cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty Versus Laser‐Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) was the first surgical procedure specifically designed to address the palatal abnormalities seen in many patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). For adult apneic patients, UPPP remains the most commonly performed operation. Beginning in 1993, laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) was introduced for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. LAUP differs from UPPP because it is performed in the office using only local anesthesia, thus being very cost-effective. Seventy-nine patients with OSAS underwent surgical treatment: 38 treated with LAUP and 41 with UPPP. The overall surgical response rate, defined as a >50% reduction in the postoperative respiratory disturbance index (RDI), was achieved in 21 (51.2%) of UPPP-treated and 18 (47.4%) of LAUP-treated patients. The RDI decreased from 30.3 +/- 3.7 to 22.2 +/- 4.4 events/h in the LAUP patients and from 52.1 +/- 5.0 to 25.5 +/- 2.7 events/h in the UPPP patients. The lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (LS(aO2)) increased from 72.8 +/- 2.1 to 80.9 +/- 1.3% in the UPPP patients; there was no change in the LAUP patients. Postoperative complications in this series included minor bleeding, oral candidiasis, and temporary velopalatal insufficiency in both groups. In the carefully selected OSAS patient, LAUP should be considered a surgical alternative to UPPP. LAUP may actually be preferable to UPPP in certain cases because LAUP is cost-effective, does not require a general anesthetic or hospitalization, has very few associated complications, and time lost at work is minimal.
MO‐FF‐A1‐02: Tolerance of Source Position Accuracy in HDR Brachytherapy in the Era of 3‐Dimensional Treatment Planning

Purpose: 3D CT/MRI based treatment planning has largely replaced 2D radiographs in HDR brachytherapy. Although dose‐volume‐histogram provides better estimate of organdose than ICRU point, its accuracy suffers from source position errors due to intrinsic high dose gradients. The actual source dwelling position deviates from the position shown in plan because: applicator gets pushed in or pulled out during transportation between OR, CT/MRI and HDR; slice thickness of CT/MRI images introduces localization error in reconstructed applicator; HDR machine has ∼1mm mechanic error in specification. In this study, we estimated the dosimetric changes due to source position errors. Method: Nineteen fractions from ten cervical patients were included. Prescription was 6 Gy using tandem/ovoids. CT‐based plans were evaluated following GYN‐GEC‐ESTRO guidelines (D90 for CTV, D2cc for OAR). H point and ICRU bladder/rectal point dose were also calculated. For each plan, source positions were shifted to mimic source position error, and resulting dosimetric changes were computed. Two levels of error were studied: 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm. Results: For a 2.5 mm error, CTV D90 changed by 1.8% while H point dose changed by 2.2%. D2cc for bladder, rectum and sigmoid changed by 4.8%, 3.4% and 3.9% respectively. ICRU bladder and rectal point dose changed by 11.4% and 3.3% respectively. For a 5.0 mm error, CTV D90 changed by 3.7% while H point dose changed by 4.6%. D2cc for bladder, rectum and sigmoid changed by 10.9%, 6.6% and 8.4% respectively. ICRU bladder and rectal point dose changed by 23.8% and 6.9% respectively. Conclusion: Volumetric parameters are less sensitive to source position errors than ICRU points. Tumor coverage is not affected much by such errors. ICRU bladder point is extremely sensitive to such errors. To achieve an overall accuracy of 5% in dose delivery, combined source position error should be kept within 2.5 mm.
A robust composite time integration scheme for snap-through problems

A robust time integration scheme for snap-through buckling of shallow arches is proposed. The algorithm is a composite method that consists of three sub-steps. Numerical damping is introduced to the system by employing an algorithm similar to the backward differentiation formulas method in the last sub-step. Optimal algorithmic parameters are established based on stability criteria and minimization of numerical damping. The proposed method is accurate, numerically stable, and efficient as demonstrated through several examples involving loss of stability, large deformation, large displacements and large rotations.
G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase GRK5 Phosphorylates Moesin and Regulates Metastasis in Prostate Cancer

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK) regulate diverse cellular functions ranging from metabolism to growth and locomotion. Here, we report an important contributory role for GRK5 in human prostate cancer. Inhibition of GRK5 kinase activity attenuated the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells and, concordantly, increased cell attachment and focal adhesion formation. Mass spectrometric analysis of the phosphoproteome revealed the cytoskeletal-membrane attachment protein moesin as a putative GRK5 substrate. GRK5 regulated the subcellular distribution of moesin and colocalized with moesin at the cell periphery. We identified amino acid T66 of moesin as a principal GRK5 phosphorylation site and showed that enforcing the expression of a T66-mutated moesin reduced cell spreading. In a xenograft model of human prostate cancer, GRK5 silencing reduced tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Taken together, our results established GRK5 as a key contributor to the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer.
A prediction of the bounds on the effective thermal conductivity of granular materials

Abstract Two models are developed to describe the effective thermal conductivity of randomly packed granular systems based on a one dimensional Ohm's Law method. These models are shown to represent upper and lower bounds on the effective conductivity of all normally distributed stochastic mixtures. An empirical factor has been obtained to account for three dimensional thermal effects. Comparisons to experimental data indicate that the modified correlation is generally accurate to within ±20% over a wide range of constituent materials.
Environmental enrichment decreases intravenous self-administration of amphetamine in female and male rats.

