cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of P-Element Transposase Activity in Drosophila melanogaster by hobo Transgenes That Contain KP Elements

Fusions between the Drosophila hsp70 promoter and three different incomplete P elements, KP, SP, and BP1, were inserted into the Drosophila genome by means of hobo transformation vectors and the resulting transgenic stocks were tested for repression of P-element transposase activity. Only the H(hsp/KP) transgenes repressed transposase activity, and the degree of repression was comparable to that of a naturally occurring KP element. The KP transgenes repressed transposase activity both with and without heat-shock treatments. Both the KP element and H(hsp/KP) transgenes repressed the transposase activity encoded by the modified P element in the P(ry(+), Delta2-3)99B transgene more effectively than that encoded by the complete P element in the H(hsp/CP)2 transgene even though the P(ry(+), Delta2-3)99B transgene was the stronger transposase source. Repression of both transposase sources appeared to be due to a zygotic effect of the KP element or transgene. There was no evidence for repression by a strictly maternal effect; nor was there any evidence for enhancement of KP repression by the joint maternal transmission of H(hsp/KP) and H(hsp/CP) transgenes. These results are consistent with the idea that KP-mediated repression of P-element activity involves a KP-repressor polypeptide that is not maternally transmitted and that KP-mediated repression is not strengthened by the 66-kD repressor produced by complete P elements through alternate splicing of their RNA.
Eroding the Community in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Competition's Effects in Alternative Food Networks in California

The effects of competition within alternative food networks (AFNs) remain largely unex- plored. Using a study of farms that operate Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programmes in California, the state in the USA with the most CSAs, we empirically examine the effects of competition within alternative food networks. We conducted a statewide survey of CSA farmers in California, which collected data from 111 CSAs. For this analysis we construct a perceived competition index composed of variables that measure farmers’ perceptions of competition with numerous market outlets and their being constrained in raising their prices due to competitive pressures. Our analysis shows that perceived competition is negatively correlated with CSA farms’ profitability, farmers’ satisfaction on a number of fronts, various indicators of the social embeddedness of CSA, and two community food security strategies. We conclude that competition is a real, although differential, phenomenon experienced by many CSA farmers in California, and that this competition impacts CSA in ways that undermine some of its commonly held values, especially fair farmer compensation and strong member-farmer relationships.
Protein-RNA interaction restricts telomerase from running through the stop sign.

Telomerase is a unique reverse transcriptase in that it repetitively uses a short piece of its RNA component as template to synthesize DNA. A new crystal structure of a part of the Tetrahymena telomerase ribonucleoprotein reveals how reverse transcription is limited to this specific template region.
Tubular daylighting devices. Part II: Validation of the optical model (1415-RP)

This article presents the development of a methodology to measure the visible transmittance of complex configurations of tubular daylighting devices under direct sunlight, and conducts a comparison study between the measurements and computer simulations using the new optical model developed in the first part of the study. A large integrating box was built and calibrated, and the procedure was benchmarked by comparing the measurement of a transparent glazing sample with the manufacturer data. Two commercially available tubular daylighting devices with prismatic and frosted elements built into the glazing and a custom-made tubular daylighting device with a complex pipe having roof and ceiling elbows were selected for the comparison study. The model predictions were overall in good agreement with the measurement for the tested tubular daylighting device configurations, and the sources of discrepancies were clearly identified.
Laparoscopic Resection for Gastric Carcinoma: Western Experience

There has been much speculation regarding differences in outcome for patients who have gastric cancer in the Eastern versus Western world. Among other factors, these differences have contributed to a unique cohort of patients and experience in the Western staging/evaluation of gastric cancer and in the application of minimally invasive approaches for treatment. This review summarizes the current state of laparoscopic approaches for the staging and treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma for patients presenting in Western countries, with their associated unique presentation, comorbidities, and outcomes.
Earnings and Welfare after Downsizing: Central Bank Employees in Ecuador

This article measures the earnings and welfare losses experienced by displaced employees of the Central Bank of Ecuador. It links these losses to individual characteristics such as gender, education, seniority, and salary in the public sector. Data are from a survey of displaced employees that included subjective evaluations of well-being in addition to information on activity and earnings. The welfare losses of separated employees are not highly correlated with their earnings losses, partly because some of them (especially women) withdrew from the labor force after separation. Earnings and welfare losses also vary depending on the nature of displacement, which was voluntary for roughly half the employees and involuntary for the rest. Overall, the losses were larger for employees with less education and more seniority, but not necessarily larger for employees with higher salaries. However, compensation for displacement was based on a rule of thumb that involved only salary and seniority and was applied across-the board. For those employees who left voluntarily, the resulting compensation package was, on average, about 20 percent higher than the welfare loss. The article derives the implications of these findings for the design of assistance programs for displaced workers and, more specifically, for the tailoring of compensation packages to their individual characteristics.
Atmospheric effects modeling for high-energy laser systems

