cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermochemistry of the alkali rare-earth double phosphates, A3RE(PO4)2

The formation enthalpies for alkali rare-earth compounds of the type K3RE(PO4)2 where RE = Sc, Y, Lu, Er, Ho, Dy, Gd, Nd, or Ce and for A3Lu(PO4)2 compounds with A = K, Rb, or Cs were determined using high-temperature oxide-melt solution calorimetry. Structural phase transitions were observed and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and high-temperature x-ray diffraction. The formation enthalpy of the K3RE(PO4)2 phases from oxides becomes more exothermic with increasing rare-earth radius for the K3RE(PO4)2 series and with increasing alkali radius for the A3Lu(PO4)2 compounds. The K3RE(PO4)2 phases are stable with respect to anhydrous K3PO4 and REPO4. The monoclinic K3RE(PO4)2 compounds undergo a reversible phase transition to a hexagonal (glaserite-type) structure with a phase transition temperature that increases from −99 to 1197 °C with increasing RE ionic radius going from Lu to Ce.
Synthesis of C11N5 Marine Sponge Alkaloids: (±)-Hymenin, Stevensine, Hymenialdisine, and Debromohymenialdisine†

The synthesis of C11N5 marine sponge alkaloids (±)-hymenin (1), stevensine (2), hymenialdisine (3), and debromohymenialdisine (4) is described. These natural products are the primary family members of the sponge metabolites that contain a fused pyrrolo[2,3-c]azepin-8-one ring system with either a 2-aminoimidazole (AI) or glycocyamidine appendage. The key steps in the synthesis centered around the generation of novel azafulvenium ions and their regioselective heterodimerization with AI in order to create the tricyclic core. A rarely used protodebromination/oxidation strategy was employed to selectively generate the desired α-bromo substitution pattern seen in hymenialdisine (3). In addition, the AI moiety was shown to be a useful precursor to the glycocyamidine unit found in 3 and 4, which suggests that AI-derived natural products may be the biogenic forerunners to glycocyamidine metabolites.
Pair-distribution Function Analysis of the Structural Valence Transition in Cp∗2Yb(4,4′-Me2-bipy)

The Cp*{sub 2}Yb(L) class of compounds, where Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl = C{sub 5}Me{sub 5} and L is either a 1,4-diazabutadiene or bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine related ligand, have provided excellent analogies to the Kondo state on the nanoscale. Cp*{sub 2}Yb(4,4'-Me{sub 2}-bipy) furthers this analogy by demonstrating a valence transition as the sample is cooled below 200 K. Here, pair-distribution function (PDF) analysis of x-ray powder diffraction data demonstrate that the Cp*{sub 2}Yb(4,4'-Me{sub 2}-bipy) molecule is virtually unchanged through the valence transition. However, the molecule's stacking arrangement is altered through the valence transition.
An overview of real-time issues and Ada

The Ada programming language (ANSI/MIL-STD-1815A) is the result of a design competition by the United States Department of Defense in response to the realization that billions of dollars was being spent annually on military' software, with the largest portion being spent for the maintenance of real-time and embedded systems. This paper provides an overview of several issues concerning real-time programming in general, and how they are addressed in Ada. These issues are: Scheduling, Interaction with Hardware, Concurrency, Dealing with Time, Priority Inversion, and Asynchronous Transfer of Control.
Power and energy limitations in magnetic bubble devices

The physics of cylindrical domains in anisotropic ferromagnets is used to derive limitations on the properties of bubble devices that are of engineering interest, as size and energy and power requirements. These properties are conveniently displayed on a new version of the "materials status chart."
ARCMA---adaptive request channel multiple access protocol for wireless ATM networks

We propose a new multiple access protocol based on demand assignment. This protocol is designed to reduce contention in the request phase while minimizing transmission delay under various network (ATM) environments. Our protocol uses an adaptive scheme that changes under heavy traffic conditions, and also provides priority to certain delay-sensitive traffic.
Complexin and Synaptotagmin Genetically Interact in vivo Controlling the Rates of Spontaneous and Nerve-Evoked Vesicle Fusion

Presynaptic vesicle fusion is a highly regulated process that requires Synaptotagmin (SYT) and Complexin (CPX) proteins. Current data suggest that SNARE binding by the two proteins may be co-regulating the last step of release. However, their precise roles in synaptic function are still under debate. Here, we present a thorough analysis of synaptic transmission of null-mutants and over-expression transgenic animals for CPX and SYT at the Drosophila NMJ. Genetic interaction and kinetics analysis reveals that CPX and SYT expression modulate the rates of spontaneous and synchronous/asynchronous release. Additionally, SYT and CPX levels alter vesicle delivery during tetanic stimulation. Our finding indicate that different levels of SYT and CPX have computational consequences at nerve terminal that modulate basal noise, output gain, speed of transmission and the short-term plasticity.
Longitude Effect of Cosmic Radiation and the Position of the Earth's Magnetic Centre

