cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of rHuEPO biological activity: The role of carbohydrate

Objective Darbepoetin alfa, a novel erythropoiesis-stimulating protein, is a glycosylation analog of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) with two additional N-linked carbohydrates. Used to treat anemia of cancer, chemotherapy, and kidney disease, it has a three-fold longer serum half-life and increased in vivo activity, but decreased receptor-binding activity. Glycosylation analogs with altered N-linked carbohydrate content were compared with rHuEPO to elucidate the relationship between carbohydrate content and activity. Methods EPO glycosylation analogs and rHuEPO were expressed and, in some cases, purified from Chinese hamster ovary cells and carbohydrate characterized by Western blotting. Assays were performed to compare in vitro receptor binding and in vivo activity of rHuEPO, darbepoetin alfa, and analogs. Results Reduced receptor binding of darbepoetin alfa could be accounted for entirely by increased sialic acid content and not by carbohydrate-related stearic hindrance or by amino acid differences. Shapes of dose-response curves, maximal responses in proliferation and colony assays, and magnitude and duration of downstream signaling events were comparable in vitro for rHuEPO and darbepoetin alfa. The in vivo response correlated with the number of N-linked carbohydrates. The number of carbohydrates was a more significant determinant for in vivo activity than position. The differences in in vivo erythropoietic activity among glycosylation analogs were more evident with increased time following administration in exhypoxic polycythemic mice. Conclusion Carbohydrate increases persistence of EPO, resulting in a prolonged and increased biological response in vivo, and overcoming reduced receptor-binding activity.
The diet of the capped langur (Presbytis pileata) in a moist deciduous forest in Bangladesh

Capped langurs (Presbytis pileata) in Madhupur National Park in north-central Bangladesh have an annual diet that is comprised largely of mature leaves (42% of 20,460 total feeding records). Among colobine monkeys, only some populations of red colobus (Procolobus badius) have a diet richer in mature leaves. New leaves (11%) and fruit (24%) are the other annually important dietary items. Seasonal breakdown of this diet, however, revealed that during the monsoon months of May through September theP. pileata diet is approximately 50% fruit, including pulpy ripe fruit. This is also the period of maximum fruit availability. Data on diet and food availability indicate that while capped langurs subsist on mature leaves during the dry season (80% of diet from November to March), they select fruit and new leaves and switch to these foods whenever they are available. These data support the hypothesis that the colobine feeding strategy is adapted to cope with seasonal food scarcity.
CpG DNA inhibits CD4+CD25+ Treg suppression through direct MyD88-dependent costimulation of effector CD4+ T cells

Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands are notable for their ability to induce APC maturation, which in turn facilitates optimal T cell mediated immune responses. Toll-like receptor ligands, such as CpG DNA, can also modulate immune responses by blocking the suppressive effects of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Recently, we have demonstrated that CpG DNA, in addition to its actions on APCs and Tregs, can provide direct costimulatory signals to CD4+CD25- T cells. Here we show that this costimulatory effect is sufficient to abrogate suppression by Tregs. These data indicate a previously undefined role for TLR ligands in directly modulating CD4+ T cell responses.
Blastomitogenic agents in Leguminosae and other families.

Des agents blastomitogeniques furent deceles non seulement dans les extraits de 4 genres propres a la famille des Legumineuses, mais aussi dans les graines d'especes determinees appartenant aux familles des Solanacees, Composees, Ephedracees et Clusiacees. Ces 4 dernieres sources, non mentionnees au prealable, temoignent de la repartition variee de ces agents dans la nature et donnent lieu a des conjectures aux points de vue de leur affinite chimique, du mecanisme de leur action blastomitogenique, de leur role dans la physiologie vegetale et de leur importance dans l'evolution.
Methanation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on Ni/Al2O3 catalysts: effects of nickel loading

Abstract The effects of weight loading on the adsorption and reaction properties of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were studied for CO and CO2 hydrogenation by temperature-programmed reaction (TPR). The role of the support, which interacts sufficiently strongly with nickel ions during preparation so that reduction to the metal is more difficult, is to create two distinct reaction sites for methanation, i.e. nickel crystallites and less reactive nickel atoms surrounded by oxygens of the alumina lattice. Both sites are present at Ni loadings from 1.8–15%, but the fraction of the less reactive sites is much larger at lower Ni loadings. Methane from both sites is seen in TPR of CO adsorbed at 298 K and of CO2 adsorbed at 473 K. Thus, methanation of CO and of CO2 (following activated adsorption) proceed by the same mechanism on each type of site on Ni/Al2O3. Methane from the more reactive nickel crystallites is not seen in TPR of CO2 adsorbed at 298 K because CO2 adsorption is activated on nickel and because of competition with H2 for these sites.
Non-ionic Surfactants and Non-Catalytic Protein Treatment on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Pretreated Creeping Wild Ryegrass

