cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Portal absorption of fatty acids in lymph- and portal vein-cannulated rats

Abstract The route and the rate of the intestinal absorption of [1- 14 C]oleic, [1- 14 C]-caprylic, and 2-[ 14 C]ethyl- n -caproic acids have been studied using lymph- and portal vein-cannulated rats. It was found that 85% of absorbed oleic acid was transported via lymphatic system. However, as much as 15% of absorbed oleic acid was transported directly via the portal system. With short-chain fatty acids, between 94–98% of the absorbed acids were transported via the portal system. Studies on the rate of the intestinal absorption of these acids indicated that 2-ethyl- n -caproic acid was absorbed less completely and subsequently metabolized less effectively than the corresponding straight-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid. Studies on the distribution of radioactivity in lymph lipids showed that most of the radioactivity (85%) was present as triglycerides when [ 14 C]oleic acid was administered to lymph and portal vein fistula rats. However, when the 14 C-labeled short-chain fatty acids were given, 96–102% of the radioactivity was present as free fatty acids. Studies on the distribution of radioactivity in lipid fractions of portal vein blood showed that 50 and 98–100% of the radioactivity present were in the form of free fatty acids when [ 14 C]oleic acid and 14 C-labeled short-chain fatty acids, respectively, were administered to lymph and portal vein fistula rats.
Light and electron microscopic studies of protoplast development during Entomophaga grylli Pathotype 2 infections in Melanoplus differentialis.

Abstract Light and electron microscopic observations were made of protoplast changes during Entomophoga grylli pathotype 2 infections of Melanoplus differentialis. Protoplast development was divided into three stages: amoeboid, developing, and mature protoplasts. Each stage was characterized by changes in protoplast and organelle morphology. Amoeboid protoplasts were amoeboid in shape, exhibited movement, and contained very few lipid droplets. Developing and mature protoplasts were rounded in shape and contained increasing amounts of lipid droplets. Morphological changes were also observed in dense bodies, nuclei, and cell membrane as the protoplasts matured.
Galectin-4 expression in carcinoid tumors.

Galectins (Gal) are an evolutionarily conserved family of 15 carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) that are widely distributed in normal and neoplastic cells in a wide range of organisms. They have roles in inflammation, cell adhesion, tumor progression, and metastasis. The function and distribution of Gal-3 and Gal-1 are well characterized, but less information is available about Gal-4. Recent studies have localized Gal-4 in the enterochromaffin cells of the porcine and murine small intestine. We examined the expression of Gal-4 in primary and metastatic human ileal carcinoid tumors as well as in carcinoid tumors of the stomach, lung, and rectum. A total of 44 primary and 42 ileal metastatic carcinoid tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays (TMA) with monoclonal antibodies to Gal-4, Gal-3, and Gal-1. Pulmonary (n=7), rectal (n=6), and gastric (n=6) carcinoids were examined with larger tissue sections. A total of 18 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were also examined with larger tissue sections. Western blots of three ileal carcinoids were also done. Gal-4 was most highly expressed in the ileal carcinoids and the levels of expression tended to be higher in primary ileal carcinoids compared to the metastatic tumors (p=0.069). All 18 pancreat neuroendocrine tumors were negative for Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-4. Western blot showed a 32 kDa band for Gal-4 in the ileal carcinoids. Gal-3 and Gal-1 were not detected in the metastatic ileal carcinoids by Western blotting. Gastric carcinoids also expressed Gal-4, but very few pulmonary or rectal carcinoids were positive for Gal-4 (p=0.002). Lower levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 expression were present in ileal carcinoids compared to primary pulmonary and rectal tumors. These results show a differential distribution of Gal-4 in carcinoid tumors in different locations of the gastrointestinal tract and the lungs.
Polycystic kidney disease: Primary extracellular matrix abnormality or defective cellular differentiation?

Polycystic kidney disease: Primary extracellular matrix abnormality or defective cellular differentiation? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is inherited as a dominant or recessive trait or can be provoked by environmental factors. The disease is characterized by the growth of large epithelial-lined cysts derived from the nephrons and collecting ducts of affected kidneys. Cysts are thought to initiate as small dilations in renal tubules, which then expand into fluid-filled cavities of relatively large size. Cyst formation appears to involve increased cell proliferation, reversal of tubular epithelial polarity, and epithelial fluid secretion. In addition, a number of pronounced extracellular matrix changes have been found in the cystic kidneys of several animal models and in human autosomal dominant PKD. These abnormalities include thickened, laminated basement membrane, increased expression of α1 type IV collagen and laminins B1 and B2, and changes in heparan sulfate proteoglycan and fibronectin. Some of these changes can also be seen in vitro, reflecting intrinsic abnormalities, and may be associated with abnormal tubular morphogenesis early in cyst formation as well as later in cyst expansion. We have been investigating gene expression in the C57BL/6J- cpk mouse, which has an autosomal recessive form of PKD, to determine the genetic basis of the abnormal tubule cell growth and morphology manifested during cyst formation. The expression of the proto-oncogenes c- fos , c- myc , and c-Ki- ras is elevated early in the disease process and becomes markedly elevated late in the disease during the most severe stage of cyst development; the elevated c- fos expression in vivo is reflected by hypersensitivity to serum stimulation in vitro, indicating that a basic change has taken place in cystic cells in vivo which persists in cell culture. The preproEGF gene, which normally increases expression during postnatal renal development, is not significantly expressed in cystic kidneys. In contrast, the SGP-2 gene, which is expressed early in nephrogenesis and declines in maturing collecting ducts, shows increasing expression in cystic kidneys. Our results indicate that a number of developmentally regulated genes are abnormally expressed in PKD, suggesting that the disease is caused by defective differentiation of kidney tubules. 1
Polarization Colors of Lightly Iodine‐stained Maize Starches for Amylose‐Extender and Related Genotypes in the W64A Inbred Line