THE theory of the allowed cone of electrically charged primary cosmic rays, developed in a number of recent papers by Lemaitre and Vallarta1, is competent to account for the longitude effect if due regard is paid to the fact that the earth's centre does not coincide with its magnetic centre2. Assuming Schmidt's determination3 of the latter and, with Clay, an exponentially decreasing energy distribution of primary charged particles, it has been shown that the longitude effect along the geomagnetic equator should be roughly sinusoidal with maximum at geographic longitude 12° W. and minimum at 168° E. ; the intensity difference between maximum and minimum is calculated to be about 8 per cent. More recent calculations of the position of the earth's magnetic centre (Bruins4, Bartels5) have somewhat revised Schmidt's earlier result, but the theoretical longitude effect is not much affected thereby. The longitude of the maximum and minimum depends only on the co-ordinates of the earth's magnetic centre, particularly on its longitude ; the intensity difference between the maximum and minimum is closely connected with the distance between the earth's centre and its magnetic centre, to a lesser extent with the energy distribution of primary particles.
Comparison between Adachi and Lorentzian models of semiconductor materials for FDTD implementation of femtosecond pulse propagation

The development of high-speed integrated photonic devices requires accurate modeling tools, especially for high-bandwidth devices and devices operating near the bandgap. Models of femtosecond pulse propagation in a semiconductor are typically developed in the time domain and must include dispersion and loss effects because of the extensive bandwidth. In the past, approximate “classical” models such as the Lorentzian model of the optical properties have been used to study pulse propagation of femtosecond pulses in semiconductors. Quantum-mechanical models such as that developed by Adachi provide accurate spectral characteristics of dispersion and loss as a function of temperature. The present work describes a detailed comparison between the two approaches. In solving realistic problems, numerical methods such as FDTD must be employed. This requires a time domain representation of the susceptibility. For the case of a simple resonator structure, an exact analytic time domain solution was previously obtained using the classical model. This can be used to verify the appropriateness of our numerical solutions when applied to the more complicated Adachi model. The Adachi model more accurately takes into account the absorption features near the band edge, which can profoundly affect the pulse shape in the femtosecond regime. In this comparative study, these effects are examined for simple resonator structures which contain GaAs.
Sperner systems containing at most k sets of every cardinality

We prove using a direct construction that one can choose n ? 2 subsets of an n-element set with different cardinality such that none of them contains any other. As a generalization, we prove that if for any j we can have at most k subsets containing exactly j elements (k > 1), then for n ? 5 we can choose at most k(n ? 3) subsets from an n-element set such that they form a Sperner system. Moreover, we prove that this can be achieved if n is large enough, and give a construction for n ? 8k ? 4.
The Role of Information Technology in the Advancement of Multinational Corporations' Intellectual Capital

The article provides a systematic multidisciplinary framework that defines the role of Information Communication Technology ICT in leveraging Intellectual Capital IC across borders and between headquarters and subsidiaries of Multinational Companies MNCs. In reaching this goal, this article investigates the strategic importance and value of ICT in the management of IC within MNC ecosystem. More importantly, the paper addresses the transubstantiation of MNC into boundaryless Global Knowledge-Based Organization GKB-MNC which ultimately propagates into Learning MNC LMNC. The latter is a proposed MNC type that sustains competitive advantage through systemic adoption of "Knowledge Iterative Supply Network KISN" model proposed by the author. Furthermore, the article suggests a new multinational ICT/IC governance strategy that handles the emerging complexities associated with the modern intangible assets reuse, synthesis and synergy. In effect, these complexities originate from the introduction of functionalities such as just-in-time knowledge supply, elicitation of tacit knowledge, and leveraging of the core competencies for the creation and maintenance of geographically distributed value proposition.
Mental health education in three primary care specialties.

The authors used a questionnaire to examine the characteristics of the mental health components of residency training in traditional internal medicine, primary care internal medicine, and family practice. Traditional internal medicine programs relied almost exclusively on the consultation method and inpatient facilities, offered little formal instruction, used the psychiatrist as the primary teacher, and spent considerably less per resident for mental health training than the other programs. Psychologists and social workers as a group were the primary mental health teachers in family medicine residencies. Traditional internal medicine programs emphasized psychophysiological reactions and simple pharmacotherapy, while primary care internal medicine and family practice programs concentrated on life cycle issues, psychosocial awareness, and simple psychosocial management techniques. None of the three types of residencies focused on complex psychiatric disorders or management techniques. The three specialties differed significantly (F = 13, p = .0001) in the total amount of time on average the resident spent in formal mental health instruction. The need for evaluation of the outcome of training is also discussed.
Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in Two-Dimensional Materials Beyond Graphene

