cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posttranscriptional and posttranslational regulation of C/EBPδ in G0 growth-arrested mammary epithelial cells

Abstract Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) functions in the initiation and maintenance of G0 growth arrest in mouse mammary epithelial cells (MECs). In this report, we investigated the posttranscriptional and posttranslational regulation of C/EBPδ in G0 growth-arrested mouse MECs. The results of transcriptional inhibitor studies demonstrated that the C/EBPδ mRNA exhibits a relatively short half-life in G0growth-arrested mouse MECs (t ∼35 min). In contrast, C/EBPδ mRNA has a longer half-life in G0 growth-arrested mouse fibroblast cells (t >100 min). Oligo/RNase H cleavage analysis and rapid amplification of cDNA ends-poly(A) test both confirmed the short C/EBPδ mRNA half-life observed in MECs and demonstrated that the C/EBPδ mRNA poly(A) tail is relatively short (∼100 nucleotides). In addition, the poly(A) tail length was not shortened during C/EBPδ mRNA degradation, which suggested a deadenylation-independent pathway. The C/EBPδ protein also exhibited a relatively short half-life in G0growth-arrested mouse MECs (t ∼120 min). The C/EBPδ protein was degraded in a ubiquitin-dependent manner, primarily in the nucleus, during G0 growth arrest. In conclusion, these studies indicated that the C/EBPδ mRNA and protein content are under tight regulation in G0 growth-arrested mouse MECs, despite the general concept that G0 growth arrest is associated with a decrease in cellular activity.
SERUM FERRITIN(SF) MEASUREMENTS IN CHILDREN BY A NEW IMMUNORADIOMETRIC ASSAY

The immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) for determination of SF can be ameliorated by use of a heterologous antibody (AB) system with a solid phase AB directed against liver and a J125 labelled AB against placenta ferritin. We investigated 65 control subjects (age 1-21 yrs) without reduced Hb, MCH, MCV and transferrin saturation, 10 children with iron (Fe) deficiency anemia without increased sedimentation rate or serum transaminases (A),10 children with latent Fe deficiency(B), and 86 children with other disturbances of Fe metabolism: chronic renal failure under conservative (C) or dialysis (D) treatment and polytransfused non-renal anemia (E). Geometric mean(MG) and extreme limits of SF in controls increased with age: 23-102 μg/1 at 1-5 yrs, 31-190 at 6-13 yrs, 39-292 at 14-20 yrs (MG of all: 66 μg/1). These values are higher than SF in normal children reported with former assays. SF in A was always lower than in controls (1-13 μg/1) . Intermediate values were obtained in B(14-23 μg/1). SF showed a wide range in C (7-406 μg/1, MG 69) and was significantly higher in D (MG 553 μg/1) and E (MG 3509 μg/1). The highly sensivitive new IRMA enables a reliable differentiation between various states of Fe deficiency and overload.
Adverse reactions to antibiotics other than penicillin.

Abstract Antibiotics are drugs synthesized, in whole or in part, by microorganisms. Antibiotics destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microbes. Adverse reactions to antibiotics—unwanted effects—may involve any organ, but we are concerned primarily with the skin. Allergic response to antibiotics other than penicillin give reactions similar to penicillin. The reactions rarely cause death or serious consequences but are responsible for morbidity. 1 It is estimated that 2% of patients have allergic reactions to antimicrobial therapy with antibiotics that are not related to penicillin or the beta lactam group antibiotics. 2 The same clinical patterns and immunopathologic mechanisms operate for allergic reactions to both types of antibiotics, beta lactam or others, except for photosensitivity which does not occur with beta lactam drugs. The most commonly seen clinical patterns are maculopapular rashes, urticaria, itching, anaphylaxis, fixed drug reactions, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, TEN, contact dermatitis, and photosensitivity. Some of the drugs we will cover are sulfonamides, tetracyclines, amikacin, griseofolvin, antituberculous agents, ketoconazole, chloramphenicol, and furacin. Fortunately, one of the worst reactions, the immediate type or anaphylaxis, is rare. Some problems one may encounter in diagnosing reactions to antimicrobials are similar for all types and doses of drugs: patients taking multiple drugs simultaneously, influences of the disease process itself, masking of reactions by concomitant therapy, and possible lack of correlation between clinical course and rechallenge. Skin tests are generally not available for most reactions other than penicillin; but patch tests have been used, for example, to incriminate furacin which produced contact dermatitis. 3 Other drug reactions are not allergic.
Treatment of gynecomastia with tamoxifen: A double-blind crossover study

