cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Involvement of transcription factor C/EBP-beta in stimulation of PEPCK gene expression during exercise

Prolonged exercise increases gluconeogenesis and activates transcription of the hepatic phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene. The mechanisms that regulate the transcriptional control of gene expression depend on the interaction of nuclear proteins with distinct DNA sequences. To determine the involvement with the liver-enriched transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EMP-beta) in the induction of PEPCK gene transcription during prolonged exercise or adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) treatment, we examined C/EBP-beta mRNA and nuclear protein concentrations, as well as C/EBP-beta binding to the PEPCK promoter at the cAMP response element (CRE)(-87/-74) and P3I (-248/-230) binding sites. The requirement of these DNA elements for exercise-induced stimulation of PEPCK gene expression was established in transgenic mice carrying -460 +/- 73 of the PEPCK promoter with a mutation in either the CRE or P3I binding domain linked to a bovine growth hormone (bGH) reporter gene. In mice carrying the intact promoter, prolonged exercise increased the concentration of liver bGH mRNA by 510% compared with an increase of only 270% in mice with a mutation in either the CRE or P3I site. Exercise or cAMP injection induced a 7.5- and 13-fold increase in nuclear C/EBP-beta protein, respectively. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), the total quantity of nuclear proteins bound to either oligomer was not altered by treatment. However, addition of C/EBP-beta antisera in the EMSA in a supershift assay indicated that liver nuclear extracts from exercised or cAMP-treated mice demonstrated significantly greater DNA binding due to C/EBP-beta (CRE: control 44.4 +/- 2.3%, exercise 56.7% +/- 2.2%, cAMP 54.5 +/- 3.6% of total binding, P < 0.001; P3I: control 35.8 +/- 2.5%, exercise 64.9 +/- 1.9%, cAMP 57.3 +/- 2.5% of total binding, P < 0.001). Taken together, these results suggest that exercise and cAMP treatment induce a transient increase in C/EBP-beta that may contribute to the molecular mechanism for signaling PEPCK gene transcription and increasing gluconeogenesis during exercise.
The renaissance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are attractive because they are made from cheap materials that do not need to be highly purified and can be printed at low cost 1 . DSCs are unique compared with almost all other kinds of solar cells in that electron transport, light absorption and hole transport are each handled by different materials in the cell 2,3 . The sensitizing dye in a DSC is anchored to a wide-bandgap semiconductor such as TiO2, SnO2 or ZnO. When the dye absorbs light, the photoexcited electron rapidly transfers to the conduction band of the semiconductor, which carries the electron to one of the electrodes 4 . A redox couple, usually comprised of iodide/triiodide (I – /I3 – ), then reduces the oxidized dye back to its neutral state and transports the positive charge to the platinized counter-electrode 5 . In 1991, O’Regan and Gratzel demonstrated that a film of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles deposited on a DSC would act as a mesoporous n-type photoanode and thereby increase the available surface area for dye attachment by a factor of more than a thousand 1 . This approach dramatically improved light absorption and brought power-conversion efficiencies into a range that allowed the DSC to be viewed as a serious competitor to other solar cell technologies 6 . A schematic and energy level diagram showing the operation of a typical DSC is shown in Fig. 1. During the 1990s and the early 2000s, researchers found that organometallic complexes based on ruthenium provided the highest power-conversion efficiencies 7,8
The problem of overweight in hospitalized psychotic patients.

Overweight increases mortality rates, unfavorably influences the incidence and impairs the prognosis of certain diseases, and helps produce undesirable emotional problems. When psychotic patients at two mental hospitals were studied, it was found that: 1. There were significantly more overweight than underweight patients (P=<.001). 2. Significantly more patients were currently gaining than losing weight (P=<.01). 3. At admission, underweight patients outnumbered overweight patients, and most patients tended to gain for the first four months after admission. 4. For at least the first six months of its administration, tranquilizing medication resulted in considerable weight gain with the mean weight gain decreasing somewhat after four months. 5. The relationship of the size of dosage of tranquilizing medication to the amount of weight change was not clear. 6. Patients showing most psychiatric improvement (according to the criteria used) with tranquilizing medication were not necessarily the ones gaining the most weight, but patients showing the least improvement tended to be among those showing little weight gain or showing loss of weight.
Technology readiness and usage: a global-identity perspective

The past several decades have witnessed the rapid globalization of consumption markets and widespread diffusion of information and communication technologies. However, the use of technology by consumers is not a foregone conclusion. We investigate the role of global self-identity on the orientation toward technology readiness and usage. Relying on a social-identity model of motivation as our theoretical framework, we propose a model which incorporates global self-identity (i.e., cosmopolitanism/parochialism and global/local identification) and self-regulation (i.e., promotion and prevention focus) in predicting technology readiness and usage in a self-service technology context. The proposed model is tested in two different cultures, the U.S. and China, and is contrasted with two theoretically-competing models as well. Results provide support for the hypothesized model, and a number of limitations, implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Narrative and the Nature of Reading in John Bale’s Response to a Sixteenth-Century Reader of The Vocacyon of Johan Bale (1553)

