cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence detection of the anticancer drug topotecan and related camptothecins in plasma and whole blood by two-photon excitation

Recent FDA-approval of topotecan (9-dimethylaminomethyl-10- hydroxycamptothecin) and camptosar (CPT-11) along with the accelerated clinical development of related camptothecin drugs provides new hope for the successful treatment of human cancer, including neoplasms for which no effective treatments currently exist. Current clinical efforts worldwide are aimed at optimizing the therapeutic efficacies of the camptothecins, with the major focus on the determination of the most effective dosing schedules. To this end, technological advances which provide a direct and rapid means of measuring plasma drug levels (i.e. such that correlations between plasma drug levels and clinical responses can be sought) would be of great utility. Here we report on the direct fluorescence detection of topotecan and SN-38 in human plasma and topotecan in whole blood at micro molar levels using two-photon excitation at 730 or 820 nm. Topotecan was detected at concentrations as low as 0.05 and 1 (mu) M in plasma and whole blood, respectively. Since skin, blood and other tissues are translucent at long wavelengths, our results suggest the attractive possibility of homogeneous or noninvasive clinical sensing of camptothecins in situ using two-photon excitation.
Cure-Window-Based Proactive Quality Control in Topcoat Curing

Automotive topcoat curing is critical to the quality of the final coating. In production, topcoat curing quality is commonly judged through the evaluation of sample panel temperature-time series data from the finished product directly against the cure window that is specified for the polymeric coating material used. This inspection-based post-process quality control (QC) is not only methodologically passive, but also is very likely to be erroneous in its conclusions on coating quality. It can hardly generate effective guidance for quality improvement. This paper introduces a novel cure-window-based proactive QC methodology. Using this methodology, dynamic process-product models are deployed to predict the key indicators of film curing quality, according to a given cure window. A dynamic optimization method is then used to search for the optimal operational settings for film curing. The methodology can be used for the development of on-line optimal QC strategies, and it is also applicable for improving traditional inspection-based reactive QC practice. The efficacy of this methodology is demonstrated with a case study on the curing of a topcoat.
Crystal structure of vanadocene (η5-C5H5)2V

The crystal structure of vanadocene has been determined from counter data, and refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques. The crystals belong to the monoclinic space groupP21/n witha = 9.269(3),b = 8.020(3),c = 5.892(2) A, β = 91.21(3)°, andDx = 1.37 gcm-3 for Z = 2. The finalR value for 583 observed reflections is 0.031. The vanadium atom resides on a crystallographic center of inversion. The cyclopentadienyl groups are statistically disordered 70–30%. The average vanadium-carbon (η5) bond distance is 2.26(2) A.
Explicit Construction of Solutions of the Modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili Equation

Abstract Given a solution of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation we explicitly construct a solution of the modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation related to one another by a generalized Miura transformation. The construction is modeled after a previous treatment of the modified Korteweg-de Vries case. As an illustration of our method we derive the soliton solutions of the modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation.
Kalman filter-based tracking of multiple similar objects from a moving camera platform

Vision-based tracking is becoming increasing attractive, with the availability of cost-efficient vision systems with a high level of computational power. One challenge in this area of control is the tracking of multiple stationary objects of similar appearance from a moving camera, without identity confusion. In this paper we propose a modified Kalman filter estimator of object location and velocity with robustness to measurement occlusion and spurious measurements. This algorithm includes a novel measurement assignment algorithm that robustly creates a mapping between unordered detected objects and Kalman estimates. We will show that our formulation successfully tracks and identifies multiple similar objects under dynamic camera movement and partial object occlusion.
Dye-sensitized solar cells using ZnO nanotips and Ga-doped ZnO films

Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) transparent conducting films and well-aligned ZnO nanotips were sequentially grown on a glass substrate using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The morphology control of ZnO from dense films to nanotips was realized through temperature-modulated growth. The ZnO nanotips/GZO structure was sensitized with dye N719 to form photoelectrochemical cells. It is found that the power conversion efficiency linearly increases with the length of ZnO nanotips. For the 1.0 cm2 dye-sensitized solar cell built from 4.8 µm ZnO nanotips, a peak incident photo-to-current conversion efficiency of 79% (at ~530 nm) and a power conversion efficiency of 0.77% under the illumination of one sun-simulated sunlight were achieved. UV light harvesting directly by ZnO was observed. The I–V characteristics of the cells were analyzed using a one-diode equivalent circuit model.
Regularized inversion of dynamic light scattering intensity data

