cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle self-assembly at ionic liquid-based interfaces

This review presents an overview of the nature of ionic liquid (IL)-based interfaces and self-assembled particle morphologies of IL-in-water, oil- and water-in-IL, and novel IL-in-IL Pickering emulsions with emphasis on their unique phenomena, by means of experimental and computational studies. In IL-in-water Pickering emulsions, particles formed monolayers at ionic liquid-water interfaces and were close-packed on fully covered emulsion droplets or aggregated on partially covered droplets. Interestingly, other than equilibrating at the ionic liquid-water interfaces, microparticles with certain surface chemistries were extracted into the ionic liquid phase with a high efficiency. These experimental findings were supported by potential of mean force calculations, which showed large energy drops as hydrophobic particles crossed the interface into the IL phase. In the oil- and water-in-IL Pickering emulsions, microparticles with acidic surface chemistries formed monolayer bridges between the internal phase droplets rather than residing at the oil/water-ionic liquid interfaces, a significant deviation from traditional Pickering emulsion morphology. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed aspects of the mechanism behind this bridging phenomenon, including the role of the droplet phase, surface chemistry, and inter-particle film. Novel IL-in-IL Pickering emulsions exhibited an array of self-assembled morphologies including the previously observed particle absorption and bridging phenomena. The appearance of these morphologies depended on the particle surface chemistry as well as the ILs used. The incorporation of particle self-assembly with ionic liquid science allows for new applications at the intersection of these two fields, and have the potential to be numerous due to the tunability of the ionic liquids and particles incorporated, as well as the particle morphology by combining certain groups of particle surface chemistry, IL type (protic or aprotic), and whether oil or water is incorporated.
The effect of narrowband 500 nm light on daytime sleep in humans

Naps frequently take place during the daytime under some ambient light. People are commonly advised to wear eyeshades, or use black out curtains while sleeping, as light is thought to inhibit sleep. Little is known, however, about how light during daytime sleep may affect the quality or architecture of that sleep. The present within-subjects design administered green narrowband light via light masks to 17 young adults (23.2 ± 4.7 years) during four 90-minute afternoon naps. Subjects were exposed to each of four light conditions that approximate the intensity of 1) physiological darkness (~0 lux), 2) moonlight (~1 lux), 3) typical indoor lighting (~80 lux) and 4) indirect outdoor light (~6,400 lux). All subjects were able to sleep in all lighting conditions, with no differences in sleep quality or architecture. Power analysis revealed sufficient power to detect meaningful differences. Sleep inertia measured upon waking showed a general effect of the nap, independent of condition. Although light has various alerting effects at night, 500 nm LED light presented via light mask does not appear to inhibit daytime sleep. The finding that this light had no effect on the ability of individuals to fall asleep or stay asleep during an afternoon nap may inform decisions regarding the use of the nap as a facilitator of schedule adjustment, and challenges the assumption of light as a barrier to napping. Language: en
Powering Africa׳s sustainable development: The potential role of nuclear energy

Abstract The electricity deficit is one of the most serious contemporary issues facing sub-Saharan Africa. Many countries in the region have insufficient generation capacity to meet rapidly rising demand. Electricity shortages have become a binding and powerful constraint on the continent׳s sustainable development. Their resolution will require coordinated effort to improve the effectiveness and governance of the region׳s utilities and to significantly scale-up generation capacity. A broad portfolio of low carbon (low-C) technologies needs to be deployed in order to address the electricity deficit in a cost-effective way and not be disruptive to economic growth. Since nuclear power can deliver low-C electricity in bulk, reliably and without intermittency, it could make a significant contribution towards resolving Africa׳s power crisis. However, the post-Fukushima safety concerns related to large nuclear plants with substantial radioactive inventories will be especially pronounced in Africa. Moreover, large scale reactors with huge upfront investment requirements are likely to be unsuitable for capital-constrained African countries with small electricity grids. One promising direction for nuclear development in Africa might be to downsize reactors from the gigawatt scale to less-complex smaller units (with substantially smaller radioactive inventory) that are more affordable.
Drug resistance in nematodes of veterinary importance: a status report

Reports of drug resistance have been made in every livestock host and to every anthelmintic class. In some regions of world, the extremely high prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in nematodes of sheep and goats threatens the viability of small-ruminant industries. Resistance in nematodes of horses and cattle has not yet reached the levels seen in small ruminants, but evidence suggests that the problems of resistance, including MDR worms, are also increasing in these hosts. There is an urgent need to develop both novel non-chemical approaches for parasite control and molecular assays capable of detecting resistant worms.
UNUSUAL OBSERVATIONS DURING PACEMAKER THERAPY FOR COMPLETE HEART BLOCK.

