cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance gene ermD.

The erythromycin resistance gene ermD, which encodes an rRNA methylase protein, has an unusually long leader region (354 nucleotides). Previously, a single promoter-proximal leader peptide coding sequence was recognized from the nucleotide sequence, and erythromycin-induced ribosome stalling in this sequence was proposed to be required for the induction of methylase translation. We characterized spontaneously occurring and in vitro-constructed leader region mutations in an effort to understand the function of various segments of the long ermD leader region. A second leader peptide coding sequence was identified, and the location of insertion and point mutations that expressed ermD methylase constitutively suggested that translation of the second leader peptide is controlled by ribosome stalling in the first leader peptide. From Northern RNA blot analysis of ermD transcription, it appears that regulation of ermD expression is not by transcriptional attenuation. Images
Bioaerosols in Industrial Settings

Biotechnology Machining Waste Treatment and Handling Wood Processing Textile Industry Food Processing Keywords: aerosols; airborne microorganisms; bioaerosols; bioaerosols in industrial settings; food processing and bioaerosols; industrial settings, bioaerosols in; machining and bioaerosols; textile industry and bioaerosols; wastewater treatment and bioaerosols; wood processing and bioaerosols
Expression of the Abca-subfamily of genes in Abcc6−/− mice – upregulation of Abca4

Abstract: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a heritable multi-system disorder, is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene primarily expressed in the liver. Recent analysis of cultured fibroblasts from patients with PXE has suggested compensatory alterations in the expression of the ABCA-subfamily of genes. We have now determined by quantitative RT-PCR the level of expression of Abca-family of genes in a mouse model of PXE developed by targeted ablation of Abcc6. The results indicated variable levels of mRNA for different Abca genes in the liver; however, only one of them, Abca4, was significantly, ∼6.5-fold, upregulated in the Abcc6−/− mice in comparison with wild-type mice. In the same mice, Abca4 was not upregulated in the eyes or the kidney, suggesting that the upregulation of Abca4 in the liver is a tissue-specific compensatory consequence of the ‘knock-out’ of Abcc6.
Respiration-driven proton transport in submitochondrial particles.

Abstract 1. The maximal H+:O ratios of proton transport in highly resolved submitochondrial particles prepared by sonication of bovine heart mitochondria in the presence of ammonia and exposed sequentially to Sephadex and urea (ASU particles) in the presence of oligomycin were found to be 6, 4, and 2 during the oxidation of NADH, succinate, or N-methylphenazonium methosulfate, respectively. A pH dependence for the H+:O ratio was observed with optimal ratios at pH 6.0 to 6.5. 2. Comparison of the effects of an uncoupler (p-trifluoromethoxycarbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone) and of oligo-mycin on proton transport and on respiratory control in ASU particles showed that the effect of these compounds on the respiratory rate could be accounted for by their effect on the proton permeability of the particles. 3. The external and internal buffering powers of ASU particles were calculated from the extent of "overshoot" of pH change on addition of acid or alkali. 4. Coupling factors of oxidative phosphorylation, F1 and oligomycin sensitivity-conferring protein, decreased the proton permeability of ASU particles and allowed proton transport to be observed in the absence of oligomycin.
The role of nitric oxide in lung innate immunity: Modulation by surfactant protein-A

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) and alveolar macrophages are essential components of lung innate immunity. Alveolar macrophages phagocytose and kill pathogens by the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In particular, peroxynitrite, the reaction product of superoxide and nitric oxide, appears to have potent antimicrobial effects. SP-A stimulates alveolar macrophages to phagocytose and kill pathogens and is important in host defense. However, SP-A has diverse effects on both innate and adaptive immunity, and may stimulate or inhibit immune function. SP-A appears to mediate toxic or protective effects depending on the immune status of the lung. In contrast to mouse or rat cells, it has been difficult to demonstrate nitric oxide production by human macrophages. We have recently demonstrated that human macrophages produce nitric oxide and use it to kill Klebsiella pneumoniae. SP-A either stimulates or inhibits this process, depending on the activation state of the macrophage. Given its diverse effects on immune function, SP-A may prove to be an effective therapy for both infectious and inflammatory diseases of the lung.
Using Colored Petri Nets for Conversation Modeling

Conversations are a useful means of structuring communicative interactions among agents. The value of a conversation-based approach is largely determined by the conversational model it uses. Finite State Machines, used heavily to date for this purpose, are not sufficient for complex agent interactions requiring a notion of concurrency. We propose the use of Colored Petri Nets as a model underlying a language for conversation specification. This carries the relative simplicity and graphical representation of the former approach, along with greater expressive power and support for concurrency. The construction of such a language, Protolingua, is currently being investigated within the framework of the Jackal agent development environment. In this paper, we explore the use of Colored Petri Nets in modeling agent communicative interaction.
The Biosynthesis of β-Hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A in Yeast: IV. THE ORIGIN OF THE THIOESTER BOND OF β-HYDROXY-β-METHYLGLUTARYL COENZYME A

