cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequence determinants of GLUT1 oligomerization: analysis by homology-scanning mutagenesis.

The human blood-brain barrier glucose transport protein (GLUT1) forms homodimers and homotetramers in detergent micelles and in cell membranes, where the GLUT1 oligomeric state determines GLUT1 transport behavior. GLUT1 and the neuronal glucose transporter GLUT3 do not form heterocomplexes in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells as judged by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Using homology-scanning mutagenesis in which GLUT1 domains are substituted with equivalent GLUT3 domains and vice versa, we show that GLUT1 transmembrane helix 9 (TM9) is necessary for optimal association of GLUT1-GLUT3 chimeras with parental GLUT1 in HEK cells. GLUT1 TMs 2, 5, 8, and 11 also contribute to a less abundant heterocomplex. Cell surface GLUT1 and GLUT3 containing GLUT1 TM9 are 4-fold more catalytically active than GLUT3 and GLUT1 containing GLUT3 TM9. GLUT1 and GLUT3 display allosteric transport behavior. Size exclusion chromatography of detergent solubilized, purified GLUT1 resolves GLUT1/lipid/detergent micelles as 6- and 10-nm Stokes radius particles, which correspond to GLUT1 dimers and tetramers, respectively. Studies with GLUTs expressed in and solubilized from HEK cells show that HEK cell GLUT1 resolves as 6- and 10-nm Stokes radius particles, whereas GLUT3 resolves as a 6-nm particle. Substitution of GLUT3 TM9 with GLUT1 TM9 causes chimeric GLUT3 to resolve as 6- and 10-nm Stokes radius particles. Substitution of GLUT1 TM9 with GLUT3 TM9 causes chimeric GLUT1 to resolve as a mixture of 6- and 4-nm particles. We discuss these findings in the context of determinants of GLUT oligomeric structure and transport function. Background: The human glucose transporter GLUT1 forms homo-oligomers but does not hetero-oligomerize with the neuronal transporter GLUT3. Results: GLUT3 transmembrane helix 9 substitution with GLUT1 helix 9 promotes GLUT1-GLUT3 association. Conclusion: GLUT1 and GLUT3 oligomeric states and transport activities are determined by transmembrane helix 9 sequence. Significance: The activity of some multisubunit transporter complexes is determined by their quaternary structure.
Number of children's books in the home: an indicator of parent health literacy.

Background.— One in 4 US adults have poor health literacy, unable to read and understand written medical information. Current tools that assess health literacy skills are too lengthy to be useful in routine clinical encounters. Objective.— To determine which of 7 screening questions is most useful for identifying parents with adequate health literacy. Design/Methods.— A cross-sectional study of an ethnically diverse sample of 163 parents of children aged 12 to 24 months presenting for routine care at 1 of 6 inner-city clinics. Literacy was measured by performance on the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy for Adults, which was categorized as "adequate" or "inadequate or marginal." The 7 screening questions concerned parents' educational achievement, educational expectations for the child, and home literacy environment. Results.— Eighty-three percent of respondents had adequate health literacy, which was highest among those who were African American, were born outside the United States, spoke English primarily at home, and had completed high school. Only 2 factors, however, were independently associated with adequate health literacy: more than 10 adults' books or more than 10 children's books in the home. "More than 10 children's books" had a positive predictive value of 91%. Conclusions.— Having more than 10 children's books in the home is a useful, independent indicator of adequate parent health literacy. More research is needed, however, to find a better screening tool for identifying parents with increased health literacy needs.
Does learning about climate change adaptation change support for mitigation

Abstract Many have speculated that increased attention to climate change adaptation will reduce support for mitigation. The Risk Compensation Hypothesis suggests that remedies to reduce the impacts of risky behaviors can unintentionally increase those behaviors. The Risk Salience Hypothesis suggests that information about adaptation may increase the salience of impacts, and therefore increase mitigation support. Experiment 1 presented participants with a news article about an irrigation technology described as a way to improve efficiency (Pure Control), reduce emissions (Mitigation Control), or reduce drought vulnerability (Adaptation). Political moderates in the adaptation condition rated climate change as a higher political priority and were more supportive of a policy to subsidize the technology than those in both controls. Results were not replicated in Experiment 2. These results partially support the Risk Salience Hypothesis. There was no evidence to justify the concern that discussing adaptation will reduce support for mitigation or concern about climate change.
A murine model of mixed connective tissue disease induced with U1 small nuclear RNP autoantigen.

