cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The organochlorine o,p'-DDT plays a role in coactivator-mediated MAPK crosstalk in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Background: The organochlorine dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a known estrogen mimic and endocrine disruptor, has been linked to animal and human disorders. However, the detailed mechanism(s) by which DDT affects cellular physiology remains incompletely defined. Objectives: We and others have shown that DDT activates cell-signaling cascades, culminating in the activation of estrogen receptor-dependent and -independent gene expression. Here, we identify a mechanism by which DDT alters cellular signaling and gene expression, independent of the estrogen receptor. Methods: We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction array analysis of gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using either estradiol (E2) or o,p´-DDT to identify distinct cellular gene expression responses. To elucidate the mechanisms by which DDT regulates cell signaling, we used molecular and pharmacological techniques. Results: E2 and DDT treatment both altered the expression of many of the genes assayed, but up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was observed only after DDT treatment, and this increase was not affected by the pure estrogen receptor α antagonist ICI 182780. Furthermore, DDT increased activation of the HIF-1 response element (HRE), a known enhancer of the VEGFA gene. This DDT-mediated increase in HRE activity was augmented by the coactivator CBP (CREB-binding protein) and was dependent on the p38 pathway. Conclusions: DDT up-regulated the expression of several genes in MCF-7 breast cancer cells that were not altered by treatment with E2, including VEGFA. We propose that this DDT-initiated, ER-independent stimulation of gene expression is due to DDT’s ability to initiate crosstalk between MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways and transcriptional coactivators.
Modified single fiber fragmentation test procedure to study water degradation of the fiber/matrix interface toughness of glass/vinylester

A modified single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT) procedure, that permits separation of the fiber break and fiber/matrix (F/M) debond propagation events, was employed to characterize the (F/M) interface toughness of dry and water saturated E-glass/vinylester. By focusing solely on the debond propagation event, and by measuring the critical load for debond propagation, fracture mechanic analysis enabled determination of the fracture toughness of the fiber/matrix interface. After immersion in seawater, the interface was substantially degraded. The fracture toughness was reduced by approximately a factor of two.
How interleukin-1β induces gouty arthritis.

with the unique role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases. In this issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, Joosten et al provide experimental data that causally explain the clinical events that consistently precede flares of gout and assess how these mechanisms are related to the production of IL-1 (3). Despite several reports indicating that the addition of MSU crystals to mononuclear phagocytes induces IL-1 secretion (4,5), the notion that MSU is a sole activator of active IL-1 is inconsistent with the clinical reality of gouty attacks. For example, why do fewer than 10% of individuals with hyperuricemia and deposits of MSU crystals in the joints develop the disease, while the remainder do not? Why do acute flares of gout often occur in the middle of the night? Why do patients receiving antitumor therapies have high uric acid levels but no clinical signs of gout? Why do individuals with hyperuricemia have attacks of gout when they diet and lose weight? Although the associations of food and alcohol consumption with attacks of gout have been known for many centuries, how such lifestyle events are related to IL-1 activity has not been explored. Therefore, those published studies that show that MSU crystals by themselves induce active IL-1 require a careful reevaluation of the evidence to be consistent with the clinical associations of gout attacks. This editorial does not attempt to review the association of gout attacks with the consumption of food and alcohol. Instead, it draws attention to the study by Joosten and coworkers (3), which goes a long way in providing the basis for the production of IL-1 induced by MSU, with the conclusion that more than MSU is needed to trigger an acute attack of gout. First, the results of the Joosten study confirm that pure MSU crystals per se could not induce IL-1 production from primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy donors (6), and these observations were extended to mouse peritoneal macrophages. In order to relate the association with dietary intake of fatty foods, free fatty acids (FFAs) of increasing lengths were also added to cultures of human
Gas phase activity of anti-FITC antibodies immobilized on a surface acoustic wave resonator device.

In this paper we present the results of a series of experiments on the activity of antibodies in a vapor phase sensor. For these experiments the sensor component was a ST-Quartz resonator with a center frequency of approximately 250 MHz. Anti-FITC antibodies were attached to the electrodes on the device surface via a protein-A crosslinker. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator devices with various coatings were mounted in TO-8 packages, inserted into our sensor head module and subjected to various fluorescent analyte gases. Numerous controls were performed including the use of coated and uncoated devices along with devices coated with antibodies which were not specific for the target analyte. The SAW immunosensor response was monitored and a baseline frequency shift was observed when the analyte being presented was the antigen for the immobilized antibody. To provide an independent measure of antibody/antigen binding, the devices were removed from the sensor head, washed with a buffer solution to remove any unbound analyte, and then inspected using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Since all the analytes being used in these experiments were fluorescent this afforded us the opportunity to visualize the attachment of the analyte to the antibody film. Given the high resolution of the CLSM, we were able to identify the location of the attachment of the fluorescent analytes relative to the 1.5 μm wide electrodes of the SAW device. We believe that these experiments demonstrate that we have achieved real time molecular recognition of these small molecules in the vapor phase.
Separation-induced early malnutrition: Maternal, physiological and behavioral effects