High energy laser (HEL) beams propagating through the earth's atmosphere are influenced by a wide variety of effects which, in general, reduce the beam irradiance (or, power concentration) at the target. In this paper an overview of atmospheric effects modeling for HEL systems is presented. The most important atmospheric propagation effects for cw HEL systems include transmission losses, turbulence, and thermal blooming. The general characteristics of these effects are described including scaling parameters and models useful for estimating their effects on HEL beam propagation. The wavelength dependence for propagation of an uncompensated cw HEL beam over a sea level path is shown by comparing the peak target irradiance for seven laser wavelengths ranging from the 0.337 micrometers N2 laser to the 10.59 micrometers CO2 laser. The use of adaptive optics for compensation of turbulence and thermal blooming effects is discussed and its effectiveness compared for near- field/ground-to-space and distributed/horizontal path propagation effects. Adaptive optics compensation is shown to be much more effective and the system requirements less stressing for near-field rather than distributed propagation paths since the turbulence induced scintillation effects tend to be smaller and the compensation is less likely to increase the blooming effects for near-field paths.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
“IS MY BATTERY ANY GOOD?” A FIELD TEST OF FRAUD IN THE AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS

Abstract Poor performance and fraudulent tactics in the automobile repair business consistently head the list of consumer complaints in the United States. Numerous studies have attempted to determine the extent of dishonest acts in auto repair work, but they have suffered from methodological difficulties. This paper is based on examination of 313 repair facilities to whom a battery was presented for testing. Characteristics of honest and dishonest facilities are compared; so too are the attitudes expressed by their managers. A weak association was found between honesty and the size of a business and between honesty and the dealer's view of the severity of punishment. The battery test is said to offer a notable opportunity for continuing and comparative studies of the work of auto repair facilities.
Regression estimates of inputs to an M(t)/ G/∞ service system

Three problems are solved: proof of convergence in distribution of a sequence {N^k(t)} of nonhomogeneous Poisson random variables to a nonhomogeneous Poisson random variable N(t); construction of a sequence of multiple linear regression models whose conditional expectations equal E(N^k(t)) (k = 1,2, ...) aside from an additive constant; exploration of L"1 and L"2 criteria for estimating parameters of the regression models. Presentation of a numerical analysis of a case study involving a M(t)/M/~ system of reproduction (arrivals) and mortality (services) within a biological population concludes the paper. Potential problems of interpreting parameter estimates obtained from linear programming implementations of the L"1 fitting criterion are analyzed.
Dosimetric predictors of duodenal toxicity after intensity modulated radiation therapy for treatment of the para-aortic nodes in gynecologic cancer.

Purpose To determine the incidence of duodenal toxicity in patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for treatment of para-aortic nodes and to identify dosimetric parameters predictive of late duodenal toxicity. Methods and Materials We identified 105 eligible patients with gynecologic malignancies who were treated with IMRT for gross metastatic disease in the para-aortic nodes from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2009. Patients were treated to a nodal clinical target volume to 45 to 50.4 Gy with a boost to 60 to 66 Gy. The duodenum was contoured, and dosimetric data were exported for analysis. Duodenal toxicity was scored according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis and recursive partitioning analysis were used to determine associations between dosimetric variables and time to toxicity and to identify the optimal threshold that separated patients according to risk of toxicity. Results Nine of the 105 patients experienced grade 2 to grade 5 duodenal toxicity, confirmed by endoscopy in all cases. The 3-year actuarial rate of any duodenal toxicity was 11.7%. A larger volume of the duodenum receiving 55 Gy (V55) was associated with higher rates of duodenal toxicity. The 3-year actuarial rates of duodenal toxicity with V55 above and below 15 cm 3 were 48.6% and 7.4%, respectively ( P P =.029). In recursive partitioning analysis, V55 less than 13.94% segregated all patients with duodenal toxicity. Conclusions Dose-escalated IMRT can safely and effectively treat para-aortic nodal disease in gynecologic malignancies, provided that care is taken to limit the dose to the duodenum to reduce the risk of late duodenal toxicity. Limiting V55 to below 15 cm 3 may reduce the risk of duodenal complications. In cases where the treatment cannot be delivered within these constraints, consideration should be given to other treatment approaches such as resection or initial chemotherapy.
Cofactor effects on enhancement in NADP reduction by chloroplasts

Abstract Enhancement of NADP 2 reduction by isolated chloroplasts is strongly affected by the purity of cofactors used in the reaction mixture. The crude enzyme preparation (PPNR) supports significant enhancement. The enhancement effect is much reduced in the presence of purified cofactors. These observations appear to explain some contradictory results on enhancement in the literature.
Reactivity of cis and trans forms of ion-pairs in the anionic polymerisation of butadiene

cis and trans forms of n-butylallyl potassium have been prepared by low temperature metallation of cis and trans heptene-2. Their rates of reaction with butadiene in tetrahydrofuran have been measured as a function of temperature. The trans form is more reactive. The results are compared with the propagation rates of butadiene in tetrahydrofuran using K+ as counter-ion.
Bronchial erosion by an indwelling central venous catheter

