cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lysozyme Enhances Renal Excretion of Advanced Glycation Endproducts In Vivo and Suppresses Adverse AGE-mediated Cellular Effects In Vitro: A Potential AGE Sequestration Therapy for Diabetic Nephropathy?

Lysozyme (LZ), a host-defense protein, contains an 18 amino-acid domain with high affinity binding for sugar-derived proteins or lipids, called advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), that are implicated in diabetes-and age-dependent complications (DC). A) The effects of LZ on AGE-removal were tested in vivo. LZ was injected (200 ug/day, i.p., ×2 weeks) in non-obese diabetic (NOD), db/db (+/+) mice, and non-diabetic, AGE-infused Sprague-Dawley rats. B) LZ: AGE interactions with macrophage-like T1B-183 cells (Mf) and mesangial cells (MC) were tested in vitro. A) In NOD mice, LZ reduced the elevated basal serum AGE (sAGE) (p < 0.05), enhanced urinary AGE (uAGE) excretion by ~2-fold (p < 0.01), while it reduced albuminuria (UA), p < 0.005. In db/db mice, LZ infusion also reduced the elevated sAGE (p < 0.05), doubled uAGE excretion (p < 0.05), and decreased UA (p < 0.01). In addition, LZ maintained normal sAGE in normal rats infused with AGE-BSA, as it doubled the urinary AGE (uAGE) clearance (p < 0.01). B) LZ stimulated the uptake and degradation of 125I-labeled AGE-BSA and 25I-human serum AGE by Mf, while suppressing AGE-induced TNFα and IGF-I production. In MC, LZ suppressed the AGE-promoted PDGF-B, α1 type IV collagen, and tenascin mRNA levels, and restored the AGE-suppressed expression and activity of MMP-9, but not MMP-2. LZ may act to: a) accelerate renal in-vivo AGE clearance, b) suppress macrophage and mesangial cell-specific gene activation in vitro, and c) improve albuminuria due to diabetes. These data suggest that LZ by sequestering AGEs may protect against diabetic renal damage.
Stable and radiocarbon isotopes and carbon cycling in coastal sediments

Abstract Carbon cycling in coastal sediments was investigated using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen and radiocarbon isotope of various compound class fractions from a subsurface sediment section (30–50 cm) of Santa Monica Basin (SMB) and a composite of six surface grab sediments from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The range of stable isotope ratios reflects a mixture of terrestrial and marine inputs in the SMB sediments. By contrast, the uniformity of the carbon isotopic signature in the Antarctic sediments is characteristic of a dominantly planktonic contribution. Additional information on sources, particle processing and organic matter preservation was obtained by integrating the stable isotope data with radiocarbon measurements and molecular composition of the same fractions. Inputs of carbon from submarine seeps in coastal sediment are obvious from the relatively older age observed in the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions from the sediments of SMB. On the other hand, eroded sedimentary sequences containing coal could have imparted a non-recent age to the aliphatic and aromatic fractions in the Antarctic sediments. A major biogenic origin is evident from the younger age of most of the Antarctic sediment organic fractions compared to those from SMB. The humic and fulvic acid fractions from both the regions of investigation exhibit relatively young age in the range of 760–1700 BP. In contrast, protokerogen is much older (5470 and 8770 BP, respectively) than the humic and fulvic acids in both the sample locations. This suggests that protokerogen is more likely derived from the selective accumulation and preservation of refractory residues of biological organic components rather than being generated by in situ humiflcation. These results have important implications to the carbon cycling in coastal sediments and in understanding the formation of kerogen.
Variable Water Maser Emission from Circumstellar Disks

We observed the 22 GHz water maser emission in VX UMa (M8e, M=388 d ) and V778 Cyg (C5,5J, SRb=300 d ) from 1987-1992. The spectra of both stars show three distinct components. All three components vary periodically in intensity. We interpret these features as being produced by a rotating circumstellar disk
El originalismo de la Enmienda Decimocuarta

Este ensayo aborda el curioso desden que muchos originalistas muestran respecto de la Enmienda Decimocuarta a la Constitucion estadounidense. De acuerdo a las premisas teoricas originalistas, el analisis del texto, la historia y la estructura de esta Enmienda deberian ocupar un lugar central en las discusiones sobre derechos incorporados, accion afirmativa y federalismo; sin embargo, en estas discusiones los originalistas la minimizan, como lo hacen, en general, con el periodo de la Reconstruccion (1865-1877)
Topology optimization of a compact UHF spiral array embedded in a textured dielectric

Although existing SATCOM antennas provide broad pattern coverage, they are still too large heavy and bulky and therefore not quite portable. The solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) method is extended here to develop a miniature broadband SATCOM antenna, which at UHF frequencies presents a significant advance in providing portable satellite communications.
Recovering gradients from sparsely observed functional data

