cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Failed Tube Extrusion is Not a Random Event in Children or Their Siblings

Objectives/Hypothesis: It has been assumed that prolonged retention of tympanostomy tubes was random, with an incidence of 4% to 12% per tube. We have noticed patterns of tube retention that suggested a genetic predilection. We undertook this study to validate or disprove this impression. Such information may shed light on the physiology of tube extrusion and may help better define the risks of tympanostomy tube placement. Study Design: Retrospective, single-surgeon, statistical analysis. Methods: A computerized database of approximately 10,000 pediatric otolaryngology patients was queried. We identified all children treated by the senior author during a 6-year period who underwent tube removal for failed extrusion 24 or more months after placement. Siblings with retained tubes and individuals requiring bilateral tube removal were further analyzed: 1) using the law of multiplication of independent factors, the chance of retaining tubes in both ears of an individual was compared with the observed rate of bilateral retention by calculating the difference in Poisson rates; 2) the rate of siblings who retained one or both tubes was compared with nonsiblings who retained one or both tubes using the Z test for independent proportions. Results: The observed rate of bilateral retention (228/6,000 = 0.038) far exceeded the theoretical rate (0.0682 = 0.0046; P < .001). Siblings were more likely to retain tubes than nonsiblings (difference = 0.042; P = .085). This difference was more pronounced in unilateral (difference = 0.048; P = .014) than in bilateral retention (difference = 0.005; P = .856). Conclusions: Tympanostomy tube retention is not a random occurrence. Patterns of nonextrusion in individuals and siblings suggest a genetic mechanism. Implications for patient counseling and research are discussed.
Integration of a novel punch-through heterojunction phototransistor with a compatible MODFET

A novel punch-through heterojunction phototransistor (PTHPT) integrated with a compatible modulation doped FET (MODFET) was fabricated. The two terminal operating PTHPT can provide the superior properties of high optical gain and high speed. This is done without introducing an amplified shot noise associated with a base bias current as found in a three terminal operating heterojunction phototransistor (HPT). The PTHPT fabricated in a 0.8-micrometers GaAs/AlGaAs material system exhibits an optical conversion gain as high as 1250 at an incident optical power as low as 0.5 (mu) W. The gain changes less than 15 percent over a 20 dB range of the incident optical power. The transient measurements show that the PTHPT has a higher response speed than that of a conventional HPT. The compatible MODFETs with 1-micrometers gate lengths exhibit transconductances over 200 ms/mm and a current density of 160mA/mm. The principle presented here can also be applied to other material systems such as GaSb/AlSb and InGaAs/InP for long wavelength optical communications.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cerebrospinal fluid volume replacement following large endoscopic anterior cranial base resection

Background: Large endoscopic skull-base resections often result in extensive postoperative pneumocephalus secondary to copious evacuation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the procedures. Replacing CSF lost during craniotomy with saline is a common technique in neurosurgery, but is difficult after extensive transnasal resection of the anterior cranial base because direct transnasal CSF augmentation will escape until the skull base reconstruction is sealed. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of intraoperative CSF volume replacement via lumbar drains on improving postoperative outcomes. Methods: Ten large endoscopic anterior skull-base resections (>2.5 cm) were performed from 2008 to 2011. Sellar, parasellar, and transplanum resections were excluded. Etiologies included esthesioneuroblastoma (2), squamous cell carcinoma (2), intracranial dermoid (2), adenocarcinoma (1), adenoid cystic carcinoma (1), melanoma (1), and meningioma (1). Six patients were administered preservative-free normal saline via lumbar drain during skull-base reconstruction. Data collected included volume of postoperative pneumocephalus, intravenous pain medicine requirements 24 hours after surgery, and length of hospital stay. Results: Volume of pneumocephalus (4.78 cm vs 12.8 cm3, p = 0.04) and length of hospital stay (2.17 days vs 8.5 days, p = 0.03) were significantly decreased in the normal saline volume replacement group. Average intravenous pain medication requirements were reduced in the first 24 hours postoperatively (8 mg morphine vs 14 mg morphine, p = 0.25), but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Evacuation of intracranial air by transthecal administration of saline during reconstruction of large anterior cranial base defects was an effective technique to decrease postoperative pneumocephalus and length of hospital stay. Further evaluation is warranted. © 2012 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Social Drama and Construction of the Ah Q Discourse: An Interdisciplinary Reading Strategy to The True Story of Ah Q and its Intertextual Derivations

