cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prevention of cutaneous malignant melanoma: High-risk groups, chemoprevention, education, and screening

The ultimate strategy in the control of any disease is prevention. Nowhere in medicine is this more true than in oncology, as the physical, emotional, social, and economic morbidity consequent upon the natural history of neoplastic disease and its treatment (even when successful) is truly enormous. The ability to prevent a given disease has typically lagged far behind our ability to treat that disease. Historically, physicians have been accustomed to focusing on the treatment of established disease, an enterprise that can be undertaken without any knowledge of the disorder’s etiology and pathogenesis. In addition, prevention efforts shift the realm of activity from the one-on-one physician/patient interaction to the far more complex public arena of social policy, resource allocation, education, and behavior modification. In order to undertake a successful prevention program for a particular disease, one must (1) understand at least some of the causal pathways by which the disorder comes into being, (2) identify subsets of the general population who are at risk of developing this condition, (3) communicate to the target audience in a comprehensible and compelling fashion the appropriate etiologic information and the need to act upon it, (4) develop an intervention strategy that can be applied successfully to the target audience, and (5) demonstrate that this intervention alters the natural history of the disease in a significant fashion. Classically, this requires proving that the intervention can actually reduce mortality rates for the disease of interest.
Binding of 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (DPG) to Oxyhemoglobin; Levels and Effect of DPG on Oxygen Affinity of Normal and Abnormal Blood

My awareness of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) started over 20 years ago when I occupied a bench in a laboratory shared by my teacher Ochoa with Greenwald, who had some 20 years earlier discovered DPG in the red cell (1). Nevertheless, my interest in DPG came about in a round about way. In the late 40’s was demonstrated for the first time the use of ATP, at the enzyme level, for synthetic reactions, i.e., urea and glutamine synthesis (2). At the suggestion of Ochoa, Ratner and then I started to use 3 PGA in a generating system for ATP; a technique which, by the way, became so popular that possibly it has been forgotten, if ever recognized, that it originated with Ochoa. The need of a glycolytic system free from interfering phosphatases led me to purify phosphoglyceromutase, which up to then had been studied only in crude preparations. Possibly a misfortune was the fact that Rodwell, then one of my students was lucky in crystallizing the enzyme for the first time; since that time I have been most reluctant to lose interest in the phosphoglycerate area. Of course today with the advances in enzymology, it is only a matter of patience to achieve enzyme crystallization as pointed out recently by Theorell (3).
Effect of dietary rosemary extract on cell-mediated immunity of young rats.

The impact of rosemary extract on splenic mononuclear cell proliferation was determined. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 0, 100, 200 or 400 ppm rosemary extract or 400 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in combinatiion with 10 or 20% casein enriched diets for 8 weeks. Splenic mononuclear cells were isolated from these animals and mitogenic response to Concanavalin A (Con A), Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide was determined. Con A and PHA-stimulated proliferation of spleen cells from rats fed 10% casein and 200 ppm rosemary extract was significantly higher than that of cells from the corresponding control animals. However, other levels of rosemary at 10% dietary casein or rosemary at any concentration fed along with 20% dietary casein had no impact on the mitogenic stimulation of splenic mononuclear cells. Thus, these results suggest that the use of rosemary might not have a generalized immunoenhancing effect, and will probably be effective in some stressed conditions, such as protein or antioxidant deficiency.
NONLINEAR UNSTEADY MOTIONS IN SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKETS WITH APPLICATION TO LARGE MOTORS

SUMMARY This paper consists of two parts. The first is devoted to a summary of a procedure for studying the nonlinear behaviour of unstable motions in combustion chambers. It is an approximate method which may be roughly divided into three main steps: construction of nonlinear wave equation for the pressure field, and expansion of the flow variables in series of the average and acoustic Mach numbers; expansion of the time-dependent pressure and velocity fields as series in the unperturbed acoustic modes, leading to coupled second order equations for the amplitudes; and finally, application of a time-averaging technique to produce coupled first order equations for the amplitudes and phases of the modes. Quantitative results require numerical solution to the equations, but because first order equations are obtained in the analysis, it is relatively inexpensive to perform numerical calculations. The procedure may realistically be considered as the basis for extensive parametric studies and affords a convenient means of phenomenological representations. The second part of the paper is a treatment of the very low frequency axial or longitudinal modes in large solid propellant rocket motors. A summary of the data required is included, and examples of linear stability analysis and nonlinear behaviour of unstable waves are given. The main conclusion is that for sufficiently large motors, the axial modes will almost certainly be stable.
Strain annealing of SiC nanoparticles revealed through Bragg coherent diffraction imaging for quantum technologies