Abstract During the course of management of spontaneously occurring complete heart block with Stokes-Adams syndrome in a 10 year old boy, rare clinical, therapeutic and physiologic observations were made. Initially, cardiac rate was controlled via a catheter electrode. The effect of ventricular rate on right atrial pressure was shown. There was a progressive fall in right atrial pressure as the ventricular rate was increased from 36 to 100/min. A Chardack pacemaker was implanted permanently, and cardiac rate was controlled with a 9-volt stimulus. During steroid therapy, retrograde atrial conduction and normal sinus rhythm developed. Unusual cardiac arrhythmias allowed electrocardiographic data to be obtained concerning the “vulnerable period” of the cardiac cycle in man. During alternating periods of normal sinus rhythm and pacemaker-controlled rate, ventricular premature beats resulted only when stimuli fell in a period of less than 30 msec, preceding the apex and during the descending portion of the T wave. Additionally, it was shown that stimuli in the “vulnerable period” of the cardiac cycle resulted in premature beats with QRS complexes of “multiform” shape. Although a single stimulus (considerably above the premature beat threshold value) placed in the vulnerable period can initiate ventricular fibrillation, a 9-volt stimulus was insufficient to reach ventricular fibrillation threshold in our patient. Steroid therapy was discontinued with subsequent loss of atrioventricular conduction. Pacemaker failure (due to breakage of a resistor wire) occurred 12 months postoperatively. Successful substitution of the abdominal wall pacemaker was made. At the time of pacemaker substitution, the threshold voltage required to control ventricular rate was 4.6 volts indicating that there had been no significant increase in myocardial resistance after one year.
Lung surfactant synthesis: a Ca++-dependent microsomal phospholipase A2 in the lung.

Abstract We present the first direct evidence for a highly active, Ca ++ -dependent phospholipase A 2 in the microsomal fraction of rat lung homogenate. Several previously reported studies from other laboratories strongly implicate this enzyme as a key metabolic step in the biosynthesis of dipalmitoyl lecithin, the primary component of pulmonary surfactant. In the present study, stoichiometric amounts of [ 3 H]lysophosphatidylethanolamine and [ 14 C]fatty acid were released during incubation of 1-[9, 10- 3 H]palmitoyl-2-sn-[1′- 14 C]linoleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine with the lung microsomal fraction. Marker enzyme measurements showed that the microsomal activity cannot be due to contamination with mitochondria, which also show phospholipase A 2 in both lung and liver. In contrast, liver microsomes show predominantly a phospholipase A 1 activity.
Energy from fat determined by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.

The amount of energy derived from fat in foods is a requirement of U.S. nutrition labeling legislation and a significant factor in diet development by health professionals. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used to predict total utilizable energy in cereal foods for nutrition labeling purposes, and in the current study, was investigated as a method for evaluation of the amount of energy derived from fat. Using NIR reflectance spectra (1104-2494 nm) of ground cereal samples and reference values obtained by calorimetry and by calculation, modified PLS regression models were developed for the prediction of percent energy from fat and energy from fat/g. The models were able to predict the percent of utilizable energy derived from fat with SECV and R 2 of 1.86-1.89% of kcal (n = 51, range 0-43.0) and 0.98, respectively, and SEP and r 2 of 1.74% of kcal (n = 55, range 0-38.0) and 0.98, respectively, when used to predict independent validation samples. Results indicate that NIR spectroscopy provides useful methods for predicting the energy derived from fat in food products.
Fulvestrant regulates epidermal growth factor (EGF) family ligands to activate EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling in breast cancer cells

Estrogen receptor-α (ER) targeted therapies are routinely used to treat breast cancer. However, patient responses are limited by resistance to endocrine therapy. Breast cancer cells resistant to the pure steroidal ER antagonist fulvestrant (fulv) demonstrate increased activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members and downstream ERK signaling. In this study, we investigated the effects of fulv on EGFR signaling and ligand regulation in several breast cancer cell lines. EGFR/HER2/HER3 phosphorylation and ERK1,2 activation were seen after 24-48 h after fulvestrant treatment in ER-positive breast cancer cell lines. 4-Hydroxy-tamoxifen and estradiol did not cause EGFR activation. Fulvestrant did not affect EGFR expression. Cycloheximide abolished the ability of fulv to activate EGFR suggesting the autocrine production of EGFR ligands might be responsible for fulvestrant induced EGFR signaling. qRT-PCR results showed fulv differentially regulated EGFR ligands; HB-EGF mRNA was increased, while amphiregulin and epiregulin mRNAs were decreased. Fulvestrant induced EGFR activation and upregulation of EGFR ligands were ER dependent since fulv treatment in C4-12, an ER-negative cell line derivative of MCF-7 cells, did not result in EGFR activation or change in ligand mRNA levels. ER downregulation by siRNA induced similar EGFR activation and regulation of EGFR ligands as fulvestrant. Neutralizing HB-EGF antibody blocked fulv-induced EGFR activation. Combination of fulv and EGFR family tyrosine kinase inhibitors (erlotinib and lapatinib) significantly decreased EGFR signaling and cell survival. In conclusion, fulvestrant-activated EGFR family members accompanied by ER dependent upregulation of HB-EGF within 48 h. EGF receptor or ligand inhibition might enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects of targeting ER by fulvestrant in breast cancer.
Interplay between the retinoblastoma related pRb2/p130 and E2F-4 and -5 in relation to JCV-TAg.