Previous qualitative research showed that for some maize endosperm genotype starches the color of variably iodine-stained starch granules observed by bright field microscopy (BFM) was different from the color of identically stained granules observed by polarized light microscopy (PLM). One objective of the present study was to determine the polarization color for a variety of high-amylose and other starch genotypes in an identical genetic background. A secondary objective was to determine the iodine concentration dependence of polarization colors for the samples. Starches from the W64A inbred line were obtained from the following genotypes: normal, wx, ae, du, su2, ae wx, ae du, ae su2, and du su2. Starches were stained with iodine solutions ranging from 0.02 to 0.075% and viewed with BFM and PLM, using an auto-exposure digital camera function. Most starches showed the first appreciable color at about 0.04percnt; I2. Unlike normal and non-ae-containing starches, ae starch showed a pink polarization color, despite its blue color in bright field. Heterogeneity in polarization color was observed both within and among granules. Double mutant starches containing ae showed variable effects, depending on the combination. It is suggested that the pink polarization color of ae starch may be due to a lack of symmetrical orientation of iodinecomplexed amylose in these granules
Calculations of total activity and relative radiolysis product yields for selected photonuclear reaction target systems used for production of clinically useful, short-lived, positron-emitting radionuclides

The potential performance of certain photonuclear target systems designed to produce short‐lived positron emitters for nuclear medicine applications was evaluated. Included were calculations of photonuclear target activity yields, relative radiolysis product yields and relative specific activities of products as a function of photonuclear target shapes, dimensions, spacing from the bremsstrahlung photon source, and the energy of the electron beam using the reactions1 2C(γ,n)1 1C, 1 4N(γ,n)1 3N, and 1 6O(γ,n)1 5O. Results indicate that substantial activity yields can be achieved in these photonuclear target systems and that specific activity of the product varies widely as a function of the energy of the electron beam used to produce the bremsstrahlung and the included angle from the central beam axis that the photonuclear target occupies. Results indicate that several commercial radiotherapy accelerators appear to have electron beam energy and current capabilities suitable for producing multiple mCi (1 mCi=3.7×107 Bq) amounts of the above radionuclides.
Merging computers and communication: a case study in Latin America

Abstract Knowledge and information fuel the growth in most sectors of today's global society. Individuals need access to information in order to make the most basic to the most complex analyses and decisions. The linking of “computers and communications” enables one not only to access large quantities of information in a timely manner, but also manipulate it to meet one's needs. What effect will the linkage have on individuals in developing countries? Will a low cost, effective computer communications system be developed that focuses on meeting developing countries needs? Will individuals in developing countries find barriers in accessing information reduced or magnified? What opportunities might exist for individuals in developing countries to participate in the “information age”? This paper seeks to address these questions by reviewing several computers and communications concepts and exploring a case study which uses the concepts for practical applications. The author proposes enhancements to the case study for increasing the effectiveness of developing country access.
Improving long-path differential optical absorption spectroscopy with a quartz-fiber mode mixer

Long-path differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) has become an increasingly important method for determination of the concentration of tropospheric trace gases (e.g., O3, NO2, BrO, ClO). The use of photodiode array (PDA) detectors enhances long-path DOAS systems considerably owing to PDA’s higher sensitivity resulting from the multiplex advantage. The detection limits of these systems are expected to be 1 order of magnitude lower than systems of similar optical setup with scanning detectors. When the scanning detector is simply replaced by a PDA, unwanted spectral structures of as much as 8 × 10-3 appear. The size of these randomly changing structures exceeds the photon noise level by 2–3 orders of magnitude thus severely limiting the sensitivity. We show that an angular dependence of the response of the PDA causes this structure in combination with unavoidable changes in the illumination. A quartz-fiber mode mixer, which makes the illumination of the spectrograph–detector system nearly independent of the angular intensity distribution of the measured light, was developed and tested. This new device reduces the unwanted structures in laboratory and field experiments by a factor of 10. The detection limits of long-path DOAS instruments with PDA detectors are improved by the same amount and are thus lower than those of currently used systems with scanning detectors. At the same time a much shorter measurement time (by ∼1 order of magnitude) becomes possible.
Recognition and Classification of Hot Strip Surface Defect Based on Binary Tree SVM