Graphene’s success has shown that it is possible to create stable, single and few-atom-thick layers of van der Waals materials, and also that these materials can exhibit fascinating and technologically useful properties. Here we review the state-of-the-art of 2D materials beyond graphene. Initially, we will outline the different chemical classes of 2D materials and discuss the various strategies to prepare single-layer, few-layer, and multilayer assembly materials in solution, on substrates, and on the wafer scale. Additionally, we present an experimental guide for identifying and characterizing single-layer-thick materials, as well as outlining emerging techniques that yield both local and global information. We describe the differences that occur in the electronic structure between the bulk and the single layer and discuss various methods of tuning their electronic properties by manipulating the surface. Finally, we highlight the properties and advantages of single-, few-, and many-layer 2D materials in...
Reactions of Neutral Vanadium Oxide Clusters with Methanol

Reactions of neutral vanadium oxide clusters with methanol and ethanol in a fast-flow reactor are investigated by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Single-photon ionization through soft X-ray (46.9 nm, 26.5 eV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV, 118 nm, 10.5 eV) lasers is employed to detect both neutral cluster distributions and reaction products. In order to distinguish isomeric products generated in the reactions VmOn + CH3OH, partially deuterated methanol (CD3OH) is also used as a reactant in the experiments. Association products are observed for most vanadium oxide clusters in reaction with methanol. Products VOD, V2O3D, V3O6D, and V4O9D are observed for oxygen-deficient vanadium oxide clusters reacting with methanol, while oxygen-rich and the most stable clusters can extract more than one hydrogen atom (H/D) from CD3OH to form products VO2DH0,1, V2O4DH0,1, V2O5DH0,1, V3O7DH0,1, and V4O10DH0,1. Species VO2(CH3)2, VO3(CH3)2, V2O5(CH3)2, V3O7(CH3)2, and V3O8(CH3)2 are identified as some of the main products g...
From professional lives to inclusive practice: Science teachers and scientists' views of gender and ethnicity in science education

To provide insight into issues of gender and ethnicity in science education, we examine the views of approximately 60 secondary science teachers and university scientists from three different research projects. In each project, participants and researcher explored the intersection of professional and personal identities; views of the nature of science; beliefs related to students' experiences in science education; and kinds of curricular and instructional strategies used to promote access and equity for all students. Participants' interviews were analyzed qualitatively for patterns across these four dimensions of inclusive science education. Analysis of data revealed a wide range of beliefs and experiences along each dimension. From our findings, we argue for careful examination of the ways identities shape instructors' professional experiences and educational practices; critical, constructive conversations about feminist science studies scholarship between professional developers and science teachers or scientists; and reasoned reflection on how views of students can inform recommendations for inclusive content and instruction. We conclude with the call for increased sophistication in the conceptualization and implementation of solutions to the “problem” of women and ethnic minorities in science education, for balancing recognition of systematic gender and ethnic bias with sensitivity to instructors and students' diverse interests and experiences. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 511–547, 2000
The Growth Cycle of Mycoplasma mycoides var. mycoides

Three strains of Mycoplasma mycoides var. mycoides were studied. Dark-ground microscopy of broth cultures showed some filamentous forms, but single cells predominated. The filaments disintegrated on agitation. Single cells passed through 0.3-[tm pores but not 0.22-[tm pores of Millipore membranes. They were destroyed by shaking, sonication, storage at 2-4 C, and freezing and thawing. Ultravioletinactivation curves showed that single-cell suspensions contained both mononucleate and binucleate cells that could not be cloned into pure cultures of either type. They are considered part of a life cycle in which filaments are a characteristic but not a fundamental part. Electron micrographs showed that replicating cells varied in size from 0.15 [tm to 4.5 jtm in diameter. All multiplied by budding. Most synchronized cells produced one bud, but some produced two simultaneously, which confirmed that these cells were multinucleate and have an alternative mode of division in addition to binary fission.
Protein Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor (SCH 66336) Abolishes NF-κB Activation Induced by Various Carcinogens and Inflammatory Stimuli Leading to Suppression of NF-κB-regulated Gene Expression and Up-regulation of Apoptosis *

Ras farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) exhibit antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects through a mechanism that is poorly understood. Because of the known role of Ras in the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB and because NF-kappaB-regulated genes can control cell survival and angiogenesis, we postulated that FTI mediates its effects in part by modulating NF-kappaB activation. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effect of FTI, SCH 66336, on NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB-regulated gene expression activated by a variety of inflammatory and carcinogenic agents. We demonstrate by DNA-binding assay that NF-kappaB activation induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, cigarette smoke, okadaic acid, and H(2)O(2) was completely suppressed by SCH 66336; the suppression was not cell type-specific. This FTI suppressed the activation of IkappaBalpha kinase (IKK), thus abrogating the phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha. Additionally, TNF-activated Ras and SCH 66336 inhibited the activation. Also, overexpression of Ras (V12) enhanced TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation, and adenoviral dominant-negative Ras (N17) suppressed the activation, thus suggesting the critical role of Ras in TNF signaling. SCH 66336 also inhibited the NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene expression activated by TNF, TNFR1, TRADD, TRAF2, NIK, and IKK but not that activated by the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. The TNF-induced NF-kappaB-regulated gene products cyclin D1, COX-2, MMP-9, survivin, IAP1, IAP2, XIAP, Bcl-2, Bfl-1/A1, TRAF1, and FLIP were all down-regulated by SCH 66336, which potentiated apoptosis induced by TNF and doxorubicin. Overall, our results indicate that SCH 66336 inhibited activation of NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB-regulated gene expressions induced by carcinogens and inflammatory stimuli, which may provide a molecular basis for the ability of SCH 66336 to suppress proliferation and angiogenesis.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AZIDOBENZPHETAMINE ANALOGS OF THE CYTOCHROME P450 SUBSTRATE BENZPHETAMINE