The bibliographical scholar John Bale’s reputation still suffers fromtendentious responses to his vituperative style. Such dismissal distorts our understanding of Bale’s importance, during the sixteenth century, to the development of the genre of polemic. Scholars ought not to reject Bale solely on the basis of nowdated aesthetic criteria. The present essay seeks to rehabilitate Bale: by examining one of his relatively unknown prose works, it demonstrates how Bale’s work can inform issues of central concern to studies of both the history of the book and the history of reading. Bale’s knowledge of books extended beyond their contents to an acute sense of how they functioned and what they could reveal about the skills and moral character of their readers. For Bale, reading is a material and metaphorical practice that helps him to define the nature of meaning and its role within religious and political controversy.
A Concise Synthesis of Topsentin A and Nortopsentins B and D

[reaction: see text] A concise synthesis of topsentin A (R(1) = R(2) = H) and nortopsentins B (R(1) = Br, R(2) = H) and D (R(1) = R(2) = H) is described from oxotryptamine 5 via reduction of acyl cyanide 4. Regiospecific bromination of 3-cyanoindole afforded 6-bromo-3-cyanoindole (10) as the major product.
Human brown fat inducible thioesterase variant 2 cellular localization and catalytic function.

The mammalian brown fat inducible thioesterase variant 2 (BFIT2), also known as ACOT11, is a multi-modular protein containing two consecutive hotdog-fold domains and a C-terminal steroidogenic acute regulatory protein related lipid transfer (START) domain (StarD14). In this study, we demonstrate that the N-terminal region of human BFIT2 (hBFIT2) constitutes a mitochondrial location signal sequence, which undergoes mitochondria-dependent posttranslational cleavage. The mature hBFIT2 is shown to be located in the mitochondrial matrix whereas the paralog “cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA hydrolase” (CACH, also known as ACOT12) was found in the cytoplam. In-vitro activity analysis of full-length hBFIT2 isolated from stably transfected HEK293 cells demonstrates selective thioesterase activity directed towards long chain fatty acyl-CoA thioesters, thus distinguishing BFIT2 catalytic function from that of CACH. The results from a protein-lipid overlay test indicate that the hBFIT2 StarD14 domain binds phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate.
Gallbladder dysfunction in diabetes mellitus

To further elucidate the mechanism of impaired gallbladder emptying in diabetics with and without neuropathy, gallbladder function was assessed by ultrasonography following a medium-chain triglyceride (lipomul, 1.5 mg/kg) infusion into the duodenum and compared to that during intravenous infusion of cholecystokinin in diabetic women. Results were compared with five healthy control women. Mean (±sd) maximal percent gallbladder volume in diabetics following lipomul was reduced to 49±8% and after intravenous cholecystokinin to 47±9%, which was less than those in controls, 21±9% and 24±6%, respectively, but not significantly different. Further analysis of gallbladder emptying to lipomul differentiated two subgroups of diabetics: one subgroup (N=5) had emptying comparable to controls (responders), while the other (N=5) had very modest emptying (nonresponders). Two of the patients in the latter group had normal gallbladder emptying during exogenous cholecystokinin and their response would be compatible with visceral neuropathy. Blood levels of cholecystokinin, measured by bioassay, following lipomul and exogenous cholecystokinin were similar in controls and diabetics. Presence of diabetic neuropathy did not correlate with impaired gallbladder emptying. Follow up at 6 and 12 months of the three nonresponder diabetics revealed that no gallstones had developed and that two of them became responders to exogenous cholecystokinin. We conclude that: (1) following lipomul, about 50% of diabetics in this study have impaired gallbladder emptying, which is not strictly correlated with diabetic neuropathy; (2) this was not due to abnormal cholecystokinin release; (3) in diabetic patients with impaired gallbladder emptying another abnormality may be present in the gallbladder; and (4) impaired gallbladder contraction may not lead to gallstone formation in one-year follow-up.
Neonatal whisker clipping alters intracortical, but not thalamocortical projections, in rat barrel cortex.

