cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations between 1980 U.S. mortality rates and alternative measures of airborne particle concentration.

We analyzed the 1980 U.S. vital statistics and available ambient air pollution data bases for sulfates and fine, inhalable, and total suspended particles. Using multiple regression analyses, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the association between various particle measures and total mortality. Results from the various analyses indicated the importance of considering particle size, composition, and source information in modeling of particle pollution health effects. Of the independent mortality predictors considered, particle exposure measures related to the respirable and/or toxic fraction of the aerosols, such as fine particles and sulfates, were most consistently and significantly associated with the reported SMSA-specific total annual mortality rates. On the other hand, particle mass measures that included coarse particles (e.g., total suspended particles and inhalable particles) were often found to be nonsignificant predictors of total mortality. Furthermore, based on the application of fine particle source apportionment, particles from industrial sources (e.g., from iron/steel emissions) and from coal combustion were suggested to be more significant contributors to human mortality than soil-derived particles.
Circulating levels of FGF-21 in obese youth: associations with liver fat content and markers of liver damage.

Objective: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is highly expressed in the liver and regulates glucose and lipid metabolism in rodents. The effects of obesity and fatty liver on circulating FGF-21 levels have been described mainly in adults. Herein, we measured plasma FGF-21 levels in lean and obese adolescents with low and high hepatic fat content (HFF% <5.5% and HFF% ≥5.5%, respectively) and explored their relationship with hepatic fat content, measures of hepatic apoptosis, and insulin sensitivity. Methods: A total of 217 lean and obese adolescents with both low and high HFF% (lean = 31; obese low HFF% = 107; and obese high HFF% = 79) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, a fast gradient magnetic resonance imaging to measure the %HFF and abdominal fat distribution. Cytokeratin 18 levels were measured as a biomarker of liver apoptosis. A subset of adolescents underwent a 2-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and a liver biopsy (N = 14), to assess insulin sensitivity and steatohepatitis, respectivel...
The epidemiology of physical activity and physical function in older people

A primary goal of studies of successful aging is to identify the modifiable factors related to the plasticity of higher physical function; however, little is known about the relationship between habitual physical activity (especially that of lower- to moderate-intensity) and the maintenance of day-to-day functioning in older people. The purpose of this paper is to address the question of how patterns of physical activity translate into altered physical function among healthy older populations. In this paper, physical activity is classified as a behavior, whereas physical function is classified as performance, comprised of a series of increasingly integrated steps. Recent data from several epidemiologic studies suggest that physical activity is associated with the maintenance of more basic components of physical function, as well as with higher-order task or goal-oriented functions in healthy older people. Moreover, higher levels of physical activity appear to be associated with better functioning, even in those with already-existing chronic disease. Recent CDC/ACSM health recommendations call for incorporating at least 30 min of any activity into the daily schedule. Therefore, regular participation in activities of moderate intensity (such as walking, gardening, house/yard work) should be encouraged among the general older community.
Concentration of Dilute Acetone-Water Solutions Using Pervaporation

Abstract The separation of acetone-water mixtures by pervaporation has been studied. Four membranes were evaluated: a silicone composite (SC) membrane, a polydi-methylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane, a polymethoxysiloxane (PMS), and a polyether-block-polyamide copolymer (PEBA) membrane. The silicone composite membrane exhibited a higher flux and selectivity than any of the other membranes studied. At a feed temperature of 50°C, a permeate-side pressure of 1 torr, and a feed concentration of 5.0%, the silicone composite membrane had a flux of 1.1 kg/m2·h and a selectivity of 50. The effects of temperature and permeate-side pressure on membrane transport were studied using the SC membrane. An increase in temperature increased the flux exponentially, but had little effect on selectivity. An analysis of the data shows that the trend agrees quite well with an Arrhenius-type relationship. As the permeate-side pressure increased, the flux decreased in a sigmoidal fashion over the range evaluated. Selectivity did not ch...
Ocular and orbital complications following radiation therapy of paranasal sinus malignancies and review of literature

During the period from March 1963 through March 1978, 30 patients with malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses were treated with supervoltage technique at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Twenty-one patients had at least the medial portion of the orbit within the effective treatment volume and the rest of the patients had whole eye irradiation. In paranasal sinus malignancies, orbital involvement with ocular symptoms and signs is quite common; in many patients it can be the presenting problem. Enucleation is necessary in patients with gross orbital tumor. Eye preservation is worthwhile in patients with minimal orbital tumor. Anterior complications are a minimal risk if the technique is good. Posterior complications occur in almost all patients, but are rarely clinically significant until doses of 6000 rad or above are reached. In patients without gross orbital involvement, preservation of the eye can be considered optional treatment. It includes shielding of the anterior structures, but it is usually not possible to protect medial and posterior portions of the eye and orbit. In advanced cases, it is worthwhile to preserve the eye as cure rate is low and posterior eye complications are often late. Because the aim of treatment is cure, dose should not be compromised to prevent complications. Radiation injury to the optic nerve and retina is the major factor in visual loss, but it can be prevented by limiting the retinal and optic nerve dose to less than 6000 rad.
Conflict at the Rural/Urban Interface: Mushroom Farms and Composting in a Suburbanizing Environment