Human polyomaviruses, which include JC virus (JCV) and BK virus (BKV), as well as the simian virus 40 (SV40), have been associated with human tumors and have been shown to be highly tumorigenic in experimental animal models. Although the mechanism by which JCV induces tumorigenesis is not entirely clear, earlier studies point to the involvement of the viral early protein T-antigen which has the ability to bind and inactivate tumor suppressors and cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as the retinoblastoma family proteins and p53. We investigated if the distribution between nucleus and cytoplasm of the transcription factors E2F4 and E2F5 is mediated by pRb2/p130 and if the presence of JCV T-antigen may impair this shuttling by sequestering pRb2/p130. The results showed that E2F4 was prevalently localized in the nucleus of both T-antigen positive and -negative R503 cells independently of the cell cycle phase. E2F5 instead was prevalently localized in the cytoplasmic fraction in G0/G1, S-phase synchronized, and asynchronous R503 and R503 T-Ag positive cells. The presence of T-antigen did not influence the subcellular localization of these transcription factors E2F4 and E2F5, at least in this murine cellular model. Moreover, Small interference RNA experiments directed toward silencing the Rb2/p130 gene demonstrated that pRb2/p130 does not play a predominant role in the nuclear transportation of E2F4 and E2F5. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 96–104, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nuclear interactor of ARF and Mdm2 regulates multiple pathways to activate p53.

The p53 tumor suppressor is controlled by an interactive network of factors that stimulate or inhibit its transcriptional activity. Within that network, Mdm2 functions as the major antagonist of p53 by promoting its ubiquitylation and degradation. Conversely, Tip60 activates p53 through direct association on target promoters as well as acetylation of p53 at lysine 120 (K120). This study examines the functional relationship between Mdm2 and Tip60 with a novel p53 regulator, NIAM (nuclear interactor of ARF and Mdm2). Previous work showed NIAM can suppress proliferation and activate p53 independently of ARF, indicating that other factors mediate those activities. Here, we demonstrate that NIAM is a chromatin-associated protein that binds Tip60. NIAM can promote p53 K120 acetylation, although that modification is not required for NIAM to inhibit proliferation or induce p53 transactivation of the p21 promoter. Notably, Tip60 silencing showed it contributes to but is not sufficient for NIAM-mediated p53 activation, suggesting other mechanisms are involved. Indeed, growth-inhibitory forms of NIAM also bind to Mdm2, and increased NIAM expression levels disrupt p53–Mdm2 association, inhibit p53 polyubiquitylation, and prevent Mdm2-mediated inhibition of p53 transcriptional activity. Importantly, loss of NIAM significantly impairs p53 activation. Together, these results show that NIAM activates p53 through multiple mechanisms involving Tip60 association and Mdm2 inhibition. Thus, NIAM regulates 2 critical pathways that control p53 function and are altered in human cancers, implying an important role for NIAM in tumorigenesis.
Principle of Spectral Reciprocity in Biomechanics of Locomotion and Rehabilitation

Providing the technical means to prevent collapse or falls in patients with different types of pathology in motion and balance control is one of the traditional problems in rehabilitation engineering. A means of addressing the problem using assistive devices, including prostheses, is to restrict the mobility in certain anatomical or artificial joints by applying corsets, braces, brakes and locks. The restriction of mobility in the joints increases local stiffnesses, and in a sense, tunes the spectrum of oscillations in these joints out of resonantly dangerous zones. So far, these efforts for limiting unwanted mobility are mostly empirical within rehabilitation technologies, and we suggest that they can be optimized with algorithms for controlling the spectrum of oscillations used in multi-linked technical systems. Further, we suggest that tuning out of resonance is inseparable from the phenomenon of tuning into resonance that is widely recognized in biomechanics of locomotion. These considerations result in our postulating the principle of spectral reciprocity in locomotion.
Regiocontrolled synthesis of poly[(p-phenylene ethynylene)-alt-(2,5-thienylene ethynylene)]s : Regioregularity effect on photoluminescence and solution properties

Regioregular poly[(p-phenylene ethynylene)-alt-(2,5-thienylene ethynylene)]s (PPETEs) have been synthesized to evaluate the pure regioregularity effect on the physical properties of π-conjugated polymers. Comparison of their UV-vis and 13 C NMR spectroscopy confirms the absence of steric interaction between the adjacent substituents on thiophene rings. Although both polymers emit at the same wavelength, PPETE 3 with a pure head-to-tail chain sequence exhibits a slightly stronger fluorescence from its solution than PPETE 4 with a head-to-head chain sequence (on = 0.59 for 3 vs 0.53 for 4). The Mark-Houwink constant α and radius of gyration Rg values have been determined for PPETEs 3 and 4, both indicating that 3 has a more rigid conformation than 4. The higher molecular rigidity for 3 might be partially responsible for its higher PL quantum efficiency. A significant enhancement in PL efficiency has been observed from PPETE films. Under identical experimental conditions, a film of 4 emits about 2.5 times stronger than 3 and 6 times stronger than the regiorandom PPETE, respectively.
Bacterial contamination of ambulance oxygen humidifer water reservoirs: A potential source of pulmonary infection