Despite improved technology, central venous catheters are associated with many complications that occur usually within 48 h of placement. We report a 42-year-old man with a rare erosion of a venous catheter (Silastic) into a bronchus 2 years after its insertion.
B physics in Run II

Run II at the Tevatron started on March 1, 2001 with a design instantaneous luminosity of 2 × 1032 cm−2s−1. The upgraded DO detector is expected to collect 2 fb−1 of data at √s = 2.0 TeV in approximately 2 years. The DO collaboration is planning to make measurements in a number of important areas of B physics, including sin(2β), B3 mixing, the Λb lifetime and rare B decays. In this note we describe the upgraded DO detector and highlights of the B physics program in DO.
Characterization of thermally cycled alumina scales

Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the alumina scales formed on several Ni-base alumina-formers. The alumina scale microstructure of Ni–20at%Cr–19Al–0.05Y after 100, 1 h cycles at 1,100°C was compared to an isothermally-grown scale. Despite being near the onset of mass loss in cyclic testing, very few defects were noted in either scale microstructure. The more adherent scales that form on Hf-doped NiAl and Ni–49at%Al–2Cr were also characterized. With the addition of Cr, the formation of α-Cr precipitates at the metal–oxide interface coincided with increased long-term scale spallation. No similar precipitation mechanism was observed to be associated with scale spallation on NiCrAlY.
Common Ion Equilibria of Hydrochloride Salts and the Setschenow Equation

A simple equation was derived to describe the relationship between the aqueous solubility of sparingly soluble salts (S0) and the empirical Setschenow salting-out constant (k): k = 0.217/S0. This relationship and the Setschenow equation were found to be valid only at low concentrations of added salt. This equation agreed with recently published data when compared for the effect of the chloride ion on the solubility of a series of drug hydrochloride salts. The theoretical treatment also predicts the curvature which has been reported in literature Setschenow plots at higher salt concentrations. As the concentration of added salt increases, the apparent k value is not constant but is dependent on solubility and the rate of change of solubility with added salt concentration. It was concluded that the Setschenow treatment is generally inappropriate for description and analysis of common ion equilibria.
Radiation Issues with Multidetector Row Helical CT

(2003). Radiation Issues with Multidetector Row Helical CT. Critical Reviews in Computed Tomography: Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 95-117.
Fenoldopam for controlled hypotension during spinal fusion in children and adolescents

Fenoldopam is a dopamine1 agonist whose pharmacological effects include vasodilation of the vascular beds of the kidney, mesentery, skeletal muscle, and coronary systems, resulting in a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. The current retrospective review outlines the use of fenoldopam for controlled hypotension during anterior or posterior spinal fusion in 10 children and adolescents, aged 8-14 years and weighing 22-61 kg. Fenoldopam was infused at a starting dose of 0.3-0.5 microg.kg-1. min-1 and increased incrementally to achieve a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 50-65 mmHg. The desired MAP was achieved in 4-11 min (7+/-2.5 min). The fenoldopam infusion was administered for 135-225 min (160+/-25 min) in doses ranging from 0.2 to 2.5 microg. kg-1.min-1. The mean fenoldopam infusion rate for the 10 cases varied from 0.5 to 1.4 microg.kg-1.min-1 (1.0+/-0.3 microg.kg-1. min-1). No excessive hypotension or clinically significant adverse effects were noted. Statistically significant, but clinically insignificant, increases in heart rate and decreases in PaO2 were noted during the fenoldopam infusion. The baseline heart rate increased from 87+/-13 b.min-1 to a maximum of 114+/-16 b.min-1 (P < 0.0001) during the fenoldopam infusion. In the six patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion, the baseline PaO2 decreased from 232+/-7 mmHg to a low of 199+/-11 mmHg (P=0.0004) during the fenoldopam infusion. Fenoldopam can be used to provide controlled hypotension during spinal surgery in children and adolescents. Future studies, with direct comparison to other commonly used agents, are needed to better define its advantages and disadvantages as well as its effects on estimated blood loss.
Acute behavioral effects and abuse potential of trazodone, zolpidem and triazolam in humans.