Abstract Rats were malnourished during the first 3 weeks of life by separation from their dams for 12 hours per day. Half of these litters were exposed to a nonlactating “aunt” during this separation, while half were housed in a warm incubator. The dams whose pups underwent daily separation behaved differently from control dams, although comparably to each other. The two separation procedures produced pups with biochemical and physiological differences from control groups, and some differences from each other. When tested as adults, the malnourished and control groups performed equivalently on a number of behavioral tests (e.g. footshock sensitivity, spatial alternation), but the previously malnourished groups differed from each other and from control groups on some open field and passive avoidance measures. Thus, these procedures for producing malnutrition in offspring of adequately nourished dams can have both brain and behavioral effects. The influence of the different early environments was evident since the two experimental groups exhibited some brain and behavioral differences although their nutritional histories and contacts with lactating dams were similar.
Abstract 1988: MenaINV interaction with α5β1 promotes tumor cell invasion in response to gradients of growth factors and fibronectin

To metastasize and disseminate, carcinoma cells must invade the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) and migrate to reach blood or lymphatic vessels. Collagen (CN) and fibronectin (FN), two components of the ECM surrounding tumors, are highly expressed in metastatic tumors and their patterns of expression can correlate with metastatic outcome in patient samples. Mena, an actin regulatory protein, is upregulated in breast cancer and is alternatively spliced to produce protein isoforms with distinct functions during tumor progression. The invasion-specific MenaINV isoform increases metastasis by potentiating tumor cell motility and invasion responses to various growth factors. All Mena isoforms bind directly to the α5 subunit of the α5β1 integrin, an FN receptor. We hypothesized that the interaction between MenaINV and α5β1 plays an important role in integrating signals from the ECM as well as growth factors to drive invasion. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells expressing MenaINV showed increased adhesion to FN alone as well as mixture of FN and CN, compared to control cells. MenaINV cells also had an increased number of α5-positive adhesions as well as increased signalling at focal adhesions as measured by phospho-Paxilin, compared to control. In 3D invasion assays, addition of FN to a CN gel drove invasion of MenaINV-expressing cells even in the absence of any growth factor ligand, an effect driven by its interaction with α5 and dependent on signalling via EGFR and Met. Furthermore, addition of FN caused an even greater potentiation of EGF-induced invasion by MenaINV, an effect that was dependent upon its interaction with α5. Next, we examined how MenaINV affects tumor cell responses to a gradient of FN within a 3D collagen gel. Control cells failed to respond to an FN gradient, while cells expressing MenaINV migrated preferentially towards FN and significantly reorganized both the collagen and FN surrounding them. Deletion of the α5 binding site or treatment with an α5 function blocking antibody ablated the effects MenaINV on movement towards a FN gradient as well ECM reorganization. Overall, these results suggest that some aspects of the pro-metastatic effects of MenaINV involve its ability to bind α5 and regulate bidirectional signaling with FN and growth factors in the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Madeleine J. Oudin, Liliane C. Broye, Alisha Lussiez, Sreeja B. Asokan, Miles A. Miller, Douglas A. Lauffenburger, James E. Bear, Frank B. Gertler. MenaINV interaction with α5β1 promotes tumor cell invasion in response to gradients of growth factors and fibronectin. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1988. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1988
Periodic decay of weak shock waves in shock tubes

The time decay of weak shock waves in shock tubes is studied analytically and experimentally. The analysis is based on a balance between the rate of change of energy of the main flow, and the rate at which energy is dissipated at the walls of the tube and at the shock. The experiments consist of measuring the time decay of weak shock waves in a conventional shock tube, and yield results which confirm the decay trend predicted by the analysis.
Online Status Virtual Field Experiences and Mentoring During an Elementary General Music Methods Course

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe preservice music teachers’ perceptions of their experiences participating in virtual field experiences and mentoring episodes with experienced ...
Transcription factor structure and DNA binding

Abstract Within the past year, structures have been determined for five transcription factors, each of which is a member of a different structural class. Papilloma virus E2 and the TFIID TATA-binding protein represent novel and unanticipated DNA-binding motifs. The GAL4 protein is a new kind of metal-binding domain, GCN4 is a basic-region leucine zipper protein, and MATα2 is a member of the homeodomain family. With the exception of TFIID, the structures of the DNA-bound protein have been determined, revealing how each of the folds is used to recognize specific DNA sequences.
Osteofibrous dysplasia: Clinicopathologic study of 80 cases