The paper presents a new method which uses Binary Tree SVM in the automatic classification of surface defects for hot strip. Two types of Binary Tree SVMs are applied in defect classification. Compared with BP neural network and one-against-one SVM, the algorithm adopted in the paper greatly improved the accuracy of classification and decreased the classification time.
Conceptual design and deployment of a metadata framework for educational resources on the Internet

The metadata framework described in this article stems from a growing concern of the U.S. Department of Education and its National Library of Education that teachers, students, and parents are encountering increasing difficulty in accessing educational resources on the Internet even as those resources are becoming more abundant. This concern is joined by the realization that as the Internet matures as a publishing environment, the successful management of resource repositories will hinge to a great extent on the intelligent use of metadata. We first explicate the conceptual foundations for the Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM) framework including the adoption of the Dublin Core Element Set as its base referent, and the extension of that set to meet the needs of the domain. We then discuss the complex of decisions that must be made regarding selection of the units of description and the structuring of an information space. The article concludes with a discussion of metadata generation, the association of metadata to the objects described, and a general description of the GEM system architecture.
Stability in the correction of dentofacial deformities: A comprehensive review☆

Postoperative stability of the skeletal segments repositioned during orthognathic surgery continues to challenge even the most experienced surgeons. In an attempt to establish a consensus about the direction of postsurgical movement and the methods used to prevent relapse, studies from the last 33 years were reviewed. These studies are grouped as isolated maxillary and mandibular procedures, simultaneous two-jaw procedures, and procedures used to treat syndrome/cleft palate patients.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Patient Outcomes

Abstract Introduction: Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears has been associated with satisfactory improvement in pain and function. The goal of this study was to compare the results of patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes after the 2 cohorts underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 56 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus and 67 patients without diabetes, all of whom underwent arthroscopic RCR with 1 year of follow-up. Changes in range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Penn Shoulder Score (PSS) were compared between both groups at 1 year postoperatively. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in ROM for both groups. However, patients without diabetes had greater forward flexion (P = 0.02), abduction (P = 0.04), and external rotation (P = 0.004). Both groups noted significant improvement in their respective ASES score and PSS. However, patients...
Exponential Survival with Covariance

Abstract In applied problems one often wishes to compare the mortality experience of two or more groups of individuals who are known not to be comparable with respect to a covariable. This paper presents an approach to this problem by assuming that the force of mortality for each individual is a function of the covariable. Extension to the case where more than one covariable is present is indicated. It is also suggested that the present method is adaptable to an actuarial type analysis.
Percolation in Borosilicate Glass Matrix Composites Containing Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide Segregated Networks. Part I: Fabrication of Segregated Networks

The percolation threshold in a composite depends on the processing conditions used to fabricate it along with the size and shape of the filler and the matrix. In this study, borosilicate glass microspheres were used as the matrix material, and nanosized antimony tin oxide (ATO) particles were used as the filler. The glass microsphere/ATO composites were fabricated by hot pressing at temperatures in the range between the glass transition temperature and the softening temperature of the glass to control the viscosity. The pressure and temperature applied allowed the ATO to be confined to the spaces between certain glass particles, forming percolating networks at low volume fractions of the ATO. The viscous flow of the glass allowed for the composite to have near full densities, while allowing for the nanoparticle segregation to occur. Even though apparently similar microstructures were made using different heating schedules, the percolation behavior and electrical conductivity showed noticeable differences. The percolation threshold ranged from 0.1 to 2.5 phr (parts per hundred glass) and the change in electrical conductivity was around seven to nine orders of magnitude. The differences were attributed to the interaction of the segregated ATO particles with one another. The electrical properties were examined using ac impedance spectroscopy along with current atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), which allowed for valuable insights in the structure–property–processing relationships in these materials.
Capture chromatography for Mo-99 recovery from uranyl sulfate solutions: minimum-column-volume design method.