Rationale: Previous work has shown that environmental enrichment alters amphetamine-induced locomotor activity and conditioned place preference. Objective: The present study examined the effect of environmental enrichment on amphetamine self-administration. Methods: Female and male rats were raised from 21 days of age in one of three different conditions: an enriched condition (EC) containing novel objects and social partners, a social condition (SC) containing social partners only, or an isolated conditioned (IC) without objects or social partners. Beginning at 51 days of age, rats were then tested for operant responding for a sucrose reinforcer using an incremental fixed ratio (FR) requirement across four sessions. Rats were then implanted with a chronic indwelling intravenous catheter and were allowed to self-administer amphetamine (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg per infusion) for five FR1 sessions, followed by a progressive ratio (PR) session. Results: EC rats initially showed an increase in sucrose-reinforced responding relative to IC rats and this environment-induced difference was greater in females than in males. However, in both sexes, the environment-induced difference in sucrose-reinforced responding dissipated completely across repeated sessions. With amphetamine self-administration, both EC and SC rats earned fewer infusions than IC rats across repeated FR1 sessions using the low dose of amphetamine (0.03 mg/kg per infusion), but not using the higher dose of amphetamine (0.1 mg/kg per infusion). EC rats also earned fewer self-infusions of the low amphetamine dose on the PR session relative to IC rats. The effects of environmental enrichment on amphetamine self-administration were similar in both females and males. Conclusion: These results suggest that environmental enrichment may serve as a protective factor for reducing amphetamine self-administration.
Phaseolin in vitro pepsin digestibility: role of acids and phenolic compounds.

Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) phaseolin proteolysis at 37 °C, varying HCl concentrations (10 mM to 1 M), phaseolin:pepsin ratios ranging from 5:1 to 100:1 (w/w), and incubation times ...
Evaluating direct energy savings and market transformation effects: A decade of technical design assistance in the northwestern USA

Abstract This paper documents the direct energy savings and energy efficiency market transformation impacts of a multi-state design assistance program in the northwestern US. The paper addresses four specific aims. (1) It provides a conservative and justified estimate of the direct energy savings associated with design assistance activities of a market transformation program from 2001 to 2010. (2) It provides a rigorous methodology to evaluate direct energy savings associated with design assistance market transformation programs. (3) It provides a low-cost replicable method to predict energy savings in new buildings by evaluating the integrated design process. (4) It provides quantitative indicators useful for estimating indirect energy savings from market transformation. Applying the recommended analysis method and assuming a 12-year measure life, the direct energy savings of the population (626 buildings; 51,262,000 ft 2 ) is estimated as 45.3 aMW (average megawatts) (electric), and 265,738.089 therms (non-electric). If the entire program budget were divided into the electric savings only, the Lab Network cost per kWh saved ranged from $0.0016 to $0.003 using the recommended method and $0.0092/kWh using the most conservative method. These figures do not isolate contextual influences or represent total resource cost. Statistically significant correlations ( r 2 =0.1−0.3) between integrated design scores and energy savings are reported.
Organ-derived microvessel endothelial cells exhibit differential responsiveness to thrombin and other growth factors.

Abstract To investigate the relationship between endothelial cells and organ-associated vascular physiology, microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from murine brain, lung, and liver tissues. During culture, these endothelial cells maintained certain differentiated characteristics common to all endothelial cells, but also showed organ-specific characteristics, with distinct patterns of responsiveness to various growth factors. Microvascular endothelial cells from all organs responded to endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF), but lung (LE-1) and brain (MBE-12) endothelial cells showed different responsiveness to thrombin (10–60 nM), combinations of thrombin and ECGF, or thrombin and extracellular matrix. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSE) were relatively unresponsive to thrombin, but were the most responsive of the endothelial cells to EGF. Endothelial cells isolated from lung and brain, where fluxes in vascular permeability are observed following injury, showed dramatic morphological alterations in response to nanomolar concentrations of thrombin. These cells also exhibited the highest amount of 125I-thrombin binding at these concentrations. Scatchard analysis of 125I-thrombin binding indicated that LE cells have the highest affinity for thrombin, followed by MBE, with HSE exhibiting significantly lower affinity. The binding of 125I-thrombin to these cells was inhibited by the TR-9 monoclonal antibody directed against fibroblast high-affinity thrombin receptors involved in thrombin-stimulated mitogenesis. The results suggest that the differences in growth stimulation observed between organ-derived endothelial cells in response to thrombin, ECGF, and EGF may relate to differential expression of receptors for these factors. These observations demonstrate yet another aspect of the functional heterogeneity of the microvascular endothelium.
Process Integration for active polysilicon resonant microstructures