This paper presents a new method of analyzing intensity correlation data obtained in dynamic light scattering measurements of particles in Brownian motion in a colloid. A second-order linewidth distribution is obtained directly from the intensity autocorrelation by the method of regularized inversion with a nonnegativity constraint, based on the regularization method of Tikhonov. The linewidth distribution, and consequently a particle size distribution, is obtained by deconvolving the second order linewidth. The method is illustrated using a variety of data obtained using a compact optical fiber based instrument developed by Dhadwal. It is shown that regularized inversion of intensity data, followed by a deconvolution to obtain the first order linewidth distribution, is superior in performance to the inversion of reduced first order data. The reduction of second order data by subtracting a baseline and taking the square root of the difference results in increased noise, and in distortion. Noise and distortion cause inaccurate or even completely spurious inversions. The method can resolve very narrow monomodal size distributions or much broader multimodal distributions.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Regulation of retinol-binding protein metabolism in cultured rat liver cell lines

Abstract Retinol-binding protein (RBP), the plasma transport protein for vitamin A, is synthesized and secreted by the liver. In vitamin A deficiency, RBP secretion is blocked, leading to low serum and high liver levels of RBP. Administration of retinol to the intact rat stimulates a rapid secretion of RBP from liver into serum. We explored the use of a liver cell culture system to study the regulation of the synthesis and secretion of RBP. We found two lines of differentiated rat hepatoma cells, MH 1 C 1 and H 4 II EC 3 (H 4 ), that synthesized RBP during culture in vitro. The net synthesis of RBP was a function of the number of cells per dish and the duration of incubation. Both cell lines synthesized RBP when incubated in Neuman and Tytell's Serumless Medium (NTS medium), while the MH 1 C 1 cells also synthesized RBP in Ham's F-12 medium with added serum. A relatively large proportion (14–56%) of the RBP was retained within the cells when they were incubated in the vitamin A-free NTS medium alone. Addition of serum to NTS medium stimulated the release of RBP from the cells into the medium and also increased the net synthesis of RBP. These effects were not due to the increased adhesion of the cells to the petri dish. Addition of retinol (at levels of 0.35 or 3.5 nmole/ml) to the NTS medium resulted in the stimulation of RBP secretion from the cells into the medium and an increase in the net synthesis of RBP. By contrast, retinol had no effect on either the net synthesis or the cell-to-medium distribution of rat serum albumin. The data from these cell lines in culture suggest that retinol has a specific regulatory effect on RBP metabolism. These cells thus resemble the normal rat liver cell in vivo in regard to the known regulation of RBP metabolism.
A mechanism for excitation and inhibition of the Mauthner's cells in teleost: a histological and neurophysiological study.

The site of synaptic endings of afferent fibers on motoneurons or inter-neurons in the central nervous system has been considered by many investigators to be one of the important factors in determining whether an impulse will excite or inhibit. The above considerations have led to the formulation of the concept of polar function of the neuron or some variation of it. The importance of axon collaterals and of other types of interneuronal relationships in nervous integration was emphasized by Brown ( '14)' Gesell ( '40a,b), Sherrington ( '40), Renshaw ('41), Gesell et al. ('54)' Holmgren and Merton ('54) and Eccles et al. ( '54). The existence of axon collaterals was reported as early as 1891 by Kollicker, by Lenhossek in 1893 and again by Ram6n y Cajal in 1911. The more recent work of Coghill ( '34), Bodian ('37, '52) and Retzlaff ( '54a,b, '55) has shown not only the origin of these axon branchings but their destination.
Rationale, Procedures, and Applications for Decomposition of Explained Variance in Multiple Regression Analyses

Publication of studies utilizing multiple regression (MR) statistical techniques is on the rise in communication journals, but researchers have been remiss in reporting an important aspect of MR results: identification of the unique and non-unique (joint, incremental, or common) influences of independent variables on the dependent variable. This article explicates three methods of decomposing R2 and demonstrates, both by analogy and contrast to ANOVA, the importance of partitioning MR explained variance. Particular attention is paid to the relevance of variance decomposition techniques for explanation, prediction, and control in communication theory as well as the interpretive and the evaluative roles variance decomposition analyses should have in communication research. Finally, the specific steps entailed in performing each partitioning method are reviewed, and worked examples are supplied from the message/attitude/behavior research literature.
High DNA content of Sprekelia formosissima Herbert (Amaryllidaceae) and Ophioglossum petiolatum Hook. (Ophioglossaceae)

Abstract Ophioglossum petiolatum and Sprekelia formosissima root tips were chemically determined to have 170± 12 pg and 180±12 pg DNA/cell respectively, or 2.8 and 3.0 times the 60±4 pg DNA/ cell of Tradescantia sp. clone 02 root tips. These values were compared with those predicted from nuclear volume measurements. General qualifications of the nuclear volume-DNA content relationship are discussed. Microspectrophotometrically determined relative DNA values for Feulgen stained half-telophase root tip nuclei of O. petiolatum and S. formosissima were 2.8 and 2.6 the value for Tradescantia . The value for Sprekelia is among the highest in the angiosperms, and Ophioglossum probably has the highest nuclear DNA content of ferns. O. petiolatum has 131±3 pg DNA per dormant spore.
SURVIVAL AND SEED PRODUCTION OF STICKY AND VELVETY DATURA WRIGHTII IN THE FIELD: A FIVE-YEAR STUDY