Abstract Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), generated from the fission of Uranium-235 (U-235), is the radioactive parent of the most widely used medical isotope, technetium-99 m (Tc-99 m). An efficient, robust, low-pressure process is developed for recovering Mo-99 from uranyl sulfate solutions. The minimum column volume and the maximum column length for required yield, pressure limit, and loading time are determined using a new graphical method. The method is based on dimensionless groups and intrinsic adsorption and diffusion parameters, which are estimated using a small number of experiments and simulations. The design is tested with bench-scale experiments with titania columns. The results show a high capture yield and a high stripping yield (95 ± 5%). The design can be adapted to changes in design constraints or the variations in feed concentration, feed volume, or material properties. The graph shows clearly how the column utilization is affected by the required yield, loading time, and pressure limit. The cost effectiveness of various sorbent candidates can be evaluated based on the intrinsic parameters. This method can be used more generally for designing other capture chromatography processes.
Steric effects caused by N-alkylation of the tripodal chelator N,N′,N″-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane (tachpyr): structural and electronic properties of the Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

The effects of steric hindrance on the complexation of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) by chelators based on cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane (tach) have been studied. The chelators studied are the 2-methylpyridyl pendant-arm derivatives of tach, ‘tachpyr’ (N,N′,N″-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane), and the N-alkylated analogs ‘(N–Me)3tachpyr’ (N,N′,N″-trimethyl-N,N′,N″-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane) and ‘(N–Et)3tachpyr’ (N,N′,N″-triethyl-N,N′,N″-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane). Hexacoordinate complexes, [MIIL]X2 resulted from reaction of the appropriate metal ion salts with L in alcoholic medium (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; L = tachpyr, (N–Me)3tachpyr, (N–Et)3tachpyr; X = ClO4−, NO3−, Cl−). The Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes have high-spin electron configurations, based on solution magnetic susceptibility, electronic spectral and/or X-ray crystallographic studies. However, solution visible-near IR electronic spectra and single-crystal X-ray crystallography demonstrate weakened bonding in the complexes of (N–R)3tachpyr relative to tachpyr, due to steric effects of methyl or ethyl groups on coordinated tach amines. Structures of [Zn(tachpyr)]2+ and [Ni(tachpyr)]2+ indicate a clear preference of tachpyr and derivatives for octahedral geometry, while [Cu((N–Me)3tachpyr)]2+ exhibits a classic Jahn–Teller tetragonal distortion. The complex [Mn(tachpyr)](ClO4)2 demonstrates a striking influence of the metal ion on the coordination geometry, with a trigonal-prismatic coordination of Mn(II) and considerable distortion of the tach-amino donor groups. The coordination geometry and distortions are attributed to the large size of high-spin d5 Mn(II) and the absence of ligand-field stabilization energy, coupled with the observed preference of tachpyr derivatives for octahedral geometry. The [MII(tachpyr)]2+ complexes (M = Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) are inert in aqueous pH 5.5 media. However, all metal complexes of N-alkylated tachpyr, as well as [Mn(tachpyr)](ClO4)2, dissociate metal ion in aqueous pH 5.5 medium, consistent with their steric hindrance and distortions respectively.
A nonlinear contact algorithm predicting facet joint contribution in the lumbar spine of a specific person

The objective of this study was to realistically include the effect of facet loading in an EMG-assisted lumbar biomechanical model. Most biomechanical models lack detailed facet geometry, the inclusion of cartilage, and fail to model the full lumbar spine. Several new facet-specific components were added to an EMG-assisted biomechanical model, including realistic geometry and facet-specific contact algorithms. These algorithms defined nonlinear contact between each lumbar spine facet. Subject-specific data were applied to the model for assessment. As expected, resultant disc loads were generally lower in the model with facets. This information improves our understanding of how loads are distributed in the spine, and it can lead to a better understanding of causal pathways. If we understand those pathways, we then realise how to design better ergonomic interventions.
Treatment Outcomes of Radical Prostatectomy in Potential Candidates for 3 Published Active Surveillance Protocols

Objectives To examine the treatment outcomes of men who would have been eligible for active surveillance (AS) but underwent immediate radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). AS protocols are designed to spare the potential morbidity of treatment to patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Methods From a prospective RRP database, we evaluated the tumor features and treatment outcomes for men who would have met 1 of 3 published AS criteria: (1) clinically localized disease, Gleason ≤7, and no significant comorbidities (Patel et al, J Urol. 2004;171:1520-1524) (2) T1b-T2b N0M0 disease, Gleason ≤7, and prostate-specific antigen ≤15 ng/mL (Choo R et al. J Urol. 2002;167:1664-1669), or (3) T1c PCa (Mohler JL et al. World J Urol. 1997;15:364-368.). Results 3959, 3536, and 2330 RRP patients, respectively, would have met these AS criteria. At surgery, 3%-4% had a Gleason score of 8-10, 16%-19% had positive surgical margins, 15%-18% had extracapsular tumor extension, 3%-5% had seminal vesicle invasion, and 0.4%-1% had lymph node metastasis. The 5-year progression-free survival rate ranged from 84%-89%. Metastasis occurred in 0.1%-1.2%, and 0.1%-0.9% died of PCa. On multivariate analysis, Gleason score >6 was the strongest predictor of biochemical progression. Conclusions A substantial proportion of men who might have been considered potential AS candidates had aggressive tumor features at RRP and/or progression. Biopsy Gleason score >6 was the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of limiting AS to patients with Gleason ≤6. Overall, the accurate identification of patients with truly indolent PCa at the time of diagnosis remains challenging.
A randomized clinical trial of dietary calcium to improve bone accretion in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To examine a behavioral intervention (BI) to increase calcium intake in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) on calcium intake and bone mass 6 and 12 months after treatment. Study design A randomized trial compared a 6-session BI to a 3-session enhanced standard of care (ESC) with 49 children ages 4 to 10 years with JRA. Calcium intake was assessed via 3-day diet diaries. Total body bone mineral content (BMC), arms and legs BMC, and lumbar spine bone mineral density were assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results BI maintained an average calcium intake of 1500 mg/d at 6- and 12-month follow-up. This was greater than their baseline level of 972 mg/d, but not greater than the intake of 1300 mg/day maintained by ESC (P = .09). The BI had a 4% and 2.9% greater gain in total body bone mineral content than ESC at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P = .005), and a 7.1% and 5.3% greater gain in arms and legs BMC at 6 and 12 months than ESC (P = .0007). Conclusions BI is effective in increasing calcium intake and BMC in children with JRA over a 12-month period.
A phenomenology of relaxor-ferroelectric phase transitions

