cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of porous structure and surface functionality on the mercury capacity of a fly ash carbon and its activated sample

Abstract The effect of porous structure and surface functionality on the mercury capacity of a fly ash carbon and its activated sample has been investigated. The samples were tested for mercury adsorption using a fixed‐bed with a simulated flue gas. The activated fly ash carbon sample has lower mercury capacity than its precursor fly ash carbon (0.23 vs. 1.85 mg/g), although its surface area is around 15 times larger, 863 vs. 53 m 2 /g. It was found that oxygen functionality and the presence of halogen species on the surface of fly ash carbons may promote mercury adsorption, while the surface area does not seem to have a significant effect on their mercury capacity.
Neuronal changes in fetal cortex transplanted to ischemic adult rat cortex

Fetal cortex from 16- and 17-day-old embryonic rats was transplanted into the parietal cortex of 12 adult rats rendered ischemic by temporary intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Ischemic injury in the host cortex adjacent to all nine surviving transplants was demonstrated with hematoxylin and eosin and cresyl violet strains. Nicotidamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemical studies revealed a normal number of NADPH-d-positive neurons, whereas acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining revealed many more AChE-positive neurons in the transplants compared to the host parietal cortex. This could be due to: 1) selective survival of AChE neurons in the transplants compared to the host cortex; 2) increased expression of AChE in transplanted neurons; 3) induction of AChE in normally AChE-negative neurons; or 4) decreased transport of the AChE enzyme from the perikarya to fibers in surviving transplanted neurons. Many fibers positive for AChE and NADPH-d crossed between the host and transplant, although fiber density in the transplants was less than in normal host cortex. These results should encourage future investigation of whether similar transplants improve neurological function following experimental stroke.
The Feasibility of Urokinase Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Seventeen patients with early acute myocardial infarction were treated with urokinase to determine the feasibility of administration of this drug to acutely ill patients. Before the institution of urokinase therapy, 15 patients had complications of myocardial infarction, including arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, intractable pain, shock and cardiac arrest. Hemorrhage was the only significant complication of urokinase therapy; it occurred in 3 patients but necessitated the discontinuation of urokinase administration in only 1. It was feasible to administer urokinase to acutely ill patients with myocardial infarction without compromising the usual care given these patients.
The buried bumper syndrome: a new technique for safe, endoscopic PEG removal.

two pa t ien ts experiencing significant bleeding. Because of the foreign body response of the gastric mucosa, the t issue surrounding the bur ied b u m p e r is mos t likely hyperemic . In spite of this, our bleeding ra tes were low; p robab ly because of the cauterizing effect of the needle knife as it cuts the tissue. Free per fora t ion into the per i toneal cavity, while theoret ical ly possible, is unl ikely because the fistula created by the feeding tube walls off the insert ion site f rom the per i toneal cavity.
AGP Propagator calculations

The use of the antisymmetrized geminal power (AGP) consistent reference state for RPA polarization propagator calculations is explored. Illustrative applications to the three lowest electronic states (3B1, 1A1, and 1B1) of the methylene radical are reported with comparisons to other theoretical methods and experiment.
Separation of Follicle Stimulating and Luteinizing Hormones from Urine of Eunuchs

A concentrate (fraction B) of human pituitary gonadotropin (HPG) prepared from the urine of eunuchs was separated into 2 fractions, one containing most of the urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the other containing most of the luteinizing hormone (LH). This separation was accomplished by batch adsorption on diethylaminoethylcellulose in 0.6% ammonium acetate at pH 8.0. Most of the LH was not retained by the cellulose. The specific activity of this nonretained or LH fraction was 42 IU LH/mg with an IU FSH/LH ratio of 0.5. Most of the FSH was retained by the cellulose and was eluted by 0.1m NaCl in 0.005n NaOH. The specific activity of the retained or FSH fraction was 64 IU FSH/mg, with an IU FSH/LH ratio of 9.
Inconsistency and possible habituation of CCK-induced satiety

Abstract Rats injected daily with cholecystokinin initially inhibited food intake in the first 30 min after injection, but after several days showed an increase in food ingested to an amount that approached their preinjection baseline food intakes and that did not differ from that of rats injected with isotonic saline. This effect occurred with the synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin and to a lesser extent with injections of natural cholecystokinin extract. It occurred with wet mash and to a lesser extent with liquid diets. When injections were spaced at twice per week, there was an inconsistent response to cholecystokinin but no evidence of habituation. This finding of possible habituation and inconsistent responding to repeated injections of cholecystokinin questions its role as a physiological satiety signal.
The politics of constitutional amendment in postcommunist Europe

This paper analyzes the causes and consequences of constitutional amendments in Eastern Europe. Its results challenge the conventional wisdom that constitutional change is a consequence of institutions and that major changes will increase executive powers and limit rights. It finds that the political and social context rather than institutions is the main cause of amendments. These amendments moreover tend to reduce the power of executives and strengthen guarantees of human rights. The paper attributes these results to the particular circumstances of the postcommunist transition.
Erythropoietin Induces bcl-2 binding protein NIP3 and ATP Synthase Gene Expression in Undifferentiated Neuroepithelial Cells (NT2)