Abstract When the β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A-condensing enzyme system of yeast is incubated with unlabeled acetoacetyl coenzyme A and acetyl coenzyme A is labeled with 14C in the coenzyme A portion of the molecule, no radioactivity can be detected in β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A. When unlabeled acetyl coenzyme A and acetoacetyl coenzyme A labeled with tritium in the coenzyme A portion are the substrates, the resultant β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A retains the radioactivity. These results show that the thioester linkage of acetoacetyl coenzyme A remains intact during the condensation reaction. When the enzyme is incubated with [1-14C] acetyl coenzyme A, a protein-bound form of acetate can be isolated. Protein-bound β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaric acid could not be detected when the enzyme was incubated with substrates.
A laicidade na Educação a partir da polêmica teológica entre Erasmo e Lutero

O artigo identifica possiveis mediacoes pedagogicas resultantes da discussao entre Lutero e Erasmo acerca das respectivas teses do “servo-arbitrio” e do “livre-arbitrio”. Aponta para a relevância pedagogica do confronto entre suas divergencias antropologicas no contexto da politica educacional do recente Estado democratico de direito no Brasil. Assim sera possivel fundamentar a tese de que o dever de educar e atribuicao exclusiva do Estado, nao mais da Igreja ou da familia; por obvio, e direito das igrejas e das familias receberem do Estado a educacao basica obrigatoria. Tenta demonstrar que essa definicao do dever e do direito de educar contraria algumas arraigadas conviccoes do senso comum do Magisterio e da legislacao educacional brasileira.
Tango, samba y amor

This article proposes an explanation of the centrality of love in the poetic structure of tango and samba based on the modernization of the cities of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro in the 1920’s. Through the analysis of lyrics from both genres, and a survey of Argentine and Brazilian historiographies of popular music, this article lays out a transnational perspective about the making of urban popular cultures of the early Twentieth Century, and also provides a reflection on music as an historiographic object.
The nature and sources of variability in pediatric surgical case duration.

Author(s): Bravo, Fernanda; Levi, Retsef; Ferrari, Lynne R; McManus, Michael L | Abstract: BackgroundCase time variability confounds surgical scheduling and decreases access to limited operating room resources. Variability arises from many sources and can differ among institutions serving different populations. A rich literature has developed around case time variability in adults, but little in pediatrics.ObjectiveWe studied the effect of commonly used patient and procedure factors in driving case time variability in a large, free-standing, academic pediatric hospital.MethodsWe analyzed over 40 000 scheduled surgeries performed over 3 years. Using bootstrapping, we computed descriptive statistics for 249 procedures and reported variability statistics. We then used conditional inference regression trees to identify procedure and patient factors associated with pediatric case time and evaluated their predictive power by comparing prediction errors against current practice. Patient and procedure factors included patient's age and weight, medical status, surgeon identity, and ICU request indicator.ResultsOverall variability in pediatric case time, as reflected by standard deviation, was 30% (25.8, 34.7) of the median case time. Relative variability (coefficient of variation), was largest among short cases. For a few procedure types, the regression tree can improve prediction accuracy if extreme behavior cases are preemptively identified. However, for most procedure types, no useful predictive factors were identified and, most notably, surgeon identity was unimportant.ConclusionsPediatric case time variability, unlike adult cases, is poorly explained by surgeon effect or other characteristics that are commonly abstracted from electronic records. This largely relates to the 'long-tailed' distribution of pediatric cases and unpredictably long cases. Surgeon-specific scheduling is therefore unnecessary and similar cases may be pooled across surgeons. Future scheduling efforts in pediatrics should focus on prospective identification of patient and procedural specifics that are associated with and predictive of long cases. Until such predictors are identified, daily management of pediatric operating rooms will require compensatory overtime, capacity buffers, schedule flexibility, and cost.
Combined satisfiability modulo parametric theories

We give a fresh theoretical foundation for designing comprehensive SMT solvers, generalizing in a practically motivated direction. We define parametric theories that most appropriately express the "logic" of common data types. Our main result is a combination theorem for decision procedures for disjoint theories of this kind. Virtually all of the deeply nested data structures (lists of arrays of sets of . . . ) that arise in verification work are covered.
Superconducting Magnet Technology: A Magnet Engineer’s View

This chapter covers a magnet engineer’s view of superconducting magnet technology. The coverage begins with a review of low- and high-temperature superconductivity and proceeds with (1) a discussion of technical issues for applications that rely on superconducting magnets; (2) a description of the Superconductivity Partnership Initiatives (SPI), a U.S. Department of Energy program on electric power applications of high-temperature superconductivity; and (3) a description of the current activities on superconducting magnet technology at the MIT Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory. The chapter concludes with the author’s assessment of the present status and future prospects for superconducting magnets.
The definition and measurement of the time constant and response time of thermal converters