Leaves of Datura wrightii in California (USA) are covered either with glan- dular trichomes (''sticky'' plants) or non-glandular trichomes (''velvety'' plants), and sticky plants are resistant to many insect herbivores. Theoretical models suggest that variation in resistance to herbivores may persist if resistance is costly and herbivore damage is variable. If so, then natural selection should favor resistant plants when damage is high and disfavor it when damage is low. However, without long-term equivalence between costs and benefits, then natural selection either should drive the trait to fixation if it has a net benefit or eliminate it if it has a net cost. Previously we showed that the production of glandular trichomes carried a net cost in short-term studies, suggesting that this expensive resistant trait might be eliminated from D. wrightii populations. To test this hypothesis we monitored survival and seed production of sticky and velvety D. wrightii in the presence of herbivores in 11 natural populations over four or five years. In eight populations where both types occurred, the finite rate of increase for velvety plants was 60-274% greater than for sticky plants. Plant survival averaged between two and three years and did not differ significantly between types. Because seed production consistently favored velvety plants, our prediction that the proportion of sticky plants should decline was met within five years in seven of those eight populations. If the variation in trichome morphology in D. wrightii is indeed maintained by variation in costs and benefits of glandular trichomes, then the periodicity of such variation extends over more than five seasons.
The Mechanism of the Catalytic Gasification of Coal Char: A Critical Review

Abstract Recently, interest in catalytic gasification of carbon has expanded rapidly. In consequence of the volume and diversity of this interest, there is a need to collate, summarize, and interpret the available information on the mechanism of gasification catalyst action.
Analysis and design of diffractive optics in Wigner space

The Wigner Distribution function is applied to the analysis and the design of diffractive optical elements. This provides insight into how the space-bandwidth product is distributed and a measure of the wavelength dependence of diffraction.
Kinetics of demetallation and oxidation of tetrakis(p-(trimethylammonio)phenyl)porphine-silver complex

Abstract Kinetics of the acid-catalyzed disproportionation, followed by demetallation of [tetrakis( p -(trimethylammonio) phenyl)porphinato]silver(II) was studied at 25 °C and μ=0.1 mol dm −3 [NaNO 3 ]. Under the conditions of study, the silver porphyrin exists as dimers in solution. The reaction was found to be first order in dimer and second order in [H 3 O + ], with k , the third-order rate constant=1.28±0.02 mol −2 dm 6 s −1 . Kinetics of aquasilver(I) oxidation of the silver(I) and silver(II) porphyrins are also reported. Oxidation of silver(I) porphyrin by aquasilver(I) is found to be first order each in aquasilver(I) and porphyrin with the overall second-order rate constant=(10.7±0.3)×10 −2 mol −1 dm 3 . Plausible mechanisms for all these reactions are presented.
Limitations in microelectronics — II. Bipolar technology☆

The physical phenomena which will ultimately limit miniaturization of planar bipolar integrated circuits are examined. The maximum packing density is obtained by minimizing the supply voltage and the size of the devices. The minimum transistor size is determined by junction breakdown, punch through and doping fluctuations. For circuits that are fully active the maximum number of circuit functions per chip is determined by power dissipation. The packing density of read-only memories becomes limited by the area occupied by devices and interconnections. The limitations of MOS and bipolar technologies are compared. It is concluded that read-only memories will reach approximately the same performance and packing density with MOS and bipolar technologies, while fully active circuits will reach the highest levels of integration with dynamic MOS or complementary MOS technologies.
The Influence of Chromosomal Location on the Expression of Two Transgenes in Mice

We have generated mice having a single copy of the human haptoglobin gene (Hp 2), driven by its natural promoter, and a neomycin resistance gene (Neo), driven by a herpes simplex thymidine kinase promoter with polyoma enhancers, inserted into two defined chromosomal locations, the Hprt locus on the X-chromosome and the apolipoprotein (apo) AI-CIII gene cluster on chromosome 9. The haptoglobin promoter is highly specialized in its tissue of action; the viral promoter has few restrictions. The apoAI-CIII gene is naturally active in only two tissues, whereas theHprt gene region is ubiquitously active. Expression of both transgenes at substantial levels was achieved only (a) when the transgenes were inserted into the genome close to a known tissue-specific enhancer/locus control region in the apoAI-CIII gene cluster, and (b) when known conditions for function of their promoters were met. The specificities of the two chromosomal regions and of the two promoters are preserved, but their interactions are not specific. We conclude that transgenes are affected by locus-related enhancers in the same manner as nearby endogenous genes. Our experiments reinforce the usefulness of using gene targeting to direct single-copy transgenes to appropriate chromosomal locations.
The most economic setting for a uniformly shifting process

Abstract A method for finding the optimal setting for a uniformly-shifting process mean is developed and an algorithm for solution (suitable for microcomputer implementation) is presented. A determination of the number of parts to be made before resetting, and the level to which the process is to be reset is made given costs for improperly sized parts and for process resetting.
The massification and webification of systems' modeling and simulation with virtual worlds