The crystalline strain properties of nanoparticles have broad implications in a number of emerging fields, including quantum and biological sensing in which heterogeneous internal strain fields are detrimental to performance. Here we used synchrotron-based Bragg coherent x-ray diffraction imaging (BCDI) to measure three-dimensional lattice strain fields within individual 3C-SiC nanoparticles, a candidate host material for quantum sensing, as a function of temperature during and after annealing up to ${900}^{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$. We observed pronounced homogenization of the initial strain field at temperatures above ${500}^{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$, and we find that the surface layers and central volumes of the nanoparticles reduce strain at similar rates, suggesting a uniform healing mechanism. Thus, we attribute the observed strain homogenization to activation of mobile point defects that annihilate and improve the overall quality of the crystal lattice. This work also establishes the feasibility of performing BCDI at high temperatures (up to ${900}^{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$) to map structural hystereses relevant to the processing of quantum nanomaterials.
Chapter 37 Puzzles in international financial markets

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on two puzzles related to international financial markets. The first puzzle concerns explanations for deviations from uncovered interest parity or, equivalently, excess returns on foreign relative to domestic deposits. The chapter considers various explanations for the puzzle. First, under standard assumptions about rational expectations, ex post excess returns just equal the market's true expected excess returns plus a forecast error that is unpredictable ex ante. The second puzzle is called “home bias,” the phenomenon that domestic investors hold too little of their portfolios in foreign assets. The chapter considers this puzzle with the two models used to examine the foreign exchange risk premium. Both models suggest that domestic investors hold too little of their wealth in the form of foreign assets. The first type of model, based upon CAPM, implies that domestic investors should hold foreign assets in their portfolio in a fraction that depends upon their degree of risk aversion, among other variables. The second type of model, based upon complete markets, gives predictions about consumption risk-sharing.
Small E8 instantons and tensionless non-critical strings

Abstract T-duality is used to extract information on an instanton of zero size in the E8 × E8 heterotic string. We discuss the possibility of the appearance of a tensionless anti-self-dual non-critical string through an implementation of the mechanism suggested by Strominger of two coincident 5-branes. It is argued that when an instanton shrinks to zero size a tensionless non-critical string appears at the core of the instanton. It is further conjectured that the appearance of tensionless strings in the spectrum leads to new phase transitions in six dimensions in much the same way as massless particles do in four dimensions.
Should I evaluate my patient with atrial fibrillation for sleep apnea

Yes. The prevalence of sleep apnea is exceedingly high in patients with atrial fibrillation—50% to 80% compared with 30% to 60% in respective control groups.[1][1]–[3][2] Conversely, atrial fibrillation is more prevalent in those with sleep-disordered breathing than in those without (4.8% vs 0.9
Enabling P-glycoprotein inhibition in multidrug resistant cancer through the reverse targeting of a quinidine-PEG conjugate.

Abstract Previously identified as a key mediator of multidrug resistance, the drug efflux behavior of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) remains a prominent challenge in cancer treatment. P-gp belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter family of membrane proteins, and modulates the efflux of many drugs at the cell membrane, resulting in inadequate retention of chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer cells. Here, we explore the FDA-approved drug quinidine as a P-gp inhibitor. Although used clinically for the treatment of malaria, arrhythmia, and pseudobulbar effect, quinidine can induce acquired long QT syndrome and torsade de pointes through its interaction with the Purkinje fibers, which hinders its clinical application as a P-gp inhibitor. We hypothesize that the conjugation of quinidine to a polymer will permit its use as a P-gp inhibitor through mitigation of its distribution into the myocardium. Methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) was conjugated to quinidine through a glycine linker, making a monovalent quinidine-polymer conjugate, which was then evaluated for its interactions with P-gp in vitro. The mPEG-glycine-quinidine conjugate retained its ability to inhibit the function of P-gp (log IC50 of 4.20 nM for quinidine and 4.61 nM for the mPEG-glycine-quinidine conjugate). Additionally, the distribution of quinidine into perfused mouse myocardium was decreased by almost an order of magnitude, strongly supporting our working hypothesis (2.28 × 10−3 μmol/g tissue for quinidine and ~4.10 × 10−4 μmol/g tissue for the conjugate). The results suggest the potential use of such polymer-drug conjugates to reverse multidrug resistance through P-gp inhibition and to mitigate the off-target pharmacologic effects that complicate their clinical use.
Nutrient-toxic element mixtures and the early postnatal gut microbiome in a United States longitudinal birth cohort.