The present study examined the acute behavioral effects and abuse potential of three drugs commonly used to treat sleep disorders, trazodone, zolpidem and triazolam, and placebo in ten male volunteers with histories of alcohol and drug abuse. Trazodone (100, 200 and 300 mg), a triazolopyridine antidepressant, was included because antidepressants are being used more frequently to treat sleep disorders, but it is unclear whether they have a distinct behavioral pharmacologic profile relative to benzodiazepine hypnotics. Zolpidem (15, 30 and 45 mg), an imidazopyridine hypnotic, was tested because it is the most commonly prescribed hypnotic and purportedly has a unique benzodiazepine-receptor binding profile. Triazolam (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg), a triazolobenzodiazepine hypnotic, was included as the standard component because previous laboratory studies have demonstrated that it has at least some abuse potential. Trazodone, zolpidem and triazolam generally produced comparable dose-related increases in scores on the PCAG scale of the ARCI, which suggests the doses tested were equivalent on some behavioral dimension. The effects of trazodone on subject-rated items thought to measure abuse potential (e.g., subject ratings of Willing to Take Again) were less than those observed with triazolam. Zolpidem and triazolam produced comparable effects on these measures. The highest dose of zolpidem, but not triazolam, increased ratings of Like Drug, Happy, Good Effects, Friendly, Elated, Carefree and Bad Effects. Triazolam and zolpidem produced dose-dependent impairment on all of the performance tasks. Trazodone impaired performance on some, but not all, of these tasks. Consistent with the pharmacokinetics of these compounds, the time-action functions of trazodone, zolpidem and triazolam were similar on these measures. These data suggest that trazodone has less abuse potential than triazolam, and may be a viable alternative to benzodiazepine hypnotics in individuals with histories of alcohol or drug abuse. By contrast, despite its unique neuropharmacological profile, the acute behavioral effects and abuse potential of zolpidem are comparable to those of triazolam.
Robust Mouse Pattern Electroretinograms Derived Simultaneously From Each Eye Using a Common Snout Electrode

PURPOSE We recorded pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) simultaneously from each eye in mice using binocular stimulation and a common noncorneal electrode. METHODS The PERG was derived simultaneously from each eye in 71 ketamine/xylazine anesthetized mice (C57BL/6J, 4 months old) from subcutaneous needles (active, snout; reference, back of the head; ground, root of the tail) in response to contrast-reversal of gratings (0.05 cycles/deg, >95% contrast) generated on two custom-made light-emitting diode (LED) tablets alternating at slight different frequencies (OD, 0.984 Hz; OS, 0.992 Hz). Independent PERG signals from each eye were retrieved using one channel continuous acquisition and phase-locking average (OD, 369 epochs of 492 ms; OS, 372 epochs of 496 ms). The PERG was the average of three consecutive repetitions. RESULTS Binocular snout PERGs had high amplitude (mean, 25.3 μV, SD 6.6) and no measurable interocular cross-talk. Responses were reliable (test-retest variability within-session, 14%, SD 7; between sessions, 25%, SD 9; interocular asymmetry within-session, 9%, SD 7; between sessions, 13%, SD 5). Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were the main source of the binocular snout PERG, as optic nerve crush in three mice abolished the signal. CONCLUSIONS The PERG, a sensitive measure of RGC function, is used increasingly in mouse models of glaucoma and optic nerve disease. Compared to current methods, the binocular snout PERG represents a substantial improvement in terms of simplicity and speed. It also overcomes limitations of corneal electrodes that interfere with invasive procedures of the eye and facilitates experiments based on comparison between the responses of the two eyes.
Surfactant Exchange Kinetics at the Air/Water Interface from the Dynamic Tension of Growing Liquid Drops

Abstract An extended Ilkovic diffusion-kinetic model is presented to quantify the dynamic surface tension of adsorbed surfactant measured from radially growing liquid drops (1). Competing effects of surfactant depletion due to interfacial stretching and surfactant replenishment from the bulk are described. The proposed model accurately predicts the experimentally observed transient maximum and flow-rate dependence of growing drop dynamic surface tension measurements. At ambient temperature, transport of 1-decanol to the water/air interface is shown to be diffusion limited in both liquid and vapor phases for all times greater than 0.1 s. Dynamic tension data when decanol is supplied to the surface from different initial phases (i.e., decanol in the liquid, decanol in the vapor, and decanol in both liquid and vapor phases) reveal that both liquid and vapor phases contribute significantly to the overall alcohol accumulation at the interface, with liquid-phase transport being slightly faster. The proposed modeling procedure for analyzing growing drop dynamic tensions is a general and powerful tool for elucidating surfactant exchange kinetics at fluid/fluid interfaces.
Evidence for glycine, GABAA, and GABAB receptors on rabbit OFF-alpha ganglion cells.

Inhibitory synaptic transmission via GABA and glycine receptors plays a crucial role in shaping the excitatory response of neurons in the retina. Whole-cell recordings were obtained from ganglion cells in the intact rabbit eyecup preparation to correlate GABA- and glycine-activated currents with the presence of their specific receptors on morphologically identified a ganglion cells. Alpha ganglion cells were chosen based upon their large somata when viewing the retinal surface, and responses to light and dark spots were used to identify OFF-alpha ganglion cells. Light responses were abolished by superfusion of Ringer's containing cobalt to synaptically isolate the cell by blocking all Ca 2+ -mediated transmitter release. Pressure pulses of GABA and glycine were delivered to an area that encompassed the dendritic field while receptor antagonists were applied through superfusion to characterize the direct inhibition onto the ganglion cell. Physiological results indicated that OFF-a cells did not have any GABA C receptor-activated currents, but did express currents mediated by ionotropic GABA A receptors and metabotropic GABA B receptors that were blocked by their specific antagonists bicuculline and CGP55845, respectively. The amplitudes of strychnine-sensitive glycine-activated currents were always larger than the currents elicited by GABA. Confocal optical sections of physiologically identified, sulforhodamine B-stained cells displayed the localization of glycine and GABA A receptor subunit labeling dispersed over the stained dendrites. Although scant labeling of GABA B receptors was found on the more distal dendrites, the majority of these receptors were congregated at the soma and on the proximal dendrites close to the soma. No GABA C receptor immunoreactivity was found anywhere on these cells. Therefore, the immunocytochemical results corroborated the physiological evidence demonstrating that OFF-a ganglion cells in the rabbit retina express functional GABA A , GABA B , and glycine receptors, but no GABA C receptors.
The limits of nuclear-encoded SSU rDNA for resolving the diatom phylogeny