General-purpose virtual world platforms are having a surprising effect in the old practice of systems modeling and simulation: its massification and webification. A visit to any virtual place in Second Life-like worlds shows sophisticated virtual constructions with non-trivial dynamic behavior that have been set up by ordinary people who neither used professional 3D modeling and simulation tools, nor consider themselves as programmers. Many of those virtual constructions are imaginary systems that could not survive the laws of physics. However, more and more people are experimenting with these virtual worlds to model, simulate and visualize real-world systems, for a number of purposes: historical reconstruction, rich 3D interfaces to physical equipment control, urban planning, and scientific visualizations are just a few. This gives an overview of all this experimentation, and analyzes the ways by which it improves the state-of-the-art professional tools. It also presents some of the engineering and software engineering challenges that this practice brings to the table.
High School Students’ Participation in Music Activities Beyond the School Day:

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the music activities that high school band students are involved in and how these activities might lead to lifelong music participation. Specific research questions were the following: (a) In what activities are high school band students involved? (b) What are high school band directors doing to encourage lifelong participation in music? (c) How do students describe their plans for musical involvement in the future? Three focus group discussions at one rural school (n = 5), one suburban school (n = 5), and one urban school (n = 4) were conducted to discover ways students participated in music activities beyond the school day. These opportunities ranged from cultural groups, to community youth events, to time with friends listening to music. Influences of family members and the desire to maintain connections seem to be beneficial in creating musicians with a desire for music participation as adults.
Democratic Bodies: Exemplary Practice and Democratic Education in a K–5 Dance Residency

This research highlights a K–5 dance artist-in-residence as a form of democratic and exemplary dance education that ignited collaboration, promoted equity, fostered student autonomy, and demonstrated rigor in school curriculum. Through examining observation, interview, and performance-based data and calling upon critical, democratic education literature, the author found that the whole-school dance pedagogy and residency design nurtured and exemplified eight democratic signatures: access, participation, multiplicity, movement/change, space, process, conflict, and possibility. The author provides examples from the residency of how these signatures theoretically align with the data, demonstrating how these students engaged with curricular and dance content through embodied democratic practices. Ultimately, this model of best practices in dance education gives insight into how this whole-school dance residency model can help us to continue to bring dance to schools, exploring movement as a way of thinking, k...
Enhanced karyotype resolution of Cryptosporidium parvum by contour-clamped homogeneous electric fields

Previous karyotype analysis with contour-clamped homogeneous electric fields (CHEF) indicated that the Cryptosporidium parvum karyotype comprises a minimum of five chromosomes all less than 1.6 Mb in size. In this study we were able to improve the resolution of the karyotype using a modified CHEF gel electrophoretic procedure that allows for the routine identification of seven C. parvum chromosomes ranging in size from about 0.945 to 2.2 Mb. Our data also suggest that an eighth chromosome is present and comigrates with another chromosome at about 1.3 Mb.
Dispute Resolution in the Nonunion Firm A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis

This article presents a multivariate analysis of the structure, uses, and consequences of nonunion employee appeal systems in three large U.S. companies over the 1980-83 period. Appeal system data drawn from company files are matched with personnel data to determine the effects of age, race, sex, education, occupation, and work experience on appeal system usage, types of appeal issues filed, and levels of appeal settlement. Analysis of appeal settlement data shows that the probability of an employee “winning” an appeal case increases with the level of settlement, but also that the probability of any single appeal progressing through the appeal system declines markedly with the level of settlement. Quantitative analysis of appeal settlement consequences, using an ex post facto control group design, shows that appeal filers and their supervisors-managers have significantly lower promotion rates and performance ratings and significantly higher turnover rates in the post-appeal settlement period than comparab...
Fatty acid, carbohydrate and amino acid composition of pistachio (pistacia vera) Kernels

The fatty acid, carbohydrate and amino acid composition of dried pistachio kernels was determined. On a dry weight basis they contained about 55% oil. The unsaturated fatty acids oleic and linoleic constituted about 80% of this oil. Carbohydrate analysis of a hydrolysed sample showed the predominant sugar to be glucose followed by galactose and mannose with traces of fucose, arabinose and xylose. The total amino acid content was about 25% by weight. Nine essential amino acids were present with only cystine in a limiting amount and with a high level of lysine.
Molecular dynamics simulations of intergranular fracture in UO2 with nine empirical interatomic potentials