Erythropoietin Induces bcl-2 binding protein NIP3 and ATP Synthase Gene Expression in Undifferentiated Neuroepithelial Cells (NT2)
2-Methoxyestradiol exhibits a biphasic effect on VEGF-A in tumor cells and upregulation is mediated through ER-α: A possible signaling pathway associated with the impact of 2-ME2 on proliferative cells

Abstract 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME 2 ) was reported to elicit both stimulation and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and growth depending on the dosage used. However, the mechanism(s) of the biphasic action of 2-ME 2 has been elusive. Here we describe a regulatory role of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in the biphasic effects on estrogen receptor (ER) + GH3 rat pituitary tumor cells and MCF-7 human breast tumor cells depending on the dosage of 2-ME 2 used. We observed that acute exposure to 2-ME 2 , irrespective of dosage, did not alter cellular proliferation, but enhanced the VEGF-A mRNA level. As the treatment duration increased, biphasic effect was elicited. A concentration of 1 μM 2-ME 2 increased both cell proliferation and VEGF-A levels in these cells, whereas higher doses exhibited reversed impact. A low dose of 2-ME 2 also increased the VEGF-A mRNA expression in ER-α-transfected human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). The effect was reversed in ER - cells. The enhanced expression of VEGF-A mRNA could be blocked by the pure estrogen antagonist, ICI 182,780, reveal that the upregulation of VEGF-A expression by 2-ME 2 is mediated through ER-α. Furthermore, the biphasic effect of 2-ME 2 on cell proliferation can be modulated by administrating VEGF-A antibodies or VEGF-A proteins. Studies also demonstrate that the VEGF-A protein, induced by 2-ME 2 , is functionally active and upregulates the proliferation of adjacent endothelial cells.
Impact of anatomical interventions on the localization of post-prostatectomy cancer patients.

Purpose: Anatomical deformations of prostate-bed, rectum, and bladder can compromise the targeting accuracy in post-prostatectomy cancer patients. In this work, the impact of anatomical interventions on the localization data from post-prostatectomy patients who received image-guided IMRT was analyzed. Methods: Patients were localized daily with online kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT). The target and the organs at risk (OARs) positional and volumetric changes were evaluated and couch shifts were applied. For patients with large target or OAR volumetric changes, quantified by either a rectal or bladder wall displacement of > 5 mm on the CBCT sagittal images compared to the planning CT, repeated localization CBCT scans were performed following an interventional procedure. The procedure involves insertion of a catheter to deflate the rectum, evacuation of stools, and/or adjustment of bladder filling. The required shifts were then evaluated, and the IMRT treatment was subsequently delivered after proper patient positioning. The pre- and post-intervention shifts were compared in the lateral [left-right (LR)], longitudinal [superior-inferior (SI)], and vertical [anterior-posterior (AP)] directions. The percentage of shifts larger than 5 mm in all directions was also compared. Clinical target volume to planning target volume (CTV-to-PTV) expansion margins were estimated based on the pre- and post-intervention localization data. Results: Intervention was performed on all patients ( n = 17 ) treated between October 2008 and March 2009. The number of interventions ranged from 2 to 12 with a median number of 5, resulting in a total of 96 pairs of pre- and post-intervention shifts. The mean value ( ∑ ) and standard deviation ( σ ) of the shifts from pre- versus post-intervention data were LR, 0.0 ± 3.0 mm vs 0.5 ± 2.8 mm ; SI, 0.2 ± 3.1 mm vs − 1.0 ± 2.1 mm ; and AP, − 2.6 ± 5.8 mm vs 1.7 ± 3.9 mm . The mean 3D shift distance was 7.0 ± 3.1 mm vs 5.0 ± 2.6 mm . The percentage of pre-intervention shifts larger than 5 mm were 7%, 7%, and 45% in the LR, SI, and AP directions, respectively, compared to 8%, 4%, and 21% for post-intervention. Localization data from pre- and post-intervention procedures suggest that treatments that do not include intervention to correct for rectum/bladder anatomical variations require an additional 3.3 mm CTV-to-PTV margin. Conclusions: Anatomical interventions reduced the localization errors arising from large volume and shape changes in the rectum and/or bladder compared to treatments without interventions.
Typification of Radlkofer's infrageneric names in Paullinia L. (Sapindaceae)

Ancillary to my revision ofPaullinia, the necessary lectotypifications for Radlkofer's infrageneric names are proposed. Those sectional names requiring lectotypification areNeurotoechus, Diphtherotoechus, Pleurotoechus, Pachytoechus, Xyloptilon, Neuroptilon, Anisoptilon, Isoptilon, Caloptilon, andPhygoptilon. SectionCryptoptilon, monotypic at the time of publication, is typified automatically byP. verrucosa Radlk. The generic namesEnourea andCastanella, reduced by Radlkofer to sectional status, retain their types.
Determining the thermal diffusivity in microcalorimeter absorbers and its effect on detector response