Summary The recovery of gradients of sparsely observed functional data is a challenging ill-posed inverse problem. Given observations of smooth curves (e.g., growth curves) at isolated time points, the aim is to provide estimates of the underlying gradients (or growth velocities). To address this problem, we develop a Bayesian inversion approach that models the gradient in the gaps between the observation times by a tied-down Brownian motion, conditionally on its values at the observation times. The posterior mean and covariance kernel of the growth velocities are then found to have explicit and computationally tractable representations in terms of quadratic splines. The hyperparameters in the prior are specified via nonparametric empirical Bayes, with the prior precision matrix at the observation times estimated by constrained l1 minimization. The infinitessimal variance of the Brownian motion prior is selected by cross-validation. The approach is illustrated using both simulated and real data examples.
A Comparison of Hardcopy and Expert System Presentation of Network Operator Assistance Guides

Operator's Guides have traditionally been used for the communication of information. Some recent work by de Bachtin (1985) has shown that in certain programming applications, expert systems can be used to perform the same function with increased user satisfaction. The current study addresses an SNA network assistance application and compares a conventional hard copy user's manual to an expert system designed to convey similar information. The performance of eight naive assistance operators attempting to solve eight typical problem scenarios was evaluated. Each operator performed all tasks.Presentation order was counterbalanced. Measures included probability of successful solution and time of solution. Performance was superior using the expert systems approach for all measures.
The Effect of Pictures on Children's Attitudes Toward Presented Stories1

AbstractFifty-four second graders read three stories under three different picture conditions (color picture, outline, and no-picture) on consecutive days using a completely counterbalanced repeated measures Graeco-Latin square design. Pupils were tested each day on attitude toward what was read. Results showed the children significantly preferred stories with pictures to ones with no pictures and also significantly preferred those with color pictures to those with outline drawings.
The Lexington Addicts, 1971–1972: Demographic Characteristics, Drug Use Patterns, and Selected Infectious Disease Experience

The demographics, drug habits, and medical complications of a cohort of 1,129 addicts treated at Lexington in the period 1971-1972 were studied. These patients, admitted from 41 different states, had a mean period of addiction of 5.4 years. Over one-third of the sample had engaged in pimping or prostitution, and there were no differences by gender in terms of involvement. Eight-eight percent had shared injection equipment, and surprisingly, 78% admitted to some effort at sterilizing their "works." Hepatitis was the most common associated medical condition: 87% had serologic markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, 60% had evidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) exposure, and 47% had abnormal liver function parameters. Gynecomastia was evident in 2% of male subjects. Thirteen percent of the sample had a reactive VDRL assay, but 64% of these were biologically false positive. Subtle abnormalities of immune function were also observed; 18% of the patients had recent unexplained weight loss, 6% had lymphadenopathy, 8% had leukopenia, and 2% had lymphocytopenia. We conclude that both HBV and HAV were important infectious disease risks in these addicts, and that many evidenced deficiencies in immune function well before AIDS became a major public health concern.
Fourier transform infrared study of the variation in the oxidation of a coking coal

Abstract Ten consecutive channel samples along an exploration adit through a high-volatile coking coal seam have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This technique was also applied to a quantitative mineralogical analysis of the low-temperature ash from these samples. The results indicate the formation of specific carbonyl groups. It is suggested that the formation of ester crosslinks is responsible for the loss of swelling characteristics and coking properties in the oxidized samples. The formation of carboxylic acid salts during oxidation results in the fixation of organic sulphur as sulphate in the ashing process. It appears that the formation of small amounts of nitrate by a similar mechanism also occurs.
Plasma prostaglandin levels and circulating fuel levels in rats with diabetic ketoacidosis: effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors and of alpha and beta adrenergic blockade.

Abstract We studied the effects of two structurally unrelated inhibitors of the fatty acid cyclooxygenase and of alpha and beta adrenergic blockade on the elevated plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin (PG)E2, 6-keto-PGF1α and thromboxane(TX)B2, the stable derivatives of PGE2, PGI2 (prostacyclin) and TXA2, respectively, in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Meclofenamic acid and indomethacin each produced a significant decrease in the elevated plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2. Phentolamine significantly reduced the plasma level of TXB2 but had no effect on the elevated circulating levels of glucose, free fatty acids, total ketones, 13,14,-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 or 6-keto-PGF1α. Propranolol significantly reduced the elevated circulating levels of glucose, free fatty acids and total ketones but had no effect on the levels of the three prostaglandin derivatives. The ability of meclofenamic acid and indomethacin to reduce the plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2 confirms that the plasma levels of these three derivatives are elevated in rats with DKA. Since abnormalities in the production of PGI2 and perhaps other cyclooxygenase derivatives may contribute to the pathogenesis of certain important hemodynamic and gastrointestinal features of DKA, cyclooxygenase inhibitors may play a role in the management of selected patients with this disorder. Alpha adrenergic activity is essential for the maintenance of the elevated plasma TXB2 level in rats with DKA. The fall in the plasma TXB2 level during alpha adrenergic blockade appears to reflect inhibition of platelet aggregation and platelet TXA2 production, but other sources of the elevated plasma TXB2 level in DKA are not excluded. Beta adrenergic activity contributes to the maintenance of elevated circulating levels of glucose, free fatty acids and total ketones in experimental DKA but not to the elevated plasma levels of the prostaglandin derivatives.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM STUDIES IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS

Sugar tolerance cruves in hypophysectomized animals have yielded a variety of results. Goetsch, Cushing and Jacobson (1), and Sachs and Mac-Donald (2) reported an increased tolerance in hypophysectomized dogs given glucose by mouth. Corkill, Marks and White (3), using rabbits given 0.5 gm. of glucose by mouth, found that most animals snowed an increased tolerance, although in a few no marked differences were observed before and after hypophysectomy. No statement was made of the length of time intervening between the operation and the tolerance test. Kepinov (4) likewise has reported a lower average blood sugar curve in 6 hypophysectomized dogs fed glucose than he found in the same animals prior to operation. Zwarenstein and Bosman (5) report that the lood sugar did not rise to the the same extent as in normal controls half an hour after injection of glucose into the dorsal lymph sac of hypophysectomized toads (Xenopus laevis). Mahoney (6) gave a hypophysectomized chimpanzee 1 gm. of dextrose, per kg. boby...
Adsorption of H2 and CO on rhodium

Abstract Adsorption of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on rhodium has been studied using TDS and ESD techniques. It has been observed that adsorption of hydrogen in the presence of CO results in a high temperature thermal desorption peak which is not present for pure hydrogen coverage. During coadsorption, electron desorption of OH + is observed. A significant modification occurs in the ESD energy distribution of O + as a result of coadsorption of H 2 and CO. These observations are taken as evidence for creation of a chemical complex resulting from interaction of the parent adsorbed species.
Effect of acrylic polymer adjuvants on leaching of bromacil, diuron, norflurazon, and simazine in soil columns.

The temperate to subtropical climate of Florida is an ideal environment for weed growth. Herbicides have been and will continue to be used for effective and economical weed control in citrus. The majority of herbicides are applied directly to the soil for residual weed control. Bromacil [5bromo-6-methyl-3-(1-methylpropyl)-2,4-(1H,3H) pyrimidinedione], diuron [N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea], norflurazon [4-chloro-5(methylamino)-2-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone], and simazine [6-chloro-N-N'-diethyl-l,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] are soil-applied
Atherosclerotic saphenous vein grafts treated with different interventional procedures assessed by intravascular ultrasound.

Abstract Intravascular ultrasound imaging of saphenous vein grafts may enhance the angiographic interpretation of results following transcatheter interventions. We used intravascular ultrasound to study 18 patients with stenotic vein grafts following balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, or stent placement. In real-time imaging the three-layer appearance was rarely seen, calcification was infrequent (11% of patients), and atheroma were usually mildly echogenic (“soft”). Despite excellent angiographic results (reduction in percent diameter stenosis from 90 ± 8% to 17 ± 8%) and concordant improvement in lumen area by ultrasound regardless of the intervention, there was usually significant retained atheroma at the treatment site. Following balloon angioplasty, ultrasound showed multiple superficial fissures and fractures without discrete dissections. Atherectomy caused a smooth lumen surface without deep dissections or resections, but significant retained atheroma was observed with each one of the atherectomy procedures. Endovascular stents were concentric in the vein with reflective struts above compressed atheroma and an outer echogenic adventitia. Stent expansion was asymmetric axially and longitudinally and evidence of stent recoil was present. Thus intravascular ultrasound may be an important adjunct to angiography in characterizing postintervention results in saphenous vein grafts.
The murine Dax-1 promoter is stimulated by SF-1 (steroidogenic factor-1) and inhibited by COUP-TF (chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor) via a composite nuclear receptor-regulatory element.