Abstract The intergranular fracture behavior of UO2 was studied using molecular dynamics simulations with a bicrystal model. The anisotropic fracture behavior due to the different grain boundary characters was investigated with the 〈 1 0 0 〉 symmetrical tilt Σ 5 and the 〈 1 1 0 〉 symmetrical tilt Σ 3 ({1 1 1} twin) grain boundaries. Nine interatomic potentials, seven rigid-ion plus two core–shell ones, were utilized to elucidate possible potential dependence. Initiating from a notch, crack propagation along grain boundaries was observed for most potentials. The Σ 3 boundary was found to be more prone to fracture than the Σ 5 one, indicated by a lower energy release rate associated with the former. However, some potential dependence was identified on the existence of transient plastic deformation at crack tips, and the results were discussed regarding the relevant material properties including the excess energies of metastable phases and the critical energy release rate for intergranular fracture. In general, local plasticity at crack tips was observed in fracture simulations with potentials that predict low excess energies for metastable phases and high critical energy release rates for intergranular fracture.
Bone density in women: College athletes and older athletic women

Bone density was studied in intercollegiate athletes and older athletic women. Single-photon densitometry was used to assess bone density parameters at a new distal radial site, the midradius, and the first metatarsus. Dual-photon densitometry assessed bone density of the lumbar spine. Eleven intercollegiate tennis players, 23 swimmers, and 86 older "athletic" women from 23 to 75 years of age were compared with age-matched nonathletic controls. "Athletic" describes adult women who exercised at least three times per week, 8 or more months of the year, for a minimum of 3 years. The radius and metatarsus bone content of intercollegiate athletes was significantly above control values. Lumbar spine density was significantly higher only in tennis players. Mean bone density values for adult "athletic" women were also significantly greater than in age-matched controls. In the oldest athletic group (55-75 years of age) bone measurement values in radius and lumbar spine were in the same range as for younger "athletic" women. In contrast, after 50 years of age, these values in the control population decreased by 0.7%/year. Therefore the largest variance (increase) from age-matched controls occurred in the oldest "athletic" group. Also, we have established a distal radial density value (using our modified site) below which we consider women "at risk" and recommend further bone health evaluation. Only two adult athletic women greater than 55 years of age fell into this category. It is concluded from this cross-sectional study that a regularly maintained athletic program for adult women may reduce the rate of "normal" bone mass loss accompanying age, particularly postmenopausally.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Do corporate outsourcing partnerships add value to student life

Student affairs needs to be an active participant in campus decisions about corporate outsourcing partnerships to ensure that the effects of these relationships on student life are considered.
Postictal Central Apnea as a Cause of SUDEP: Evidence From Near‐SUDEP Incident

While undergoing video-EEG monitoring, a 20-year-old woman had a 56-second convulsive seizure, after which she developed persistent apnea. The rhythm of the electrocardiogram complexes was unimpaired for approximately 10 seconds, after which it gradually and progressively slowed until it stopped 57 seconds later. Evaluation after successful cardio-respiratory resuscitation showed no evidence of airway obstruction or pulmonary edema. The patient had a previous cardio-respiratory arrest after a complex partial seizure without secondary generalization. Although epileptic seizures are known to be potentially arrhythmogenic to the heart, our observations strongly suggest that one probable mechanism of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy is the marked central suppression of respiratory activity after seizures.
When Socratic Dialogue is Flagging: Questions and Strategies for Engaging Students

The author studied the pedagogy of Socrates looking for teaching techniques that help maintain students' interest in an ongoing discussion. Socrates' use of such strategies as asking probing questions, expanding the discussion into its relationship to other ideas, assuming the role of the devil's advocate, and spending time on group maintenance can be extremely helpful.
Māl, enunciations, and the prehistory of Arabic algebra

Abstract Medieval Arabic algebra books intended for practical training generally have in common a first “book” which is divided into two sections: one on the methods of solving simplified equations and manipulating expressions, followed by one consisting of worked-out problems. By paying close attention to the wording of the problems in the books of al-Khwārizmī, Abū Kāmil, and Ibn Badr, we reveal the different ways the word māl was used. In the enunciation of a problem it is a common noun meaning “quantity,” while in the solution it is the proper noun naming the square of “thing” (shay '). We then look into the differences between the wording of enunciations and equations, which clarify certain problems solved without “thing,” and help explain the development of algebra before the time of al-Khwārizmī.
A Semi-Analytical Emission Model for Diffusion Flame, Rich/Lean and Premixed Lean Combustors

To enhanced gas turbine combustor performance and emissions characteristics, better design methods need to be developed. In the present investigation, an emission model that simulates a detailed chemical kinetic scheme has been developed to provide the rate of reactions of the parent fuel, an intermediate hydrocarbon compound, CO, and H{sub 2}. The intermediate fuel has variable carbon and hydrogen contents depending on operating conditions, that were selected in the development effort to simulate actual operating conditions, that were selected in the development effort to simulate actual operation of rich/lean, diffusion flame, and lean combustor concepts. The developed reaction rate expressions address also the limited reaction rates that may occur in the near-wall regions of the combustor due to the admittance of radial air jets and cooling air in these regions. The validation effort included the application of the developed model to a combustor simulated by a multiple-reactor arrangement. The results indicate the accurate duplication of the calculations obtained from the detailed kinetic scheme using the developed model. This illustrates the great potential of using such a unified approach to guide the design of various types of combustor to meet the more stringent emissions and performance requirements of next-generation gas turbinemore » engines.« less
Dominant-Negative HMGA1 Blocks μ Enhancer Activation through a Novel Mechanism