Objective To test whether immunizing mice with autoantigens closely linked to mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) could induce an MCTD-like clinical syndrome distinguishable from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Transgenic and knockout C57BL/6-derived mice were immunized subcutaneously at age 8–12 weeks with U1–70-kd small nuclear RNP (70K) fusion protein along with either Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) or U1 RNA. After 2 months, mice were killed and analyzed histologically and serologically. Results Immunization of C57BL/6-derived mice transgenic for human HLA–DR4 with 70K and either CFA or U1 RNA led to anti-70K antibodies in 62% of mice (21 of 34), and diversified anti-RNP immune responses. MCTD-like lung disease also developed in 50% of immunized mice (17 of 34), and anti-70K antibodies were strongly correlated with lung disease. CFA and U1 RNA were comparably able to induce this syndrome. Mice deficient in Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) also developed this same syndrome when immunized with 70K and CFA. However, TLR-3−/− mice failed to develop MCTD-like lung disease when treated with 70K and U1 RNA. Rather, TLR-3−/− mice immunized with 70K and U1 RNA developed an autoimmune syndrome characterized by glomerulonephritis typical of SLE. Conclusion Exposure to 70K in an appropriate context is sufficient to induce autoimmunity and target organ injury consistent with MCTD. This system represents a new model of autoimmune interstitial lung disease, and establishes a closer link between anti-70K immunity and MCTD-like lung disease. Of note, changes in innate immune signaling can cause the same trigger to lead to the development of SLE-like nephritis rather than MCTD-like lung disease.
Current penetration and plasma disruption

It is suggested that, in a tokamak discharge, the initial rapid current penetration and the disruptive instability may each be attributed to a type of nonlinear double-tearing instability which causes growth and overlap of radially separated magnetic islands. The ensuing reconnection and braiding of magnetic lines would enhance local radial heat and particle transport and could permit rapid redistribution of plasma current, inducing positive or negative spikes in the loop-voltage signal. (AIP)
A Chaperone-Mediated Approach to Enzyme Enhancement as a Therapeutic Option for the Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Enzyme activity can be deficient in the lysosome because certain newly synthesised mutation-bearing proteins are unstable and prone to misfolding. These structurally defective proteins are detected by the quality control system in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequently diverted to cellular pathways of degradation. Recent studies have shown that low molecular weight ligands that are competitive inhibitors for some of these lysosomal enzymes can, in subinhibitory concentrations, act as ‘chaperones’ and rescue the mutant proteins, leading to the reconstitution of their hydrolytic activity within the lysosome. The potential of these agents as a therapeutic option will be dependent on their safety and tolerability profile, and the absence of toxic metabolic byproducts resulting from their use; there should be no or minimal nonspecific interference with other physiological or adaptive cellular activities. Compared with enzyme replacement therapy, the plausible advantages of using small molecule chaperones derive from the ease of oral administration, lack of immunogenicity and the possibility of delivery across the blood-brain barrier; and thus the potential to treat neurodegenerative clinical variants. The major challenges in developing therapies for rare diseases, such as the lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), include recruitment of a sufficient number of suitable study patients and establishment of the optimal (dose/frequency) regimen to achieve a meaningful outcome. Multiple therapeutic approaches for the LSDs will provide patients with a range of options, which may be adequate as singular strategies or when given in combination. This review examines the characteristics of select agents that represent current candidates for a chaperone-mediated approach to the treatment of a subgroup of the LSDs, specifically the glycosphingolipidoses. Clinical trial experience with the use of these drugs will clarify their position in the management algorithm, which currently has enzyme replacement therapy as its linchpin. A major therapeutic goal would be improved physical and functional wellbeing, leading to increased meaningful survival.
Dynamic Critical Phenomena in Aqueous Protein Solutions

An aqueous protein solution is a binary mixture of large particles (protein molecules) and small particles (water molecules). In contrast, a binary liquid mixture is a mixture of two different kinds of particles that are approximately the same size. Thus, a comparison of the critical behavior in these two systems allows one to determine the effect on critical behavior of a relative difference of size in the two kinds of particles in a binary mixture. The correlation length j, osmotic compressibility kT , and coexistence curve of aqueous protein solutions in the vicinity of the critical point for liquid-liquid phase separation have been reported recently [1‐3]. These experimental results established that the static critical properties of these solutions are consistent with the behavior of members of the static universality class of three-dimensional systems with short range interactions and scalar order parameters. This universality class includes binary liquid mixtures. In contrast to the equilibrium properties, the dynamic properties of aqueous protein solutions in the vicinity of the critical point have not been investigated as thoroughly. In this Letter, we report our use of quasielastic light scattering (QLS) to investigate the time decay of spontaneous concentration fluctuations, as a function of both wave number q of the fluctuations and temperature T, along the critical isochore of aqueous solutions of the bovine eye lens protein gII-crystallin. The only previous study of critical dynamics in a protein solution of which we are aware is the work of Ishimoto and Tanaka who made QLS measurements at a single fixed wave number of the fluctuations using a 19 channel digital correlator on aqueous solutions of lysozyme [4] along the critical isochore for sT 2 TcdyTc $ 5 3 10 23 (q j, 0.1), where Tc is the critical temperature. The present study is a significant experimental advance over the work of Ishimoto and Tanaka in that (i) we obtain data for fluctuations at up to 12 different wave numbers, (ii) we obtain data using a 144 channel digital correlator, and (iii) we obtain data much closer to the critical point [ sT 2 TcdyTc $ 1.56 3 10 24 and q j# 3.18]. The more thorough investigation of critical dynamics presented here has revealed new and unexpected behavior. Specifically, we find that the wave number and temperature dependence of the average rate of decay of the concentration fluctuations are consistent with the theory for critical dynamics in binary liquid mixtures [5] only if we allow both the background viscosity and the background contribution to the decay rate to be unusually large. Furthermore, in contrast to the behavior seen in binary liquid mixtures we find that the concentration fluctuations exhibit very significant deviation from exponential decay with time. Of course, these protein solutions may be viewed as
Protein adsorption and osteoblast responses to different calcium phosphate surfaces.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sintering different calcium phosphate (CaP) surfaces on protein adsorption and osteoblast cell response. As-received and sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) and brushite were used in this study. X-ray diffraction revealed a poorly crystallized HA structure for the unsintered HA and a highly crystallized HA for the sintered HA surfaces. A brushite-type structure was indicated on the unsintered brushite surfaces, whereas sintered brushite surfaces contained mixtures of different CaP phases. Using 1 mg/mL albumin solution, protein was suggested to selectively adsorb on the CaP surfaces. A statistically higher albumin adsorption was observed on unsintered HA (9.5 μg/mL) and unsintered brushite (50.1 μg/mL) surfaces compared to sintered HA (3.2 μg/mL) and sintered brushite (3.4 μg/mL) surfaces. In the in vitro study using osteoblast cells, no statistical responses were observed between cells cultured on sintered HA and sintered brushite after 8 days ...
Estimation of the Partial Molar Volumes of Ions in Mixed Electrolyte Solutions Using the Pitzer Equations