The Dax-1 gene encodes a protein that is structurally related to members of the orphan nuclear receptor superfamily. Dax-1 is coexpressed with another orphan nuclear receptor, steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), in the adrenal, gonads, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Mutations in Dax-1 cause adrenal hypoplasia congenita, a disorder that is characterized by adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These developmental and endocrine abnormalities are similar to those caused by disruption of the murine Ftz-F1 gene (which encodes SF-1), suggesting that these nuclear receptors act along the same developmental cascade. Cloning of the murine Dax-1 gene revealed a candidate SF-1-binding site in the Dax-1 promoter. In transient expression assays in SF-1-deficient JEG-3 cells, SF-1 stimulated expression of the Dax-1 promoter. However, deletion or mutation of the consensus SF-1-binding site did not eliminate SF-1 stimulation. Further analyses revealed the presence of a cryptic SF-1 site that creates an ...
Inference generation in young, young–old and old–old adults: evidence for semantic architecture stability

Participants (31 young, 27 young–old, and 28 old–old) read 12 narratives, pausing periodically to think aloud. The resulting protocols were analysed for 17 types of inferences and for non-content (off-target) information. Factor analysis yielded three inference factors: character, causal and physical. Age difference across these factors were not significant, suggesting that inferential processing architecture may be stable. Each narrative also included an unfamiliar word. Immediately following each narrative, four definition choices and a definition rating scale were presented. The definition scores of old–old adults were lower than young and young–old. In addition, definition scores were negatively related to non-content comment counts. Taken together, these findings suggest that off-target working-memory intrusions may interfere with interpretation specificity in older adults even though semantic architecture remains stable. This study extends the aging and inference literature by addressing age-related changes across categories of inferential processing and by including a sample of old–old adults. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modern trends retrospective

Editorship of the Modern Trends section has been a great ride. The section raised the level of interest and readership of Fertility and Sterility, while providing important, up-to-date material for students, scientists and practitioners.
Low intracellular pH and chemical agents slow inactivation gating in sodium channels of muscle.

Excitation of nerve or muscle requires an orderly opening and closing of molecular pores, the ionic channels, in the plasma membrane. During the action potential, Na channels are opened (activated) by the advancing wave of depolarisation, contributing a pulse of inward sodium current, and then are closed again (inactivated) by the continued depolarisation1. As one approach both to obtaining molecular information on the Na channel and towards further defining the recently discovered kinetic interactions of the inactivation and activation gating steps2–4, we have surveyed here the effects of chemical agents reported to slow or prevent Na channel inactivation. We find that many of the agents studied by others5–14 on invertebrate giant axons or vertebrate nerve act on our frog skeletal muscle preparation. In addition, we have discovered that simply lowering the intracellular pH nearly eliminates inactivation. The activation mechanism seems to resist modification.
Multiple Kinesin Motors Coordinate Cytoplasmic RNA Transport on a Subpopulation of Microtubules in Xenopus Oocytes

RNA localization is a widely conserved mechanism for generating cellular asymmetry. In Xenopus oocytes, microtubule-dependent transport of RNAs to the vegetal cortex underlies germ layer patterning. Although kinesin motors have been implicated in this process, the apparent polarity of the microtubule cytoskeleton has pointed instead to roles for minus-end-directed motors. To resolve this issue, we have analyzed participation of kinesin motors in vegetal RNA transport and identified a direct role for Xenopus kinesin-1. Moreover, in vivo interference and biochemical experiments reveal a key function for multiple motors, specifically kinesin-1 and kinesin-2, and suggest that these motors may interact during transport. Critically, we have discovered a subpopulation of microtubules with plus ends at the vegetal cortex, supporting roles for these kinesin motors in vegetal RNA transport. These results provide a new mechanistic basis for understanding directed RNA transport within the cytoplasm.
On similitude law of sub-systems

Based on Buckingham’ π-Theorem, dimensional analysis has achieved considerable success over the past near-century. Model testing has long been a powerful tool in both scientific studies and engineering applications. However, the prototype objects are becoming more and more complicated nowadays, and many of the prototype systems can contain several sub-systems. The conventional theories on model-prototype similarity and dimensional analysis have only limited application since the π-Theorem itself does not distinguish between the original system and subsystems. This is particularly true in the field of structural dynamics, where the structure is often modeled as a multi-degree-of-freedom system. In this paper, we attempt to show that, if a system can be decoupled into several nontrivial subsystems, then, in each subsystem, the number of π-terms will be reduced and therefore simplify the model testing. On the other hand, if a system cannot be decoupled into subsystems, then using model testing with reduced π-term analysis, both experimentally and theoretically, may introduce severe errors.
New Species of Cosmocercella (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) and Other Helminths in Tribolonotus novaeguineae (Sauria: Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea

ABSTRACT: Cosmocercella samorekensis n. sp. from the intestine of Tribolonotus novaeguineae collected in Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. Cosmocercella samorekensis is unique among species of Cosmocercella in that it is the only species to possess 3 pairs of vesiculate rosette papillae. Seven species of Nematoda were also present: gravid individuals of Aplectana macintoshii, Cosmocerca zugi, Meteterakis crombiei, Oswaldocruzia bakeri, and Parapharyngodon maplestoni and larva in cysts assigned to Abbreviata sp. and Riticulariidae gen. sp. Four new host records are reported.
Ethanol consumption following acute fenfluramine, fluoxetine, and dietary tryptophan

Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a commercial diet with or without tryptophan supplementation (0.5% L-TRP) were treated with single IP injections of fenfluramine or fluoxetine. Rats had been water deprived prior to injection and food was removed during the period of fluid availability. They were offered, following drug or saline injection, water, a 5% ethanol solution, or an isocaloric sucrose solution (8.75%) for 1 h. Fenfluramine injection significantly reduced intake of all fluids, but its effect on ethanol was significantly greater than for water or sucrose solutions. Fluoxetine suppressed water and ethanol intake but not that of sucrose; the reduction in ethanol intake was significantly greater than for water. Ingestion of the tryptophan-supplemented diet in the absence of any drug treatment had no effect on fluid intake. However, the tryptophan supplementation significantly enhanced the reduction in ethanol intake induced by fenfluramine and fluoxetine. It appears that both fenfluramine and fluoxetine decrease ethanol intake more so than that of water or sucrose and that this effect is exacerbated by tryptophan supplementation.
Detecting Human Blockage and Device Movement in mmWave Communication System

The mmWave communication system is operating at a regime with high number of antennas to extend the communication range and to recover the high path loss. Before any communication starts, devices are needed to align their beam pointing angles towards each other. The best beam pointing angles are obtained through BeamForming (BF) training protocol. If the communication environment and devices are stationary, the training results can stay valid for a long period of time. However, the environment is very dynamic. Device movement and human blockage in the link may invalidate the BF training results. Prior work focuses on improving training time when a specific type of errors happens. For example, switching to alternative paths is suggested when human blockage occurs. However, solutions that tackle a type of error are not compatible with others. Therefore, it is important to identify the type of occurring beam errors before applying any remedies. In this paper, we propose a linear dynamical system model to demonstrate the dynamics of the occurring errors due to link blockage and device movement. By using the model, we show that it is hard to estimate the errors purely based on the observable quantity provided. To solve this, we propose two probing protocols that consume very few network resources but are effective in identifying the beam errors as well as correcting them. The simulations show that it effectively handles the beam errors and only consumes 3% of network resources while more than 30% resources are required in the prior work for a fast moving device experiencing occasional link blockage.
The Weapon was Ready But the Target May Have Moved or A Resource Allocation Index: A California Case Study

An index of relative need for health resources was developed to assist the California Rural Indian Health Board in allocating limited funds to rural California Indian health projects. The index was constructed by determining the relative weight of each project according to the following criteria: the current population served, the total population in the service area, the population density of the service area, the proportion of the population that lives within 30 minutes of the health facility, the distance of the health facility from the nearest urban area, and weather. A multi-step process was then used to determine weights to assign to each of the individual criteria.
Diaspora Geopolitics: Romanian-Americans and NATO Expansion

Recent years have witnessed increased interest in diasporas. In the current context of globalisation, diasporas have assumed greater prominence on the international stage. The link between diasporas and international politics, however, is relatively under-studied. The purpose of this study is to analyse the interconnections between diasporas and international politics from a geopolitical perspective. Specifically, I examine the linkages between the US-based Romanian diaspora and US foreign policy regarding Romania during the late 1990s when NATO expanded into Eastern Europe. The US-based Romanian diaspora attempted to influence the US political establishment to grant NATO membership to Romania during NATO’s 1997 expansion by reshaping the prevailing geopolitical discourse about Romania in order to move the borders of ‘sameness’ to include Romania as similar to rather than apart from ‘the West’.
A perspective on variance reduction in dynamic simulation experiments

A unifying perspective on variance reduction is presented that emphasizes broadly defined variance reduction strategies rather than specific variance reduction techniques (VRTs). The perspective is based on a new taxonomy of VRTs, which is reviewed in detail. The variance reduction problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem, and results that guarantee the effectiveness of variance reduction strategies are summarized.
A Terror Management Perspective on Ageism

In the present article, we present a theoretical perspective on ageism that is derived from terror management theory. According to the theory, human beings manage deeply-rooted fears about their vulnerability to death through symbolic constructions of meaning and corresponding standards of value. We extend this perspective to suggest that elderly individuals present an existential threat for the non-elderly because they remind us all that: (a) death is inescapable, (b) the body is fallible, and (c) the bases by which we may secure self-esteem (and manage death anxiety) are transitory. We review some recent empirical evidence in support of these ideas and then discuss possible avenues for combating ageism.
Catalysis of linoleate oxidation by pea lipoxidase.