The immunoglobulin μ intronic enhancer is a potent B cell-specific transcriptional activator. The enhancer is activated by the appropriate combination of transcription factors, amongst which are ets and bHLH proteins. HMGA1 (formerly HMG-I(Y)) is a demonstrated co-activator of the μ enhancer. HMGA1 functions through direct interaction with PU.1, one of the ets proteins critical for enhancer activation. New data demonstrates dominant negative HMGA1 dramatically decreases enhancer activity in B cells. EMSA analysis demonstrated that DN HMGA1 disrupts established PU.1/μ enhancer binding. Similarly, DN HMGA1 blocks μ enhancer binding by Ets-1. In sharp contrast, DN HMGA1 had no effect on binding activity of the ETS DNA binding domains of either PU.1 or Ets-1, or the bHLH-zip protein TFE3, suggesting specificity. Taken together, the data suggest that DN HMGA1 utilizes a novel mechanism to specifically block interaction between ets proteins and μ enhancer DNA, suggesting DN HMGA1 represents a new, highly specific means of regulating μ enhancer activity.
Proportion of refractive errors in a Polish immigrant population in Chicago.

PURPOSE.: This retrospective record review was conducted to investigate the proportion of patients with refractive error in a Polish immigrant population residing in an urban environment. Illinois has more than 1 million people of Polish descent as citizens, and Chicago is considered to have the second largest population of Polish descent in the world, outside of Warsaw, Poland. METHODS.: Six hundred seventy-five records (271 men/404 women) of Polish immigrants were reviewed from a practice with >92% Polish immigrants in the patient base. The patients ranged in age from 3 to 94 years. Refractive status for each eye, and the existence of any strabismus or amblyopia, was recorded. RESULTS.: The proportion of myopia[spherical equivalent at least -0.75 diopter (D)] was found to be 35.1%, whereas the proportion of hyperopia (spherical equivalent >/=+0.75 D) was found to be 38.4%. Fifteen percent of the patients exhibited astigmatism >/=1.00 D. Amblyopia was present in 9% of the patients, whereas the prevalence of strabismus was found to be 3%, with 76% of the strabismics exhibiting esotropia. In the 0- to 18-year age range and the 19- to 45-year age range, the most common refractive error was low myopia (43.9 and 36.9%), whereas in the patients >45 years of age, it was low hyperopia (31.2%). CONCLUSIONS.: Refractive error data are presented for a population base that has not been previously reported, although Polish Americans comprise 3% of the US population. Myopia is more common in young Polish patients than in the general US population. The strong hyperopic shift in older patients may either be normal aging or the product of increased near work in the young. The high rates of amblyopia call for more aggressive education and treatment. Language: en
Phosphatidylcholine-Cerebrosides Interactions: Influence of Cerebroside Acyl Chain Character

Abstract We have measured the swelling properties, and force decay with bilayer separation, for single phase multi-lamellar arrays made from dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, and cerebrosides with primarily non-hydroxl acyl chains. The phase characteristics and interactive forces are found to be similar to bilayers made from DOPC and cerebrosides with primarily hydroxyl acyl chains. In all cases, cerebrosides are found to have little effect on the hydration and electrostatic forces.
Doxycycline inhibits TGF-beta1-induced MMP-9 via Smad and MAPK pathways in human corneal epithelial cells.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of TGF-beta1 and doxycycline on production of gelatinase MMP-9 and activation of Smad, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in human corneal epithelial cells. Methods Primary human corneal epithelial cells were cultured to confluence. The cells were treated with different concentrations of TGF-beta1 (0.1, 1, or 10 ng/mL), with or without TGF-beta1-neutralizing mAb (5 microg/mL), SP600125 (30 microM), PD98059 (40 microM), SB202190 (20 microM), or doxycycline (5-40 microg/mL) for different lengths of time. Conditioned media were collected from cultures treated for 24 to 48 hours to evaluate the MMP-9 production by zymography and activity assay. Total RNA was isolated from cells treated for 6 to 24 hours to evaluate MMP-9 expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. Cells treated for 5 to 60 minutes were lysed in RIPA buffer for Western blot with phospho-specific antibodies against Smad2, JNK1/2, ERK1/2, or p38. Results TGF-beta1 increased expression, production, and activity of MMP-9 by human corneal epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. TGF-beta1 also induced activation of Smad2, JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 within 5 to 15 minutes, with peak activation at 15 to 60 minutes. Doxycycline markedly inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced production of MMP-9 and activation of the Smad, JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 signaling pathways. Its inhibitory effects were of a magnitude similar to SP600125, PD98059, and SB202190, specific inhibitors of the JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 pathways, respectively. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that doxycycline inhibits TGF-beta1-induced MMP-9 production and activity, perhaps through the Smad and MAPK signaling pathways. These inhibitory effects may explain the reported efficacy of doxycycline in treating MMP-9-mediated ocular surface diseases.
AMENORRHOEA AND FAILURE TO VIRILIZE IN A PATIENT WITH A TESTOSTERONE SECRETING GRANULOSA CELL TUMOUR

