cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Synthesis of Oxazol-Thiazole Bis-Heterocyclic Compounds

A combinatorial library of novel oxazol-thiazole bis-heterocycles was synthesized in good to excellent overall yields with high purity using a solution and solid-phase parallel synthesis approach. Oxazole amino acids, prepared from serine methyl ester and amino acids via coupling and cyclodehydration, were treated with Fmoc-NCS and α-haloketones for the parallel synthesis of diverse bis-heterocycles. Fmoc-isothiocyanate is used as a traceless reagent for thiazole formation. Oxazole diversity can be achieved by using variety of amino acids, whereas thiazole diversity is produced with various haloketones.
Abstract 417: Tax-interacting protein 1 (TIP-1) as one biomarker of invasive astrocytomas

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Despite the comparatively low incidence of astrocytomas to other human cancers, mortality rates of cancer patients with invasive astrocytomas are extremely high. Despite decades of therapeutic research, curative intervention is still nonexistent for high grade astrocytomas; patient care ultimately focuses on palliative management. Even with aggressive surgical, radio- and chemo- therapies, highly invasive astrocytomas have poor prognosis with an average survival time of 12 months. We intend to identify and characterize new biomarkers or molecular targets for effective diagnostics or therapeutics development. In our previous study of recombinant peptide for tumor imaging, we found that tumor xenografts formed with D54 glioma cells had relatively higher binding to HVGGSSV peptide than other tumor models. It was further elucidated that Tax-interacting protein 1 (TIP-1) contributes to the HVGGSSV peptide binding within tumors. Immunohistochemistry study of human brain tissues revealed significantly elevated expression of TIP-1 within astrocytomas, while compared to normal brain tissue or oligodendrogliomas that showed faint to negative staining of TIP-1. More interestingly, the highest expression of TIP-1 was found in glioblastoma multiforme, the highly invasive astrocytomas. To elucidate biological relevance of TIP-1 expression in invasive astrocytomas, human glioma cell line D54 was genetically engineered to have elevated or down-regulated expression of TIP-1. Tumorigenesis studies indicated that TIP-1 positively regulated tumor formation in nude mice. Knocking-down TIP-1 within D54 cells resulted in delayed tumor formation and decreased tumor growth rate. However, over-expression of TIP-1 within D54 cells lead to fast growing tumors in vivo, histological examination showed the TIP-1 over-expressing D54 tumors were sporadic with presence of necrotizing tissues surrounded by anaplatic cells, one characteristic of glioblastomas multiforme. In vitro characterization further demonstrated that the TIP-1 over-expressing cells had improved invasion capability, TIP-1 is dominantly expressed in invasion front of D54 cells. Biochemical studies indicated that the TIP-1 modulates cytoskeleton organization by interacting with multiple proteins. In summary, this study demonstrated that TIP-1 is one biomarker of invasive astrocytomas, and might be one potent molecular target for therapeutics development. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 417.
Smoothers, mesh dependent norms, interpolation and multigrid

New estimates for the nodal interpolation operator for the P1 finite element are established with respect to mesh dependent norms that are defined in terms of the smoothers in multigrid algorithms. These estimates are useful in the additive approach to the convergence of V-cycle multigrid algorithms and lead to results on the asymptotic behavior of the contraction numbers with respect to the number of smoothing steps.
Object mappings in a software engineering project

In a software engineering project, business objects were mapped directly to software and database objects. There was a natural correlation between objects in real world systems and their representation as software objects and database objects. This mapping may serve as an effective model for similar projects.
20-O-acylcamptothecin derivatives: evidence for lactone stabilization.

Convincing UV and NMR spectrophotometric evidence is presented which demonstrates that at physiological pH, 7.4, 20-O-acyl derivatives of camptothecin (CPT) are substantially more stable in the lactone form than the 20-OH parent. Additionally, it was determined by HPLC analysis that the lactone ring of a 20-O-ether derivative of CPT underwent endocyclic ring opening at pH ≥ 8.5, while the lactone ring of 20-O-acyl CPT derivatives remained unaffected. PEG (and other smaller alkyl) 20-O-acyl-CPT derivatives released native CPT at pH > 9.5, which arises from exocyclic cleavage, thus precluding isolation of any open CPT acyl PEG (or alkyl) carboxylate forms.
Death of intermediolateral spinal cord neurons follows selective, complement-mediated destruction of peripheral preganglionic sympathetic terminals by acetylcholinesterase antibodies