Benign asymptomatic or painful enlargement of the male breast is a common problem, postulated to be due to an increased estrogen/testosterone ration or due to increased estrogenic or decreased androgenic stimulation via estrogen or androgen receptor interactions. Treatment at present consists of analgesic medication or surgery. However, treatment directed against the preponderance of estrogenic stimulation would seem to represent a more specific form of therapy. In the present double-blind crossover study, one-month courses of a placebo or the antiestrogen tamoxifen (10 mg given orally bid) were compared in random order. Seven of ten patients experienced a decrease in the size of their gynecomastia due to tamoxifen (P less than 0.005). Overall, the decrease for gynecomastia for the whole group was significant (P less than 0.01). There was no beneficial effect of placebo (P greater than 0.1). Additionally, all four patients with painful gynecomastia experienced symptomatic relief. There was no toxicity. The reduction of breast size was partial and may indicate the need for a longer course of therapy. A followup examination was performed in eight out of ten patients nine months to one year after discontinuing placebo and tamoxifen. There were no significant changes from the end of the initial study period except for one tamoxifen responder who developed a recurrence of breast tenderness after six months, and one nonresponder who demonstrated an increase in breast size and a new onset of tenderness after ten months. Therefore, antiestrogenic treatment with tamoxifen may represent a safe and effective mode of treatment for selected cases of cosmetically disturbing or painful gynecomastia.
Optimization of a pyrazoloquinolinone class of Chk1 kinase inhibitors

The development of 2,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-4-ones as inhibitors of Chk1 kinase is described. Introduction of a fused ring at the C7/C8 positions of the pyrazoloquinolinone provided an increase in potency while guidance from overlapping inhibitor bound Chk1 X-ray crystal structures contributed to the discovery of a potent and solubilizing propyl amine moiety in compound 52 (Chk1 IC(50)=3.1 nM).
Health and environment: A psychological analysis

Anticipated health outcomes are proposed as a useful guide to environmental decision making. While environmental intangibles have been little studied in this way, there have been numerous studies documenting the impact of psychological variables on health. These psychological variables, in turn, can be shown to be impacted by environmental decisions. The environmental implications of these psychology and health studies may not, however, be immediately obvious. Making the link seems best achieved as a two step process. First, the psychology and health data must be placed in a conceptual framework, then the analysis, in terms of environmental implications, follows far more directly. Three constructs are proposed as the basis of the required conceptual framework. Conceptual Clarity deals with information and how well it is understood. Human Effectiveness brings together various factors that influence an individual’s ability to analyze situations, comprehend issues, and plan in a reasonable fashion. Willingness to Take Action is an expression of an individual’s rejection of helplessness in favor of instrumental action. All of these constructs have been shown to impact health outcomes. This framework underscores the significance of a number of themes that are familiar to planners, yet often ignored. For example, Legibility and Coherence are essential components of environments that are supportive of humans as they attempt to meet their needs and carry out their purposes. Nature, too, was once more revered than it is now; however, considerable research indicates that natural environments are particularly effective in restoring people’s capacity to function effectively. There are both theoretical and empirical grounds for believing that enhanced health and well-being will result from paying greater attention to concepts such as these in design, planning and management.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Dysphagia: Descriptive Results of Two Surveys

Given the paucity of objective information on neuromuscular electrical stimulation approaches to dysphagia therapy, and the expanding utilization of this clinical approach, we designed and conducted two surveys to gather large-scale information regarding reported practice patterns, outcomes, complications, and professional perceptions associated with electrical stimulation approaches to dysphagia therapy. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 1000 randomly selected speech-language pathologists in each of two groups: (1) clinicians who had completed a formal electrical stimulation training course and were actively using these techniques, and (2) clinicians who were members of Special Interest Division 13 of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Survey responses were anonymous and no incentive to respond was included. Acceptable response rates were achieved for both surveys (47% and 48%). Both groups of respondents were demographically similar and reported similar practice patterns. Stroke was the most common etiology of dysphagia treated with this approach. The majority of respondents identified no specific dysphagia criteria for application of electrical stimulation, used varied behavioral treatment methods, and did not follow patients beyond therapy. Clinicians reported positive outcomes with no treatment-related complications. Satisfaction with this approach was reported to be high among patients and professionals. Clinicians who did not report using these techniques indicated that they were waiting for more objective information on clinical outcomes and safety. Results of these surveys form an initial description of practice patterns and outcomes associated with electrical stimulation approaches to dysphagia therapy.
An Nα-Acetyltransferase Responsible for Acetylation of the N-terminal Residues of Histones H4 and H2A

