cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rat hepatoma DNA polymerase: partial analysis of the in vitro DNA product.

Abstract Earlier reports from this laboratory have demonstrated differences in primer preference for DNA polymerase isolated from normal rat liver vs. hepatoma. This study reports the initial analysis of DNA products formed following a two hour in vitro incubation of hepatoma DNA polymerase with native or denatured DNA. The radioactive products were analyzed by the nitrocellulose filter technique and by chromatography with hydroxylapatite and Bio-Gel A5. With native DNA primer the product had the properties of high molecular weight (ca. 4×10 6 ) double-stranded DNA. With denatured primer the product had properties intermediate between native and denatured DNA with both high and lower molecular weight fragments.
Atomically Detailed Lipid Bilayer Models for the Interpretation of Scattering Data

We present a new atom density profile model (ADP) for extracting lipid bilayer structural characteristics from scattering data. Bilayer models are optimized using a high dimensional non-linear optimization method to si- multaneously fit small angle neutron (SANS) and X-ray (SAXS) scattering data. Final results are determined from a statistical analysis of many op- timized models. This approach yields data which indicates the precision with which the model and target data set determine structural properties. The model and methods are generalizable to more complex systems, such as bilayers with mixed lipid composition, asymmetric leaflets, or embeded transmembrane proteins.
Instrumental line shapes in neutron powder diffraction with focusing monochromators

The optics of neutron powder diffractometers with bent-crystal monochromators is considered with respect to the computation of instrumental line shapes, accounting for second-order aberrations. A procedure of Monte Carlo simulation of instrumental line shapes has been developed. An analytical approximation of these shapes is described. Computational results for the case of the MURR diffractometer with position-sensitive detection and a focusing silicon monochromator are presented.
Xworld: Communications plus word and background processing

Xworld is a good communications package that is most suitable for users interested in sending and receiving binary files, and to a lesser degree text files, while interacting with a limited number of remote hosts. The package carries out file transfer tasks efficiently and quickly, allowing telecommunications costs to be reduced in some cases, but a copy of the package must be installed both at the user and the host computer. Added features, such as word and background processing, add to the value of the package.
Innovative provider- and health system-directed approaches to improving colorectal cancer screening delivery.

This commentary considers the important roles that primary care providers, practices, and health systems play in promoting effective colorectal cancer (CRC) screening according to guidelines, and how interventions can improve performance.1,2 The 4 articles in this section provide examples of efforts
Personal physicians as study investigators: Impact on patients' willingness to participate in clinical trials

Abstract Background We asked whether patients are more willing to participate (WTP) in a cardiovascular drug trial if their personal rather than an unfamiliar physician were engaged as the study investigator. Methods We approached 1440 randomly selected patients from 13 Maryland-based outpatient cardiology and general medicine clinics to complete an 86-item self-administered questionnaire. We then asked respondents their WTP if their personal rather than an unfamiliar physician were the study investigator, as well as their trust in physicians and quality of their health care experiences. Results Of 1132 patients eligible, 789 (70%) patients responded and 666 had complete data. Patients were “very likely/likely” to participate in the study 56% of the time if conducted by their personal compared to only 36% if by an unfamiliar physician ( p Conclusion Patients are much more likely to enroll in a clinical trial if their personal physician is engaged as a study investigator, which could relate to the importance of communication, trust, and familiarity with the health care system.
Transpiration of gaseous elemental mercury through vegetation in a subtropical wetland in Florida.

Abstract Four seasonal sampling campaigns were carried out in the Florida Everglades to measure elemental Hg vapor (Hg°) fluxes over emergent macrophytes using a modified Bowen ratio gradient approach. The predominant flux of Hg° over both invasive cattail and native sawgrass stands was emission; mean day time fluxes over cattail ranged from ∼20 (winter) to ∼40 (summer) ng m −2 h −1 . Sawgrass fluxes were about half those over cattail during comparable periods. Emission from vegetation significantly exceeded evasion of Hg° from the underlying water surface (∼1–2 ng m −2 h −1 ) measured simultaneously using floating chambers. Among several environmental factors (e.g. CO 2 flux, water vapor flux, wind speed, water, air and leaf temperature, and solar radiation), water vapor exhibited the strongest correlation with Hg° flux, and transpiration is suggested as an appropriate term to describe this phenomenon. The lack of significant Hg° emissions from a live, but uprooted (floating) cattail stand suggests that a likely source of the transpired Hg° is the underlying sediments. The pattern of Hg° fluxes typically measured indicated a diel cycle with two peaks, possibly related to different gas exchange dynamics: one in early morning related to lacunal gas release, and a second at midday related to transpiration; nighttime fluxes approached zero.
Vaccination perceptions of school employees in a rural school district