Abstract Systemically injected anti-acetylcholinesterase antibodies in rats cause selective lesions of preganglionic sympathetic neurons. Adult rats were examined up to four months after a single i.v. injection of murine monoclonal acetylcholinesterase antibodies or normal immunoglobulin G (1.5 mg). Within 4 h, antibody-treated rats developed ptosis, a sign of sympathetic dysfunction that was never reversed. Persistent pupillary constriction reflected preserved and unopposed parasympathetic function. Weight gain was depressed, but locomotor activity, excitability, and sensorimotor responses were normal, and gross neuromuscular performance was near normal. These findings were supported by biochemical evidence for selective sympathetic damage. Acetylcholinesterase activity was reduced for the whole period of observation in sympathetic ganglia and adrenal glands but fell only transiently in muscle and serum. At all times, choline acetyltransferase activity (a marker of presynaptic terminals) was unaffected in muscle but grossly depleted in ganglia. Light and electron microscopy showed that preganglionic sympathetic terminals of superior cervical ganglia were severely damaged while parasympathetic ganglia were less affected and motor endplates of skeletal muscle were apparently spared. Immunocytochemistry revealed punctate deposits of murine immunoglobulin G and complement component C3 in ganglionic neuropil 12 h after antibody injection. This finding was consistent with complement-mediated lysis of preganglionic terminals. Morphometric analysis of preganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral nucleus of the spinal cord showed progressive loss of cholinergic perikarya over several months. We conclude that antibody-induced destruction of ganglionic terminals leads to death of preganglionic sympathetic neurons and, hence, permanent dysautonomia.
Interactions of thionin from Pyrularia pubera with dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol large unilamellar vesicles.

The peptide toxin thionin from Pyrularia pubera binds to dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) large unilamellar vesicles as shown by an increase in the intensity and blue-shift of the fluorescence emission spectrum of the single tryptophan residue of the protein. The magnitude of these fluorescence changes increased with temperature near the thermotropic phase transition of DPPG (about 40 °C). Fluorescent probes sensitive to the structure and dynamics of the membrane were used to assess the effect of thionin binding on bilayer properties. The fluorescence emission spectra of Prodan, Patman, and Laurdan all showed spectral changes consistent with an increase in bilayer polarity at temperatures below the DPPG phase transition but a decrease in polarity at higher temperatures. Fluorescence polarization experiments and the ratio of monomer-to-excimer fluorescence of the probe 1,3-bis(1-pyrene)propane suggested that thionin increases the bilayer order above the transition temperature. Differential scanning c...
Psychotherapy dropouts: Do they have poor psychological adjustment?

There has been considerable concern by both the clinical and research communities as to whether psychotherapy dropouts represent a more dysfunctional group than those who remain in treatment. To investigate this issue, we examined a self-report symptom checklist, a psychiatric diagnosis, demographic information, and a therapist-rated level of functioning measure for each of 817 patients, of whom 202 had terminated therapy in less than three sessions. Comparisons between these groups suggest that, contrary to the prevailing clinical assumptions, dropouts may indeed be better functioning than nondropouts.
An inference structure for process feedback: technique and implementation

This paper presents an automatic technique for making simple inferences about the stages in a software production process, discusses implementation of the technique, and validates the technique using defect data from several software development projects. The technique represents an approach to automate process feedback that may be based on either experience and common sense or historical data. Specifically, we present (1) A software defect classification scheme that relates defects to process stages. As an example of such a scheme, we describe ‘orthogonal defect classification’, which associates types of defects with stages, such as high-level design, low-level design, code, and system test. These associations are summarized in a ‘principal association’ table, which serves as a model for the production process. (2) Rules that provide simple in-process feedback about a process stage based on the defects associated with that stage. We discuss how inferences can be made, with and without historical information for the process, and illustrate application of the inference technique to the software production process. (3) An implementation of the rules using a statistical programming language.
Intermolecular free radical reactions on solid support. Allylation of esters

Abstract The first examples of intermolecular free radical allylation reactions on solid support are reported. The allylation proceeds in good chemical efficiency with a variety of substrates as well as allylating agents. Control experiments indicate that the polymer matrix is inert to the reaction conditions.
Acoustic signature from flames as a combustion diagnostic tool

A nonintrusive acoustic technique has been developed to obtain the fluctuating heat release rate distribution in open premixed turbulent flames. Propane-air flames of equivalence ratio 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 with a 16.4 mm diam burner and a 11.55 m/s mean flow speed have been employed. The flame sound pressures in the near field were measured in an anechoic chamber. With the acoustic spectra as the input, the heat release rate spectral information was obtained by numerically using an augmented Galerkin method to solve a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. Computed results have been qualitatively verified by C2 emission studies. The experimentally observed correspondence between mean and rms C2 emission intensity implies that the shape of the mean heat release rate distribution can, in principle, be deduced by the acoustic technique. A a D E F f G g H I i K k L L ~
In vitro effect of some mutagens/carcinogens on cultured fish cells.