Abstract 1. 1. Pea extracts contain an enzyme which does not possess fatty acid oxidase or fatty acid dehydrogenase activity, yet oxidizes linoleate but not oleate. Hence, the enzyme behaves like a true lipoxidase. 2. 2. The absorption spectrum of the oxidation products of pea lipoxidase catalysis shows a maximum at 280 mμ besides the usual chromophore at 233 mμ. Analysis of the linoleate products revealed the presence of monocarbonyls. Based on oxygen, the ϵ M value of pea lipoxidase-catalyzed linoleate oxidation was found to be 8000. Based on peroxides, the ϵ M value obtained was 27,300. These observations suggest that the hydroperoxides formed at 0 °C. are unstable and give rise to many other oxygen-consuming reactions. The peroxides per se are probably conjugated dienes. The implications of the above findings in relation to the production of “off odors” in underblanched frozen peas is discussed. 3. 3. The optimum pH of pea lipoxidase using ammonium linoleate as a substrate and the manometric method of assay was found to be 6.9. The lipoxidase-catalyzed linoleate oxidation was a maximum between 0 and 15 °C. 4. 4. The antioxidants nordihydroguaiaretic acid, propyl gallate, and α-tocopherol were found to strongly inhibit the pea lipoxidase-catalyzed oxidation of linoleate. 5. 5. An extensive series of experiments did not reveal the presence of any prosthetic group or coenzyme. These included inhibitor experiments, exhaustive dialysis against buffer of various pH values, and treatment with activated carbon or with intestinal phosphatase. 6. 6. On the hypothesis that linoleate could act as a coenzyme for lipoxidase, the activity of such a postulated enzyme-coenzyme system as a DPNH-oxidase, cytochrome c-oxidase, diaphorase, cysteine, and glutathione oxidase was tested. Results in all cases were negative. 7. 7. The possible role of lipoxidase in the formation of lipoidal plant films is discussed.
Spray structure in counterflowing streams with and without a flame

An experimental and theoretical study is performed on two-phase counterflowing streams with and without flames in which methanol sprays, transported in nitrogen from a lower circular duct, flow upward to meet a pure oxygen stream that flows downward from the upper circular duct. The spray structure and entire flowfield are measured by a two-component phase doppler particle analyzer. The relative motion of droplets as a function of droplet diameter and the effect of the flame on the counterflow field are determined. The influences of the flowfield and the flame sheet on spray structure are measured. A theoretical analysis of droplet behavior in counterflowing streams is also performed on the basis of the spray equation applied away from the stagnation plane. Comparisons between measured and predicted number density as a function of axial position are made. These experimental and theoretical results help in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of spray combustion.
Identifying Actives from HTS Data Sets Practical Approaches for the Selection of an Appropriate HTS Data-Processing Method and Quality Control Review

High-throughput screening (HTS) has achieved a dominant role in drug discovery over the past 2 decades. The goal of HTS is to identify active compounds (hits) by screening large numbers of diverse chemical compounds against selected targets and/or cellular phenotypes. The HTS process consists of multiple automated steps involving compound handling, liquid transfers, and assay signal capture, all of which unavoidably contribute to systematic variation in the screening data. The challenge is to distinguish biologically active compounds from assay variability. Traditional plate controls-based and non-controls-based statistical methods have been widely used for HTS data processing and active identification by both the pharmaceutical industry and academic sectors. More recently, improved robust statistical methods have been introduced, reducing the impact of systematic row/column effects in HTS data. To apply such robust methods effectively and properly, we need to understand their necessity and functionality. Data from 6 HTS case histories are presented to illustrate that robust statistical methods may sometimes be misleading and can result in more, rather than less, false positives or false negatives. In practice, no single method is the best hit detection method for every HTS data set. However, to aid the selection of the most appropriate HTS data-processing and active identification methods, the authors developed a 3-step statistical decision methodology. Step 1 is to determine the most appropriate HTS data-processing method and establish criteria for quality control review and active identification from 3-day assay signal window and DMSO validation tests. Step 2 is to perform a multilevel statistical and graphical review of the screening data to exclude data that fall outside the quality control criteria. Step 3 is to apply the established active criterion to the quality-assured data to identify the active compounds.
A fiber optic probe for monitoring protein aggregation, nucleation and crystallization

Protein crystals are often experimentally grown in hanging drops in microgravity experiments on-board the Space Shuttle orbiter. The technique of dynamic light scattering (DLS) can be used to monitor crystal growth processes in hanging droplets (∼ 30 μL) in microgravity experiments, but elaborate instrumentation and optical alignment problems have made in-situ applications difficult. In this paper we demonstrate that such experiments are now feasible. We apply a newly developed fiber optic probe to various earth and space (microgravity) protein crystallization system configurations to test its capabilities. These include conventional batch (cuvette or capillary) systems, a hanging drop method in a six-pack hanging drop vapor diffusion apparatus (HDVDA), a modified HDVDA for temperature-induced nucleation and aggregation studies, and a newly envisioned dynamically controlled vapor diffusion system (DCVDS) configuration. Our compact system exploits the principles of DLS and offers a fast (within a few seconds) means of quantitatively and non-invasively monitoring the various growth stages of protein crystallization. In addition to DLS capability, the probe can also be used for performing single-angle static light scattering measurements. It utilizes extremely low levels of laser power (a few μW) and essentially eliminates the usual problems associated with optical alignment and vibration isolation. The compact probe is also equipped with a miniaturized microscope for visualization of macroscopic protein crystals. This new optical diagnostic system makes possible the exploration of new ways to grow good quality crystals suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis and may contribute to a concrete scientific basis for understanding the process of crystallization.
Facile halide replacement in electron rich complexes