An x-ray microcalorimeter consists of an absorber and a thermometer connected to each other, and to a heat sink, via well defined thermal conductances. The standard theoretical derivation of energy resolution treats the absorber and thermometer as point elements that are internally isothermal. In reality, the finite size and internal diffusivity of the absorber and thermometer prevents these elements from instantly achieving a uniform temperature, leading to a variation in observed pulse shapes as a function of the interaction’s position within the absorber. These variations result in a distortion of the detector response and a subsequent degradation of the energy resolution. This paper presents diffusivity measurements for x-ray microcalorimeters fabricated at the NASA/GSFC. Using a diffusion model we developed, we show quantitatively how a 2eV Gaussian response is distorted into a non-Gaussian profile roughly 12eV wide at an energy of 6keV for an absorber diffusivity of 104μm2∕μs. We then present a meth...
Occurrence of lead in tuna

AT a recent national conference in the United States on baseline studies of pollutants in the marine environment1 serious doubts were raised about the validity of most published measurements of lead concentrations in seawater and in marine organisms. Available data for foods and other plant and animal tissues are also implicated because they may contain similar concentrations of lead.
Andrés Soria Olmedo, ed. Lecciones sobre Federico García Lorca. Granada: Comisión Nacional del Cincuentenario, 1986. 315pp

(1989). Andres Soria Olmedo, ed. Lecciones sobre Federico Garcia Lorca. Granada: Comision Nacional del Cincuentenario, 1986. 315pp. Romance Quarterly: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 250-252.
Predation by the Black-clawed Mud Crab, Panopeus herbstii, in Mid-Atlantic Salt Marshes: Further Evidence for Top-down Control of Marsh Grass Production

Although top-down control of plant growth has been shown in a variety of marine systems, it is widely thought to be unimportant in salt marshes. Recent caging experiments in Virginia and Georgia have challenged this notion and shown that the dominant marsh grazer (the periwinkle,Littoraria irrorata) not only suppresses plant growth, but can denude marsh substrate at high densities. In these same marshes, our field observations suggest that the black-clawed mud crab,Panopeus herbstii, is an abundant and potentially important top-down determinant of periwinkle density. No studies have quantitatively examinedPanopeus distribution or trophic interactions in marsh systems, and its potential impacts on community structure remained unexplored. We investigated distribution and feeding habits ofPanopeus in eight salt marshes along the Mid-Atlantic seashore (Delaware-North Carolina). We found that mud crabs were abundant in tall (4–82 ind m−2), intermediate (0–15 ind m−2), and short-form (0–5 ind m−2)Spartina alterniflora zones in all marshes and that crab densities were negatively correlated with tidal height and positively correlated with bivalve density. Excavation of crab lairs r⇍utinely produced shells of plant-grazing snails (up to 36 lair−1) and bivalves. Lab experiments confirmed that mud crabs readily consume these abundant marsh molluscs. To experimentally examine potential community effects of observed predation patterns, we manipulated crab and periwinkle densities in a 1-mo field experiment. Results showed thatPanopeus can suppress gastropod abundance and that predation rates increase with increasing snail density. In turn, crab suppression of snail density reduces grazing intensity on salt marsh cordgrass, suggesting presence of a trophic cascade. These results indicate that this previously under-appreciated consumer is an important and indirect determinant of community structure and contribute to a growing body of evidence challenging the long-standing notion that consumers play a minor role in regulating marsh plant growth.
Unusual properties of genomic DNA molecules spanning the euchromatic – heterochromatic junction of a Drosophila minichromosome

While investigating the copy number of minichromosome Dp(1;f)1187 sequences in the polyploid chromosomes of ovarian nurse and follicle cells of Drosophila melanogaster we discovered that restriction fragments spanning the euchromatic-heterochromatic junction of the chromosome and extending into peri-centromeric sequences had the unusual property of being selectively resistant to transfer out of agarose gels during Southern blotting, leading to systematic reductions in Dp1187-specific hybridization signals. This property originated from the peri-centromeric sequences contained on the junction fragments and was persistently associated with Dp1187 DNA, despite attempts to ameliorate the effect by altering experimental protocols. Transfer inhibition was unlikely to be caused by an inherent physical property of repetitive DNA sequences since, in contrast to genomic DNA, cloned restriction fragments spanning the euchromatic-heterochromatic junction and containing repetitive sequences transferred normally. Finally, the degree of inhibition could be suppressed by the addition of a Y chromosome to the genotype. On the basis of these observations and the fact that peri-centromeric regions of most eukaryotic chromosomes are associated with cytologically and genetically defined heterochromatin, we propose that peri-centromeric sequences of Dp1187 that are incorporated into heterochromatin in vivo retain some component of heterochromatic structure during DNA isolation, perhaps a tightly bound protein or DNA modification, which subsequently causes the unorthodox properties observed in vitro.
Mining translations of OOV terms from the web through cross-lingual query expansion