A yeast gene has been identified that encodes a novel, evolutionarily conserved N α-acetyltransferase responsible for acetylation of the N-terminal residues of histones H4 and H2A. The gene has been named NAT4. Recombinant Nat4 protein acetylated a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal tail of H4, but not an H3 peptide nor the peptide adrenocorticotropin. H4 and H2A are N-terminally acetylated in all species from yeast to mammals and hence blocked from sequencing by Edman degradation. In contrast, H4 and H2A purified from a nat4 mutant were unacetylated and could be sequenced. Analysis of yeast histones by acid-urea gel electrophoresis showed that all the H4 and H2A from the mutant migrated more rapidly than the same histones from a wild type strain, consistent with the histones from the mutant having one extra positive charge due to one less acetylated amino group. A comparison of yeast proteins from wild type and a nat4 mutant by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed no evidence that other yeast proteins are substrates of this acetyltransferase. Thus, Nat4 may be dedicated specifically to the N-terminal acetylation of histones H4 and H2A. Surprisingly, nat4 mutants grow at a normal rate and have no readily observable phenotypes.
December 7, 1941: The Day No One Bombed Panama

(2004). December 7, 1941: The Day No One Bombed Panama. The Historian: Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 278-299.
Performance of "standardized examinees" in a standardized-patient examination of clinical skills.

PURPOSE: As a first step in testing the utility of using trained “standardized examinees” (SEs) as a quality-assurance measure for the scoring process in a standardized-patient (SP) examination, to test whether medical residents could simulate students in an SP examination and perform consistently to specified levels under test conditions. METHOD: Fourth-year students from the Baltimore-Washington Consortium for SPs participated in a National Board of Medical Examiners Prototype Examination of clinical skills consisting of twelve 15-minute student-patient encounters in 1994-95. For this examination, internal medicine residents were trained to act as ordinary candidates and to achieve target scores by performing to a set level on specific checklist items used by SPs for recording interviewing, physical-examination, and communication skills. The “strong SEs” were trained to score 80% correct on six of the examination's 12 cases (study cases), and the “weak SEs” were trained to score 40% correct on the same six cases. The strong and weak SEs' checklist scores on the study cases were compared through independent, two-tailed t-tests. When there was less than 85% agreement on specific checklist items in each case between the SE training and the SP recording, videotapes of the cases were reviewed; in such cases an SE's performance was the final score agreed upon after review. RESULTS: Seven SEs took the SP examination and were not detected by the SPs. There was a total of 84 discrepancies between predicted and recorded checklist scores across 659 checklist items in 40 encounters scored by the SPs. After correcting the discrepancies based on videotape review, the estimated actual mean score was 77.3% for the strong SEs and 44.0% for the weak SEs, and was higher for the strong SEs in each study case. The overall fidelity of the SEs to their training was estimated to be 97%, and the overall SP accuracy was estimated to be 91%. The videotape review revealed 47 training-scoring discrepancies, most in the area of communication skills. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that SEs can be trained to specific performance levels and may be an effective internal control for a high-stakes SP examination. They may also provide a mechanism for refining scoring checklists and for exploring the validity of SP examinations.
High-order Bessel non-vortex beam of fractional type α: II. Vector wave analysis for standing and quasi-standing laser wave tweezers

Based on the vector Maxwell’s equations and Lorenz’ gauge condition, full vector-wave derivations for the electric and magnetic fields components of a high-order Bessel non-vortex beam of fractional type α (HOBNVB-Fα) are presented. The field corresponds to the most generalized case of quasi-standing waves that reduce to perfect (i.e. equi-amplitude) standing waves or progressive waves with appropriate choice of the quasi-standing wave coefficient Υ. Particular emphasis is given on the polarization states of the vector potentials used to derive the field’s components and the transition from the progressive to perfect standing wave behavior. The results are of particular importance in the study of the optical/electromagnetic wave scattering, radiation force and torque in dual-beam optical laser-wave tweezers operating with this fractional type of non-diffracting non-vortex beams.
In-situ multi-layer formation in the oxidation of Ti3Al-Nb

The effect of niobium on the oxidation of a Ti3Al alloy was studied in pure oxygen in the range of 850-1,100°C. The oxidation products for the Ti-30Al-2.7 Nb alloy were mainly TiO2 (rutile) mixed with A12O3 (alumina) and small amounts of niobium oxide. The oxidation resistance of Ti3Al was improved by the addition of niobium. An in-situ multiple-layer structure comprising a mixture of rutile and alumina formed on the oxide scale of the alloy at temperatures 1,000°C and above. The number of layers increased as the temperature increased but the individual layer thickness decreased.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Supplementation and Relation to Cardiovascular Health