Abstract We propose a phenomenological theory for the dielectric properties of relaxor ferroelectrics undergoing a “relaxor-ferroelectric” phase transition based on the assumption that the interacting polar clusters distributed in highly polarizable host lattice are responsible for relaxor behavior. Two major differences between relaxor ferroelectrics and conventional order-disorder ferroelectrics have been employed in the theory: i) the existence of the broad distribution of local fields experienced by each polar cluster; ii) the existence of the distribution of relaxation times giving rise to non-exponential non-critical kinetics which may compete with the critical slowing down near the ferroelectric phase transition temperature. We show that the theory is in good agreement with the experiment on frequency dependent permittivity in PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3 undergoing the first order ferroelectric phase transition.
Macdonald Dettwiler real-time emergency management via satellite: status update and future directions

Real-time wireless communications between permanent command centres, field command posts, and field resources such as field crews, helicopters and other mobile equipment are a necessity for most emergency management and coordination organizations worldwide. Space-based technologies such as satellite positioning systems, satellite communications systems and Earth observations systems have the potential to fill many of these needs. MacDonald Dettwiler's Real-time Emergency Management via Satellite (REMSAT) system addresses this gap by providing an integrated system that has now been used operationally in a forest fire fighting role over the past 2 years. This paper will provide the concept of operations, an overview of the initial REMSAT system, and the results of the field tests including recommendations for future systems.
Exploratory activity and habituation of Drosophila in confined domains

Animals use locomotion to find food, shelter, and escape routes as well as to locate predators, competitors, and mates. Thus, locomotion is related to many behavioral traits, and can be used to characterize these more complex facets of behavior. Exploratory behaviors are random and need to be assessed through stochastic analysis. By comparing ensembles of trajectories from Drosophila and a model animal, we identify a pair of principles that govern the stochastic motion of a specific species. The first depends on local cues and quantify directional persistence, i.e., the propensity of an animal to maintain direction; the second, its attraction to walls, is relevant for exploration in confined arenas. Statistical properties of exploratory activity in several types of arenas can be computed from these principles. A pair of spiral arenas are designed to demonstrate that centrophobicity, or fear of the center of an arena, is not a fundamental feature of exploration. xxxx We provide evidence to show that the decay in an animal’s activity following its introduction into a novel arena is correlated to its familiarity with the arena. We define two measures, coverage and habituation, to quantify familiarity. It is found that the relationship between activity and coverage is independent of the arena size. Finally, we use an analysis of exploration of mutant species to infer that in Drosophila, habituation relies on visual cues.
A Work Study of the Review Production Process

This Communication presents experiential data on the work activities, performance times and costs involved in the preparation of an analytic review for the Annual Review of Information Science and Technology.
Fabrication of micrometer and submicrometer-sized ion-selective optodes via a solvent displacement process.

Microsphere-based ion optodes represent a promising and versatile tool to measure ionic activities in confined samples. The reported methods of micro- and nanosphere optode fabrication, however, su...
X‐RAY STUDY OF POTASH‐SILICA GLASS*

X-ray diffraction studies have been made of two samples of potash-silica glass whose composition is 20.9% and 29.1% of K2O by weight. A Fourier analysis of the intensity curves indicates a structure similar to that found in soda-silica glass. Each silicon is tetrahedrally bonded to 4 oxygen ions, with each oxygen bonded either to 1 or 2 silicons. The K+ potassium ions are situated in holes in the silicon-oxygen network with an average of about 10 oxygen neighbors.
The nature of the altered allosteric behaviour of 2-thiouracil aspartate transcarbamylase.