Abstract Benzphetamine, an amphetamine with sympathomimetic stimulant activity in the central nervous system, is a substrate for cytochromes P450 with highest metabolic turnover being catalyzed by cytochrome P4502B1. We synthesized three photolabile azido-compound analogs, N-(p-azidobenzyl)-N-methylphenethylamine (N3-BP), N-benzyl-N-methyl-p-azidophenethylamine (BP-N3), and disubstituted N-(p-azidobenzyl)-N-methyl-p-azidophenethylamine (N3-BP-N3), in overall yields of 34, 38, and 10%, respectively. From the comparison of spectral dissociation constants (Ks) of the azido-compounds (the Ks values for which range from 2.3 to 4.2 × 10-5 mol/liter) with the Ks value for the P450 substrate benzphetamine of 6.0 × 10-5 mol/liter, it is clear that the introduction of azido-group(s) into a desmethylbenzphetamine skeleton did not significantly change the cytochrome P450 active site binding affinity in phenobarbital induced microsomes. Similarly, there is almost no difference in Km (values 1.0-1.2 × 10-4 mol/liter) for N-demethylation of these photolabile compounds and benzphetamine (Km = 0.9 × 10-5 mol/liter). All three azido-compounds are extremely photolabile under irradiation at 254 nm (half-life about 1 s). Photolysis of N3-BP in methanol, revealing a N-methoxy compound as a major product (85%) of a nitrene reaction, demonstrates a high reactivity of these compounds after photoactivation. Photoactivated azidodesmethylbenzphetamines produced clear inhibition of cytochrome P4502B1 and 1A1 specific catalytic activities in corresponding microsomal samples, compared to activities in samples irradiated with prephotolyzed probes. Pentoxyresorufin and ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activities were inhibited from 13 to 32%, depending on the compound used.
Interpersonal information conveyed by the content and vocal aspects of speech

Two experiments were conducted to identify kinds of interpersonal information conveyed by vocal and content aspects of speech. Speech samples conveying (1) vocal, (2) content, and (3) both vocal and content information were evaluated. Transmitted information was measured by agreement among subjects on adjective rating scales. Most of the information about “benevolence” was conveyed by content, while most of the information about “social attractiveness” was conveyed by the vocal aspect of speech. Information about “competence” was conveyed by both the vocal and content aspects with male subjects, but with female subjects most of this information was conveyed by the vocal aspect.
Self-irradiation effects in a cerium alloy containing 15 at.% plutonium☆

Abstract Four samples of an α-phase cerium alloy (85 at.% Ce-15 at.% Pu) were stored at 2O°K for 1076 h. The plutonium used in making the samples was variably enriched with the Pu238 isotope to provide four different levels of irradiation. Accumulation of lattice damage due to the alpha activity of plutonium was followed by periodically measuring the electrical resistivities of the samples during storage at low temperature. Annealing of damage was then followed from 20° to 35o°K, by the isochronal method. Results are discussed in terms of the nature of the lattice damage.
A practical application of memory interference models

This paper briefly describes an approximate Markov chain model for memory interference in a multiprocessor system like C.mmp. The modeling assumptions explain the level of abstraction at which the analysis is carried out. Some empirical measurements are presented to determine the model parameters for C.mmp. The analytic results obtained from the model are compared with some measured and simulation results.
Evaluation of coupling in the context of Java interfaces (poster session)

Several coupling frameworks have been introduced in the literature to identify and measure the design complexity of object-oriented software systems. The coupling metric COF presented by the unified framework considers inheritance, polymorphism, method overriding, and direct methods of invocations to identify possible interactions in the system that contribute to the software complexity. We evaluate the COF metric in the context of Java interfaces. Interactions are identified, the effectiveness of the model is discussed, and an extension of the model is offered for more accurate measurement of complexity.
Education Via Radio Among Guatemalan Highland Maya