The dynamic characteristics of a thermal converter for measuring alternating current or voltage are of some importance in a number of applications. The time constant and response time are the characteristics most often required. The change of emf (electromotive force) of a thermal converter after a step change in heater current is only approximately exponential, so that the definition as well as methods of measuring these quantities must be specified. This investigation of methods of measuring these quantities was undertaken at the request of the AIEE Committee on Indicating and Integrating Instruments.
Sexual Politics from Barnard to Las Vegas

The Barnard Conference was as much about the struggle to create a feminist identity as it was about scholarly inquiry. As such, the conflicts that emerged became at once very personal and very political. Living in Las Vegas and doing research on its sex industry over the past twenty years has brought these political struggles home to me in some very personal ways. In this essay I argue that the us vs. them divide that has opened especially around sexual commerce was then and is now tangled in and fueled by political battles far removed from feminism. While not being naive about how hard this is, we have to start disentangling political battles from scholarship. Those of us interested in good research from both sides must start talking to each other.
Nuclear and electron spin relaxation times in a solid nitroxide radical

Measurements of the nuclear spin lattice relaxation times of the protons in solid samples of the di-t-butylnitroxide radical have been made. The relaxation times have been measured at different Zeeman frequencies as a function of concentration and of temperature. The primary mechanism for nuclear relaxation in these samples is dipolar coupling between the electron and nuclear spins which is modulated by either electron spin exchange or by electron spin lattice relaxation. Analysis of the N.M.R. data yields the correlation time for the exchange interaction in the concentrated samples and the electron's spin lattice relaxation time in the most dilute samples. Electron-proton separations are also determined from the relaxation data. The correlation time for spin exchange is found to depend strongly on the concentration but to be almost independent of temperature. The electron spin lattice relaxation time exhibits an exponential temperature dependence.
Growth of Patterned Micropores in Poly-Dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Using the Thermocapillary Effect

Poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a well-known soft polymer with applications in a wide variety of research fields. PDMS is a particularly attractive material for miniaturized bioanalytical systems because of its biocompatibility, gas permeability, chemical inertness and the ability to reproduce miniature features such as microchannels in PDMS. This paper describes a technique to obtain through-membrane pores in thin PDMS membranes. This is based on thermocapillary effect in a MEMS-based microheater device made on a glass substrate. Uncured PDMS is poured on a microheater device that has been coated with a hydrophilic substrate such as poly-ethylene oxide (PEO). Upon heating, PEO evaporates and form gas bubbles in PDMS. The gas bubbles are attracted towards the hot region of the microheater device. The bubbles eventually self-assemble along the hottest isotherm, which in this case is the microheater line. In this manner, self-assembled pores in the desired pattern are obtained. Experiments conducted at different temperatures and PDMS thicknesses throw light on the physical phenomena behind this process and demonstrate the trade-off between PDMS curing rate and bubble escape rate. Results presented in this work are expected to aid in the design of novel PDMS-based membranes for filtration, separation and concentration.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Laparoscopic Assisted Continent Urinary Diversion in the Pig

AbstractPurpose: The ideal urinary reservoir would be low pressure, nonrefluxing and simple to construct. Hohenfellner recently described creating an in situ ureterosigmoidostomy with a 5 to 6 cm. detubularized portion of sigmoid colon and rectum (sigmoid-rectum pouch). In an effort to further study the reconstructive applications of laparoscopy, we sought to laparoscopically create a sigmoid-rectum pouch in an animal model. In addition, we sought to compare a "dunked" (right ureter) with a hand-sewn end-to-side ureterocolonic anastomosis (left ureter).Materials and Methods: Nine male domestic pigs underwent laparoscopic creation of a continent urinary diversion. Pouch creation and the ureterocolonic anastomoses were done extracorporeally; ureteral stents were not used. Average operative time was 122 minutes. Eight pigs survived the 10 to 12 week study period.Results: Mean pouch capacity was 360 cc and pouch pressure remained less than 20 cm.H2 O. Stones were noted on the bowel staple line in 44 percent o...
Two-dimensional bright spatial solitons stable over limited intensities and ring formation in polydiacetylene para-toluene sulfonate.

Spatial soliton formation in the bulk single-crystal polydiacetylene para-toulene sulfonate has been studied experimentally. The unique nonlinearity of this material at 1600??nm leads to stable solitons below an intensity maximum, and for higher intensities the input beams form a ring and a soliton.
Soluble, Polymeric Fe(II) Tetrazolate Complexes.