Major complaints, nuisance suits, and vandalism threaten the ability of farms in suburbanizing areas to survive as development occurs around them. This is a particular concern in one county in southeastern Pennsylvania, an area of rapid population growth but also the nation's most productive mushroom producing area. This study examines mushroom growers' indications that on-farm composting is a major source of complaints from nonfarming neighbors. The study found that the size of the farm and the number of homes nearby were significantly more important factors than composting in explaining which mushroom farms receive complaints.
Using Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments to Support Problem-based Historical Inquiry in Secondary School Classrooms

This article summarizes findings from a nine-year research program investigating how technological affordances might be used as a part of holistic learning environments to support teachers and learners in disciplined inquiry about persistent social issues. We discuss what our findings suggest about the potential and the limitations of technology-supported learning environments for improving learner engagement, empathy, complex reasoning, and decision-making. Finally, we highlight areas for continued research.
Hydrogen transfer in fatty acid synthesis by rat liver and mammary-gland cell-free preparations studied with tritium-labelled pyridine nucleotides and glucose

Abstract Incorporation of tritium from position 4 of the pyridine ring of TPNH and DPNH into fatty acids was studied in systems composed of particle-free supernatant fractions plus microsomes prepared from rat livers and in particle-free supernatant fractions from lactating rat mammary glands. 1. 1. Tritium from both nucleotides was incorporated into fatty acids, but that from TPNH was preferentially incorporated. 2. 2. Tritium transfer from both α- and β-configurations on position 4 of TPNH was demonstrated, but that from the α- exceeded that from the β-configuration. 3. 3. DPN+inhibited tritium transfer from [β- 3 H]TPNH but not from [α- 3 H]TPNH. The transfer from [β- 3 H]DPNH was inhibited by TPN+, and the transfer was neglible from [α- 3 H]DPNH. 4. 4. Two methods are presented for calculating integral changes in tritium activities on TPN+ when the nucleotide is continuously oxidized and reduced. 5. 5. Under certain conditions, in the mammary-gland system the value for approached the theoretical value of two. 6. 6. No tritium from pyridine nucleotides nor 14 C from acetate was incorporated into fatty acids in the absence of citrate. 7. 7. Tritium from [I- 3 H]glucose 6-phosphate was efficiently transferred through TPN + to fatty acids by lactating rat mammary-gland preparations.
Recombinant thrombomodulin inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by thrombin

groups on day 7 (P < .006). rTM concentrations from 0.5 µg/mL to 3 µg/mL have no significant effect on SMC growth. The stimulation of SMC proliferation induced by α thrombin at 0.5 U/mL, 1 U/mL, and 2 U/mL was significantly inhibited with rTM at 2 µg/mL and 3 µg/mL on days 3, 7, and 10 as evaluated with MTT assay (P < .01 to < .05) and BrdU-DNA incorporation assay on day 3 (P < .008). Thrombin receptor agonist peptide increased SMC BrdU-DNA incorporation at 48 hours (P < .007), and its effect was not altered by rTM. Conclusion: rTM containing all of the extracellular domains of thrombomodulin inhibits the effect of thrombin on SMC proliferation in vitro. Because thrombin is a mitogenic mediator of SMC in vascular injury, inhibition of its function in vivo could help to prevent SMC hyperplasia. The success of further studies in vivo may lead to use of rTM for decreasing or preventing arterial restenosis. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:804-13.)
Meaning, Reference and Cognitive Significance

: I argue that a certain initially appealing Fregean conception of our shared semantic competence in our shared language cannot be made good. In particular, I show that we must reject two fundamental Fregean principles-what I call Frege's Adequacy Condition and what I call Frege's Cognitive Constraint on Reference Determination. Frege's adequacy condition says that in an adequate semantic theory, sentence meanings must have the same fineness of grain as attitude contents. The Cognitive Constraint on Reference Determination says that in an adequate semantic theory mechanisms of reference determination will fix routes of epistemic access to referents and will mediate one-sided recognition judgments about referents. I argue against Frege's adequacy condition that if meanings are sliced as finely as it requires there will be too many meanings to go around. I argue against the cognitive constraint on reference determination that even in an adequate theory of reference, mechanisms of reference determination must be sharply distinguished from routes of epistemic access. If so, we have little reason to expect an adequate theory of reference determination to directly illuminate Frege's cognitive puzzles or be sufficient to explain the basis of our one-sided recognition judgments.
EXPECTED GRADES VERSUS SPECIFIC EVALUATIONS OF THE TEACHER AS PREDICTORS OF STUDENTS' OVERALL EVALUATION OF THE TEACHER

