cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Antigonadotropic Actions of Prostaglandin F2α and Phorbol Ester Are Mediated by Separate Processes in Rat Luteal Cells

Protein kinase-C (PKC) has been suggested as a possible mediator of the antigonadotropic action of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in luteal cells. To examine this possibility, we evaluated the effects of phorbol ester [12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)] in relation to those of PGF2 alpha on cAMP accumulation and ATP levels as well as on the subcellular distribution of PKC activity in rat luteal cell cultures. Treatment of luteal cells for 1 h with TPA or PGF2 alpha produced a dose-dependent inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Maximal inhibition produced by PGF2 alpha was about 35% greater than that produced by TPA. Moreover, PGF2 alpha produced a further inhibition of LH action when the cells were maximally inhibited by TPA. Staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, reversed inhibition of LH-dependent cAMP accumulation produced by TPA, but had no effect on the response to PGF2 alpha. Furthermore, cells in which PKC was persistently activated by prolonged TPA treatment lost their responsiveness to additional TPA, but continued to show inhibition of cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha. TPA also produced a dose-dependent decrease in cell levels of ATP in contrast to PGF2 alpha. Finally, TPA produced a rapid redistribution of PKC activity from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction, whereas PGF2 alpha produced only a slight redistribution. We conclude that the acute antigonadotropic action of PGF2 alpha in rat luteal cells occurs via mechanisms other than phorbol ester-sensitive PKC activation.
Structural Correlations of Backbone Modifications in Antisense Oligonucleotide Duplexes

Abstract This article presents a collective of structural analyses concerning backbone modified oligonucleotides and various factors which correlate the conformational preference of backbone modifications with the stability of antisense duplexes.
Thermal Stability of Shear-Induced Shish-Kebab Precursor Structure from High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Chains

In-situ rheo-SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) and rheo-WAXD (wide-angle X-ray diffraction) techniques were used to investigate repeated melting and re-formation of the flow-induced shish-kebab precursor structure in a once-sheared polyethylene (PE) bimodal blend at the confined quiescent state. The blend consisted of a noncrystallizing low molecular weight PE matrix (LMWPE, Mw = 53 000 g/mol, polydispersity = 2.2) and a small amount (2 wt %) of crystallizing high molecular weight PE (HMWPE, Mw = 1 500 000 g/mol, polydispersity = 1.1) under the chosen experimental temperature. After a step shear (shear rate = 125 s-1, shear duration = 20 s, temperature = 126.5 °C), combined SAXS and WAXD results confirmed that the shish-kebab structure was developed mainly from HMWPE chains, following a diffusion-controlled-like process. Although shish formed first followed by microkebabs and then macrokebabs, shish and microkebabs were melted simultaneously as an integrated entity after the macrokebab melting. Upon c...
‘This is a sacred grove’: homosocial ecologies in Adam Bede

Management of the woods is a labor of love negotiated between men in George Eliot’s Adam Bede (1859). However, as a resilient and vital entity through which men enact the volatile pains and pleasures of homosocial desire, contest and reconciliation, the woods are vulnerable to becoming the primary vehicle through which Eliot naturalizes a sustainable, masculinist capitalism. Indeed, the discourse of Victorian forestry and ‘improvement’ becomes common sense in the novel, fostering purportedly long-term, sustainable prosperity as a consolation prize in the wake of the plot’s central trauma of class betrayal. But, the very greening of this pact obscures the fact that the plan for the woods, like some of those of sustainability even today, may benefit some more than others, with distinct human and ecological winners and losers.
Parametric Poisson process imaging

In conventional 3D imaging, a large number of detected photons is required at each pixel to mitigate the effect of signal-dependent Poisson or shot noise. Parametric Poisson process imaging (PPPI) is a new framework that enables scene depth acquisition with very few detected photons despite significant contribution from background light. Our proposed computational imager is based on accurate physical modeling of the photon detection process using time-inhomogeneous Poisson processes combined with regularization that promotes piecewise smoothness. Simulations demonstrate accurate imaging with only 1 detected photon per pixel.
Songs of Humpback Whales

1) Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) produce a series of beautiful and varied sounds for a period of 7 to 30 minutes and then repeat the same series with considerable precision. We call such a performance "singing" and each repeated series of sounds a "song." 2) All prolonged sound patterns (recorded so far) of this species are in song form, and each individual adheres to its own song type. 3) There seem to be several song types around which whales construct their songs, but individual variations are pronounced (there is only a very rough species-specific song pattern). 4) Songs are repeated without any obvious pause between them; thus song sessions may continue for several hours. 5) The sequence of themes in successive songs by the same individual is the same. Although the number of phrases per theme varies, no theme is ever completely omitted in our sample. 6) Loud sounds in the ocean, for example dynamite blasts, do not seem to affect the whale9s songs. 7) The sex of the performer of any of the songs we have studied is unknown. 8) The function of the songs is unknown.
Estimation of diffusion coefficients for trace amounts of solvents in glassy and molten polymers