Abstract Background The infant microbiome contributes to health status across the lifespan, but environmental factors affecting microbial communities are poorly understood, particularly when toxic and essential elements interact. Objective We aimed to identify the associations between a spectrum of other early-postnatal nutrient or toxic elemental exposures measured and the infant gut microbiome. Methods Our analysis included 179 six-week-old infants from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. Eleven elements were measured in infant toenail clippings. The gut microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA V4-V5 hypervariable region targeted sequencing. Multivariable zero-inflated logistic normal regression (MZILN) was used to model the association between element concentrations and taxon relative abundance. To explore interactive and nonlinear associations between the exposures and specific taxa we employed Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). Effect modification by delivery mode, feeding mode, peripartum antibiotic exposure, and infant sex was assessed with stratified models. Results We found a negative association between arsenic and microbial diversity in the full population that was accentuated among infants exposed to peripartum antibiotics. Arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, tin, and zinc were each associated with differences in at least one taxon in the full study population, with most of the related taxa belonging to the Bacteroides and Lactobacillales. In stratified analyses, mercury, in addition to the other elements, was associated with specific taxa. Bifidobacterium, which associated negatively with zinc in MZILN and BKMR models, had a quadratic association with arsenic concentrations. These associations varied with the concentration of the other element. Conclusions Early postnatal toxic and nutrient elemental exposures are associated with differences in the infant microbiome. Further research is needed to clarify the whether these alterations are a biomarker of exposure or if they have implications for child and lifelong health.
Optimizing the Distribution of Pharmacy-Dispensed Naloxone Using Spatial Mapping Techniques in Rural Areas:

With the worsening opioid epidemic, recent changes allow pharmacies to sell naloxone through standing orders to reverse opioid overdoses. This study assesses direct dispensed naloxone availability ...
Self-Reported Trismus: prevalence, severity and impact on quality of life in oropharyngeal cancer survivorship: a cross-sectional survey report from a comprehensive cancer center

The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence/severity of self-reported trismus, determine association with quality of life (QOL), and examine clinical risk factors in a large population of patients treated for oropharyngeal cancer. A cross-sectional survivorship survey was conducted among patients who completed definitive treatment for oropharyngeal carcinoma, disease-free ≥ 1-year post-treatment (median survival, 7 years among 892 survivors). Associations between trismus and QOL were also analyzed using MDASI-HN, EQ-5D, and MDADI. Dietary and feeding tube status were also correlated to trismus status. Trismus was self-reported in 31%. Severity of trismus positively correlated (r = 0.29) with higher mean interference scores reflecting a moderate association with quality of life (p < 0.0001). There was a negative correlation for MDADI composite scores (r = − 0.33) indicating increased perceived dysphagia related to trismus severity (p < 0.0001). EQ-5D VAS scores were also negatively correlated with trismus severity (r = − 0.26, p < 0.0001). Larger T-stage (p ≤ 0.001), larger nodal stage (p = 0.03), tumor sub-site (p = 0.05), and concurrent chemoradiation (p = 0.01) associated with increased prevalence of trismus. Diet negatively correlated (r = − 0.27) with trismus severity (p = < 0.0001), and survivors with severe trismus were also more likely to be feeding tube-dependent. Severity of trismus appears to negatively impact quality of life and associate with various adverse functional outcomes in long-term oropharyngeal cancer survivorship. Trismus remains associated with advanced disease stages, tumor sub-site (tonsil), and addition of chemotherapy. Further investigation is merited for the dose-effect relationship to the muscles of mastication.
Effects of bismuth and nickel on the microstructure evolution of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC)-based solders

Abstract The addition of alloying elements to the SAC alloy composition changes the growth behavior of thick Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and their influences on mechanical responses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Bi and Ni on the growth kinetics of interfacial IMCs (Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn) and the mechanical strength of the bulk solders during high temperature aging. Reflowed samples of the SAC405 solder balls and the SAC + Bi,Ni solder balls were stored in high-temperature storage (HTS) chamber at 150 °C and 175 °C each for 0 h, 500 hs, 1000 hs, and 2000 hs. The microstructure evolutions of bulk solder and its interfacial areas were evaluated and the associated microhardness values were measured on the solder balls. During aging, the presence of Bi was seen only in the bulk solder region, resulting in increased hardness by a factor of ∼ 2 and resistance to the age softening due to solid solution strengthening. On the other hand, Ni was observed in both the solder ball and IMC regions. After aging at 150 °C, SAC + Bi,Ni solder balls had a thinner Cu3Sn IMC layer at its interface when compared to that in SAC solders with no Ni. At 175 °C, however, Ni addition did not decrease the growth of Cu3Sn. Long aging (2000 h) of the SAC405 sample at 175 °C resulted in the complete consumption of the Cu layer, which was slowed in SAC + Bi,Ni. The presence of Bi and Ni, therefore, show the potential to improve the reliability of the SAC solder ball joint during aging by restricting the solder deformation and the growth of the Cu3Sn layer.
Representation of women in speaking roles at annual surgical society meetings

Abstract Background Women are disproportionately underrepresented in American academic surgery and surgical society leadership; we investigated the proportion of speaking roles held by women across a wide variety of surgical society meetings. Methods Publicly-available data on invited speakers, panelists, and moderators at 23 national surgical societies’ annual meetings from 2002 to 2019 were collected. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to evaluate the adjusted trend of gender representation over time for each role. Results 15.9% of invited speakers were women. Adjusted analysis showed an 8% increase in odds of having female speakers per year (OR1.08, p = 0.002, 95%CI 1.03–1.14). 24.4% of moderators and 22.5% of panelists were female; there was increasing trend in adjusted analysis for both moderators (OR1.09, p Conclusions There is a wide range in speaking roles held by women at surgical society meetings, but an encouraging trend towards greater parity was seen overall.
Finding Your Voice: Professional Development Tips for New ASPers