Fibroblast cells derived from juvenile bluegill sunfish were tested for their response to the effects of known mutagens/carcinogens. The cells grew well and cloned in Eagle's minimal essential medium which contained fetal bovine serum. Growth rate was temperature dependent and increased steadily as temperature was raised from 15 to 33°C. Direct mutagens and promutagens were toxic to the cells, and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed the capability of metabolizing at least one promutagen, benzo(a)pyrene, to water-soluble intermediates. Ouabain resistant mutants were produced by exposing the cells toN-methyl-N-nitro-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) or to benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P). The mutant clones were resistant to 100-fold increases in concentration of the selective agent ouabain, over that which was lethal to wild type cells. Spontaneous mutation frequency to ouabain in mass cultures averaged 1.2×10−6 for all experiments. A fluctuation test confirmed an expected random occurrence of spontaneous mutations. Visible crystals formed within the cells when high concentrations of B(a)P (>5 μg/ml) were added to the tissue culture medium. Crystal formation resulted in no apparent cell damage but did reduce the growth rate of the cultures. The crystals were rhombic, resembling those described for pure native B(a)P, and gradually disappeared when the cells were exposed to mutagen-free medium which contained serum.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome

Outbreaks of undiagnosed reproductive failure occurred in North Carolina, Minnesota, and Iowa during 1987-1988 and were characterized by the presence of both respiratory and reproductive signs in swine herds. 29,35,36 The disease was referred to as mystery swine disease because no definitive cause could be assigned to it. Various other names given to this syndrome were disease 89, pig plague 89, SMEDI-like syndrome, swine reproductive failure syndrome, swine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (SRRS), and swine infertility and respiratory syndrome (SIRS) (Table 1). At the First International Symposium on SIRS/PRRS held at St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, a decision was made to call this syndrome PRRS and its virus PRRSV. By 1990, the disease had been detected in 11 states of the United States and 2 provinces of Canada. It was reported in the Munster area of Germany in late 1990, spread rapidly to other parts of Germany, and was called Seuchenhafter Spatabort der Schweine (SSS; infectious late abortion of pigs) and Epidemisch Spatabort der Schweine (ESS; enzootic late abortion of pigs). It was then detected in other European countries (The Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, and Denmark) and has been diagnosed in over 5,000 North European pig farms since late 1990. Although the disease has not been reported in Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and Australia, antibodies against PRRSV have been detected in swine herds in Italy and Poland. The disease is economically important because of the severe adverse effects on swine production, an increase of 20-30% in the stillbirth rate, and a loss of 1.5-2.0 piglets per sow per year. A loss of $250-500
Geomagnetic reversals from impacts on the Earth

The impact of a large extraterrestrial object on the Earth can produce a geomagnetic reversal through the following mechanism: dust from the impact crater and soot from fires trigger a climate change and the beginning of a little ice age. The redistribution of water near the equator to ice at high latitudes alters the rotation rate of the crust and mantle of the Earth. If the sea-level change is sufficiently large (>10 meters) and rapid (in a few hundred years), then the velocity shear in the liquid core disrupts the convective cells that drive the dynamo. The new convective cells that subsequently form distort and tangle the previous field, reducing the dipole component near to zero while increasing the energy in multipole components. Eventually a dipole is rebuilt by dynamo action, and the event is seen either as a geomagnetic reversal or as an excursion. Sudden climate changes from other causes such as volcanic eruptions could also trigger reversals. This mechanism may not be the sole cause of geomagnetic reversals, but it can account for the rapid drop of the dipole component preceding a reversal, the predominance of multipole components during a transition, the associations of microtektites, temperature drops and extinctions with reversals, and the possible correlation between peaks in the geomagnetic reversal rate and the times of mass extinctions. The model may also account for the long-term changes in the average rate of reversals. We make several testable predictions.
Nonproteolytic Roles of 19S ATPases in Transcription of CIITApIV Genes

Accumulating evidence shows the 26S proteasome is involved in the regulation of gene expression. We and others have demonstrated that proteasome components bind to sites of gene transcription, regulate covalent modifications to histones, and are involved in the assembly of activator complexes in mammalian cells. The mechanisms by which the proteasome influences transcription remain unclear, although prior observations suggest both proteolytic and non-proteolytic activities. Here, we define novel, non-proteolytic, roles for each of the three 19S heterodimers, represented by the 19S ATPases Sug1, S7, and S6a, in mammalian gene expression using the inflammatory gene CIITApIV. These 19S ATPases are recruited to induced CIITApIV promoters and also associate with CIITA coding regions. Additionally, these ATPases interact with elongation factor PTEFb complex members CDK9 and Hexim-1 and with Ser5 phosphorylated RNA Pol II. Both the generation of transcripts from CIITApIV and efficient recruitment of RNA Pol II to CIITApIV are negatively impacted by siRNA mediated knockdown of these 19S ATPases. Together, these results define novel roles for 19S ATPases in mammalian gene expression and indicate roles for these ATPases in promoting transcription processes.
Operation of the LAMPF stopped muon channel for small gas targets

Abstract We describe the operation of the LAMPF stopped muon channel (SMC) in a mode that provides a small beam spot and a narrow momentum spread suitable for stopping negative muons in presently available optically pumped spin-exchange polarized gas targets. This technique is expected to be useful for the production of polarized muonic atoms. Monte Carlo studies of the channel are discussed, and we describe experimental results including measurements of the fraction of negative muon stops in a 6 cm 3 krypton target at 1 atm as a function of beam momentum.
Defining airline compatible luggage