All teacher evaluation forms completed in the arts and sciences division of a large community college were analyzed at three levels: division-wide (N=9,080), in class groups (31 groups), and class averages (548 classes). Multiple regression was used to predict teacher rating from the other nine items on the form. At all levels, expected grade, with minor exceptions, was the least important predictor. Certain items relating to teacher characteristics as perceived by the students had a consistent impact on rating. They included the following: “tries to help students understand,” which was most important, “sincerely interested in students,” and “uses class time effectively.”
Franck-Condon barriers associated with self-exchange electron-transfer kinetics of metallocenes in the gas phase

Abstract A recently proposed formalism for the inner-sphere reorganization energy of electron-transfer processes is shown to predict satisfactory results concerning the Franck-Condon barriers associated with the self-exchange electron-transfer kinetics of metallocenes in the gas phase.
Target and distractor processing at several retinal locations

This research investigated the allocation of attention to target and distractor stimuli presented at varied retinal locations. Previous studies found that the spatial distribution of target and distractor stimuli affected the amount of interference obtained in Stroop-like tasks. This study tested whether the spatial distribution effect was affected by the use of a moving target and by the presentation of a distractor in advance of the target. The results extended the spatial distribution effect to a task involving apparent motion and showed that the advance presentation of a distractor at varied stimulus onset asynchronies did not influence the phenomenon under study.
Dated molecular phylogenies indicate a Miocene origin for Arabidopsis thaliana

Dated molecular phylogenies are the basis for understanding species diversity and for linking changes in rates of diversification with historical events such as restructuring in developmental pathways, genome doubling, or dispersal onto a new continent. Valid fossil calibration points are essential to the accurate estimation of divergence dates, but for many groups of flowering plants fossil evidence is unavailable or limited. Arabidopsis thaliana, the primary genetic model in plant biology and the first plant to have its entire genome sequenced, belongs to one such group, the plant family Brassicaceae. Thus, the timing of A. thaliana evolution and the history of its genome have been controversial. We bring previously overlooked fossil evidence to bear on these questions and find the split between A. thaliana and Arabidopsis lyrata occurred about 13 Mya, and that the split between Arabidopsis and the Brassica complex (broccoli, cabbage, canola) occurred about 43 Mya. These estimates, which are two- to threefold older than previous estimates, indicate that gene, genomic, and developmental evolution occurred much more slowly than previously hypothesized and that Arabidopsis evolved during a period of warming rather than of cooling. We detected a 2- to 10-fold shift in species diversification rates on the branch uniting Brassicaceae with its sister families. The timing of this shift suggests a possible impact of the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction on their radiation and that Brassicales codiversified with pierid butterflies that specialize on mustard-oil–producing plants.
New chiral phosphoramidite allenylidene complexes of ruthenium obtained with chirality transfer

Abstract The synthesis and structural characterization of the first ruthenium phosphoramidite allenylidene complexes that are chiral at the metal are described. The precursor complex [RuCl(Ind)(PPh 3 ) 2 ] (Ind = indenyl anion) was reacted with 1 equiv of different chiral phosphoramidite ligands L to give complexes of the general formula [RuCl(Ind)(PPh 3 )L]. These complexes are stereogenic at the metal and at the ligand L. One of these complexes was obtained in diastereomeric purity, and was subsequently converted to allenylidene complexes of the general formula [Ru C C CR′R(Ind)(PPh 3 )L] + PF 6 (R = R′ = Ph; R = Ph, R′ = Me) in diastereomeric purity. As shown by X-ray, the chiral information is completely transferred from the precursor complex to the allenylidenes, which is of importance for potential catalytic applications.
Factors influencing hemostasis after umbilical vein puncture in vitro

Summary Bleeding from the site of cordocentesis can be detected by ultrasound examination, but significant hemorrhage into the amniotic fluid rarely occurs. To evaluate the relative contribution of amniotic fluid thromboplastins and the quantity of Wharton's jelly in facilitating coagulation at the puncture site, amniotic fluid samples and umbilical cord segments were obtained at cesarean section from 20 patients. After puncture of the umbilical vein, bleeding times were measured in amniotic fluid and 0.9% sodium chloride. The quantity of Wharton's jelly was assessed by measuring umbilical cord circumference. Mean bleeding times were significantly shorter in amniotic fluid compared with saline solution, but there was no consistent relationship between bleeding times and umbilical cord circumference. We conclude that properties of amniotic fluid facilitate coagulation at the site of umbilical vein puncture. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;160:424-6.)
On‐line Executions: The Symbolic Use of the Electric Chair in Cyberspace

Execution by electrocution—with its attendant smoke and flames and blood and screams—is a spectacle whose time has passed. The fiery deaths of Jesse Tafero and Pedro Medina and the recent bloody execution of Allen Lee Davis are acts more befitting a violent murder than a civilized state. Leander Shaw, Florida State Supreme Court, dissenting in Provenzano v. Moore, 1999 It's a mockery to care about scorching a man's scalp, or bloodying his nose, in the context of rendering justice for his having killed another man. One might as well worry about the electricity mussing his hair. Daniel Clark, internet commentator, The Shinbone (shinbone.home.att.net/sparky.htm)
Disproportionation of electrochemically-generated uranium(V) in molten LiF-BeF2-ZrF4 AT 500°*