It is not always easy for an academic support professional to determine where he or she belongs in the legal academy, and hence to find his or her professional voice. This short piece explores ideas for building one's internal and external professional development in the academic support field.
Synergism of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Reinforces Biofilm Maturation and Acidogenicity in Saliva: An In Vitro Study

Early childhood caries, a virulent-form of dental caries, is painful, difficult, and costly to treat that has been associated with high levels of Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Candida albicans (Ca) in plaque-biofilms on teeth. These microorganisms appear to develop a symbiotic cross-kingdom interaction that amplifies the virulence of plaque-biofilms. Although biofilm studies reveal synergistic bacterial-fungal association, how these organisms modulate cross-kingdom biofilm formation and enhance its virulence in the presence of saliva remain largely unknown. Here, we compared the properties of Sm and Sm-Ca biofilms cultured in saliva by examining the biofilm structural organization and capability to sustain an acidic pH environment conducive to enamel demineralization. Intriguingly, Sm-Ca biofilm is rapidly matured and maintained acidic pH-values (~4.3), while Sm biofilm development was retarded and failed to create an acidic environment when cultured in saliva. In turn, the human enamel slab surface was severely demineralized by Sm-Ca biofilms, while there was minimal damage to the enamel surface by Sm biofilm. Interestingly, Sm-Ca biofilms exhibited an acidic environment regardless of their hyphal formation ability. Our data reveal the critical role of symbiotic interaction between S. mutans and C. albicans in human saliva in the context of pathogenesis of dental caries, which may explain how the cross-kingdom interaction contributes to enhanced virulence of plaque-biofilm in the oral cavity.
Entrepreneurship Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

The aim of this paper is to raise awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship education for developing the skills to solve economic challenges. Also, increasing understanding about current approaches, build acceptance of entrepreneurship’s rightful role in education and provide a platform for action to take the necessary next steps for mainstreaming entrepreneurship at all levels of education to promote the growth of indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems networked to other globalized economies for sustainable development.
Global invariant manifolds delineating transition and escape dynamics in dissipative systems: an application to snap-through buckling

Invariant manifolds play an important role in organizing global dynamical behaviors. For example, it is found that in multi-well conservative systems where the potential energy wells are connected by index-1 saddles, the motion between potential wells is governed by the invariant manifolds of a periodic orbit around the saddle. In two-degree-of-freedom systems, such invariant manifolds appear as cylindrical conduits which are referred to as transition tubes. In this study, we apply the concept of invariant manifolds to study the transition between potential wells in not only conservative systems, but more realistic dissipative systems, by solving respective proper boundary value problems. The example system considered is a two-mode model of the snap-through buckling of a shallow arch. We define the transition region, $$\mathcal {T}_h$$ , as a set of initial conditions of a given initial Hamiltonian energy h with which the trajectories can escape from one potential well to another, which in the example system corresponds to snap-through buckling of a structure. The numerical results reveal that in the conservative system, the boundary of the transition region, $$\partial \mathcal {T}_h$$ , is a cylinder, while in the dissipative system, $$\partial \mathcal {T}_h$$ is an ellipsoid. The algorithms developed in the current research from the perspective of invariant manifold provide a robust theoretical–computational framework to study escape and transition dynamics.
Exalting the Unremarkable: Van Gogh's 'Poet's Garden' and Gauguin's Bedroom

An examination of a painting cycle that Vincent Van Gogh executed in anticipation of Paul Gauguin's arrival at the "Studio of the South" in Arles in 1888. The essay discusses the larger context of the work's literary references and places it in relation to Van Gogh's debates with Gauguin about the role of observation and imagination in painting. In particular, the essay focuses on how Van Gogh marshaled the materiality of paint in making his case for the importance of observation.
Rationalizing inquiry paths for responsible design in the context of a global pandemic

The systemic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic amplified the effects of some social inequalities and revealed positive environmental effects associated with slowing the economy. In order to explore the repercussions of contagion prevention and community engagement initiatives such as deploying face masks and visualizing Covid-19 statistics, we resorted to an ethical model of Design for Responsible innovation (DRI). This interactive model is useful for identifying, exploring, and describing analytical and generative paths of inquiry departing from, or arriving at, diverse matters of concern such as the impact of commodification and manufacturing in society and nature, the relativism of truth, the segregation of identities, and the reduction of agency. In this paper we argue that the human-centered perspective on design relies on a biased value system that either disfavors some social groups or disregards nonhuman living agencies, and we emphasize the analytical capacity of the model to chart and rationalize alternative inquiry paths. In consequence, future responsible design interventions would benefit from positioning life at center stage and embracing the relational and dependent nature of human beings from a posthuman perspective. To achieve this, research methods capable of handling human-nonhuman units of analysis and allowing the examination of systemic impact in complex systems are needed. © 2021 Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos. All rights reserved.
Design of Efficient Double-Sided LC Matching Networks for Capacitive Wireless Power Transfer System

