cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Signal Transduction Pathway

Analysis of the Ah Receptor Signal Transduction Pathway (Michael S. Denison, Jane M. Rohers, S. Renee Rushing. Carol L. Jones, Selwyna C. Tetangico, and Sharon Heath-Pagliuso, University of California, Davis, California).The protocols in this unit will allow researchers to detect the Ah receptor and characterize its functional activities (i.e., ligand binding, transformation and DNA binding, and gene expression) in their biological test system and to use these methods to detect chemical and biochemical events that affect this signaling system.
Daidzein and Genistein Glucuronides In Vitro Are Weakly Estrogenic and Activate Human Natural Killer Cells at Nutritionally Relevant Concentrations

Daidzein and genistein glucuronides (DG and GG), major isoflavone metabolites, may be partly responsible for biological effects of isoflavones, such as estrogen receptor binding and natural killer cell (NK) activation or inhibition. DG and GG were synthesized using 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat liver microsomes. The Km and Vmax for daidzein and genistein were 9.0 and 7.7 micromol/L, and 0.7 and 1.6 micromol/(mg protein. min), respectively. The absence of ultraviolet absorbance maxima shifts in the presence of sodium acetate confirmed that the synthesized products were 7-O-glucuronides. DG and GG were further purified by a Sephadex LH-20 column. DG and GG competed with the binding of 17beta-(3H) estradiol to estrogen receptors of B6D2F1 mouse uterine cytosol. The concentrations required for 50% displacement of 17beta-(3H) estradiol (CB50) were: 17beta-estradiol, 1.34 nmol/L; diethylstilbestrol, 1.46 nmol/L; daidzein, 1.6 micromol/L; DG, 14.7 micromol/L; genistein, 0.154 micromol/L; GG, 7.27 micromol/L. In human peripheral blood NK cells, genistein at 0.5 micromol/L, genistein inhibited NK cytotoxicity significantly (P < 0.05). The glucuronides only inhibited NK cytotoxicity at 50 micromol/L. Isoflavones, and especially the isoflavone glucuronides, enhanced activation of NK cells by interleukin-2 (IL-2), additively. At physiological concentrations, DG and GG were weakly estrogenic, and they activated human NK cells in nutritionally relevant concentrations in vitro, probably at a site different from IL-2 action.
Use of the donor bladder trigone to facilitate pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation

We performed three cases of donor bladder trigone facilitated transplantation using pediatric en bloc kidneys into adult recipients. The donors were aged 11, 21, and 23 months; two of the donors were male, and the other was a female. In each case, the donor bladder was removed and the trigone was fashioned into a patch that contained both ureters, which was attached to the recipient anterior bladder wall. The recipients of the two male donor transplants healed and have normal voiding with no evidence of vesico-ureteral reflux. At 14 and 12 months, they have a creatinine of 1.2 and 1.0 mg/dL. The recipient of the female donor transplant developed a pelvic abscess, which necessitated reconstruction of the donor ureters and patch. She is now nine months with a creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL and voiding well. The use of the donor bladder trigone to facilitate pediatric en bloc transplantation can be carried out safely using the male donor urinary tract. However, the use of a female donor for this procedure may be a special circumstance requiring increased attention to sterilize the small donor introitus and avoiding devascularization of the bladder trigone that is adherent to the anterior vaginal wall.
First‐flowering dates of plants in the Northern Great Plains

Phenological observations of plant flowering patterns provide useful information for studying the ecological impact of global climate change over long-term periods. However, the long-term data sets with which meaningful comparisons can be made are rare, especially in the less-populated Northern Great Plains region of North America. Here we present the observations of first-flowering time of native and nonnative plant species in North Dakota and Minnesota over the course of 51 years in the last century. Orin A. Stevens recorded the first-flowering time of 753 species in the vicinity of Fargo, North Dakota, USA, and throughout North Dakota from 1910 to 1961. These data offer baseline indications of both the timing of first flowering and the presence/absence for a wide variety of plants in a region of North America with a relatively short growing season. The complete data sets corresponding to abstracts published in the Data Papers section of the journal are published electronically in Ecological Archives at http://esapubs.org/archive. (The accession number for each Data Paper is givendirectly beneath the title.)
High dielectric permittivity of ceramic and single-crystal PrBa 2 Cu 3 O x

A study of the dielectric response as a function of frequency (${10}^{2--}$${10}^{6}$ Hz) and temperature (4.2--300 K) in ceramic and c-axis-oriented single-crystal samples of ${\mathrm{PrBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathit{x}}$ reveals dielectric constants g${10}^{3}$ at low frequencies in both cases but in different temperature regimes. High-frequency (0.2--20 GHz) measurements of the ceramic sample at room temperature show a loss peak and suggest a relaxation process for the polarization mechanism with characteristic time \ensuremath{\tau}=0.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}9}$ s, which is near the electrical diffusivity time. For the single crystal the large polarizability results from a thermally activated process with an activation energy of 0.28 eV and an attempt frequency ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{0}$ of about ${10}^{9}$ Hz at 300 K. Our results show that the high dielectric constant may be a common feature of the 1:2:3-structure oxide family, and that the previously discovered ordering of the Cu spins at T\ensuremath{\sim}300 K in ${\mathrm{PrBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathit{x}}$ may be accompanied by near ferroelectric polarizability.
Diffractive optics in nonlinear media with periodic structure