Our previous research has shown that saline Creeping Wild Ryegrass (CWR), Leymus triticoides, has a great potential to be used for bioethanol production because of its high fermentable sugar yield, up to 85% cellulose conversion of pretreated CWR. However, the high cost of enzyme is still one of the obstacles making large-scale lignocellulosic bioethanol production economically difficult. It is desirable to use reduced enzyme loading to produce fermentable sugars with high yield and low cost. To reduce the enzyme loading, the effect of addition of non-ionic surfactants and non-catalytic protein on the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated CWR was investigated in this study. Tween 20, Tween 80, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were used as additives to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of dilute sulfuric-acid-pretreated CWR. Under the loading of 0.1 g additives/g dry solid, Tween 20 was the most effective additive, followed by Tween 80 and BSA. With the addition of Tween 20 mixed with cellulase loading of 15 FPU/g cellulose, the cellulose conversion increased 14% (from 75 to 89%), which was similar to that with cellulase loading of 30 FPU/g cellulose and without additive addition. The results of cellulase and BSA adsorption on the Avicel PH101, pretreated CWR, and lignaceous residue of pretreated CWR support the theory that the primary mechanism behind the additives is prevention of non-productive adsorption of enzymes on lignaceous material of pretreated CWR. The addition of additives could be a promising technology to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis by reducing the enzyme activity loss caused by non-productive adsorption.
Educational group visits for the management of chronic health conditions: A systematic review

Abstract Objective Review the effectiveness of group visits (appointments of multiple patients) on quality of life, function, self-efficacy, utilization, and biophysical outcomes in randomized controlled trials of patients with chronic conditions. Methods We searched MEDLINE®, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO to January 2013 for English-language trials of educational group visits led by non-prescribing facilitators (e.g., peer educators). Results We report on 80 arthritis/falls (n = 22), asthma/COPD (n = 10), CHF/hypertension (n = 12), diabetes (n = 29), multiple conditions (n = 4), and pain (n = 4) studies. We found moderate evidence of improved short-term self-efficacy in patients with arthritis (10 studies) and diabetes (10 studies). We found no consistent evidence of improved quality of life; however a moderately strong body of evidence suggests peer-led community-based programs might improve quality of life and utilization in patients with multiple chronic conditions. Meta-analyses found short- (14 studies; mean change HbA1c = −0.27, CI = −0.44, 0.11) and long-term (10 studies; mean change HbA1c = −0.23, CI = −0.44, −0.02) glycemic improvement. Conclusions Group visits may improve self-efficacy and glycemic control. There was little consistent evidence of improved quality of life, functional status, or utilization. Practice implications Group visits represent a reasonable alternative for educating patients with chronic illness, though varied participation/retention suggests they should not be the sole alternative.
Some aspects of counter current dialysis through hollow fiber membranes

A dilute solution flows through a bundle of parallel fibers, the wall of which is permeable to the solute. On the outside of the fibers, possibly in another solvent, the solution flows in the opposite direction. The mass balance equations are first solved for the limiting case of very large diffusivity, and the concentrations on either side of the membrane are found to be simple exponential functions of the axial coordinate. The role of diffusion can be accounted for in closed form if polarisation is not excessive, so that the velocity of the liquid may be replaced by its cross-sectional average. In this case the exponential behavior remains the same except that the coefficient in the exponent becomes a function of the Sherwood number.
Theoretical Investigations of TRAPATT Amplifier Operation

A device-circiut interaction program has been developed for the study of TRAPATT amplifiers. The device is simulated using the programs developed by Bauhahn. A slug-tuned coaxial circuit is simulated with the circuit parameters chosen to model an amplifier for which experimental results have previously been published. Results including diode waveforms over the entire amplifier frequency band are presented. Seperate mechanisms have been identified as being responsible for the fall off in gain and power output above and below the center frequency. The maximum bandwidth which can be attained with TRAPATT amplifier is also estimated.
Disseminated coagulopathy in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

The clinical and laboratory features of nine patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia are described. Hepatic or splenic enlargement accompanied by an absolute monocytosis in an older patient with an elevated serum or urine lysozyme and serum vitamin B12 levels were characteristic of the majority of patients in this series. No single clinical or laboratory finding was diagnostic for the disease. Most importantly, seven of nine patients had abnormal coagulation values; in two cases the abnormalities were consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation and correlated with a hemorrhagic diathesis. It is concluded that patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia who have thrombocytopenia or a bleeding tendency should be evaluated for evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
The Correlation of Solar Flare Temperature and Emission Measure Extrapolated to the Case of Stellar Flares

We discuss an extrapolation of a recently discovered correlation between temperature and emission measure derived from X-ray spectra for the peak of solar flares to temperatures and emission measures characteristic of stellar flares. We find surprisingly good agreement between the parameters derived for stellar flares by various authors and the extrapolation of the results from the survey of solar flares.
A procedural solution to the unexpected hanging and Sorites paradoxes