The risk and benefit of oxygen humidification during ambulance transport is unknown. We cultured the water in plastic multiple-use bottles of humidifiers on 30 randomyl selected area ambulances during November 1985. There were 22 positive cultures. Potentially pathogenic bacteria (four Pseudomonas maltrophila , three Pseudomonas aeruginosa , one Klebsiella pneumoniac , and one Staphylococcus epidermidis ) were found in nine samples. Assuming that the water in ambulance humidifiers should have been sterile, the findings are statistically significant ( P
Fractional Differential-Based Approach for CT Image Enhancement

In this paper, a fractional differential-based approach for CT image enhancement is introduced. This approach uses a group of fractional differential masks, which are generalized from the one-dimensional digital fractional order Savitzky-Golay differentiator, to process the image and a max-saturation strategy is designed to enhance these processed images. Some experiments are used to assess the performance of the proposed fractional differential-based image enhancing algorithm, and the results demonstrate that the proposed enhancing method is able to achieve a good tradeoff between the feature enhancement and texture preservation.
Optimal Fourier-Hermite expansion for estimation

The purpose of the paper is to present a systematic method for developing an approximate recursive estimator which is optimal for the given structure and approaches the best estimate, when the order of approximation increases. The minimal variance estimate is projected onto the Hilbert subspace of all Fourier-Hermite (FH) series, driven by the observations, with the same given index set. The projection results in a system of linear algebraic equations for the FH coefficients, the parameters of the desired approximate estimator. The estimator consists of finitely many Wiener integrals of the observations and a memoryless nonlinear postprocessor. The postprocessor is an arithmetic combination of the Hermite polynomials evaluated at the Wiener integrals. A couple of recursive methods for calculating the Wiener integrals are included.
L-Tryptophane and sleep.

L-Tryptophane, an essential amino acid and a precursor of serotonin, is shown to have definite effects on human sleep. In normal subjects it reduces sleep latency and slightly increases sleep length without altering the qualitative characteristics of polygraphically recorded sleep. In a double-blind study of 24 hospitalized insomniac patients, doses of 4 g or 5 g of L-tryptophane significantly increased sleep time, reduced sleep latency, and reduced the number of awakenings.
Quantum Molecular Dynamics calculations of radiative opacities

We show that Quantum Molecular Dynamics provides a powerful tool to extend and benchmark current opacities libraries into the complex regime of warm dense matter. In this regime, the medium can be constituted of electrons, protons, atoms and molecules, while plasma and many-body effects can not be treated as perturbations. Among the most notable features of this new approach for calculating Rosseland mean opacities is the ability to obtain a consistent set of material (equation-of-state), optical and electrical properties for various mixtures from the same simulation.
Comparison of ozone-specific (OZAC) and oxygen radical (ORAC) antioxidant capacity assays for use with nasal lavage fluid.

Antioxidants in respiratory mucus protect the underlying airway epithelium from damage by ozone (O3), a common outdoor air pollutant. To understand O3–antioxidant interactions and the variation of these interactions among individuals, in vitro assays are needed to measure the total antioxidant capacity of airway lavage fluid, a convenient source of (diluted) mucous samples. Here, we compare the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), a general method that uses peroxyl radicals as a reactive substance, to the recently developed ozone specific antioxidant capacity (OZAC), a procedure that directly employs O3. For prepared model mucous antioxidant solutions containing uric acid, ascorbic acid or glutathione, the ORAC and OZAC methods yielded comparable antioxidant capacities. The addition of EDTA or DETAPAC, necessary to prevent auto-oxidation of test solutions during the ORAC assay, unpredictably altered ORAC measurements. EDTA did not have a significant effect on OZAC measurements in either prepared uric acid or ascorbic acid solutions. When assessing antioxidant capacities of nasal lavage samples, the ORAC and OZAC assays were no longer comparable. Because the OZAC of nasal lavage samples was positively related to measured uric acid concentrations whereas the ORAC data were not, the OZAC method appears to provide more realistic mucous antioxidant capacities than the ORAC method.
Closed intracardiac tactile surgery.

SUMMARY Closed intracardiac surgery guided by the finger is a safe, logical, and highly efficient method of diagnosing and correcting most of the common, acquired and congenital cardiac defects. Its applicability will undoubtedly shortly be extended to include other less common lesions. Its accuracy depends upon digital "vision" and digitally guided manipulations within the beating, functioning heart. The permissible maneuvers are obviously limited to certain relatively simple ones. Fortunately, most of the common intracardiac lesions can be corrected by the maneuvers now available. Care must be taken that the cardiac function is not seriously nor long impaired by the instrumentation.
Effects of sulfobromophthalein and ethacrynic acid on glyceryl trinitrate relaxation.