The diffraction of time-harmonic waves in a nonlinear medium with periodic structure is studied in this paper. In particular second harmonic generation – an important phenomenon in nonlinear optics-is modelled. The model, derived from a general nonlinear system of Maxwell's equations, is shown to have a unique solution for all but a discrete number of frequencies. The problem is solved numerically by combining a method of finite elements and a fixed-point iteration scheme. Numerical experiments for some simple grating structures are presented and discussed.
Relationship between acetylcholine and local anesthetics.

Abstract The effects of acetylcholine, local anesthetics and intermediary forms on the excitable membrane of the monocellular electroplax preparation have been investigated. It has been shown that small modifications of structure may markedly modify the effects on the electrical parameters and transform the activator into an inhibitor. 1. 1. Acetylcholine (2.5 μM) has a strong depolarizing action. This action is, however, limited to the synaptic membrane. The depolarization of the conducting membrane is known to be a spread of depolarization from the synapse; the compound does not reach the conducting membrane even in high concentrations. 2. 2. If the methyl on the carbon of the carbonyl group is replaced by cyclohexyl (hexahydrobenzoylcholine), the depolarizing action is markedly decreased, by a factor of 200, but the fundamental properties are still similar to acetylcholine. Combined with carbamylcholine in low concentration it has an additive effect. 3. 3. If the methyl is replaced by a phenyl radical (benzoylcholine) a marked change of the properties of the molecule in regard to its action on the excitable membrane is observed. The depolarizing action is similar to that of hexahydrobenzoylcholine, but it also exhibits some inhibitory effects. It counteracts the depolarizing action of carbamylcholine. Moreover, in contrast to acetylcholine and hexahydrobenzoylcholine, benzoylcholine blocks the directly evoked action potential in the presence of curare. The presence of the phenyl radical but not its saturated analog enables the compound to penetrate the barriers surrounding the conducting membrane. The compound may be considered as the transitory form between acetylcholine and the local anesthetics. 4. 4. The tertiary analogue of benzoylcholine has no depolarizing effect but only a weak inhibitory action on the synaptic membrane. 5. 5. Replacing the phenyl by a p-aminophenyl radical (procaine, tetracaine, etc.) deprives the compound of its depolarizing action. These compounds are receptor inhibitors. Their ability to penetrate through the barriers protecting the conducting membrane is greatly increased. These compounds block all excitable membranes, but without depolarization, hence their usefulness as local anesthetics. These studies offer a further elucidation of the mode of action of local anesthetics and their close relationship to acetylcholine.
Acid dissociation of cyclooctaamylose

Abstract Acid dissociation constants of aqueous cyclooctaamylose (8-Cy) have been determined at 15–45°C by pH potentiometry. Standard enthalpies and entropies of dissociation are derived from the temperature dependences of these p K a 's. These results are compared to corresponding measurements of aqueous cyclohexaamylose and cycloheptaamylose, and the observed trends are interpreted in terms of complexation of cycloamylose with hydroxide ion. 13 C-nmr spectral measurements are reported for 8-Cy in 99.8% D 2 O solution, and assignments of the observed lines are made with the help of deuterium-induced differential isotopic shift experiments.
Designing fully continuous phase screens for tailoring focal-plane irradiance profiles

An iterative algorithm for constructing fully continuous phase screens for tailoring far-field intensity profiles is presented. The algorithm is robust, stable, and, if run properly, maintains the continuous nature of the phase throughout the iterative process. The iterative procedure is applied to generate continuous phase screens to produce a 12th-power super-Gaussian far-field intensity profile.
A semiotic perspective on reading picture books: The case of Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse

Abstract This article integrates semiotic and socio-psycholinguistic theories to problematize the definition of reading as the conscious or unconscious recall of words as a prerequisite for comprehension. Through an examination of the repeated miscue of the verb wind and the adjective wind-up in Lionni's picture book Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse , this article will address (1) how some readers, although they may read with accuracy, can lack a satisfactory understanding of what they have read, and (2) how some readers who do not read accurately are nevertheless able to demonstrate story comprehension. The article next compares two readers to contend that reading involves semiotic work as readers select from the semiotic resources available to them in the process of constructing meaning. In addition, this article will explore the implications of this study for educators.
De novo asymmetric synthesis of homoadenosine via a palladium-catalyzed N-glycosylation.