Abstract The airline and luggage industries hold widely different views about which party should bear responsibility for checked luggage (baggage) damaged during transport. The problem is compounded by the fact that there currently is no uniformly accepted definition of or standards for airline compatible luggage. While much attention has been given to the carry-on baggage issue, many feel that the problems surrounding checked baggage are at the heart of the matter. This case study outlines the attempts of both industries to address the issue of performance standards for airline compatible luggage.
Endocrine and Metabolic Effects of Physiologic r-metHuLeptin Administration during Acute Caloric Deprivation in Normal-Weight Women

Leptin is a nutritionally regulated hormone that may modulate neuroendocrine function during caloric deficit. We hypothesized that administration of low-dose leptin would prevent changes in neuroendocrine function resulting from short-term caloric restriction. We administered physiologic doses of r-metHuLeptin [(0.05 mg/kg sc daily or identical placebo in divided doses (0800, 1400, 2000, and 0200 h)] to 17 healthy, normal-weight, reproductive-aged women during a 4-d fast. Leptin levels were lower in the placebo-treated group during fasting (3.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 9.6 +/- 1.0 ng/ml, P < 0.001, placebo vs. leptin-treated at end of study). Fat mass decreased more in the leptin than the placebo-treated group (-0.6 +/- 0.1 vs. -0.2 +/- 0.1 kg, P = 0.03). Both overnight LH area (38.9 +/- 21.5 vs. 1.2 +/- 11.1 microIU/ml.min, P = 0.05) and LH peak width increased (15.8 +/- 7.1 vs. -2.3 +/- 6.7 min, P = 0.06) and LH pulsatility decreased (-2.0 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.8 peaks/12 h, P = 0.03) more in the leptin vs. placebo group. LH pulse regularity was higher in the leptin-treated group (P = 0.02). Twenty-four-hour mean TSH decreased more in the placebo than the leptin-treated group, respectively (-1.06 +/- 0.27 vs. -0.32 +/- 0.18 microIU/ml, P = 0.03). No differences in 24-h mean GH, cortisol, IGF binding protein-1, and IGF-I were observed between the groups. Hunger was inversely related to leptin levels in the subjects randomized to leptin (r = -0.76, P = 0.03) but not placebo (r = -0.18, P = 0.70) at the end of the study. Diminished hunger was seen among subjects achieving the highest leptin levels. Our data provide new evidence of the important role of physiologic leptin regulation in the neuroendocrine response to acute caloric deprivation.
Reply to Stapp's algebraic argument for nonlocality''

The logical structure of my recently proved nonlocality theorem [Phys. Rev. A 46, 6860 (1992)] is examined from the perspective of the theory counterfactual conditionals. It is shown in detail why the argument of Dickson and Clifton [preceding Comment, Phys. Rev. A 49, 4259 (1994)] does not substantiate their claim.
Cold forging behavior of semicrystalline polymers

Compared with molding processes, polymer solid-phase forming has several advantages. Particularly, polymer forging is able to reduce cycle time for thick parts, process difficult-to-mold materials, and enhance mechanical performance through self-reinforcment. Although much research has been carried out in the past on solid-phase forming, little has been done on polymer forging. This can be partially attributed to the lack of fundamental understanding of the process, e.g., lack of understanding on instantaneous recovery and viscoelastic recovery and lack of a modeling and simulation capability. In the present study, upsetting experiments were conducted to study the forging behavior of nylon. The instantaneous elastic recovery and the time-dependent postrecovery were found to be significantly affected by upsetting speed and dwell time. The dimensional recovery behavior of upset samples was interpreted using the Burgers model. The stress–strain data from the upsetting experiment was used in a viscoplastic simulation of forging a cylindrical hole. The simulation result about load versus forging displacement agrees well with that from the forging experiment. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 764–771, 2005
Addition of bevacizumab to irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemotherapy regimens does not increase morbidity after resection of colorectal liver metastases.

Background Although commonly used in combination with irinotecan or oxaliplatin (iri/oxal) for treatment of colorectal liver metastases before extirpation, the effects of preoperative bevacizumab on surgical outcomes are not established. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if addition of bevacizumab to iri/oxal preoperative chemotherapy increases morbidity after hepatic resection. Study Design We compared demographics, clinicopathologic data, treatments, and postoperative outcomes between patients given preoperative iri/oxal with and without bevacizumab and patients who underwent hepatic resection within and after 8 weeks from the last dose of bevacizumab. Results From 1996 to 2006, 96 patients were treated with preoperative iri/oxal; 39 (40.6%) received concurrent bevacizumab. Preoperative bevacizumab treatment was associated with less blood loss (median 425 mL versus 600 mL, p=0.01) and lower RBC transfusion rates (43.9% versus 23.1%, p=0.06) after partial hepatectomy on univariable analysis. Only age≥70 years (hazard ratio=8.52, 95% CI [2.00 to 36.45]) and concurrent extrahepatic procedures (hazard ratio=4.12, 95% CI [1.49 to 11.39]) independently predicted RBC transfusion and overall complications, respectively. There were no differences in overall (43.6% versus 38.6%), severe (28.2% versus 24.6%), hepatic (17.9% versus 26.3%), wound (10.3% versus 7%), or thromboembolic or bleeding (2.6% versus 5.3%) complications (all p > 0.05). For patients treated with iri/oxal and bevacizumab, overall complications were more common when resection was performed within 8 weeks after the last bevacizumab dose (62.5% versus 30.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.06). Conclusions If discontinued at least 8 weeks before hepatic resection, addition of bevacizumab to preoperative iri/oxal does not increase morbidity after hepatic resection.
Kinetics of insulin disappearance from plasma in cortisone-treated normal subjects.