Two methods based on the free-volume theory of transport are developed for the estimation of diffusion coefficients for trace amounts of solvents in amorphous polymers. The first method uses diffusivity data for a polymer–solvent system above the glass transition temperature to estimate the temperature dependence of the mutual diffusion coefficient below this temperature. In the second method, mutual diffusion coefficients are estimated for a particular polymer–solvent system both above and below the glass transition temperature using no diffusivity data for the system. The predictions of the proposed theory are compared with diffusivity data for the n-pentane–polystyrene and ethylbenzene–polystyrene systems.
AMERICAN NATIONALISM, THE FLAG, AND THE INVASION OF IRAQ*

U.S. armed forces invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming that the country had weapons of mass destruction (wmd) which it intended to use against the United States Although evidence of the existence o...
Risk, Reflexivity and an Elusory Body Transformations in Studying Illness

This article calls attention to how theory shapes ethnographic relations, practices, and “truths” about bodies and identities. While carrying out ethnographic research among men and women with heart disease, I experienced a “scare” for ovarian cancer, which interrupted the fieldwork, elicited revisions in research relations, and compelled me to see how my theoretic and purposive agendas had functioned as discourses that promoted and reinforced differences between research participants and me. My elusory body enabled me to recognize our fundamental similarities and alerted me to misguided turns I had taken in my research trajectory.
Prenatal testing can be advantageous even when abortion is not an option.

Whether, and in what circumstances, abortion should be legal is a matter of ongoing debate. Clearly, those on both sides of this issue have strong and convincing arguments. To what extent does a wo...
Cost accounting in radiation oncology: a computer-based model for reimbursement.

Abstract Purpose : The skyrocketing cost of medical care in the United States has resulted in multiple efforts in cost containment. The present work offers a rational computer-based cost accounting approach to determine the actual use of resources in providing a specific service in a radiation oncology center. Methods and Materials : A procedure-level cost accounting system was developed by using recorded information on actual time and effort spent by individual staff members performing various radiation oncology procedures, and analyzing direct and indirect costs related to staffing (labor), facilities and equipment, supplies, etc. Expenditures were classified as direct or indirect and fixed or variable. A relative value unit was generated to allocate specific cost factors to each procedure. Results : Different costs per procedure were identified according to complexity. Whereas there was no significant difference in the treatment time between low-energy (4 and 6 MV) or high-energy (18 MV) accelerators, there were significantly higher costs identified in the operation of a high-energy linear accelerator, a reflection of initial equipment investment, quality assurance and calibration procedures, maintenance costs, service contract, and replacement parts. Utilization of resources was related to the complexity of the procedures performed and whether the treatments were delivered to inpatients or outpatients. In analyzing time motion for physicians and other staff, it was apparent that a greater effort must be made to train the staff to accurately record all times involved in a given procedure, and it is strongly recommended that each institution perform its own time motion studies to more accurately determine operating costs. Sixty-six percent of our facility's global costs were for labor, 20% for other operating expenses, 10% for space, and 4% for equipment. Significant differences were noted in the cost allocation for professional or technical functions, as labor, space, and equipment costs are higher in the latter. External beam treatment-related procedures accounted for more than 50% of all technical and professional revenues, simulation for 8% to 10%, and other physics/dosimetry procedures for 11% to 14% of revenues. Some discrepancies were identified between the actual cost and level of reimbursement of various procedures. Details are described in the manuscript. Conclusion : It is imperative to develop an equitable reimbursement system for radiation oncology services, based on cost accounting and other measures that may enhance productivity and reduce the cost per procedure unit, while at the same time preserving the highest quality of service provided to patients.
SYNTHESIS OF ISOAMYL ACETATE USING NAX AND NAY ZEOLITES AS CATALYSTS

A liquid phase esterification reaction between glacial acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol has been studied using NaX and NaY zeolites as catalysts. The influence of calcination temperature, the amount of catalysts, reaction temperature, time of esterification and the molar ratio of the reactants has been investigated. Water insoluble products have been isolated from the reaction mixture and analyzed for the ester. Both NaX and NaY are found to be active as catalysts in the reaction. However, their catalytic activity varies with the reaction conditions and their calcination temperature. The reaction has been found to be 100% selective to ester formation. Catalytic activity of the zeolites has been correlated with their surface acidity.
Mechanisms of the protective effects of transforming growth factor-β in reperfusion injury

TGF-beta appears to be an important regulatory peptide in cellular physiology. Although all of its actions are not presently known, TGF-beta functions as a cell-switching molecule. In the case of ischemia-reperfusion states, TGF-beta has been shown to exert remarkably effective protective effects. These effects appear to pertain to preservation of endothelial function, particularly to maintenance of EDRF formation by the endothelium. The endothelial protection may be related to actions of TGF-beta opposing the endothelial-destabilizing actions of both TNF and superoxide radicals. However, other important mechanisms will undoubtedly be brought to light with further study of TGF-beta in these situations.
Ulcerative Keratitis in Contact Lens Wearers Incidence and Risk Factors