The Pitzer equations have been shown to be very useful in estimating the physical chemical properties of mixed electrolyte solutions like seawater. The equations account for all the ionic interactions occurring in a mixed electrolyte solution. In this paper, the Pitzer equations have been used to estimate the partial molar volumes of ions in 0.725 mol·kg−1 NaCl, which is a near equivalent for average seawater of absolute salinity S A = 35.165 g·kg−1. The calculated results at 25 °C for a number of cations and anions are in good agreement with the measured values in 0.725 mol·kg−1 NaCl. The estimates in seawater are limited, due to the scarcity of volume data for metal sulfate and bicarbonate salts. The model can now be used to make reasonable estimates of the effect of pressure on equilibria in the oceans and other mixed electrolyte solutions over a wide range of composition, at 25 °C, and for some of the major sea salts and the rare earth cations from 0 to 100 °C.
Quantized double-layer charging of highly monodisperse metal nanoparticles.

We describe unprecedented resolution of electrochemically observed quantized double layer (QDL) charging, attained with use of reduced solution temperatures and with an annealing procedure that produces hexanethiolate monolayer protected gold clusters (C6 MPCs) with a high level of monodispersity in charging capacitance, C(CLU). The spacing DeltaV = e/C(CLU) on the electrochemical potential axis between one electron changes in the electronic charge of nanoscopic metal particles is determined by their effective capacitance C(CLU). The high monodispersity of the C6 MPCs with Au(140) cores facilitates (a) detailed rotated disk and cyclic voltammetric measurements, (b) simulation of QDL waveshapes based on assumed reversible, multivalent redox-like behavior, (c) determination of nanoparticle diffusion rates, and (d) observation of as many as 13 changes in the MPC charge state, from MPC(6-) to MPC(7+). The single electron QDL charging peaks are quite evenly spaced (DeltaV constant) at potentials near the MPC potential of zero charge, but are irregularly spaced at more positive and negative potentials. The irregular spacing is difficult to rationalize with classical double layer capacitance ideas and is proposed to arise from a correspondingly structured (e.g., not smooth) density of electronic states of the nanoparticle core, resulting from its small HOMO/LUMO gap and incipiently molecule-like behavior.
Progress towards a vaccine to prevent sexual transmission of HIV

Immunization with subunit antigens prevents rectal transmission of SIV in monkeys (pages 767–775).
224Ra,228Ra, and226Ra in Winyah Bay and Delaware Bay

The first224Ra (t1/2 = 3.64days) measurements from mixing zones of estuarine systems are presented for the Pee Dee River-Winyah Bay and Delaware Bay Estuaries. High-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry was used to determine224Ra,228Ra (t1/2 = 5.7years), and226Ra (t1/2 = 1622years) activity ratios. Desorption and diffusion from suspended and bottom sediments contributes to the non-conservative increases of the three isotopes in each systems. In Delaware Bay224Ra concentrations were nearly constant over the 2.5‰ to 15‰ salinity range where two turbidity maximum zones are located.228Th scavenging onto the suspended particles in the turbid zones may supply a regenerative source of224Ra in this system. Samples collected on the ebb and flood tide from a salt marsh along Delaware Bay have a 5-fold increase in224Ra from flood to ebb and 3- and 2-fold increases for228Ra and226Ra respectively, indicating salt marshes are another source of radium to estuarine waters.
Piecewise linear recursive convolution for dispersive media using FDTD