The paradox of the Unexpected Hanging, related prediction paradoxes, and the sorites paradoxes all involve reasoning about ordered collections of entities: days ordered by date in the case of the Unexpected Hanging; men ordered by the number of hairs on their heads the case of the bald man version of the sorites. The reasoning then assigns each entity a value that depends on the previously assigned value of one of the neighboring entities. The final result is paradoxical because it conflicts with the obviously correct, commonsensical value. The paradox is due to the serial procedure of assigning a value based on the newly assigned value of the neighbor. An alternative procedure is to assign each value based only on the original values of neighbors-a parallel procedure. That procedure does not give paradoxical answers.
The Early Modern Period in the First 100 Years of The Catholic Historical Review

This article surveys the CHR ’s coverage of early modern Europe, roughly from 1450 to 1700, over the past 100 years. It looks at three main features of the period: the Renaissance understood as a cultural and intellectual movement, the Protestant Reformation, and the Catholic Reform. It concludes that the CHR can be justifiably proud of its treatment of the period. The interpretation of the Renaissance as pagan, as found in Jakob Burckhardt’s classic, gradually yielded to one that recognized its Christian features. Polemics were generally avoided in the treatment of the Reformation. The life and thought of Martin Luther drew more attention than did any other individual. Events in England generally predominated. The CHR devoted more space to the Catholic Reform than to the Renaissance or the Reformation. Here two issues stood out: the name to be given to the Catholicism of the period, and the degree of continuity between medieval Catholicism in England and the Catholicism that emerged after the arrival of the missionaries in 1580.
Control of the bone morphogenetic protein 7 gene in developmental and adult life.

The TGF￻ superfamily growth factor BMP7 performs essential biological functions in embryonic development and regeneration of injured tissue in the adult. BMP7 activity is regulated at numerous levels in the signaling pathway by the expression of extracellular antagonists, decoy receptors and inhibitory cell signaling components. Additionally, ex- pression of the BMP7 gene is tightly controlled both during embryonic development and adult life. In this review, the cur- rent status of work on regulation of BMP7 at the genomic level is discussed. In situ hybridization and reporter gene stud- ies have conclusively defined patterns of BMP7 expression in many tissues. Additionally, both in vivo and cell culture studies have defined some of the mechanistic bases for this regulation. In addition to transcriptional activation mediated by binding of activating transcription factors, there is also strong evidence for repression through recruitment of histone modifying enzymes to specific genetic elements. This review summarizes our current understanding of BMP7 gene regu- lation in embryonic development and adult tissues.
Selective attenuation of μ-opioid receptor-mediated effects in rat sensory neurons by intrathecal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

To test the hypothesis that the expression of specific proteins on peripheral terminals of primary afferents can be attenuated by intrathecal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), we administered ODNs antisense to the mu-opioid receptor to male Sprague-Dawley rats via chronically implanted intrathecal cannulae. Antisense but not mismatch ODN treatment significantly decreased peripheral (D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol)-enkephalin (DAMGO) inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) hyperalgesia. Antisense treatment affected neither the magnitude of PGE2 hyperalgesia nor the antinociception produced by a peripherally administered adenosine A1-agonist. The antinociceptive effects of DAMGO was fully recovered 8 days after cessation of ODN treatment. DAMGO-induced inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ currents (VGCC), in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from rats treated with ODNs, was also significantly reduced by antisense but not mismatch ODNs. Taken together, these observations suggest that intrathecal administration of antisense ODNs can be used to study the function of proteins present in the peripheral terminals of primary afferent neurons.
Design and analysis of a spatially selective mirror for submillimeter-wave imaging

In this paper a two dimensional electromagnetic analysis and numerical simulations for a structure consisting of a resistive sheet backed by a spatially non-uniform perfectly conducting reflector is presented. The analyzed nonuniformity is a dip or bump on the reflector surface. The analysis is aimed at the design and evaluation of this structure as a spatially selective mirror for use in a single pixel sub-millimeter wave imager. Scattered and absorbed powers as well as the scattered radiation intensity are calculated in the far field for illumination by a linearly polarized, tapered Gaussian beam. Simulations for normally incident radiation and radiation at obtuse angles are presented. The scattered field in the far region is measured (simulation) by a receiving antenna and the dependence of the simulated received power on the position of the non-uniformity is observed. The dependence of the simulated received power on the size of the non-uniformity on the reflector is also presented. We conclude with the description of a single pixel sub-millimeter wave imager that uses the analyzed structure.
Addressing neurodynamic irritability in a patient with adhesive capsulitis: a case report.

Background: Patients with adhesive capsulitis are commonly seen by physical therapists. Pain and limited shoulder motion from adhesive capsulitis have at times been linked to neural irritation. The purpose of this case is to describe the examination and intervention of a patient with adhesive capsulitis who appeared to have a coexisting, underlying neural irritation. This paper emphasizes how the neurological component must initially be identified and addressed for a successful outcome.Case description:: A 47-year-old female presented with reduced shoulder motion and function, upper extremity neural irritation, diffuse weakness, altered sensation in the involved extremity, and symptoms reproduced with upper limb neurodynamic testing. Her reduced shoulder range of motion was accompanied by limited glenohumeral glides and a report of local neck stiffness. Symptoms began several months earlier after an apparent electrical shock injury to the arm that caused symptoms and guarding of the shoulder. Intervention...
Statistical methods for the objective design of screening procedures for macromolecular crystallization.