This study examines the preliminary results of almost four years experience with a literacy and mathematics program via a system of radio schools among a community of Maya Indians in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Almost all the households of the community no longer have sufficient land to be self-sustaining in corn, the basic staple. This has forced the Atitecos to leave the isolation of their community and encounter Guatemalan national culture in search of economic survival. This experience has generated a felt need for literacy. A system of radio schools was established in which Maya teaches Maya. The educational and development philosophies make provision for this peasant group's view of the universe, their sense of inability with regard to the skills of the national culture, and Atiteco control over their own educational process. The acquiring of literacy by Atiteco peasants as well as the assumption of administrative duties and part of the financial responsibilities by the teacher group are the...
A rheological study of biodegradable injectable PEGMC/HA composite scaffolds

Injectable biodegradable hydrogels, which can be delivered in a minimally invasive manner and formed in situ, have found a number of applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. We have recently developed an in situ crosslinkable citric acid-based biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol) maleate citrate (PEGMC)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite, which shows promise for use in bone tissue engineering. In this study, the mechanical properties of the PEGMC/HA composites were studied in dynamic linear rheology experiments. Critical parameters such as monomer ratio, crosslinker, initiator, and HA concentrations were varied to reveal their effect on the extent of crosslinking as they control the mechanical properties of the resultant gels. The rheological studies, for the first time, allowed us to investigate the physical interactions between HA and citric acid-based PEGMC. Understanding the viscoelastic properties of the injectable gel composites is crucial in formulating suitable injectable PEGMC/HA scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, and should also promote the other biomedical applications based on citric acid-based biodegradable polymers.
Pleomorphism of human prostatic cancer cells (DU 145) in culture ― the role of cytoskeleton

The role of cytoskeletal structure in the alteration of cell shape, multinucleation, and intracellular transport of human prostatic carcinoma cells DU 145 was investigated by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and by immunofluorescence microscopy. It was confirmed that alterations in cell shape and surface topography, multinucleation, and intracellular transport of these cultured cells were regulated by a microfilament system composed of actin. The presence of prekeratin confirmed the epithelial nature of these cells. It was noted for the first time that these cells were highly motile and contained fewer microtubules, a moderate amount of intermediate filaments, and a large amount of microfilaments. "Displastic" cells were quite common in long-term culture. DU 145 cells are excellent in vitro models for further research on human prostatic cancer cells.
Estrogen receptors, progestin receptors and DNA synthesis in the macaque endometrium during the luteal-follicular transition.

Abstract We have suggested that in the nonhuman primate endometrium, stromal cells might play a role in mediating the effects of estrogen on the epithelium, especially during the luteal—follicular transition (LFT) when target cells normally escape from the inhibitory influence of progesterone (P). We now report that like estrogen receptors (ER), endometrial progestin receptors (PR) are detectable only in stromal cells until the fifth day of the LFT. With a technique that combined immunocytochemistry and autoradiography on the same sections, we characterized the cellular distribution of ER or PR coincidentally with the localization of [ 3 H]thymidine taken up in vitro by endometria from monkeys undergoing an LFT. DNA synthesis in the glands of the upper endometrium was E 2 -dependent, but the distribution of [ 3 H]thymidine was not positively correlated with the presence of ER or PR. Readministration of P to animals on days 3 or 4 of the LFT significantly reduced the [ 3 H]thymidine labeling index of the glandular epithelium and caused stromal ER to decline, but P did not block the eventual appearance of ER in epithelial cells on day 5 of the LFT. Thus, E 2 stimulated DNA synthesis in epithelial cells that lacked ER, and P suppressed DNA synthesis in these cells even though PR was only detected in the stroma when P treatment began. These data are consistent with a role for endometrial stromal cells in mediating the effects of E 2 and P on the epithelium during the LFT.
Synthetic Histidine-Rich Peptides Inhibit Candida Species and Other Fungi In Vitro: Role of Endocytosis and Treatment Implications

A family of histidine-rich peptides, histatins, is secreted by the parotid gland in mammals and exhibits marked inhibitory activity against a number of Candida species. We were particularly interested in the mechanism by which histidine-rich peptides inhibit fungal growth, because our laboratory has synthesized a variety of such peptides for drug and nucleic acid delivery. In contrast to naturally occurring peptides that are linear, peptides made on synthesizers can be varied with respect to their degrees of branching. Using this technology, we explored whether histidine-lysine (HK) polymers of different complexities and degrees of branching affect the growth of several species of Candida. Polymers with higher degrees of branching were progressively more effective against Candida albicans, with the four-branched polymer, H2K4b, most effective. Furthermore, H2K4b accumulated efficiently in C. albicans, which may indicate its ability to transport other antifungal agents intracellularly. Although H2K4b had greater antifungal activity than histatin 5, their mechanisms were similar. Toxicity in C. albicans induced by histatin 5 or branched HK peptides was markedly reduced by 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate, an inhibitor of anion channels. We also determined that bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of endosomal acidification, significantly decreased the antifungal activity of H2K4b. This suggests that the pH-buffering and subsequent endosomal-disrupting properties of histidine-rich peptides have a role in their antifungal activity. Moreover, the ability of the histidine component of these peptides to disrupt endosomes, which allows their escape from the lysosomal pathway, may explain why these peptides are both effective antifungal agents and nucleic acid delivery carriers.
THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX AS A PREDICTOR OF INFANT AND CHILDHOOD MORTALITY: AN ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM 22 COUNTRIES. † 629