A recent reclassification of diatoms based on phylogenies recovered using the nuclear-encoded SSU rRNA gene contains three major classes, Coscinodiscophyceae, Mediophyceae and the Bacillariophyceae (the CMB hypothesis). We evaluated this with a sequence alignment of 1336 protist and heterokont algae SSU rRNAs, which includes 673 diatoms. Sequences were aligned to maintain structural elements conserved within this dataset. Parsimony analysis rejected the CMB hypothesis, albeit weakly. Morphological data are also incongruent with this recent CMB hypothesis of three diatom clades. We also reanalyzed a recently published dataset which purports to support the CMB hypothesis. Our reanalysis found that the original analysis had not converged on the true bipartition posterior probability distribution, and rejected the CMB hypothesis. Thus we conclude that a reclassification of the evolutionary relationships of the diatoms according to the CMB hypothesis is premature.
Social class in family therapy education: experiences of low SES students

In this article, we report the results of a national survey of students in COAMFTE-accredited family therapy programs who self-identify as coming from lower- or working-class backgrounds. Results of the study reveal opportunity and tension relative to family, friends, and community because of social mobility associated with graduate education. Participants describe family therapy education as middle-class centered, pointing to lack of attention to social class, marginalization, classism, and unacknowledged class barriers as salient experiences in their graduate programs. Finally, participants share a number of suggestions for program improvement.
Transport properties of a weakly ionized cesium plasma

The transverse component (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}$) of the tensor electric conductivity of a weakly ionized magnetized plasma has been measured under near-thermal equilibrium conditions. Care has been taken to minimize the effects of $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{E}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}}$ drifts and finite apparatus size. For magnetic fields that are large enough, it is found that the magnetic field dependence of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}$ is $\frac{1}{{B}^{2}}$, in agreement with theory. It is also found that the overall density dependence of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}$ agrees with standard conductivity theory. At the highest values of the magnetic field used, the data show some deviation from theoretical predictions which include only electron transport. This deviation is attributed to ion transport, and opens up the possibility of measuring transport properties of the ions alone.
The effect of prolactin and bombesin on the growth of meningioma-derived cells in monolayer culture

Meningioma growth is thought to be stimulated by the sex hormones progesterone and possibly estrogen. We report here stimulation of growth of meningioma-derived cells in culture by prolactin. Fourteen human tumors taken from surgery were initially grown in Ham's medium F10 with 15% fetal calf serum. The tumors were then trypsinized and resuspended in medium in a multi-well plate with either prolactin or bombesin; the cells were incubated for 1 week, washed, and resuspended for cell counting. The growth-stimulating effect of prolactin at 10 and 200 micrograms/ml was compared with bombesin at 5 mM/ml or 15 mM/ml. A growth index compared cell count in the experimental well to the control well; growth at the rate of the control well was given an index of 1.0. The tumors included 7 meningiomas and 7 other neoplasms (3 astrocytomas, an ependymoma, a pineoblastoma, a hemangiopericytoma, and a metastatic adenocarcinoma). For meningiomas incubated in 10 micrograms/ml prolactin, the growth index was 3.08; for those incubated in 200 micrograms/ml prolactin, it was 2.28. Bombesin indices were 1.7 and 1.2 at 5 mM/ml and 15 mM/ml, respectively. By 2-tailed t-testing both prolactin concentrations stimulated the growth of meningiomas significantly (P < or = 0.02), while bombesin did not. Neither peptide enhanced the growth of the other tumors tested.
C.J.S. v. Am. Jur. 2d: Amici Librarii

With today's increase in litigation and consumerism, more and more people are going to public and academic libraries to research their legal questions and problems. Recent issues of Library Journal contain full‐page advertisements sponsored by a legal publisher. Two competitive general legal encyclopedias, American Jurisprudence Second and Corpus Juris Secundum, which are commonly referred to as Am. Jur. 2d and C.J.S., are excellent starting points for a search in the law. This article will discuss general legal encyclopedias and examine both of theabove mentioned encyclopedia sets.
Factors affecting loss of tympanic membrane mobility in acute otitis media model of chinchilla.