SUMMARY A 39-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhoea in the absence of galactorrhoea, hirsutism or virilization. Investigation revealed a strikingly elevated serum testosterone, dihydrotesterone, free testosterone and LH level. At laparotomy a large granulosa cell tumour was encountered and totally removed. Analysis of the tumour revealed 127 ng of testosterone/mg of tumour tissue. The testosterone was localized immunocytochemically to the granulosa cells, which demonstrated typical ultrastructural characteristics of oestrogen rather than androgen secreting tissue. A study of androgen binding and metabolism prior to tumour resection revealed a normal androgen receptor as evidenced by normal maximum binding, dissociation constant and nuclear uptake. Removal of the tumour resulted in a return to normal of all abnormalities. We conclude that granulosa cell tumours may rarely secrete large amounts of testosterone and that in this situation their ultrastructure is unchanged. Furthermore, absence of LH suppression or hirsutism in an amenorrhoeic patient does not dismiss the possibility of a significant androgensecreting tumour. In this situation, the failure to virilize may be due to a post-nuclear translocational defect.
Cobalt complexes of proteins and polypeptides.

WE wish to present evidence for the formation of two types of cobalt complexes of proteins and polypeptides in which cobalt is probably bound to the peptide groups. A variety of proteins (for example, gelatin, pepsin, edestin, lysozyme, chymotrypsinogen), as well as tetraglycine and poly-DL-alanine, give the complexes, but most of the work has been carried out with commercial gelatin.
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor δ Activation Promotes Cell Survival following Hypertonic Stress

COX2-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause selective apoptosis of renal medullary interstitial cells (RMIC) in vivo and reduce their ability to tolerate hypertonic stress in vitro. To determine the mechanism by which COX2 activity promotes RMIC viability, we examined the capacity of COX2-derived prostanoids to promote RMIC survival. Although RMICs synthesize prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) PGI2 > PGF2a > TxA2, only PGI2 enhanced RMIC viability following hypertonic stress. RMICs do not express the prostacyclin receptor, but they do express the prostacyclin responsive nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta). Hypertonic stress increased PGI2 synthesis 330% above base line and also activated a PPARdelta specific reporter (delta response element (DRE)) by 90% above base line. Conversely DRE activity was only inhibited by the COX2-selective inhibitor SC236 but not by a COX1-selective NSAID (SC560). Overexpression of PPARdelta using an adenovirus not only drove DRE activity but also prevented RMIC death due to COX2 inhibition. These studies are consistent with a model whereby hypertonicity activates COX2-derived prostaglandin production, which promotes RMIC viability through PPARdelta. Inhibition of PPARdelta activity may contribute to the renal papillary necrosis associated with analgesic and/or NSAID use.
Models for Ordinal Agreement Data

Statistical models can be used to describe the probabilistic structure underlying cross-classified agreement data. This article explains how models for ordinal agreement data can be understood in terms of an association component and an agreement component. The association component accounts for the positive association typically present in ordinal ratings of two observers. The agreement component specifies a model for the diagonal cells of the cross-classified ratings. Several models for ordinal agreement data proposed in the literature are special cases of this approach. A new log-linear model for agreement data that can also be understood in terms of the two components is presented and illustrated using data from a case-control study of coronary heart disease.
The helium market in the USA

Abstract The market for helium, a by-product of the production of natural gas, in the United States is investigated in this paper. The market has been affected by the Helium Conservation Program operated by the US Department of the Interior. Even considering the many exogeneous influences operating as a result of this program, the results demonstrate that the quantity demanded and quantity supplied of Grade A helium have been influenced by normal economic forces.
Walker’s Eleodes (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The type specimens of five species of Eleodes described by Francis Walker from British Columbia, Canada, were studied in order to establish their true identity. The synonymy of Eleodes convexicollis Walker and E. conjunctus Walker with E. obscurus (Say); that of Eleodes latiusculus Walker with E. humeralis LeConte; and that of Eleodes binotatus Walker with Eleodes hispilabris (Say) is confirmed. Eleodes subtuberculatus Walker = Eleodes parvulus Blaisdell, new synonymy, and not a synonym of E. granulatus LeConte. Only in the latter case is a Walker name senior to the name currently in use.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subtypes and substance use and use disorders in NESARC