A thorough review of the clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of 80 cases of long bone osteofibrous dysplasia is presented. Of the six cases of osteofibrous dysplasia immunostained with a cytokeratin antibody, two were cytokeratin positive; however, the five cases of fibrous dysplasia that were stained were all negative. Follow-up (mean, 5.4 years; range, 1 month to 31 years) data were available for 41 cases (51%). From the consultation series nine of the 18 patients studied had recurrences, regardless of the different treatment regimens. The average recurrence interval in these patients was 2.7 years. Two patients had incomplete excision and six had biopsy only. All eight of these patients had residual tumors. Among the 16 Mayo Clinic patients, one had recurrence 5 years after the initial treatment. In two cases, 7-year-old and 6-year-old boys, histologic maturation to fibrous dysplasia was observed 4 and 10 years later, respectively. Adamantinoma has not developed in any of the 41 cases of osteofibrous dysplasia for which we have follow-up information. It seems clear that osteofibrous dysplasia does not progress to adamantinoma. Our study suggests that osteofibrous dysplasia is probably a variant of fibrous dysplasia, as demonstrated by the maturation of two lesions of osteofibrous dysplasia to fibrous dysplasia. Surgical treatment may be appropriate in cases with an extensive lesion, pseudoarthrosis, and accentuated tibial bowing. The overall prognosis is good, even with recurrence.
Alteration in gene expression at the onset of human Y-79 retinoblastoma cell differentiation

We have tested the hypothesis that differentiation and growth arrest of Y-79 human retinoblastoma cells in culture is associated with a modification of gene expression. We first examined proteins translated from mRNAs isolated from Y-79 cells growing in suspension and in attachment cultures in serum-containing medium and found them to be markedly different. This suggests that membrane-substrate interactions are of major consequence in the biochemical differentiation of these cells. Secondly, we examined the patterns of proteins translated from attached cells which had been induced to morphologically differentiate into neuronal-like and glial-like cells by serum-withdrawal and dibutyryl cAMP treatment respectively. The in vitro translatable proteins of mRNAs isolated from these cultures were found to be markedly different from those of the suspension and attachment cultures. Thirdly, we found that treatment of cells growing in attachment culture in serum-containing medium supplemented with 8-bromo cAMP, butyrate and retinoic acid as well as dibutyryl cAMP resulted in discreet alterations in proteins translated in vitro from extracted mRNAs. Although all these substances inhibit the growth of Y-79 cells, only dibutyryl cAMP and butyrate result in morphological differentiation of cells. Our results suggest that (1) attachment and morphological differentiation of Y-79 cells are both related to specific alterations in gene expression and (2) differentiation and inhibition of cell growth by various agents can be correlated with changes in translatable mRNA species although all agents do not act in the same mode.
STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF A MONOLAYER KCN FILM GROWN ONTO A KBR(001) SUBSTRATE

Helium atom scattering was used to investigate the surface structure and dynamics of a monolayer film of KCN grown onto the nearly lattice-matched KBr(001) substrate. Although previous studies had shown that the cleaved (001) surface of KCN is disordered, the film appeared stabilized on this substrate with an ordered (001) surface. At about T{sub c}{approx}97 K, the film appears to undergo a second-order phase transition from a high-temperature (1{times}1) phase to a low-temperature (1{times}2)/(2{times}1) phase with an antiferroelectric alignment of the CN{sup {minus}} ions. For a monolayer of mixed KBr{sub 0.17}(CN){sub 0.83}, this transition temperature is reduced to 78 K. In addition, for the pure KCN films, diffraction features appear for the low-temperature phase, which corresponds to a 2{radical} (2) {times}6{radical} (2) R45{degree} superstructure. Finally, measurements of the surface dispersion curves in the [100] and [110] directions provide evidence for a Rayleigh mode and a dispersionless mode at 11.5 meV, which are essentially identical above and below T{sub c}. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
In situ infrared transmission study of Rb- and K-doped fullerenes.

We have measured the four IR-active ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ molecular vibrations in ${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ (M= K,Rb) as a function of doping x. We observe discontinuous changes in the vibrational spectra showing four distinct phases (presumably x=0,3,4, and 6). The 1427-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and 576-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ modes show the largest changes shifting downward in frequency in four steps as the doping increases. Several very weak modes are visible in the x=6 phase and are possibly Raman modes becoming weakly optically active. We present quantitative fits of data and calculate the electron-phonon coupling of the 1427-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ IR mode.
Distinct catalytic roles of the SecYE, SecG and SecDFyajC subunits of preprotein translocase holoenzyme.