Summary Electrochemical oxidation of U(IV) has been studied in molten LiF-BeF2-ZrF4 (65.6-29.4-5.0 mole %) at 500° by means of voltammetry (scan rate, v, 0.01-100 V/sec), chronopotentiometry, and chronoamperometry at unsheathed pyrolytic graphite and Pt−10% Rh electrodes. The following results point to the disproportionation of the electrochemically-produced U(V): (a) no voltammetric currents owing to the re-reduction of the product at v≪I V/sec, the peak currents (ip) for the oxidation of U(IV) and re-reduction of the product being approximately equal at v≫I V/sec; (b) peak currents for the reduction of U(IV) to U(III) and the oxidation of U(IV) are the same at large scan rates; (c) the observed increase in ip/v1/2 vs. v at v Fischer and Dracka 8. At Pt−10% Rh electrodes, evidence for the adsorption of U(IV) has been obtained. The reproducibility of voltammograms and chronopotentiograms for the oxidation process is poor, presumably owing to attack of the working electrode by U(VI) produced in the disproportionation.
Redistribution of plasma membrane proteins by electroosmosis elicits cytosolic calcium response in tumor mast cells.

Activation of mast cells and basophils by binding of ligands that crosslink and micro-aggregate cell surface receptors leads to a series of responses including a phosphoinositide cascade, elevation of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i), morphological changes in the cell plasma membrane, and ultimately, exocytosis of granules containing histamine and other mediators of the allergic response. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells, a tumor mast cell line, stimulation by immunoglobulin E receptor crosslinking induces these responses. In order to determine whether redistribution or aggregation of cell surface proteins is sufficient to induce a response in these cells without extrinsic crosslinking, we have redistributed cell surface proteins by electroosmotic segregation and looked for second messenger [Ca2+]i responses. Video imaging of calcium ion activity using the fluorescent calcium sensitive dye fura-2 revealed the effects of receptor motion and aggregation induced by application of small (10 V/cm) electric fields. A synchronous, monotonic rise in [Ca2+]i generally occurs within a few minutes after a steady field has been applied, while the redistribution of surface proteins is still in progress. The oscillations in [Ca2+]i characteristic of antigen-stimulated cells are not seen, nor are any effects observed in weak alternating fields (0.02, 60 Hz). The observed rise in [Ca2+]i induced by static electric fields is attributed to perturbation of [Ca2+]i regulation by the large-scale redistribution of membrane constituents induced by surface electroosmosis. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EXTRAPOLATED GENERAL COGNITIVE INDEXES ON THE MCCARTHY SCALES FOR GIFTED AND MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN

Although extrapolated IQs are available for Wechsler's intelligence scales, extrapolated values for the General Cognitive Index of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities have not been presented. This study derived regression equations from the normative sample data and computed estimated composite raw scores corresponding to the indexes above 150 and below 50. Extrapolated values are useful for estimating a child's present level of functioning; however, because extrapolated values are not based on empirical data, they should be viewed as estimates and used with caution.
The national map survey in eighteenth-century France

Abstract Published national map surveys began in France. Colbert launched a geodetic survey around 1680 that was interrupted several times before its completion in 1744. A second survey was launched in 1747–1750 and completed on the eve of the Revolution. These surveys were funded by private and public sources. Although the role of the government was critical to their success, these surveys did not institutionalize map surveys and their publication as a routine administrative function. Cartography became established in the French bureaucracy in terms of specialized map forms: hydrographic maps (which were published) by the Navy, and topographic maps (which were not published) by the Army. Nevertheless, when other nations began to establish national map surveys of their own, they were inspired by the French model. They did not try to replicate the exact bureaucratic or institutional framework of the surveys, but tried instead to emulate and improve upon their scientific and graphic methods and results. The most lasting impact of French eighteenth-century national map surveys was the proof they gave, by example, that such a vast enterprise could be undertaken and concluded successfully.
Short Communication Cinromide's Metabolite in Monkey Model: Gastric Administration and Seizure Control