Matching networks are important for capacitive wireless power transfer (CWPT) systems as they provide necessary voltage gain and impedance compensation. The voltages across coupling capacitors greatly affect the transmitted power and efficiency. This paper introduces a method to design double-sided LC matching networks for the CWPT system. The ratio of the voltage across the primary side to the voltage across the secondary side is discussed to realize the required transmitted power and optimize the efficiency of the matching networks. The requirement of zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the inverter stage is satisfied based on the impedance analysis of the matching networks. The design process is developed based on the mathematical model and verified in simulation for a 1kW CWPT system at 6.78MHz.
Near-UV sensitized 1.06 μm emission of Nd3+ ions via monovalent copper in phosphate glass

Abstract Monovalent copper ions effectively incorporated in Nd-containing phosphate glass by a single-step melt-quench method have been established as near-ultraviolet (UV) sensitizers of Nd3+ ions, resulting in a remarkable 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 emission at 1.06 μm. The spectroscopic data indicates an efficient energy conversion process. The Cu+ ions first absorb photons broadly around 360 nm, and subsequently transfer the energy from the Stokes-shifted emitting states to resonant Nd3+ energy levels in the visible. Ultimately, the Nd3+ electronic excited states decay and the upper lasing state 4F3/2 is populated, leading to the enhanced emission at 1.06 μm. The characteristic features of the Cu+ visible emission spectra and the reduced lifetime of the corresponding Cu+ donor states indicate an efficient non-radiative transfer. The Cu+/Nd3+ co-doped phosphate glass appears suitable as solid-state laser material with enhanced pump range in the near-UV part of the spectrum and for solar spectral conversion in photovoltaic cells.
Chapter 2 Antipsychotic Agents and Dopamine Agonists

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the effective results of neuroleptic (antipsychotic) drugs in symptomatic treatment of schizophrenia, whose etiologies are unknown and may not be identical. This review begins with the recent discoveries about dopamine (DA) receptors. From the identification of DA receptors at the biochemical level, it has become clear that heterogeneity of DA receptors exists. Kainic acid injection into the striatum destroys striatal neurons, on which postsynaptic DA receptors are located while sparing axons that pass through this region and terminals that end within it. The bovine parathyroid gland is a tissue with a relatively homogeneous population of D-1 (cyclase-linked) receptors. In this tissue, DA stimulates the accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP) and this event is followed by the release of parathyroid hormone from the gland. Apomorphine (APO) acts as a pure antagonist in this system. It appears that haloperidol and the other classical neuroleptics block both types of DA receptors. It is a corollary of the DA hypothesis of schizophrenia that pharmacological screening methods for antipsychotics are usually designed to discover DA blocking agents. Neuroleptics typically increase DA turnover, elevate prolactin levels, compete with DA receptor ligands for membrane binding sites, induce catalepsy, and block conditioned avoidance responding (CAR) in trained animals. Amoxapine that was previously known as a clinically effective antidepressant has now been shown by a Lederle group to have significant neuroleptic activity in a number of animal models. Nomifensin is an antidepressant that produces significant DA-mimetic motor effects in animal models. The ergot alkaloids have generally complex pharmacological profiles, but some with DA agonist properties are therapeutically useful.
High affinity binding protein for the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase II-B. Cloning, characterization, and expression of cDNAs for rat brain P150.

Abstract Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase II-B appears to be adapted for function in the mammalian central nervous system via the properties of its regulatory subunit (RII-B). RII-B is selectively expressed in the central nervous system, tightly associated with cerebral cortex membranes, and avidly complexed by the bovine brain calmodulin-binding protein designated P75 (Sarkar, D., Erlichman, J., and Rubin, C. S. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 9840-9846). Complexes of RII-B and P75 polypeptides can be purified to near homogeneity from either membrane or cytosolic fractions of brain homogenates, suggesting that the binding protein plays a role in determining the central nervous system-specific properties of protein kinase II-B. To investigate the properties of a prototypic, nonabundant, RII-B-binding protein, we have cloned and characterized cDNAs for rat brain P150, a homolog of bovine brain P75. cDNAs were retrieved from a lambda gt11 expression library using 32P-labeled RII-B as a functional probe. cDNA inserts (800 and 1100 base pairs) subcloned into expression plasmids directed the production of partial P150 polypeptides in Escherichia coli that bind RII-B. Sequence analyses disclosed that P150 is a previously uncharacterized protein that contains multiple octapeptide repeats as well as unique sequences. Antibodies directed against 15-residue peptides corresponding to either repeated or unique sequences bound the polypeptides expressed in E. coli and a 150-kDa protein in rat brain membranes and cytosol. Moreover, the immunoprecipitated 150-kDa protein exhibited high affinity RII-B-binding activity. Finally, 3' deletion analysis demonstrated that a 15-amino acid segment of P150 is essential for binding with RII-B.
Políticas e práticas de Formação Continuada: educação superior em foco