Abstract Microsensors based on active polysilicon resonant microstructures are attractive because of their wide dynamic range, high sensitivity and frequency shift output. In this paper, we discuss processing issues for integrating electrostatically-driven and -sensed polysilicon microstructures with on-chip nMOS device. Surface-micro-machining using sacrificial spacer layers is used to obtain relased microstructures. A novel feature is the use of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) for strain relief of the ion-implanted, phosphorous-doped polysilicon. Resonance frequencies of cantilever beams indicate a lower-bound Young's modulus of about 90 GPa and an upper-bound compressive residual strain of only 0.002%, indicating that RTA is potentially useful for strain relief.
Random Assembly of GABA ρ1 and ρ2 Subunits in the Formation of Heteromeric GABAC Receptors

1. Various combinations of the ρ subunits (ρ1A, ρ1B, ρ2A, ρ2B) of GABAC receptors cloned from white perch retina were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and electrophysiological and pharmacological methods were used to test their ability to co-assemble into heteromeric receptors. Simultaneous injection of the two subunits, irrespective of their relative proportions, led invariably to the formation of a preponderance of heteromeric receptors. 2. The GABA deactivation responses elicited from these cells could be described by a single exponential decay, and their pharmacological responses deviated significantly from those expected of a simple mixture of two homomeric ρ1 and ρ2 receptors. In contrast, a double exponential function comprising fast and slow components was required to fit the GABA deactivation responses elicited from oocytes sequentially expressing ρ1 and ρ2 subunits, a condition that favors the formation of a mixture of homomeric ρ1 and ρ2 receptors. 3. Both the GABA-response kinetics and the sensitivity to picrotoxin of the heteromeric perch ρ1Bρ2A receptor varied with the proportion of the subunit RNA injected, indicating there is no fixed stoichiometry for their co-assembly into heteromeric ρ1ρ2 receptors. 4. If native GABAC receptors in retinal neurons behave in a similar manner as in the oocyte expression system, these finding suggest that the properties of their GABAC receptors are likely to be influenced by the transcription/translation efficiency of GABA ρ subunit genes.
An Algorithm for Harmonic Analysis

An algorithm is proposed for performing harmonic analysis of tonal music. The algorithm begins with a representation of a piece as pitches and durations; it generates a representation in which the piece is divided into segments labeled with roots. This is a project of psychological interest, because much evidence exists that harmonic analysis is performed by trained and untrained listeners during listening; however, the perspective of the current project is computational rather than psychological, simply examining what has to be done computationally to produce "correct" analyses for pieces. One of the major innovations of the project is that pitches and chords are both represented on a spatial representation known as the "line of fifths"; this is similar to the circle of fifths except that distinctions are made between different spellings of the same pitch class. The algorithm uses preference rules to evaluate different possible interpretations, selecting the interpretation that most satisfies the preference rules. The algorithm has been computationally implemented; examples of the program9s output are given and discussed.
Resolution of peripheral artery catheter-induced ischemic injury following prolonged treatment with topical nitroglycerin ointment in a newborn: a case report

Tissue ischemia, necrosis, and gangrene are uncommon but well-described complications of arterial catheterization in the neonate. Treatment options for progressive tissue necrosis following arterial embolization and/or vasospasm are limited in these patients secondary to unpredictable pharmacokinetics and risks associated with systemic anticoagulation or vasodilatation in newborns. We report a case of a multidose regimen of topical 2% nitroglycerin ointment for reversing severe tissue ischemia following peripheral arterial line placement. The favorable response in this infant suggests that topical nitroglycerin therapy should be considered as potential therapy to ameliorate the effects of vascular compromise following arterial line placement in neonates.
The genetic architecture of autism and related disorders

Abstract Epidemiological twin studies demonstrate that autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent genetic disorders. Subsequent analyses indicate that the causes of ASDs include rarer single gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, as well as ASDs caused by multiple interacting genes of weak effect. Genome-wide linkage analysis has identified several susceptibility loci for the ASDs, and positional and functional candidate genes have been identified that may represent susceptibility genes for the ASDs. Analysis of additional larger samples, and the use of genome-wide association and high-throughput variant detection will lead to the identification of further genes for ASDs.
Stopping-power formula for magnetic monopoles

A stopping-power formula is presented for magnetic monopoles with charge $|g|=\frac{137e}{2}$ and $|g|=137e$. Close- and distant-collision effects are considered and the estimated accuracy in an absolute sense is \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3% for $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.2$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\lesssim}100$.
An analysis of the regions of the myelin basic protein that bind to phosphatidylcholine.