Recent evidence supports an association between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The effect of vitamin D supplementation, however, has not been well studied. We examined the associations between vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation, and patient outcomes in a large cohort. Serum vitamin D measurements for 5 years and 8 months from a large academic institution were matched to patient demographic, physiologic, and disease variables. The vitamin D levels were analyzed as a continuous variable and as normal (≥30 ng/ml) or deficient (<30 ng/ml). Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazard modeling were performed. Of 10,899 patients, the mean age was 58 ± 15 years, 71% were women (n = 7,758), and the average body mass index was 30 ± 8 kg/m(2). The mean serum vitamin D level was 24.1 ± 13.6 ng/ml. Of the 10,899 patients, 3,294 (29.7%) were in the normal vitamin D range and 7,665 (70.3%) were deficient. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with several cardiovascular-related diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes (all p <0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was a strong independent predictor of all-cause death (odds ratios 2.64, 95% confidence interval 1.901 to 3.662, p <0.0001) after adjusting for multiple clinical variables. Vitamin D supplementation conferred substantial survival benefit (odds ratio for death 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.277 to 0.534, p <0.0001). In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced survival. Vitamin D supplementation was significantly associated with better survival, specifically in patients with documented deficiency.
A new dynamic triceps-driven orthosis (DTDO): Achieving elbow flexion in patients with C5 deficits

Abstract This report describes a unique orthosis designed to assist activities of daily living for a patient with severe proximal upper limb weakness caused by traumatic central cord syndrome. The orthosis—the dynamic triceps-driven orthosis (DTDO)—provides elbow flexion using contralateral elbow extension to move a cable threaded across the shoulders and wrist cuffs bilaterally. The device is a simple, inexpensive design that can be reproduced by any orthotist. The DTDO has been used successfully for other patients with severe weakness in C5- and C6-innervated muscles.
Understanding Poverty and Vulnerability in India’s Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: A Q-squared Approach

Summary This paper examines poverty and vulnerability by using a multidisciplinary approach in which household survey data and poverty analysis were applied in interaction with open-ended qualitative research methods. The study uses a variety of quantitative survey-based methods in combination with qualitative Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods to explore key issues concerned with poverty, risk, and vulnerability in some of India’s poorest regions. It documents poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon and the poor as a highly heterogeneous group; efforts to reduced poverty in its many dimensions must recognize this diversity and how it is reflected in constraints and opportunities for rising out of poverty. Poverty reduction policies and programs must be designed accordingly.
Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate: a novel method for treating men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract Objectives To determine the preliminary safety and efficacy of transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TVP) using the VaporTrode as a therapeutic alternative in the management of men with bladder outlet obstruction. Methods Twenty-five men (mean age, 63.5 ± 3.1 years) with mild to moderate symptoms of prostatism underwent TVP since August 1994. Patients were assessed at baseline for both safety and efficacy and in follow-up at 1 week and 1 and 3 months. Efficacy parameters evaluated included operative time (in minutes), change in hematocrit and serum sodium, postoperative catheterization time, American Urological Association symptom score, peak uroflow (Q max ) and postvoid residual urine. Safety parameters evaluated included incidence of side effects, changes in serum sodium and hematocrit, and evaluation of sexual function. Results Symptoms decreased from 17.8 to 5.9 and 4.2 at 1 and 3 months, respectively ( P max increased from 7.4 to 15.3 and 17.3 mL/s at 1 and 3 months, respectively ( P Conclusions TVP is a new and potentially useful modification of performing transurethral resection of the prostate. In this preliminary study, there has been significant clinical improvement maintained with minimal morbidity. This early clinical experience highlights several potential advantages of TVP, including significantly lower cost and minimal postoperative irritative symptom score. Currently, a multicenter clinical trial is under way to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of TVP.
Precrystallization aggregation of insulin by dynamic light scattering and comparison with canavalin

Abstract The aggregation of insulin prior to crystallization as a rhombohedral crystal of the 2Zn-insulin hexamer was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Results indicate that the 2Zn-insulin hexamer does not aggregate into higher oligomers in solution prior to crystallization. It is, therefore, suggested that the hexamer is the crystallizing species, strongly implying that the crystal grows by addition of hexamers to the crystal. This behavior is discussed in terms of the high and specific affinity of zinc coordination to insulin and is compared to the aggregation behavior (measured by DLS-PCS) of the oligomeric protein canavalin prior to crystallization.
What is the predictive value of urodynamics to reproduce clinical findings of urinary frequency, urge urinary incontinence, and/or stress urinary incontinence?