Translating out-of-vocabulary (OOV) terms is a great challenge for the Cross-lingual Information Retrieval and Data-driven Machine Translation systems. Several approaches have been proposed to mine translations for OOV terms from the web, especially from pages containing mixed languages. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to automatically translate OOV terms on the fly through cross-lingual query expansion. The proposed approach does not require any web crawling and has achieved an inclusion rate of 95% and overall translation accuracy of 90%, outperforming state-of-the-art OOV translation techniques.
Simultaneous Overexpression of Copper- and Zinc-containing Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Retards Age-related Oxidative Damage and Increases Metabolic Potential in Drosophila melanogaster

The objective of this study was to elucidate the nature of the mechanisms by which overexpression of copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) and catalase extends life span of Drosophila melanogaster. Experimental flies containing single extra doses of Drosophila Cu,Zn-SOD and catalase genes were compared with appropriate controls at different ages. Overexpression of Cu,Zn-SOD and catalase caused a retardation in the accumulation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine during aging and in response to the exposure of live flies to x-rays. The age-related loss of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (Glu-6-P dehydrogenase) and the increase in the rate of mitochondrial H2O2 generation were less steep in the experimental than control flies. The rate of in vivo oxygen consumption in the latter two-thirds of life span was higher in the experimental than in the control flies. Furthermore, the metabolic potential, or the total amount of oxygen consumed during an average life span, was about 30% greater in the experimental than the control flies. Altogether, results of this study indicate that overexpression of Cu,Zn-SOD and catalase ameliorates the age-related accumulation of molecular oxidative damage and susceptibility to such damage in response to acute oxidative stress while prolonging the metabolic life of flies. The concept that oxidative stress is a causal factor in the aging process is supported.
Decline in the Tropospheric Abundance of Halogen from Halocarbons - Implications for Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Analyses of air sampled from remote locations across the globe reveal that tropospheric chlorine attributable to anthropogenic halocarbons peaked near the beginning of 1994 and was decreasing at a rate of 25 ± 5 parts per trillion per year by mid-1995. Although bromine from halons was still increasing in mid-1995, the summed abundance of these halogens in the troposphere is decreasing. To assess the effect of this trend on stratospheric ozone, estimates of the future stratospheric abundance of ozone-depleting gases were made for mid-latitude and polar regions on the basis of these tropospheric measurements. These results suggest that the amount of reactive chlorine and bromine will reach a maximum in the stratosphere between 1997 and 1999 and will decline thereafter if limits outlined in the adjusted and amended Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer are not exceeded in future years.
Genetic Analysis of a White Leghorn Closed Flock Apparently Plateaued for Egg Production

ABSTRACT THE principles of selection for quantitative characters under artificial selection have been extensively explored theoretically. These theories are being gradually tested under laboratory conditions (Bell et al., 1955; Clayton et al. 1957a, b; Falconer 1953; and others). The concepts and techniques of these theories have been introduced to poultry breeding and many papers dealing with estimation of genetic parameters such as heritabilities and genetic correlations have been published during recent years. Most of the selection experiments in chickens have presented evidence that selection for several important quantitative characters resulted in steady improvement in the traits involved (see Lerner, 1950). Conclusions as to the effectiveness of selections, however, are not clear in most cases. Although the portion of such improvement which may be attributed to the selection of superior breeders cannot be determined precisely, there is little doubt that much of it is genetic. An ideal selection experiment would allow precise . . .
Thermostability at ultrahigh temperatures of thermolysin and a protease from psychrotrophic Pseudomonas

Abstract Thermal inactivation at 110–150°C of thermolysin (EC 3.4.24.4), produced by the thermophile Bacillus thermoproteolyticus, and the extracellular protease of Pseudomonas sp. MC60 a psychrotroph, were investigated at 130°C, both enzymes had approximately the same ΔH ∗ (22 kcal/mol) and ΔS ∗ (−13.5 cal/mol per degree) values. Both enzymes contain zinc and calcium. The amino acid compositions of the enzymes were similar except that MC60 protease exhibited a more typical tyrosine content. Comparable heat resistance at extreme temperatures of enzyme produced by psychrotrophic and thermophilic organisms emphasizes the difference between molecular properties that resist denaturation at elevated temperatures and those that allow reversible denaturation.
The relation between the structure of the first solvation shell and the IR spectra of aqueous solutions.