Electromagnetic propagation through linear dispersive media can be analyzed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method by employing the recursive convolution (RC) approach to evaluate the discrete time convolution of the electric field and the dielectric susceptibility function. The RC approach results in a fast and computationally efficient algorithm; however, the accuracy achieved is not generally as good as that obtained with other methods. A new piecewise linear recursive convolution (PLRC) method is described here that has greatly improved accuracy over the original RC approach but retains its speed and efficiency advantages.
Activation of Coupling Factor 1 from Euglena gracilis Chloroplasts : Conditions for Optimal Activation and Their Possible Physiological Significance

The recently described method for the activation of the Ca2+-ATPase of coupling factor 1 from chloroplasts (CF1) of Euglena gracilis by low pH occurs optimally in high concentrations of NaCl, and is unaffected by the acid used to lower the pH to 4.5. Activation is inhibited by light, and this effect can be reversed by the presence of NADP+, ADP + inorganic phosphate, or an uncoupler. There appears to be no difference between the activities in the soluble and the particulate phases, and they seem to represent the same enzyme. The response of the activation process to light and to effectors of electron transport and phosphorylation indicates a possible physiological role for the acid activation of Euglena CF1.
Modeling of the Energy Equation for LES of Flows at Supercritical Pressure

† ,‡ A database of transitional Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) realizations of a supercritical mixing layer is analyzed for understanding small-scale behavior and examining Subgrid Scale (SGS) models duplicating that behavior. Initially, the mixing layer contains a single chemical species in each of the two streams, and a perturbation promotes roll-up and a double pairing of the four spanwise vortices initially present. The database encompasses three combinations of chemical species, several perturbation wavelengths and amplitudes, and several initial Reynolds numbers specifically chosen for the sole purpose of achieving transition. The DNS equations are the Navier Stokes, total energy and species equations coupled to a real gas equation of state; the fluxes of species and heat include the Soret and Dufour effects. The Large Eddy Simulation (LES) equations are derived from the DNS ones through filtering. Compared to the DNS equations, two types of additional terms are identified in the LES equations: SGS fluxes and other terms for which either assumptions or models are necessary. The focus is here on the energy equation. The magnitude of all terms in this fi ltered DNS equation is analyzed on the DNS database, with special attention to terms that could possibly be neglected. It is shown that in contrast to atmospheric-pressure gaseous flows, there is a new term that must be modeled in this equation. This new term can be thought to result from the filtering of the strongly nonlinear equation of state, and is associated with high density-gradient magnitude regions both found in DNS and observed experimentally in fully-turbulent high-pressure flows. Ap riori modeling approaches for the energy-equation additional term are proposed, all of which must ultimately be tested in LES to show viability.
Activation of human rhinovirus-14 3C protease.

The catalytic efficiency of human rhinovirus-14 (HRV14) 3C protease as a function of solvents and other regulators has been investigated using synthetic peptides as substrates. The proteolytic activity of HRV14 3C was found to be strongly stimulated by a series of anions in vitro and the activation was accompanied by changed Km, kcat, and increased kcat/Km values. A more than 72-fold increase in the 3C catalytic efficiency toward peptide substrates was observed in the presence of 0.8 M sodium sulfate. Several approaches, including size-exclusion chromatography and chemical cross-linking experiments, suggested that no oligomerization of the 3C enzyme occurred in the presence of activating anions. However, the anions did induce a significant conformational change of HRV14 3C protease, as revealed by circular dichroism spectrometry and tyrosine fluorescence analyses, which might contribute to 3C enzyme activation. Finally, the results obtained from 3C protease inhibitor studies suggested that the S1 specificity pocket of HRV14 3C was mainly affected by the activating anions. An induced-fit catalysis mechanism for viral proteases is discussed.
Calibration and data reduction for a UV-extended rotating-compensator multichannel ellipsometer

Abstract A rotating-compensator multichannel ellipsometer has been developed for ultraviolet-extended real time operation over the spectral range from 1.5 to 6.5 eV. The enhancements to the conventional rotating-compensator multichannel instrument to obtain this wide range include: (i) a tandem D 2 -Xe source, (ii) MgF 2 optical elements, (iii) a grating spectrograph blazed at 250 nm and (iv) two stages of order sorting filters internal to the spectrograph. The key in this effort is to maintain a flat spectral distribution over as wide a spectral range as possible in order to reduce spectrograph stray light, which is the primary error that limits the range of multichannel instruments. In this paper, new calibration and data reduction methods are described that determine the polarizer and analyzer angular offsets, and the rotating-compensator azimuthal phase angle and retardance spectra with the highest possible accuracy while minimizing instrument-related errors.
Sphaerapus, A Poorly Known Invertebrate Trace Fossil From Nonmarine Permian and Jurassic Strata of North America