O artigo tem como foco discursivo o Programa de Formacao Continuada dos Docentes do Centro Universitario La Salle (Unilasalle), apresentando seus objetivos e modos de efetivacao. Situa tal Programa dentro do contexto das politicas institucionais da Provincia Lassalista de Porto Alegre (PLPOA) relativas a formacao dos professores que atuam nas instituicoes educativas da Rede La Salle. Tais politicas estao articuladas e derivam de documentos do Instituto dos Irmaos, tais como o 44o Capitulo Geral, o Projeto Educativo da Regiao Latino-Americana (PERLA), o Plano de Acao Regional 2008-2011 e o Capitulo Provincial (2005). Nesse cenario merece destaque especial o Plano de Formacao de Irmaos e de Colaboradores Lassalistas da PLPOA, aprovado em 1998. Este e o primeiro Plano de Formacao “para Irmaos e Leigos” registrado na historia lassalista do Brasil. Desse modo, quando se trata da gestao da formacao continuada dos professores lassalistas, sejam eles docentes da Educacao Basica ou da Educacao Superior, o Plano de Formacao e a matriz de referencia para todas as instituicoes educativas pertencentes a Provincia Lassalista de Porto Alegre, salvaguardando-se as especificidades de cada nivel educativo. Palavras-chaves: Ensino Superior. Formacao Continuada. Rede La salle. Policies and practices of Continuous Formation: Higher Teaching in focus Abstract This article focuses on the Continuous Formation Program of the Teaching Staff of the La Salle University Center (UNILASALLE) in Canoas-RS, by displaying its scope and procedures to reach efficiency. This Program is situated within the context of the institutional policies of the Lasallian Province of Porto Alegre (PLPOA), linked to the formation of professors who act in the Lasallian net of educational institutions. Those policies are articulated and derive from documents issued by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, such as the 44th General Chapter, the PERLA (Educative Project of the Latin American Region), the 2008-2011 Regional Action Plan, and the 2005 Provincial Chapter. Within this scenery, a special highlight is given to the Formation Planning of both of the Brothers and the Lassalian Laymen Cooperators of the Province of Porto Alegre (PLPOA), approved in 1998. This one is the first formation plan for the “Brothers and the Laymen Cooperators” registered in the Lassalian history in this country. Therefore, when it comes to the management of the continuous formation of Lassalian teachers, either acting on Basic or Higher Education, this Formation Plan is the referential pattern for all of the educational institutions that constitute the Lasallian Educational Net of the PLPOA. Keywords: Higher Teaching. Continuous Formation. Lasallist Webnet.
Metals in Medicine: Imaging Agents

The use of metal ions in diagnostic medicine is widespread. Metal complexes and nanoparticles are used clinically in magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine (gamma scintigraphy and positron emission tomography), and X-ray imaging. Preclinically, additional advances are being made in these fields through the creative application of metal complexes and metal-containing nanoparticles. This article briefly describes different clinical imaging modalities and the physico-chemical properties required for imaging agents. Commercial agents are used to illustrate these properties and to describe the clinical state of the art. Selected examples of exciting preclinical imaging agents that have shown efficacy in vivo also are described.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Gas Exchange

Gas exchange is a critical process required for sufficient tissue perfusion. The environment, genetics, or a combination of the two can affect this process. Various strategies have evolved to overcome the specific gas exchange challenges in different environments and it is clear that some genes are pivotal to the development of gas exchanging organs (e.g. Bmp4). Lower partial pressure of oxygen (hypoxia), reducing the partial pressure gradient, makes gas exchange more challenging and therefore the height to which gas exchangers can travel above sea level is limited. However, some human populations (e.g. Tibetans) and other animals (e.g. Bar-headed goose) have adapted well to profoundly hypoxic conditions, suggesting genetic factors are important. Gas exchange can also be affected by air pollution, including particulate matter and ozone among others, and exposure can lead to cardiopulmonary responses depending on individual susceptibility or preexisting disease, both of which have genetic and environmental components. Diseases that affect gas exchange include, but are not limited to, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Moreover, different species successfully exchange gases in their specific environment, for example animals that fly or burrow. Under these conditions, common genetic mechanisms, and their interaction with environment, help to maintain, or are detrimental to, gas exchange.
Development of polymerizable 2-(1-naphthyl)-5-phenyloxazole scintillators for ionizing radiation detection