Abstract Recently we reported that middle ear pressure (MEP), middle ear effusion (MEE), and ossicular changes each contribute to the loss of tympanic membrane (TM) mobility in a guinea pig model of acute otitis media (AOM) induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae ( Guan and Gan, 2013 ). However, it is not clear how those factors vary along the course of the disease and whether those effects are reproducible in different species. In this study, a chinchilla AOM model was produced by transbullar injection of Haemophilus influenzae. Mobility of the TM at the umbo was measured by laser vibrometry in two treatment groups: 4 days (4D) and 8 days (8D) post inoculation. These time points represent relatively early and later phases of AOM. In each group, the vibration of the umbo was measured at three experimental stages: unopened, pressure-released, and effusion-removed ears. The effects of MEP and MEE and middle ear structural changes were quantified in each group by comparing the TM mobility at one stage with that of the previous stage. Our findings show that the factors affecting TM mobility do change with the disease time course. The MEP was the dominant contributor to reduction of TM mobility in 4D AOM ears, but showed little effect in 8D ears when MEE filled the tympanic cavity. MEE was the primary factor affecting TM mobility loss in 8D ears, but affected the 4D ears only at high frequencies. After the release of MEP and removal of MEE, residual loss of TM mobility was seen mainly at low frequencies in both 4D and 8D ears, and was associated with middle ear structural changes. Our findings establish that the factors contributing to TM mobility loss in the chinchilla ear were similar to those we reported previously for the guinea pig ears with AOM. Outcomes did not appear to differ between the two major bacterial species causing AOM in these animal models.
College‐student drinking‐related arrests in a college town

In the past decade, universities and colleges across the USA have attempted to develop profiles of college‐student drinkers in order to develop programmes and policies for combating high‐risk drinking behaviours. Most of these studies have relied on survey methods in which students self‐report drinking behaviours and associated consequences, including experiencing an arrest. The present study employed municipal alcohol‐related arrest reports to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of student arrests. Arrest data gathered over a period of 6 years in a mid‐sized university in a Midwestern college town show that students accounted for nearly one‐fifth of all alcohol‐related arrests in the city. Factors for being arrested included being male, a first‐year student, a Greek pledge, playing athletics and being enrolled in the College of University Studies. These arrest patterns resemble characteristics of students who self‐report coming in contact with the police, thereby validating self‐report studies.
Interleukin-10 reduces circulating levels of serum cytokines in experimental pancreatitis

Over the past few years, evidence has accumulated that implicates proinflammatory cytokines as the mediators responsible for the escalation of acute pancreatitis into a multisystem disease. It has been shown that the degree of serum cytokine elevation, particularly the macrophage-derived cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, correlates with the severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis. Interleukin-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits cytokine production from the macrophage. The aim of this study was to determine whether interleukin-10 would decrease both the severity of acute pancreatitis and the level of circulating proinflammatory cytokines. Ninety female mice were divided into three equal groups. Group 1 (controls) received intraperitoneal saline solution. Groups 2 and 3 received intraperitoneal cerulein (50 mg/kg/hr) for 7 hours. In addition, group 3 was given 1500 units of intraperitoneal interleukin-10, beginning 1 hour after the induction of acute pancreatitis and every 3 hours thereafter. Animals were killed at 3-hour intervals. Blood samples were obtained for serum amylase and cytokine determinations (interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Pancreata were dissected free and fixed in formalin for blinded histologic scoring. Interleukin-10 reduced the serum levels of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and amylase in comparison to untreated animals with pancreatitis (P < 0.05). Pancreatic edema, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltrate were also reduced in those animals given interleukin-10 (P <0.05). Histologic score, serum cytokines, and amylase levels are elevated during acute pancreatitis. Interleukin-10 given therapeutically, that is, after the onset of acute pancreatitis, lessened the severity of disease, probably through inhibition of the macrophage. This was associated with a decrease in circulating cytokine levels.
Can we redefine the James‐Winans theory of persuasion?

(1935). Can we redefine the James‐Winans theory of persuasion? Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 19-26.
Negotiations over Transboundary Air Pollution: The Case of Europe

The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) has a history covering about thirty years. Over time, NGOs, international and national, environmental, commercial and industrial, have had various degrees of impact on preparations for and the negotiations of its seven substantive Protocols. A special case is the role of science in the CLRTAP process. Can scientific communities or small groups of scientists that have been involved be characterized as NGOs? The answer depends on their roles in the different groups and task forces established under the CLRTAP. This article argues that NGO influence has been more important at the national level in the democratic processes leading to the development of national positions than in their influence during the actual international negotiations. The main influence of NGOs lies in making policy makers aware of environmental problems. There are limitations to NGO participation in the intergovernmental negotiation process, although the scientific NGO input has become a necessary element and strongly influences negotiation outcomes. NGO development towards science has also created an interdependence between the scientific community and policymakers.
Hydrothermal Cooking Affects Protein Efficiency Ratio and Zinc Bioavailability of Soymilk‐Based Diets in Rats