In 1858, Edward Hitchcock named Sphaerapus larvalis and S. magnus for burrows from the nonmarine Lower Jurassic Turners Falls Formation in Massachusetts. Walpia hermitensis White, 1929, from the Lower Permian Hermit Shale, Arizona, is also a little known ichnotaxon. Examination of the type material indicates that Sphaerapus is a senior subjective synonym of Walpia. Sphaerapus is also a nomen oblitum, but Walpia has not been sufficiently used to replace its senior synonym as a conserved name; thus, we use the senior synonym Sphaerapus as the valid name of this ichnogenus, which is monospecific (S. larvalis = S. magnus = W. hermitensis). Numerous specimens of Sphaerapus from the Lower Permian of New Mexico and Texas, and a new record from the Lower Jurassic of Massachusetts show that it is a horizontal endichnion or exichnion having an unpacked tunnel with a cylindrical to ellipsoidal cross section, in some specimens branching, and lined with flattened, lenticular, non-coprolitic sediment pellets that are i...
Bibliography of Sensory and Perceptual Deprivation, Isolation, and Related Areas:

This 1199-item bibliography is concerned with the general topics of sensory and perceptual deprivation, isolation, relative restriction of sensory input, brain-washing, life in isolated outposts, s...
Unusual substrate specificity in the oxidative dearylation of paraoxon analogs by mouse hepatic microsomal enzymes.

Abstract In previous studies with various dialkyl paraoxons, it was shown that the methyl, ethyl and i -propyl analog were dearylated by hepatic microsomes almost exclusively through an NADPH-independent A-esterase, while dearylation of n -propyl paraoxon was NADPH-dependent. The present investigation was initiated to study the basis for this specificity. Release of p -nitrophenol was measured spectrophotometrically after incubation of a series of dialkyl-substituted paraoxon analogs with rat hepatic microsomal preparations. Oxidative dearylation was shown to have the characteristics of a typical mixed-function oxygenase (MFO) reaction. Methyl, ethyl, n -butyl and n -amyl paraoxons were not readily metabolized by the MFO system, though considerable dearylation of n -propyl paraoxon was observed. When the two alkyl substituents were not identical, only the compounds with an n -propyl group were metabolized in this manner. Dearylation was also observed with analogs containing certain branched chains or modified ethyl groups (e.g. 2-chloroethyl and 2-methoxyethyl). The unusual specificity for this MFO reaction was associated with the presence of a 3-carbon length chain or its steric equivalent. The reaction mechanism is most likely different from that for the analogous MFO-catalyzed dearylation of parathion analogs, as p -nitrophenol production from the paraoxons is not accompanied by release of the corresponding dialkyl phosphate.
Third sound in 3 He- 4 He mixture films

We report third-sound studies of3He-4He mixture films for 0.3≲T≲1.8 K carried out in two different experimental situations. In one experiment detailed measurements of the amplitude of both the temperature and thickness variation of the film were made for pure4He and the results for |ΔT/Δd| are in good agreement with the predictions of Bergman. Mixture studies in this apparatus were made difficult due to the presence of capillary condensation. In spite of this a number of interesting results are reported. Subsequent measurements were made in a new apparatus where capillary condensation effects could be demonstrably avoided. Helium films of 5.7 layers of4He were studied as a function of added amounts of3He. BelowT≃0.7 K the third-sound measurements are consistent with model calculations based on a bilayer film. We conclude that for 0.3≲T≲0.6 K films of the type we have studied are isotopically layered in the van der Waals field provided by the substrate.
A note on the analysis of behavioural sequences in Columba livia

Abstract Regularity of temporal succession is not sufficient to infer a causal relationship between two acts. Regularly-occurring consummatory responses, such as eating, provide ‘time markers’ which may allow regular succession due to an internal clock to be distinguished from sequential regularity due to causal relationships between successive acts. These points are illustrated by an analysis of behavioural sequences observed in an experiment on superstitious behaviour in pigeons.
Development of a computerized systems model for health management decision support in growing hogs

Abstract A study was designed to provide decision support for health management in growing hogs. A dynamic, stochastic systems model for a confinement, continuous production hog growing enterprise (including nursery, grower and finisher phases) was developed to simulate the economic effects of disease, available floor space and feed additives using farm- specific data. Modeling techniques included: discrete and distributed (continuous) delays; triangular probability density functions; autocorrelation; table look-up functions; an alpha-beta tracker; non-linear, constrained optimization. The model was designed to be initialized with the system's current status, using an accompanying production/financial database to achieve individual-farm specificity. Initialization of rate variables required ‘reverse optimization’ of historical system performance. Model predictions are based on an adjustment approach, where changes in current performance are dictated by changes in disease rates, available floor space and feed additive use. These effects vary randomly, but are autocorrelated between production phases, between similar diseases and over time.
Theory of light refraction at the surface of a photonic crystal