Abstract Background There continues to be a need for increases in adult vaccination rates, especially among those working in environments which may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, such as school employees in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees were non-compliant with the influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as to identify their views on mandatory vaccination policies. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to all school employees in a rural Utah school district. Data analysis included frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative items and theme identification for qualitative items. Results Only 51% of school employees were adequately vaccinated for influenza. Reasons for noncompliance with the influenza vaccine included inconvenience, lack of perceived need, and questionable vaccine efficacy. There were 39.3% school employees who had not received an MMR during adulthood, which was commonly attributed to lack of knowledge regarding the need for this vaccine. Almost half (45.7%) of school employees believed a mandatory vaccination policy should be instituted, although 24.2% of school employees were opposed to mandatory adult vaccination policies. Reasons for opposing vaccination mandates included violation of personal choice, lack of perceived vaccination safety and efficacy, lack of perceived need for adult vaccines, and vaccine cost. Conclusions Suboptimal vaccination rates of school employees may negatively affect the health and well-being of individuals in the school environment. School employees report a variety of beliefs regarding the influenza and MMR vaccines. While over half of school employees support mandatory vaccination policies for adults working in the school environment, those opposing such a policy report concerns regarding violation of personal choice. Public health officials and school administrators should coordinate efforts to increase vaccination rates among adults in the school environment.
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of intrathecally administered [D-Ala2-D-Leu5]-enkephalin concentrations in canine cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract A rapid and useful method for high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of exogenous [ d -Ala 2 - d -Leu 5 ]-enkephalin (DADLE) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is described. CSF (0.5 ml) samples were filtered using a 0.22-μm Co-Star filter. Chromatography was performed on a μBondapak C 18 column using a mobile phase of A, 0.05 M sodium phosphate (monobasic, pH 6.0) and B, 60% acetonitrile in 0.05 M sodium phosphate (pH 6.0) with a flow-rate of 1 ml/min. Absorbance at 210 nm was measured. The procedure produced a linear curve for the concentration range 1–10 μg/ml. The development of the assay produced rapid, repeatable and accurate results for CSF analysis of DADLE at concentrations achieved with therapeutic administration of the peptide. This method could also be used in the future for analysis of compounds like DADLE.
Practical approach for designing flexible pavements using recycled roadway materials as base course

Resilient modulus and plastic deformation of two recycled base course materials, recycled pavement material (RPM) and road surface gravel (RSG) and natural aggregate (Class 5), were investigated using a large-scale model experiment (LSME) and laboratory bench-scale resilient modulus (BSRM) tests. The RPM and RSG were tested alone and with 10% by weight Class C fly ash. The LSME tests indicate that the summary resilient modulus (SRM) of the unbound base course materials increases with increasing thickness of the base course and RPM and RSG exhibit significantly higher rate of plastic deformation (i.e. three to four times) than Class 5 aggregate. Stabilisation of the recycled materials by fly ash reduces the required thickness of the base course up to 30% when designed in accordance with the AASHTO 1993 design guide. The SRM and plastic deformation from LSME tests were used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to predict the lifetime expectancy of a pavement with a base course consisti...
Modeling functional sites in DNA polymerases

Abstract The interactions of DNA polymerases with DNA and deoxynucleoside triphosphate molecules play a central role in the mechanism of DNA replication. These interactions probably orient template and substrate molecules and contribute to replication fidelity by facilitating selection of correctly base-paired nucleotides. Recent studies have provided new insights into these interactions by revealing the architecture of polymerase binding sites and by identifying residues that are functionally important.
The role of anthrolysin O in gut epithelial barrier disruption during Bacillus anthracis infection

Gastrointestinal (GI) anthrax, caused by the bacterial infection of Bacillus anthracis, posts a significant bioterrorism threat by its relatively high mortality rate in humans. Different from inhalational anthrax by the route of infection, accumulating evidence indicates the bypass of vegetative bacteria across GI epithelium is required to initiate GI anthrax. Previously, we reported that purified anthrolysin O (ALO), instead of tripartite anthrax edema and lethal toxins, is capable of disrupting gut epithelial tight junctions and barrier function in cultured cells. Here, we show that ALO can disrupt intestinal tissue barrier function in an ex vivo mouse model. To explore the effects of ALO in a cell culture model of B. anthracis infection, we showed that anthrax bacteria can effectively reduce the monolayer integrity of human Caco-2 brush-border expressor (C2BBE) cells based on the reduced transepithelial resistance and the increased leakage of fluorescent dye. This disruption is likely caused by tight junction dysfunction observed by the reorganization of the tight junction protein occludin. Consequently, we observe significant passage of vegetative anthrax bacteria across C2BBE cells. This barrier disruption and bacterial crossover requires ALO since ALO-deficient B. anthracis strains fail to induce monolayer dysfunction and allow the passage of anthrax bacteria. Together these findings point to a pivotal role for ALO within the establishment of GI anthrax infection and the initial bypass of the epithelial barrier.
Phase separation and electron pairing in repulsive Hubbard clusters