Hydrothermally cooked (HTC) and conventionally processed soymilks were compared with respect to protein efficiency ratio (PER) and zinc bioavailability in Sprague-Dawley rats fed isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets. When dietary zinc was 50 mg/kg, PER (mean ± SD, n = 12) was greater for HTC (processed 20 sec) (2.69 ± 0.34) than for conventional soymilk (2.39 ± 0.17). When dietary zinc was 20 mg/kg, PER (n = 10) was less for HTC processed 40 sec (1.86 ± 0.17) than for conventional soymilk (2.08 ± 0.19). Processing (HTC vs conventional) did not affect zinc bioavailability by the slope ratio bioassay procedure. PER of HTC processed 20 sec was higher than that of reference casein and conventional soymilk when dietary zinc was near recommended levels ; pancreatic hypertrophy was not observed.
Evaluation of changes in breast architecture after preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer

Abstract Background Although use of preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer is increasing, resultant changes in breast architecture have not been described. The purpose of this study was to examine breast architecture changes in response to chemotherapy by the placement of 4 peripheral clips. Methods In a prospective case-series of breast cancer patients selected to undergo preoperative chemotherapy, 4 clips were placed peripherally to each mass using sonographic guidance. Mammograms documented tumor size and clip locations both before chemotherapy and after chemotherapy. Percentage reduction in area was calculated based on the tumor dimensions and distances between clips. Results In 16 participants, 87.5% of lesions had a significant response to chemotherapy. Changes in clip measurements varied widely from significant reduction to significant increase and did not correlate with changes in tumor size. The Pearson correlation coefficient comparing changes in tumor size and clip measurements was .036 ( P = .895). Conclusions There was no correlation between reduction in tumor size and change in clip measurements. Further research should be conducted using noncompression breast imaging modalities to eliminate possible distortion caused by mammographic compression.
Phenotypic conversion of TK-deficient cells following electroporation of functional TK enzyme.

Abstract The ability to phenotypically rescue a mutant (Rat-3, thymidine kinase-deficient) cell line by electroporation of functional TK enzyme has been investigated. Extracts of electroporated cells showed a 35-fold increase in TK enzyme levels under conditions where >90% of the cells remained viable. The electroporated enzyme was intracellular, as demonstrated by the fact that cells were able to utilize exogenous [3H]thymidine for DNA synthesis. By in situ autoradiography, 82% of electroporated cells contained functional enzyme and incorporated [3H]thymidine into DNA. Thus, this technique can efficiently provide a missing metabolic function to cultured mammalian Cells.
Dissociation pressures of GaAs, GaP and InP and the nature of III–V melts

Abstract Direct measurements of the dissociation pressures of GaAs, GaP and InP have been made as a function of temperature by the quartz Bourdon gauge technique. The pressures at the stoichiometric melting points were found to be: for GaAs, 1·00 ± 0·02 atm. at 1238°C; for GaP, 35 ± 10 atm. at 1467°C ± 3°C; and for InP, 21± 5 atm. at 1058°C ± 3°C. These data together with the phase diagram data for the III—V compounds indicate that the melts of these compounds are neither ideal nor regular solutions but show negative excess free energies which are dependent on composition and/or temperature. This result is interpreted as indicative of association of the group V species in these melts.
Sizing phase-change energy storage units for air-based solar heating systems

A simple method for sizing phase-change energy storage (PCES) units for air-based solar heating systems is presented. An effective heat capacity for the phase change unit is obtained as a function of its mass, latent heat, specific heat, and melting temperature. The effective heat capacity can then be used, along with any convenient design method for systems with sensible heat stores, such as the f-chart method, to estimate the thermal performance of the system utilizing PCES.
Oxalosis as a complication of chronic renal failure

Oxalosis as a complication of chronic renal failure. The occurrence of renal and myocardial calcium oxalate deposition was studie at autopsy in patients with normal renal function, acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, and chronic renal failure supported by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The incidence and severity of this type of secondary oxalosis was found to be related to the duration of renal failure. Patients with renal failure of long duration frequently had extensive renal and myocardial deposits. Hemodialysis may ameliorate the oxalosis to some extent. Oxalose complication de l'insuffisance renale chronique. La survenue de depots renaux et myocardiaques d'oxalate de calcium a ete etudiee a l'autopsie de malades dont la fonction renale etait normale, ou atteints d'insuffisiance renale aigue, d'insuffisance renale chronique, d'insuffisance renale chronique traitee par hemodialyse ou dialyse peritoneale. La survenue et la severite de cette variete d'oxalose secondaire est en relation avec la duree de l'insuffisance renale. Les malades atteints d'insuffisance renale d'evolution longue avaient frequemment des depots myocardiques et renaux etendus. L'hemodialyse peut apparemment ameliorer dans une certaine mesure l'oxalose.
A Neophyte Constructs a Web Site: Lessons Learned