A case-control study of ulcerative keratitis in soft contact lens (CL) users compared three groups of daily wear or extended wear patients: (a) 86 patients with ulcerative keratitis, (b) 61 hospital-based controls, and (c) 410 population-based controls. Overnight lens use, whether regularly with extended wear lenses or occasionally with daily wear lenses, emerged as the preeminent risk factor for ulcerative keratitis. It increased risk by 10 to 15 times in users of extended wear lenses and by 9 times in users of daily wear lenses when these groups were compared with subjects engaged in strict daily wear of daily wear lenses. Even when actual overnight wear was not taken into account, the relative risk was four times greater in users of extended wear lenses than in users of daily wear lenses. The study found a marginal association (p = 0.056) between lens care frequency in general and ulcerative keratitis in comparing ulcerative keratitis cases with population controls. Of the individual hygiene-related measures, evidence of a protective effect was strongest for cleaning the lens case. Smokers showed a threefold greater risk than nonsmokers, regardless of the type of lens worn. An incidence study found the rate of ulcerative keratitis to be approximately 1 in 2,500 daily wear lens users and 1 in 500 extended wear lens users per year. This finding was statistically consistent with the risk ratio noted in the case-control study. Extrapolations suggest that 4,000 of the 9 million U.S. users of daily wear soft lenses develop ulcerative keratitis annually. Among the 4 million U.S. extended wear soft lens users, 8,000 may do so per year.
Chemical vapor detection and mapping with a multispectral forward-looking infrared (FLIR)

Detection of chemical vapors with a remote sensor is a requirement for both military defense and civilian pollution control. The FLIR is a natural instrument from which to build a chemical sensor since most chemical vapors of interest are spectrally active within its operating wavelength range, it is widely distributed in the battlefield, and it is becoming a standard surveillance tool in police departments. Additionally, the output image provides a 2D concentration map of the cloud which is easily interpreted by a lightly trained operator. A system has been designed to provide the spectral sensitivity in a dedicated instrument or to place a chemical detection capability as an adjunct function in a military thermal imager. In the latter case an additional detector array which is spectrally filtered at the focal plane is added to the imager. Real-time autonomous detection and alarm is a military requirement and is desired for commercial use. A detection system model based on a Gaussian vapor concentration distribution has been the basis for detection algorithms. Image processing and analysis methods have been based upon information theory. These techniques extract the cloud image from a clutter scene and perform a limited vapor classification. These methods are suited to hyperspectral imagery.
Correlation of photoluminescence and structural order in YBO3:Eu3+ micro and nano structures

Abstract Studies are reported of the optical and vibrational properties of YBO3:Eu3+. Materials were prepared varying solvent and Y:B ratio in the hydro(solvo) thermal method. The red (611 and 627 nm) to orange (591 nm) intensity ratio of the photoluminescence emission varies with highest value obtained using ethanol solvent and Y:B of 1:2. Structural disorder is studied based on broadening of the Raman band at 1046 cm−1 which is found to correlate with the red to orange photoluminescence intensity ratio, establishing the link between disorder and emission.
Realism in Research

Disputes in educational research over the past few decades have resulted in part from an inadequate conception of the nature of science itself. Developments in the philosophy of science have led to a new understanding–scientific realism–that has promise of resolving many longstanding dilemmas. At the core of the "standard view" of science is the incorrect Humean notion of causation, which has had devastating effects on research in the social sciences. An adequate notion of causation may provide a framework for research that is at once scientific, that incorporates the perceptions and intentions of participants, and that advances critical values such as social justice.
Real-time implementation of two-point nonuniformity correction for IR-CCD imagery

Spatial photoresponse nonuniformity of the detectors in staring IR-CCD camera must be corrected to preserve radiometric correct performance and achieve state-of-the-art sensitivity. A real-time implementation of the two-point nonuniformity correction algorithm, and some representative experimental results are illustrated. The prototype is realized in a computer system for the multiwavelength imaging pyrometer of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Network building: transcriptional circuits in the root

Genes that control cell fate in all major root tissues have been described in Arabidopsis and new candidates that pattern the root apical meristem have been identified. Several phytohormones have long been known to affect root growth; it now appears that they have at least one common entry point into the transcriptional networks that regulate root growth. A map of gene expression in the Arabidopsis root has identified many new candidate genes that feed into and out of these transcriptional controls.
7T multi-shell hybrid diffusion imaging (HYDI) for mapping brain connectivity in mice

Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is widely used to study microstructural characteristics of the brain. High angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) samples diffusivity at a large number of spherical angles, to better resolve neural fibers that mix or cross. Here, we implemented a framework for advanced mathematical analysis of mouse 5-shell HARDI (b=1000, 3000, 4000, 8000, 12000 s/mm2), also known as hybrid diffusion imaging (HYDI). Using q-ball imaging (QBI) at ultra-high field strength (7 Tesla), we computed diffusion and fiber orientation distribution functions (dODF, fODF) to better detect crossing fibers. We also computed a quantitative anisotropy (QA) index, and deterministic tractography, from the peak orientation of the fODFs. We found that the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the QA was significantly higher in single and multi-shell reconstructed data at the lower b-values (b=1000, 3000, 4000 s/mm2) than at higher b-values (b=8000, 12000 s/mm2); the b=1000 s/mm2 shell increased the SNR of the QA in all multi-shell reconstructions, but when used alone or in <5-shell reconstruction, it led to higher angular error for the major fibers, compared to 5-shell HYDI. Multi-shell data reconstructed major fibers with less error than single-shell data, and was most successful at reducing the angular error when the lowest shell was excluded (b=1000 s/mm2). Overall, high-resolution connectivity mapping with 7T HYDI offers great potential for understanding unresolved changes in mouse models of brain disease.
Perturbed-angular-correlation measurement of motional-correlation time in liquid Se

The motional-correlation time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{m}$ of very dilute Cd impurities in liquid Se was found by measuring the perturbed-angular-correlation of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from $^{111}\mathrm{Cd}$ following the decay of $^{111}\mathrm{In}$. The measured correlation time varies from 2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ sec at 500\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to 2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ sec at 900\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. From 500 to 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{m}\ensuremath{\propto}\mathrm{exp}(\frac{{E}_{m}}{\mathrm{kT}})$ where ${E}_{m}=0.36$ eV (8.3 kcal/mole). It is shown that the ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{m}$ thus measured represents a lower limit for the Se-Se and Se-Cd bond lifetimes.
Implications of anomaly constraints in the N c extended standard model

We discuss some implications of anomaly cancellation in the standard model with (i) the color group extended to $\mathrm{SU}({N}_{c})$ and (ii) the leptonic sector extended to allow right-handed components for neutrinos.
The size of clusters in a neutrino-dominated universe

Quite soon after the first collapse of structure, almost half the matter in a neutrino-dominated universe is expected to reside in clusters. The masses and binding energies of these neutrino clusters are too large for them to be identified with observed galaxy clusters. Even if such objects were able to suppress all galaxy formation, their X-ray emission would, however, make them highly visible if more than 2.5 percent of their mass was in ordinary matter. Such a low baryon density leads to insuffient cooling for galaxies to form in pancakes. A neutrino-dominated universe appears to conflict with observation irrespective of the details of the processes which govern galaxy formation.
Demonstration of intraluminal duodenal diverticulum by computed tomography

Intraluminal duodenal diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of a saclike projection within the duodenum. Small diverticula may be asymptomatic; however, when these enlarge, patients may develop recurrent episodes of pain, obstruction, or pancreatitis. Normally, the diagnosis is made by barium luminal examination. We report a case where the findings were seen on computed tomography and confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series.
On the biogenesis of gliotoxin. Synthesis of 3-(β-aminoethyl)benzene oxide.

Abstract The synthesis of 3-(β-aminoethyl)benzene oxide ( 7 is described. The failure of 7 to ring close ( 7 → 8 ) is attributed to the low “nucleophilic susceptibility” of the arene oxide.
An evaluation of polymer inclusion membrane performance in facilitated transport with sequential membrane reconstitution

This paper describes a method for the reconstitution of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) after normal use. PIMs consisting of a mixture of cellulose triacetate (CTA), 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), and the macrocycle undecyl-aza-18-crown-6 (AC) were made using the standard method. After each run, the membranes were dissolved in methylene chloride and reformed as at first. The membranes showed permeability of the perrhenate anion with only partial loss of permeability after being reconstituted 10 times. Along with permeability, the thickness of sequential membranes was measured using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The membranes thinned slightly with subsequent remakes, although the thinning was more apparent on the outer edges. The results of this experiment may prove useful in reducing the cost of membrane applications which employ expensive carrier molecules, in that carrier can be recovered as the membrane materials are reconstituted and re-used.
Initial dispersion mechanisms of chopped glass fibers in polystyrene

Understanding the mechanisms contributing to the initial stages of dispersion for individual fibers from chopped glass bundles is important for optimizing process conditions and obtaining fiber composites with optimal properties. These studies have shown that under model flow conditions, bundles have two separation modes, rupture and erosion. Both of these occur in a stochastic manner and are dependent upon the internal structure of the bundles. Under chaotic flow, both strain rate and total strain to which the material is exposed are important, though the effect of increasing strain rate decreases at higher total strains. To obtain consistent minimal dispersion in model flows, the maximum nominal stresses required are higher than 10 4 Pa for simple shear and 10 6 Pa for squeezing flows. In contrast, stress levels around 10 4 Pa yield good dispersion under chaotic flow, implying the flow field is a more significant factor than the stresses imposed.
Secrecy is back in fashion

(2000). Secrecy is back in fashion. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 56, Government Secrecy, pp. 25-30.
Effect of stimulus orderability and reinforcement history on transitive responding in pigeons.