A rigorous theory is developed for light refraction by a photonic crystal (PC) with arbitrary lattice-type and surface orientation. First, the refraction of a planar wave incident upon a photonic crystal surface is analyzed. We rigorously prove the equal partition of propagating PC modes by a surface under a general condition. The concept of surface-orientation-dependent mode degeneracy has been proposed and its relationship to quasi-periodic surfaces unfolded. With modes partitioned and the degeneracy properly recognized, a subset of the solved PC modes is identified to uniquely represent all PC modes that can be excited by an incident wave. The refraction problem can thus be rigorously solved in the plane-wave formulation. Essentially, we need to solve the field in only a single cell on the surface to solve the refraction problem. We further discuss the case where a Bloch wave illuminates the surface from inside a photonic crystal, which enables us to compute the transmissions along a complete light path through a series of interfaces. In addition, the transmission of a Gaussian beam is discussed, and the insertion loss formulas are presented. Other realistic beam profiles are discussed for designing photonic crystal devices. With all these issues solved, a complete theoretical framework of the photonic crystal refraction and transmission has thus been established. The theory has been applied to design a wavelength-division multiplexing demultiplexer that exhibits lower than $3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{dB}$ loss over a $25\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{nm}$ spectrum. In examining the refraction by a quasiperiodic surface, a slight change of surface orientation is predicted to split one beam into an infinite number of beams.
Oxygen tension imaging in the mouse retina.

A newly developed microscope-based imaging system was used to measure the oxygen tension (PO2) inside the retinal and choroidal vessels of mice and to generate in vivo maps of retinal PO2. These maps were generated from the phosphorescence lifetimes of an injected palladium–porphyrin compound using a frequency-domain measurement. The system was fully calibrated and used to produce retinal PO2 maps at different inspiratory oxygen fractions. PO2 rose accordingly and predictably as inspiratory O2 was stepped from hypoxic to hyperoxic conditions. Important experimental and acquisition parameters necessary for applying phosphorescence lifetime imaging to the mouse eye were investigated, including camera exposure and intensifier gain settings. Because of a need to limit light exposure to the retina, PO2 map quality as measured by the coefficient of determination was investigated as a function of signal-to-noise and accumulated excitation energy deposition. With the development of this technology for use in mice, the potential for investigating the oxygen dynamics in genetically engineered mouse models of retinal disease, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, is advanced. © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC2003: 4266Ew, 8763Lk, 8719Dd
Relationship between Auxins and Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Coleoptile Tissues

THAT auxins may affect nucleic acid metabolism in plants has been suggested by a number of workers. Silberger and Skoog1 had observed an increase in both the deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid content of tobacco pith cells incubated with 0.01 to 10 mgm./l. of indole acetic acid. Growth continued in a manner somewhat similar to changes in the ribonucleic acid content for a few days even though the synthesis of nucleic acids had apparently stopped after four days of application of indole acetic acid. Holmes et al. 2 have shown that in Vicia root, as the distance from the root tip increased the content of deoxyribonucleic acid per cell also increased. Attempts have been made to correlate root growth with nucleic acid metabolism in other plants as well3–5. In maize roots it has been found that application of indole acetic acid resulted in a slowing down of growth accompanied by a decrease of both deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid3. Some workers are inclined to believe that growth and synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid in plants continues only in the presence of auxins6–8. The present communication summarizes the results obtained in an investigation on the incorporation of compounds labelled with phosphorus-32 and carbon-14 into the coleoptile tissues as affected by indole acetic acid.
THE FLOW OF HELIUM INTO THE INTERLAYER SPACES OF HYDRATED PORTLAND CEMENT PASTE

Abstract A helium flow technique has been worked out whereby the changes occurring to hydrated portland cement as a result of the removal of interlayer water can be measured. Results were obtained at water-cement ratios of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 “Solid volume” measurements were also made. It was concluded that the spaces into which helium flowed were interlayer spaces and not fixed-dimension, narrow-necked pores. This work supported the mechanism discussed in the new model of hydrated portland cement on the sequence of water removal from the interlayer spaces and subsequent collapse of the spaces. An estimate of the density of the first 5.35% of the water removed from the 11% R.H. condition was made; this was 1.27 ± 0.08 gm/cc.
T-CELL RECEPTOR PEPTIDE VACCINATION IN THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that is characterized primarily by chronic inflammation of the synovial membranes of affected joints. Infiltration of the subsynovial area with B and T lymphocytes and synovial hyperplasia are prominent histologic features. 21 No etiologic agents of RA have been identified, and current treatment regimens are suboptimal. Over the last several years, there has been a shift in the focus of development of new drugs to treat RA. Many biologic agents directed against particular cellular or circulating molecules thought to be important in the pathogenesis of the disease have been tested in clinical trials (reviewed in reference 35). Several lines of evidence support the long-standing hypothesis that T lymphocytes are important in the initiation and propagation of abnormal humoral and cellular immune responses in RA. 43 Most cells in RA synovia are T lymphocytes. 57 Experimental therapies aimed at inhibiting T-cell function, including thoracic duct drainage, 44 lymphoplasmapheresis, 60 and total lymphoid irradiation, 52 have proven beneficial in the treatment of RA. Cyclosporine, which is known to inhibit T-cell function, has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of RA. 14,65 The association of RA with particular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II alleles 38 is additional evidence of an integral role of CD4+ T cells in inciting the disease. Recently, T lymphocytes and their associated cell surface molecules have been the targets of many biologic agents. Biologic agents designed specifically to interfere with T-cell function include MAbs directed against particular cell surface markers expressed on T cells such as CD4, CD7, CD5, and CD52, as well as agents directed at interleukin-2 receptor (CD25) expressed on activated T cells (reviewed in reference 35). The focus of this article will be the use of T-cell receptor (TCR) peptide vaccination to treat autoimmune diseases, particularly RA.
Retail buyer power through steering