The aspartate transcarbamylase which has been synthesized by Escherichia coli in the presence of 2-thiouracil has been reported by Kerbiriou & Herve (1972, 1973) to lack homotropic interactions (sigmoidal aspartate saturation kinetics) and yet exhibits heterotropic interactions (CTP inhibition). These observations are of interest in relation to recent theories for the allosteric regulation of ATCase§ which have tried to account for the behaviour of 2-thiouracil ATCase. We have compared the conformational behaviour of 2-thiouracil ATCase with native ATCase, in order to determine the structural basis for the altered allosteric properties. First, measurement of the effects of ligands on the sedimentation coefficient of 2-thiouracil ATCase reveals that the transition from the low-aspartate-affinity (slower sedimenting) form to the high-affinity form occurs more easily with 2-thiouracil ATCase than with native ATCase. Such an effect would be expected to lower co-operativity. Second, measurement of the reactivity of the sulfhydryl groups of 2-thiouracil ATCase indicates that the enzyme reacts faster and is heterogenous with respect to the reactivity of the sulfhydryl groups towards p-hydroxymercuribenzoic acid. This heterogeneity is consistent with the observed heterogeneity of this enzyme on polyacrylamide gels and may complicate the interpretation of kinetic data. Third, the maximal velocity of 2-thiouracil ATCase is approximately half that of native ATCase. Studies using a hybrid of native catalytic subunit and 2-thiouracil ATCase regulatory subunit reveal that the lower maximal velocity is the result of modifications in the catalytic subunit. This suggests that in 2-thiouracil ATCase there may be less than six functional active sites per molecule, an effect which would again lead to lower co-operativity. Finally, kinetic studies at aspartate concentrations lower than previously reported reveal that 2-thiouracil-ATCase is not entirely devoid of co-operativity, exhibiting some residual homotropic and heterotropic interactions.
Changes in Selected Physical Property and Enzyme Activity of Rice and Barley Koji during Fermentation and Storage

UNLABELLED Koji are solid-state fermentation products made by inoculating steamed grains with the spores of fungi, particularly Aspergillus spp. This research was undertaken to identify the fermentation and storage conditions optimal for the production and maintenance of selected hydrolytic enzymes, such as α-amlyase and protease, in koji. Steamed rice and barley were inoculated with 2 × 10 ¹¹ Aspergillus oryzae spores per kilogram of grains and fermented for 118 h in a growth chamber at 28 to 32 °C with controlled relative humidities. Samples were drawn periodically during fermentation and storage at -20, 4, or 32 °C, and α-amylase and protease activity, mold counts, a(w), moisture contents, and pH of collected samples were determined. It was observed that the a(w), moisture contents, and pH of the koji were influenced by the duration of fermentation and temperature of storage. The α-amylase activity of both koji increased as the populations of A. oryzae increased during the exponential growth phase. The enzyme activity of barley koji was significantly higher than that of rice koji, reaching a peak activity of 211.87 or 116.57 U at 46 and 58 h, respectively, into the fermentation process. The enzyme activity in both products started to decrease once the mold culture entered the stationary growth phase. The protease activities of both koji were low and remained relatively stable during fermentation and storage. These results suggest that rice and barley koji can be used as sources of α-amylase and desired enzyme activity can be achieved by controlling the fermentation and storage conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Amylases and proteases are 2 important hydrolytic enzymes. In the food industry, these enzymes are used to break down starches and proteins while reducing the viscosity of foods. Although amylases and proteases are found in plants and animals, commercial enzymes are often produced using bacteria or molds through solid state fermentation, which is designed to use natural microbial process to produce enzymes in a controlled environment. A properly produced and maintained koji with a high hydrolytic enzyme activity can serve as an important source of the enzymes for the food industry.
Exact repeated confidence intervals for Bernoulli parameters in a group sequential clinical trial

Abstract This paper presents methods for constructing exact repeated confidence intervals (RCIs) for the success probability, p, of a single Bernoulli treatment and for the difference of success probabilities, Δ = p1 − p2, of two independent Bernoulli treatments in the context of a group sequential clinical trial. These RCIs calculated1at each interim analysis are useful for evaluating the data in light of all the information available rather than relying on rigid stopping criteria used by repeated significance tests. Extensions to construction of RCIs for the relative risk ϱ = p 1 p 2 and odds ratio ψ = p 1 (1 − p 2 ) p 2 (1 − p 1 ) are indicated.
Screening for cataracts in patients with severe atopic eczema

Chez tout malade atteint d'eczema atopique grave, un examen a la lampe a fente, a la recherche d'une cataracte subclinique, doit etre pratique avant de commencer une corticotherapie generale ou une RUVAtherapie, de peur de declencher ou aggraver une cataracte
Multiple sclerosis masquerading as a mass lesion

Six patients presenting with new neurological deficits underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that displayed mass lesions leading to diagnoses of tumor or abscess. Biopsy revealed demyelinating lesions.
Evidence of hydrogen migration in an alkylphenyldiazirine excited state