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of urodynamics to reproduce clinical findings of urinary frequency (UF), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and/or stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Stereochemical effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and related amphetamine derivatives on inhibition of uptake of [3H]monoamines into synaptosomes from different regions of rat brain

Abstract 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recently popularized recreational drug, although some have advocated its psychotherapeutic potential. Since the pharmacology of MDMA is largely uncharacterized, the stereochemical profiles of MDMA and some of its homologs were derived on inhibition of synaptosomal uptake of [3H]monoamines and compared to those of amphetamine and the hallucinogenic phenylisopropylamine 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM). In contrast to the 5-fold stereoselectivity observed with amphetamine, only the S-(+) enantiomer of MDMA and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) inhibited [3H]dopamine uptake into striatal synaptosomes. Neither stereoisomer of the α-ethyl homolog of MDMA, N-methyl-l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-butanamine (MBDB), inhibited [3H]dopamine uptake. The two stereoisomers of amphetamine and the MDMA-related compounds were equipotent in inhibiting [3H]norepinephrine uptake into hypothalamic synaptosomes. Both steroisomers of MDMA, MDA and MBDB were potent inhibitors of [3H]serotonin uptake into hippocampal synaptosomes, but only S-(+)-amphetamine produced an appreciable inhibition of [3H]serotonin uptake. Neither steroisomer of DOM inhibited synaptosomal uptake of any [3H]monoamine. These results suggest that MDMA and its homologs may be more closely related to amphetamine rather than to DOM in their biochemical mode of action. The pronounced effects of the methylenedioxy-substituted compounds on [3H]serotonin and [3H]norepinephrine uptake implicate these neurotransmitters in the pharmacological effects of these drugs.
Further results on the minimum bi-path length for rigid objects with dual steering. Solution to a problem posed by Ulam

The optimal motion of a rigid segment in the plane is determined for starting from some giving position and orientation and terminating at a prespecified position and orientation. Optimality is with respect to the sum of the distances traveled by the endpoints. As such, the solution is relevant for applications in optimal path planning for certain robotic vehicles. A new proof and geometric characterization is given. It adds to a growing repertoire of optimal path planning curves, and solves a problem posed by Ulam in 1960.
Attitude toward Location-based Advertising

ABSTRACTLocation-based advertising (LBA) is not new but being able to access it through one’s mobile communication device is. Description of this revolutionary advertising medium is provided as well as some opportunities and challenges that come with it. Desperately needed is more research since in-depth examination of the topic has barely begun. To assist researchers in their investigations, a scale is provided here that is likely to become central to many studies: attitude toward location-based advertising (Alba). Support for the scale’s psychometric quality comes from a preliminary study and a two-stage analysis of a large, national sample.
Rolling with deformable fingertips

The superiority of deformable human fingertips as compared to hard robot gripper fingers for grasping and manipulation has lead to a number of investigations with robot hands employing elastomers or materials such as fluids or powders beneath a membrane at the fingertips. When using such materials, it is important to account for their properties during manipulation. The rigid-body rolling kinematic equations developed and applied in previous investigations do not consider load- and object-dependent fingertip deformations. This paper is concerned with determining the kinematic effects of soft fingertips during manipulation with rolling. The long-term goal of this work is to produce a model of rolling with soft fingertips that can be incorporated into a real-time control system to produce current best estimates of contact locations and velocities when planning and executing rolling maneuvers.
Introductory Psychology Student Performance: Weekly Quizzes Followed by a Cumulative Final Exam

Students in an introductory psychology course took a quiz a week over each textbook chapter, followed by a cumulative final exam. Students missing a quiz in class could make up a quiz at any time during the semester, and answers to quiz items were available to students prior to the cumulative final exam. The cumulative final exam consisted of half the items previously presented on quizzes; half of those items had the response options scrambled. The performance on similar items on the cumulative final was slightly higher than on the original quiz, and scrambling the response options had little effect. Students strongly supported the quiz a week approach.
ToddlePuff: An Interactive Tangible and Spatial Interface

ToddlePuff is a multi-sensor inflated interface that acts as a game controller for toddlers. ToddlePuff surrounds the child and encourages full body motion. It develops cognitive and sensory-motor skills while teaching symbolic and sequential thinking. It improves speed, spatial orientation and coordination. ToddlePuff incorporates multiple proximity sensors that act as controllers for the game. An animated childrenpsilas story is displayed on a screen and told through the speakers. Images of characters from the story are placed on different locations inside the interface. When a character blinks on the screen, the child needs to find the matching image on the surrounding inflated walls and touch it to resume the story. An informal study shows that children responded positively to the concept of spatial interface. They played inside it for a length of time and improved their performance throughout the learning process.
Scattering phase matrix comparison for randomly hexagonal cylinders and spheroids.