Abstract In providing product information, retailers may steer some consumers to poorer matches yielding higher margins. Suppliers competing for steering offer positive retail margins. If suppliers can commit to meet competition, retail margins can be eliminated and total surplus increased.
In situ FTIR measurement of carbon dioxide sorption into poly(ethylene terephthalate) at elevated pressures

Knowledge of the sorption rate and solubility of CO2 in polymers are of great importance for developing technologies utilizing high-pressure and supercritical CO2-assisted processes. Many conventional techniques for measuring gas sorption have inherent complications when used at elevated pressures. In this work, we demonstrate the use of near-IR spectroscopy as an accurate method to measure CO2 sorption kinetics and solubility in PET at elevated pressures. Sorption kinetics and solubility are measured at 0, 28, and 50°C between pressures of 57.1 and 175.2 atm. Both initially amorphous and initially partially crystalline samples of PET are studied, and the effects of the initial crystallinity are determined. In addition, the effects of CO2 processing on the final crystallinities of our samples are measured. Crystallization was induced in PET at 28 and 50°C over the range of pressures studied. However, at 0°C, no detectable crystallization occurred in PET, even in the presence of high pressures of CO2. The method demonstrated in this work could easily be extended to directly measure CO2 sorption in other polymers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 764–775, 2000
Potential of mean force for tetramethylammonium binding to cagelike oligosilicates in aqueous solution.

We have carried out free energy calculations to compute the potential of mean force for the cagelike silicate polyion−TMA+ cation ion pair interaction in aqueous solution. We also have studied solvent reorganization-related entropic effects. We conclude that the organocations, as opposed to, for example, alkali-metal ions, play a pivotal role in reorganizing the solvent around the cagelike silicates in a manner conducive to the formation of heteronetwork clathrates that are stable both thermodynamically and kinetically. In the case of stable cagelike polysilicate anions, this solvent reorganization correlates with entropic losses. We also infer that transient cagelike polysilicate species, that may indeed form but participate in floppy clathrates, eventually have to give way to cagelike polysilicates that lead to more rigid structures.
Organophosphate pesticide metabolite levels in pre-school children in an agricultural community: within- and between-child variability in a longitudinal study.

This study characterized the within- and between-child variability in dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) levels in the urine of 44 children living in an agricultural community in central Washington State in December 1997 and 1999. The goal of this analysis was to investigate these variability components during periods when organophosphate pesticides were and were not actively applied to orchards in that community. Each child provided between 10 and 26 biweekly urine samples over a 21-month period, and these samples were analyzed for six dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites common to organophosphate pesticides, including DMTP. Previous analysis of this dataset found that DAP concentrations were elevated during months when organophosphate pesticides were applied to orchards in this region. The current analysis demonstrates that the within-child component of day-to-day variability was much greater than the between-child component of variability by a factor of 3–7 across the DAP metabolites that were analyzed. Therefore, organophosphate pesticide exposure appeared to vary more than 3 times from day-to-day than from child-to-child. This finding has important implications for epidemiologic and exposure pathways research, since accounting for within-child variability may increase the power of a study and allow for the detection of differences that would not otherwise be possible without an analysis that separates out the within-child variability.
A mechanochromic smart material

A mechanochromic polyurethane elastomer was synthesized and demonstrated. Azobenzene chromophores were introduced into a copolyamide oligomer to provide conformational latches which stabilized thecis-azobenzenes by the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The copolyamide oligomer was chemically inserted into a polyurethane copolymer. The chromophores in the resulting copolymer were transformed to thecis-form by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (λ=365 nm) and then succesively stretched and relaxed to strains of 100%, 200%, and 300%. After 100% strain and relaxation, the absorbance of polyurethane copolymer at λ=380 nm, which indicates transformation to the trans form, was not significantly increased. However, the absorbance increased with 200% and 300% tensile strain followed by relaxation. A mechanochromic relationship between absorbance increase at λ=380 nm in the relaxed sample and the maximum strain to which the sample was subjected was thus demonstrated.
Scaffolding 6th Graders' Problem Solving in Technology-Enhanced Science Classrooms: A Qualitative Case Study.