Summary: In a previous study (Lockard et al., 1979) Cinromide (3 bromo-N-ethylcinnamamide), an experimental anticonvulsant (Burroughs-Wellcome Pharmaceutical Co.), was given a preliminary evaluation. Since that research was concerned primarily with EEG paroxysms, the present study was conducted to address drug efficacy in terms of clinical seizures. Cinromide's major metabolite (3-bromocinnamamide, BC) was the main focus. Eight alumina-gel monkeys were given by gastric bolus every 6 hr for 10 days (Phase I) either the solvent alone (Tween 80), Cinromide (BEC), or its synthetic metabolite (SBC). Subsequently (Phase II), four animals were given BEC or SBC by chronic gastric infusion for 20 days. In both phases Cinromide's metabolite (either via BEC or especially SBC) was effective in half of the animals in reducing seizure frequency and/or duration at plasma levels above 5 mcg/ml. The data suggest that the drug's efficacy is individually specific. Another species of Cinromide metabolism, 3-bromocinnamic acid, is also discussed. REŚUME Dans une etude prealable (Lockard et col., 1979) nous avons fourni une evaluation preliminaire d'un anti-convulsivant experimental, le Cinromide ou 3 bromo-N-ethylcinnamamide (Burroughs-Wellcome Pharmaceutical Co). Cette etude prealable envisageait principalement les effets sur les paroxysmes EEG tandis que celled concerne plus particulierement les effets cliniques en insistant sur le role joue par le principal metabolite du Cinromide, le 3 bromocinnamamide, BC. Huit singes prepares avec du gel d'alumine recoivent par voie gastrique, toutes les 6 heures pendant 10 jours (phase I), soit le solvant seul (Tween 80), soit le Cinromide (BEC), soit son metabolite synthetique (SBC). Par la suite, (Phase II), 4 animaux recoivent le BEC ou le SBC par infusion gastrique continue pendant 20 jours. Pendant les deux phases, le metabolite du Cinromide (soit directement sous forme de SBC, soit par l'intermediaire du BEC) s'est montre efficace chez la moitie des animaux en reduisant la frequence des crises et/ou leur duree pour des taux plasmatiques superieurs a 5 mcg/ml. Ces donnees suggerent que l'efficacite du produit est individuellement specifique. Un autre metabolite du Cinromide, l'acide 3-bromocinnamique est egalemerit discute.
CAPITALIST MEASURES WITHIN A SOCIALIST MODEL: A COMMODITY CHAINS ANALYSIS OF THE EMERGING CUBAN TOURISM INDUSTRY

AbstractOver the past several years Cuba has evolved from a relatively isolated country that shunned tourism to one of the Caribbean's most important leisure destinations for international visitors. The island's reliance on tourism has forced it to reinsert itself into the global capitalist economy and undergo substantial economic transformation, including several capitalist measures. This analysis uses a Global Commodity Chain (GCC) analysis to map the geography and organization of the different segments involved in the Cuban tourism industry. A GCC allows us to examine the physical and human geography of the area, the conception, planning, and implementation involved in the development of the various sites, the major local and foreign organizations involved, and marketing and advertising strategies. I find that the organizational and cultural cohesiveness managed by the Cuban government along the segments of the chain, its ability to maintain key areas of control over tourism sectors even when foreign p...
Sickness-induced learning in chicks

Three experiments showed that domestic chicks reduce the relative intake of a colored solution that has been paired with sickness induced by lithium chloride. Learning occurred after only a single pairing and with a delay of up to 1 hr between the two events. The degree of initial reduction following conditioning depended on the poison dosage. These findings support the general notion that as a result of evolutionary processes the cues used in food selection are easily associated with sickness.
Structure and sequence of the calmodulin gene from Neurospora crassa

cDNA and genomic clones of Neurospora calmodulin were obtained by PCR. Characterization revealed an open reading frame encoding a predicted protein of 149 amino acids, showing 85% identity to the human calmodulin protein sequence. Comparison of the cDNA and genomic sequence reveals the position of five introns, organized differently than is found in calmodulin genes from higher eukaryotes.
Microstructural stability during cyclic loading of multilayer copper/copper samples with nanoscale twinning

The response to cyclic deformation has been studied for Cu/Cu multilayer material consisting of columns of closely spaced, parallel nanotwins. The fatigue life under stress-controlled cycling is greatly improved over that of coarse-grained Cu. Nanotwinning provides significant strengthening, which is unchanged by fatigue or severe compression. Observations by focused ion beam microscopy showed that the microstructure is quite stable under deformation. Localized deformation from indentation produced shear bands and apparently some loss of nanotwinned area but no decrease in hardness.
Target velocity signals of visual tracking in vermal Purkinje cells of the monkey

Discharges of Purkinje cells were recorded from the vermis, lobules VI and VII, of a monkey trained to track a visual target. When the monkey tracked a sinusoidally oscillating target, cellular activity changes in phase with the velocity signal of the eye movement. When the monkey fixated a stationary point, almost identical modulation in activity occurred, reflecting the velocity signal of the motion of the retinal image of the target. The data suggest that the vermis participates in the control of smooth pursuit eye movements by providing the oculomotor system with the actual target velocity information which is the sum of eye velocity and retinal image velocity signals.
Loss of AP‐2 results in downregulation of c‐KIT and enhancement of melanoma tumorigenicity and metastasis

Expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor, c-KIT, progressively decreases during local tumor growth and invasion of human melanomas. We have previously shown that enforced c-KIT expression in highly metastatic cells inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Furthermore, the ligand for c-KIT, SCF, induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells expressing c-KIT under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Here we show that loss of c-KIT expression in highly metastatic cells correlates with loss of expression of the transcription factor AP-2. The c-KIT promoter contains three binding sites for AP-2 and EMSA gels demonstrated that AP-2 protein binds directly to the c-KIT promoter. Transfection of wild-type AP-2 into c-KIT-negative A375SM melanoma cells activated a c-KIT promoter-driven luciferase reporter gene, while expression of a dominant-negative AP-2B in c-KIT-positive Mel-501 cells inhibited its activation. Endogenous c-KIT mRNA and expression of proteins were upregulated in AP-2-transfected cells, but not in control cells. In addition, re-expression of AP-2 in A375SM cells suppressed their tumorigenicity and metastatic potential in nude mice. These results indicate that the expression of c-KIT is highly regulated by AP-2 and that enforced AP-2 expression suppresses tumorigenicity and metastatic potential of human melanoma cells, possibly through c-KIT transactivation and SCF-induced apoptosis. Therefore, loss of AP-2 expression might be a crucial event in the development of malignant melanoma.
The Contested Politics of Public Value