Abstract Lessons learned constructing a web site are reviewed to help both neophyte and experienced site developers. Neophytes will be exposed to opportunities and pitfalls: the experienced developers may benefit as they revisit what have become routine decisions. Goals and audience of the site are defined first. These definitions then guide discussion of the following topics: review of other sites; organization or structure of the site; technical choices; adapting to others′ choices, and best use of links. The article ends by stressing the need for evaluation of the site and modification of the site in response to the evaluation.
Isolation and characterization of the promoter of the human 5′-nucleotidase (CD73)-encoding gene

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT, CD73) is a purine salvage-pathway enzyme located on the surface of various cell types, including subsets of human lymphocytes and certain leukemias and lymphomas. In addition to purine salvage, NT has proposed roles in lymphocyte maturation and activation, and its expression has been associated with the resistance of some tumor cell lines to chemotherapeutic agents. To better understand the regulation of NT gene expression in normal lymphocyte development and the elevated expression seen in some drug-resistant tumor cell lines, we isolated NT genomic clones containing the promoter region. The genomic DNA upstream from the NT start codon is high in G+C content, with one cAMP-responsive element and five consensus Sp-1 binding sites, but no TATAA box. RNase protection assays identified a cluster of potential transcription start points (tsp). One tsp, at -63 bp relative to the start codon, was confirmed as authentic by 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) cloning. Transient transfection experiments utilizing luc as a reporter gene have demonstrated that a 155-bp NT genomic DNA segment inclusive of the tsp functions as a promoter in both NT+ (WI-L2 and MG) and NT- (Jurkat, Hela and Raji) cell lines. The addition of 5'-flanking sequences extending as far as -1.9 kb did not confer cell-type-specific expression to the core promoter. However, nuclear run-on analysis of nascent NT transcripts suggested that differential transcription initiation is at least partially responsible for the regulation of NT expression. Thus, additional information is necessary, either at the chromatin level, or within elements outside of the promoter region, to direct tissue-specific expression of NT.
Sympatho-adrenal activity of SHR and WKY rats during recovery from forced immobilization☆

Abstract Circulating levels of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), and corticosterone were compared in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto normotensive (WKY) rats during recovery from a 2-hr period of immobilization stress. On the day before the experiments, a catheter was inserted into the ventral caudal artery of each rat to measure directly blood pressure and heart rate and to obtain samples of blood from conscious, unhandled rats. Immediately prior to the period of forced immobilization, while animals were at rest in their home cages, plasma levels of NE and EPI did not differ between rats of the 2 strains. After 2 hr of immobilization, circulating levels of NE, EPI, and DBH were significantly higher in SHR rats than in WKY rats. In contrast, increments in mean blood pressure after 2 hr of stress were greater in WKY rats. When compared to WKY rats, SHR rats had significantly higher circulating levels of NE, EPI, and DBH for up to 4 hr after the period of immobilization. These results are consistent with the view that the sympatho-adrenal medullary system of SHR rats is more responsive than WKY rats to immobilization stress. In addition, in SHR rats, the sympatho-adrenal system remains in a heightened state of activity for a longer period of time following stressful stimulation. The excessive and prolonged discharge of catecholamines into the circulation during stress may be an important factor in the etiology of this form of experimental hypertension.
On the periodic symmetric electrostatic forcing of a microcantilever

Constant-gap electrostatic actuators exhibit the side pull-in instability, which may occur with respect to translational, rotational, or deformational degrees of freedom. Previous analytical and simulation studies show that a mathematical model of translational side pull-in can be stabilized using open-loop oscillatory excitation. This paper shows how the translational stabilization method may be adapted to deformational side pull-in. A single comb drive finger is modeled as a clamped-free cantilever beam, which is then mapped to an equivalent one-degree-of-freedom translating rigid body. Comparing the analytical stability map for the translational motion to a stability map obtained by multi-physics finite-element analysis of the cantilever suggests that the linear stability map captures the deformational behavior behavior of the cantilever reasonably well. The use of a stabilizing drive signal promises to double the maximum stroke or force density of electrostatic comb drives.
Building bridges over troubled waters: A response to “alcoholism, politics, and bureaucracy: The consensus against controlled-drinking therapy in America”

Abstract Although there are scientific grounds for continuing dialogue on the issue of “controlled drinking for alcoholics”, current clinical research data do provide a probabilistic basis for counseling against a moderation goal in the presence of more severe problems and dependence. The goal of a U.S. treatment system which provides more flexibility and options for clients is better served by emphasizing common purpose than by exacerbating points of disagreement and division.
An algorithm and efficient data structures for the binary knapsack problem

Abstract A branch-and-bound algorithm for the binary knapsack problem is presented which uses a combined stack and deque for storing the tree and the corresponding LP-relaxation. A reduction scheme is used to reduce the problem size. The algorithm was implemented in FORTRAN. Computational experience is based on 600 randomly generated test problems with up to 9000 zero-one variables. The average solution times (excluding an initial sorting step) increase linearly with problem size and compare favorably with other codes designed to solve binary knapsack problems.