The interactions of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to regions of the myelin basic protein (MBP) was examined. In solid phase binding assays the nature of the binding of unilamellar vesicles of14C-labeled phosphatidylcholine to bovine 18.5 kDa MBP, its N- and C-terminal peptide fragments, photooxidized 18.5 kDa MBP and the mouse 14 kDa protein, with an internal deletion of residues 117–157, was studied. The data were analyzed by computer-generated Scatchard plots in which non-specific binding was eliminated. Non-cooperative, low affinity binding of PC vesicles to MBP was observed, and this binding found to be sensitive to pH and ionic changes. At an ionic strength of 0.1 and pH 7.4, the binding of PC to the 14 kDa mouse MBP exhibited a Kd similar to that obtained with both the N-terminal and photooxidized 18.5 kDa bovine MBP. The studies indicated that the sites of PC interaction with MBP are located in the N-terminal region of the protein. The C-terminal region appeared to modulate the strength of the interaction slightly. Under similar conditions, lysozyme did not bind PC liposomes, and histone bound them nonspecifically.
Protein growth factor requirements of rat neural crest cells.

Nascent neural crest cells derived from explanted E12 embryonic rat caudal neural tubes were used as an assay system to investigate the effects of fibroblast growth factors on neural crest cell (NCC) survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In vitro and in vivo all NCC express low affinity nerve growth factor receptors (p75-LNGFR), whereas a subpopulation of NCC expresses the carbohydrate epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody HNK-1 (Bannerman and Pleasure, manuscript in preparation). Both acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) promoted the survival of proportionally greater numbers of p75-LNGF+/HNK-1− than P75-LNGFR+/HNK-1+ NCC. An as yet uncharacterized factor present in neural tube-conditioned medium was also required for NCC survival. Mitosis was frequent in those NCC closest to the neural tube, less so as the cells migrated away. Neither basic nor acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) influenced rates of NCC mitosis in either of these locations, nor did these FGFs alter the rate at which nascent NCC migrated away from the neural tube. However, acidic and basic FGFs did delay the differentiation of neural crest derived neurons in the cultures. FGF is abundant in the embryonic rat neural crest outgrowth zone, and the present study strongley supports an essential role for fgf in early development of the mammalian neural crest. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regional Advanced Manufacturing Academy: An Agent of Change

Three Northeast Texas community colleges put aside service delivery areas and matters of “turf” to create Centers of Excellence that provided training throughout a nine county area. This consortium; along with 14 manufacturers, seven economic development corporations, and the regional workforce board, led the change in training a highly skilled workforce while reducing instructional expenditures for each college. Over 1250 individual workers received over 33,000 hours of training to prepare them to compete in the global economy. The Regional Advanced Manufacturing Academy (RAMA) has become a leading change agent in the way colleges and businesses can collaborate to improve the quality of workforce development while reducing the costs of operation.
The acute effects of an unstable shoe on energy expenditure

Recently, the concept of constructing a rocker-bottom unstable shoe has become increasingly popular in the shoe industry. Proposed benefits based on this type of unstable shoe include increased lower extremity muscle activation and energy expenditure. Therefore, unstable shoes could be used to improve physical fitness, induce weight loss, and improve balance. Although several recent studies have examined the chronic physiological responses of wearing these shoes over long periods of time, few have investigated the changes occurring in the initial acclimation phase within the first hour of use. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify energy expenditure of wearing an unstable shoe (US), as compared to control shoe (CS) or a participant's own athletic shoe matched to the mass of an US, during an initial acclimation period of 40 minutes. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteer participants (17 females, 13 males, age 21.77 ± 3.16 years, mass 67.27 ± 10.29 kg, stature 167.61 ± 7.85 cm), who had not previou...
Analysis of the Inhibition of the Ergosterol Pathway in Fungi Using the Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) Method

Fungal cells treated with various inhibitors to the ergosterol pathway were analyzed using an Orbitrap mass spectrometer equipped with an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP). The technique is a rapid means for determining which of the multiple steps in the ergosterol pathway were interrupted by an inhibitor. Furthermore, in an inhibitor concentration study, the ASAP method was able to rapidly provide an estimate of the effectiveness of inhibition. In this method the cells are inserted directly into a hot nitrogen stream, thus eliminating extensive sample workup before analysis. Data indicating the point of pathway interruption are obtained in seconds.
A service science context in education driven by disruptive innovation and the Internet of Things