Escherichia coli preprotein translocase contains a membrane‐embedded trimeric complex of SecY, SecE and SecG (SecYEG) and the peripheral SecA protein. SecYE is the conserved functional ‘core’ of the SecYEG complex. Although sufficient to provide sites for high‐affinity binding and membrane insertion of SecA, and for its activation as a preprotein‐dependent ATPase, SecYE has only very low capacity to support translocation. The proteins encoded by the secD operon—SecD, SecF and YajC—also form an integral membrane heterotrimeric complex (SecDFyajC). Physical and functional studies show that these two trimeric complexes are associated to form SecYEGDFyajC, the hexameric integral membrane domain of the preprotein translocase ‘holoenzyme’. Either SecG or SecDFyajC can support the translocation activity of SecYE by facilitating the ATP‐driven cycle of SecA membrane insertion and de‐insertion at different stages of the translocation reaction. Our findings show that each of the prokaryote‐specific subunits (SecA, SecG and SecDFyajC) function together to promote preprotein movement at the SecYE core of the translocase.
Motivation and expectancy influences in placebo responding: The mediating role of attention

Drawing upon research in perception and motivation, the current study proposes a motivation-attention model of placebo in which more motivated persons pay greater attention to placebo-related stimuli, directly influencing placebo response. We manipulated both motivation to respond to placebo and expectations of placebo response in a 2 × 2 design. Participants (N = 152) evaluated a series of placebo pheromones (slightly scented water) of potential romantic dates and made desirability ratings. Consistent with hypotheses, more highly motivated participants demonstrated greater placebo responses, as evidenced by higher desirability ratings of the "pheromone" and greater variability among ratings, when compared to less motivated participants. Moreover, the relation between motivation and placebo response was mediated by attention. Contrary to expectations, we found no effect for expectancy. These findings highlight the importance of motivation and the mediating factor of attention in placebo and support goal-oriented models of placebo.
MPLS-TE and MPLS VPNS with openflow

We demonstrate MPLS Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE) and MPLS-based Virtual Private Networks (MPLS VPNs) using OpenFlow [1] and NOX [6]. The demonstration is the outcome of an engineering experiment to answer the following questions: How hard is it to implement a complex control plane on top of a network controller such as NOX? Does the global vantage point in NOX make the implementation easier than the traditional method of implementing it on every switch, embedded in the data plane? We implemented every major feature of MPLS-TE and MPLS-VPN in just 2,000 lines of code, compared to much larger lines of code in the more traditional approach, such as Quagga-MPLS. Because NOX maintains a consistent, up-to-date topology map, the MPLS control plane features are quite simple to implement. And its simplicity makes it easy to extend: We have easily added several new features; something a network operator could do to customize their network to meet their customers' needs.The demo consists of two parts: MPLS-TE services and then MPLS VPN driven by a GUI.
The 178W/178Ta generator: Anion exchange behavior of 178W and 178Ta

Abstract The distribution coefficients for 178 W and the collection yields of 178 Ta were determined in a generator system with AGI-X8 resin (200–400 mesh chloride form) as adsorbent and dilute HCl as eluent. The influence on 178 Ta yield and 178 W breakthrough of H 2 O 2 concentration in the eluent, the age of the generator, the 178 W activity loaded, and the speed and number of elutions was examined.
Caffeine use during pregnancy and child outcome: a 7-year prospective study.

Abstract Caffeine (from coffee, tea, cola, and/or chocolate) was the most frequently ingested drug among 1529 pregnant women interviewed in 1974–1975. Linear and threshold effects of prenatal caffeine on pregnancy outcome and offspring development were examined in a cohort of approximately 500 offspring. After appropriate statistical adjustment for relevant covariates (cigarette smoking, alcohol, maternal size, demographics, etc.) prenatal caffeine exposure was not related to most newborn and infant outcome measures, including height, weight or head circumference, or to individually administered IQ and attention tests at 7 years of age. Only one isolated dependent variable of the many was significantly associated with prenatal caffeine exposure: namely breech presentation. However, since this report involved a secondary analysis of data gathered for other purposes, specifically designed studies would be required to determine the validity of the observed association for any particular variable. The general conclusion is that the long-term consequences of prenatal caffeine in this cohort are null.
DUB-le Trouble for Cell Survival

Expression of MCL-1 is frequently elevated in cancer and is implicated in the resistance to chemotherapy by the BCL-2 small molecule inhibitor ABT-737. A recent paper in Nature identified USP9X as an antagonist of MCL-1 ubiquitinylation and degradation. Often upregulated in tumor cells, USP9X activity influences the response to ABT-737.
Temporal contrast degradation at the focus of ultrafast pulses from high-frequency spectral phase modulation