Polymere rigide, de structure fibreuse, insoluble, contenant du Fe(II) et du p-nitrophenyltetrazolate. La solubilite depend de la delocalisation de charge dans le polymere ou son aptitude a former des liaisons hydrogene avec le solvant
The effect of catalyst pore structure on liquid phase catalysis: Hydrogenation of stearonitrile over ruthenium supported on mesoporous sulfated zirconia

Abstract Ruthenium supported on mesoporous sulfated zirconia was tested as a catalyst for the liquid phase hydrogenation of stearonitrile, >n-C17H35CN, and compared with Ru, supported on either microporous sulfated zirconia or the zeolite HY. The mesoporous catalyst is significantly more active than the microporous catalyst; the zeolite supported catalyst is inactive under the same conditions. The results illustrate the effect of pore size on the reaction rate for large molecules. Both mesoporous and microporous catalysts show good stability and a high selectivity towards formation of primary amine. The reaction order in hydrogen is positive with both catalysts; the apparent reaction order in nitrile is negative with the mesoporous catalyst but positive with the microporous catalyst. The activation energy of the reaction is about 90 kJ/mol. TPR data show that under the conditions chosen for pretreatment no SO4 reduction takes place; at higher temperature the sulfur is reduced from S6+ to S2−.
Diversification of a Protein Kinase Cascade: IME-2 is Involved in Nonself Recognition and Programmed Cell Death in Neurospora crassa

Kinase cascades and the modification of proteins by phosphorylation are major mechanisms for cell signaling and communication, and evolution of these signaling pathways can contribute to new developmental or environmental response pathways. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinase Ime2 has been well characterized for its role in meiosis. However, recent studies have revealed alternative functions for Ime2 in both S. cerevisiae and other fungi. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, the IME2 homolog (ime-2) is not required for meiosis. Here we determine that ime-2 interacts genetically with a transcription factor vib-1 during nonself recognition and programmed cell death (PCD). Mutations in vib-1 (Δvib-1) suppress PCD due to nonself recognition events; however, a Δvib-1 Δime-2 mutant restored wild-type levels of cell death. A role for ime-2 in the post-translational processing and localization of a mitochondrial matrix protein was identified, which may implicate mitochondria in N. crassa nonself recognition and PCD. Further, Δvib-1 strains do not produce extracellular proteases, but protease secretion reverted to near wild-type levels in a Δvib-1 Δime-2 strain. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the VIB-1 protein is phosphorylated at several sites, including a site that matches the IME-2 consensus. The genetic and biochemical data for ime-2 and vib-1 indicate that IME-2 is a negative regulator of VIB-1 and suggest parallel negative regulation by IME-2 of a cell death pathway in N. crassa that functions in concert with the VIB-1 cell death pathway. Thus, IME2 kinase function has evolved following the divergence of S. cerevisiae and N. crassa and provides insight into the evolution of kinases and their regulatory targets.
Current Psychological Functioning of Child Sexual Assault Survivors A Community Study

We interviewed a community sample of 391 women to obtain a thorough history of lifetime victimization experiences, including experiences such as childhood and adult sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, and burglary. In order to assess current psychological functioning, participants were administered the Derogatis Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, the Modified Fear Survey, and the Impact of Event scale. Results indicated that childhood sexual abuse victims could be distinguished from nonvictims by a pattern of elevated anxiety, heightened interpersonal sensitivity, increased anger problems, more paranoid ideation, and increased obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The age at which the sexual assault took place was found to be related to current adult functioning, with women assaulted in adolescence displaying more elevations in hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, and paranoid ideation than nonvictims. Women sexually abused in early childhood displayed only elevated a...
Magnetic Stimulation of the Sacral Roots

Magnetic stimulation using an external surface coil induces an electrodynamic field that penetrates various tissues and stimulates peripheral nerves in a similar fashion to conventional electrical stimulation. An 83 mm magnetic surface coil was used to stimulate 11 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, during which time detrusor activity and evoked potentials of the striated urinary sphincter motor pathways were evaluated. All patients had urodynamic studies and conventional sacral evoked potentials prior to magnetic stimulation. The mean bladder capacity was 337 ml (range 109-590), mean leak point pressure was 50 cm H2O (range 10-80), and mean sacral reflex (afferent-efferent) latency was 37.9 ms (range 25.1-49.3). Eight patients had detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Magnetic stimulation over the sacral spine at different bladder volumes was performed. Detrusor and striated sphincter responses were recorded during stimulation. In all patients the technique was easy and the results were reproducible. The mean sacral motor pathway (efferent) latency was 27.9 ms (range 18.7-39.6). Using maximal stimulation, no detrusor response was recorded at bladder volumes 10 cm H2O in 2, 200 ml. No complications were seen. Sacral evoked potential measurements assess the function and integrity of the sacral arc but it does not distinguish between afferent and efferent pathways. Magnetic stimulation is a safe and effective method to assess the integrity and function of the detrusor and striated sphincter motor (efferent) pathways. When combined with sacral evoked potential studies, the sensory (afferent) pathways can be evaluated indirectly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A note on the distribution of the Wilcoxon rank sum statistic

Abstract We derive in this note a general recurrence formula for the binomial coefficients, a general recurrence formula for the distribution of the Wilcoxon rank sum statistic, and some simple exact expressions for the frequency fNj(r), j ⩽ 3, and for the number of partitions A0(r, n), n ⩽ 4.
Observations on the thermostability of orosomucoid