Summary form only given. Global Engineering is the last frontier in education. It creates a dilemma of providing engineering education anywhere in the World, preserving local cultural values, and applying it anywhere around the Globe. A recent Singapore Declaration [ASEE Global Forum, 2009], and consecutive World Engineering Education Forums, [1] paved the roadmap towards Global Engineering calling for practical solutions to implement the vision of a global engineer. In response to these challenges, several “disruptive innovation” [Christensen, 1995] solutions such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) and Massive Open Online Laboratories (MOOL) have been introduced including the one based on the Internet of Things (IOT) and disruptive microelectronics [2]. Disruptive Microelectronics which includes embedded systems, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and Programmable Systems On a Chip (PSOC), is one of excellent case studies of disruptive technologies (or disruptive innovation) which is defined as an innovation that helps create a new market and value network, and eventually goes on to disrupt an existing market and value network (over a few years or decades), displacing an earlier technology. The Internet of Things is the next generation of the Internet connecting objects, not just people. Since the ultimate goal is to produce new industries globally, understanding, measuring, evaluating, and preserving the integrity of global engineering becomes fundamental. The latter is proposed to be addressed by Quality Assessment (QA) of emerging global engineering curricula and scholars involved in teaching of global engineering. For example, International Society for Engineering Education (IGIP) is one of the leaders providing international certification of scholars and one of the frontrunners in fostering engineering on line, critical for global engineering. The overall process of global engineering education addressing essential skills for engineers from any country to be competitive in an international market for engineering knowhow, with skills not longer limited to cultural sensitivity needed only for product design destined for diverse markets can be superbly captured by Service Science [Spohrer, 2008]. Service science is an interdisciplinary paradigm to the study, design, and implementation of complex systems in which specific arrangements of people and technologies take actions that provide value for others [3]. It is also a proposed academic discipline and research area that would complement multiplicity of disciplines that contribute to knowledge about service.
Tuning parameters in engineering design

In the design and manufacture of mechanical devices, there are parameters whose values are determined by the manufacturing process in response to errors introduced in the device’s manufacture or operating environment. Such parameters are termed tuning parameters, and are distinct from design parameterswhich the designer selects values for as a part of the design process. This paper introduces tuning parameters into the design methods of: optimization, Taguchi’s method, and the method of imprecision [8]. The details of the mathematical formulation, along with a design example, are presented and discussed. Including tuning parameters in the design process can result in designs that are more tolerant of variational noise.
Resonant tunneling between quantum Hall edge states.

Resonant tunneling between fractional quantum Hall edge states is studied in the Luttinger liquid picture. For the \ensuremath{\nu}=1/3 Laughlin parent state, the resonance line shape is a universal function whose width scales to zero at zero temperature. Extensive quantum Monte Carlo simulations are presented for \ensuremath{\nu}=1/3 which confirm this picture and provide a parameter-free prediction for the line shape.
Nano and neutron science applications for geomechanics

Recent advances in experimental characterization techniques offer unique opportunities to evaluate mechanical properties of geomaterials. In this paper, authors introduce two such techniques that have significant potential to impact geomechanics community. The technique of using Instrumented indentation testing using nano-indenter to evaluate hardness and modulus of individual sand particles is introduced. Use of the measured data from nanoindenter on individual sand grain in modelling its assembly using numerical methods such as the discrete element method (for example PFC-2D) is addressed. Modulus for two silica sands with varying particle shape is presented for the depth of indentation in the range of 100 to 1000 nanometers. Use of neutron science for solving relevant problems to geotechnical engineering is also described in this paper. Neutrons are subatomic particles with no electric charge having duality and interacts with atomic nuclei, while X-ray interacts with electrons. Neutrons thus have significantly higher penetration power for most geo-materials when compared to X-rays and are sensitive to hydrogen. Use of neutrons for solving a new class of problems including non-destructive evaluation of strain at particle level while the assemblage is subjected to target stress conditions, and imaging applications including flow through partially saturated porous medium are presented.
A Comparative Study of Creative Thinking of American And Japanese College Students

Cross-cultural differences in creative thinking were assessed for 51 American and 54 Japanese college students. The American college students showed statistically significantly higher scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) figural test than the Japanese college students. No gender differences were found in either culture. Performance on the TTCT did not correlate with the performance on broad academic aptitude/achievement measures for either culture.
Full-length cDNA cloning and genomic organization of the mouse liver-specific organic anion transporter-1 (lst-1).

Abstract We have cloned a cDNA that codes for mouse liver-specific transporter-1, mouse lst-1. The cDNA is comprised of 3296 base pairs and it contains a coding sequence for a protein of 689 amino acids with 12 putative transmembrane domains. The deduced amino acid sequence of the mouse lst-1 shares 64 and 77% identities with the reported human and rat lsts, respectively. Northern blot analysis demonstrates that mouse lst-1 mRNA is expressed exclusively in liver. We also report here the structural organization of the mouse lst-1 gene as the first evidence for the structure of a gene encoding an lst. The mouse lst-1 gene spans approximately 60 kbp in length and consists of 16 exons, including two noncoding exons. All the introns are flanked by GT-AG consensus splice sequences. 5′-Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) analyses demonstrate three splice variant mRNAs involving the noncoding exon 2 and exon 3. The 5′-flanking region of the gene contains consensus CAAT and TATA boxes and several potential binding sites for transcription factors for CAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF-3β, HFH-1, and HFH-2), transcription factors important for liver-specific gene expression.
Variation of depth to the brittle‐ductile transition due to cooling of a midcrustal intrusion