A highly stereoselective synthesis of l-2-deoxy-β-ribo-hexopyranosyl nucleosides from 6-chloropurine and Boc-protected pyranone has been developed. Our approach relies on the iterative application of a palladium-catalyzed N-glycosylation, diastereoselective reduction, and reductive 1,3-transposition. This strategy is amenable to prepare various natural and unnatural hexopyranosyl nucleosides analogues.
The need for and meaning of positive organizational behavior

This essay draws from the emerging positive psychology movement and the author's recent articles on the need for and meaning of a positive approach to organizational behavior. Specifically, the argument is made that at this time, the OB field needs a proactive, positive approach emphasizing strengths, rather than continuing in the downward spiral of negativity trying to fix weaknesses. However, to avoid the surface positivity represented by the non-sustainable best-sellers, the case is made for positive organizational behavior (POB) to take advantage of the OB field's strength of being theory and research driven. Additional criteria for this version of POB are to identify unique, state-like psychological capacities that can not only be validly measured, but also be open to development and performance management. Confidence, hope, and resiliency are offered as meeting such POB inclusion criteria. The overall intent of the essay is to generate some positive thinking and excitement for the OB field and ‘hopefully’ stimulate some new theory building, research, and effective application. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin-rotation interaction of noble-gas alkali-metal atom pairs

Recent experimental data show that the spin-rotation coupling for alkali-metal-noble-gas van der Waals molecules is mainly due to the spin-orbit interaction of the alkali-metal valence electron within the core of the noble gas. We present a simple formula which accounts very well for the systematic variation of the spin-rotation interaction with different noble-gas or alkali-metal atoms.
Simulation of Amplitude/Phase Nonlinearities of a Satellite Communication Terminal using Quasi-Statistical Network Modeling

When transmission elements or components are cascaded and inter-connected with cables or waveguides, with mismatches at the junctions, it is possible to predict the transmission (amplitude and phase) response from a network model. The response T(j?) is composed of a deterministic component in the form of the gain functions G k (j?) and the random ripple caused by reflections (parameter Di(j?)) at the discontinuities. The reflections, expressed by recurring polynomial functions, have been generalized to include reciprocity at the discontinuities. Corrective factors Ca and Cb have been included in the model to correct for errors in VSWR measurements of cables and waveguides. The principles were illustrated by an example for the case of a waveguide network where the objective was to implement an isolator to effectively reduce mismatch nonlinearties. Finally, transmission nonlinearity performance of a medium satellite earth terminal consisting of 20 cascaded components was analyzed and it was shown with actual test data that the results of analysis were comparable.
Quantification of neurons in the myenteric plexus: an evaluation of putative pan-neuronal markers

Accurate estimates of the total number of neurons located in the wall of the gut are essential for studies of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Though several stains and antibodies are used routinely as pan-neuronal markers, controversies of relative sensitivity and completeness have been difficult to resolve, at least in part because comparisons often must be made across experiments and laboratories. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of four putative pan-neuronal markers for the ENS, under comparable conditions. Neurons in the myenteric plexus of wholemounts taken from the small intestines of Fischer 344 rats were stained using Cuprolinic Blue, anti-HuC/D, anti-protein gene product 9.5, or FluoroGold injections followed by permanent labeling with an antibody to the FluoroGold molecule. All four markers had useful features, but both protein gene product 9.5 and FluoroGold were found to be problematic for obtaining reliable counts. As a result, only neurons labeled with either Cuprolinic Blue or anti-HuC/D were compared quantitatively. Based on counts from permanently labeled tissue, Cuprolinic Blue and HuC/D were similarly effective in labeling all neurons. Because the two protocols have different strengths and weaknesses, Cuprolinic Blue and HuC/D provide a complementary set of labels to study the total neuronal population of the ENS.
"Fifth business": The librarian, the criminal justice scholar, and the search for primary sources

Traditional conceptions of the role of the librarian in the research process are generally limited to viewing this resource as a means of assisting in the location of supporting secondary materials. In contrast to this, the view presented here is concerned only with the several ways in which the librarian can play a more active part in the overall process by helping to identify research models and methods and collections of primary materials appropriate to the project at hand. Particular attention is paid to the growing importance of libraries as archival repositories by including in their holdings various of the many collections of archives now available in microform. Computerized bibliographic data bases are considered, but only in the context of their potential as sources of primary data. Finally, some discussion is given of collections of primary materials in machine-readable form, and how these may be surveyed and exploited most effectively through the systematic use of relevant bibliographic sources.
Comparing the supply of pediatric subspecialists and child neurologists.