Summary Orosomucoid is shown to have no special resistance to thermal denaturation, contrary to previous thought. Earlier conclusions probably arose from the great solubility of the molecule, even at elevated temperature. Under otherwise physiological conditions, orosomucoid begins denaturing at ∼46°C with a T m of 62°C. The denaturation is reversible in the absence of aggregation. The terminal sialic acid residues of the carbohydrate sidechains appear to contribute to the overall stability of the molecule in a limited and negative way.
Electrical characteristics of ion-implanted laser-annealed silicon

The results of electrical measurements on Si implanted with n-type dopants such as P and As and laser annealed are presented. (GHT)
Finite pulse-width effects in inversion-recovery experiments on I = 1 nuclei

On evalue les signaux RMN suivant l'application de la sequence a 3 impulsions d'inversion-retablissement. Cette sequence d'impulsions est communement employee pour mesurer les temps de relaxation spin-reseau (T 1 ) des noyaux I=1 tels que 2 H et 14 N
Comment on “Tail Reconnection Triggering Substorm Onset”

Angelopoulos et al. (Research Articles, 15 August 2008, p. 931) reported that magnetic reconnection in Earth’s magnetotail triggered the onset of a magnetospheric substorm. We provide evidence that (i) near-Earth current disruption, occurring before the conventional tail reconnection signatures, triggered the onset; (ii) the observed auroral intensification and tail reconnection are not causally linked; and (iii) the onset they identified is a continuation of earlier substorm activities.
A METHOD OF COMPUTATION FOR FLUID STRUCTURE INTERACTION

Abstract A method of computation for fluid-structure interaction is developed. This method is especially suitable for the response calculations of both linear and nonlinear long-time duration fluid-structure interaction problems. This approach has the advantage of applying an implicit-explicit algorithm to the fluid and structural generalized displacement variables simultaneously and a modified explicit Rational Runge Kutta operator of order two applied to the pressure variables. As a result of this implicit-explicit partitioning, the advantages of employing larger time step and the reduction of the semi-bandwidth of the discretized equations are achieved. Critical time step estimates and the computer implementation of this technique are presented. Numerical examples are also given to demonstrate this attractive addition to the repertoire of the integration methods. As a by-product of this development, an improved unconditionally stable implicit-implicit method for the analysis of coupled fluid-structure systems is introduced. The structural displacement, fluid velocity and fluid pressure are independent variables. The resulting coupled matrix equations are symmetric and “profiled.”
Maternal antidepressant use and adverse outcomes: a cohort study of 228,876 pregnancies

tational age by 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2‐2.3), 3.7 (95% CI, 2.8‐4.6),and4.9(95%CI,3.9‐5.8)days,whencontrolledformeasured confounders. Third-trimester selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use was associated with infant convulsions; adjusted odds ratios were 1.4 (95% CI, 0.7‐2.8); 2.8 (95% CI, 1.9‐5.5); and 4.9 (95% CI, 2.6‐9.5) forfilling 1, 2, and3 prescriptions, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most women discontinue antidepressant medications before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Second-trimester antidepressant use is associated with preterm birth, and third-trimester selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use is associated with infant convulsions.
Placental luteinizing hormone-releasing factor and its synthesis

The synthesis of a placental luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (pLRF), which is immunologically, physiochemically, and biologically indistinguishable from synthetic LRF, was demonstrated. The incorporation of 3H-labeled leucine by human placental tissue in vitro into pLRF was determined by purification on carboxymethyl-cellulose and specific immunoprecipitation of the 3H-labeled pLRF. The specific activity of the pLRF released into the medium increased 100-fold from day 1 to day 2 of culture and attained a concentration of 2.84 microcuries per microgram. These data indicate that the pLRF that was released initially was endogenous, whereas that released subsequently reflected synthesis.
Polarography of molybdenum(VI) in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions

Polarograms of molybdenum(VI) have been determined in solutions of varying molybdenum and sulfuric acid concentrations. Under suitable conditions, two clearly defined waves A and B are observed, wave A corresponding to the reduction of molybdenum-(VI) to (V) and wave B of molybdenum (V) to (III). In 5 M sulfuric acid, wave A may be split into two waves, A1 and A2, the heights of which are diffusion controlled. These waves are attributed to the presence of different species of molybdenum (VI). In dilute sulfuric acid (O.1 M or less), wave B is split into two waves, B1 and B2, which are diffusion controlled and are attributed to the reduction of different species of molybdenum(V). The polarographic diffusion coefficient of molybdenum(VI) multiplied by the square root of the viscosity of the solution increases from 0.5 · 10−5 in 0.1 M sulfuric acid to 0.6 · 10−1 cm2 sec−5 in 5 M sulfuric acid.
Fiber-optic-based mode-filtered light detection for small-volume chemical analysis