Abstract Transitive responding in humans and non-human animals has attracted considerable attention because of its presumably inferential nature. In an attempt to replicate our earlier study with crows [Lazareva, O.F., Smirnova, A.A., Bagozkaja, M.S., Zorina, Z.A., Rayevsky, V.V., Wasserman, E.A., 2004. Transitive responding in hooded crows requires linearly ordered stimuli. J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 82, 1–19], we trained pigeons to discriminate overlapping pairs of colored squares (A+ B−, B+ C−, C+ D−, and D+ E−). For some birds, the colored squares, or primary stimuli, were followed by a circle of the same color (feedback stimuli) whose diameter decreased from A to E (Ordered Feedback group); these circles were made available to help order the stimuli along a physical dimension. For other birds, all of the feedback stimuli had the same diameter (Constant Feedback group). In later testing, novel choice pairs were presented, including the critical BD pair. The pigeons’ reinforcement history with Stimuli B and D was controlled, so that the birds should not have chosen Stimulus B during the BD test. Unlike the crows, the pigeons selected Stimulus B over Stimulus D in both ordered and Constant Feedback groups, suggesting that the orderability of the post-choice feedback stimuli did not affect pigeons’ transitive responding. Post hoc simulations showed that associative models [Wynne, C.D.L., 1995. Reinforcement accounts for transitive inference (TI) performance. Anim. Learn. Behav. 23, 207–217; Siemann, M., Delius, J.D., 1998. Algebraic learning and neural network models for transitive and non-transitive responding. Eur. J. Cogn. Psychol. 10, 307–334] failed to predict pigeons’ responding in the BD test.
Hydrostatic Temperature Calculations

Comparisons are made between hydrostatically computed temperatures and ambient temperatures associated with nine different data sources, including analyses, forecasts and conventional observations. Five-day averages and the day-to-day variations in the root-mean-square temperature differences are presented. Several different numerical and interpolation procedures are examined. Error correction and a constrained optimum procedure that minimizes ambient minus calculated hydrostatic temperature differences are introduced. Systematic differences between ambient and hydrostatic temperatures are found to be associated with the sinoptic situation. When compared with ambient temperatures, hydrostatic temperatures at 500 mb tend to be too warm at or in front of a trough and too cold behind the trough. In the vertical direction, for the eight-level configuration tested, the average hydrostatic temperatures are too cold at low levels (850, 700 mb) and too warm at upper levels, (300, 250 mb).
Nerve growth factor induces a gene homologous to the glucocorticoid receptor gene

Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF) is required for the development and survival of sympathetic and neural crest-derived sensory neurons. The mechanism of action of NGF has been extensively studied in the NGF responsive rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12. When treated with NGF, PC12 cells initiate neurite outgrowth and differentiate into cells with a neuronal phenotype. This process is prevented by RNA synthesis inhibitors. NGFI-B is a gene, identified by differential hybridization, that is rapidly, but transiently induced in PC12 cells by NGF The nucleotide sequence of the NGFI-B gene was determined, and it encodes a 61 kd protein with strong homologies to members of the glucocorticoid receptor gene family. The two regions of homology between NGFI-B and this family of ligand-dependent transcriptional activators are the region corresponding to the DNA-binding domain and the region comprising the ligand-binding domain near the COOH-terminus. NGFI-B, as a possible ligand-dependent transcriptional activator induced by NGF, may play a role in initiating NGFinduced differentiation.
Expression and sub‐cellular localization of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α in relation to postnatal development and malignancy of the prostate

BACKGROUND. C/EBPa is a critical mediator of terminal differentiation and a tumor suppressor through its strong antiproliferative actions on cell cycle regulatory proteins. C/EBPa also appears to regulate androgen receptor (AR) AR signaling. There, is a paucity of information on the expression and sub-cellular localization of C/EBPa in normal mouse and human prostate and in prostate cancer. METHODS. Immunohistochemistry of tissues including tissue arrays, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and mRNA expression database mining. RESULTS. In the mouse prostate epithelium, C/EBPa was present at 1 week postnatal localized in the cytosol, began to show nuclear localization at 8 weeks and continued to show prominent nuclear expression at 10 weeks and beyond; C/EBPa mRNA was expressed at all ages. In humans, C/EBPa showed prominent nuclear localization from peripubescence up to middle age but was sequestered in the cytosol in older individuals; the mRNA level for C/EBPa remained essentially unchanged. Most prostate adenocarcinomas expressed a range of levels of C/EBPa mRNA and protein that were relatively high in metastatic tumors in a manner that correlated with AR expression; however, most cells showed C/EBPa sequestered in the cytosol. CONCLUSIONS. Temporal changes in sub-cellular localization of C/EBPa are consistent with a role in prostate differentiation and as a prostate tumor suppressor; the cytoplasmic sequestration of C/EBPa, unique to older human prostates, is arguably a permissive condition for the greater frequency of proliferative disorders of the prostate. In malignant prostate C/EBPa may be available to regulate AR signaling through transient changes in its sub-cellular localization. Prostate 68: 1206–1214, 2008. # 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microfluidic perfusion system for automated delivery of temporal gradients to islets of Langerhans.