The emerging field of public values helpfully focuses on the norms and government policies that serve the public interest, but its analysis neglects the barriers to actually creating public value in contemporary America. Chief among these barriers are contending strains of public beliefs and opinions, the disproportionate influence of affluent individuals and business and professional associations, as well as governing structures predisposed toward inaction and drift. This article contrasts the expectations of the public values field with research on American politics to identify barriers to advancing the public interest under current conditions. Although public values scholars offer an analysis of American public life that is inadequate, they do raise challenging questions about how a public-regarding agenda can be “designed in” to politics and policy. The article concludes by suggesting feasible reforms to improve the conditions for pursuing the public interest.
Effect of paramagnetic fluctuations on superconductivity in ferromagnetic superconductors

Abstract The superconducting transition temperature Tc is calculated for ferromagnetic superconductors taking into account explicitly elastic scattering between electrons and paramagnetic fluctuations. Depending on the strength and range of the Heisenberg interaction between localized magnetic moments, the superconducting gap may or may not remain finite at the onset of long range ferromagnetic ordering. In a dirty system, the mean free path reduces the depairing effect of fluctuations. The Heisenberg interaction is assumed to be of other than RKKY origin.
Ghost Removal in High Dynamic Range Images

High dynamic range images may be created by capturing multiple images of a scene with varying exposures. Images created in this manner are prone to ghosting artifacts, which appear if there is movement in the scene at the time of capture. This paper describes a novel approach to removing ghosting artifacts from high dynamic range images, without the need for explicit object detection and motion estimation. Weights are computed iteratively and then applied to pixels to determine their contribution to the final image. We use a non-parametric model for the static part of the scene, and a pixel's membership in this model determines its weight. In contrast to previous approaches, our technique does not rely on explicit object detection, tracking, or pixelwise motion estimates. Ghost-free images of different scenes demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique.
Quantum dot photoluminescence quenching by Cr(III) complexes. Photosensitized reactions and evidence for a FRET mechanism.

Reported are quantitative studies of the energy transfer from water-soluble CdSe/ZnS and CdSeS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) to the Cr(III) complexes trans-Cr(N4)(X)2+ (N4 is a tetraazamacrocycle ligand, X– is CN–, Cl–, or ONO–) in aqueous solution. Variation of N4, of X–, and of the QD size and composition allows one to probe the relationship between the emission/absorption overlap integral parameter and the efficiency of the quenching of the QD photoluminescence (PL) by the chromium(III) complexes. Steady-state studies of the QD PL in the presence of different concentrations of trans-Cr(N4)(X)2+ indicate a clear correlation between quenching efficiency and the overlap integral largely consistent with the predicted behavior of a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-type mechanism. PL lifetimes show analogous correlations, and these results demonstrate that spectral overlap is an important consideration when designing supramolecular systems that incorporate QDs as photosensitizers. In the latter c...
Extravasation of lymphocytes via paracortical venules in sheep lymph nodes: Visualization using an intracellular fluorescent label

Abstract In rodents and humans, lymphocytes extravasate into lymph nodes via specialized paracortical venules lined with high endothelium (HEV). Sheep and other ruminants do not have morphologically defined HEV in their lymph nodes. It has been assumed that lymphocyte extravasation in these species proceeds via analogous structures; i.e., paracortical venules lined with low to medium endothelium. In this study, lymphocyte suspensions were prepared from surgically excised lymph nodes of sheep and labeled with an intracellular fluorescent dye, H33342. Labeled cells were infused intravenously back into donors, and sheep were killed at various intervals after infusion. Frozen sections of lymph nodes were examined microscopically for the location of labeled cells. Ten minutes after infusion, labeled cells were seen in the lumen of venules located in the paracortical region of the nodes. At later time points, cells were seen apparently migrating through the venule walls and in the adjacent paracortical tissue. Similar experiments were performed in which H33342-labeled murine lymphocytes were infused into syngeneic mice. When equivalent cell numbers (based on animal size) were infused, no obvious differences were seen between location and kinetics of appearance of labeled cells in lymph nodes of sheep compared to those of mice. These results indicate that lymphocyte extravasation in sheep proceeds via paracortical venules in lymph nodes. The function of these venules appears to be analogous to HEV in nonruminant species.
Pharmacology and Toxicology of Infant Skin