In response to the calls to improve and deepen scientific understanding and literacy, considerable effort has been invested in developing sustainable technology-enhanced learning environments to improve science inquiry. Research has provided important guidance for scaffolding learning in mathematics and science. However, these reports have provided relatively little insight into how the different types of scaffolds can (or should) be implemented in dynamic, everyday classroom settings. In this qualitative case study, we examined how students solve scientific problems in technology-enhanced classrooms and how peer-, teacher-, and technology-enhanced scaffolds influenced student inquiry. The results indicated that students manifested distinct inquiry patterns when solving scientific problems and integrated different types of scaffolds to facilitate inquiry activities. These findings suggest that to support scientific inquiry in problem-solving contexts, technology-enhanced scaffolds are effective when supported by clear project goals, relevant evidence, peer- and teacher-assessments, and exemplars of knowledge articulation.
ACTION OF VISIBLE LIGHT ON ENZYMES IN CELL ENVELOPES OF MICROCOCCUS ROSEUS

— Envelopes were isolated from the carotenogenic bacterium Micrococcus roseus, which is subject to photodynamic killing in the presence of a photosensitizing dye but not in the absence of such a dye. Envelope preparations contained 88 per cent of the total cellular carotenoids, 20% of the NADH oxidase, 100 per cent of the ATPase and 30% of the succinic dehydrogenase activity. NADH oxidase activity in envelopes was stimulated 2–5-fold by light in the presence of dye; this was followed by inactivation. In the presence of dye, ATPase was inactivated by light and 25 per cent of the succinic dehydrogenase activity was lost. In the absence of dye, responses were extended over a longer period of time, but similar patterns were observed for the three enzymes, indicating that envelopes contain an endogenous photosensitizer(s). Carotenoid-deficient cells were obtained after growth in medium containing diphenylamine. But all three enzymes showed evidence of instability in envelope preparations, indicating that diphenylamine affects membrane structure in addition to inhibiting synthesis of colored carotenoids.
Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities in Canada and the UK: The Impact of its Disability Employment Laws

The impact of employment laws pertaining to individuals with learning disabilities in Canada and dyslexia in the UK were investigated via the extant research literature. Currently, there is very little research in this area despite Canada and the UK having laws in effect for decades. Surprisingly, their laws have been revamped despite an absence of data that measures impact and effectiveness. This finding is not unlike the Americans with Disabilities Act, reauthorized as the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments in 2008, without substantive research to guide legal policies and practices going forward. Investigation in this area is needed to seek the positive and negative effects of legislation on those with learning disabilities in Canada and dyslexia in the UK, a high incidence population that finds most employment opportunities in competitive employment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hydroxylamine of sulfamethoxazole and adverse reactions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We measured the urine concentrations of sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine, and N-sulfamethoxazole on days 3 and 10 in 15 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treated with a combination product of trimethoprim (15 mg/kg/day) and sulfamethoxazole (75 mg/kg/day). The percentage of sulfamethoxazole and metabolites excreted on days 3 and 10, respectively, were sulfamethoxazole 17.2% +/- 11.3% versus 15.6% +/- 8.2%; sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine 2.6% +/- 2.0% versus 5.0% +/- 5.2% (p < 0.05); N-acetylsulfamethoxazole 80.0% +/- 12.9% versus 79.8% +/- 11.8%. The percentage of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine excreted was similar between the eight patients who discontinued therapy because of toxicity and the seven patients who did not (2.9% +/- 2.3% versus 2.3% +/- 2.0%, p = 0.7). In two patients who had major liver toxicity the percentage of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine excreted was significantly lower than that of the 13 patients who did not (0.8% +/- 0.1% versus 2.9% +/- 2.0%, p < 0.05). This is the first report of the formation and excretion of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. With 15 patients we were unable to show a significant correlation between the percentage of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine excreted and adverse reactions. However, patients with liver toxicity excreted less sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine.
A collaborative health care model for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract Background & Aims: There have been few reports of successful treatment of chronically symptomatic patients with irritable bowel syndrome. We performed a preliminary single center study to evaluate a new collaborative treatment model that used both gastroenterologist and psychologist working together, compared to medical treatment or psychological treatment alone. A second goal was to determine the sample size that would be necessary to definitively demonstrate efficacy of such a collaborative treatment program. Methods: Forty-one patients with irritable bowel syndrome, seen in a tertiary setting, were randomly assigned to the 3 treatment groups. The research design was weighted toward collaborative treatment, which consisted of 3 biweekly visits. A series of questionnaires, including a 2-week daily diary as well as measures of quality of life, anxiety, depression, and relationships, were administered before treatment, after treatment, and again 3 months later. At termination of the study, patients completed a global assessment scale. Results: Sixteen patients completed the collaborative program, 8 completed medical treatment directed at gastrointestinal function, and 6 completed psychological therapy. Eleven patients dropped out of the study; 2 had organic disease. Intent to treat and per protocol analyses showed that global self-assessment improved significantly at long-term follow-up in the collaborative treatment group ( P P P
Compliance Analysis for Disabled Access

Accessibility regulations are federally enacted by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Design of buildings and facilities must comply with the guidelines developed by the authors of ADA. This chapter discusses a hybrid approach using encoding prescriptive-based provisions and supplementing them with performance-based methods to support compliance and usability analysis for accessibility. The hybrid compliance analysis approach is applied to analyse a facility floor plan as a case example.