A microfluidic perfusion system was developed for automated delivery of stimulant waveforms to cells within the device. The 3-layer glass/polymer device contained two pneumatic pumps, a 12 cm mixing channel, and a 0.2 μL cell chamber. By altering the flow rate ratio of the pumps, a series of output concentrations could be produced while a constant 1.43 ± 0.07 μL/min flow rate was maintained. The output concentrations could be changed in time producing step gradients and other waveforms, such as sine and triangle waves, at different amplitudes and frequencies. Waveforms were analyzed by comparing the amplitude of output waveforms to the amplitude of theoretical waveforms. Below a frequency of 0.0098 Hz, the output waveforms had less than 20% difference than input waveforms. To reduce backflow of solutions into the pumps, the operational sequence of the valving program was modified, as well as differential etching of the valve seat depths. These modifications reduced backflow to the point that it was not de...
Chiral symmetry breaking in 2+1 dimensions due to sphalerons

In 2+1 dimensional gauge thories with $SU(N_c)$ color and $2N_f$ flavors of quarks in the fundamental representation, sphalerons, if present may lead to quark condensation and chiral symmetry breaking. The effect is similar to instanton induced chiral symmetry breaking in 3+1 dimensions and is due to the interaction of quark propagators with sphalerons. The existence of sphalerons requires that color symmetries be broken by a Higgs in the fundamental representation. We show that the sphaleron effect may persist for arbitrarily large $N_f$ but vanishes along with the mass of the gauge fields corresponding to broken generators of $SU(N_c)$. The effect is inherently non-Abelian and absent for QED.
Health Promotion in Latinos

This article provides a review of health promotion research conducted among Latinos. The authors examined 31 intervention studies promoting physical activity and/or healthy diet in Latino samples. ...
The impact of humorous media on attitudes toward persons with disabilities.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between disability-related humor and attitudes toward persons with disabilities in business students (i.e. “future employers”). Method: Students watched one of two films designed to reduce negative attitudes toward persons with disabilities (one humorous in tone and the other serious in tone) or no film at all, and completed a measure of attitudes toward persons with disabilities. Results: Results indicated that, after controlling for previous contact with persons with disabilities, age, and gender, students who watched the humorous film reported significantly more positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities. Conclusions: Disability humor may be an effective means of positively influencing attitudes toward persons with disabilities in future employers.Implications for RehabilitationThe acceptance and integration of persons with disabilities into society continues to be limited by negative attitudes.Previous research has shown that employers with positive attitu...
Some Perspectives on the Legal Liability of Group Counseling in Private Practice.

Abstract This article presents current perspectives on the legal liability of group counseling in private practice settings.
Analytical solutions for falling film absorption of ternary mixtures, part 1: Theory

Abstract Ternary mixtures have been shown to have the properties conducive to achieving enhanced performance when used in absorption heat pumps. In this paper the linearized theory of Toor (A.I.Ch.E. J. 1964, 10, 448–455) is used to calculate solutions for coupled heat and mass transfer in a falling film on a vertical cylindrical tube which is a candidate for the geometry of an absorber in a heat pump. As with earlier work performed for binary mixtures it is shown that mass transfer takes place in a thin liquid layer near the liquid-vapor interface provided that a dimensionless parameter involving the combination of flow rate and Schmidt number is small. The concept of mass transfer resistance is quantified through the definition of a mass transfer driving parameter which is assumed to be small for the present problem. An analytical solution for the mass absorbed is obtained for a wide range of physical parameters. Application to mixtures employed in the design of heat pumps is indicated and the generalization of the ternary mixture results to the case of multicomponent mixtures is apparent. Explicit results are presented for the case of a single component vapor and the application of the present work to the desorption process is shown to be immediate.
Brine recovery at industrial RO plants: Conceptual process design studies

Reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane plants used for brackish water (total dissolved solids (TDS) ¼ 500–10,000 ppm) desalination and industrial water (TDS ¼ 100–500 ppm) purification generate large quantities of concentrated brine that is a disposal problem, especially, when the plants are located inland. Increasingly, industrial plants are required to generate minimal liquid discharge in order to obtain plant operating licenses from their local governments. Because of high costs of disposing brine, and the need to reclaim and conserve water, primary RO (PRO) reject water is sometimes polished with a brine RO (BRO) system to recover additional potable water and reduce the volume of brine stream. Such PRO þ BRO hybrid systems can achieve overall product water recoveries (OPWR) of up to 90%. However, OPWR ≥ 95% are required. Several alternate NF and RO process flow designs were developed using membrane manufacturers’ performance projections software deploying reject data from industrial PRO...
Forecasting the impact of an 1859‐caliber superstorm on geosynchronous Earth‐orbiting satellites: Transponder resources