Retrograde axonal transport of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was used to compare the development of intracortical and thalamocortical connections in normal rats with those in rats in which all of the whiskers were trimmed continuously from birth. In normal animals, injections of CTB into a single barrel column resulted in an asymmetrical labeling of cells that were distributed preferentially within columns related to the same row in which the injection was placed. This anisotropy in the patterns of intracortical connections was not observed in whisker-clipped animals. In these animals, there was a significant reduction in the mean number of labeled cells in the infragranular layers, and labeled cells were distributed symmetrically around the injection site. The same injections of CTB also labeled thalamocortical neurons in the ventrobasal thalamus. Analysis of the distribution of these cells revealed that, in both control and experimental animals, the vast majority of labeled cells were restricted to a homologous (i.e., corresponding to the injected cortical barrel) thalamic barreloid. These findings indicate that manipulations of sensory experience alter patterns of intracortical, but not thalamocortical, connections. J. Comp. Neurol. 412:83‐94, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: somatotopy; somatosensory; vibrissae; plasticity; development; tract tracing
Fuzzy relaxation approach for inexact scene matching

Abstract A graph theoretic approach for matching imperfectly segmented images with stored scene models is presented. The segmentation errors addressed are missing objects, extra objects, mismeasured relations, mismeasured attributes, split objects, and merged objects. By combining enhanced fuzzy relaxation and association graph techniques, the mthod integrates global inter-object relations and local object attributes to obtain more reliable matching. Problems of oversegmentation and undersegmentation are handled by modifying the association graph to include nodes involving merged regions and objects.
Hydrodynamic force on spheres in cylindrical and prismatic enclosures

Abstract The Lattice–Boltzmann method (LBM) is used for the computation of the total hydrodynamic force acting on a solid sphere that settles in a viscous fluid contained in orthogonal cylindrical or prismatic enclosures. Creeping flow as well as flows with finite Reynolds numbers are computed. Among the several geometrical flow domains that are examined are: a sphere in an orthogonal circular cylinder and a sphere in a prismatic enclosure with various rectangular cross-sections. We also performed calculations on the flow and the hydrodynamic force developed on the sphere, when it does not move along the line of symmetry of the enclosure. In the last type of calculations, we have found out that a transverse component of the hydrodynamic force develops. In the absence of any rotation of the sphere and for the range of Reynolds numbers examined here, this force is directed towards the axis of symmetry of the enclosure.
Malignancies of the head and neck: the role for molecular targeted agents

Although cancers arising in the head and neck region are a diverse group of malignancies, a unifying thread remains a poor overall survival for patients with advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease. Treatment strategies need to evolve and improve upon established therapeutic practices. As the process of cancer evolution is understood to be derived from aberrations in genetic and epigenetic processes, molecularly targeted agents offer attractive therapeutic options by restoring normal control of oncogenic processes. The direct role for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, nasopharynx and salivary gland carcinomas with these novel, molecularly targeted agents are reviewed and their potential to improve on the existing standard of care is further explored.
Communicative competence and the conversation course: A social interaction perspective☆

Abstract Using a type-case analytic approach, this study investigates the teaching/learning process during an intermediate-level Spanish conversation course (college level) to answer questions relative to the development of communicative competence in the target language. Systematic analysis was conducted on selected small-group speaking opportunities ( n = 12) that ethnographic observations showed to be analogous recurring events, which were constructed of both stable and variable elements within which the academic work of the course took place. In this study, instruction was conceptualized as a conversational process in which academic learning was nested. Specifically, this study demonstrates the constraints and limitations on developing communicative competence in a foreign language within a formal academic setting. The findings suggest the need to reconceptualize theoretical and methodological approaches to exploration of life within foreign language classrooms, especially if the goal of such research is to identify sources of influence on student learning. Recommendations are made for further research.
MicroRNA-24 regulates XIAP to reduce the apoptosis threshold in cancer cells

MicroRNAs have been implicated as important mediators of cancer cell homeostasis, and accumulating data suggest compelling roles for them in the apoptosis pathway. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is a potent caspase inhibitor and an important barrier to apoptotic cell death, but the mechanisms that determine the diverse range of XIAP expression seen in cancer remains unclear. In this study, we present evidence that miR-24 directly targets the 3'UTR of the XIAP messenger RNA (mRNA) to exert translational repression. Using a heuristic algorithm of bioinformatics analysis and in vitro screening, we identified miR-24 as a candidate regulator of XIAP expression. Array comparative genomic hybridization and spectral karyotype analysis reveal that genomic copy number loss at the miR-24 locus is concordant with the loss of endogenous miR-24 in cancer cells. Using a luciferase construct of the XIAP 3'UTR, we showed that miR-24 specifically coordinates to the XIAP mRNA. Interference with miR-24's binding of the critical seed region, resulting from site-directed mutagenesis of the 3'UTR, significantly abrogated miR-24's effects on XIAP expression. Moreover, miR-24 overexpression can overcome apoptosis resistance in cancer cells via downregulation of XIAP expression, and the resulting cancer cell death induced by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand is executed by the canonical caspase-mediated apoptosis pathway. In summary, our data suggest a novel mechanism by which miR-24 directly modulates XIAP expression level and consequently the apoptosis threshold in cancer cells.
Real-Time Determination of Aromatics in Automobile Exhaust by Single-Photon Ionization Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