This article examines the relationship between narrative and discourse through application of Victor Turner’s theory of social dramas to Lu Xun’s A Q zhengzhuan (The true story of Ah Q). Turner’s four-phase model is expanded to a fifth phase of temporal discursive reflexivity as Ah Q’s dramas are reinterpreted and reperformed in stage adaptations and literary derivatives (progeny novels) over eight decades. Foregrounded by Turner’s model, such discursive reperformances yield a highly effective reading strategy which integrates the elements of story and discourse, and thus bridges the gap between fictional literary events and the “real” meaning of events. Ah Q characteristics are reified in the process of constructing literary and social meaning as the progeny works humorously, satirically, and scathingly challenge contemporary readings of social and political history.
Viral protein and DNA synthesis in vaccinia virus-infected HeLa cell cultures

Abstract 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) at 10−6M inhibits completely the replication of vaccinia virus, but has no effect on the replication of poliovirus. Viral DNA synthesis precedes by 2–3 hours the formation of infectious vaccinia virus. A viral protein whose synthesis precedes infectious virus formation by no more than 30–45 minutes can be demonstrated using p-fluorophenylalanine. It seems likely that the formation of this protein is the rate-limiting step in infectious virus formation. When the synthesis of viral DNA is inhibited, the synthesis of viral protein continues. However, the protein which is formed in the absence of DNA synthesis is not available for virus synthesis which occurs when the inhibition is reversed by the addition of thymidine; de novo formation of protein is required for the formation of this virus.
Resident-Memory CD8 T Cells and mTOR: Generation, Protection, and Clinical Importance.

Tissues such as the lung, skin, intestinal epithelium, and reproductive tract serve as a barricade against pathogen exposure for the entire body. Specifically within the skin and mucosal tissues, a population of resident CD8 T cells plays a salient role in the protection against infection. Resident-memory CD8 T cells (TRM) are a long-lived subset of memory CD8 T cells that do not re-circulate after taking up residence in the tissues. Traditionally memory CD8 T cells were conceptually divided into two subsets central (TCM) and effector (TEM) memory where TCM preferentially localized within secondary lymphoid tissues (SLO) and TEM circulated throughout the peripheral tissues. While the concept of TCM and TEM has been considerably explored, memory CD8 T cells found within barrier tissues do not totally fit within the TCM/TEM paradigm. Through the study of circulating CD8 T cells, our understanding of memory CD8 T cells has grown tremendously in the last 25 years. We now understand that it is not sufficient to simply generate large numbers of circulating memory CD8 T cells in order to enhance protection against localized infection. Developing clinical strategies that can enhance protection against mucosal pathogens will require a clear understanding of how memory CD8 T cells are generated and maintained within barrier tissues at the sites of initial pathogen exposure. We will outline our current understanding of TRM in respect to their generation, functional importance, and how future studies must shed light on how we can exploit TRM to develop the next generation of effective vaccines.
Do patient’s complaints of dysphagia predict esophageal manometry findings?

Purpose: Complaints of dysphagia can be measured by location, frequency, duration, and severity. It is not known whether the intensity of symptoms correlate with manometric findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between a patient's rating of dysphagia symptoms and characteristics of esophageal manometry.
Species-specific tuning increases robustness to sampling bias in models of species distributions: An implementation with Maxent