Exact thermal studies of small (4-site and 8-site) Hubbard clusters with local electron repulsion yield intriguing insight into phase separation, charge-spin separation, pseudogaps, condensation, and, in particular, pairing fluctuations away from half-filling. These exact calculations, carried out in canonical and grand canonical ensembles, monitoring variations in temperature $T$ and magnetic field $h$, show rich phase diagrams in a $T\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ space consisting of pairing fluctuations and signatures of condensation. Corresponding electron pairing instabilities are seen when the on-site Coulomb interaction $U$ is smaller than a critical value ${U}_{c}(T)$ and they point to a possible electron pairing mechanism. The specific heat, magnetization, charge pairing, and spin pairing provide strong support for the existence of competing (paired and unpaired) phases near optimal doping in these clusters, and numerous similarities with experiments on high ${T}_{c}$ superconductors are pointed out. In addition, these ideas may be linked to superconducting carbon nanotubes where a purely electronic mechanism could be responsible for superconductivity.
Traumatic Lateral Plantar Artery Pseudoaneurysm and the Use of Time-Resolved MR Angiography

Vascular injury resulting in pseudoaneurysm formation in the plantar aspect of the foot is an uncommon injury after trauma. Such injuries are more often reported in the lateral plantar artery rather than the medial plantar artery, most likely because of its more superficial location. Traditional modalities in diagnosis have included ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography. We present a case of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the lateral plantar artery following a foot laceration. Diagnosis was made by the use of high-resolution, time-resolved contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance angiography, also referred to as “TRICKS” (time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics). This technique provided high spatial resolution for the arterial anatomy as well as temporal resolution which allowed better delineation of the hemodynamic characteristics of the pseudoaneurysm.
Spectral studies of β-ketoenolate complexes of oxovanadium(IV)☆

Abstract Spectra in the 8000–30,000 cm−1 region for six β-ketoenolate complexes of VO2+ have been recorded in (a) reflectance, (b) KBr pellets and nujol mulls at both 298 and 77°K, (c) many non-coordinating solvents, and (d) several coordinating solvents. The first vapor phase spectra ever obtained are reported for two of the complexes. The data are analyzed and a new totally empirical ordering of the vanadium d-orbitals is presented. Earlier theoretical models have failed to take account of the important angle between the vanadyl oxygen and the equatorial ligand atoms, which has been assumed to be 90°, but which actually never is that low.
Development of a Robust Wastewater Pipe Performance Index

AbstractWastewater pipes age and deteriorate over time, and utilities face great challenges in operating and maintaining their wastewater pipe infrastructure. Thus, systematic assessment and evaluation programs are required for efficient monitoring of the conditions and performance of wastewater pipes. This paper presents a rating system for use in evaluating the condition of wastewater pipes that can assist utilities in planning, prioritization, maintenance, and repair/rehabilitation/replacement decisions. A condition-rating system also can be an extremely useful tool in benchmarking pipe conditions, which allows the comparison of pipe segments within the system with each other and with similar segments in other systems. Currently, many utilities use the National Association of Sewer Service Companies’ (NASSCO’s) pipeline assessment and certification program (PACP) or have developed their own, in-house condition-rating system based on PACP. Most of the condition-rating systems currently in use are based ...
Ultraviolet action spectra for mutation in Escherichia coli

Abstract UV action spectra for mutation to prototrophy in Escherichia coli have been obtained under two conditions: ( 1 ) when repair of premutational damage is inhibited or mostly absent, either because of the presence of acriflavine in the plating medium or because of a genetic defect; and ( 2 ) when such repair is allowed to proceed at a normal rate. These action spectra are different: type 1 is similar to the action spectra for cellular inactivation and is interpreted as the result of pyrimidine dimers, whereas type 2 is postulated to result from damage to purines.
Promoting Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases combined are the leading killers worldwide today. Mortality related to chronic atherothrombotic disease is projected to grow disproportionately, with the focus being in low- and middle-income countries. In the developed world, although we have gained successes with regard to reduction in mortality attributable to a mix of preventive and treatment strategies, we have largely shifted the curve of the disease to the right, turning these conditions into chronic morbidities. In turn, this has reflected in the 368 billion dollars spent by the United States for these illnesses, a 3-fold increase in the span of a decade1 (Figure 1). In this article, we discuss some of the emerging mechanisms that simultaneously affect the atherosclerotic process in the cardiac and cerebrovascular regions and touch on management issues relevant to the clinician and population health researcher. Figure 1. Increasing costs of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Reprinted with permission from Nature Reviews Cardiology. 1 ### Defense Mechanisms Basic science animal and human autopsy studies have defined the role of the endothelium, vasa–vasorum, and lipids in the regulation of the atherothrombotic plaque.2 The vulnerable plaque is believed to have a thin fibrotic cap, a lipid-rich necrotic core, neovascularization, and inflammation. The body has its own defense mechanisms to maintain the plaque homeostasis. Endothelial progenitor cells have been shown to play an important role in the regulation of endothelium and abort the progression of endothelial dysfunction to plaque rupture. Similarly, the vasa–vasorum regulated in turn by extracellular matrix, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and growth factors also is a critical player in the process of plaque regression. In addition, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is believed to regulate the lipid content of the plaque preventing formation and expansion of the core of the plaque. Finally, vascular inflammation regulated by the monocyte–macrophage system plays a role in …
Schottky levels and thermodynamic contributions of light lanthanide sesquisulfides having the Th3P4 structure