The impact of high-frequency spectral phase modulation on the temporal contrast of ultrafast pulses is evaluated. Expressions are derived for the low-intensity pedestal produced by optical component surface roughness within pulse stretchers and compressors. Phase noise, added across the near-field of a spectrally dispersed beam, produces space–time coupling in the far-field or focal plane. The pedestal is swept across an area in the focal plane many times the size of the diffraction-limited spot. Simulations are performed for generic stretchers and compressors that show fundamentally different forms of temporal contrast degradation at focus.
Understanding immune cell trafficking patterns via in vivo bioluminescence imaging

Cell migration is a key aspect of the development of the immune system and mediating an immune response. There is extensive and continual redistribution of cells to different anatomic sites throughout the body. These trafficking patterns control immune function, tissue regeneration, and host responses to insult. The ability to monitor the fate and function of cells, therefore, is imperative to both understanding the role of specific cells in disease processes and to devising rational therapeutic strategies. Determining the fate of immune cells and understanding the functional changes associated with migration and proliferation require effective means of obtaining in vivo measurements in the context of intact organ systems. A variety of imaging methods are available to provide structural information, such as X-ray CT and MRI, but only recently new tools have been developed that reveal cellular and molecular changes as they occur within living animals. We have pioneered one of these techniques that is based on the observations that light passes through mammalian tissues, and that luciferases can serve as internal biological sources of light in the living body. This method, called in vivo bioluminescence imaging, is a rapid and noninvasive functional imaging method that employs light-emitting reporters and external photon detection to follow biological processes in living animals in real time. This imaging strategy enables the studies of trafficking patterns for a variety of cell types in live animal models of human biology and disease. Using this approach we have elucidated the spatiotemporal trafficking patterns of lymphocytes within the body. In models of autoimmune disease we have used the migration of "pathogenic" immune cells to diseased tissues as a means to locally deliver and express therapeutic proteins. Similarly, we have determined the tempo of NK-T cell migration to neoplastic lesions and measured their life span in vivo. Using bioluminescence imaging individual groups of animals can be followed over time significantly reducing the number of animals per experiment, and improving the statistical significance of a study since changes in a given population can be studied over time. Such rapid assays that reveal cell fates in vivo will increase our basic understanding of the molecular signals that control these migratory pathways and will substantially speed up the development and evaluation of therapies.
Consequences of perceived acceptability of a bank's service failures

This paper presents a study of service failures of a bank and their impact on customer satisfaction and recommendation intention. In contrast to most other studies on this topic, this study uses a large, real-customer sample where the respondents describe a real failure incident, regardless of whether they complained about it. The paper aims to make three contributions: first, based on a literature review, it introduces the construct of ‘acceptability’ of service failures and relates it to the concept of a ‘tolerance zone’ for dissatisfaction. Secondly, it tests its impact on satisfaction and recommendation intention, which is both statistically significant and managerially relevant. Thirdly, the ‘service failure pyramid’ as a managerial tool is proposed and linked to the idea of perceiving every service encounter as a ‘moment of truth’. As a consequence, the use of a ‘perceived acceptability’ measure in customer surveys is suggested.
The direct weighing of ziorconium tetramandelate

Abstract The non-stoichiometry of zirconium tetramandelate precipitates is explained by the presence of basic salts of varying composition. For reproducible results the zirconium tetramandelate should be precipitated from hot. strongly acid solution by the dropwise addition of mandelic acid.
Exploring Deformation Mechanisms in Nanostructured Materials

Useful properties of structural materials generally depend on their bulk microstructure. For centuries, improvements in structural materials relied heavily on processing, which in turn determined the resulting microstructure and properties. Materials sciences are entering an era in which specific properties of a material are obtained not only from its processing but also by controlling of the architecture of its constituents, often with sub-micron dimensions. To utilize this newly achievable nanoscale engineering precision in structural applications, it is imperative to quantify the deformation processes at each relevant scale, with special attention focusing on the importance of internal and external heterogeneities, for example grain boundaries, bi-material interfaces, phase boundaries, etc., on mechanical loading. It has been shown for single crystals that yield (and fracture) strengths increase with power-law dependence on sample size reduction when the micron scale is reached, and therefore, can no longer be inferred from bulk response or from the literature. Although these studies provide a powerful foundation for fundamental deformation processes operating at small scales, they are far from representing real materials used in structural applications, whose microstructure is often complex, containing boundaries and interfaces. Both homogeneous (i.e. grain and twin boundaries) and heterogeneous (i.e. phase and precipitate–matrix boundaries) interfaces in size-limited features are crucial aspects of the structural reliability of most modern materials. They are also of particular importance to damage initiation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art experimental and computational methods used to investigate mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution in small-scale metallic systems, deformation of which depends on intricate interactions of defects with internal interfaces and with free surfaces. Attention is focused on the effects of multiple grain boundaries spanning the sample volume (nanocrystalline and polycrystalline metals). This overview sheds light on the relative importance of intrinsic versus extrinsic length scale limitations on deformation mechanisms in nanostructured metals, which has significant implications for the development of new materials with tunable mechanical properties.
Characterization of ovine stem cell factor messenger ribonucleic acid and protein in the corpus luteum throughout the luteal phase.