SUMMARY The effect of glucocorticoid excess on insulin disappearance from plasma was examined in eight normal men during cortisone treatment (50 mg orally twice daily for 4 d) and in the absence of any medication (control) in random order. Constant infusion of insulin (1–5 mU/kg/min) was used to achieve different levels of steady state plasma insulin concentrations; normoglycaemia was preserved by a glucose clamp technique. The experimentally determined data were compared using a previously validated model of saturation kinetics. The amount of glucose required to maintain normoglycaemia during the insulin infusions was significantly less in the cortisone study than in the control study, while the parameter estimates for the kinetics of insulin disappearance from plasma were unaffected by cortisone. Thus, insulin action and insulin kinetics in the steady state are dissociated in normal subjects rendered insulin resistant by short-term cortisone treatment.
Lack of value of scheduling processes to move cases from a heavily used main campus to other facilities within a health care system.

BACKGROUND:Economically, the most important anesthesia group and operating room (OR) management decision is the choice made months before surgery of the allocated OR time (duration of the workday) for each service. Consider a health system with surgeons who practice at multiple hospitals and ambulat
Polyaniline-Supported Atomic Gold Electrodes: Comparison with Macro Electrodes

Under precisely controlled conditions, atomic gold electrodes with even or odd number of Au atoms per polyaniline repeat unit (Pt/PANI/Au N for 0 < N < 7) were prepared. The electrochemical behavior of these new electrodes is compared with that of macro gold and PANI coated platinum electrodes by testing electrochemical oxidation of n-propanol and iso-propanol. This study allowed us to separate the behavior dominated by that of macroscopic gold in strongly alkaline medium and by that of the quantized odd–even effect of atomic gold. Within this overarching scope, there is a specific oxidation pattern attributable to the structural differences between the two isomers of propanol. The significance of this research lies in the recognition of high specific catalytic activity of atomic gold, which is at least three orders of magnitude higher than that of bulk gold for the oxidation of alcohols. It points to a substantial saving of the precious metal without the loss of catalytic activity, which is important in fuel cells and in other energy conversion device applications.
Block segmentation and text extraction in mixed text/image documents

Abstract The segmentation and classification of digitized printed documents into regions of text and images is a necessary first processing step in document analysis systems. It is shown that a constrained run length algorithm is well suited to partition most documents into areas of text lines, solid black lines, and rectangular ☐es enclosing graphics and halftone images. During the processing these areas are labeled and meaningful features are calculated. By making use of the regular appearance of text lines as textured stripes, a linear adaptive classification scheme is constructed to discriminate text regions from others.
Copper-Based Nanostructured Coatings on Natural Cellulose: Nanocomposites Exhibiting Rapid and Efficient Inhibition of a Multi-Drug Resistant Wound Pathogen, A. baumannii, and Mammalian Cell Biocompatibility In Vitro

This paper describes a layer-by-layer (LBL) electrostatic self-assembly process for fabricating highly efficient antimicrobial nanocoatings on a natural cellulose substrate. The composite materials comprise a chemically modified cotton substrate and a layer of sub-5 nm copper-based nanoparticles. The LBL process involves a chemical preconditioning step to impart high negative surface charge on the cotton substrate for chelation controlled binding of cupric ions (Cu2+), followed by chemical reduction to yield nanostructured coatings on cotton fibers. These model wound dressings exhibit rapid and efficient killing of a multidrug resistant bacterial wound pathogen, A. baumannii, where an 8-log reduction in bacterial growth can be achieved in as little as 10 min of contact. Comparative silver-based nanocoated wound dressings–a more conventional antimicrobial composite material–exhibit much lower antimicrobial efficiencies; a 5-log reduction in A. baumannii growth is possible after 24 h exposure times to silver nanoparticle-coated cotton substrates. The copper nanoparticle–cotton composites described herein also resist leaching of copper species in the presence of buffer, and exhibit an order of magnitude higher killing efficiency using 20 times less total metal when compared to tests using soluble Cu2+. Together these data suggest that copper-based nanoparticle-coated cotton materials have facile antimicrobial properties in the presence of A. baumannii through a process that may be associated with contact killing, and not simply due to enhanced release of metal ion. The biocompatibility of these copper-cotton composites toward embryonic fibroblast stem cells in vitro suggests their potential as a new paradigm in metal-based wound care and combating pathogenic bacterial infections.
Depositional sequences in clastic continental slope deposits, Gulf of Mexico