Abstract Reactions of MnL5X or Mn(CO)L4X compounds (L = several aryl isocyanides, X = halide) with AgPF6 give [MnL6]PF6 or [Mn(CO)L5]PF6 respectively. These reactions are presumed to occur with initial halide extraction to give an intermediate solvated species [MnL5solv]+ or [Mn(CO)L4solv]+ which can subsequently decompose or scavenge free L from solution to give the products observed. Addition of an alternative potential ligand L′ allows preparation of mixed ligand species [MnL5L′]PF6 or [Mn(CO)L4L'‵PF6 (L = MeNC, tBuNC, py). Cyclic voltammetric studies on the various complexes have been carried out, and results correlated with infrared data and with theory.
Lorentz Properties of the Three-String Vertex

Abstract The three-string vertex is shown to be Lorentz invariant by virtue of the locality properties of the Lorentz generator. The operators cannot be normal ordered and a high-frequency cutoff must be introduced. Anomalous terms thereby appear at the joining point, but they cancel at the critical dimension of space-time. The off-shell vertex changes under a Lorentz transformation as a result of the change of the interaction time, but S-matrix elements are Lorentz invariant. The Neveu-Schwarz-Ramond (NSR) model is also treated; the form of the Lorentz generator may be understood by referring to the anti-ferromagnetic string model of Aharonov, Casher and Susskind. In both the orbital model and the NSR model the Lorentz-transformation properties of the vertex guarantee that the volume element of the dual-model integration is conformally invariant. This last result is extended to loops.
Targeting Tregs in Malignant Brain Cancer: Overcoming IDO.

One of the hallmark features of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common adult primary brain tumor with a very dismal prognosis, is the accumulation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) segregate into two primary categories: thymus-derived natural Tregs (nTregs) that develop from the interaction between immature T cells and thymic epithelial stromal cells, and inducible Tregs (iTregs) that arise from the conversion of CD4+FoxP3- T cells into FoxP3 expressing cells. Normally, these Treg subsets complement one another’s actions by maintaining tolerance of self-antigens, thereby suppressing autoimmunity, while also enabling effective immune responses towards non-self-antigens, thus promoting infectious protection. However, Tregs have also been shown to be associated with the promotion of pathological outcomes, including cancer. In the setting of GBM, nTregs appear to be primary players that contribute to immunotherapeutic failure; ultimately leading to tumor progression. Several attempts have been made to therapeutically target these cells with variable levels of success. The blood brain barrier-crossing chemotherapeutics, temozolomide and cyclophosphamide, vaccination against the Treg transcriptional regulator, FoxP3, as well as mAbs against Treg-associated cell surface molecules CD25, CTLA-4 and GITR are all different therapeutic approaches under investigation. Contributing to the poor success of past approaches is the expression of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO), a tryptophan catabolizing enzyme overexpressed in GBM and critically involved in regulating tumor-infiltrating Treg levels. Herein, we review the current literature on Tregs in brain cancer, providing a detailed phenotype, causative mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis and strategies that have been used to target this population, therapeutically.
Rheumatology and international health. International relations of the American Rheumatism Association.

The International League Against Rheumatism, with its regional components, is a nongovernmental organization of professional and voluntary national societies engaged in the study and control of rheumatic diseases. It maintains official relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, for technical guidance of public health authorities in problems of rheumatology. The American Rheumatism Association (ARA), which started as a United States Committee for the International League, has engaged to a limited degree in international health activities.
Who should code cause of death in a clinical trial

Clinical trials of intervention in chronic disease often use cause-specific mortality as a principal outcome variable. Surprisingly, there has been little standardization of the approach to determining cause of death. Some studies use standard nosological coding based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases while others rely on panels of physicians. Some studies utilize autopsy findings; others do not. There is a clear need for standardization, and a unified approach is suggested. In this approach, panels of physicians prepare death certificates and are trained and standardized to generate reproducible information. A system for adjudication of differences is a part of the trial's design. Death certificates are then transmitted to panels of nosologists who assign cause of death. Again, the nosologists are standardized, and an adjudication system for resolving differences is developed. This two-stage system takes advantage of strengths of the two types of cause of death coding now in use in clinical trials and should produce results permitting cross-trial and cross-time comparisons.
High-Contrast Electrochromic Polymers from Alkyl-Derivatized Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophenes)