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a growth factor known to have profound effects on the proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival of numerous cell types, including those of the ovary. The objectives of the present study were to identify and characterize expression of this growth factor in the ovine corpus luteum (CL). A 952-bp cDNA was amplified from Day 3 (Day 0 = estrus) ovine luteal total cellular (tc) RNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and determined to encode SCF. Northern analysis of Day 10 luteal poly(A) + RNA indicated one major transcript of approximately 6.5 kb. SCF mRNA was localized within Day 3 and Day 10 CL by in situ hybridization and was expressed throughout luteal tissue on both days examined. To assess expression throughout the luteal phase, SCF mRNA was quantified by ribonuclease protection assay in tcRNA collected on Days 3, 7, 10, 13, and 16; values did not differ across days (p > 0.10). Similarly, SCF mRNA was quantified in tcRNA isolated from pools of Day 10 large and small steroidogenic cells (n = 4 and 3, respectively); levels did not differ (p > 0.10) between cell types. In addition, SCF protein was detected in CL on Days 3 and 10, and was expressed in a cell-specific manner in cells with morphological characteristics of large and small luteal cells. These data indicate that SCF may be involved in communication among steroidogenic cells and/or between-steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells of the CL.
Toluene/water/1-propanol interfacial tension measurements by means of pendant drop, spinning drop, and laser light-scattering methods

Abstract Measurements of low interfacial tension, γi, ranging from 0.3 to 3 mN/m (dyn/cm), on water/toluene interfaces containing various amount of 1-propanol have been undertaken with laser light-scattering, spinning drop, and pendant drop methods. A Lorentzian-squared function has been found to represent the instrument contribution to the spectrum obtained from the laser light-scattering method. The interfacial viscosity was calculated from the spectral linewidth using this instrumental function and compared to the bulk viscosity. Phase volume and interfacial tension measurements indicate that a requirement for formation of O W dispersion is low γi, but for overall stability, γi, although small, must be positive. From extrapolation of the measured γi values, it has been found that a residual positive value of 0.2 mN/m is still observed at cosolubilization.
Mode splitting and resonant coupling between a slot metasurface and PMMA

ABSTRACT A slot metasurface (metascreen) designed to ha ve resonance that coup les with the 1733 cm -1 absorption peak of the C=O molecular bond of PMMA (polymethyl me thacrylate) is presented. The metasurface is made of a gold layer perforated with periodically-placed slots and stood off above a reflective ground plane with silicon substrate. The metasurface is modeled using ANSYS HFSS and including measured optical properties for gold, silicon and PMMA in the infrared spectrum. PMMA forms a thin overcoat and exhibits a strong absorption resonance at wavenumber 1733 cm -1 . Coupling between the metasurface and PMMA is observed vi a normal mode splitting. Mode splitting has been analyzed from classical coupled mass spring oscillators to exciton-photons coupling in microcavities. The coupled systems can be described with a Hamiltonian matrix and solved for the eigenf requencies. Parametric analysis of coupled response as a function of the design geometry is provided. Coupling energy, reflectance spectrum, and dispersion plots showing the anticrossing behavior of hybrid modes are presented as characterization of resonance coupling and normal mode splitting. Slot metasurface results are compared to the complementary structure (nanorod metasurface) in order to explore the duality of the complentary meta surfaces and their coupled responses. C oupled resonances have application in biosensors for molecule detection, surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA), and infrared imaging. Keywords: Metasurface, Normal Mode Sp litting, PMMA, Resonant Coupling
Use of Trihexyphenidyl in Children With Cerebral Palsy

A paucity of information exists regarding medications to treat dystonia in children with cerebral palsy. This study sought to review the benefits and tolerability of trihexyphenidyl in children with cerebral palsy, treated for dystonia or sialorrhea or both in a pediatric tertiary care hospital, through a retrospective chart review. In total, 101 patients (61 boys and 40 girls) were evaluated. The mean age at drug initiation was 7 years and 10 months (range, 1-18 years). The mean initial dose was 0.095 mg/kg/day. The dose was increased by 10-20% no sooner than every 2 weeks. The mean maximum dose reached was 0.55 mg/kg/day. Ninety-three patients (91%) tolerated the medication well, with a mean duration of treatment of 3 years and 7 months. Side effects occurred in 69% of subjects, the majority in patients aged ≥7 years, and soon after treatment initiation. Sixty-four percent continued the treatment at study end. Ninety-seven patients reported benefits, including reduction of dystonia in upper (59.4%) and lower (37.6%) extremities, sialorrhea (60.4%), and speech issues (24.7%). The majority of patients tolerated trihexyphenidyl well on a schedule of gradual dose increases, and almost all demonstrated improvements in dystonia or sialorrhea or both.
International Acquisitions and Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management