Abstract The effects of sulfobromophthalein (SBP) and ethacrynic add (ECA), both inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase (GST), or glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced vasorelaxation were investigated in rabbit aortic strips. The aortic strips were pre-contracted with phenylephrine, followed by relaxation with 0.5 μM GTN, with or without 0.1 mM SBP or ECA. ECA was observed to inhibit GTN relaxation approximately 32%, whereas SBP did not alter the GTN activity. The dinitrate metabolites (GDN) of GTN in the tissues were also measured. The amounts of both GDNs were decreased in the ECA-treated, but not the SBP-treated group. Moreover, in the ECA-treated group, a strong correlation was obtained between the loss of GTN activity and the decrease in GTN metabolism. Concentration-response studies also revealed that ECA attenuates GTN relaxation. The slope factor of the concentration-response curves was decreased by ECA, but not by SBP, although both inhibitors caused a mild decrease in Emax. In the 9000 g supernatant of rabbit aorta, ECA was also observed to inhibit GTN metabolism more significantly than SBP. The results suggest that the mechanism of GTN activation may involve a GST isozyme that possesses high activities towards ECA.
Long-term effects of child abuse and neglect on emotion processing in adulthood☆

To determine whether child maltreatment has a long-term impact on emotion processing abilities in adulthood and whether IQ, psychopathology, or psychopathy mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotion processing in adulthood. Using a prospective cohort design, children (ages 0-11) with documented cases of abuse and neglect during 1967-1971 were matched with non-maltreated children and followed up into adulthood. Potential mediators (IQ, Post-Traumatic Stress [PTSD], Generalized Anxiety [GAD], Dysthymia, and Major Depressive [MDD] Disorders, and psychopathy) were assessed in young adulthood with standardized assessment techniques. In middle adulthood (Mage=47), the International Affective Picture System was used to measure emotion processing. Structural equation modeling was used to test mediation models. Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment were less accurate in emotion processing overall and in processing positive and neutral pictures than matched controls. Childhood physical abuse predicted less accuracy in neutral pictures and childhood sexual abuse and neglect predicted less accuracy in recognizing positive pictures. MDD, GAD, and IQ predicted overall picture recognition accuracy. However, of the mediators examined, only IQ acted to mediate the relationship between child maltreatment and emotion processing deficits. Although research has focused on emotion processing in maltreated children, these new findings show an impact child abuse and neglect on emotion processing in middle adulthood. Research and interventions aimed at improving emotional processing deficiencies in abused and neglected children should consider the role of IQ.
Comparing Environmental Impacts of Additive Manufacturing vs. Traditional Machining via Life-Cycle Assessment

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to compare the environmental impacts of two additive manufacturing machines to a traditional computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine to determine which method is the most sustainable. Design/methodology/approach – A life-cycle assessment (LCA) was performed, comparing a Haas VF0 CNC mill to two methods of additive manufacturing: a Dimension 1200BST FDM and an Objet Connex 350 “inkjet”/“polyjet”. The LCA’s functional unit was the manufacturing of two specific parts in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or similar polymer, as required by the machines. The scope was cradle to grave, including embodied impacts, transportation, energy used during manufacturing, energy used while idling and in standby, material used in final parts, waste material generated, cutting fluid for CNC, and disposal. Several scenarios were considered, all scored using the ReCiPe Endpoint H and IMPACT 2002+ methodologies. Findings – Results showed that the sustainability of add...
Early detection of the CH1 murine lymphoma by tumor-associated idiotype in the serum.

In this report, we describe a sensitive C-dependent251Cr release inhibition assay using anti-idiotype antiserum which allows early detection of the CH1 murine B-cell lymphoma by the presence of 19S tumor-associated immunoglobulin in the serum. The assay is based on the finding that sera from mice bearing the CH1 lymphoma specifically inhibit C-dependent 51Cr release from labelled CH1 cells in the presence of A-Id serum. Groups of mice were injected ip with 102, 103, or 104 CH1 cells and serum samples were collected every other day until host death. Tumor-specific idiotype was detectable as early as 8 days after a 104 CH1 tumor cell challenge and by 12–14 days in mice inoculated with 103 or 102 CH1 cells. The amount of idiotype increased in parallel with tumor burden and reached a peak titer just before host death In all cases, tumor-associated idiotype was present in the serum time significantly prior to observation of a visible tumor mass (ca. day 20–28). In subsequent experiments, mice were inoculated with 104 CH1 cells and treated 16 days later with a single dose of melphalan (10 mg/kg), vincristine sulfate (0.75 mg/kg), or cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg). Serum samples were taken from these animals and the level of serum idiotype was monitored. After M or VS drug therapy, the level of idiotype decreased in all mice, however host survival was not significantly prolonged. By contrast, mice treated with Cy survived significantly longer than untreated controls, and the serum idiotype titer in these mice decreased to undetectable levels from day 20–28. By day 37, idiotype was detectable again in the serum and all mice died of ascites tumor by day 44. The results of these experiments suggest that the presence of idiotype in the serum of a lymphoma-bearing host may provide a marker which will allow early detection of tumor growth during periods of tumor remission induced by conventional chemotherapy.
Structure-activity relationships of inhibition of hepatic monodeiodination of thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine by thiouracil and related compounds.