Objective To examine physician workforce characteristics and workforce projections of one vulnerable pediatric subspecialty, child neurology, and compare this subspecialty with other pediatric subspecialties, general pediatrics, and adult neurology. Study design National survey of child neurologists compared with other pediatric specialties in the Community Tracking Study Physician Survey (CTS) and the American Medical Association (AMA) Masterfile, and input-output workforce projections. Results Child neurologists are more likely than other specialists to report that the complexity or severity of patients' conditions at the time of referral is less than it should be and that the number of patients being referred to them has increased. Projections of the future workforce reveal that by 2022 the number of pediatric subspecialists and pediatricians will increase substantially, to almost 180% and 150% of the current workforce, respectively. Among child neurologists and adult neurologists, practicing physicians will be only 109% and 105% of the current workforce by 2022. Conclusions Child neurologists are more likely to face future workforce shortages than other pediatric subspecialists. To reduce future shortages, recruitment efforts need to be concentrated on the at-risk subspecialties such as child neurology. In the short-term, addressing the high prevalence of inappropriate low-acuity referrals to child neurologists may ease the gap between supply and demand.
Magnetic and orbital orders coupled to negative thermal expansion in Mott insulators Ca 2 Ru 1 − x M x O 4 ( M = Mn and Fe)

Ca2RuO4 is a structurally driven Mott insulator with a metal-insulator transition at T-MI = 357K, followed by a well-separated antiferromagnetic order at T-N = 110 K. Slightly substituting Ru with a 3d transition metal ion M effectively shifts T-MI by wea
Knowledge of results for motor learning : Relationship between error estimation and knowledge of results frequency

Abstract The authors of the present study investigated the apparent contradiction between early and more recent views of knowledge of results (KR), the idea that how one is engaged before receiving KR may not be independent of how one uses that KR. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, participants (N = 64) practiced a simple force-production task and (a) were required, or not required, to estimate error about their previous response and (b) were provided KR either after every response (100%) or after every 5th response (20%) during acquisition. A no-KR retention test revealed an interaction between acquisition error estimation and KR frequencies. The group that received 100% KR and was required to error estimate during acquisition performed the best during retention. The 2 groups that received 20% KR performed less well. Finally, the group that received 100% KR and was not required to error estimate during acquisition performed the poorest during retention. One general interpretation of that pattern of results is...
Successive Fourier transformation with an achromatic interferometer.

Two successive Fourier transformations using grating interferometers result in an incoherent, achromatic, lensless imaging process. Experimental results are given.
Prediction and Explanation of Aging Shrinkage in Tape-Cast Ceramic Green Sheets

A simple test to predict linear shrinkage of tape-cast green sheets as a function of time was developed. Shrinkage was found to correlate inversely with the amount of organic phase bound to ceramic particle surfaces. The test was developed for alumina green tapes with acrylic binder. The correlation was found to be independent of the medium used for the two slurry systems evaluated, water and toluene/ethanol. Treatments developed to dimensionally stabilize green sheets reduced shrinkage after 35 days of aging to less than 0.15%. Stabilization treatments involved heating and/or polymer swelling which facilitated the binding of organic phase to alumina particles, causing the tape to be in a more relaxed state.
Elastic solids with many cracks: A simple method of analysis

Abstract A simple method of stress analysis in elastic solids with many cracks is proposed. It is based on the superposition technique and the ideas of self-consistency applied to the average tractions on individual cracks. The method is applicable to both two- and three-dimensional crack arrays of arbitrary geometry. It yields approximate analytical solutions for the stress intensity factors (SIFs) accurate up to quite close distances between cracks. It is also suggested how a full stress field can be approximately constructed. Applications to a configuration “crack-microcrack array” and to a problem of effective elastic properties of a solid with cracks are considered.
Laminar secondary flows in curved rectangular ducts

The occurrence of secondary flow in curved ducts due to the centrifugal forces can often significantly influence the flow rate. In the present work, the secondary flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in a curved duct is studied by using a finite-volume method. It is shown that as the Dean number is increased the secondary flow structure evolves into a double vortex pair for low-aspect-ratio ducts and roll cells for ducts of high aspect ratio. A stability diagram is obtained in the domain of curvature ratio and Reynolds number. It is found that for ducts of high curvature the onset of transition from single vortex pair to double vortex pair or roll cells depends on the Dean number and the curvature ratio, while for ducts of small curvature the onset can be characterized by the Dean number alone. A comparison with the available theoretical and experimental results indicates good agreement. A correlation for the friction factor as a function of the Dean number and aspect ratio is developed and is found to be in good agreement with the available experimental and computational results for a wide range of parameters.
Twelve-month-old infants anticipatorily plan their actions according to expected object weight in a novel motor context.