Per capita gross domestic product (pc GDP) has been shown to be a good predictor of infant mortality rate. In 1990, the United Nations Development Programme devised the Human Development Index (HDI) which measures a country's level of human development using a composite index for literacy, life expectancy and pc GDP. Using data from the United Nations publications, we assessed how well HDI and its individual components predict infant and childhood mortality. Mortality data for the final analysis corresponded to the 22 countries which reported all five measures of infant (neonatal and postneonatal) and childhood (1-4 and 5-9 years) mortality in the period 1985-1990 and HDI data for 1987 were from the United Nations report. The results showed that HDI as well as its individual components were good predictors of infant and particularly of childhood mortality. Furthermore, HDI, as well as, HDI without life expectancy, were better predictors of infant and childhood mortality than pc-GDP alone. Table
More light on photosymbiosis in fossil mollusks: The case of Mercenaria “tridacnoides”

Abstract Several morphological, paleoecological, and life history criteria have been traditionally employed when testing for possible cases of photosymbiosis among fossil mollusks. Recently, another criterion has been proposed based upon the offset observed in stable isotope patterns (particularly δ13C) in a modern photosymbiotic bivalve. This study combines stable isotope and growth increment analyses with traditional criteria for recognizing molluscan photosymbiosis in an investigation of the important but peculiar bivalve, Mercenaria “tridacnoides”, from the Neogene of the southeastern United States. M. “tridacnoides”, as its name might hint, has been proposed as a possible photosymbiotic host. However, the geochemical and paleontological data presented here reinforce each other and suggest otherwise. This case illustrates the increased predictive power obtained by combining geochemical with more traditional paleontological approaches.
Effects of charging energy on the 2D phase transition in granular NbN cermet films

Abstract We have developed quantitative equations for the resistive transition of a superconducting 2-dimensional granular array including the effects of intergranular charging energy. The equations are applied to thin BN-NbN cermet films. Results indicate that charging energy plays a significant role in the high sheet resistance, low T c samples.
Econometric Investigation Of Relationships Among Export, Fdi And Growth In India: An Application Of Toda-Yamamoto-Dolado-Lutkephol Granger Causality Test

Most of the study of causal relationship of GDP or growth with Trade and Foreign Direct Investment in the context of India rely on cross country comparisons, or simple correlations/regressions disregarding nonstationarity properties, or at most on VAR or VECM or Johansen-Juselius cointegration technique of testing for Granger causality. The potential biases, pitfalls, influence of nuisance parameters and asymptotic unreliability of these techniques have been well documented in the literature and also briefly mentioned in this paper. Therefore, this paper employs the more recent and robust Toda-Yamamoto-Dolado-Lutkephol augmented VAR(p) technique for testing Granger causality among these three time series. This technique has been shown to provide more robust and asymptotically reliable results under wide variety of situations regarding the cointegration relationships among the time series. This study also focuses on the post liberalization period and clearly shows that the post- liberalization period significantly differs from the pre-liberalization period in the GDP-Export-FDI nexus. We find strong support for Export-led and Foreign Direct Investment led growth hypotheses only in the post liberalization period.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and prognosis in advanced heart failure.

Background High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) influence the generation of prostacyclin via cyclooxygenase stimulation. Prostaglandins represent an important compensatory pathway in advanced heart failure (HF). Whether HDL levels discriminate prognosis in HF remains unknown. Methods We prospectively evaluated the prognostic relationship of HDL levels in severe HF by examining 132 consecutive patients listed for heart transplantation (52 ± 11 years of age, 80% men, 79% white, mean follow-up 18 months). Using population mean HDL levels (HDL n = 47] vs ≥33 mg/dl [ n = 85]), patients were grouped and followed for the primary composite end-points of HF hospitalizations or death, stratified by underlying etiology (non-ischemic, n = 52; ischemic, n = 80). Results Patients with HDL p = 0.008), higher total bilirubin (1.3 vs 0.7 mg/dl, p p = 0.048) levels, but similar serum creatinine compared with the ≥33 mg/dl HDL group. Survival analysis, using a Cox proportional hazards model, revealed reduced HDL ( Conclusions Lower HDL levels correlate with adverse prognosis independent of etiology and predict clinical worsening or death in advanced HF. Further study is warranted as to whether these findings represent a clinical marker or suggest a potential therapeutic target.
Exploiting the Reversibility of Natural Product Glycosyltransferase-Catalyzed Reactions