We have compared the relative potencies of various thiouracils (TUs) and related compounds in inhibition of 5′-monodeiodination of T4 to T3 by rat liver homogenate. T4 (2.5 (μM) was incubated with 0.13 geq liver homogenate in 0.1 M Tris buffer (pH 7.4) for 30 min in the presence or absence of various test agents, and the amount of T3 produced was quantitated by a specific RIA. Thiourea, thiobarbiturate (2-thiobarbituric acid), imidazoles and imidazolines (2-thiohydantoin, 2,4-dihydroxy-5- thiohydantoin, and 2-mercaptoimidazole), and thiopyrimidines (4-mercaptopyrimidine and 2,4-hydroxy-5-thiopyrimidine) had 3% or less of the activity of 2-TU. Among TU derivatives, 5-iodo-2-TU was the most active agent, with about a 30-fold greater inhibiting activity (on a molar basis) than 2-TU. 6-N-propyl TU (PTU) exhibited 2.5 times the inhibiting activity of TU, whereas 6-carbethoxy-2-TU had 1.4 times the activity, and others followed in descending order: 5-N-butyl-6-methyl-TU (1.3 times), 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-TU (0.4 t...
Mechanism of the human carbonic anhydrase II-catalyzed hydration of carbon dioxide

The catalytic mechanism of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCAII) has been studied by using a combined high-level ab initio and free energy perturbation approach. The authors have examined two hydration reaction mechanisms. The first involves hydration of CO[sub 2] followed by an internal proton transfer and then loss of bicarbonate. They find that the former mechanism is more likely than the latter. On the basis of their results they have been able to predict the location of the bicarbonate proton in the recently solved X-ray structure of the HCAII-bicarbonate complex. They find that the proton is hydrogen bound to Thr-199, while one of the bicarbonate oxygens is hydrogen bound to the main-chain NH of Thr-199. This hydrogen-bonding pattern is analogous to that seen for sulfoamides, which suggests that these molecules are substrate (or transition-state) mimics. Their calculated free energy barrier for CO[sub 2] hydration is in reasonable accord with experiment, while that for the dehydration of bicarbonate is in poor agreement. The reasons for this disagreement are discussed. The molecular-level details obtained from this study have been used to construct a detailed catalytic mechanism for the mode of action of HCAII. 59 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.
L-tyrosine fails to potentiate several peripheral actions of the sympathomimetics.

Abstract We have recently reported the ability of L-tyrosine (L-TYR) to potentiate the anoretic activity of various mixed-acting sympathomimetics including phenylpropanolamine (PPA), 1-ephedrine (EPH) and d-amphetamine (AMP). Included in those studies was the attenuation of L-TYR's effect when coadministered with L-valine, a large neutral amino acid which competes with L-TYR for uptake into the brain, suggesting a central locus for the action of L-TYR. To determine to what extent L-TYR can potentiate peripheral actions, we investigated the effects of L-TYR with either PPA (20 mg/kg), EPH (20 mg/kg) or AMP (1.75 mg/kg) on gastric transit, gastric retention and intrascapular brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. In each of the paradigms studied, PPA, EPH and AMP significantly increased the expected sympathomimetic-mediated response, but no potentiation of L-TYR was observed. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that L-TYR potentiates the anorectic activity of the mixed-acting sympathomimetics largely via an action at a central locus.
Enhancement of Krylov Subspace Spectral Methods by Block Lanczos Iteration

This paper presents a modification of Krylov Subspace Spectral (KSS) Methods, which build on the work of Golub, Meurant and others pertaining to moments and Gaussian quadrature to produce high‐order accurate approximate solutions to variable‐coefficient time‐dependent PDE. Whereas KSS methods currently use Lanczos iteration to compute the needed quadrature rules, the modification uses block Lanczos iteration in order to avoid the need to compute two quadrature rules for each component of the solution, or use perturbations of quadrature rules. It will be shown that under reasonable assumptions on the coefficients of the problem, a 1‐node KSS method is unconditionally stable, and methods with more than one node are shown to possess favorable stability properties as well. Numerical results suggest that block KSS methods are significantly more accurate than their non‐block counterparts.
Clenbuterol Increases Lean Muscle Mass but Not Endurance in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Clenbuterol, a β 2 -agonist with potent anabolic properties, has been shown to improve skeletal muscle function in healthy subjects, and in high doses, promotes cardiac recovery in patients with left ventricular assist devices. In a small, randomized controlled study, we investigated the effect of clenbuterol on skeletal muscle function, cardiac function, and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. Clenbuterol was well tolerated and led to a significant increase in both lean mass and the lean/fat ratio. Maximal strength increased significantly with both clenbuterol (27%) and placebo (14%); however, endurance and exercise duration decreased after clenbuterol. Prior data support combining exercise training with clenbuterol to maximize performance, and on-going studies will evaluate this approach.
Factors influencing fetal macrophage development: II. Effects of the PDGF subfamily of protein‐tyrosine kinase receptor ligands as studied in organ‐cultured rat lungs