Instrumentation was constructed for the determination of oxygenates and aromatics by single-photon ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (SPI-ITMS) with a direct-sampling interface for application to real-time automotive exhaust measurements. Vacuum ultraviolet light at 118 nm was produced by focusing 355-nm pulses from a Nd:YAG laser into a gas cell containing xenon and passing them through ports in the ring electrode of a modified commercial ion trap mass spectrometer. The direct-sampling system consisted of a heated capillary interface with a pulsed valve. Good ionization efficiency was observed for analytes with ionization potentials (IPs) below 10.1 eV, with most molecules yielding molecular ions as the most abundant ionization product. SPI provides significant selectivity against interferences with IPs greater than 10.5 eV. Tandem mass spectrometry was employed to distinguish between analytes that produced isobaric base peaks via SPI. Detection limits between 0.03 and 0.2 ppm were obtained for seven...
Literature review and opinion

Sildenafil (Viagra) was studied in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with a 24-week follow-up for the dose-response study and a 12-week follow-up for the dose-escalation study. This multicenter study evaluated 861 men with a mean age of 58 who had erectile dysfunction lasting more than 6 months and who had a stable relationship with a woman for 6 or more months. Patients were excluded if they had anatomical defects, any sexual disorder, spinal injury, major psychiatric illness, poorly controlled diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, history of ethanol or substance abuse, recent stroke or myocardial infarction, or use of nitrate therapy. Of those enrolled, 87% completed the dose-response and 93% the dose-escalation part of this study. Men were to take either 25, 50, or 100 mg of sildenafil. In the dose-escalation study, men were assigned to take either a placebo or 50 mg of sildenafil; the dose could be doubled or reduced by 50% at each followup visit. Outcomes were ability to achieve penetration and maintain an erection. In addition, responses were recorded for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Analysis was by an intention to treat. There was significantly improved ability to achieve penetration as compared to a placebo with a dose response relationship of 60, 84, and 100 percent for the 25, 50, and 100 mg doses, respectively. This relationship remained for the ability to maintain an erection as well as for all other areas assessed. In conclusion, men with erectile dysfunction may benefit from sildenafil.
Low temperature metallic resistivity of the charge-transfer organic conductor (TMTSF)2PF6

Abstract The electrical resistivity arising from electron-electron Umklapp scattering is calculated at low temperatures for the anisotropic but two-dimensional charge-transfer complex (TMTSF)2PF6. Also, we consider a specular scattering correction to a recent one-phonon scattering mechanism and find a significant change in the temperature dependent behavior of the resistivity. Finally an exact solution is obtained for the resistivity arising from two-libron scattering and is found to give a small contribution at low temperatures. Comparing these results with recent data, we find that the electron-electron mechanism yields the most satisfactory agreement at low temperatures, while contributions from the other two mechanisms may not be negligible at high temperatures.
GPR30 Regulates Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 Expression in Rat Primary Astrocytes

The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPR30 contributes to the neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2); however, the mechanisms associated with this protection have yet to be elucidated. Given that E2 increases astrocytic expression of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), which would prevent excitotoxic-induced neuronal death, we proposed that GPR30 mediates E2 action on GLT-1 expression. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined the effects of G1, a selective agonist of GPR30, and GPR30 siRNA on astrocytic GLT-1 expression, as well as glutamate uptake in rat primary astrocytes, and explored potential signaling pathways linking GPR30 to GLT-1. G1 increased GLT-1 protein and mRNA levels, subject to regulation by both MAPK and PI3K signaling. Inhibition of TGF-α receptor suppressed the G1-induced increase in GLT-1 expression. Silencing GPR30 reduced the expression of both GLT-1 and TGF-α and abrogated the G1-induced increase in GLT-1 expression. Moreover, the G1-induced increase in GLT-1 protein expression was abolished by a protein kinase A inhibitor and an NF-κB inhibitor. G1 also enhanced cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), as well as both NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 binding to the GLT-1 promoter. Finally, to model dysfunction of glutamate transporters, manganese was used, and G1 was found to attenuate manganese-induced impairment in GLT-1 protein expression and glutamate uptake. Taken together, the present data demonstrate that activation of GPR30 increases GLT-1 expression via multiple pathways, suggesting that GPR30 is worthwhile as a potential target to be explored for developing therapeutics of excitotoxic neuronal injury.
Visual working memory for observed actions

Human society depends on the ability to remember the actions of other individuals, which is information that must be stored in a temporary buffer to guide behavior after actions have been observed. To date, however, the storage capacity, contents, and architecture of working memory for observed actions are unknown. In this article, the author shows that it is possible to retain information about only 2-3 actions in visual working memory at once. However, it is also possible to retain 9 properties distributed across 3 actions almost as well as 3 properties distributed across 3 actions, showing that working memory stores integrated action representations rather than individual properties. Finally, the author shows that working memory for observed actions is independent from working memory for object and spatial information. These results provide evidence for a previously undocumented system in working memory for storing information about actions. Further, this system operates by the same storage principles as visual working memory for object information. Thus, working memory consists of a series of distinct yet computationally similar mechanisms for retaining different types of visual information.
Theoretical modeling of chiral composites