Scattering phase matrices are calculated for randomly oriented hexagonal cylinders and equivalent spheroids. The scattering solution for spheroids utilizes a numerical integral equation technique called the T-matrix method, while that for hexagonal cylinders employs a geometric ray-tracing method. Computational results show that there is general agreement for the phase functions P11 for hexagonal cylinders and spheroids with the same overall dimensions or surface area, except for the 22 and 46° halo features and the backscattering maximum produced by the hexagonal geometry. Values of P12 which are associated with linear polarization when the incident light is unpolarized differ in the forward directions where hexagonal cylinders have two positive polarization maxima. Large differences are observed in the P33 and P44 elements.
Taste Receptors in the Gastrointestinal Tract. I. Bitter taste receptors and α-gustducin in the mammalian gut

Molecular sensing by gastrointestinal (GI) cells plays a critical role in the control of multiple fundamental functions in digestion and also initiates hormonal and/or neural pathways leading to the regulation of caloric intake, pancreatic insulin secretion, and metabolism. Molecular sensing in the GI tract is also responsible for the detection of ingested harmful drugs and toxins, thereby initiating responses critical for survival. The initial recognition events and mechanism(s) involved remain incompletely understood. The notion to be discussed in this article is that there are important similarities between the chemosensensory machinery elucidated in specialized neuroepithelial taste receptor cells of the lingual epithelium and the molecular transducers localized recently in enteroendocrine open GI cells that sense the chemical composition of the luminal contents of the gut.
Basal cell carcinoma of the lower extremities

Background The most common malignancy in the USA is basal cell carcinoma. It is most prevalent on the head and neck, but can occur elsewhere. We sought to determine the frequency of basal cell carcinomas arising on the lower extremities, as well as the gender of affected patients, the histologic subtype, and the specific sites of involvement. Methods We reviewed cases submitted to the Vanderbilt Dermatopathology Service between 1994 and 1997 which were diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. A subset of 150 cases which arose on the lower extremities and a control group of 150 cases which arose at other anatomic sites were studied further. Results A significantly greater number of basal cell carcinomas of the lower extremities arose in women, were of the superficial subtype, and were found below the knee; 59% of basal cell carcinomas in both sexes arose on the right limb. Conclusion Basal cell carcinomas of the lower extremities occur more often in women in the USA and are of the superficial subtype. This may be due to differing patterns of dress and exposure to the sun.
Differential Chromatin Looping Regulates CD4 Expression in Immature Thymocytes

Runx1 binds the silencer and represses CD4 transcription in immature thymocytes. In this study, using looping chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin conformation capture assays, we demonstrated that interactions between Runx1 and positive elongation factor b (P-TEFb) appose the silencer and enhancer in CD4-negative thymoma cells and double-negative immature thymocytes. This chromatin loop decoys P-TEFb away from the promoter, thus preventing RNA polymerase II from elongating on the CD4 gene. In the absence of Runx1 on the silencer, P-TEFb interacts with the transcription complex, forming a different chromatin loop between the enhancer and the promoter, which leads to the expression of the CD4 gene in CD4-positive hybridoma cells and double-positive thymocytes. Moreover, the knockdown of CycT1 from P-TEFb abolishes both of these chromatin loops. Finally, the selective removal and restoration of Runx1 causes rapid interchanges between these chromatin loops, which reveals the plasticity of this regulatory circuit. Thus, differential looping and decoying of P-TEFb away from the promoter mediate active repression of the CD4 gene during thymocyte development.
B-Lymphocyte Deficiency Increases Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor–Null Mice

Objective— Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by innate and adaptive immune responses. We investigated the role of B cells and antibodies in the development of atherosclerosis in low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor–deficient (LDLR −/− ) mice. Methods and Results— Using wild-type and B cell–deficient mice as bone marrow donors, we were able to generate LDLR −/− mice that possessed −/− mice on a Western diet showed marked decreases in total serum antibody and anti–oxidized LDL antibody. B cell deficiency was associated with a 30% to 40% increase in the lesion area in the proximal and distal aortas. Real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunospot analyses showed a decrease in proatherogenic (interferon-γ) and antiatherogenic (interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β) cytokine mRNA and a decrease in interleukin-4– and interferon-γ–producing cells. Additionally, we observed a decrease in splenocyte proliferation to oxidized LDL in the B cell–deficient LDLR −/− mice, suggesting that B lymphocytes may play a role in the presentation of lipid antigen. Conclusions— Collectively, these data demonstrate that B cells and/or antibodies are protective against atherosclerosis and that this protection may be conferred by B cell–mediated immune regulation.
Predictability Gap Between Science and Technology of Cements: I, Characterization of Hydraulic Cements

Scientific publications fall, traditionally, into two general categories: reports of original research and state-of-the-art reviews of areas of research. In both types, scientists communicate with other scientists. If science is to Serve technology, however, there must be effective communication or transfer of information between the scientist and the technologist. At present, many believe that such transfer is not very effective and that this ineffectiveness contributes to the difficulty the technologist experiences in predicting the performance of materials. The authors plan a series of papers that will provide a critical assessment of what will be required if research is to improve predictability in the technology of cements. Part I discusses problems involved in the characterization of hydraulic cements in terms of reactivity, role of admixtures, surface area, crystal modification, and chemical composition.
Interactions between Coilin and PIASy partially link Cajal bodies to PML bodies