The depth to the brittle-ductile transition in the crust is often defined by the intersection of a shear resistance relation in the brittle upper crust that increases linearly with depth and a power law relation for ductile flow in the lower crust that depends strongly on temperature. Transient variation of this depth caused by a magmatic intrusion at a depth near the regional transition can be modeled by a heat conduction model for a rectangular parallelepiped superimposed on a linear geothermal gradient. When parameters appropriate for the southeastern United States are used, a moderate-sized intrusion is found to decrease the transition depth by as much as 7 km; significant variations last about 10 m.y. Since the base of the seismogenic zone is identified with the brittle-ductile transition and since significant depth variations provide loci for strain energy concentration, these results imply that intrusions of late Tertiary age or younger could be important sources of clustered seismicity.
Critical current density of bulk, aligned Tl-1223 superconductor

Abstract The critical current of sintered, grain-aligned bulk TlBaSrCa 2 Cu 3 O 9− y , Tl-1223, was determined. The sample was prepared by magneticallp aligning Tl-1223 popder suspended in a slurrp and sintering the resulting aligned popder assembly. Good c-axis alignment of the grains was obtained but a low sintered density was attained. The critical current was low compared with literature results for samples prepared by popder-in-tube as well as vapor phase thallinated polycrystalline thick films. The bulk, TlBaSrCa 2 Cu 3 O 9− y , composition, hopever, did shop better high field behavior than the thick film TlBa 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O9 − y composition. This is attributed to the reduced anisotropy of the strontium containing material.
Prevention of obliterative airway disease in HLA-A2-transgenic tracheal allografts by neutralization of tumor necrosis factor.

BACKGROUND Inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the development of experimental obliterative airway disease (OAD) after transplantation. To further determine the immunologic mechanisms associated with OAD development, we used a murine tracheal transplant model in which a single mismatched HLA-A2-transgenic molecule is indirectly recognized by the recipient CD4+ T cells and then determined whether neutralization of several inflammatory cytokines affected the development of OAD. METHODS Tracheas from HLA-A2+ C57BL/6 mice were heterotopically transplanted into C57BL/6 mice. Recipients were treated with neutralizing antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), or interleukin-1 (IL-1). Allograft histology as well as anti-HLA-A2 antibody development and T cell proliferative responses were determined at days +5, +15, +28, and +60. RESULTS Allografts in untreated and anti-IFN-gamma-treated recipients demonstrated full development of OAD by day +28. Allografts in anti-TNF-treated recipients showed no evidence of OAD, even at day +60. Allografts in anti-IL-1-treated recipients showed airway epithelium changes by day +28 but minimal evidence of OAD by day +60. Spleen cells from untreated and anti-IFN-gamma-treated recipients showed significantly higher proliferative responses to HLA-A2+ cells, compared with syngeneic recipients (negative controls). In contrast, anti-TNF and anti-IL-1-treated recipients showed significantly lower proliferative responses to HLA-A2+ cells, compared with untreated recipients. Development of anti-HLA-A2 antibodies was detected in all recipients by day +15, with the exception of those treated with anti-TNF. CONCLUSION Among the inflammatory cytokines, TNF seems to play a crucial role in the immunopathology of OAD developed after transplantation.
Cystectomy in perspective.

Cystectomy is a procedure of limited scope which nevertheless has retained a role in the management of carcinoma of the bladder. It has been employed alone for cure, as a cytoreductive method in programs including other agents, as a salvage technique, and, at times, for palliation. Although the concept appears to be the essence of simplicity, as surgical techniques, supportive measures, staging methods, adjuncts, and the understanding of the biology of the disease have changed, cystectomy historically has served different purposes. Evaluation of cystectomy in a given stage of neoplasia has been complicated by difficulties in comparing uncontrolled series as well as by errors inherent in the persisting lack of precision in staging.' Indeed, reduction in the understaging of invasive lesions could produce an improvement in reported results so dramatic that, unless recognized as such, any concomitant change in therapy could be greeted as a major advance in management. The surgical procedure itself has become more useful as radical surgery has become applicable to older age groups with greater safety, due to both better supportive techniques and more precise identification of satisfactory candidates. Surgical technique itself has improved, although this is difficult to quantitate, and has always manifested some variability. The willingness to perform cystectomy in the patient with invasive disease earlier in the course of his management has also helped. As a corollary, the operation less often is performed as a salvage procedure, whether recognized as such or following the "successful" eradication of a previous lesion with ionizing radiation. The addition of pelvic lymph node dissection remains controversial, but there is evidence that it has therapeutic value in patients with a limited number of involved nodes.f As a matter of technique, lymphadenectomy may be associated with better vascular control and with a wider margin of dissection, thus improving the management of the lesion with only immediate perivesical extension. This last point may be of some signifi-
Analysis of human flap endonuclease 1 mutants reveals a mechanism to prevent triplet repeat expansion