Studies of the role of chirality in the scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves in a discrete random chiral composite are presented, using a vector multiple scattering formalism in the microwave region. For the first time the effect of concentration, chirality, and size of the individual scatterers are related to the chirality and wavenumber of the effective medium. The chiral composite is modeled as an infinite nonchiral medium containing a random distribution of identical finite scatterers made of a chiral material. The concept of a T-matrix for a single scatterer is used to relate the scattered EM fields to the exciting plane-polarized fields. Ensemble averaging over the position of the scatterers, along with the quasi-crystalline approximation (QCA), results in a frequency dependent dispersion equations. Under long wavelength approximation, dispersion relations relating wavenumbers K(L), K(R) of the scattered left- and right-circularly polarized (LCP and RCP) waves are obtained and it is verified that they are circularly polarized. From a knowledge of these wavenumbers, the effective wavenumber and effective chirality of the chiral composite medium can be obtained.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Heinrich von Stackelberg’s Marktform und Gleichgewicht

Discusses Heinrich von Stackelberg as a mathematical economist, referring to his book Marktform und Gleichgewicht. Presents the main theories of rivalrous interaction among business firms and the problems of oligopoly and monopoly. Notes how Stackelberg used indifference curves to map the intersecting interests of rival sellers or buyers. Discusses Stackelberg’s isoprofit diagrams and the pattern of market interactions now called Stackelberg leadership.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE Observations of Superluminal Motion in the M87 Jet

We present observations of the M87 jet made with the Faint Object Camera on board the Hubble Space Telescope at five epochs between 1994 and 1998. These observations reveal 10 superluminal features within the first 6'' of the jet, with eight of these having apparent speeds in the range 4c-6c. Two additional features within the first arcsecond of the jet have subluminal speeds of 0.63c and 0.84c. The latter of these, named HST-1 East, appears to emit new superluminal features moving at 6c, which subsequently fade with a half-intensity timescale of ~2 yr. The fastest speeds we observe require a Lorentz factor ? ? 6 for the bulk flow and a jet orientation within 19? of the line of sight, in the context of the relativistic jet model. Finding such large ? in an FR I radio source like M87 strongly supports BL Lac/FR I unification models. These large speeds help to mitigate the particle lifetime problem posed by the optical emission, as well as the jet confinement problem.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF OPTICAL PROPERTIES INSIDE THE SURFZONE

This paper provides a review of our recent developments in numerical models for predicting physical processes related to optical properties inside the surfzone. Model components in the developments include the bubble entrainment model, 2D and 3D multiphase two-fluid models for modeling quiescent phase of bubbles, turbulence models with influences of bubbles, bubble coalescence and breakup models used in the two-fluid models, and foam model for predicting foam patch generation and evolution inside the surfzone. The paper summarizes theories used in the model components and shows some numerical results from model tests.
Preservative action of combined bacteriostatic agents. I. Preservative action of chlorobutanol in combinations with certain other bacteriostatic agents.

Chlorobutanol was found to be readily soluble in Tween 1 20, benzyl alcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol. The concentrated solutions are easily diluted to 0.5 per cent aqueous solutions, which is the strength frequently used in ophthalmic solutions. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal efficiency of the combined agents was found to be greater than that of chlorobutanol 0.5 per cent in isotonic sodium chloride solution.
Analysis of the potential for transfer of lipoprotein-cholesterol across the human placenta

Abstract We sought to determine whether evidence exists for the contribution of maternal plasma cholesterol to the fetal plasma cholesterol pool. We found maternal lipoprotein-cholesterol levels at the time of delivery to be significantly higher than those in mixed umbilical cord plasma. The maternal plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were not correlated to fetal plasma levels of these lipoproteins. There was a weak, but statistically significant, positive correlation between maternal and fetal plasma levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol. Also, we found a highly significant difference between the levels of HDL-, LDL-, and total cholesterol in umbilical venous and umbilical arterial plasma; venous levels being 7.7–12.8% higher than those in arterial plasma. These data are suggestive that cholesterol derived from maternal plasma can be delivered across the placenta to the fetal compartment in normal pregnancies at term. The contribution of such cholesterol to the fetal plasma cholesterol pool, however, appears to be of minimal quantitative importance in term newborns of women experiencing uncomplicated pregnancies.
Hemodynamic effects of simultaneous administration of intravenous ephedrine and spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of an intravenous (IV) ephedrine bolus given simultaneously with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Design: Randomized, prospective, double-blind study. Setting: Tertiary-care academic medical center. Patients: 40 ASA physical status I and II nonlaboring women undergoing elective cesarean delivery of term, uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies. Interventions: After a 10 mL/kg IV lactated Ringers bolus given over 15 minutes, patients simultaneously received an IV dose of 2 mL (10 mg) ephedrine or 2 mL saline, and an intrathecal dose of 12 mg (1.6 mL 0.75%) bupivacaine with 10 μg of fentanyl. Hypotension, defined as a 20% decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP), was treated with 10-mg IV doses of ephedrine. Measurements: Hemodynamic (heart rate and MAP) and non-invasive thoracic impedance (cardiac index, stroke index, and systemic vascular resistance index) measurements at baseline and at 1-minute intervals until the time of delivery. Total fluid, supplemental ephedrine, and Apgar scores were recorded. Data were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA), ANOVA for repeated measures, and Mann–Whitney U-tests where appropriate, with p Main Results: Significant changes from baseline in MAP, systemic vascular resistance index, heart rate, and cardiac index were observed in both groups after spinal anesthesia. However, there were no differences between the ephedrine and saline groups in the incidence and severity of change from the baseline. The overall incidence of hypotension was 70% in both groups. No difference in total fluid or supplemental ephedrine use was observed. Conclusions: 10 mg of IV ephedrine given at the time of spinal anesthesia, and after a 10 mL/kg lactated Ringers fluid bolus, does not diminish the incidence or severity of hypotension in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery.
Urinary polyamines for evaluating the course of disease for patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung

Clinical correlates with urinary excretion of polyamines were evaluated for 29 newly diagnosed and 35 previously treated patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCC). The frequencies of pretreatment abnormalities were 12 (41%) for putrescine, 18 (62%) for spermidine, and 20 (69%) for spermine. In assessing disease parameters, the combined use of the abnormalities of spermidine and spermine as a discriminant was more effective than that of all three polyamines; it correlated significantly with extent of limited and extensive disease (P less than 0.001), and also resulted in significant separation of survival curves, the median survival of 11 months for both elevated compared to 19 months for neither or only one elevated (P = 0.062). No significant difference was seen in the abnormalities between no metastasis and one metastasis, whereas the frequencies of the abnormalities was highly increased in two or more metastases. The distribution of polyamines determined at regular treatment intervals showed distinctively more elevated patterns in progressive disease than in stable disease or partial and complete responses (P less than 0.01). In order to evaluate therapeutic effects on the relationship between polyamine excretion and tumor regression, correlations between urinary putrescine and spermidine were determined. The values of the ratio of spermidine to putrescine were significantly smaller in responders than in nonresponders (P less than 0.01); and these may be related to smaller tumor mass and higher tumor proliferative activity in responders, and larger tumor mass and lower tumor proliferative activity in nonresponders.
Condom Failure: Examining the Objective and Cultural Meanings Expressed in Interviews With African American Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning and context of self-reported “condom failure” among sexually active African American adolescents. Semistructured interviews regarding methods of protection from pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) with 124 youth (ages 14–19 years) were content analyzed. The findings suggested three meanings of condom failure. First, condom failure represents a legitimate and important risk related to sexual activity. Second, it can serve as an excuse repertoire for adolescents who engaged in unprotected sex and later experienced either pregnancy or a STD. Third, it may serve as an explanation for males who deceive their partners into having unprotected sex. The findings are discussed with regard to their implications for HIV or STD prevention and research.
Time-resolved spectroscopy of a bromine ion beam

Abstract Using a time-of-flight technique with a bromine ion beam directed across a helium gas jet, we have measured the decay characteristics of the most intense laser line of Br+ at a wavelength of 518.24 nm and a weaker laser line at 505.46 nm. The radiative lifetimes of the upper levels of these transitions have been measured to be 8.3 ns (+ 4%, − 7%) and 7.8 ns (+ 7%, −10%), respectively.
Identification of the cytoskeletal regulatory protein alpha-adducin as a target of T cell receptor signaling.

Abstract Quiescent T lymphocytes reorganize the actin cytoskeleton subsequent to interaction with antigen presenting cells bearing the appropriate peptide antigen. Although both biochemical and genetic evidence indicate that T cell receptor-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization is critical to T cell activation, the mechanisms that mediate this process remain poorly defined. In this study, the cytoskeletal regulatory protein α-adducin was identified as a novel target of TCR signaling in primary T lymphocytes through the biochemical purification of an unknown 120 kDa protein (p120) defined by a fortuitously cross-reactive phospho-sensitive antiserum. The epitope identified by this antiserum defines a previously unrecognized site of phosphorylation localized to amino acids 590–620. Both TCR cross-linking and exposure to phorbol ester resulted in the phosphorylation-dependent elimination of this epitope. However, while phorbol ester induced rapid phosphorylation of both the phospho-sensitive epitope and the functionally defined major protein kinase C site present near the carboxy-terminus (serine 724) of α-adducin, only the phospho-sensitive epitope was modified upon activation through the TCR. Moreover, inhibition of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D blocked this modification. Of particular importance, α-adducin was not expressed in T cell lines, was completely down-regulated in primary T cells within 24 h of activation and was reduced in quiescent memory T cells. These results suggest a model in which reorganization of the unique cytoskeletal network that defines a primary quiescent T lymphocyte is mediated in part through the TCR-dependent modification and subsequent down-regulation of α-adducin, thereby resulting in a cytoskeletal architecture compatible with T cell effector and memory functions.
Lack of cross-reactivity between rofecoxib and aspirin in aspirin-sensitive patients with asthma.