Abstract Heat capacity measurements were made by adiabatic calorimetry over the range 7–350 K on γ phase preparations of four lanthanide sesquisulfides, and the heat capacities were resolved into lattice, magnetic, Schottky and other components. The entropy at 298.15 K for La 2 S 3 which is written as S °/ R is 19.51 while values of S ° — S °(7 K) for Ce 2 S 3 , Nd 2 S 3 , Gd 2 S 3 and Dy 2 S 3 are 21.34, 22.38, 20.05 and 22.58 respectively. IR and visible optical spectra of La 2 S 3 , Ce 2 S 3 , Nd 2 S 3 and Dy 2 S 3 and lattice sum crystal field splitting calculations for Nd 2 S 3 , Ce 2 S 3 and Dy 2 S 3 are compared with Raman scattering data and Schottky contributions derived from calorimetry.
TEENAGE DRIVING AFTER USING MARIJUANA OR DRINKING AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVEMENT

Abstract Anonymous random digit dialing telephone surveys of nearly 6000 16–19 year old respondents were conducted in Massachusetts and Upstate New York in 1979–1981. These surveys explored frequency of driving after using marijuana, driving after drinking, respondent accident involvement in the year prior to the interview, and a variety of other respondent characteristics. Frequency of driving after using marijuana and after drinking were each associated with greater accident involvement. To isolate the accident risk of driving after marijuana use, respondents who drove after drinking were excluded from a logistic regression analysis. This analysis also controlled for the distance respondents drove and several respondent demographic characteristics. Compared to respondents who did not drive after marijuana use, teenageers who drove after smoking marijuana on at least 6 occasions per month were 2.4 times more likely to be involved in traffic accidents. Those who drove after marijuana use on at least 15 occasions per month were 2.9 times more likely to have an accident.
The simulation of texture evolution with finite elements over orientation space I. Development

Abstract A new class of finite element schemes is presented for the modeling of arbitrary polycrystalline microstructure. A framework is constructed by viewing texture as arising out of maps that associate crystals with orientations drawn from a fundamental region of orientation space. The state of the microstructure is characterized by an orientation distribution function and a hardness field over a fundamental region. Differential equations are derived to describe the evolution of the two fields. Finite element schemes, cast over discretized fundamental regions, are considered for the solution of the differential set. Properties of the schemes considered are illustrated by application to the texturing of a planar polycrystalline microstructure.
Colletotrichum caudatum s.l. is a species complex

Colletotrichum caudatum sensu lato is a widespread fungal pathogen of warm-season grasses. The fungus is easily differentiated from other Colletotrichum species through the presence of a unique filiform appendage at the apex of the conidium. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of four DNA sequence markers from 21 isolates of C. caudatum s.l. from six grass hosts recovered the morphospecies as a well-supported monophyletic group. Although closely related to other Colletotrichum species pathogenic to warm-season grasses (e.g. C. sublineola, C. falcatum, C. navitas, C. graminicola), the sister taxon placement of C. caudatum remained unclear. Four major subgroups and three monotypic lineages were identified from the C. caudatum s.l. isolates. Despite the presence of localized, taxon-specific incongruence between gene trees and evidence for recombination in the dataset, application of genealogical concordance species recognition criteria diagnosed the four subgroups as phylogenetic species. Traditional morphology-based species concept defines C. caudatum as one species with a broad host range; however, multi-locus phylogenetic analyses refuted this model. Instead, isolates from different hosts were mainly segregated into different lineages. In particular, isolates from the type locale and host (USA, Sorghastrum nutans) collected within a 400 km radius were divided into three distinct species that corresponded with the three sampling sites. These data established that traditional morphological and ecological features are not informative for recognition of taxa within C. caudatum s.l., although there is some evidence that some species may be host specific. To stabilize the application of the name C. caudatum, DNA sequence data from the lectotype was generated, an epitype strain consistent with the type was designated and illustrated, and an emended description of C. caudatum sensu stricto is provided. Colletotrichum alcornii, C. baltimorense, C. somersetense, and C. zoysiae are described as new morphologically cryptic species related to C. caudatum s.s.
Acute noxious stimulation modifies morphine effect in serotonergic but not dopaminergic midbrain areas.