[1] We calculate the economic impact on the existing geosynchronous Earth-orbiting satellite population of an 1859-caliber superstorm event were it to occur between 2008 and 2018 during the next solar activity cycle. From a detailed model for transponder capacity and leasing, we have investigated the total revenue loss over the entire solar cycle, as a function of superstorm onset year and intensity. Our Monte Carlo simulations of 1000 possible superstorms, of varying intensity and onset year, suggest that the minimum revenue loss could be of the order of $30 billion. The losses would be larger than this if more that 20 satellites are disabled, if future launch rates do not keep up with the expected rate of retirements, or if the number of spare transponders falls below ∼30%. Consequently, revenue losses can be significantly reduced below $30 billion if the current satellite population undergoes net growth beyond 300 units during Solar Cycle 24 and a larger margin of unused transponders is maintained.
Inference of haplotypes from PCR-amplified samples of diploid populations.

Direct sequencing of genomic DNA from diploid individuals leads to ambiguities on sequencing gels whenever there is more than one mismatching site in the sequences of the two orthologous copies of a gene. While these ambiguities cannot be resolved from a single sample without resorting to other experimental methods (such as cloning in the traditional way), population samples may be useful for inferring haplotypes. For each individual in the sample that is homozygous for the amplified sequence, there are no ambiguities in the identification of the allele’s sequence. The sequences of other alleles can be inferred by taking the remaining sequence after “subtracting off’ the sequencing ladder of each known site. Details of the algorithm for extracting allelic sequences from such data are presented here, along with some population-genetic considerations that influence the likelihood for success of the method. The algorithm also applies to the problem of inferring haplotype frequencies of closely linked restriction-site polymorphisms.
Precision IPACS in the presence of dynamic uncertainty

An adaptive robust integrated power and attitude control system (IPACS) is presented for a variable speed control moment gyroscope (VSCMG)-actuated satellite. The developed IPACS method is capable of achieving precision attitude control while simultaneously achieving asymptotic power tracking for a rigid-body satellite in the presence of dynamic uncertainty in the VSCMG gimbals and wheels. In addition, the developed controller compensates for the effects of uncertain, time-varying satellite inertia properties. Some challenges encountered in the control design are that the control input is premultiplied by a non-square, time-varying, nonlinear, and uncertain matrix and is embedded in a discontinuous nonlinearity. Globally uniformly ultimately bounded attitude tracking and asymptotic power tracking results are proven via Lyapunov stability analysis.
Anemia is not yet an indication for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

help us take one step closer to that end point. ‘‘On-Pump Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Patients With Preoperative Anemia’’ offers a fresh perspective by examining the effect of off-pump coronary bypass in the patient with anemia. After a propensity-matched analysis, Paparella and colleagues 1 conclude, ‘‘In patients with low levels of preoperative hemoglobin, OPCAB was associated to lower early morbidity and mortality but to a greater risk of mortality during follow-up compared to on-pump.’’ On the basis of their data, this is a reasonable conclusion. Paparella and colleagues 1 also do a very good job of framing their results within contemporary reports. There are some observations that support what is emerging as ‘‘accepted’’ associations with OPCAB, including the following: a lower blood transfusion rate, fewer grafts, and a higher late mortality. A finding that is somewhat unique is the lower perioperative mortality in the OPCAB group (3.1% vs 6.1% on-pump). Although there are clearly some risk factors that yield perioperative benefit after OPCAB, the challenge is to determinewhether anemia is one of them. Anemia was classified as follows: (1) mild anemia if hemoglobin was 11.0 to 12.9 g/dL in male patients and 11.0 to 11.9 g/dL in female patients, (2) moderate anemia if hemoglobin was 8.0 to 10.9 in patients of either sex, and (3) severe anemia if hemoglobin was lower than 8.0 g/dL in patients of either sex. Anemia was mild in 651 patients (69.3%), moderate in 283 (30.1%), and severe in 5 (0.5%). Only 36.2% of the entire population of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting had anemia. Preoperative anemia has been established as a factor that increases the perioperative risk of cardiac surgery. 2 Previously, this group has reported the detrimental effect of preoperative anemia and its contribution to mortality above and beyond the euroSCORE II, with mortalities of 3.4% in patients without anemia, 7.7% in patients with mild anemia, and 15.7% in patients with moderate to severe anemia. 3 They also cite Boening and colleagues’ report 4 of a 12.9% 30-day mortality in patients with anemia who have undergone on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus 2.2% of those without anemia. 4
Assessment of Vibrotactile Feedback on Postural Stability During Pseudorandom Multidirectional Platform Motion