Abstract Background: Patients with aspirin-sensitive respiratory disease experience cross-reactions to all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes. With the introduction of antiarthritis drugs, which selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, questions are raised as to whether cross-reactivity occurs between aspirin and these new cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine whether rofecoxib cross-reacts in aspirin-sensitive patients with asthma. Methods: Sixty patients with asthma underwent doubleblinded, placebo-controlled oral challenges with rofecoxib (12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 2 placebos) over 48 hours in our General Clinical Research Center. The next day, aspirin sensitivity was proven in each of the 60 patients through use of single-blinded oral aspirin challenges. Results: None of the 60 patients experienced any symptoms, changes in nasal examination findings, or declines in FEV 1 values during their challenges with rofecoxib. All 60 patients experienced typical naso-ocular and asthmatic reactions to aspirin with a mean provoking dose of 61 mg. The exact 1-sided CI for the probability of rofecoxib inducing crossreactions in aspirin-sensitive patients with asthma is calculated to be between 0% and 0.05%. Conclusion: Given that none of the 60 patients reacted to rofecoxib and given the statistical power of this large sample size, we conclude that cross-reactivity between aspirin and rofecoxib does not occur in patients with aspirin-sensitive respiratory disease. This does not exclude rofecoxib from participating in other types of reactions, including immune recognition after prior treatment with the drug. From the standpoint of the mechanisms involved in aspirin-induced respiratory reactions, this study strongly supports inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 as the essential initiator of these types of reactions. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;108:47-51.)
Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis is a minimally invasive surgical technique that efficiently and reproducibly addresses long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon pathology. Indications for biceps tenodesis include traumatic and degenerative tearing, biceps instability, rupture, and failed surgery. Subpectoral tenodesis may be a preferred technique in the setting of complete LHB rupture, failed tenotomy, or prior tenodesis. The LHB tendon is tenotomized arthroscopically at its origin, and a miniopen subpectoral approach is used to identify the tendon distally. Fixation is performed deep and just proximal to the inferior margin of the pectoralis major muscle. Fixation in this area can be achieved through the use of bone tunnels, an interference screw, suture anchor(s), or a cortical button. Attention is given to maintain the native position of the LHB musculotendinous junction relative to the inferior border of the pectoralis major. This technique maintains the biceps length–tension relationship and addresses intertubercular biceps pathology by eliminating pain generators within the bicipital groove. Superior biomechanical properties are achieved using interference screw fixation, and a single suture is added for reinforcement. Complications may occur in approximately 2% of patients and include infection, fixation failure, cosmetic deformity, cramping, fracture, and nerve injury.
Incorporation of bromine into Si-SiO2 interfaces and effects on interface state distribution

An experimental study has been made of the effects of bromine treatment of (111) silicon surfaces before thermal oxidation. A sharp peak in the Si-SiO2 interface state distribution at Ev+ 0.15 eV and an overall increase in density by as much as two orders of magnitude has been observed in m.o.s. structures with SiO2 thickness of ≈ 100 A. In a.c. conductance against bias voltage measurements, two conductance peaks are observed rather than the customary single peak.
Social Science Research Findings and Educational Policy Dilemmas

The article attempts to raise several distinctions regarding the presumed relationship of social science research findings to social policy making. The distinctions are made using Glymour's critique of the Bell Curve. An argument is made that (1) social science models and research findings are largely irrelevant to the actual concerns of policy makers and (2) what is relevant, but overlooked by Glymour, is how ideological factors mediate the process. The forms that ideological mediation may take are indicated.
Pictures of a Bygone Era The Syndication of Amos ‘n’ Andy, 1954-66

This article seeks to raise questions about historiographical practice, challenge the reliance on apparently stable discourses of nation and race within contemporary historiography, and expand understanding of the potential and multiple sites of influence in which television operated during its early years as a popular medium. Drawing on principles articulated by Foucault and de Certeau about the production and generation of knowledge, the article critiques previous historical examinations of Amos ‘n’ Andy for overlooking salient features of the television program's cultural and industrial context, as well as its syndication run from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. Using information about the syndication of Amos ‘n’ Andy gleaned principally from entertainment and advertising trade journals, the article points out how a more thorough understanding of the local, regional, and international context and of industrial practices may prove essential for recognizing possibilities about the patterns and circulatio...
Resection of a Thoracic Duct Lymphangioma Using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Thoracic duct lymphangioma is a rare mediastinal tumor. Most patients are asymptomatic. Symptoms may include dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, or chest pain. Workup may include chest computed tomography or lymphangiography, or both. Surgery should be considered the treatment of choice. We present a 60-year-old man with a 2.4-cm mass in the retro-cardiac space to the right of the esophagus. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic resection of the mass with ligation of the thoracic duct. We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery allows for safe evaluation and resection of mediastinal pathology.
Phosphorylation of neuromodulin in rat striatum after acute and repeated, intermittent amphetamine