Glycosyltransferases (GTs), an essential class of ubiquitous enzymes, are generally perceived as unidirectional catalysts. In contrast, we report that four glycosyltransferases from two distinct natural product biosynthetic pathways-calicheamicin and vancomycin-readily catalyze reversible reactions, allowing sugars and aglycons to be exchanged with ease. As proof of the broader applicability of these new reactions, more than 70 differentially glycosylated calicheamicin and vancomycin variants are reported. This study suggests the reversibility of GT-catalyzed reactions may be general and useful for generating exotic nucleotide sugars, establishing in vitro GT activity in complex systems, and enhancing natural product diversity.
P2-S1.14 The accuracy of perceptions about sexual concurrency among pregnant adolescents and their partners and the influence of self-reported concurrency

Background Inaccurate perceptions about sexual partner concurrency are associated with current STI status. While high STI rates are reported among pregnant adolescents, studies have not investigated the accuracy of perceptions about sexual concurrency among young expecting couples nor explored factors related to inaccurate perceptions. Without open communication, individuals may inaccurately assume their partner9s behaviour is like their own. The objectives of this analysis were to assess the accuracy of perceptions about sexual concurrency among pregnant adolescents and their partners and whether self-reported concurrency is related to the accuracy of perceptions. Methods Pregnant adolescent couples (N=258) were recruited from antenatal clinics as part of a larger study. Couples included pregnant women, 14–21 years, romantically involved with the father of the baby, ≥14 years. Sociodemographic, psychosocial and sexual behaviour data were collected from each member of the couple via ACASI. κ statistics assessed the accuracy of perceptions about partner concurrency during the relationship. Respondents who were uncertain about their partner9s concurrency (n=58) were excluded from the kappa calculations. Multivariable logistic regression using generalised estimating equations assessed the associations between the respondent9s self-reported concurrency and the accuracy of their perceptions about partner concurrency. Results A total of 162 (81%) males and 146 (85%) females accurately reported their partner9s nonconcurrency, but only 40% of males and 43% of females accurately reported the partner9s concurrency (Abstract P2-S1.14 table 1). Overall, the accuracy of perceptions about concurrency was moderate (κ 0.41 for males, 0.49 for females). Adjusting for age, gender and partnership duration, respondents who self-reported non-concurrency were 54% less likely to accurately report their partner9s concurrency (p=0.061). Respondents who self-reported concurrency were 81% less likely to accurately report their partner9s non-concurrency (p Conclusions Among pregnant adolescents and their partners, there were many inaccurate perceptions about partner sexual concurrency. More than half did not accurately report their partner9s sexual concurrency, which may increase their STI risk. Respondents9 personal concurrency was associated with inaccurate perceptions about their partners9 concurrency, reinforcing the need to improve sexual communication among young expecting parents.
Secondary structural predictions for the clostridial neurotoxins

The primary structures of a family of ten clostridial. Neurotoxins have recently been deduced yet little information is presently available concerning their secondary or tertiary structures. Because the overall similarity percentage of multiply aligned sequences is high, the secondary structures of these metalloendopeptidases are also expected to be conserved. The neural net program, PHD (Rost and Sander, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:7558–7562, 1993), predicted that the secondary structures of the neurotoxins were indeed conserved in both single and multiple sequence modes of analysis. Predictions for the amounts of helical, extended, and loop states from the single sequence analyses were consistent with previously published data from circular dichroism studies on some of these neurotoxins. In the single analysis mode, only the aligned regions were predicted to show conservation of the three-state structure. In contrast, the multiple sequence analysis predicted that a conserved state (variable loops) also exists in non-aligned regions. Alignments with the primary structure of the prototypic metalloendopeptidase thermolysin showed that about 25% of the residues within this enzyme are similar to those in the neurotoxins. A comparison of thermolysin's known secondary structure with the predictions from this study showed that about 80% of thermolysin's residues could be structurally aligned with those in the neurotoxins. These predictions provide the necessary. Framework to build a homologous low-resolution tertiary structure of the neurotoxin active site that will be essential in the development of synthetic inhibitors. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Catechol-mediated reversible binding of multivalent cations in eumelanin half-cells

Electrochemical storage systems that utilize divalent cations such as Mg2+ can improve the volumetric charge storage capacities compared to those that use monovalent ions. Here, a cathode based on naturally derived melanin pigments is used in secondary Mg2+ batteries. Redox active catechol groups in melanins permit efficient and reversible exchange of divalent Mg2+ cations to preserve charge storage capacity in biopolymer cathodes for more than 500 cycles.
Fracture of the Subtalar Joint in Springboard Divers A Report of Two Cases

The subtalar joint plays an important role in the biomechanics of walking and running. Inversion of the subtalar joint allows supination, which stabilizes the foot, and eversion allows pronation, which unlocks the foot during the gait cycle. Injuries to the subtalar joint are often improperly diagnosed and can be extremely detrimental to an athlete. Consequences of these injuries include not only pain but also an impaired ability to walk or run, especially on nonlevel surfaces, because of compromised subtalar motion. We report two cases of fracture in the subtalar joint in springboard divers. Both fractures occurred with a similar mechanism of injury. A computed tomography (CT) scan was essential to delineate the magnitude of injury. This injury has not been previously described in springboard divers.
Fate of the replisome following arrest by UV-induced DNA damage in Escherichia coli.