Planning actions in anticipation of object weight is fundamental to skilled action production. The present study investigated whether infants can apply weight information gained from direct actions on objects in order to plan their actions according to object weight in a novel and indirect motor context. In the present study, two groups of 12-month-old infants were provided with experience acting directly on two blocks of different weights and colors (70 g versus 470 g; red versus yellow). Subsequently, infants were administered a novel task in which the same blocks (standard condition; n = 60), or blocks of the reversed color-weight pairings (switch condition; n = 60), were placed out-of-reach, on top of a cloth, and infants were encouraged to retrieve the block by acting on the cloth. Infants in the switch condition produced more failed cloth pulls when retrieving the 470 g block, due to inadequate generation of anticipatory force, relative to infants in the standard condition. This demonstrates that infants’ force on the cloth was prospectively generated based on their mental representation of the supported block’s weight, which was formed through their previous direct actions on the object. Thus, infants use information about the weight of an object in order to anticipate how to obtain that object in a novel and indirect problem-solving context.
Narcotic prescribing habits and other methods of pain control by oral and maxillofacial surgeons after impacted third molar removal.

Purpose It has been suggested that a source of narcotics used for nonmedical purposes by young adults is the unused opioids prescribed for the management of pain after the removal of impacted third molars. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether oral and maxillofacial surgeons routinely prescribe larger amounts of a narcotic than would generally be needed for adequate postoperative pain control. A secondary goal was to determine whether they use methods other than analgesic drugs to minimize postoperative pain and thereby reduce the amount of narcotic that might be needed. Patients and Methods An 8-question survey was sent to 100 randomly selected oral and maxillofacial surgeon members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in each of the 6 association districts. The questions asked were related to whether a narcotic was routinely prescribed for patients who have had impacted teeth removed, the most common drug used, and the dosage and number of tablets prescribed. The participants were also asked whether they had pretreated patients with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or had prescribed one along with the narcotic, had injected a steroid, or had used a long-lasting local anesthetic postoperatively. Results Only 2 of the 384 respondents stated that they did not prescribe a narcotic for patients who had had impacted teeth removed. Hydrocodone (5 mg) was the most frequently prescribed narcotic. The number of tablets varied from 10 to 40, but the most common number was 20 tablets. However, 80 respondents (22%) prescribed more, with 40 prescribing 30 tablets. Also, 80% of the respondents injected their patients with a steroid, and 62% injected a long-lasting local anesthetic postoperatively. Only 34% pretreated their patients with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but 66% recommended such use postoperatively. Conclusions Most oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribe analgesic drugs of an appropriate type and dosage and use proper adjunctive pain control measures to supplement these drugs. However, our findings also indicated that more than 20% prescribe more tablets than would generally be necessary to control the postoperative pain after the removal of impacted third molars. This could be a source of drug diversion and nonmedical use by young adults and should be avoided.
Liver enzyme values in injection drug users with chronic hepatitis C.

Abstract Background. Liver enzymes fluctuate in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. However, the range that can be attributed to the course of hepatitis C virus (versus an intercurrent cause of hepatitis) is unknown. Aims. To characterise the range of liver enzyme values as a function of the upper limit of normal (ULN) of the assay among persons chronically infected with hepatitis C virus. Patients. One thousand and fifty-nine hepatitis C virus chronically infected individuals with ≥5 semi-annual evaluations. Methods. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were prospectively obtained. Potential causes of elevations were examined using serologic testing. Results. Among 1059 individuals, 11,463 enzyme measurements were obtained over 6.5 years, of which 63.5% were 10× ULN. Elevations >10× ULN were transient, the alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio tended to be different at the time of the elevation compared to before and after and 24% were associated with acute viral hepatitis. On the other hand, subjects with elevations 5–10× ULN tended to have elevated levels throughout follow-up and only 8% were associated with acute viral hepatitis. Conclusions. Liver enzymes fluctuate up to 5× ULN in most hepatitis C virus-infected persons; clinicians should seek alternate explanations for those with higher alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels, especially among hepatitis C virus-infected persons with greater than 10-fold elevations.
A mucoadhesive in situ gel delivery system for paclitaxel

MUC1 gene encodes a transmembrane mucin glycoprotein that is overexpressed in human breast cancer and colon cancer. The objective of this study was to develop an in situ gel delivery system containing paclitaxel (PTX) and mucoadhesives for sustained and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. The delivery system consisted of chitosan and glyceryl monooleate (GMO) in 0.33M citric acid containing PTX. The in vitro release of PTX from the gel was performed in presence and absence of Tween 80 at drug loads of 0.18%, 0.30%, and 0.54% (wt/wt), in Sorensen’s phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37°C. Different mucin-producing cell lines (Calu-3>Caco-2) were selected for PTX transport studies. Transport of PTX from solution and gel delivery system was performed in side by side diffusion chambers from apical to basal (A-B) and basal to apical (B-A) directions. In vitro release studies revealed that within 4 hours, only 7.61%±0.19%, 12.0%±0.98%, 31.7%±0.40% of PTX were released from 0.18%, 0.30%, and 0.54% drugloaded gel formulation, respectively, in absence of Tween 80. However, in presence of surfactant (0.05% wt/vol) in the dissolution medium, percentages of PTX released were 28.1%±4.35%, 44.2%±6.35%, and 97.1%±1.22%, respectively. Paclitaxel has shown a polarized transport in all the cell monolayers with B-A transport 2 to 4 times higher than in the A-B direction. The highest mucin-producing cell line (Calu-3) has shown the lowest percentage of PTX transport from gels as compared with Caco-2 cells. Transport of PTX from mucoadhesive gels was shown to be influenced by the mucin-producing capability of cell.
First-crossing probabilities of the linear oscillator