The synthesis, chemical characterization and optical properties of 2-(1-naphthyl)-4-vinyl-5-phenyloxazole (vNPO) and 2-(1-naphthyl)-4-allyl-5-phenyloxazole (allylNPO) monomers are reported. Starting with the organic fluor 2-(1-naphthyl)-5-phenyloxazole (αNPO), the vNPO and allylNPO monomers were synthesized using Stille coupling followed by purification. The final products were obtained with yields of ∼95% and ∼55% for vNPO and allylNPO. The absorption/emission spectra of αNPO, vNPO and allylNPO revealed that vNPO has the largest red-shifted in emission with an average wavelength of ∼420 nm, which is an advantage for increasing photomultiplier tube sensitivity without the need to add a wavelength shifter. Stable scintillating resin beads were prepared through copolymerization of the newly synthesized fluor monomers with styrene or 4-methylstyrene and divinylbenzene in the presence of toluene porogen. The resin beads were chemically stable and retained the ability to scintillate efficiently after energy deposition of beta particles from 99Tc. This result indicates efficient energy transfer occurs from the base polymer to the covalently attached fluors with subsequent fluorescence in the presence of ionizing radiation.
SEROLOGY AND TRANSDUCTION IN STAPHYLOCOCCAL PHAGE

Dowell, C. E. (The University of Texas, Dallas) and E. D. Rosenblum. Serology and transduction in staphylococcal phage. J. Bacteriol. 84:1071–1075. 1962.—A triply lysogenic strain of Staphylococcus aureus was shown to carry a serological group B phage capable of transduction. Three typing phages (53, 80, 42D), either belonging to serological group B or having a close association with it, were also shown to have transducing ability. A rapid screening method was used to isolate two new transducing phages, both of which belonged to serological group B. Propagating strain 42B/47C was found to carry a transducing phage that was neutralized by both group B and group F antisera. Nine other phages belonging to serological groups other than group B did not have generalized transducing ability, nor did three group B typing phages that were atypical in their calcium requirement. It was postulated that transducing ability is associated with staphylococcal phages of serological group B and with related phages of group F.
Preparation and characterization of a series of poly[oxy-1-(ω-bromoalkyl)ethylene]s

2-Bromoethyloxirane (2 b), 3-bromopropyloxirane (2 c) and 4-bromobutyloxirane (2 d) were prepared by epoxidation of the corresponding bromoalkenes. Treatment of the oxiranes with a triethylaluminium/acetylacetone/water mixture afforded the polyethers 3 b - d in good yield as tacky, white elastomers. Substitution of bromide by benzoate ion established essentially equal reactivities for the three polymers; each was substantially more reactive than any of the halogenated polyether elastomers available heretofore.
l-DOPA's mechanism of action in Parkinson's disease

Despite the long clinical use of l-DOPA, the exact mechanism by which this drug alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease is far from being fully understood. The present review summarizes recent findings about the mechanism of action of l-DOPA. Special emphasis is given to the most important phenomenon that limits l-DOPA's use in the treatment of parkinsonism -its declining effectiveness.
γ radiation induced self-assembly of fluorescent molecules into nanofibers: a stimuli-responsive sensing

Low dose detection of γ radiation remains critical for radiology therapy and nuclear security. We report herein on a novel dual-band fluorescence sensor system based on a molecule, 4-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (PI-DPA), which can be dissolved into halogenated solvents to enable expedient detection of γ radiation. The limit of detection was projected down to 0.006 Gy. Exposure to γ radiation decomposes CHCl3 into small radicals, which then combine to produce HCl. Strong interaction of HCl with the imidazole group of PI-DPA converts it into a PI-DPA–HCl adduct, which self-assembles into nanofibers, quenching the fluorescence of the pristine PI-DPA molecule, while producing new fluorescent emission at longer wavelength. Such dual-band emission response provides improved sensing reliability compared to single band response. Systematic investigations based on acid titration, 1H NMR spectral measurements and time-course SEM imaging suggest that the observed new fluorescence band is due to π–π stacking of the PI-DPA–HCl adduct, which is facilitated by the formation of hydrogen bonded cluster units. The nanofibers exhibited high and reversible photoconductivity. Combining with the sensitive fluorescence response, the photoconductive nanofibers will enable development of a multimode stimuli-responsive sensor system that is suited for small, low cost dosimetry of γ radiation with improved sensitivity and detection reliability.
Systems driven by colored squeezed noise: The atomic absorption spectrum.