Tertiary and Quaternary sediments, overlying diapiric older Tertiary shales and Louann Salt on the continental slope in the western Gulf of Mexico, show cyclicity based on seismic-reflection patterns. A set of indistinct parallel reflections or an acoustically semi-transparent zone, normally onlapping onto diapir flanks, alternates with a set of distinct parallel reflections that drape the sea bottom. The indistinct reflections represent deposits employed by bottom transport during a lowering of sea level. Sea level rise and hight stand are characterized by hemipelagic sediments that form blanket-type deposits. Differential sediment loading causes diapiric activity that may reach maximum upward velocities when sea level rises.
Diane Ravitch Revised

Long associated with conservative views on education, Diane Ravitch recently has won wide acclaim from educators and others who do not identify with conservatism. The publication of The Death and Life of the Great American School System has been central to her newfound popularity because it is an effective critique of the market-based reforms she previously championed and because it defends both public schools and their teachers. As attractive as these stances are to defenders of public education, Ravitch’s book offers little evidence that she has backed away from an underlying conservatism that is complacent about inequalities inside and outside of public schools.
Incident sexually transmitted infection as a biomarker for high-risk sexual behavior after diagnosis of acute HIV.

BackgroundSexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis after diagnosis of acute HIV infection (AHI) indicates ongoing high-risk sexual behavior and possible risk of HIV transmission. We assessed predictors of STI acquisition and the effect of time since care entry on STI incidence in patients with
Utilization of Cyclocreatine Phosphate, an Analogue of Creatine Phosphate, by Mouse Brain During Ischemia and Its Sparing Action on Brain Energy Reserves

Abstract: Brains of mice fed the creatine analogue cyclocreatine accumulated 10 γmol/g fresh wt. of cyclocreatine, of which 93% occurred as the synthetic phosphagen, cyclocreatine-P (l-carboxymethyl-2-imino-3-phosphonoimidazolidine). In brains containing cyclocreatine-P2-, creatine-P (phosphocreatine) levels were lowered 40%; levels of ATP, P1, and glucose were not altered: glutamate levels were lowered 17%: and aspartate levels were lowered 56%, relative to controls. When cyclocreatine was removed from the diet, brain cyclocreatine levels decreased with a half-life of 17 to 28 days. Ischemia was initiated in brains by decapitation of mice previously injected with the centrally acting muscle relaxant mephenesin. The initial creatine-P pool of 2-3 γmol/g was completely depleted within 1 min in ischemic brains of both control and cyclocreatine-fed mice. In brains of cyclocreatine-fed mice, the much larger cyclocreatine-P pool of 9.3 γmol/g decreased to 6 γmol/g after 2 min and to 2.2 γrnol/g after 4 min of ischemia, with a correspondingly increased accumulation of P1. Levels of total cellular ATP were sustained slightly longer during ischemia in brains containing cyclocreatine-P. Available energy reserves of control brains were almost completely depleted after 2 min of ischemia, whereas generation and utilization of high-energy phosphate continued for more than 3 min after initiation of ischemia in brains of cyclocreatine-fed mice. These data suggest that during ischemic episodes cyclocreatine-P can function as a supplemental reservoir of high-energy phosphate and prolong the time required to exhaust the available energy stores of ischemic brain.
Coherent structures in a baroclinic atmosphere. IV - A comparison between theory and data

This paper presents the results of a data analysis, on an extensive series of Atlantic blocks, for the composites of both the positive and the negative anomaly cases and for the winter climatology, using the composite approach of Dole (1982, 1986). The results are compared with predictions of the theory formulated by Malguzzi and Malanotte-Rizzoli (1984, 1985) and Malanotte-Rizzoli and Malguzzi (1987) to model the blocking events. The results of the analyses indicate that the composite of the positive anomaly cases shows a strong northern barrier centered in the latitude band 62-72 deg N, in agreement with the northern confinement of the block. The northern, positive wall is not present in the climatology; its presence and significance are doubtful and debatable for the negative anomaly composite. For the individual positive cases for which a smooth and zonal upstream wind could be defined, the V-function shows the appearance of both a northern and southern wall below the tropopause.
Growth and Function of the Embryonic Heart Depend upon the Cardiac-Specific L-Type Calcium Channel α1 Subunit

The heart must function from the moment of its embryonic assembly, but the molecular underpinnings of the first heart beat are not known, nor whether function determines form at this early stage. Here, we find by positional cloning that the embryonic lethal island beat (isl) mutation in zebrafish disrupts the alpha1 C L-type calcium channel subunit (C-LTCC). The isl atrium is relatively normal in size, and individual cells contract chaotically, in a pattern resembling atrial fibrillation. The ventricle is completely silent. Unlike another mutation with a silent ventricle, isl fails to acquire the normal number of myocytes. Thus, calcium signaling via C-LTCC can regulate heart growth independently of contraction, and plays distinctive roles in fashioning both form and function of the two developing chambers.
Patient demographics, insurance status, race, and ethnicity as predictors of morbidity and mortality after spine trauma: a study using the National Trauma Data Bank.