The crystallization of a new macromolecule is still very much a trial-and-error process. As is well known, it requires the search of a large parameter space of experimental settings to find the relatively few idiosyncratic conditions that lead to diffraction-quality crystals. Crystallographers have developed a variety of screens to help identify initial crystallization conditions, including those based on systematic grids, incomplete factorial and sparse-matrix approaches. These are somewhat subjectively formulated based on accumulated data from past crystallization experiments. Ideally, one would prefer as objective a procedure as possible; however, that requires objective methods that incorporate a broad source of crystallization data. The Biological Macromolecular Crystallization Database (BMCD), a repository of all published crystallization conditions, is an obvious source of this data. This database has been augmented with a hierarchical classification of the macromolecules contained in the BMCD as well as extensive data on the additives used with them. A statistical analysis of the augmented BMCD shows the existence of significant correlations between families of macromolecules and the experimental conditions under which they crystallize. This in turn leads to a Bayesian technique for determining the probability of success of a set of experimental conditions based on the data in the BMCD as well as facts about a macromolecule known prior to crystallization. This has been incorporated into software that enables users to rank experimental conditions for new macromolecules generated by a dense partial factorial design. Finally, an additional advantage of the software described here is that it also facilitates the accumulation of the data required for improving the accuracy of estimation of the probabilities of success – knowledge of the conditions which lead to failure of crystallization.
Permeability issues in whole-cell bioprocesses and cellular membrane engineering.

Nutrient uptake and waste excretion are among the many important functions of the cellular membrane. While permitting nutrients into the cell, the cellular membrane system evolves to guide against noxious agents present in the environment from entering the intracellular milieu. The semipermeable nature of the membrane is at odds with biomolecular engineers in their endeavor of using microbes as cell factory. The cellular membrane often retards the entry of substrate into the cellular systems and prevents the product from being released from the cellular system for an easy recovery. Consequently, productivities of whole-cell bioprocesses such as biocatalysis, fermentation, and bioremediations are severely compromised. For example, the rate of whole-cell biocatalysis is usually 1–2 orders of magnitude slower than that of the isolated enzymes. When product export cannot keep pace with the production rate, intracellular product accumulation quickly leads to a halt of production due to product inhibition. While permeabilization via chemical or physical treatment of cell membrane is effective in small-scale process, large-scale implementation is problematic. Molecular engineering approach recently emerged as a much better alternative. Armed with increasingly sophisticated tools, biomolecular engineers are following nature’s ingenuity to derive satisfactory solutions to the permeability problem. This review highlights these exciting molecular engineering achievements.
Effectiveness of recombinant soybean cysteine proteinase inhibitors against selected crop pests

Abstract Three recombinant soybean cysteine proteinase inhibitors (rSCPIs), L1, R1 and N2, were assessed for their potential to inhibit the growth and development of three major agricultural crop pests known to utilize digestive cysteine proteinases: Western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, WCR), Colorado potato beetle ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata, CPB) and cowpea weevil ( Callosobruchus maculatus, CW). In vitro experiments showed that cysteine proteinase activities in the crude gut extracts of the WCR, CPB, and CW were inhibited to various degrees by the three rSCPIs. Of the three rSCPIs tested, N2 was most effective in inhibiting the crude gut extract of WCR, CPB, and CW (50% inhibition at 5 × 10 −8 , 5 × 10 −8 , and 3 × 10 −7 M, respectively). The L1 was the least potent of the three CPIs tested, with 50% inhibition at 5 × 10 −6 M of the crude gut extracts of WCR. Results of in vivo experiments conducted to assess the effect of the three rSCPIs on the vital growth parameters of WCR, CPB and CW were consistent with results of the in vitro experiments.
Regulation of Voltage Sensor Movement in KCNQ Channels by KCNE Beta Subunits