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), involved in the joining of Okazaki fragments, has been proposed to restrain DNA repeat sequence expansion, a process associated with aging and disease. Here we analyze properties of human FEN1 having mutations at two conserved glycines (G66S and G242D) causing defects in nuclease activity. Introduction of these mutants into yeast led to sequence expansions. Reconstituting triplet repeat expansion in vitro, we previously found that DNA ligase I promotes expansion, but FEN1 prevents the ligation that forms expanded products. Here we show that among the intermediates that could generate sequence expansion, a bubble is necessary for ligation to produce the expansion product. Severe exonuclease defects in the mutant FEN1 suggested that the inability to degrade bubbles exonucleolytically leads to expansion. However, even wild type FEN1 exonuclease cannot compete with DNA ligase I to degrade a bubble structure before it can be ligated. Instead, we propose that FEN1 suppresses sequence expansion by degrading flaps that equilibrate with bubbles, thereby reducing bubble concentration. In this way FEN1 employs endonuclease rather than exonuclease to prevent expansions. A model is presented describing the roles of DNA structure, DNA ligase I, and FEN1 in sequence expansion.
THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE IN ARTICULAR CARTILAGE DAMAGE

Research on the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of chondrocyte and cartilage function began in 1991 with the demonstration that rabbit articular chondrocytes produce high levels of NO after stimulation with interleukin-1 (IL-1) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 43 Different experimental approaches have been used to examine the role of NO in cartilage degradation. Studies on cultured cartilage and isolated chondrocytes addressed the effects of endogenous and exogenous NO on cell function. Cartilage from arthritic joints was analyzed for evidence of NO production. In vivo studies used experimental models of arthritis and mice with a gene knockout of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) to elucidate the role of NO in the pathogenesis of arthritis and cartilage destruction. This article summarizes the results of these various lines of research and describes current concepts of the role of NO in cartilage biology and pathophysiology.
Slip morphology in dispersion hardened materials

Abstract Using the elastic energy method, the morphology of plastic deformation is discussed for dispersion-hardened materials. It is concluded that uniform plastic deformation is preferred for these materials; however, heterogeneous deformation occurs in a certain range of plastic strains if the dispersion-hardened materials contain work-softening obstacles, such as small dislocation loops, in neutron-irradiated copper or in quench-hardened aluminum.
Ligand Structure, Conformational Dynamics, and Excited-State Electron Delocalization for Control of Photoinduced Electron Transfer Rates in Synthetic Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Systems

Synthesis, ground-, and excited-state properties are reported for two new electron donor-bridge-acceptor (D-B-A) molecules and two new photophysical model complexes. The D-B-A molecules are [Ru(bpy)2(bpy-ϕ-MV)](PF6)4 (3) and [Ru(tmb)2(bpy-ϕ-MV)](PF6)4 (4), where bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine, tmb is 4,4′,5,5′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, MV is methyl viologen, and ϕ is a phenylene spacer. Their model complexes are [Ru(bpy)2(p-tol-bpy)](PF6)2 (1) and [Ru(tmb)2(p-tol-bpy)](PF6)2 (2), where p-tolyl-bpy is 4-(p-tolyl)-2,2′-bipyridine. Photophysical characterization of 1 and 2 indicates that 2.17 eV and 2.12 eV are stored in their respective 3MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited state. These values along with electrochemical measurements show that photoinduced electron transfer (D*-B-A → D+-B-A−) is favorable in 3 and 4 with ΔG°ET = −0.52 eV and −0.62 eV, respectively. The driving force for the reverse process (D+-B-A− → D-B-A) is also reported: ΔG°BET = −1.7 eV for 3 and −1.5 eV for 4. Transient absorption...
New signatures of underground nuclear tests revealed by satellite radar interferometry

[1] New observations of surface displacement caused by past underground nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) are presented using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). The InSAR data reveal both coseismic and postseismic subsidence signals that extend one kilometer or more across regardless of whether or not a surface crater was formed from each test. While surface craters and other coseismic surface effects (ground cracks, etc.) may be detectable using high resolution optical or other remote sensing techniques, these broader, more subtle subsidence signals (one to several centimeters distributed over an area 1–2 kilometers across) are not detectable using other methods [Barker et al., 1998]. A time series of interferograms reveal that the postseismic signals develop and persist for months to years after the tests and that different rates and styles of deformation occur depending on the geologic and hydrologic setting and conditions of the local test area.
Heavy metals in Mercenaria mercenaria and sediments from the New Bedford harbor region of Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts.