Abstract Background context Predictors of complications and mortality after spine trauma are underexplored. At present, no study exists capable of predicting the impact of demographic factors, injury-specific predictors, race, ethnicity, and insurance status on morbidity and mortality after spine trauma. Purpose This study endeavored to describe the impact of patient demographics, comorbidities, injury-specific factors, race/ethnicity, and insurance status on outcomes after spinal trauma using the National Sample Program (NSP) of the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). Study design The weighted sample of 75,351 incidents of spine trauma in the NTDB was used to develop a predictive model for important factors associated with mortality, postinjury complications, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) days, and time on a ventilator. Patient sample A weighted sample of 75,351 incidents of spine trauma as contained in the NTDB. Outcome measures Mortality, postinjury complications, length of hospital stay, ICU days, and time on a ventilator as reported in the NTDB. Methods The 2008 NSP of the NTDB was queried to identify patients sustaining spine trauma. Patient demographics, race/ethnicity, insurance status, comorbidities, injury-specific factors, and outcomes were recorded, and a national estimate model was derived. Unadjusted differences in baseline characteristics between racial/ethnic groups and insurance status were evaluated using the t test for continuous variables and Wald chi-square analysis for categorical variables with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Weighted logistic regression was performed for categorical variables (mortality and risk of one or more complications), and weighted multiple linear regression analysis was used for continuous variables (length of hospital stay, ICU days, and ventilator time). Initial determinations were checked against a sensitivity analysis using imputed data. Results The weighted sample contained 75,351 incidents of spine trauma. The average age was 45.8 years. Sixty-four percent of the population was male, 9% was black/African American, 38% possessed private/commercial insurance, and 12.5% lacked insurance. The mortality rate was 6% and 16% sustained complications. Increased age, male gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and blood pressure at presentation were significant predictors of mortality, whereas age, male gender, other mechanism of injury, ISS, and blood pressure at presentation influenced the risk of one or more complications. Nonwhite and black/African American race increased risk of mortality, and lack of insurance increased mortality and decreased the number of hospital days, ICU days, and ventilator time. Conclusions This is the first study to postulate predictors of morbidity and mortality after spinal trauma in a national model. Race/ethnicity and insurance status appear to be associated with greater risk of mortality after spine trauma.
Stylus Tracer Resolution and Surface Damage as Determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Stylus type instruments that employ needle tracers for examination of surfaces by means of translating the stylus over the surface and recording the undulations which occur during that traverse are analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has superior resolution capabilities and can directly record the interactions of stylus with surface. The true levels of resolution of this instrument are measured and discussed in terms of finite size of the stylus, damage produced in the specimens due to stylus plowing, and stylus skipping and nonparallel tracking. The fundamental difference between magnification and resolution is examined in terms of tracer devices. Needle or stylus tracer devices are found to be dynamic microhardness testors which produce outputs which must be carefully judged as to their meaning and reliability in terms of faithfully recording the topographical nature of surfaces. The potential future of the SEM as a true nondestructive surface quality inspection tool is emphasized.
Optical imaging and its role in clinical neurology.

Rapid advances and developments in optical imaging technology during the past 15 years have resulted in promising innovations in the realm of high-resolution imaging of the functional architecture of the brain, which has not only contributed to the elucidation of brain functional architecture and plasticity (see reviews 1-7 ) but has also increased our understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of cortical seizure spread, 1,2,6,8 led to related technical improvements in neurosurgical procedures for the surgical resection of seizure foci, 8 and may help to provide more accurate resection of brain tumors 9 as well as contribute to our understanding of higher cognitive function.
The Downstream Promoter Element DPE Appears To Be as Widely Used as the TATA Box in Drosophila Core Promoters