Abstract Significant risk exists for corporations who are involved in foreign property acquisitions that result from foreign currency exchange rate movements. Unless managed properly, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may result in considerable adverse changes upon balance sheets, reported profit and loss, cash flows, and die cost of new asset purchases. Several methods of foreign currency risk management are available to firms entering into contracts to purchase or sell hotels located in foreign countries. Some of th ese methods are: foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currency option contracts, shifting currency risks, money market hedges, modifying the price, and netting foreign currency exposure.
Exclusion of copper from altered hepatocytes in white perch (Morone americana) with hepatic copper storage.

Iron is excluded from foci of hepatocellular alteration in carcinogenesis of rodents and some fish. Among white perch (Morone americana), there is a condition of hepatic copper storage in which copper-loaded livers are produced naturally. In a group of fish collected from the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland (USA), from September to December 1990, we observed hepatic lesions which excluded copper similar to the phenomenon of iron exclusion, in a white perch with over 3,600 μg/g wet weight hepatic copper. The lesions were of two types: one with cells morphologically different from normal hepatocytes and which had diminished to absolute exclusion of copper with the copper specific histochemical stain rubeinic acid, and a second with cells morphologically similar to normal hepatocytes which had only a partial exclusion of copper. Although the exact cause and nature of the lesions was not determined, intrinsic copper toxicity, environmental pollution, or a combination of these factors may have contributed to their de...
Regulated Attachment Method for Reconstituting Lipid Bilayers of Prescribed Size within Flexible Substrates

A new method called the regulated attachment method (RAM) for reproducibly forming lipid bilayers within flexible substrates has been developed that enables precise control over the size of the bilayer. This technique uses a deformable flexible substrate to open and close an aperture that subdivides aqueous volumes submersed in an organic solvent. Phospholipids incorporated as vesicles in the aqueous phase self-assemble at the oil/water interface to form lipid monolayers that encapsulate each aqueous volume. Controlled attachment of opposing lipid monolayers is achieved by regulating the dimensions of the aperture in the substrate that separates the adjacent aqueous volumes. In this manner, the size of a lipid bilayer formed within a flexible substrate is a function of the substrate and aperture dimensions, and not determined by the sizes or shapes of the aqueous volumes. Lipid bilayers formed within the prototype flexible substrate exhibit DC resistances consistently higher than 10 GΩ and can survive 20−...
Extraction of TNT from aggregate soil fractions

Past explosives manufacture, disposal, and training activities have contaminated soil at many military facilities, posing health and environmental risks through contact, potential detonation, and leaching into ground water. While methods have been confirmed for extraction and measuring explosives concentration in soil, no work has addressed aggregate size material (the >2 mm gravel and cobbles) that often occurs with the smaller soil fractions. This paper describes methods and results for extraction and measurement of TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) in aggregate material from 1/2 to 2-1/1 from a WWII era ammunition plant. TNT was extracted into acetonitrile by both Soxhlet and ultrasonic extraction methods. High pressure liquid chromatography analyses of extracts showed expected variation among samples. Also effective extraction and determination of TNT concentration for each aggregate size fraction was achieved.
The Validity of Survey Responses: Insights from Interviews of Married Couples in a Survey of Soviet Emigrants

Survey researchers have given little attention to the reliability of respondents as informants about others in the household. Data from the Soviet Interview Project General Survey a study based on recent emigrants from the Soviet Union to the US provide a special opportunity to test for the accuracy of recall and of reporting about others by measuring the level of agreement between the answers by 163 married couples who lived in the same household in the USSR. It also tests for the response effects of 2 sources of potential contamination in the interview setting: having multiple respondents in a family who are interviewed at different times and who thus could discuss the survey; and having 3rd parties present during the interview. The analysis shows a very high level of agreement between spouses on measures of household material status in the USSR (income wealth housing space) probably stemming from the high saliency of these measures as status indicators. Contrary to expectations neither the agreement on objective questions nor on subjective questions is affected by possible contamination of the interviews. A low level of agreement on answers to some ostensibly objective questions occurs however because the behavior was variant over time definitions were ambiguous or the question was not properly administered. The analysis also shows that studying divergent answers by associated pairs of respondents to questions to which there should be substantial agreement can reveal unanticipated ambiguities in question wording and thus can be an aid in debugging and interpreting survey data. (authors)
How Tat targets TAR: structure of the BIV peptide–RNA complex