The spectroscopic signatures of solvated anions and cations, in the O-H stretch region of water, are studied using the POLIR potential. Shifts in the spectra are shown to correlate very well with the distribution of a particular hydrogen bond angle for the waters in the first solvation shell. The results indicate that the spectral shifts might be predicted from MD simulations in a computationally convenient fashion, avoiding an explicit calculation of the spectra, as first suggested by Sharp et al. (J Chem Phys 114(4):1791–1796, 2001).
(Bio)fueling farm policy: the biofuels boom and the 2008 farm bill

In the mid-2000s, rising gas prices, political instability, pollution, and fossil fuel depletion brought renewable domestic energy production onto the policy agenda. Biofuels, or fuels made from plant materials, came to be seen as America’s hope for energy security, environmental conservation, and rural economic revitalization. Yet even as the actual environmental, economic, and energy contributions of a biofuels boom remained debatable, support for biofuels swelled and became a prominent driver of not only US energy policy but of US farm policy as well. This paper asks why biofuels became such a powerful force in farm policy debates, and draws on policy windows theory and discourse analysis to analyze biofuels’ contributions to the passage of the 2008 farm bill. It finds that budgetary and political factors combined with a particular set of patriotic biofuels-oriented discourses to carry energy policy debates into farm policy. It also comments on the implications of biofuels policies for conservation and sustainable land use in 2008 and beyond.
The Enhancement of Tuberculous Infection in the Guinea Pig by Steroid Hormones

AMONG the many factors which long have been considered in various studies on the reaction of different individuals to infection with the tubercle bacillus, the idea of constitutional differences is even older than our knowledge of the tubercle bacillus itself. Hirsch (11) stated that phthisis (tuberculosis) appears in the successive generations of certain families too regularly to deny hereditary elements. More recent studies have established the validity of these early observations both by the experimental approach [Lurie (13)] and by the epidemiologic method [Puffer (14)]. In addition to these broader host or constitutional differences, variations in tuberculosis of similar import in the two sexes are well known. As pointed out by Dauer (7), during the past 75 years there has been little change in the ratio of female to male mortality between 20 and 29 years of age, although total mortality from tuberculosis has been steadily declining. It appears that the factors responsible for the difference in the r...
Reliability of postmortem fentanyl concentrations in determining the cause of death.

Introduction Transdermal fentanyl, an opioid used for management of marked pain, also is abused and may cause death.
Lactational responses to and in vitro ruminal solubility of magnesium oxide or magnesium chelate.

Thirty-six midlactation Holstein cows were used in a randomized incomplete block design to evaluate lactational responses to varying dietary concentrations of Mg supplemented by MgO or Mg chelate. Basal diet was 41:4:55 corn silage:cottonseed hulls:concentrate (.21% total Mg). Magnesium oxide was added to the basal diet to give .32, .37, and .43% total dietary Mg, and Mg chelate was added to provide .23, .25, and .27% Mg, DM basis. Dietary treatments were formulated to supply equal concentrations of bioavailable Mg from either Mg source. Dry matter intake and milk yield were greater by cows fed MgO-supplemented than Mg chelate-supplemented treatments. Milk fat percentages were not affected. Milk protein percentages increased with Mg chelate compared with protein percentages with MgO. Treatments did not affect gross efficiency (4% FCM/DM intake) or body weight change. Lack of response to Mg chelate suggested that either the bioavailability was not as high as assumed or that sufficient total bioavailable Mg was not provided in those treatments. A companion in vitro experiment showed that MgO-supplemented concentrates, with more total supplemental Mg, supplied two to three times more soluble Mg than Mg chelate-supplemented concentrates.
Microcomputer simulation as an aid in analyzing data and teaching the principles of glomerular dynamics.

This report describes a simple program, written in BASIC language, that closely emulates a previously published network thermodynamic model of glomerular dynamics. While the latter requires the SPICE 2 simulation program and a mainframe computer for its execution, the present program operates on any IBM®-compatible microcomputer. It has equal utility as an aid in the interpretation of laboratory studies of glomerular dynamics and as a tool for teaching the intricacies of the control of glomerular function. The program is available in ‘user friendly’ format that obviates the need for any expertise in the use of computers.
Observed Land–Atmosphere Coupling from Satellite Remote Sensing and Reanalysis

AbstractThe lack of observational data for use in evaluating the realism of model-based land–atmosphere feedback signal and strength has been deemed a major obstacle to future improvements to seasonal weather prediction by the Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE). To address this need, a 7-yr (2002–09) satellite remote sensing data record is exploited to produce for the first time global maps of predominant coupling signals. Specifically, a previously implemented convective triggering potential (CTP)–humidity index (HI) framework for describing atmospheric controls on soil moisture–rainfall feedbacks is revisited and generalized for global application using CTP and HI from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), soil moisture from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (EOS) (AMSR-E), and the U.S. Climate Prediction Center (CPC) merged satellite rainfall product (CMORPH). Based on observations taken during an AMSR-E-derived convective rainfall season, the glob...
Lattice-Hole Theory: Bulk Properties and Surface Tension of Oligomers and Polymers