Abstract Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with substance use and substance use disorders (SUD). However, relatively little is known about the relationship between DSM-IV ADHD subtypes and substance use or DSM-IV abuse/dependence in epidemiological samples. Methods Data were obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, N = 33,588). Respondents reported on ADHD symptoms (DSM-IV) for the period of time when they were 17 years or younger. Lifetime use and DSM-IV abuse/dependence of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, sedatives, stimulants and heroin/opiates were compared across those with ADHD symptoms but no diagnosis (ADHDsx; N = 17,009), the Combined (ADHD-C; N = 361), Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-I; N = 325), and the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive (ADHD-HI; N = 279) ADHD subtypes. Taking a more dimensional approach, inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptom counts and their associations with substance use and misuse were also examined. Results After adjustments for conduct disorder, major depressive disorder, any anxiety disorder and other socio-demographic covariates, substance use and SUD were associated with ADHDsx, ADHD-C, ADHD-I and ADHD-HI. Overall, substance use and SUD were more weakly associated with the ADHDsx group compared to the three ADHD diagnostic groups. Statistically significant differences were not evident across the three diagnostic groups. Hyperactive–impulsive symptoms were more consistently associated with substance use and SUD compared to inattentive symptoms. Conclusions ADHD subtypes are consistently associated with substance use and SUD. The relatively stronger association of hyperactive/impulsive symptoms with substance use and abuse/dependence is consistent with the extant literature noting impulsivity as a precursor of substance use and SUD.
DEND Mutation in Kir6.2 (KCNJ11) Reveals a Flexible N-Terminal Region Critical for ATP-Sensing of the KATP Channel ☆

ATP-sensitive K+-channels link metabolism and excitability in neurons, myocytes, and pancreatic islets. Mutations in the pore-forming subunit (Kir6.2; KCNJ11) cause neonatal diabetes, developmental delay, and epilepsy by decreasing sensitivity to ATP inhibition and suppressing electrical activity. Mutations of residue G53 underlie both mild (G53R,S) and severe (G53D) forms of the disease. All examined substitutions (G53D,R,S,A,C,F) reduced ATP-sensitivity, indicating an intolerance of any amino acid other than glycine. Surprisingly, each mutation reduces ATP affinity, rather than intrinsic gating, although structural modeling places G53 at a significant distance from the ATP-binding pocket. We propose that glycine is required in this location for flexibility of the distal N-terminus, and for an induced fit of ATP at the binding site. Consistent with this hypothesis, glycine substitution of the adjacent residue (Q52G) partially rescues ATP affinity of reconstituted Q52G/G53D channels. The results reveal an important feature of the noncanonical ATP-sensing mechanism of KATP channels.
The Work of Repatriation in Indian Country

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is widely acknowledged to have had a profound effect on museum practice and policy over the last two decades. Museum professionals and practicing anthropologists have published extensively on their experiences and perspectives. However, far less serious and systematic attention has been given to how NAGPRA has been implemented in Indian country. This paper provides the results of an online survey of tribal repatriation workers to help establish a baseline understanding of their personal backgrounds and motivations, their viewpoints of how the legislation has impacted Native communities, their experiences in employing the law, and their collective vision for NAGPRA's uncertain future.
THE IMPACT OF SEDIMENT FECAL COLIFORM RESERVOIRS ON SEASONAL WATER QUALITY IN OAK CREEK, ARIZONA

Abstract Physical and chemical parameters (including stream flow, temperature, pH, dissolved ion concentrations and biological oxygen demand) indicate that the water of Oak Creek, AZ is of high quality. However, fecal coliform enumerations of Oak Creek demonstrated an annual deterioration of water quality during the summer seasons of 1994, 1995 and 1996. The summer season is characterized by high recreational use and by summer storm activity. During the summer periods, violations (>800 cfu/100 ml) of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality guidelines for its `unique waters' designation were recorded during 17 out of 54 sampling days and seriously compromised (>150 cfu/100 ml) water quality was recorded for 37 out of 54 sampling days. In addition, two sediment sites were identified with high fecal coliform counts, averaging 2200 times the fecal coliform counts of the water column. The results of this study show that sediment agitation by recreational activity and storm surges associated with the summer storm season are responsible for the impact to water quality and not recreational users directly, as suggested by previous studies. Sources of fecal pollution in the Oak Creek watershed may include grazing cattle, natural animal populations (primarily elk and deer), septic tanks, failed municipal sewage systems and recreational users.
Factors affecting the implementation rates of energy and productivity recommendations in small and medium sized companies

The Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has worked with more than 500 manufacturing companies to identify energy and productivity saving opportunities for small and medium sized companies. The most common saving recommendations are summarized. The implementation rates of the recommendations were only about 40%. The logistic regression analysis is used to investigate the factors that affect the implementation rates of the recommendations in 147 manufacturing plants from seven different types of industries. Six possible factors affecting the implementation rates of the recommendations are investigated; payback period, sales, number of employees, plant area, annual working hours, and the industry type. It is determined that each type of industry deals differently with implementing the recommendations. Furthermore, the recommendation type (energy or productivity) and payback period are the main factors that affect the implementation rates. It was also found that the companies which run on full capacity or work more hours are less likely to implement the recommendations.