The KCNQ1 potassium channel plays widely different physiological roles different cell types. In the heart KCNQ1 forms part of the voltage-gated IKs channels that limit the duration of the cardiac action potential, whereas in epithelial cells KCNQ1 forms part of a voltage-independent K+ channel that is important for ion secretion. The different functions of KCNQ1 are mainly due to the co-assembly of KCNQ1 with different KCNE beta subunits. For example, the IKS channel consists of 4 α-subunits (KCNQ1) which assemble with 2 to 4 β subunits (KCNE1), whereas in epithelial cells KCNQ1 co-assembles with KCNE3 to form voltage-independent K+ channels. Mutations in either KCNQ1 or KCNE1 cause cardiac arrhythmia syndromes. Here we use Voltage clamp fluorometry (VCF) to directly study the effects of wild type and mutant KCNE subunits on the voltage sensor movement in KCNQ1 channel. We assess the voltage sensor movement (fluorescence) and channel opening (current), in order to understand the coupling between the KCNQ1 voltage sensor and channel gate in the presence of KCNE subunits. Our data shows that KCNE1 splits the voltage sensor movement in two separates phases: one at hyperpolarized potentials that moves the voltage sensor to an active state and a second at more depolarized potentials, which is tightly coupled to channel opening. Interestingly, VCF shows that KCNE3 locks the voltage sensor of KCNQ1, presumably in its activated state, thereby generating a voltage-independent K+ channel. Furthermore, arrhythmia-causing mutations in KCNE1 shift the voltage dependence of the two different voltage sensor movements, revealing some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these arrhythmia-causing mutations. Our data suggests a putative mechanism for how KCNE1 subunit exerts its effects on the voltage sensor movement during IKs channel activation.
Glistenings and surface light scattering in intraocular lenses.

Glistenings are fluid-filled microvacuoles that form within the intraocular lens (IOL) optic when the IOL is in an aqueous environment. They are observed in all types of IOLs but have been mainly associated with hydrophobic acrylic IOLs. Experimental and clinical studies suggest the various hydrophobic acrylic IOLs on the market exhibit different tendencies toward glistenings. Factors influencing glistening formation include IOL material composition, manufacturing technique, packaging, associated conditions such as glaucoma or those leading to breakdown of the blood–aqueous barrier, as well as concurrent use of ocular medications. Although the impact of glistenings on postoperative visual function and the evolution of glistenings in the late postoperative period remain controversial, IOL explantation has rarely been reported. The phenomenon of surface light scattering has also been described in association with hydrophobic acrylic IOLs. Its mechanism of formation is controversial but may be related to long-term phase separation water near the IOL surface, although not seen as microvacuoles. Financial Disclosure The author has no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Mullite interfacial coatings for SiC fibers

A process for depositing CVD mullite on SiC fibers for enhanced oxidation and corrosion protection and/or to act as an interfacial barrier coating has been developed. Process optimization via systematic investigation of system parameters yielded uniform, crystalline mullite coatings on SiC fibers. Structural characterization has allowed for tailoring of coating structure and therefore properties. Preliminary high temperature oxidation/corrosion testing of the optimized coatings has shown that the coatings remain adherent and protective for extended periods.
Ethics at the End of Life

Patients, families, and health care providers all face ethical issues at the end of life. Related to increased technology, decreased resources, and immense cultural diversity, these controversies are a common concern to providers in home care. Increased knowledge and skills related to ethical discussions are crucial tools for providers in home care. Providers'abilities to facilitate these discussions with families and patients at the end of life can ease the transition from aggressive care to hospice care. This article describes basic principles of an ethical discussion and discusses the common ethical dilemmas faced at the end of life.
Isolated adrenal cortex cells: ACTH agonists, partial agonists, antagonists; cyclic AMP and corticosterone production

Abstract Isolated adrenal cortex cells respond to the addition of ACTH1–39 or analogs with increased production of cyclic AMP and corticosterone. It is estimated that cyclic AMP production need proceed at less than 20% of maximum to induce maximum corticosterone production. ACTH1–24, [Lys17, Lys18]ACTH1–8 amide, and ACTH1–16 amide induce a maximum rate of cyclic AMP and of corticosterone production equal to those of ACTH1–39. The relative potencies as determined by cyclic AMP and by corticosterone production are in excellent agreement. The analog, ACTH5–24, induces maximum cyclic AMP production equal to 45% of that of the natural hormone, but as predicted, induces maximum corticosterone production equal to that of ACTH1–39. The derivative, [Trp(Nps)9]ACTH1–39 induces 77% of maximum corticosterone production and less than 1% of maximum cyclic AMP production. The fragment ACTH11–24 is a competitive antagonist of ACTH1–39 for both cyclic AMP and corticosterone production. The observations on agonists, a partial agonist and a competitive antagonist are in harmony with the “second messenger” role assigned to cyclic AMP. A provisional model, based on the fit of the experimental observations to a set of equations, provides expressions of “intrinsic activity,” “receptor reserve”, “sensitivity”, and “amplification” in terms of maximum cyclic AMP production, concentration of ACTH which induces 1 2 maximum cyclic AMP production and concentration of cyclic AMP which induces 1 2 maximum corticosterone production.
The importance of the phenyl-tropolone 'aS' configuration in colchicine's binding to tubulin.