It is poorly understood if and how pain may modify the effect of opioids on neural systems that contribute to reward and addictive behavior. We hypothesized that the activation of ascending dopaminergic and serotonergic nuclei by morphine is modified by the presence of noxious stimulation. Immunohistochemical double-labeling technique with Fos was used to examine if an intraplantar formalin injection, an acute noxious input, changed the effect of morphine on dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). Four groups of rats were analyzed: (1) CONTROL injected with normal saline subcutaneously, (2) rats treated with FORMALIN into the hind paw 30 minutes after normal saline injection, (3) rats injected with MORPHINE sulfate subcutaneously, and (4) rats treated with formalin into the hind paw 30 minutes after morphine injection (MORPHINE/FORMALIN). Following morphine injection, there was an increase in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA with Fos immunolabeling. However, noxious stimulation did not detectably change morphine's effect on Fos expression in VTA dopamine neurons. In contrast, the number of serotonergic neurons containing Fos was increased in the morphine/formalin group compared to all other groups and this effect was topographically selective for the dorsal area of the DR at mid rostro-caudal levels. Therefore, morphine's activation of the VTA, which is associated with motivated behavior and reward seeking, appears similar in the context of pain. However, activation of the ascending serotonin system, which influences mood and has the capacity to modify reward pathways, appears different. In addition, these findings reveal interactions between nociceptive signaling and opioids that contrasts with the notion that opioids simply block access of nociceptive signaling to supraspinal structures.
From Split to Sibenik: The tortuous pathway in the cholinesterase field

Abstract The interim between the first and tenth International Cholinesterase Meetings has seen remarkable advances associated with the applications of structural biology and recombinant DNA methodology to our field. The cloning of the cholinesterase genes led to the identification of a new super family of proteins, termed the α,β-hydrolase fold; members of this family possess a four helix bundle capable of linking structural subunits to the functioning globular protein. Sequence comparisons and three-dimensional structural studies revealed unexpected cousins possessing this fold that, in turn, revealed three distinct functions for the α,β-hydrolase proteins. These encompass: (1) a capacity for hydrolytic cleavage of a great variety of substrates, (2) a heterophilic adhesion function that results in trans-synaptic associations in linked neurons, (3) a chaperone function leading to stabilization of nascent protein and its trafficking to an extracellular or secretory storage location. The analysis and modification of structure may go beyond understanding mechanism, since it may be possible to convert the cholinesterases to efficient detoxifying agents of organophosphatases assisted by added oximes. Also, the study of the relationship between the α,β-hydrolase fold proteins and their biosynthesis may yield means by which aberrant trafficking may be corrected, enhancing expression of mutant proteins. Those engaged in cholinesterase research should take great pride in our accomplishments punctuated by the series of ten meetings. The momentum established and initial studies with related proteins all hold great promise for the future.
Galapagos: Automatically Discovering Application-Data Relationships in Networked Systems

In large networked systems, relationships between applications and the data that they use through multiple tiers of middleware systems are often invisible. While the benefits of knowing such relationships are clear from a systems management perspective, discovery of such relationships is complicated by the widespread adoption of virtualization technologies and the tendency to view each middleware tier as an independent "domain" from a systems management perspective. In this paper we present a methodology and a system for automatic discovery of end-to-end application-data relationships. The key to the methodology is the modeling of data locations from which applications use data and of how middleware systems make data available to software layers above them.
Studies on the pathology of a Baculovirus in Aedes triseriatus

Abstract The pathology of a Baculovirus (BV) in Aedes triseriatus was studied. The virus infected the cardia, gastric caeca, and the entire stomach of larval midgut epithelium. The progression of the disease was similar to that of other Baculoviruses of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) type. Rodshaped nucleocapsids were formed within a Feulgen-positive virogenic stroma and along the nuclear envelope. These nucleocapsids were enveloped by a membranous material and occluded randomly in small irregular and polyhedral proteinic inclusions. The disease differed from other BVs of the NPV type in that the small proteinic inclusions gradually coalesced as they grew, forming large fusiform inclusions. Preliminary mortality studies indicated that early-instar larvae were the most susceptible to the virus.
Generalized solution to linear, two-compartment, open model for drug distribution

Abstract A two-compartment model based on a well-perfused viscera region and a poorly perfused tissue region can simulate many of the general features of drug distribution kinetics such as concentration peaks that may occur at short times. A thorough discussion and mathematical analysis of the model are presented. The equations are expressed in terms of a number of dimensionless variables for generality, solved for drug administration in the form of any arbitrary form of injection and illustrated for the cases of constant intravenous infusion, a short intravenous injection, and absorption by the gut. Solutions are presented in graphical form, and a number of limiting cases are derived. It is shown that the volume of distribution and the specific elimination rate constant are not generally equal to those obtained from a one-compartment analysis, and a simple criterion is developed to test the validity of the single-compartment approximation. The dimensionless solutions may be used directly to predict concentration as a function of time in either compartment if the relevant parameters are known a priori . Alternatively, a simple graphical technique is described to aid in parameter estimation by matching a dimensionless model curve with a dimensional plot of plasma concentration vs. time.
Utilization of salivary concentrations of ciprofloxacin in subjects with cystic fibrosis.