Accurate replication in the presence of DNA damage is essential to genome stability and viability in all cells. In Escherichia coli, DNA replication forks blocked by UV-induced damage undergo a partial resection and RecF-catalyzed regression before synthesis resumes. These processing events generate distinct structural intermediates on the DNA that can be visualized in vivo using 2D agarose gels. However, the fate and behavior of the stalled replisome remains a central uncharacterized question. Here, we use thermosensitive mutants to show that the replisome’s polymerases uncouple and transiently dissociate from the DNA in vivo. Inactivation of α, β, or τ subunits within the replisome is sufficient to signal and induce the RecF-mediated processing events observed following UV damage. By contrast, the helicase–primase complex (DnaB and DnaG) remains critically associated with the fork, leading to a loss of fork integrity, degradation, and aberrant intermediates when disrupted. The results reveal a dynamic replisome, capable of partial disassembly to allow access to the obstruction, while retaining subunits that maintain fork licensing and direct reassembly to the appropriate location after processing has occurred.
Introductory Guide to Cardiac Catheterization

Ronnier J. Aviles; Adrian W. Messerli; Arman T. Askari; Marc S. Penn; Eric J. Topol 176 pages. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004. $45.00. ISBN 0-7817-5202-7 In an era where cardiovascular textbooks are becoming dauntingly voluminous to accommodate both classical and modern understanding in physiology and historical and contemporary data from clinical studies, Introductory Guide to Cardiac Catheterization provides a back-to-basics approach. The authors should be congratulated for effectively condensing a large body of information surrounding the fundamentals of cardiac catheterization and basic hemodynamic principles. As acknowledged in the preface, the text is written primarily by cardiology fellows “who remember well what it was like to enter the cath laboratory for the first time,” …
Mechanism of sequence-specific fluorescent detection of DNA by N-methyl-imidazole, N-methyl-pyrrole, and β-alanine linked polyamides

The fluorescence from the tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) moiety in hairpin polyamide−TMR conjugates is quenched in solution, but restored upon sequence-specific binding to doubled-stranded DNA. This fluorescence amplification when bound to the target DNA sequence makes polyamide−TMR conjugates potentially useful for the detection of specific DNA sequences in homogeneous solution. Time-resolved and steady-state spectroscopic measurements indicate that a ground-state complex forms between the TMR and polyamide functionalities in the absence of DNA. This intramolecular complex likely facilitates electron transfer from the polyamide N-methyl-pyrrole moieties to the TMR excited state, quenching fluorescence. Binding of the polyamide−TMR probe to the target DNA sequence disrupts the TMR−polyamide interaction, resulting in the observed fluorescence increase.
Community Health Workers and Community Advocacy: Addressing Health Disparities

The Community Health Worker model is recognized nationally as a means to address glaring inequities in the burden of adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States. This study explored Arizona CHW involvement in advocacy beyond the individual patient level into the realm of advocating for community level change as a mechanism to reduce the structural underpinnings of health disparities. A survey of CHWs in Arizona found that CHWs advocate at local, state and federal political levels as well as within health and social service agencies and business. Characteristics significantly associated with advocacy include employment in a not for profit organization, previous leadership training, and a work environment that allows flexible work hours and the autonomy to start new projects at work. Intrinsic characteristics of CHWs associated with advocacy include their belief that they can influence community decisions, self perception that they are leaders in the community, and knowledge of who to talk to in their community to make change. Community-level advocacy has been identified as a core CHW function and has the potential to address structural issues such as poverty, employment, housing, and discrimination. Agencies utilizing the CHW model could encourage community advocacy by providing a flexible working environment, ongoing leadership training, and opportunities to collaborate with both veteran CHWs and local community leaders. Further research is needed to understand the nature and impact of CHW community advocacy activities on both systems change and health outcomes.
In vitro release dynamics of an anticancer drug from swellable gelatin nanoparticles

Gelatin (Type A) nanoparticles were prepared by a single W/O emulsion technique and characterized by infrared (IR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size analysis. The IR spectra clearly confirmed the presence of gelatin and cytarabine in the loaded nanoparticles while the scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image depicts smooth surface, spherical shape and uneven size of nanoparticles (100–300 nm). The prepared nanoparticles were loaded with cytarabine, a well-known anticancer drug, and the release dynamics of entrapped drug was investigated as a function of various experimental factors, such as percent loading of the drug, chemical architecture of the nanocarriers, and pH, temperature, ionic strength, and nature of the release medium. The nanoparticles were also studied for their water sorption capacity by optical microscopic method taking advantage of the aggregation of nanoparticles. The drug release process was analyzed kinetically using Ficks power law, and a correlation was established between the quantity of released drug and swelling of the nanoparticles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2320–2332, 2006