Abstract Measuring ellipticities of (±)-colchicine and (±)-deacetamidocolchicine in the presence of tubulin afforded net positive CD bands with maxima at 340 nm resulting from reduction of the negative ellipticities upon binding of (−) enantiomers to the protein. Results of optical studies together with earlier NMR conformational analysis of these molecules substantiate the hypothesis that colchicinoids bind to tubulin with the phenyl-tropolone moiety in the ‘aS’ configuration. Natural colchicine which binds to tubulin, therefore, should be referred to as (−)-(aS, 7S)-colchicine.
Legal aspects of grading and student progression

In today's litigious environment, nurse educators must understand the legal issues involved in determining grades and deciding academic progression. Although the courts have consistently ruled that educators are the most qualified people to evaluate what constitutes academic success, the potential remains for students to legally challenge their grades. This article reviews legal cases and shows the change in the student-institution relationship from one of a child-surrogate parent (in loco parentis) to one in which students' rights and institutional responsibility are balanced. The courts continue to support the concept that educators are uniquely qualified to make determinations concerning grading and progression and defer to decisions made by the academic community. However, a series of legal decisions based on due process and contract law now protects students from arbitrary and capricious decisions made without a formal grievance process. The implications for nurse educators and administrators are far-reaching and include such issues as specific policies within syllabi, divisional policies, institutional policies, and adherence to formal grievance procedures.
Airborne Studies of the Smoke from the Kuwait Oil Fires

Airborne studies of smoke from the Kuwait oil fires were carried out in the spring of 1991 when ∼4.6 million barrels of oil were burning per day. Emissions of sulfur dioxide were ∼57% of that from electric utilities in the United States; emissions of carbon dioxide were ∼2% of global emissions; emissions of soot were ∼3400 metric tons per day. The smoke absorbed ∼75 to 80% of the sun9s radiation in regions of the Persian Gulf. However, the smoke probably had insignificant global effects because (i) particle emissions were less than expected, (ii) the smoke was not as black as expected, (iii) the smoke was not carried high in the atmosphere, and (iv) the smoke had a short atmospheric residence time.
Poly(trehalose): sugar-coated nanocomplexes promote stabilization and effective polyplex-mediated siRNA delivery.

When nanoparticles interact with their environment, the nature of that interaction is governed largely by the properties of its outermost surface layer. Here, we exploit the exceptional properties of a common disaccharide, trehalose, which is well-known for its unique biological stabilization effects. To this end, we have developed a synthetic procedure that readily affords a polymer of this disaccharide, poly(methacrylamidotrehalose) or “poly(trehalose)” and diblock copolycations containing this polymer with 51 repeat units chain extended with aminoethylmethacrylamide (AEMA) at three degrees of polymerization (n = 34, 65, and 84). Two series of experiments were conducted to study these diblock copolymers in detail and to compare their properties to two control polymers [PEG-P(AEMA) and P(AEMA)]. First, we demonstrate that the poly(trehalose) coating ensures colloidal stability of polyplexes containing siRNA in the presence of high salt concentrations and serum proteins. Poly(trehalose) retains the abilit...
Technique for predicting longitudinal pilot-induced oscillations

A technique for predicting the susceptibility of an aircraft to longitudinal pilot-induced oscillations (PIOs) is proposed. The technique employs the optimal control model (OCM) of the human pilot formulated for pitch attitude command tracking tasks. The criterion is very simple and is based solely on the characteristics of the pilot/vehicle open-loop transfer function as predicted by the OCM. The criterion has its genesis in the results of a previous study using the OCM in pitch attitude tracking tasks and was evaluated here using results from flight tests of 25 configurations flown on the NT-33 variable stability aircraft and three additional configurations from flight tests of a high-performance aircraft. Only the index of performance weighting coefficients in the OCM are considered as model variables, and a technique for generating these coefficients is reviewed.
Spectral correlation measurements at the Hong-Ou-Mandel interference dip

We present an efficient tool capable of measuring the spectral correlations between photons emerging from a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer. We show that for our spectrally factorizable spontaneous down-conversion source, the Hong-Ou-Mandel interference visibility decreases as the photons' frequency spread is increased to a maximum of 165 nm. Unfiltered, we obtained a visibility of $92.0%\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2%.$ The maximum visibility was $97%\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2%$ after applying filtering. We show that the tool can be useful for the study of spectral correlations that impair high-visibility and high-fidelity multisource interference applications. The nature of this tool also allows for arbitrary post-selective spectral filtering and high-rate multiphoton spectral correlation measurements.
Long-term domain-specific improvement following poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

While efforts have been made to document short-term outcomes following poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), no data exist concerning the degree of delayed improvement in neurological function. Here we assess cognitive function, level of independence, and quality of life (QoL) over 12 months following poor grade aSAH. Data on definitively treated poor grade patients (Hunt and Hess grade IV or V) surviving 12 months post-aSAH were obtained through a prospectively maintained SAH database. Demographic information, medical history, and clinical course were analyzed. Health outcomes assessments completed by surviving patients at discharge (DC), three months (3 M) and 12 months (12 M) follow-up, including the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), Barthel Index (BI), and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), were used to evaluate cognitive function, level of independence, and QoL. Fifty-six poor grade patients underwent aneurysm-securing intervention and survived at least 12 months post-aSAH. Thirty-five (63%) surviving patients underwent health outcomes assessments at DC, 3 M and 12 M post-aSAH. A majority of patients had improved scores on the TICS (DC to 3 M: 91%; 3 M to 12 M: 82%), BI (DC to 3 M: 96%; 3 M to 12 M: 92%), and SIP (3 M to 12 M: 80%) following aSAH. Using paired-sample analyses, significant improvement on each test was observed. A substantial portion of patients experience cognitive recovery, increased independence, and improved QoL following poor grade aSAH. Delayed follow-up assessments are necessary when evaluating functional recovery in this population. These findings have the potential to impact poor grade aSAH management and prognosis.
Capillary electrophoretic separation of organophosphonic acids using borate esterification and direct UV detection