Abstract A classical problem of considerable practical importance is to determine the probability p1(T) dT that the absolute value of a random vibration surpasses a threshold for the first time during the interval from T to T + dT. The first-crossing density p1(T) is intimately related to the probability W(T) that the maximum absolute value of the vibration during the interval T remains smaller than the threshold. A variety of analytical approximations to p1(T) for the linear oscillator are described and compared with results obtained by simulation and numerical methods. Attention is focused on cases where the mean time to passage is very long in comparison with the natural period of the oscillator. First-crossing probabilities for envelopes of the oscillator response are also discussed.
Cocrystallization and polymer miscibility

Low-density polyethylene was blended in various proportions with an ethylene/propylene/1,4-hexadiene copolymer having an ethylene/propylene mole ratio of 4.5 and a low level of crystallinity. The DSC melting peak of polyethylene was decreased, the unit cell was expanded, and the spherulitic development was disturbed. The temperature of a dynamic mechanical loss peak varied smoothly with composition between the Tg of the copolymer and the β-relaxation of the polyethylene, but the glass temperature of the copolymer measured by DSC was unchanged. These effects were all diminished when the ethylene/propylene ratio of the copolymer was reduced. Blends with highdensity polyethylene showed little depression of the melting point or change in crystal structure and much less effect on the dynamic mechanical behavior. However, the behavior of copolymers of ethylene with low levels of vinyl acetate or methyl methacrylate was similar to that of low-density polyethylene. Therefore, the ability to cocrystallize is an important factor for limiting the tendency of nonpolar polymers to separate, thereby facilitating the preparation of blends with desirable combinations of properties.
Specific activity of trypsin

Trypsin has been fractionated electrophoret ically on cellulose acet ate into four tones. The lead zone, which contains the tryptic activity, was treated with specific substrate for enzyme activity and with the Lowry test for protein content. Specific activity of pure trypsin appears to be slightly greater than 8000 N.F. u./mg. Unexpected interference from commercial cellulose acet ate was found with the protein test; this was reduced to a practical level. The phenomenon of tailing of protein in electrophoresis was studied.
Genomic imprinting and Wilms' tumor

The selective loss of maternal and reduplication of paternal chromosome 11p15.5 alleles in Wilms' tumors (WTs) points to the existence of a paternally imprinted tumor suppressor gene(s) and/or a maternally imprinted dose-dependent growth-promoting gene(s) in this chromosomal region. Two reciprocally imprinted chromosome 11p15.5 genes, H19, a candidate tumor suppressor gene, and IGF2, a candidate dominant oncogene, have been well-characterized in terms of their imprinting and expression status in WTs. Here we review and extend data indicating that a majority of WTs show a bipaternal epigenotype at these loci, with H19 inactive and IGF2 biallelically active. This can arise either through loss of heterozygosity (LOH) or by a non-LOH pathway involving localized biallelic hypermethylation of H19 DNA. Conversion to this bipaternal endpoint has recently been found to affect not only these two genes, but also at least one other imprinted 11p15.5 gene, KIP2. Since 11p15.5 LOH and biallelic H19 hypermethylation can occur both early and late in tumor progression and since early loss is not associated with bilaterality or multifocality of WTs, these types of lesions appear to be permissive rather than rate-limiting in Wilms' tumorigenesis.
Improved gap-repair cloning method that uses oligonucleotides to target cognate sequences.

In vivo or gap-repair cloning in yeast has been widely recognized as one of the most efficient means for error-free construction of plasmids. A protocol is described here that allows easy and efficient gap-repair cloning that is based on two major modifications. Instead of subcloning, the targeting plasmids are constructed using oligonucleotides from sequences derived from the upstream and downstream sequences of the fragment to be cloned. These sequences are selected so that they can lead to the generation of recognition sites for restriction enzymes that produce blunt ends. Accordingly, this procedure can be applied to any DNA fragment, regardless of whether these include unique restriction sites to generate the targeting ends. With the strategy described, ∼50 bp upstream and downstream targeting ends are generated that allow efficient cloning. Further, to allow easy identification of the positive clones, the annealed oligonucleotides are cloned in frame with the lacZ fragment present in the plasmid. Accordingly, these plasmids produce blue Escherichia coli colonies on media containing X-Gal. On the other hand, plasmids rescued from yeast that have acquired the respective cognate sequences produce white colonies. To demonstrate the efficiency of the method, this report includes the cloning of fragments harbouring the CDC28, CAK1, CIN5 and CLB2 genes. We found that 30–100% of the analysed plasmids carried the expected inserts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital and Analog Designers Spar at ISSCC Evening Panel Session