A novel chemical analyzer is described in which an unjacketed optical fiber is inserted into a transparent capillary tube, such that the inner diameter of the tube is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fober cladding. This configuration is referred to as an annular column. When a sample volume is introduced to the annular column at a low flow rate, propagated at is mode-filtered due to a change in the critical angle at the core/clad interface, as a result of partitioning chemical species. Conventional, chemical species partitioning into a fiber-optic cladding are sensed as a change in the transmitted light at the end of the fiber. An alternative approach, measuring this mode filtered light directly along the side of the fiber, is reported. The new approach has a signal-to-noise advantage over the conventional approach, since the analyte signal is measured against a low background instead of a high background. Thee result is a low-volume chemical sensor that temporally separates, as well as detects, chemical species that partition into the fiber cladding. The temporal information enhances sensor selectivity. We have examined the modulation of the critical angle by chemical species of interest at steady-state concentrations and as transient concentration profiles that were shifted in time due to chromatographic retention within the sensor. A detection limit of 20 ppm was achieved for butylbenzene using a poysiloxane-clad fiber and a 60%/40% methanol to water (by volume) mobile phase. In summary, the sensor has chemical selectivity provided by differences in analyte refractive index, distribution coefficient, and transient response time. The annular column sensor is shown to be a potential detector for liquid chromatography, flow injection analysis, and gas chromatography, in particular for process ananlysis and environmental monitoring applications. Likewise, solid phase extraction and sensing for on-line sampling applications are demonstrated
Recent experiments on a 2D electron lattice

Abstract The original experiment which detected the 2D electron lattice and the phonon-ripplon coupled modes is briefly described. An experimental measurement of the mobility of the lattice is reported. A minimum occurs in the mobility as a function of temperature, and a cusp in the momentum transfer rate is observed at or near the melting transition. Deviations from the classical melting curve are reported.
Toward modeling the high chloride, low pH form of sulfite oxidase: Ka-band ESEEM of equatorial chloro ligands in oxomolybdenum(V) complexes

Abstract Two oxomolybdenum(V) complexes, (dttd)MoOCl and [(bdt)MoOCl 2 ] − (where dttd = 2,3:8,9-dibenzo-1,4,7,10-tetrathiadecane and bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate), which contain one or two equatorial chloro ligands, respectively, were studied by electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy in the microwave K a -band (∼29 GHz). The ESEEM amplitude from the chloro ligands in both compounds is significantly greater than that tentatively attributed to chloride in the vicinity of the oxomolybdenum active site in the high chloride, low-pH ( lpH ) form of sulfite oxidase (SO). Thus, these ESEEM results rule out equatorial coordination of chloride in the enzyme, although the possibility for a weakly bound chloride in the trans axial position or nearby non-coordinated chloride(s) remains for lpH SO in solution.
Comparison Theorems for Small Deviations of Random Series

Let ${\xi_n}$ be a sequence of i.i.d. positive random variables with common distribution function $F(x)$. Let ${a_n}$ and ${b_n}$ be two positive non-increasing summable sequences such that ${\prod_{n=1}^{\infty}(a_n/b_n)}$ converges. Under some mild assumptions on $F$, we prove the following comparison $$P\left(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}a_n \xi_n \leq \varepsilon \right) \sim \left(\prod_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{b_n}{a_n}\right)^{-\alpha} P \left(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}b_n \xi_n \leq \varepsilon \right),$$ where $${ \alpha=\lim_{x\to \infty}\frac{\log F(1/x)}{\log x}}< 0$$ is the index of variation of $F(1/\cdot)$. When applied to the case $\xi_n=|Z_n|^p$, where $Z_n$ are independent standard Gaussian random variables, it affirms a conjecture of Li cite {Li1992a}.
Considerations in determining thermal diffusivity from temperature time series using finite difference methods

Abstract The apparent thermal diffusivity, D , of the active layer and permafrost can be determined using finite difference methods provided that the heat flow is conductive, appropriate space ( Δx ) and time ( Δt ) intervals have been selected, accurate ( ± 0.01°C) temperature measurements have been obtained, and phase change does not occur in the volume of interest. Selection of values for Δx and Δt must take into account the accuracy of the temperature measurements, duration and amplitude of the temperature changes, depth, and the expected values for D . In general, Δx ⪡ X (the depth of interest) and Δt ⪡ P (period or duration of the surface temperature changes). The usual numerical expression for D was extended to include higher order terms and an analytical expression was derived for D when unfrozen water is present in frozen soils and permafrost. This extension reduces truncation errors and alleviates a problem with spikes (large positive and negative values in the calculated D at times when the ground temperatures are near a maximum or minimum). However, it increases the effects of measurement errors and the requirements for accurate temperature data.
Enkephalin Convertase in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Associated Organs Characterized and Localized with [3H]Guanidinoethylmercaptosuccinic Acid*

Enkephalin convertase (carboxypeptidase EH; EC 3.4.17.10), a carboxypeptidase B-like enzyme which processes hormone and neuropeptide precursors, has been characterized in the gastrointestinal tract, submandibular gland, and pancreas using a binding assay with [3H]guanidinoethylmercaptosuccinic acid. Binding to homogenates of the membrane and soluble fractions of stomach, small intestine, colon, and submandibular gland is saturable, with Kd values of about 2 nM. Partial purification of the membrane fractions reveals a Co+2- stimulated carboxypeptidase B activity which is not detectable in crude homogenates. In vitro autoradiography with [3H]guanidinoethylmercaptosuccinic acid localizes enkephalin convertase to the epithelial cells of the stomach, colon, and intestine, the islet cells of the pancreas, and the acinar cells of the submandibular gland. This localization contrasts to the distribution of enkephalins and other neuropeptides in the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs, suggesting that enke...
Cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of atypical (WHO grade II) cranial meningiomas.