A scheme for the prediction of surface tension from bulk properties of polymer melts was previously developed. It is based on a combination of Guggenheim's empirical temperature function with a hole or free volume fraction, derived in lattice-hole theory. This approach is now extended to oligomeric species, typified by n-alkanes. Successful results for surface tension and its temperature coefficient ensue. As to further applications to high polymers, a satisfactory outcome is obtained for absolute values and temperature coefficients in the majority of the numerous instances of structurally diverse systems. This encourages predictions for some high T(g) systems, and mixtures, where experimental information is not available. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
CCKA Receptor Activation Stimulates p130Cas Tyrosine Phosphorylation, Translocation, and Association with Crk in Rat Pancreatic Acinar Cells

p130(Cas) (Crk-associated substrate), because of its structure as an adapter protein, can interact when tyrosine-phosphorylated with a large number of cellular proteins and therefore be an important modulator of downstream signals. A number of growth factors, lipids, and a few G protein-coupled receptors can stimulate p130(Cas) tyrosine phosphorylation. Recent studies show that tyrosine phosohorylation of intracellular proteins by the hormone/neurotransmitter cholecystokinin (CCK) in rat pancreatic acinar cells may be an important signaling cascade. In this study, we show in rat dispersed pancreatic acini CCK-8 rapidly stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of p130(Cas), reaching a maximum (6.6 +/- 1. 4)-fold increase with a half-maximal effect at 0.3 nM. Activation of protein kinase C by TPA or increases in [Ca2+]i by the calcium ionophore A23187 stimulated p130(Cas) phosphorylation. Blockade of CCK increases in [Ca2+]i or PKC activity did not alter CCK-8-stimulated p130(Cas) phosphorylation; however, simultaneous blockage of both cascades caused a 50% inhibition. Partial inactivation by C. botulinum toxin of the small GTP-binding protein Rho caused a 41 +/- 12% decrease in the CCK-stimulated p130(Cas) phosphorylation. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D, but not the microtubule network with colchicine, completely inhibited CCK-8-stimulated p130(Cas) phosphorylation. Total p130(Cas) under basal conditions was largely localized (70 +/- 2%) in the membrane fraction, and stimulation with CCK-8 induced total p130(Cas) translocation from the cytosolic fraction. CCK stimulation also caused a (5 +/- 1)-fold increase in p130(Cas) tyrosine phosphorylated in the plasma membrane. Treatment with tyrphostin B44 inhibited CCK-8-stimulated p130(Cas) phosphorylation, but it had no effect on p130(Cas) translocation. CCK-8 caused rapid formation of a p130(Cas)-Crk complex. In conclusion, our results demonstrate CCKA receptor activation causes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of p130(Cas) through PLC-dependent and -independent mechanisms that require the participation of the small GTP-binding protein Rho and the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton, but not the microtubule network. Moreover, CCKA receptor activation causes translocation of p130(Cas) to the membrane and an increase in membrane tyrosine-phosphorylated p130(Cas). The translocation to the membrane does not require antecedent tyrosine phosphorylation. CCKA activation promotes the rapid formation of a p130(Cas)-Crk complex. These results suggest that p130(Cas) is likely an important modulator of downstream signals activated by CCK-8, possibly involved in regulating numerous cellular effects, such as effects on cell growth or cell shape.
Colloidal Properties and Stability of Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials in the Aquatic Environment

While graphene oxide (GO) has been found to be the most toxic graphene-based nanomaterial, its environmental fate is still unexplored. In this study, the aggregation kinetics and stability of GO were investigated using time-resolved dynamic light scattering over a wide range of aquatic chemistries (pH, salt types (NaCl, MgCl2, CaCl2), ionic strength) relevant to natural and engineered systems. Although pH did not have a notable influence on GO stability from pH 4 to 10, salt type and ionic strength had significant effects on GO stability due to electrical double layer compression, similar to other colloidal particles. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) values of GO were determined to be 44 mM NaCl, 0.9 mM CaCl2, and 1.3 mM MgCl2. Aggregation and stability of GO in the aquatic environment followed colloidal theory (DLVO and Schulze-Hardy rule), even though GO’s shape is not spherical. CCC values of GO were lower than reported fullerene CCC values and higher than reported carbon nanotube CCC value...
Ultrastructure and complex polar architecture of the human pathogen Campylobacter jejuni.

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most successful food-borne human pathogens. Here we use electron cryotomography to explore the ultrastructure of C. jejuni cells in logarithmically growing cultures. This provides the first look at this pathogen in a near-native state at macromolecular resolution (~5 nm). We find a surprisingly complex polar architecture that includes ribosome exclusion zones, polyphosphate storage granules, extensive collar-shaped chemoreceptor arrays, and elaborate flagellar motors.
Cleaning, cracking, dehulling, decorticating, and flaking of oil-bearing materials

Techniques and equipment for cleaning, cracking, dehulling, decorticating, and flaking of oil-bearing materials are described. Particular methods and cautions for unusual materials are discussed.
Zinc inhibition of calmodulin: A proposed molecular mechanism of zinc action on cellular functions

Calcium stimulates, and zinc inhibits, a wide variety of cell types. In the erythrocyte, we have found calcium and zinc to have antagonist actions in a variety of systems. An important mechanism for calcium effects on cells is activation of calmodulin. Calmodulin is a small ubiquitous protein which, when activated by calcium, has a large array of cellular regulatory functions. We now report that calmodulin function is inhibited by low concentrations of zinc. Zinc inhibition of calmodulin provides a rational molecular mechanism for the diverse cellular inhibitory effects of zinc, as well as for zinc's antagonism of calcium effects.
MORPHOLOGIC AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATIONS OF DIGENETIC TREMATODES IN DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (PHALACROCORAX AURITUS) FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA, USA