After Tom Lee's rousing "Welcome Geeks" address to a packed room, six well-known panelists immediately differed on "What is Digital RF?" Once the floor was opened, proponents and denigrators of RF technology stepped up to the mike; no one wanted the fight to end. At last, the answer was neither "zero" nor "one." The debate on "digital RF - reality or marketing hype?" promises to rage on.
Pumping tests in non-uniform aquifers — the linear strip case

Abstract Many pumping tests are performed in geologic settings that can be conceptualized as a linear infinite strip of one material embedded in a matrix of differing flow properties. A semi-analytical solution is presented to aid the analysis of drawdown data obtained from pumping tests performed in settings that can be represented by such a conceptual model. Integral transform techniques are employed to obtain a solution in transform space that can be numerically inverted to real space. Examination of the numerically transformed solution reveals several interesting features of flow in this configuration. If the transmissivity of the strip is much higher than that of the matrix, linear and bilinear flow are the primary flow regimes during a pumping test. If the contrast between matrix and strip properties is not as extreme, then radial flow should be the primary flow mechanism. Sensitivity analysis is employed to develop insight into the controls on drawdown in this conceptual model and to demonstrate the importance of temporal and spatial placement of observations. Changes in drawdown are sensitive to the transmissivity of the strip for a limited time duration. After that time, only the total drawdown remains a function of strip transmissivity. In the case of storativity, both the total drawdown and changes in drawdown are sensitive to the storativity of the strip for a time of quite limited duration. After that time, essentially no information can be gained about the storage properties of the strip from drawdown data. An example analysis is performed using data previously presented in the literature to demonstrate the viability of the semi-analytical solution and to illustrate a general procedure for analysis of drawdown data in complex geologic settings. This example reinforces the importance of observation well placement and the time of data collection in constraining parameter correlation, a major source of the uncertainty that arises in the parameter estimation procedure.
“Epileptic” brain damage in rats induced by sustained electrical stimulation of the perforant path. I. Acute electrophysiological and light microscopic studies

Sustained electrical stimulation of the perforant path in urethane-anesthetized rats evoked hippocampal granule cell population spikes and epileptiform discharges. After stimulation, recurrent inhibition in the granule cell layer was abolished. Light microscopic analysis revealed a highly reproducible pattern of hippocampal damage to dentate pyramidal basket cells, hilar cells in general and CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells. CA2 pyramidal cells and dentate granule cells were relatively unaffected. When perforant path stimulation on one side of the brain evoked bilateral granule cell discharges, damage was bilateral. Unilateral hippocampal seizures were associated with unilateral hippocampal damage. Rapid Golgi-stained hippocampi exhibited spherical dendritic swellings at the sites of termination of excitatory entorhinal afferents to the hippocampus and in the mossy fiber region. Electrical stimulation of a single excitatory afferent to the hippocampus appears to reproduce the "epileptic" pattern of hippocampal damage without using convulsant drugs and without causing motor convulsions. It is suggested that seizure-associated brain damage is caused by excessive pre-synaptic release of excitatory transmitter that induces intracellular post-synaptic changes that lead to dendritic swelling and cell death.
Lovastatin alters the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in acute myelogenous leukemia cells in vivo

Lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), is used therapeutically to lower plasma cholesterol levels and has garnered attention for its cytotoxic effects in leukemia cells. In this study, escalating doses of lovastatin were administered to nine patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. Peripheral blood leukemia cells were drawn pre- and post-lovastatin dosing. Plasma lovastatin bioactivity ranged up to 234 nM lovastatin equivalents. Our results show that in vivo lovastatin, at up to 200 mg/dose, induces an increased activity of leukemia cell HMGR and alters leukemia cell proliferation without discernibly altering Ras processing.
A bench scale study of removal of cyclohexane and naphtha components from water by membrane air-stripping process

Abstract Removal of hazardous chemicals such as cyclohexane and naphtha components from water with air-stripping (MAS) technique using a polypropylene microporous hollow fiber module is reported. The mass transfer of these organics through the membrane from the water on the feed side to the air stream on the permeate side was evaluated under different experimental conditions in a batch system. Removal of cyclohexane as well as naphtha components by MAS process for the investigated experimental conditions appears to be promising. It was observed in separate experiments that the concentrations of cyclohexane and naphtha components in water were significantly reduced by the MAS process.
Listening across cultural and linguistic borders: Learning from teaching in Banda Aceh, Indonesia after the tsunami

This article analyzes new modes of listening to teach developed out of work in Banda Aceh, Indonesia just after the tsunami of December 2004. I analyze how a framework for understanding pedagogy as integrally connected to listening led to strategies for working with teachers in Aceh. Finally, I raise questions about how and whether the concept of teaching as based on listening has meaning across cultural and linguistic borders. This work has implications for the work of U.S. educators traveling to developing countries and for rethinking teaching and teacher education in the United States. The work suggests the significance of learning to listen through hope, even immediately after a time of disaster.
A comparison of the personality and background characteristics of adolescent sex offenders and other adolescent offenders