Background The optimal management of subtotally resected atypical meningiomas is unknown. Objective To perform a retrospective review of patients with residual or recurrent atypical meningiomas treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods Twenty-five patients were treated, either immediately after surgery (n = 15) or at the time of radiographic progression or treatment failure (n = 10). SRS was delivered to with a median marginal dose of 22 Gy (range, 16-30) in 1 to 4 fractions (median, 1), targeting a median tumor volume of 5.3 cm³ (range, 0.3-26.0). Results With a median follow-up time of 28 months (range, 3-67), the 12-, 24-, and 36-month actuarial local and regional control rates for all patients were 94%, 94%, 74%, and 90%, 90%, 62%, respectively. There were 2 cases of radiation toxicity. On univariate analysis, the number of recurrences before SRS (P = .046), late SRS (ie, waiting until tumor progression to initiate treatment) (P = .03), and age at treatment ≥ 60 years (P = .01) were significant predictors of recurrence. Of the 20 radiation-naive patients, 2 patients failed with the targeted lesion and 3 elsewhere in the resection bed, resulting in 12-, 24- and 36-month actuarial local and regional control rates of 100%, 100%, 73% and 93%, 93%, 75%, respectively. The overall locoregional control rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 93%, 93%, and 54%, respectively. Conclusion Irradiation of the entire postoperative tumor bed may not be necessary for the majority of patients with subtotally resected atypical meningiomas. Patients in this series achieved outcomes comparable to that of historical control rates for larger volume, conventionally fractionated radiotherapy.
A Fibonacci version of Kraft's inequality applied discrete unimodal search

A function is unimodal if it strictly increases to a unique maximum and then strictly decreases. The problem of determining the smallest possible interval containing the maximum of a unimodal function, by probing only at integer values is studied. In the finite case, the search takes place over the range 0 to N, while in the infinite case the search takes place over the nonnegative integers. The analyses are based on an unusual Fibonacci version of Kraft’s inequality.
A Generalization of the Limit Lemma and Clopen Games

We give a new characterization of the hyperarithmetic sets: a set X of integers is recursive in eα if and only if there is a Turing machine which computes X and “halts” in less than or equal to the ordinal number ωα of steps. This result represents a generalization of the well-known “limit lemma” due to J. R. Shoenfield [Sho-1] and later independently by H. Putnam [Pu] and independently by E. M. Gold [Go]. As an application of this result, we give a recursion theoretic analysis of clopen determinacy: there is a correlation given between the height α of a well-founded tree corresponding to a clopen game A ⊆ ωω and the Turing degree of a winning strategy ƒ for one of the players—roughly, ƒ can be chosen to be recursive in 0α and this is the best possible (see §4 for precise results).
Salt Intake, Endothelial Cell Signaling, and Progression of Kidney Disease

It has been known for decades that increased dietary intake of salt (NaCl) shortens the life span of rats in a dose-dependent fashion. This review focuses specifically on the recently described biological effect and consequences of increased salt ingestion on the endothelium through a mechanism that is independent of blood pressure. Changes in salt intake are recognized by endothelial cells in the vascular tree and glomeruli through a physical process that promotes a series of signaling events involved in transcriptional regulation of genes that include transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS3). A balance is struck between TGF-beta1 and NOS3 as salt intake varies and creates a negative feedback loop, because TGF-beta1 increased expression of NOS3 and NO inhibited production of TGF-beta1 in healthy rats. Changes in this feedback system have been observed in salt-sensitive hypertension and appear to impact end-organ damage, particularly the kidney. The data support an important benefit to reduction of salt intake in the setting of chronic kidney disease.
Improved body weight status as a result of nutrition intervention in adult, HIV-positive outpatients☆

Abstract Objective Malnutrition is an important consequence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); involuntary weight loss greater than 10% is one criterion that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses for the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study was designed to determine whether nutrition intervention in a group of adult, HIV-positive outpatients affected weight maintenance. Methods We undertook a retrospective review of 175 patient charts from the AIDS Reproductive Health Clinic and the Center for Special Studies at The New York Hospital. Forty-nine charts were excluded because the patient expressed a desire to reduce weight, discontinued medical care, or died. Seven charts were eliminated because of missing data. In the remaining patients (n=119), weights were recorded for the initial clinic contact and for a follow-up visit at least 6 months later. Nutrition intervention completed by a registered dietitian was indicated on 42 patient charts (intervention group); intervention included dietary assessment, intake analysis, appropriate counseling, follow-up, and provision of supplements as needed. The remaining 77 charts did not indicate nutrition intervention; this group was called the nonintervention group. Differences between the intervention and nonintervention groups were analyzed using the two-tailed Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. Results Forty-two subjects (35% of the total) received nutrition intervention, including all of those with gastrointestinal problems (n=10) and wasting (n=11). Individuals in the intervention group gained a significant ( P Conclusion The results of this study suggest that nutrition intervention in HIV-infected persons can improve nutritional status and may lead to an enhanced ability to fight infection.
Bivariate genetic analysis of left ventricular mass and weight in pubertal twins (the Medical College of Virginia Twin Study)