Two new NMR structures describing the complex formed by a peptide from the BIV Tat protein with the TAR RNA provide a significant advance in our understanding of the ways in which peptides interact with specific sites in the major groove of their RNA targets.
WE-E-224A-02: The Role of External Beam in Brachytherapy

Combination of permanent low dose‐rate interstitial implantation (LDR‐BRT) and external beam radiotherapy(EBRT) has been used in the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. Patients treated with this regimen initially receive an I‐125 implant prescribed to 110 Gy followed, two months later, by 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions using intensity modulated external beam radiotherapy. While a high radiationdose is delivered to the prostate in this setting, the actual biologic dose equivalence compared to monotherapy is not commonly invoked. I shall describe methodology for obtaining the fused dosimetry of this combined treatment and assigning a dose equivalence which in turn can be used to develop desired normal tissue and target constraints for biologic‐based treatment planning. Furthermore, I shall argue that LDR‐EBRT treatments, when properly designed, may confer significant advantages in terms of: a) escalating the dose without normal tissue penalties, b) avoid the question of organ motion, and c) decrease significantly the size of the PTV.
Location decisions of Japanese new manufacturing plants in China: a discrete-choice analysis

This paper adopts a conditional logit model to empirically examine the location choices of Japanese greenfield manufacturing foreign direct investment among Chinese provinces. It is hypothesized that its location decisions in China would be determined by the provinces’ market sizes, infrastructure capacities, labor, land, and energy costs, agglomeration effects, labor quality, and policy incentives. A Hausman–McFadden test is conducted to test whether the independence from irrelevant alternatives assumption of the conditional logit model is violated.
Accurate fracture mechanics analysis methods for subsurface or surface defects, including their interaction with the cladding

Abstract The fracture analysis methods are specialized to account for the shape and position of the defect at or under the surface of cladded nuclear vessels subjected to pressurized thermal shocks. The improvements bear on the LEFM shape factors, plasticity corrections in relation to the overall plastic strain in the cladding and to the ligament yield for a sub-surface crack, and on extension of the cleavage crack initiation criterion to account for variable K I K IC condition along the crack tip and for size effects.
Financial liberalization and remittances: Recent panel evidence

We investigate the impact of financial liberalization on remittances to 84 countries over the period 1986–2005. Explicitly accounting for the multidimensionality of financial reform, we find that the various dimensions impact remittances differently: Increased economic freedom in the financial sector, as captured by absence of direct government control over the allocation of credit, has a positive and immediate impact. However, the improved robustness of financial markets, as captured by the development of security markets, improvement in the quality of banking supervision, and removal of stringent restrictions on interest rates and international capital, has a negative and lagged effect. The net combined effect reveals that financial liberalization may have a modest negative impact on remittances in the long run.
Cracking neural circuits in a tiny brain: new approaches for understanding the neural circuitry of Drosophila

Genetic screens in Drosophila have identified many genes involved in neural development and function. However, until recently, it has been impossible to monitor neural signals in Drosophila central neurons, and it has been difficult to make specific perturbations to central neural circuits. This has changed in the past few years with the development of new tools for measuring and manipulating neural activity in the fly. Here we review how these new tools enable novel conceptual approaches to 'cracking circuits' in this important model organism. We discuss recent studies aimed at defining the cognitive demands on the fly brain, identifying the cellular components of specific neural circuits, mapping functional connectivity in those circuits and defining causal relationships between neural activity and behavior.
Usefulness of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator in improving survival of patients with severely depressed left ventricular function associated with coronary artery disease

Abstract Clinical outcome was analyzed among a group of 39 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease, left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions
Work in progress - building the survey of engineering ethical development (SEED) instrument

When developing surveys, researchers can readily identify the concepts they intend to study, but how do they create individual survey items that will most accurately measure those concepts? Here we describe the first year of a four-year NSF project in which the E3 Team (Exploring Ethical Decision Making in Engineering) prepared to develop a national survey of the curricular and co-curricular activities, events, and experiences affecting the ethical development of engineering undergraduates. As this survey is likely to be the most comprehensive assessment of ethical development - both in content and scope - ever administered to engineering undergraduates, it is critical the development process includes rigorous and thorough educational research methods. By using such methods, we greatly increase the probability our survey instrument will appropriately measure the determinants of ethical behavior in engineering undergraduates.
Efficient Multi-target Human Motion Tracking

Effective human motion tracking is necessary for all surveillance based biometric applications. Human motion being highly non-linear and non-modular is always difficult to track. To make it more challenging, in real scenarios, there are always multiple targets to be tracked. In this work particle filter based multiple targettracking system is proposed. For performing actual tracking Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods are used. The system was tested using moviedb and labdb databases and accuracy of 91.7% was obtained.