The syntheses of two new derivatives of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), specifically 5-octyldioxeno[2,3-c]thiophene (EDOT-C8) (2) and 5-tetradecyldioxeno[2,3-c]thiophene (EDOT-C14) (3), and their polymers are reported in this paper. Cyclic voltammetry of 2 and 3 in 0.1 M TBAP/CH3CN show irreversible monomer oxidation peaks (Ep,m) at 0.89 and 0.93 V, respectively. Multiple scans yield electroactive and conducting polymer films on electrode surfaces. The PEDOT-C8 and PEDOT-C14 formed oxidize with relatively low peak potentials at −0.22 and −0.19 V, respectively, indicating the doped form of the polymer to be quite stable. Both PEDOT-C8 and PEDOT-C14 show two reduction processes with peaks at −0.18 and −0.16 V (Ec2,p) and −0.55 and −0.36 V (Ec1,p) respectively. Optoelectrochemical studies reveal an Eg of 1.75 eV for both polymers. The polymers are electrochromic, relatively transmissive and light gray in the oxidized form, while being opaque and deep purple in the reduced form exhibiting high electrochrom...
Influence of the Pacific quasi-decadal oscillation on the monsoon precipitation in Nepal

Nepal’s precipitation is uncorrelated with the all-India monsoon precipitation. However, the quasi-decadal variability of precipitation is significant in the Nepal Himalayas but its mechanism has received little attention. Using a set of century-long reanalysis and observations of precipitation, spectral and empirical orthogonal function analyses were conducted to determine the role of the Pacific Quasi-Decadal Oscillation (QDO) in Nepal’s precipitation regime. The dynamical and moisture processes involved in the Pacific QDO of the monsoon precipitation in Nepal were also examined. The monsoon precipitation in Nepal is enhanced when southeasterly moisture fluxes, originated from the Bay of Bengal, divert towards the north and subsequently interact with the southern Himalayan foothills. The redirected moisture fluxes are modulated through the Pacific QDO and are embedded in a propagating global wave 1–2 circulation pattern. However, the modulation exhibits a phase shift of 2 years between the precipitation anomalies in Nepal and the extreme phases of the Pacific QDO. A phase shift of this nature ascribes to the low correlation skill between the Nepal precipitation and traditional monsoon indices, such as those of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation and the all-India precipitation. The lagged relationship between the monsoon precipitation and the Pacific QDO is unique to Nepal, the inclusion of which should improve the predictive ability for the Nepal monsoon.
A brief perspective on microtask crowdsourcing workflows for interface design

User interface design, as a crucial part of software design, is complex. Current micro task crowd sourcing workflows do not support its complexity well. The difficulty particularly relates to the process to decompose an interface design task into micro tasks. In order to make micro task crowd sourcing more supportive for interface design, we need a workflow that can help task owners to break down interface design tasks more easily. This paper briefly describes three experiments that help inform various aspects of workflow design for interface design through micro task crowd sourcing.
Circular array for satcom interference rejection

A useful application of antenna arrays is interference rejection. This paper describes a circular antenna array that was designed to reject interference in a mobile satellite receiver from a close-proximity source of interference. Since this interference source can move relative to the satellite antenna, the antenna array must adaptively adjust its null direction accordingly. The particular design of the circular array necessitated a significant size reduction in the radiating elements. Therefore, size reduction techniques were applied to circular patch antennas to allow them to fit in the circular array.
Regulation of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene expression.

Analysis of both the human and rat galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) genes reveal 5′ regulatory consensus sequences suggestive of a housekeeping gene. This is in accord with the finding of GALT activity in all tissues. However the complications seen in galactosemia, in particular ovarian dysfunction and verbal dyspraxia, suggest organ-specific sensitivity to lack of GALT activity. Analysis of steady-state GALT mRNA and specific activity levels in adult rat organs reveals a marked difference between organs that correlates with the degree of organ dysfunction in humans with galactosemia. The organ variation in GALT mRNA and activity thus appears to be due to genetic regulation. Discernment of the pathophysiologic basis for the organ-specific complications requires an understanding of the basis for the differences in organ regulation. The present state of knowledge of the regulation of the Leloir enzymes in general, GALT in particular, from prokaryotes to mammals is discussed.
Photon mapping made easy

This paper presents the authors' introduction of photon mapping in an undergraduate computer graphics course, Software was designed as a pedagogical and demonstration tool which permitted students to practice and learn photon mapping. Classroom experience and examples that illustrate soft shadows, color bleeding, indirect illumination and caustic are also discussed.
Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Advances in Gastrointestinal Imaging

In the rapidly evolving field of endoscopic gastrointestinal imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has found many diverse applications. We present the current status of OCT and its practical applications in imaging normal and abnormal mucosa in the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and biliary and pancreatic ducts. We highlight technical aspects and principles of imaging, assess published data, and suggest future directions for OCT-guided evaluation and therapy.