Abstract One major challenge in the analysis of small ions by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is detection. The most common commercially available detector for CZE is based on UV absorbance. For many small molecules, however, little UV absorbance occurs above 210 nm, limiting the usefulness of this detection method. Carbohydrates, alcohols and amides have been separated and directly detected by complexation with sodium borate. It has been shown that these complexes have UV absorbances in the range of 220 to 280 nm, whereas the analytes alone are UV transparent at energies less than 200 nm. Separation and direct detection of organophosphonic acids using sodium borate as both a buffer and derivatization agent is demonstrated. Detection limits on the order of nanograms are reported with separations that exhibit 10 000 to 1 740 000 theoretical plates. The ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectra of various borate/phosphonic acid esters are explored.
Derivation of a soil albedo dataset from MODIS using principal component analysis: Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

[1] This paper analyzes MODIS 1 km albedo kernels of 7 spectral bands over Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and through these kernels develops a new high quality dataset that provides a simple statistical method to scale up spectral and broadband albedos from pixel to arbitrary coarse resolution grid square for use in climate models. This dataset significantly improves characterization of spatial and spectral variability and solar zenith angle dependence of soil albedo relative to simple grid means from MODIS data. The statistical method based on minimum noise fraction rotation transforms is able to not only successfully capture most of the MODIS albedo variance but also to extract large-scale spatial structures of albedo patterns from the original MODIS data while improving the data quality and reducing the number of parameters needed to represent the data.
Context-based question-answering evaluation

In this poster, we will present the results of efforts we have undertaken to conduct evaluations of a QA system in a real world environment and to understand the nature of the dimensions on which users evaluate QA systems when given full reign to comment on whatever dimensions they deem important.
The Effects of NCAA Division 1 Intercollegiate Competitive Tennis Match Play on Recovery of Physical Performance in Women

The effects of 2 days of Big Ten National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 tennis match play were studied in 7 women. The unique design of this study was the first to use an actual collegiate match-play situation incorporating all of the actual stresses involved in the multidimensional game of tennis. Physical strength, power, and several physiological measures were evaluated in an attempt to identify specific variables created by the demands of actual play that may not recover from fatigue. The test battery included determination of peak ball velocity in the serve, peak torque of both internal and external shoulder rotation, maximal grip strength, vertical jumps on the force plate, and salivary cortisol concentrations. Prior to the study, baseline measures for the test battery were established with reliabilities of intraclass correlation coefficients of R ≥ 0.95. Each performance variable sufficiently recovered after 24 hours; no significant differences were observed between baseline and the test session 24 hours postmatch. Significant (p <0.05) correlations were observed between force variables of the dominant playing arm and the performance variable of serve velocity (r = 0.75–0.82). It appears that a 24-hour recovery period will allow a majority of a tennis player's neuromuscular performance characteristics to recover from successive days of collegiate match-play competition; however, mental and physical perceptions of fatigue may still exist.
Polypyrimidine Track-binding Protein Binding Downstream of Caspase-2 Alternative Exon 9 Represses Its Inclusion*

We have been using the caspase-2 pre-mRNA as a model system to study the importance of alternative splicing in the regulation of programmed cell death. Inclusion or skipping of a cassette-type exon in the 3′ portion of this pre-mRNA leads to the production of isoforms with antagonistic activity in apoptosis. We previously identified a negative regulatory element (In100) located in the intron downstream of alternative exon 9. The upstream portion of this element harbors a decoy 3′ acceptor site that engages in nonproductive commitment complex interactions with the 5′ splice site of exon 9. This in turn confers a competitive advantage to the exon-skipping splicing pattern. Further characterization of the In100 element reveals a second, functionally distinct, domain located downstream from the decoy 3′ acceptor site. This downstream domain harbors several polypyrimidine track-binding protein (PTB)-binding sites. We show that PTB binding to these sites correlates with the negative effect on exon 9 inclusion. Finally, we show that both domains of the In100 element can function independently to repress exon 9 inclusion, although PTB binding in the vicinity of the decoy 3′ splice site can modulate its activity. Our results thus reveal a complex composite element that regulates caspase-2 exon 9 alternative splicing through a novel mechanism.
Surgical management and outcomes of patients with marginal ulcer after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Marginal ulcers (MUs) are potentially complex complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Although most resolve with medical management, some require surgical intervention. Many surgical options exist, but there is no standardized approach, and few reports of outcomes have been documented in the literature. The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes of surgical management of marginal ulcers. Methods Data from all patients who underwent surgical intervention between 2004 and 2012 for treatment of MU after previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were reviewed. Results Twelve patients with MUs underwent reoperation. Nine patients had associated gastrogastric fistulae (75%). The median time to reoperation was 43 months. Ten patients underwent subtotal gastrectomy, of which 9 had a revision of the gastrojejunal anastomosis and 1 did not. One underwent total gastrectomy with esophagojejunal anastomosis for ulcer after previous revisional partial gastrectomy, and 1 patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic truncal vagotomy for persistent ulcer-related bleeding in the early postoperative period. Three patients (25%) experienced postoperative complications associated with revisional surgery requiring reoperation. At median follow-up time of 35 months, 7 patients (58%) had chronic abdominal pain, and 4 patients (33%) had intermittent diarrhea. Three patients (25%) were lost to recent follow-up. None had recurrence of MU. Conclusion Patients can undergo one of several available surgical interventions, including laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy revision. Though this appears to offer definitive treatment of MU, its benefits must be weighed against the increased risk of significant postoperative complications and chronic symptoms related to revisional surgery.
Collisionally-induced dissociation of substituted pyrimidine antiviral agents: mechanisms of ion formation using gas phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