Cutaneous metabolism and pharmacology have been the focus of increased scientific inquiry in the past 2 decades. However, in the past few years, attention has been focused specifically on the effects of topically applied drugs in infants as different qualitatively or quantitatively from their effects in adults. Prior to 1972, it was known that brain damage occurred in animals with prolonged blood levels of 2 microgram/ml hexachlorophene, and that washing newborn babies with a standard 3% hexachlorophene liquid soap for 3-5 days resulted in significant blood levels of the compound. However, this knowledge was not disseminated widely enough to prevent the tragic deaths of infants after the use of baby powder contaminated with 6.6% hexachlorophene [1]. This incident highlighted the need for increased understanding of drug effects not only from the viewpoint of the skin as a target organ, but also of percutaneous penetration and resultant blood levels; the affinity of other body tissues for drugs and their metabolites, metabolites which may result from the effect of the skin itself acting on the drug; and the infant's much greater ratio of surface area to body weight, allowing the infant to percutaneously absorb proportionately greater quantities of topical medication than an adult. Although tissue distribution of most drugs has not been studied in infants, it is known that such distribution often depends on age. For example, in infants and children with a given plasma level, of drugs such as barbiturates, morphine and tetracycline, the brain tissue level may exceed that of the adult. Thus, drugs and chemicals that penetrate infant skin may produce effects different than those penetrating adult skin.
Appraisals cause experienced emotions: Experimental evidence

Recent theories claim appraisals cause emotions. But supporting evidence has been correlational or simulational, leaving doubt about direction of causality and the generalisability of these findings to actual emotional experiences. This study manipulated appraisals of motivational state (relating an event to appetitive vs. aversive motivation) and outcome probability (certain vs. uncertain), and found evidence for some (though not all) hypothesised effects on actual experiences of joy, relief, and hope: Events consistent with pleasure‐maximising goals gave rise to joy; events consistent with pain‐minimising goals and certain to occur produced relief; and events consistent with pleasure‐maximising goals but uncertain led to hope. These findings provide experimental evidence that appraisals do cause experienced emotions.
Dynamic properties of neutral excitations produced in electron-bombarded superfluid helium. II. Afterglow fluorescence of excited helium molecules

We have investigated the time dependence of the afterglow emission of pulsed-electron-bombarded superfluid helium, and in addition we have studied the effects of pressure on the steady-state intensities of the atomic and molecular emissions of the excited liquid. Our results indicate that two distinct mechanisms populate the excited states in the liquid. The first production mechanism basically determines the steady-state properties of the excited liquid and it is responsible for the rapid initial decay of the fluorescence during the first ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ sec of the afterglow. This rapid decay time taken with the observed exponential decrease of the steady-state intensities with increasing pressure indicates that most of the excited states are nonradiatively quenched by the surrounding ground-state liquid. The second production mechanism results in a slowly decaying late afterglow fluorescence of the excited liquid. It is shown that this late time emission is due to the bilinear destruction of the long-lived ${\mathrm{He}}_{2}(a^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{+})$ metastable molecules which are produced also in the liquid by the electrons. It is shown further that most of the energy released during these bilinear reactions results in the population of the ${\mathrm{He}}_{2}(A^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{+})$ state which subsequently radiates in the vacuum-ultraviolet region of the spectrum.
Challenging the Lion in its Den: Dilemmas of Gender and Media Activism in South Africa

Media activism groups work to bring about change in the mainstream media, but their gains are often limited. Drawing on theories of the political function of news in a democracy, media sociology, and feminism, this article focuses on the specific experience of Gender Links, a Southern African gender and media organization founded in 2001. An analysis of institutional materials and 25 in-depth interviews shows that Gender Links is using a professional-technical approach to feminist media activism that is insufficient in bringing about deep and long-term change on an ideological level. It is suggested that Gender Links could benefit from more emphasis on political and countercultural approaches. The research also highlights some of the other dilemmas posed by issues related to funding, networking, the grassroots, press freedom, the profit motive, and the strong backlash from a patriarchal culture.
Neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and cholecystokinin of the anterior piriform cortex

In addition to its role in olfaction and as a primary epileptogenic site, the anterior piriform cortex has been suggested to play a role in neuroperception of deficiencies or imbalances in physiologically essential amino acids. In recent studies, amino acid deficient diets were shown to induce expression of c-fos in the anterior piriform cortex within the rapid time frame associated with the normal anorectic response to such diets. It became important to examine the neurocytochemical architecture of this region for clues as to how and more precisely where dietary amino acid deficiency or imbalance might be monitored. The relationships of neuropeptide Y-, somatostatin-, and cholecystokinin-containing neurons were of particular interest because ongoing studies indicate that those peptides administered to the anterior piriform cortex alter intake of diets deficient in essential amino acids. The neuropeptides were endogenous to intrinsic neurons only; none resembled pyramidal projection neurons. Peptidergic neurons and fibers were concentrated most heavily in layer III of the paleocortex. The cytoarchitecture suggests that neuropeptide Y-, somatostatin-, and cholecystokin-containing neurons of the anterior piriform cortex may relate synaptically or multisynaptically to local circuit neurons during electrical activity, modulation of olfactory information, and neuroperception of essential amino acids.
Effects of averaging to reject unwanted signals in Digital Sampling Oscilloscopes