We derive stochastic density-matrix equations for an atom strongly driven by finite-bandwidth squeezed light. The quantum properties of the light are accounted for by a doubling of dimensions of the stochastic process for c-number electric field amplitudes. Saturation properties and the weak-field absorption spectrum of a two-level atom embedded in finite-bandwidth squeezed light and driven by a coherent field are calculated. We discuss the effect of finite bandwidth of the squeezed light in obtaining subnatural linewidth in the atomic absorption spectra, based on nonperturbative solutions of the stochastic optical Bloch equations.
Ricin Toxicokinetics and Its Sensitive Detection in Mouse Sera or Feces Using Immuno-PCR

Background Ricin (also called RCA-II or RCA60), one of the most potent toxins and documented bioweapons, is derived from castor beans of Ricinus communis. Several in vitro methods have been designed for ricin detection in complex food matrices in the event of intentional contamination. Recently, a novel Immuno-PCR (IPCR) assay was developed with a limit of detection of 10 fg/ml in a buffer matrix and about 10-1000-fold greater sensitivity than other methods in various food matrices. Methods and Findings In order to devise a better diagnostic test for ricin, the IPCR assay was adapted for the detection of ricin in biological samples collected from mice after intoxication. The limit of detection in both mouse sera and feces was as low as 1 pg/ml. Using the mouse intravenous (iv) model for ricin intoxication, a biphasic half-life of ricin, with a rapid t1/2α of 4 min and a slower t1/2β of 86 min were observed. The molecular biodistribution time for ricin following oral ingestion was estimated using an antibody neutralization assay. Ricin was detected in the blood stream starting at approximately 6–7 h post- oral intoxication. Whole animal histopathological analysis was performed on mice treated orally or systemically with ricin. Severe lesions were observed in the pancreas, spleen and intestinal mesenteric lymph nodes, but no severe pathology in other major organs was observed. Conclusions The determination of in vivo toxicokinetics and pathological effects of ricin following systemic and oral intoxication provide a better understanding of the etiology of intoxication and will help in the future design of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Lenses, cloaks and Transformation Optics (TO) —Myths, mysteries and practical realities

Perhaps no other “new” topic has elicited so much interest in Electromagnetics in recent years as has Transformation Optics (TO). This is apparent from the flood of publications in both Engineering and Physics journals devoted to topics related to Optics, Electromagnetics and Antennas. In this talk we begin by reviewing the fundamentals of TO, but interpreting the transformation algorithm in layman's terms that anyone without an in-depth background in the subject area can readily grasp. We then introduce an alternative paradigm, called the FT algorithm, to design blankets for scatterers, as well as flat lenses that replace hyperbolic and spherical lenses of conventional type. Performance comparisons of TO- and FT-based designs will also be presented.
Cholesterol exchange in platelets, erythrocytes and megakaryocytes.

Cholesterol exchange between plasma and human platelets and erythrocytes and guinea pig platelets, erythrocytes and megakaryocytes was studied. The characteristics of exchange of cholesterol between [3H]cholesterol-labeled plasma and human platelets and erythrocytes were similar: exchange per cell was independent of cell concentration in whole plasma, decreased only 2-fold over a wide range of cell concentrations in low concentrations of plasma and approached a plateau at 1/3 normal plasma cholesterol concentration, and there was no net change in the cholesterol content of either cell. The activation energy for exchange for both cells was 47 kJ/mol. In all experiments, erythrocyte cholesterol was labeled to approximately twice the specific activity of platelet cholesterol. Guinea pig megakaryocyte cholesterol exchanged at 25–33% of the rate of guinea pig platelet cholesterol in vitro. Similarly, when guinea pigs were fed [3H]cholesterol], erythrocyte cholesterol specific activity after 24 h was 90%, platelet 50–65%, and megakaryocyte 20–26% that of plasma. Guinea pig platelets incubated with plasma radiolabeled in free and esterified cholesterol incorporated radioactivity from free but not esterified cholesterol. The similarity of free cholesterol exchange in platelets and erythrocytes in vitro and in vivo and the apparent inability of platelets to take up cholesterol esters from lipoproteins suggest that the interaction between normal platelets and normocholesterolemic plasma is limited to cholesterol exchange.
Pertussis Booster Vaccination in HIV-Infected Children Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of pertussis booster vaccination in children infected with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). PATIENTS AND METHODS. HIV-infected children on stable HAART for ≥3 months with plasma HIV-RNA concentrations of RESULTS. Ninety-two subjects received DTaP vaccine and met criteria for analysis. Antibody concentrations were low at entry: pertussis toxin geometric mean concentration at 4.8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units (EU) per mL and filamentous hemagglutinin geometric mean concentration at 4.1 EU/mL. Pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin geometric mean concentrations rose to 22.3 and 77.0 EU/mL, respectively, 8 weeks after the study DTaP vaccine. Antibody concentrations fell by 24 weeks after vaccination but remained higher than before vaccination. Predictors of response 8 weeks after DTaP vaccine included the concentration of homologous antibody, lower HIV-RNA level, and higher CD4 percentage at entry. One vaccinated subject experienced erythema and induration of ≥25 mm. CONCLUSIONS. A DTaP vaccine booster was well tolerated by children on HAART and induced increases in antibodies. Antibody concentrations after vaccination were lower than those reported in populations uninfected by HIV. Although comparison among studies must be made with caution, these data suggest that children infected with HIV may be deficient in immunologic memory from previous DTP-containing vaccination and/or that immune reconstitution with HAART may be incomplete for pertussis antigens.