BACKGROUND Macrophage precursors in pseudoglandular rat lungs rapidly differentiate into phagocytes in organ culture, although this occurs only gradually in vivo. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor is vital for the process, but the possible importance of other ligands in the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) subfamily is scarcely appreciated. METHODS Macrophage development was compared in 15-day fetal rat lungs cultured on solid, serum-containing media with and without added stem cell factor (SCF) (100 ng/mL) or antibodies to PDGF-AA and -BB (10-15 micrograms/mL each). In addition, organ cultures and intact lungs were immunostained for PDGF-AA and -BB to confirm their presence in the tissues. Macrophage population growth was measured by coronal area assay. RESULTS SCF initially stimulated macrophage production. Thereafter, results varied depending on baseline production by control cultures: where this was vigorous, SCF-exposed explants performed similarly; where this was moderate, the SCF explants outperformed them 1.5-2.6 times over (P < 0.01-0.001). Inhibition of macrophage production by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 microM) was not significantly diminished in the presence of SCF (10 ng/mL). Immunoreactivity for PDGF-AA and -BB was prevalent in cells of the airway epithelium and stroma during the period macrophage precursors were converting, and both isoforms were detected in differentiating macrophages as early as 2 days in vitro. Nonetheless, exposure of cultures to anti-PDGFs had no significant effect on macrophage population growth. CONCLUSIONS Ligands of the PDGF subfamily differ greatly in their influence over development of fetal macrophages. Whereas the PDGFs are ineffective, SCF stimulates growth of macrophage precursors and early differentiating forms and enhances survival of older cells. It appears to act mainly in synergy with other growth factors present in fetal lungs. Furthermore, in the hierarchy of hematopoietic progenitors, the macrophage precursors may be ranked on a par with burst-forming units in the red cell lineage.
Macrocyclic catecholate complexes as ligands. Synthesis, structural characterization and properties of the [MH2ETC] and {[Ni(ETC)]Cu}– complexes (M = Co, Ni; H4ETC = the macrocyclic catechol, 2,3-ethylene-5,6:13,14-di(5′-methylbzo)-9,10-(4′,5′-diolbzo)-[14]-1,4,8,11-[N4]-7, 12-diene)

Abstract The syntheses and properties of the Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes, [M(H 2 ETC)], of the macrocyclic ligand, 2,3-ethylene-5,5:13,14-di(5′-methylbzo)-9,10-4′,5′-diolbzo)-[14]-1,4,8,11-[N 4 ]-7,12-diene, [H 4 ETC] are reported. The ligand contains a central tetraaza cavity and ✓ a peripheral catecholate function fused to the tetraaza macrocycle. The appended catechol function allows the [M(H 2 ETC)] complexes to serve as substituted catecholate ligands for other metal ions. This is demonstrated in the synthesis of the [NiETC] 2 Cu 2− complex which has been structurally characterized. The [M(H 2 ETC)] complexes (M = Ni, Co) can be crystallized in two forms: either as monomeric species with two solvent molecules hydrogen-bonded to the catechol hydroxyl groups or as dimeric species with the catechol hydroxyl groups hydrogen-bonded to each other and a single solvent molecule. The complex {[Ni(H 2 ETC)]·2THF}, { IV ·2THF}, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 10.908(1), b = 11.391(3), c = 12.727(2), α = 84.56(2), β = 80.28(2) and γ = 73.39(2). The complex [Co(H 2 ETC)]·THF2, {( VI )·THF} 2 , crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 11.134(4), b = 13.383(6), c = 17.286(6), α = 77.42(3), β = 76.18(3) and γ = 88.41(3). The complex {[Co(H 2 ETC)]·DMF} 2 {( VI )·DMF} 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 1 1 / n with a = 9.087(2), b = 7.962(2), c = 34.012(7) and γ = 94.55(2). The {[NiETC] 2 Cu} 2− complex, ( VII )·4DMF crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / c with a = 10.26(2), b = 35.21(4), c = 12.541(13) and γ = 95.54(11). Single crystal X-ray diffraction data for all crystals were collected on an automated diffractometer using MoKα radiation and the structures solved using conventional methods. Full-matrix refinement of 378 parameters on 3749 data for VI ·2THF, 308 parameters on 2030 data for {( VI )·DMF} 2 , 341 parameters on 4244 data for {( VI )·THF} 2 , and 290 parameters on 399 {( VII )·4DMF} gave final R values 0.062, 0.066, 0.050, and 0.062, respectively. The metal coordination geometry in the low spin ( S = 1 2 ) [CoH 2 ETC] complex and the diamagnetic [NiH 2 ETC] complex is square planar and the MN bonds are 1.865(5) A and 1.860(5) A, respectively. The {[NiETC] 2 Cu} 2− complex is a monomeric species and contains two NiN 4 and one CuO 4 planar chromophores. The paramagnetic CuO 4 chromophore ( S = 1 2 ) is not subject to intermolecular bonding interactions and shows a CuO bond of 1.917(6) A. The intramolecular NiCu and NiNi distances in the centrosymmetric molecule are 7.676(2) A and 15.352(2) A, respectively.
``Sloshing'' Librations in Lopsided Disk Galaxies