Repeated, intermittent treatment of rats with amphetamine results in a sensitization of locomotor and stereotyped behaviors that is accompanied by an enhancement in stimulus-induced dopamine release. Increased phosphorylation of the neural specific calmodulin-binding protein, neuromodulin (GAP-43, B-50, F1) has been demonstrated in other forms of synaptic plasticity and plays a role in neurotransmitter release. To determine whether neuromodulin phosphorylation was altered during amphetamine sensitization, the in vivo phosphorylated state of neuromodulin was examined in rat striatum in a post hoc phosphorylation assay. Female, Holtzman rats received saline or 2.5 mg/kg amphetamine twice weekly for 5 weeks. One week after the last dose of amphetamine, rats were challenged with either 1 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg amphetamine or saline and the rats were sacrificed 30 min later. Purified synaptic plasma membranes were prepared in the presence of EGTA and okadaic acid to inhibit dephosphorylation, and were subsequently phosphorylated in the presence of purified protein kinase C and [gamma-32P]ATP. The protein kinase C-mediated post hoc phosphorylation of neuromodulin was significantly reduced in groups that received either acute or repeated amphetamine suggesting that neuromodulin in those groups contained more endogenous phosphate. The acute, challenge dose of amphetamine increased neuromodulin phosphorylation in the saline-treated controls but not in the repeated amphetamine-pretreated group. Anti-neuromodulin immunoblots showed no change in neuromodulin levels in any group. There was no significant change in protein kinase C activity in any treatment group. To further investigate the effect of acute amphetamine, the ability of amphetamine to alter neuromodulin phosphorylation in 32Pi-preincubated Percoll-purified rat striatal synaptosomes was examined. Amphetamine (10 microM) significantly increased phosphorylation of a 53 kDa band that migrated with authentic neuromodulin in the synaptosomes by 22% while 500 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) increased neuromodulin phosphorylation by 45%. These data suggest that one injection of amphetamine can increase neuromodulin phosphorylation in rat striatum and that this increase is maintained for at least 1 week following a repeated, sensitizing regimen of amphetamine. Since sensitization can be induced with one dose of amphetamine, it is possible that enhanced neuromodulin phosphorylation could contribute to neurochemical events leading to enhanced release of dopamine and/or behavioral sensitization.
Liver protein phosphatases: Studies of the presumptive native forms of phosphorylase phosphatase activity in liver extracts and their dissociation to a catalytic subunit of Mr 35,000

Abstract Several aspects of the properties of phosphorylase phosphatase in crude rat liver extracts were investigated. Treatment of tissue extracts with either trypsin, ethanol, or urea was found to dissociate phosphorylase phosphatase activity to a form of M r 35,000. The M r 35,000 enzyme form was derived from three native enzyme forms. The major cytosolic form of phosphorylase phosphatase had a molecular weight of 260,000 as determined by gel filtration and was dissociated to a M r 35,000 form by treatment with either ethanol or urea. Treatment of the M r 260,000 form with trypsin led to its conversion to M r 225,000 and a M r 35,000 form. A minor cytosolic form of M r 200,000 was also present. This minor activity was latent until activated by trypsin treatment and was converted to a M r 35,000 form by such treatment. The third form was found to chromatograph as a form of molecular weight greater than 500,000 on gel filtration and, like the M r 200,000 form, was only detected after activation with trypsin. Subsequent to this treatment, it too behaved as a M r 35,000 enzyme. Although a single major enzyme form was present in the cytosol, multiple molecular weight forms could be generated in crude extracts simply by the use of vigorous mechanical homogenization procedures. This suggested that artifactual forms of enzyme may readily be produced, possibly by proteolytic cleavage of the native enzyme.
Iterative Backward Elimination PLSR: A novel PLS-based modeling technique to eliminate noise components for VM solutions

Virtual Metrology (VM) solutions are becoming increasingly popular in the semiconductor manufacturing industry with the growing demand for cost reduction and cycle-time improvements at advanced technology nodes. Standard statistical procedures such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) are widely employed in building VM models and analysis of wafer fab data. These mathematical tools assist the fab engineers to identify critical process variables and provide robust equipment monitoring solutions. However, the prediction accuracies of standard PLS versions like the Non-Linear Iterative Partial Least Squares (NIPALS) is limited by their inability to suppress the noise components. We propose an Iterative Backward Elimination PLSR (IBE-PLSR), a novel modeling technique with noise reduction capability, as a real-time solution with superior performance for VM problems. A case study for the prediction of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) film thickness using the IBE-PLSR is also presented.