The downstream promoter element (DPE) functions cooperatively with the initiator (Inr) for the binding of TFIID in the transcription of core promoters in the absence of a TATA box. We examined the properties of sequences that can function as a DPE as well as the range of promoters that use the DPE as a core promoter element. By using an in vitro transcription assay, we identified 17 new DPE-dependent promoters and found that all possessed identical spacing between the Inr and DPE. Moreover, mutational analysis indicated that the insertion or deletion of a single nucleotide between the Inr and DPE causes a reduction in transcriptional activity and TFIID binding. To explore the range of sequences that can function as a DPE, we constructed and analyzed randomized promoter libraries. These experiments yielded the DPE functional range set, which represents sequences that contribute to or are compatible with DPE function. We then analyzed the DPE functional range set in conjunction with a Drosophila core promoter database that we compiled from 205 promoters with accurately mapped start sites. Somewhat surprisingly, the DPE sequence motif is as common as the TATA box in Drosophila promoters. There is, in addition, a striking adherence of Inr sequences to the Inr consensus in DPE-containing promoters relative to DPE-less promoters. Furthermore, statistical and biochemical analyses indicated that a G nucleotide between the Inr and DPE contributes to transcription from DPE-containing promoters. Thus, these data reveal that the DPE exhibits a strict spacing requirement yet some sequence flexibility and appears to be as widely used as the TATA box in Drosophila.
AID'S CRISIS OF LEGITIMACY: CURRENT PROPOSALS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Aid to Africa is less threatened by the current foreign policy and fiscal pressures than by a complex crisis of legitimacy regarding the enterprise. Despite official rhetoric to the contrary, most aid insiders are disappointed by the current achievements of aid. The current malaise has resulted in a considerable ferment of thinking about how to make aid more effective. This article describes four sets of proposals that have been advanced. These include proposals to make aid more selective, as well as to adopt a more need-based approach, which includes proposals to promote government ownership, and to focus aid on non-governmental actors in the private and voluntary sectors. It is argued that each of these proposals is desirable, but that together they are probably incompatible, certainly difficult for the donors to implement and unlikely to address the real problems that have plagued aid and African development these last thirty-five years. The real challenge, not addressed by most current reform proposals, is to change how donors and recipients manage aid, so that it contributes to a sound development strategy. The article concludes that the main impulse for reform must come from African countries themselves, rather than from the donor countries. RUMOURS OF THE DEATH of foreign aid to Africa are much exaggerated. True, the volume of foreign aid from the West to Africa has been declining since 1994.1 After three decades of uninterrupted growth in the volume of aid going to Africa, any decline would have set off alarm bells. Yet, in 1997, sub-Saharan Africa still received over US$ 16 billion in official development assistance (ODA). Given the previous growth, even if aid declined by 5 percent a year for a decade, it would still be greater in 2007 than it was in the mid-1980s. It is thus very premature to speak of 'an end of aid to Africa'. Under any plausible scenario of the policy-making process in the developed countries, aid will continue to mark the African landscape for the foreseeable future. There are several well known reasons for the observed recent decline. First, the end of ie Cold War has changed foreign policy priorities in the West and weakened the claims of African states for international resources. The author teaches in the Department of Political Science, Michigan State University. 1. Unless otherwise indicated, the aid data reported in this article come from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as presented in its annual report on the aid efforts of its member states.
The Role Of The Academic Portfolio In Documenting Faculty Development

The academic portfolio provides a means for faculty to organize, present and reflect on their accomplishments in the areas of teaching, scholarship and service. Since the portfolio represents faculty accomplishments in these key areas it may be used to support an application for promotion, tenure or merit reviews. Given this, it is important to identify faculty’s knowledge and perspectives on the structure and utility of the academic portfolio. Surveys were sent to faculty at Seton Hall University to gather information on what faculty know about academic portfolios and whether portfolios should be used for promotion/tenure or merit reviews. Results indicate that faculty understand the characteristics and organization of a portfolio, but are not certain about whether portfolios should be used for personnel decisions. The lack of objective criteria for evaluating portfolios may be a factor underlying this perspective. Further research using a larger sample is warranted.
Effects of imperfect mixing on low‐density polyethylene reactor dynamics

Earlier work considered the effect of feed conditions and controller configuration on the runaway behavior of LDPE autoclave reactors assuming a perfectly mixed reactor. This study provides additional insight on the dynamics of such reactors by using an imperfectly mixed reactor model and bifurcation analysis to show the changes in the stability region when there is imperfect macroscale mixing. The presence of imperfect mixing substantially increases the range of stable operation of the reactor and makes the process much easier to control than for a perfectly mixed reactor. The results of model analysis and simulations are used to identify some of the conditions that lead to unstable reactor behavior and to suggest ways to avoid reactor runaway or reactor extinction during grade transitions and other process operation disturbances.
Organizational Mission Statement Guidelines Revisited

This paper provides appropriate guidelines for writing organizational mission statements. A planning framework is presented as a reference point for seeing where a mission statement fits into the planning process. Examples are provided of guidelines typically recommended for use in writing a mission statement, and some samples of organization mission statements are presented in order to illuminate the variety of approaches used in practice. New guidelines for mission statement content are recommended.
Cytology of nonneoplastic occupational and environmental diseases of the lung and pleura.

Abstract Context.—Cytologic examination of the respiratory tract has been a useful diagnostic tool when evaluating neoplastic lesions of the respiratory tract. However, we have limited experience in the application of this technique in the management of nonneoplastic occupational and environmental diseases of the lung and pleura. This review focuses on the cytologic characteristics of a variety of occupational lung diseases, grouping them into 2 broad diagnostic categories: reactive cellular changes and noncellular elements. The former includes entities such as reactive mesothelial proliferation, goblet cell metaplasia, Creola bodies, and reserve cell hyperplasia, and the latter encompasses Curschmann spirals, Charcot-Leyden crystals, and asbestos bodies. Objective.—To illustrate the cytologic features of several nonneoplastic occupational and environmental diseases and correlate the cytology with various etiologic agents. Data Sources.—Case-derived material and literature review. Conclusions.—The role of...