Ciprofloxacin, an orally-absorbed fluoroquinolone is effective against multiply resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. It is the only practicable agent against extraintestinal salmonellosis and shigellosis in developing countries. However, concern with the risk of arthropathy in young children has restricted its use in pediatrics. Pharmacokinetic studies with ciprofloxacin are limited in the pediatric population. As a result, the dose and frequency of administration are not established in children. In this study the possibility of using salivary concentrations as surrogate measure of serum concentrations was investigated. A pediatric formulation of the drug (125 mg per capsule) was prepared and compared to 250 mg tablets. Relative bioavailability was 105% (tablet/capsule). The time to peak salivary concentration and elimination rate from saliva were significantly different from serum (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). The linear regression analysis of post-peak concentrations in serum and saliva yielded a slope of 1.25 and correlation coefficient of 0.83. It was also found that salivary concentrations may be contaminated from drug retained in the oral cavity. The conclusion was drawn that salivary concentrations could not be reliably used as a surrogate measure of serum levels for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Thiourea and Thiouracil in Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis1

SULFONAMIDES, thiourea and a number of other compounds have been found to suppress thyroid activity in experimental animals (1, 2). These drugs act by suppressing formation of thyroxin (1–5). Astwood, after a study of about 120 compounds (6), used two—thiourea and thiouracil—for treatment of patients with thyrotoxicosis (7). Williams and Bissell (8) have reported nine cases treated with thiouracil; Hims worth (9) has reported six cases treated with thiourea. We are reporting here our experience with the use of thiourea and thiouracil3 in 21 patients with thyrotoxicosis. MATERIAL The pertinent clinical data are summarized the accompanying table. RESULTS OF TREATMENT Results were gauged by general clinical improvement—disappearance of nervousness, vasomotor instability, tremor and sweating, by return of pulse rate and BMR to normal values, and by weight increase. The serum cholesterol value was determined in the majority of cases. All patients responded favorably with the exception of Case 2, in which treat...
Studies on polygalacturonase of certain yeasts.

Abstract 1. 1. Among a considerable number of yeast species, representing nearly all yeast genera, only six were found which were capable of causing certain changes in pectin, when grown in its presence. These six cultures could all be identified with Saccharomyces fragilis (and a variety of this species) and its imperfect form Candida pseudotropicalis , as well as certain varieties of the latter. (See Discussion section.) These organisms cannot use pectin as a source of carbon, but require an added sugar for development. 2. 2. S. fragilis var. No. 351 was used for most of the studies reported herein. When it was grown in the presence of pectin, clarification of the liquid culture media took place with the formation of an amorphous precipitate consisting of about 1% of the pectin added. The jellying power of the pectin is destroyed, but the amount of calcium pectate and alcohol precipitate, obtainable from a clarified solution, is practically unchanged as compared to control solutions. 3. 3. The action was found to be due to an exocellular, nonadaptive, polygalacturonase-like enzyme, free of pectinesterase. The action of this yeast polygalacturonase is characteristic in that pectic acid, when used as a substrate, is only partially hydrolyzed. In contrast to fungus polygalacturonase, the enzyme cannot hydrolyze pectic acid completely to monogalacturonic acid. The velocity constant of the (initially) first-order reaction was found to be 0.196 at 22 °C. and at a pH of 3.40. The optimum pH was approximately 3.5–4.0, and the maximum rate was in the region of 55–60 °C.
Pressure Effects on the Thermodynamics of Polymer Blends

Simple thermodynamic arguments are evoked to show that the pressure dependence of the Flory interaction parameter of miscible polymer blends, as derived from small-angle neutron scattering experiments, is directly related to the volume changes on mixing for these systems. This approach is validated by comparison to available experimental data. We make contact with existing theoretical approaches and show that it is thermodynamically inconsistent to model a blend with nonzero χ as having no volume change on mixing. Since the entropic contributions that arise from these volume changes on mixing account for more than 50% of the pressure dependence of χ, the use of regular solution theory, where the pressure dependence is purely enthalpic in origin, gives an imperfect understanding of these situations. We finally show that, since the volume change on mixing is directly proportional to the χ parameter under ambient pressures, the critical temperature for any polymer blend will vary in an apparently “universal”...
Serotonin increases the frequency of light-elicited discrete waves in type-B photoreceptors ofHermissenda

Abstract Serotonin (5-HT) produces both short-and long-term enhancement of generator potentials in identified type B-photoreceptors of Hermissenda . The actions of 5-HT have been shown to modulate both light- and voltage-dependent conductances. To further examine light-dependent processes we studied spontaneous and light-elicited discrete waves in the presence of 5-HT. Serotonin significantly increased the frequency of light-elicited discrete waves without initially increasing spontaneous discrete waves recorded in the dark. The increase in discrete wave frequency produced by 5-HT could not be described by a simple Poisson process, since the observed interval distribution after 5-HT application deviated significantly from the predicted exponential interval distribution.
Assessment of anorexia nervosa.