The current study investigated personality differences between adolescent sex offenders and nonsexually offending adolescents on the Jesness Inventory. Subjects were 50 adolescent males charged with a sexual offense, 50 adolescent males charged with nonviolent offenses, and 50 adolescent males charged with violent offenses. The adolescent sex offender group generally displayed the least deviant personality and historical characteristics among the groups examined. These findings, inconsistent with the adult sex offender literature, suggest that sex offenders may be more amendable to treatment during adolescence than during adulthood and that early intervention may have preventive value.
Analysis and optimization of ammonia stripping using multi-fluid model

Ammonia recovery from anaerobic digestion (AD) is a notably beneficial process for removing excess nitrogen, producing low cost fertilizer and enhancing odor abatement. A process was developed for nutrients recovery by integrating a simple and effective stripping process with AD system. To design, optimize and scale up this system, multi-fluid model was developed to simulate flow, mass transfer and reactions in the ammonia stripping tower. The mass and heat transfer and dissociation reactions were introduced into the CFD framework. The air/liquid ratio in each cell of the domain was considered in heterogeneous mass transfer rate. Good agreement between CFD modeling and experiments employing a packed bed was obtained on the effect of pH and temperature upon ammonia removal. It was found that the liquid to gas mass transfer rate became slower at the lower part of the packed bed with high air/liquid ratio and short liquid resident time, decreasing ammonia removal efficiency. The predicted contours at the lower part also showed decreases in liquid volume fraction and liquid temperature. These results suggest a great potential compensation to use the multi-section feed-in and recirculation for improving reactor performance.
Abstract PD05-10: HOXB7 as a Key Regulator in the Development of Tamoxifen Resistance

Multiple factors including long term treatment with tamoxifen are involved in the development of selective estrogen receptor modulator resistance of ERα positive breast cancer. It is well known in the endocrinology field that increased levels of ErbB/HER family members can also directly alter the cellular response to tamoxifen, but the mechanisms underlying increased expression of ErbB/HERs are not clear. In this report we show that HOXB7 is an ERα responsive gene and the downregulation of HOXB7 expression by estradiol is abrogated by tamoxifen in MCF7 cells. HOXB7 overexpression renders MCF-7 cells resistant to tamoxifen via cross-talk between receptor tyrosine kinases and ERα signaling. EGFR and HER2 expression is upregulated by overexpression of HOXB7, while knockdown of HOXB7 with siRNA in tamoxifen-resistant cell lines causes decrease of EGFR and HER2 expression and loss of tamoxifen resistance. In addition, our work demonstrates that to mediate upregulation of EGFR and HER2, HOXB7 binds to ER-alpha and promotes HER2 transcription activity through direct binding to the HER2 enhancer region by competing with other cofactors. Also, HOXB7 enhances EGFR transcription activity via binding to EGFR promoter region. However, depletion of HOXB7 affects the binding affinity of HOXB7 and the cofactors to the HER2 enhancer element. Higher expression levels of HOXB7 significantly correlated with poorer disease free survival in ERα positive breast cancer patients on adjuvant tamoxifen monotherapy. These findings implicate overexpression of HOXB7 as a key event in the initiation and maintenance of tamoxifen resistance. These studies suggest that HOXB7 acts as a key regulator orchestrating two major groups of target molecules in the oncogene heirarchy. Functional antagonism of HOXB7 could circumvent tamoxifen resistance. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD05-10.
An Analysis of Traffic Stop Data in Riverside, California:

This article describes a traffic stop study in Riverside, California, with an effort to identify evidence of racial profiling. Racial profiling was defined using the California Statute, which is limited relative to other definitions. All traffic stops for 2003 were examined. The data were disaggregated into stops made by the traffic unit and stops made by patrol and investigative units. No disparity was found in the traffic unit stops, but there was minority over-representation in the patrol and investigative stops, but differences were not statistically significant. The patrol and investigative stops were then correlated with the crime and calls for service for the department’s 133 reporting districts, which produced high correlations. Race and ethnicity of those stopped were correlated with racial and ethnic suspect information in the reporting districts, and it was found that there were high correlations. In addition, the dispositions of stops were examined by race and ethnicity.
Optical properties of alumina ceramics as a substrate of thin film solar cells

Abstract For full understanding of the optical properties of alumina ceramics which are used as a substrate of thin film c-Si solar cells, we carried out computer simulations of diffuse reflectance and measurements of angle-resolved reflectance. As the result of the computer simulations, we obtained a theoretical expression for the reflectance properties of alumina ceramics with flat surface. The expression can be applied for the measured reflectance of alumina ceramics with rough surface when an effect of surface condition was taken into account.