This study uses frequency-domain techniques and stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) to investigate the effect of vibrotactile feedback during continuous multidirectional perturbations of a support platform. Eight subjects with vestibular deficits were subjected to two-axis pseudorandom surface platform motion while donning a multiaxis vibrotactile feedback device that mapped body tilt estimates onto their torsos via a 3-row by 16-column array of tactile vibrators (tactors). Four tactor display configurations with spatial resolutions ranging between 22.5° and 90°, in addition to the tactors off configuration, were evaluated. Power spectral density functions of body sway in the anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) directions, and transfer functions between platform motion and body sway, were computed at frequencies ranging from 0.0178 to 3.56 Hz. Cross-spectral analysis revealed that the A/P responses were not significantly driven by M/L inputs, and vice versa, thus supporting the notion of independent A/P and M/L postural control. Vibrotactile feedback significantly decreased A/P and M/L spectral power, decreased transfer function gains up to a frequency of 1.8 and 0.6 Hz in the A/P and M/L directions, respectively, and increased phase leads above 0.3 Hz. SDA showed significantly decreased transition time for both A/P and M/L tilts, and decreased transition displacement and short-term diffusion coefficients for A/P tilt. However, the spatial resolution of the tactor displays did not affect subjects' performance, thereby supporting the use of a lower spatial resolution display in future device designs.
Race, Class, and Attitudes Toward Crime Control The Views of the African American Middle Class

This study uses data from the 1996 General Social Survey to examine how the race, class, and ethclass perspectives account for middle-class African Americans' support toward four policyrelated dimensions of crime control. Findings vary across the dimensions and provide support for the race and ethclass perspectives. In particular, racial effects are pronounced across dimensions that involve daily contact with law enforcement agents and are muted by incumbency in a privileged class position across dimensions that do not involve daily contact with them. Overall, findings suggest the African American middle class is, in principle, at least as invested in crime control as White peers, but mistrust of its implementation explains lower levels of support than that of the White middle class. Implications concerning how the crime control issue constitutes a source of division across racial lines among the middle class are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered.
Above the Fray? The Use of Party System References in Presidential Rhetoric

Examining communication items from four presidents, we find that presidents link themselves to the party system rhetorically. Employment of party references is tested against recurrent features of the office and shifts in the political environment, including presidential approval, partisan independence, presidential successes and defeats in Congress, and the presence of divided government. Presidents strategically employ party system references with regard to audience and calendar. We find greater support for the rhetorical president as politician rather than as statesman above the fray, and we consider our findings in relation to the concept of political time. These findings suggest rethinking accounts of the contemporary presidency that presume that presidents determinedly place themselves “above politics” and “beyond party” when crafting their communications imagery. The relationship between the president and political parties has generated significant scholarly controversy. Prominent proponents of responsible political parties have argued that presidents provide critically important party leadership (Burns 1963; Schattschneider 1942). Other scholars have worried about the impact of presidential power on the broader party system (Coleman 1996; Milkis 1993). Some analysts show that presidents seek to present themselves as beyond the clutches of party; others suggest that presidents are inherently engaged in the construction and reconstruction of party systems and consider party “ownership” of issues as they formulate electoral strategy (Geer 1998; Kernell 1986; Skowronek 1993; Petrocik 1996).
Decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents with a single multi-functional material

We report the synthesis of new polymers based on a dimethylacrylamide-methacrylate (DMAA-MA) co-polymer backbone that support both chemical and biological agent decontamination. Polyurethanes containing the redox enzymes glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase can convert halide ions into active halogens and exert striking bactericidal activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. New materials combining those biopolymers with a family of N-alkyl 4-pyridinium aldoxime (4-PAM) halide-acrylate co-polymers offer both nucleophilic activity for the detoxification of organophosphorus nerve agents and internal sources of halide ions for generation of biocidal activity. Generation of free bromine and iodine was observed in the combined material resulting in bactericidal activity of the enzymatically formed free halogens that caused complete kill of E. coli (>6 log units reduction) within 1 h at 37 degrees C. Detoxification of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) by the polyDMAA MA-4-PAM iodide component was dose-dependent reaching 85% within 30 min. A subset of 4-PAM-halide co-polymers was designed to serve as a controlled release reservoir for N-hydroxyethyl 4-PAM (HE 4-PAM) molecules that reactivate nerve agent-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Release rates for HE 4-PAM were consistent with hydrolysis of the HE 4-PAM from the polymer backbone. The HE 4-PAM that was released from the polymer reactivated DFP-inhibited AChE at a similar rate to the oxime antidote 4-PAM.
Intestinal adaptation and enterocyte apoptosis following small bowel resection is p53 independent.

Adaptation following small bowel resection (SBR) signals enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Because p53-induced p21 waf1/cip1 may be important for apoptosis in many cells, we hypothesized that...