Increasing numbers of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) in the Mississippi River Delta, USA, have been observed over the past few decades. This piscivorous bird is a definitive host for numerous digenetic trematodes, some of which may cause pathology in a fish host. We conducted a 2-yr survey of intestinal trematodes in 35 Double-crested Cormorants collected in the Mississippi Delta. We counted gastrointestinal trematodes, identified them to species using morphometric and molecular techniques, and sequenced the 18S and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genes. We collected 4,909 trematodes, representing five digenetic species: Drepanocephalus spathans, Hysteromorpha triloba, Pseudopsilostoma varium, Austrodiplosto- mum ostrowskiae, and Ascocotyle longa. The most prevalent trematode of the Double-crested Cormorants was D. spathans (91%), followed by H. triloba (78%), P. varium (74%), A. ostrowskiae (57%), and A. longa (29%). Among these, the life cycles are only known forH. triloba and A. longa. Novel DNA sequences of the COI gene were obtained for D. spathans, A. ostrowskiae, P. varium, and A. longa adults. Using these DNA sequences, the identification and confirmation of the larval stages of these parasites in the fish and snail hosts will be possible.
Reported Adverse Drug Events in Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age

Objective. To characterize risks to in- fants and young children from drugs and biological products that were identified in spontaneous adverse event reports submitted to the US Food and Drug Ad- ministration. Methods. Of >500 000 MedWatch adverse event re- ports received by the Food and Drug Administration from November 1997 through December 2000, we iden- tified 7111 reports about infants and children younger than age 2. The reports were analyzed for health outcome (eg, death, hospitalization, congenital anomaly), princi- pal suspect drug, and whether the route of drug exposure was direct administration or through the mother in the perinatal period. Results. Drug therapy was associated with an average of 243 reported deaths annually over the 38-month study period, with 100 (41%) occurring during the first month of life and 204 (84%) during the first year. In 1432 (24%) reported adverse event cases of all levels of severity, exposure to the drug was from the mother during preg- nancy, delivery, or lactation. Although 1902 different drugs, biological products, and other chemicals were identified in the reports, only 17 drugs or biological products were a suspect in 54% of all serious and fatal adverse events in drugs administered directly. Conclusion. Adverse reactions to drug therapy are a significant cause of death and injury in infants and chil- dren under 2 years of age. Drugs administered to the mother in the perinatal period constituted a major route of exposure to adverse drug advents. These results un- derscore the need for additional drug testing in the youngest pediatric patients and for carefully weighing the risks versus benefits of medication. Pediatrics 2002; 110(5). URL: http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/ 110/5/e53; infant, child, adverse drug reaction reporting systems, drug therapy.
Flu in 15: a novel 15-minute education program to promote acceptance of the influenza vaccine among health care workers.

Introduction and Rationale A performance improvement project was undertaken to increase health care worker (HCW) influenza vaccination acceptance rates in the long-term care setting by using a novel 15-minute education intervention called the “Flu in 15.” As a core principle, we taught that more Americans die from complications of influenza than hepatitis B, yet there remains individual reluctance and barriers to achieve high acceptance rates of influenza vaccination among HCWs. Methods During chance encounters we offered the Flu in 15 in-service to all HCWs at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Care Center including certified nursing assistants (also called geriatric nursing assistants), registered nurses, registered dieticians, environment staff, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, social workers, and administrators. Of the 106 of 347 HCWs who participated in the Flu in 15 in-service, 58 were by chance encounters selected to be surveyed based on convenience. We surveyed 68 of 241 HCWs who did not attend the Flu in 15 in-service as a comparison. Results Of the 58 participants who were asked if the in-service helped them understand why a flu vaccine is needed yearly, we found that 15% responded “tremendously,” 48% “a lot,” 26% “some,” 7% “a little,” and 2% “no.” We had 24% report that the program was effective in changing their behavior to accept the flu vaccination for the first time. We found that 49% responded that the in-service was effective in either changing their behavior to accept the flu vaccination for the first time or reaccept it if recently declined in previous years. With respect to motivation, 42% of the certified nursing assistants stated that the in-service made them think more about returning to school to get a license in some area of health care. Although not cause and effect, we observed an increase in the HCW acceptance rate of the influenza vaccine from 65% in 2006–2007 to 73% in 2007–2008. We noticed a decreased trend in patient deaths attributed to complications of influenza with 4 deaths in 2006–2007 and no deaths in 2007–2008. Conclusions The Flu in 15 in-service promoted a better understanding of the importance of the influenza vaccine and demonstrated an associated increase in HCW acceptance of the flu vaccine. Although we cannot claim cause and effect, we noted a decrease in resident mortality in the intervention year compared with the prior year. Now that some medical centers require yearly influenza vaccines among HCWs, the education component remains relevant to provide reason behind the mandate.
Family routines within the ecological niche: an analysis of the psychological well-being of U.S. caregivers of children with disabilities