Abstract Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in adults is a recognized risk factor for the subsequent development of cardiovascular morbidity. To make informed preventive health decisions it is important to understand the interaction of genes and environment on LV mass. In both children and adults, weight is a strong correlate of LV mass. We hypothesized that genetic influences common to both of these variables could in part explain the strong relation between weight and LV mass in children. In a population of 341 twins (11 years old), these questions were asked: (1) How much of the total variance of LV mass is under genetic control? (2) After accounting for weight and weight adjusted for sexual maturity, how much of the remaining variance is genetic? (3) Of the total genetic variance, what proportion is specific for LV mass and what proportion is common to both weight and LV mass? (4) How much of the correlation between these 2 variables is explained by genes common to both LV mass and weight? Univariate genetic analyses documented that genes operating at different magnitudes in boys (63%) and girls (71%) explain a significant proportion of the variance of LV mass. After removing the effect of weight and sexual maturity by regression methods, genes remain an important influence. Bivariate genetic analyses confirmed that genes common to LV mass and weight significantly influence the covariation of these variables and that >90% of the correlation of LV mass and weight is due to common genes.
Shape of Pion Distribution Amplitude

A scenario is investigated in which the leading-twist pion distribution amplitude $$\varphi_\pi (x)$$ is approximated by the pion decay constant $$f_\pi$$ for all essential values of the light-cone fraction $x$. A model for the light-front wave function $$\Psi (x, k_\perp)$$ is proposed that produces such a distribution amplitude and has a rapidly decreasing (exponential for definiteness) dependence on the light-front energy combination $$ k_\perp^2/x(1-x)$$. It is shown that this model easily reproduces the fit of recent large-$Q^2$ BaBar data on the photon-pion transition form factor. Some aspects of scenario with flat pion distribution amplitude are discussed.
Computed tomography and ultrasound appearance of bladder malacoplakia

The computed tomography and ultrasound findings of two patients with malacoplakia of the bladder, both at the time of initial diagnosis and following response to treatment, are presented. Because bladder wall involvement is demonstrated by these modalities in female patients with repeated episodes of urinary tract infection, this entity should be entertained in the differential diagnosis.
Pneumococcal antibodies in a child with type 14 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine failure

We measured the concentration, opsonic activity, and avidity of serotype-specific serum antibodies in a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PnCRM7) efficacy trial participant who contracted serotype 14 pneumococcal bacteremia following dose 3 of PnCRM7. Controls included 18 PnCRM7- and 10 MnCC-vaccinated children without invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The child with vaccine failure had 4.98 mcg/mL of serotype 14 antibodies 10 days before disease onset; these antibodies had greater opsonic activity and lower avidity than those of control PnCRM7 recipients. The child had no booster response to a fourth dose of PnCRM7 for most vaccine serotypes. We conclude that antibody concentration, functional activity and avidity do not predict individual protection against IPD, and immunological correlates of protection are only useful at the population level.
Effect of background charge on estimating diffusion coefficients by chronocoulometry at glassy carbon electrodes

Large background charges were observed in single potential-step chronocoulometry obtained with glassy carbon electrodes. Analyses of uncorrected data gave large errors in diffusion coefficients (D) for vitamin B12 and ferrocyanide, whose electrode reactions are on opposite sides of 0 V (vs. SCE) where different surface redox processes occur. Subtraction of separately measured average background charge yielded values for D in good agreement with those previously reported. The use of the correct model for the electrode reaction was also necessary for accurate estimation of D. Even when the final potential was 350 mV positive of the quasireversible ferrocyanide cyclic voltammetric (CV) oxidation peak, the diffusion model gave poor fits to background subtracted chronocoulometric data and errors in D. This is attributed to formation of films on the electrodes at these potentials, especially at pH 12. However, the slow electron transfer model fit these data quite well, provided an accurate value of D, and also gave rate constants for heterogeneous electron transfer.
The genetics of human systemic lupus erythematosus

Genetic dissection of human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been under intense studies during the past decade. Although the complexity inherent to polygenic, multifactorial diseases is challenging, several new insights have been obtained in the past several years using linkage and association studies of families containing SLE patients as well as case-control studies of populations. In addition, recent advances in our understanding of the human genome and emerging technology have been providing new tools in analyses of complex traits, such as SLE. An overview of our current understanding of the genetic basis of SLE and a brief review of findings of linkage and association studies are described here.