The eukaryotic nucleus contains a variety of dynamic structures, yet studies into the functional relationship of one type of subnuclear domain to another have been limited. For example, PML bodies and Cajal bodies associate, but the functional consequence of this association and the mediating factors are unknown. Here we report that an associated PML body/Cajal body can co-localize to an snRNA gene locus, with the Cajal body invariably situated between the PML body and the snRNA locus. Binding studies demonstrate that coilin (a Cajal body protein) directly interacts with PIASy (a PML body protein). Cell biological experiments using coilin and PIASy knockout cell lines demonstrate that interactions between coilin and PIASy account in part for the observed association of Cajal bodies with PML bodies. When the PIASy interaction region on coilin is deleted, the frequency of the association between Cajal bodies and PML bodies is reduced. These studies provide another example of coilin's role in the functional organization of the nucleus.
Symptomatic bilateral delayed partial ureteral obstruction after bilateral endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid polymer.

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux using dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) is a widely used technique. Complications are uncommon, and ureteral obstruction occurs particularly infrequently. We present a case of delayed symptomatic partial bilateral ureteral obstruction after bilateral high-volume (>1.0 mL) Deflux injections that required surgical repair 16 months after injection (Clavien classification IIIb.) Bilateral delayed obstruction after endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux has not been previously reported. Previous reports of immediate and delayed ureteral obstruction after Deflux injection are reviewed.
An implicit multi-material Eulerian formulation

Multi-material Eulerian methods were originally developed to solve problems in hypervelocity impact. They have proven to be useful for many other problems involving high-strain rates such as the dynamic compaction of a powder and high-speed machining. An implicit formulation has been developed to extend the range of applicability to quasi-static problems such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and other material processing operations. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of nanoscale morphology in single and binary metal oxide microparticles during reduction and oxidation processes

Metal oxide composites are enabling materials for many energy conversion systems such as chemical looping and photocatalysis. Their synthesis into electronic materials and operation in chemical looping technologies are based on reduction and oxidation reactions that involve exchanges of ions and electrons. These processes result in the creation and diffusion of defects that determine the nanoscale crystal phases and morphologies within these materials and their subsequent bulk chemical and electrical behavior. In this study, samples of metal oxide composites undergoing cycles of reduction and oxidation are examined at the nano- and micro-scale; the interfacial characteristics of dissimilar metals and metal oxides within the composites are examined. Specifically, structural transformations during redox processes involving pure Fe, FeNi alloy, and CuNi alloy microparticles are investigated. In Fe and FeNi systems, nanowires and nanopores are observed to simultaneously form on the microparticle surface during oxidation, while no such structuring is observed in the CuNi system. Additionally, uniform FeNi microparticles are transformed into particles with a NiO-rich core and a Fe2O3-rich shell during oxidation, due to differences in the oxidation and ion diffusion rates of Ni and Fe. In all material systems, the oxidized form of the microparticles exhibited porous cores due to ion transport described by the Kirkendall effect. A fundamental understanding of these phenomena will help direct the fabrication of electronic oxide materials and the development of metal oxide-based oxygen carriers for chemical looping applications.
Vanishing Act: Non-straight Identity Narratives of Women in Relationships with Women and Men

This research examines how women who experience a change to a partner of a different gender make sense of this shift both to themselves and to others. Specifically, the study draws on 32 interviews conducted with self-identified lesbian, bisexual and queer women who have moved from relationships with female partners to relationships with male partners. None of the women interviewed sought to identify themselves as straight or heterosexual. Many, instead, tried to negotiate non-straight identities. We conclude that women, in doing their non-straight identities, mainly rely upon a strategy of narrative, including narratives of attraction, choice of men and challenging homophobia.
Compiling Array Expressions for Efficient Execution on Distributed-Memory Machines

Array statements are often used to express data-parallelism in scientific languages such as Fortran 90 and High Performance Fortran. In compiling array statements for a distributed-memory machine, efficient generation of communication sets and local index sets is important. We show that for arrays distributed block-cyclically on multiple processors, the local memory access sequence and communication sets can be efficiently enumerated as closed forms using regular sections. First, closed form solutions are presented for arrays that are distributed using block or cyclic distributions. These closed forms are then used with avirtual processor approachto give an efficient solution for arrays with block-cyclic distributions. This approach is based on viewing a block-cyclic distribution as a block (or cyclic) distribution on a set of virtual processors, which are cyclically (or block-wise) mapped to physical processors. These views are referred to asvirtual-blockorvirtual-cyclicviews, depending on whether a block or cyclic distribution of the array on the virtual processors is used. The virtual processor approach permits different schemes based on the combination of the virtual processor views chosen for the different arrays involved in an array statement. These virtualization schemes have different indexing overhead. We present a strategy for identifying the virtualization scheme which will have the best performance. Performance results on a Cray T3D system are presented for hand-compiled code for array assignments. These results show that using the virtual processor approach, efficient code can be generated for execution of array statements involving block-cyclically distributed arrays.
Method for estimating spatially variable seepage loss and hydraulic conductivity in intermittent and ephemeral streams