Using mixed methods, this study examined the relationship of caregivers of children with disabilities’ psychological well-being and their orchestration of daily routines within their ecological niche. Thirty-nine U.S. caregivers completed in-depth interviews, Psychological Well-being Scales (PWB), and Family Time and Routines Index (FTRI). We used a multi-step analysis. Interview data was coded and vignettes created without knowledge of PWB and FTRI ratings. Next, the relationship of quantitative measures was analyzed. Four groups were created using FTRI-extent and PWB means: (1) low routine-low PWB, (2) low routine-high PWB, (3) high routine-low PWB, and (4) high routine-high PWB. We examined qualitative differences in key features between groups. Findings: Total PWB and FTRI scores were not significantly correlated, PWB Purpose in Life and FTRI-extent scores were moderately positively correlated, and PWB Environmental Mastery and FTRI-extent correlation approached significance. Qualitative findings describe caregivers’ structuring of routines, intensity of oversight, support in routines, management of dinner, paid work, and needs for respite. The four groups differed in paid work, household support, degree the child could self-occupy, Environmental Mastery, and opportunities to recuperate. Caregivers with higher levels of well-being and more regular routines did paid work, had supportive spouses, had children who more often could follow routines, had higher Environmental Mastery, could orchestrate a family meal, and had breaks from care in either work or leisure. All Native American caregivers and Mexican American caregivers with spouses were in the high routine-high PWB group. Insight into this complex negotiation between family members within daily routines may provide practitioners a better understanding of how to work within family circles to foster therapeutic alliances, identify focused intervention targets, and promote positive family-wide outcomes.
Loss of the α7 Integrin Promotes Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activation and Altered Vascular Remodeling

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration are underlying factors in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that altered expression of vascular integrins and extracellular matrix proteins may contribute to the vascular remodeling observed after arterial injury and during disease. We have recently shown that loss of the alpha7beta1 integrin results in VSMC hyperplasia. To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenotype, we have examined changes in cell signaling pathways associated with VSMC proliferation. Several studies have demonstrated the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is activated in response to vascular injury and disease. In this study, we show that loss of the alpha7 integrin in VSMCs results in activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and translocation of the activated kinase to the nucleus. Forced expression of the alpha7 integrin or use of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 inhibitor U0126 in alpha7 integrin-deficient VSMCs suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and restored the differentiated phenotype to alpha7 integrin-null cells in a manner dependent on Ras signaling. Alpha7 integrin-null mice displayed profound vascular remodeling in response to injury with pronounced neointimal formation and reduced vascular compliance. These findings demonstrate that the alpha7beta1 integrin negatively regulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and suggests an important role for this integrin as part of a signaling complex regulating VSMC phenotype switching.
Usability issues in city tourism Web site design: a content analysis

This paper addresses usability issues in city tourism Web site design. Through content analysis, the paper examines the content and functions of fifty-five city tourism Web sites covering North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. The paper analyzes the characteristics of city tourism Web sites and target users. It generalizes the existing literature and identifies key factors influencing city tourism Web site usability. The paper focuses on usability challenges and analyzes cross-cultural differences on city tourism Web sites. It reports the content analysis data and provides suggestions for making tourism Web sites more effective, efficient and easy-to-use.
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems. Part CLIII. Electron impact‐promoted fragmentation of n‐alkyl cyanides

In spite of previous extensive studies on the mass spectrometry of alkyl cyanides, no good mechanistic insight has as yet been gained into the behavior of straight chain alky1 cyanides. For this reason the possible origins for the principal ions in the mass spectrum of a typical alkyl cyanide (n-hexyl cyanide) have been determined using high resolution mass spectrometry anddeuterium labeling of every carbon atom. The results lead to the conclusion that most of the typical fragmentation processes of n-alkyl cyanides proceed through cyclic intermediates.
Independent Review Of Social And Population Variation In Mental Health Could Improve Diagnosis In DSM Revisions

At stake in the May 2013 publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), are billions of dollars in insurance payments and government resources, as well as the diagnoses and treatment of millions of patients. We argue that the most recent revision process has missed social determinants of mental health disorders and their diagnosis: environmental factors triggering biological responses that manifest themselves in behavior; differing cultural perceptions about what is normal and what is abnormal behavior; and institutional pressures related to such matters as insurance reimbursements, disability benefits, and pharmaceutical marketing. In addition, the experts charged with revising the DSM lack a systematic way to take population-level variations in diagnoses into account. To address these problems, we propose the creation of an independent research review body that would monitor variations in diagnostic patterns, inform future DSM revisions, identify needed changes in mental health policy and practice, and recommend new avenues of research. Drawing on the best available knowledge, the review body would make possible more precise and equitable psychiatric diagnoses and interventions.