Ultrafast photolysis (350 nm) of alkylphenyldiazirines promotes the diazirine to the S(1) excited state. Solvent and substituent effects on the excited state lifetimes indicate that the S(1) state is highly polarized and undergoes a [1,2]-H shift in concert with nitrogen extrusion in cyclohexane.
P‐110: Stray Light Analysis for Particle on Optical Components

It is well known that the particles in/on the optical component will cause the straylight and degrade the contrast ratio, but few of literature describe the relation between the distribution of the particle and the contrast ratio. In this article, we try to explore the relations between these phenomena, as well as the experiment results.
Mass spectrometric studies of laser-produced vapor species

Abstract The results of mass spectrometric studies of laser-induced vaporization of numerous semi-metallic substances are presented and compared with mass spectra of these substances obtained by other methods of vaporization. Significant differences in the type, relative abundance, size and the number of species present have been observed. The conditions of the laser-induced vaporization are discussed, and it is shown that in this case vaporization takes place under the conditions of high temperatures and pressures, close to the critical values for the substances studied.
Comparative Analysis of Health Insurance Systems in the United States and South Korea

This paper uses a case study design to compare the U.S. health insurance system with that of South Korea, analyzing the effects of the two countries' cultural value systems, political institutions, and stakeholders on the historical development and current status of national health insurance policy. The authors find that in the United States, a value system characterized by anti-statism, anti-elitism, individualism, liberalism, and a laissez-faire philosophy has acted, in combination with a decentralized democratic political system and strong, well-organized interest groups opposed to publicly-funded healthcare, to significantly limit the possibility of national health insurance reform on anything but an incremental basis. In contrast, South Korea's value system has been characterized by statism, elitism, groupism, and a philosophy of nobles oblige, which has interacted with autocratic but health insurance reform-minded regimes, in a weak civil society (with particularly weak organizations representing anti-health reform interests) where formal lobbying activities were illegal, to produce a policy environment particularly favorable to comprehensive health insurance reform from the 1960s through the 1980s. The study demonstrates that each country has not only different political institutions and laws governing interest groups, but also significantly different cultures and medical traditions, which must be considered if policy reforms in either country, or indeed for any country considering health insurance reform, are to be implemented successfully. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of implications of these findings on health insurance reforms in both countries, with particular consideration of the reform plans of the Obama administration in the United States.
Focused ion beam assisted investigations of Al interface in polythiophene:Fullerene solar cells

Abstract The aluminum (Al) electrode interface in regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) solar cells is probed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. A state-of-the-art TEM sample preparation including in-situ lift-out is carried out using a dual focused ion beam (FIB) on two types of devices—one without annealing and one after annealing at 120 °C for 20 min. The vertical morphology is studied by crossectional TEM. It is found that upon annealing the thickness of both the Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) PEDOT:PSS and P3HT/PCBM layers decreased significantly from 21±2 nm to 16±1 nm and 130±2 to 80±1 nm, respectively. Through bright field micrographs a mixed layer between the Al electrode and the organic active layer is clearly observed in both methods of device preparations. A nanobeam mode is utilized to collect nanobeam electron diffraction (NBD) pattern in different layers of the device. In the Al layer, discrete diffraction spots from the atomic planes are observed, indicating a single crystal structure of Al. A broad ring diffraction pattern is observed in the P3HT/PCBM layer indicated disorder in the organic layer. A mixture of diffraction spots and an amorphous-like pattern is collected from the mixed region implying diffusion of Al into the organic layer. Elemental mapping results also confirmed that upon annealing Al diffused into the organic layer. Bright field TEM images of annealed devices show a well-contacted interface between Al and the mixed layer as compared to the unannealed devices. The effect of Al contact resistance before and after annealing is studied using the vertical transmission line model (TLM). It is found that by annealing after Al evaporation, the contact resistivity decreased by 38%. The results are consistent with the observation that upon annealing Al atoms diffused into the organic layer and established a mixed region which helps to decrease the contact resistance between the Al electrode and P3HT:PCBM active layer.
The Impact of Weigh-in-Motion Measurement Error on Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Reliability

Axle load spectra have a significant impact on predicted pavement performance. At the design stage, it is typically assumed that axle load spectra as measured by weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems are accurate. In fact, the quality of WIM-based data has inherent uncertainties due to inaccuracy and systematic bias in measurements. This paper investigates the impact of WIM measurement errors on axle load spectra (ALS) and quantifies the effects of these errors on design reliability. In the new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (M-E PDG), the reliability procedure was developed based on the assumption that variability in performance prediction is approximately the same as the observed performance of the pavement sections used to calibrate the performance models. In this analysis, each distress type was approximated by a normal distribution and therefore, two parameters (mean and standard deviation) were determined to represent the expected value and associated variability by employing Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the M-E PDG reliability analysis can compensate for negative axle load measurement bias for most of the distresses. However, a lower tolerance for negative bias needs to be enforced in order to ensure that both flexible and rigid pavements have the design reliability against cracking, especially for thinner pavements. While most of the findings further reinforce existing concepts, the study provides a systematic overview of WIM data accuracy and calibration needs and the impact of associated uncertainties on the pavement design process.
Genital Herpes: Pathogenesis and Chemotherapy in the Guinea Pig Model