Standardized assessment of anorexia nervosa (AN) is essential in research and can dramatically enhance clinical practice as well. This article highlights conceptual and practical considerations pertaining to the establishment and administration of an assessment battery for AN. Commonly utilized assessment measures are described briefly, and recommendations for advancing assessment of AN are provided. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic defects at the UGT1 locus associated with Crigler‐Najjar type I disease, including a prenatal diagnosis

Characterization of the UGT1 gene complex locus encoding both multiple bilirubin and phenol UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (transferases) has been critical in identifying mutations in the bilirubin isoforms. This study utilizes this information to identify the bases of deficient bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity encoded by the UGT1A gene for the major bilirubin isozyme, HUG-Br1, in 3 Crigler-Najjar type I individuals and the genotype of an at-risk unborn sibling of one patient. A homozygous and heterozygous two-base mutation (CCC to CGT) created the HUG-Br1P387R mutant of the major bilirubin transferase in 2 different Crigler-Najjar type I patients, B.G. and G.D., respectively. Both parents of B.G. and his unborn sibling, J.G., were determined to be carriers of the P387R mutation. G.D. also contains the CAA to TAA nonsense mutation (G1n357st). Y.A. has a homozygous CT deletion in codons 40/41. The HUG-Br1P387R mutant protein was totally inactive at the major pH optimum, but retained 26% normal activity at the minor pH optimum (7.6), which was 5.4% of the combined activities measured at the two pH values. 27 refs., 5 figs.
710-1 Changing Perspectives in Vein Graft Angioplasty

In recent years angioplasty has been used increasingly in patients with more severe disease. Technological improvements, including new interventional devices has also changed the practice of interventional cardiology. To determine the impact of these changes on intervention in vein grafts, the results of intervention in 1284 patients undergoing procedures between 1980 and 1993 were reviewed. Results (mean or %): year 80–2 83–4 85–6 87–8 89–0 91–2 93 P n 52 112 99 191 299 359 172 Age 55 57 60 62 62 64 65 l0.0001 3 VD/LM 46% 29% 42% 62% 53% 67% 69% l0.0001 EF 63 60 53 54 50 51 49 l0.0001 Prior MI 39% 49% 52% 62% 63% 56% 60% 0.009 New Dew 0 0 0 1% 11% 35% 27% l0.0001 %DS Pre 80 78 78 77 77 80 81 0.003 %DS Post 33 27 27 29 26 17 17 l0.0001 Ang Succ 81% 89% 84% 85% 88% 96% 94% l0.0001 Q MI 1.9 2.7 3.0% 0.5% 2.3% 0.8% 1.8% NS Cabg 3.8 1.8% 4.0% 2.6% 3.3% 0.8% 2.4% NS Death 0 0 3.0% 1.0% 1.3% 1.4% 1.2% NS Vein graft interventions have become more common. Despite an older and more severely diseased population with more prior myocardial infarctions (MI), lower ejection fractions (EF) and more 3 vessel or left main disease (3 VD/LM), the angiographic success (Ang Succ) and residual stenosis (%DS Post) have improved, without increased complications of Q wave myocardial infarction (Q MI), emergency coronary bypass surgery (CABG) or in hospital death (Death). In recent years new interventional devices (New Dev) have been used in a large minority of patients, contributing to the improved results.
Mechanism of boron-induced embrittlement of Ni3Al in hydrogen

Materials that have been exposed to H{sub 2} or hydrogen-containing gases often show embrittlement due to atomic hydrogen. It is now recognized that hydrogen embrittlement is the source of brittle behavior of a number of intermetallics that were previously thought to be intrinsically brittle. A well-known example is polycrystalline Ni{sub 3}Al, which is susceptible to environmental embrittlement in atmospheres containing water vapor, and the mechanism of H production is the dissociation of H{sub 2}O at active Al sites. Further investigations to identify how B additions affect the fracture susceptibility of Ni{sub 3}Al in H{sub 2} atmospheres discovered a surprising phenomenon: boron-induced embrittlement. Insufficient data are available to build more than a speculative atomic-level model to explain this counterintuitive connection of boron with embrittlement. One explanation has been proposed in terms of the chemical participation of boron in the H{sub 2} dissociation step. However, the chemistry of boron does not support a direct dissociation step. And simple electronic structure considerations discussed later suggest boron would not act as a promoter in an indirect dissociation of H{sub 2}. The alternate mechanism proposed here, although tentative until further evidence is attained, is based on well-established atomic-level properties of boron in Ni{sub 3}Al. Inmore » the following, the concept of the activity of interfaces with regard to H{sub 2} molecular dissociation in the region of intersection of the grain boundary with the gas/solid interface is used to explain how boron can affect atomic hydrogen production. Activity will refer exclusively to the H{sub 2} molecular dissociation reaction unless noted otherwise.« less
Desorption of carbon from tungsten by argon ion bombardment