[1] A method is presented for estimating seepage loss and streambed hydraulic conductivity along intermittent and ephemeral streams using streamflow front velocities in initially dry channels. The method uses the kinematic wave equation for routing streamflow in channels coupled to Philip's equation for infiltration. The coupled model considers variations in seepage loss both across and along the channel. Water redistribution in the unsaturated zone is also represented in the model. Sensitivity of the streamflow front velocity to parameters used for calculating seepage loss and for routing streamflow shows that the streambed hydraulic conductivity has the greatest sensitivity for moderate to large seepage loss rates. Channel roughness, geometry, and slope are most important for low seepage loss rates; however, streambed hydraulic conductivity is still important for values greater than 0.008 m/d. Two example applications are presented to demonstrate the utility of the method.
An empirical evaluation of landmark placement on Internet coordinate schemes

Many applications can benefit from knowledge of latency between hosts. Recently, there have been proposals such as global network positioning (GNP) (T. S. E. Ng et al., 2002) and Internet coordinate system (ICS) (H. Lim et al., 2003) that attempt to provide this for hosts on the Internet. The schemes work by using a small set of nodes called "landmarks" to compute the coordinates of other hosts. In this paper, we investigate the effect of placement of landmarks on the performance of these proposals. We show that with random placement, the estimation error of these schemes varies widely. We propose heuristics for placing landmarks that show good performance. We also investigate the behaviour of these schemes with measurement errors and show that GNP is less affected by measurement errors than ICS
Global Data Sets for Analysis of Climate Extremes

Anthropogenic forced climate change is expected to result in changes in both the mean climate state and climate extremes. Documenting changes in extremes, such as drought, heavy precipitation, heat waves or tropical storms requires long-term observations of climate at sufficiently high temporal resolution to identify individual extreme events and is spatially complete enough to use at both global and regional scales. This chapter discusses various data sets that are suitable for examining changes in extremes in the observed record. Issues discussed include problems with data quality, such as data homogeneity and data availability. Data sets discussed include global sets for monthly and daily temperature and precipitation, tropical cyclones, and reanalyses. In addition, a brief section on climate observing networks is included outlining new networks in the U.S. and Canada that have been designed to alleviate many of the problems discussed here.
Effect of Wave-Current Interaction on the Wave Parameter

The interaction of a gravity wave with a steady uniform current is discussed in this paper. Analysis indicates there is no dominant difference in the results obtained when employing either the equation of conservation of wave energy flux or the equation of conservation of wave action flux. Numerical calculations of the wave length change by different non-linear wave theories show that errors in the results computed by the linear wave theory are less than 10 percent within the range of 0.15 <= d/Ls <= 0.40, 0.01 <= Hs/Ls <= 0.07 and -0.15 <= U/Cs <= 0.30, where d = water depth, Hs = wave height in still water, Ls = wave length in still water, Cs = wave celerity in still water, and U = surface current velocity. Numerical calculations of wave height change employing different wave theories show that errors in the results obtained by the linear wave theory in comparison with the non-linear theories are greater when the opposing relative current and wave steepness become larger. However, within range of the following currents such errors will not be significant. These results were verified by model tests. Nomograms for the modification of wave length and height by the linear wave theory and Stokes' third order theory are presented for a wide range of d/Ls, Hs/Ls and U/Cs. These nomograms provide the design engineer with a practical guide for estimating wave lengths and heights affected by currents.
The Story of LLCs: Combining the Best Features of a Flawed Business Tax Structure

This chapter briefly recaps the conventional legal story of the limited liability company and then provides a detailed discussion of the inside story behind and the complex origins of this new business entity, which traveled from obscurity to the mainstream of business organization choices during the last quarter of the twentieth century. The inside story of the LLC involved the creative efforts of two different groups of LLC proponents harnessing the power of state legislatures over new business organizations in order to provide their clients the best results under the federal income tax laws. Hamill also offers an in depth discussion of the tax and business policy issues brought to the surface because of the invention and widespread acceptance of LLCs, ultimately concluding that LLCs represent neither a positive nor a negative development in the flawed legal landscape of business organizations. This paper will be published as a chapter in a book entitled Business Tax Stories, to be published by Foundation Press later this year (2005).