M. mercenaria and sediments from the New Bedford region were analyzed for cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc to investigate some of the relationships between environmental and organismal levels. It appears that at present there is no major contamination of clams or sediments in the areas studied. However, since levels of some metals approached the permissible limits at times, it would obviously be beneficial if all sources of pollution to the area could be identified and regulated. It is suggested that harvesting of clams could be managed seasonally so that tissue contaminants are at their periodic minima. For these metals late summer, fall, and winter appear to be favorable times. It is also suggested that clams harvested in the vicinity of recently dredged areas be monitored for heavy metal levels. The need for a continuous monitoring program for heavy metals and other toxic substances for New Bedford and surrounding areas to insure public safety is recommended.
The Obligation to Theorize, Today

This short essay queries the obligation of rhetorical scholars to theorize in the current conjuncture and closes (in) on some of the entailments of recent calls to engaged social justice scholarship and activism.
Effect of Chronic Exposure to Prometryne on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Response in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

The aim of the study was to investigate effects of the triazine herbicide prometryne on red swamp crayfish on the basis of oxidative stress, antioxidant indices in hepatopancreas and muscle, and histopathology of hepatopancreas. Crayfish were exposed to prometryne concentrations of 0.51&#x2009;&#x3bc;g&#x2009;L&#x2212;1, 0.144&#x2009;mg&#x2009;L&#x2212;1, and 1.144&#x2009;mg&#x2009;L&#x2212;1 for 11 and 25 days. Indices of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), and antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR)) in crayfish muscle and hepatopancreas were measured. Chronic exposure to prometryne did not showed the impact of oxidative damage to cells. Changes activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GR were observed in all tested concentrations to prometryne for 11 and 25 days () as compared with the control group. We did not see any differences in histopatological examination to hepatopancreas. Prolonged exposure of prometryne did not result in oxidative damage to cell lipids and proteins, but it led to changes in antioxidant activity in crayfish tissues. Changes in antioxidant systems were also observed in the environmental prometryne concentration of 0.51&#x2009;&#x3bc;g&#x2009;L&#x2212;1. The results suggest that antioxidant responses may have potential as biomarkers for monitoring residual triazine herbicides in aquatic environments.
Serotonin metabolism in the brains of mice sensitive or resistant to audiogenic seizures.

Properties involved in the maintenance of the steady-state level of serotonin were studied in the brains of mice showing a genetically determined susceptibility or resistance to audiogenic seizures. Animals susceptible to sezures appear to possess an inefficient 5-HT system which stimulates a compensatory increase in neuronal activity resulting in decreased 5-HT levels and increased 5-HT turnover. Biochemical mechanisms that could be responsible for such an inefficiency are discussed.
Experimental Investigation of the Controlled Atmospheric Pressure Resin Infusion (CAPRI) Process

Controlled atmospheric pressure resin infusion (CAPRI) is a variation of the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The CAPRI process increases the fiber volume fraction of the preform prior to infusion via debulking and applies a reduced pressure gradient during infusion to minimize thickness gradients during processing. This study experimentally investigates the effect of debulking and reduced pressure gradient on the incoming material parameters, process behavior and final dimensional tolerances. The effect of debulking on fabric permeability and compaction behavior has been investigated and shows a significant impact on the infusion time and final fiber volume fraction. Several E-glass plain weave preforms have been infused and flow, pressure and thickness data has been recorded and compared to traditional VARTM processing. A previously developed model uses the experimentally obtained permeability data and good agreement of the flow behavior is observed, the CAPRI process decreases th...
Hemodynamics following endoscopic thoracic sympathotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

We studied patients with palmar hyperhidrosis before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathotomy (ETS) to determine the effect of chronic sympathetic denervation on (1) forearm blood flow (FBF) response to mental stress and (2) exercise tolerance. Twenty-two healthy patients were evaluated before ETS, and 17 returned after surgery (11 F; 19–32 years). We measured heart rate (HR; 12 lead), blood pressure, and FBF (plethysmography, ml dl−1 min−1). Supine HR tended to decrease after ETS (69 ± 10 vs. 66 ± 6, p = 0.2). Mental stress FBF was recorded during baseline, 3-min Stroop color word test, and 2-min recovery. Mental stress responses were unaffected by ETS. However, during post-mental stress recovery period, ETS resulted in a significant elevation in FBF (2 ± 1 vs. 3 ± 1), FVC (3 ± 1 vs. 4 ± 2), and a decrease in FVR (52 ± 22 vs. 32 ± 16, p < 0.01 for all). ETS resulted in a reduction in pre-exercise seated baseline HR (94 ± 2.5 beats/min preoperatively vs. 84 ± 4.3 beats/min postoperatively, p < 0.05), maximal HR response to cycle exercise, and exercise systolic blood pressure (172 ± 5.2 mmHg pre-op vs. 158 ± 5.9 mmHg post-op, p < 0.05) but not mean or diastolic pressure. VO2max and exercise duration determined by cycle ergometry was unchanged. Functional evidence of upper limb denervation is observed during the FBF recovery period from mental stress and hemodynamic alterations associated with upright cycle exercise. However, the sustained exercise capacity suggests modest clinical consequences.
A simple device for harvesting biological fluids at the microscopic level.

Abstract A simple aspirating device is described which permits repeated samples of biological materials to be taken near or at the microscopic level. It features an inner coaxial tube which delivers a harvesting fluid into the very tip of the collecting needle, permitting metabolic activity in the sample to be quenched immediately. The device is easily constructed from common laboratory material.