ESI and CID mass spectra were obtained for four pyrimidine nucleoside antiviral agents and the corresponding compounds in which the labile hydrogens were replaced by deuterium using gas-phase exchange. The number of labile hydrogens, x, was determined from a comparison of ESI spectra obtained with N2 and with ND3 as the nebulizer gas. CID mass spectra were obtained for [M + H]+ and [M − H]− ions and the exchanged analogs, [M(Dx) + D]+ and [M(Dx) − D]−, produced by ESI using a SCIEX API-IIIplus mass spectrometer. Protonated pyrimidine antiviral agents dissociate through rearrangement decompositions of base-protonated [M + H]+ ions by cleavage of the glycosidic bonds to give the protonated bases with a sugar moiety as the neutral fragment. Cleavage of the glycosidic bonds with charge retention on the sugar moiety eliminates the base moiety as a neutral molecule and produces characteristic sugar ions. CID of protonated pyrimidine bases, [B + H]+, occurs through three major pathways: (1) elimination of NH3 (ND3), (2) loss of H2O (D2O), and (3) elimination of HNCO (DNCO). Protonated trifluoromethyl uracil, however, dissociates primarily through elimination of HF followed by the loss of HNCO. CID mass spectra of [M − H]− ions of all four antiviral agents show NCO− as the principal decomposition product. A small amount of deprotonated base is also observed, but no sugar ions. Elimination of HNCO, HN3, HF, CO, and formation of iodide ion are minor dissociation pathways from [M − H]− ions.
Quantitative analysis of microgram quantities of pilocarpine in aqueous solution

Abstract Aqueous solutions containing microgram quantities of pilocarpine and pilocarpic acid were assayed quantitatively, using a kinetic method based on the catalytic activity of the imidazole portion of the alkaloids on the hydrolysis of 2,4‐dinitrophenyl acetate. The results were accurate to better than ± 5% over a range of concentration of 6–60 mcg. of pilocarpine/ml. The effects of temperature, salt concentration, and pH were studied. Procedures for analysis of mixtures of pilocarpine and pilocarpic acid are given. Also a method is described for the analysis of small volume samples containing less than 1 mcg. of pilocarpine.
Assessing the feeding/eating interaction as a context for the development of social competence in toddlers.

Social competence likely develops through the reciprocal nature of mother–child interactions. Interactions around food provide the young child with consistent and predictable social experiences with the mother, which may establish templates for interactive patterns with others. The Toddler Snack Scale (TSS) assesses the pattern of toddler social behaviors in relation to maternal behaviors during an eating episode. Scale reliability was examined with a sample of 126 dyads at the child's ages of 12, 24, and 36 months. Significant associations were found between TSS classifications and concurrent measures assessed with the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS), the Control–Autonomy Balance Scale (CABS), and the Adaptive Social Behavioral Inventory (ASBI). Child temperament contributed to child expressions of social competence, but not to the assignment of maternal or child interaction styles. The scale identifies salient areas for parent–child assessment and intervention throughout infancy and todd...
What price the spin-statistics theorem?

We examine a number of recent proofs of the spin-statistics theorem. All, of course, get the target result of Bose-Einstein statistics for identical integral spin particles and Fermi-Dirac statistics for identical half-integral spin particles. It is pointed out that these proofs, distinguished by their purported simple and intuitive kinematic character, require assumptions that are outside the realm of standard quantum mechanics. We construct a counterexample to these non-dynamical kinematic 'proofs' to emphasize the necessity of a dynamical proof as distinct from a kinematic proof. Sudarshan's simple non-relativistic dynamical proof is briefly described. Finally, we make clear the price paid for any kinematic 'proof'.