Abstract Since the desorption of adsorbed layers from the first walls of fusion reactors due to energetic particle bombardment produces plasma contamination, studies of the ion stimulated desorption mechanisms and finding of appropriate materials are of major concern. In the present work Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) has been used to measure the total desorption cross sections (TDCS) of C ( σ c ) on tungsten by argon ion bombardment. From the decay of the carbon adsorbate signal versus the ion bombardment time, and with known current density of the ion beam causing the desorption, it is possible to evaluate σ c . With an ion impact angle of 60° from the surface normal and ion energies from 0.2 keV to 1 keV, the measured values are 0.2 to 1.6 × 10 −14 cm 2 for σ c . The possible influence of the surface roughness is discussed, since a prebombarded surface is used in the experiments. Preliminary data of the desorption of CO adsorbed on well annealed tungsten surfaces are reported. Using the binary collision model the TDCS for C on Ni, Mo, Ta and W under argon ion bombardment are discussed.
Spontaneous Resolution of Endogenous Candida Endophthalmitis Complicating Intravenous Hyperalimentation

Untreated patients with endogenous Candida endophthalmitis who have not died of disseminated disease have required enucleation. A 57-year-old woman had endogenous Candida endophthalmitis developing subsequent to catheter sepsis during hyperalimentation, in which no antimycotic therapy was employed. The endophthalmitis resolved, and good visual acuity was preserved.
Functional Polyolefins for Energy Applications

Polyolefins, including polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), represent more than half of commercial polymers produced in the world. They are known to be cost-effective and good performing materials used in a broad range of commodity applications that influence our everyday lives. On the other hand, less attention has been paid to their specialty applications, commonly requiring the material to have multiple performance functions. The limitations and shortcomings of polyolefins have stemmed from lack of functionality and structure diversity, which are compounded with the long-standing challenges in the chemical modification (functionalization) of polyolefins. In the past two decades, in conjunction with advances in metallocene catalysis, a new method based on the “reactive” polyolefin approach has emerged, which affords a new class of functional polyolefins with high molecular weight and well-controlled molecular structures that have functional groups located at chain ends, side chains, and block/graft...
Effects of urbanization on watershed hydrology: The scaling of discharge with drainage area: COMMENT AND REPLY COMMENT

[Galster et al. (2006)][1] use questionable data for two Pennsylvanian streams to misconstrue the dependence of streamflow on watershed area and urbanization. Their first equation, Q = kAc , relates flow rate ‘ Q ’ (m3/s) to drainage area ‘ A ’ (m2), using ‘ k ,’ “a measure of river
Extended abstract: A professional communication course for engineering freshmen

Technical Communication faculty at Mercer University's School of Engineering have created a new professional communication course for engineering freshmen designed to give them experience in library research, introduce them to major challenges for 21st_ century engineers, and give them practice in designing communication products in genres that they will use in their coursework and as engineers in industry. Results of a survey of students who took the course in 2013–14 indicate that the course is achieving the desired outcome by equipping students with theory and techniques that enable them to be more effective writers, speakers, and presenters, as well as providing them with practical strategies for research, team work, and problem solving.
Role of laminin in axonal extension from olfactory receptor cells

The role of laminin, an extracellular matrix molecule believed to be involved in axon extension, was explored in the outgrowth of olfactory receptor cells and therefore in the maintenance of organization in the olfactory pathway. First, immunocytochemistry was used to examine laminin expression in the olfactory nerve and bulb during development. Laminin immunoreactivity was high in the olfactory nerve and glomerular layers. Although it declined in intensity, laminin expression continued in the nerve and in single glomeruli of adults. Second, the influence of laminin on neurite outgrowth was examined in vitro using olfactory receptor cells harvested from E14 rat embryos. We developed an in vitro assay to quantify the substrate preference of outgrowing neurites. Cells were cultured for 48 h on coverslips coated with either poly-L-lysine alone, or poly-L-lysine overlaid with laminin. On laminin-coated regions of coverslips, the primary neurites of olfactory receptor cells were 52% longer than on the poly-L-lysine control substrates. In addition, the direction of the neurite outgrowth was influenced by laminin. Fifty-six percent of all receptor cells located in a defined area surrounding a laminin zone extended neurites onto laminin. In contrast, only 7% of all receptor cells located in the corresponding laminin zone extended a neurite onto poly-L-lysine. In summary, these data suggest that laminin provides a favorable substrate for the extension of the primary neurite from olfactory receptor cells and the direction of their extension. Therefore, laminin may be a factor underlying continuous olfactory receptor cell axon outgrowth and its pathfinding in the olfactory system.