-time RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis methods were utilised in this study. Results: 14 genes were identified that have CpG islands around their transcription start sites: GSTs ( GSTM2–M5 , GSTA4 , GSTP1 , GSTZ1 , GSTT2 , GSTO1 and GSTO2 ) and GPXs ( GPX1 , GPX3 , GPX4 and GPX7 ). Analysis of an initial set of 20 primary samples demonstrated promoter DNA hypermethylation and mRNA downregulation of GPX3 , GPX7 , GSTM2 , GSTM3 and GSTM5 in more than half of the BAC samples. Further analysis of 159 primary human samples (37 normal, 11 BO, 11 BD and 100 BACs) indicated frequent hypermethylation (⩾10% methylation) of GPX3 (62%), GPX7 (67%), GSTM2 (69.1%) and GSTM3 (15%) in BACs. A significant inverse correlation between DNA methylation and mRNA expression level was shown for GPX3 (p GPX7 (p = 0.002), GSTM2 (p GSTM5 (p = 0.01). Treatment of oesophageal cancer cell lines with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine and trichostatin-A led to reversal of the methylation pattern and re-expression of these genes at the mRNA and protein levels. The IHC analysis of GPX3, GPX7 and GSTM2 on a tissue microarray that contained 75 BACs with normal squamous oesophageal samples demonstrated an absent to weak staining in tumours (52% for GPX3, 57% for GPX7 and 45% for GSTM2) and a moderate to strong immunostaining in normal samples. Conclusion: Epigenetic inactivation of members of the glutathione pathway can be an important mechanism in Barrett’s tumourigenesis.