Genital herpes is different from other common venereal diseases in that there is no cure. As yet the natural history of genital herpes is not well understood. There are many unanswered questions regarding the biology of the disease; the virulence of the virus strains, individual host responses, and means for prevention and control all require further investigation. The study of genital herpes has been greatly aided in recent years by the development of animal models. The clinical and pathologic features of acute and recurrent genital disease of guinea pigs inoculated with low doses of herpes simplex virus are similar to those seen in human infection. Therefore, questions not readily studied in human infection--such as latent infection in the nervous system, the natural history, prevention, and treatment of neonatal herpes, the effects of immunosuppression on herpes infection, and the efficacy and toxicity of antiviral drugs and vaccines--are amenable to study in the guinea pig model. The applications of this animal model and its relevance to human disease are herein reviewed.
An interdisciplinary, interdepartmental control systems laboratory

The existing US paradigm of individual departmental laboratories is increasingly difficult to justify due to the interdisciplinary nature of modern control engineering, the high cost and rapid obsolescence of technology, and the demands on faculty time. A shift from departmental labs to college labs is advocated for pedagogical, as well as financial, reasons. Because laboratories are a common resource to all departments, they can be funded at the college level and can be administered by faculty from the various engineering departments. This structure has been in place for ten years at Illinois and has proven to be an effective approach to undergraduate control systems education.
The Mayo Clinic Gamma Knife Experience: Indications and Initial Results

Objective To review the results and expectations of contemporary stereotactic radiosurgery. Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,033 consecutive patients who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1990 and January 1998. Results The number of patients undergoing radiosurgery increased from 57 in 1990 to 216 in 1997. Of 97 patients with arteriovenous malformations who underwent follow-up angiography 2 years or more after a single radiosurgical procedure, 72 (74 %) had complete obliteration of the vascular malformation. Of 209 patients who underwent radiosurgery for benign tumors (schwannomas, meningiomas, or pituitary adenomas) and had radiologic studies after 2 years or more of follow-up, tumor growth control was noted in 200 (96%). Tumor growth was also controlled in 90 % of brain metastatic lesions at a median of 7 months after radiosurgery. Of 20 patients with trigeminal neuralgia and follow-up for more than 2 months, 14 (70%) were free of pain after radiosurgery. Conclusion Radiosurgery is a safe and effective management strategy for a wide variety of intracranial disorders. Use of radiosurgical treatment should continue to increase as more data become available on the long-term results of this procedure.
Cell-Based Assay To Identify Inhibitors of the Hfq-sRNA Regulatory Pathway

Noncoding small RNAs (sRNAs) act in conjunction with the RNA chaperone Hfq to regulate gene expression in bacteria. Because Hfq is required for virulence in several bacterial pathogens, the Hfq-sRNA system is an attractive target for antibiotic development. A reporter strain in which the expression of yellowfluorescent protein (YFP) is controlled by Hfq-sRNA was engineered to identify inhibitors of this system. A reporter that is targeted by Hfq in conjunction with the RybB sRNA was used in a genetic screen to identify inhibitors from a library of cyclic peptides produced in Escherichia coli using split-intein circular ligation of peptides and proteins (SICLOPPS), an intein-based technology. One cyclic peptide identified in this screen, RI20, inhibited Hfqmediated repression of gene expression in conjunction with both RybB and an unrelated sRNA, MicF. Gel mobility shift assays showed that RI20 inhibited binding of Hfq to RybB and MicF with similar Kivalues. These data suggest that RI20 inhibits Hfq activity by blocking interactions with sRNAs and provide a paradigm for inhibiting virulence genes in Gram-negative pathogens.
Roles of Acetate and Pyruvate in the Metabolism of Streptococcus diacetilactis

Streptococcus diacetilactis required acetate, contained acetate kinase and phosphotransacetylase, and incorporated both radioactive exogenous acetate and acetate from citrate into cell lipids. dl-alpha-Lipoic acid replaced acetate and was required for the oxidation of pyruvate. Stimulation of S. diacetilactis by citrate was found to depend on pyruvate oxidation. Resting cells of the organism produced acetate from 73% of the pyruvate they utilized. However, molar growth yields from glucose were not greater under aerobic compared to anaerobic conditions or when lipoic acid or citrate plus lipoic acid was used in the medium in place of acetate. Data indicate that the growth of S. diacetilactis is limited by the rate of acetyl-coenzyme A synthesis, that the rate of synthesis from pyruvate is higher than the rate from acetate, and that lack of acetyl-coenzyme A not required for growth limits the production of diacetyl and precludes the formation of adenosine triphosphate from acetyl-coenzyme A.