DSOs (Digital Sampling Oscilloscopes) generally allow the use of averaging to increase vertical resolution and lower uncorrelated noise. While averaging is a useful tool, it is important to remember that it is a type of filtering. Applying averaging successfully is easier if the user understands the characteristics of the filters being applied.
Particle reduction and control in EUV etching process

As the device design rule shrinks, photomask manufacturers need to have advanced defect controllability during the ARC (Anti-Reflection Coating) and ABS (Absorber) etch in an EUV (extreme ultraviolet) mask. Therefore we studied etching techniques of EUV absorber film to find out the evasion method of particle generation. Usually, Particles are generated by plasma ignition step in etching process. When we use the standard etching process, ARC and ABS films are etched step by step. To reduce the particle generation, the number of ignition steps need to decrease. In this paper, we present the experimental results of in-situ EUV dry etching process technique for ARC and ABS, which reduces the defect level significantly. Analysis tools used for this study are as follows; TEM (for cross-sectional inspection) , SEM (for in-line monitoring ) and OES (for checking optical emission spectrum)
Are Women More Likely to Be Hired or Promoted into Management Positions

Abstract The research examined the likelihood that, relative to men, women would more often attain management positions due to promotion versus hiring. Financial services managers ( n = 30,996) were studied through analysis of archival information on human capital variables and personnel moves over a 3-year period. Consistent with predictions based on sex stereotype research, logistic regression analyses showed that relative to men, women were more likely to be promoted than hired into management positions. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated no evidence of gender bias in number of overall promotions. There was some evidence, however, of a gender by level interaction effect indicating that, relative to men, women in higher level positions received fewer promotions than women in lower levels. Implications of the findings for careers of female managers and glass ceiling issues are discussed.
Potentiation of immunomodulatory antibodies with oncolytic viruses for therapy of poorly-immunogenic tumors

Meeting abstracts Cancer immunotherapy with antibodies targeting immune checkpoints has demonstrated durable clinical benefit, though responses have not been universal and, in particular, not effective for tumors lacking preexisting lymphocytic infiltration. Oncolytic viruses (OV) have recently
Activation of bee venom phospholipase A2 through a peptide-enzyme complex

Phospholipase A2 activation by membrane-bound peptides was investigated in order to understand the role of the membrane-induced conformation on activation, and to examine the occurrence of a peptide-enzyme complex at the lipid/water interface. For the peptides studies, bee venom phospholipase A2 was stimulated regardless of the membrane-bound conformation (α-helix, β-sheet or random coil). Using antisera raised against melittin, we were able to demonstrate the occurrence of a calcium-dependent complex involving the enzyme, phospholipid substrate, and peptide.
Design and performance evaluation of a 2.5-GSPS digital receiver

Today's very deep submicron IC technology enables high-performance analog and digital applications to be integrated on a single piece of silicon. For this effort, a design of 2.5 giga-sample per second (GSPS) receiver-on-a-chip (ROC) is presented. For our design, we take advantage of a compensation technique to reduce spurs and improve instantaneous dynamic range. A major goal is to produce a low-cost, small, and lightweight, and low-power ROC. Our design will cover a 1-GHz bandwidth (125 - 1125 MHz), and it will correctly process two simultaneous signals by detecting their frequency, pulsewidth (PW), and time of arrival (TOA). The single or dual signal, spur-free dynamic ranges and two signal instantaneous dynamic ranges of our design are high. The minimum frequency separation of two signals is 10 MHz (one channel width), and the maximum amplitude separation (dynamic range) of two signals is 18 dB with the second signal false alarm less than 1%.
e-SAFE: An Extensible, Secure and Fault Tolerant Storage System

This paper describes e-SAFE , a scalable utility-driven distributed storage system that offers very high availability at an archival scale and reduces management overhead such as periodic repairs. e-SAFE is designed to provide a storage utility for environments such as large-scale data centers in enterprise networks where the servers experience temporary unavailability (possibly high load, temporary downtimes due to repair or software/hardware upgrades). e-SAFE is based on a simple principle: efficiently sprinkle data all over a distributed storage and robustly reconstruct even when many of them are unavailable. e-SAFE also provides strong guarantee on data-integrity. The use of Fountain codes for replicating file data blocks, an efficient algorithm for fast parallel encoding and decoding over multiple file segments, a utility module for service differentiation and auto-adjustments of design parameters, and a background replication mechanism hiding the cost of replication and dissemination from the user, provide a fast, durable and autonomous storage solution.
Female Student Attitudes Toward Careers in Professional Selling

This study examines the attitudes and opinions of 56 female business majors concerning a career in non-retail Drofessional selling. A large proportion of subjects were cognizant of the rewards and opportunities associ-iated with success in selling. There was, however, concern over coping with pressure to sell, long hours, women earning less than men, lack of job security, and unstable salary. The findings also suggested that many female students want to learn more about or experience first-hand the practical applications of professional selling.