A combined particle-mesh N-body/gridded hydrodynamics/stellar evolution code is employed to model the response of a galaxy disk to an impulsive perturbation. The resulting galaxy is examined for asymmetry in morphology and dynamics to answer the question of whether free "sloshing" librations in the plane of the disk can explain the relatively large proportion of asymmetric field spirals. The simulation produced a perturbed disk containing streamers of gas and stars, gas shocks, and m = 1 and m = 2 spiral structure. Strong kinematic peculiarities were generated as well. However, although the resulting disk reproduced many of the kinematic features observed in H I synthesis maps, the effects are relatively short-lived, lasting only on the order of a dynamical timescale. The similarities between the model and the tidally deformed galaxy NGC 5474, however, do leave open the possibility of forced sloshing modes playing a role in galaxies undergoing tidal interactions.
Polymerization of olefins through heterogeneous catalysis. VI. Effect of particle heat and mass transfer on polymerization behavior and polymer properties

The multigrain model for polymerization of olefins over solid catalysts is used to predict kinetic behavior, molecular weights, and polydispersities. The effects of intraparticle and external boundary layer transport resistance on the kinetic behavior and polymer properties are explored. Means for the experimental detection of intraparticle diffusion resistance are suggested. The importance of catalyst physical properties, such as the porosity, and the catalyst loading is illustrated through simulation. Finally, the hypotheses of diffusion resistance and site heterogeneity as explanations for the broad molecular weight distributions of olefin polymers are critically evaluated, and molecular weight distribution control in industrial catalysts is discussed.
Is chromatin helical

A long-standing question in eukaryotic cell biology and genomics is whether the interphase chromatin fibre has a foundational geometric structure — or at least one that persists over some longitudinal segment of a chromosome. Two recent studies asked if there is any regular, higher-order folding of the fibre beyond simple apposition, that is, the 'globule' which results when a polymer falls back on itself in the absence of any particular infrastructure.
Congenital malformations in the past.

TO DISCUSS the past at a conference designed to consider the future of teratology may seem a superfluous task. Yet the uses of the past are clearly demonstrable in the field of teratology, a science that can be traced to the earliest times of human history. From time immemorial, men and women of all continents and countries have been fascinated by monstrous human beings and animals. In fact, they recorded such curiosities before they learned the arts of reading and writing. This is demonstrated in artistic expressions of very primitive peoples. For instance, a rock drawing found in New South Wales, Australia, shows a double-headed human male figure, 9 feet, 6 inches long, with six fingers on the right hand and four on the left, the remarkable work of an Australian aborigine who felt impelled to put on record an unusual human birth. A beautiful carving of chalk from New Ireland in the South Pacific represents a double-headed human figure with two, or probably, three arms, a case of dicephalus dibrachius well known to modern science. A wooden carving from the Solomon Islands suggests conjoined twins of the pygopagus type with union of the bodies and heads and the extremities shortened by achondroplasia (chondrodystrophy), a systemic skeletal malformation. This anomaly, though known to man for millenia, did not become a scientific entity until 1878 when Parrot17 recognized it as a disorder of cartilage formation and called it “achondroplasia.”
1.4.3 Simple SE Methods Deployed in Revitalizing the Nuclear Post‐ Irradiation Examination Capability for the Idaho National Laboratory

The “crown jewels” of nuclear energy research facilities (i.e., hot cells, analysis systems, and scientists) have been centered at the Idaho National Laboratory for over 40 years, but in recent years, emphasis and funding for nuclear fuel research and development have declined to adversely affect the readiness and effectiveness of research facilities and equipment. Conversely, the current national nuclear renaissance forces the need for immediate enhancements in facilities, equipment, capabilities, and staff for the postirradiation examination (PIE) of nuclear fuel. PIE characterizes the “burn-up” and structural integrity of fuel elements and defines the effectiveness of new fuels/alloys in search for optimum fuel burn-up and alloys for current and next generation nuclear reactors. This paper details how a team of system engineers adapted simple system engineering tools and techniques for a customer unfamiliar with the power and effectiveness of system engineering, to achieve project success.
Perforated jejunal diverticulum: CT diagnosis

A case of a perforated jejunal diverticulum with retroperitoneal extension is presented. Computed tomographic (CT) features and the plain radiographic appearance are described in this rare complication of a common pathologic finding.
Application of two-point implicit central-difference methods to hyperbolic systems

This paper presents a general solution algorithm for the set of difference equations that arise when two-point central differences are used to approximate the flux difference terms in systems of hyperbolic differential equations. The general algorithm eliminates the weak points associated with the nonstandard algorithm reported by Wornom and Hafez (1986). The disadvantages of their algorithm relate to its implementation. It consists of separate algorithms for subsonic, supersonic, sonic and shock cells, applied individually, which presents a major bookkeeping problem when multiple sonic and shock cells are present. The general algorithm eliminates this problem and introduces an improved shock treatment which produces shocks with at most one interior shock point.
The Promise of Public Sector-Sponsored Training Programs

Abstract As concern about workers’ skills has risen, so has interest in the role that government training programs might play in addressing ‘America's workforce crisis.’ One way to gauge whether increased reliance on these programs will substantially improve the skills of the workforce is to examine the impact of past programs. The evidence from these programs indicates that, although the gains were small, for the most part we got what we paid for. This outcome should not be surprising because investments in training were exceedingly modest compared to the skill deficiencies that policymakers have been trying to address.