Various methods exist to model a species’ niche and geographic distribution using environmental data for the study region and occurrence localities documenting the species’ presence (typically from museums and herbaria). In presence-only modelling, geographic sampling bias and small sample sizes represent challenges for many species. Overfitting to the bias and/or noise characteristic of such datasets can seriously compromise model generality and transferability, which are critical to many current applications – including studies of invasive species, the effects of climatic change, and niche evolution. Even when transferability is not necessary, applications to many areas, including conservation biology, macroecology, and zoonotic diseases, require models that are not overfit. We evaluated these issues using a maximum entropy approach (Maxent) for the shrew Cryptotis meridensis, which is endemic to the Cordillera de Merida in Venezuela. To simulate strong sampling bias, we divided localities into two datasets: those from a portion of the species’ range that has seen high sampling effort (for model calibration) and those from other areas of the species’ range, where less sampling has occurred (for model evaluation). Before modelling, we assessed the climatic values of localities in the two datasets to determine whether any environmental bias accompanies the geographic bias. Then, to identify optimal levels of model complexity (and minimize overfitting), we made models and tuned model settings, comparing performance with that achieved using default settings. We randomly selected localities for model calibration (sets of 5, 10, 15, and 20 localities) and varied the level of model complexity considered (linear versus both linear and quadratic features) and two aspects of the strength of protection against overfitting (regularization). Environmental bias indeed corresponded to the geographic bias between datasets, with differences in median and observed range (minima and/or maxima) for some variables. Model performance varied greatly according to the level of regularization. Intermediate regularization consistently led to the best models, with decreased performance at low and generally at high regularization. Optimal levels of regularization differed between sample-size-dependent and sample-size-independent approaches, but both reached similar levels of maximal performance. In several cases, the optimal regularization value was different from (usually higher than) the default one. Models calibrated with both linear and quadratic features outperformed those made with just linear features. Results were remarkably consistent across the examined sample sizes. Models made with few and biased localities achieved high predictive ability when appropriate regularization was employed and optimal model complexity was identified. Species-specific tuning of model settings can have great benefits over the use of default settings.
Carbonates, thiocarbonates, and the corresponding monoalkyl derivatives. 1. Their preparation and isotropic (13)C NMR chemical shifts.

Three series of potassium carbonate and thiocarbonate salts were synthesized, and the corresponding 13C isotropic solid-state NMR and the aqueous solution 13C and 1H NMR data were collected. The series of compounds that were studied consists of (1) the parent compounds, i.e., potassium carbonate, K2CO3, potassium hydrogen carbonate, KHCO3, potassium monothiocarbonate, K2CO2S, potassium dithiocarbonate, K2COS2, and potassium trithiocarbonate, K2CS3, (2) the oxygen monoalkyl substituted derivatives of the parent compounds (OR series), i.e., three potassium O-alkylcarbonates, KO2COR, three potassium O-alkylmonothiocarbonates, KOSCOR, and three potassium O-alkyldithiocarbonates, KS2COR, all with R = CH3, CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, and (3) the sulfur monoalkyl substituted derivatives of the parent compounds (SR series), i.e., two potassium S-alkylmonothiocarbonates, KO2CSR; two potassium S-alkyldithiocarbonates, KOSCSR, and two potassium S-alkyltrithiocarbonates, KS2CSR, all with R = CH3 or CH2CH3. The preparation and ...
Sequence of RNA segment 7 of the influenza B virus genome: partial amino acid homology between the membrane proteins (M1) of influenza A and B viruses and conservation of a second open reading frame.

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of a cloned full-length DNA copy of genome RNA segment 7 of influenza B/Lee/40 virus has been determined. The messenger RNA (∼ 1175 viral nucleotides) for the nonglycosylated membrane protein of the virus (M 1 ) is capable of coding for a protein of 248 amino acids, of which 63 are conserved between influenza A and B viruses. An internal hydrophobic domain, which includes three cysteine residues in the same positions, is also conserved between the M 1 proteins of the two viruses and may be of functional significance. A second coding region overlaps that of the influenza B M 1 protein by 86 amino acids. This region could code for a maximum of 195 amino acids in the +2 reading frame, depending on whether or not the mRNA is spliced and the location of the initiating methionine residue. This region is likely to code for a protein analogous to the influenza A virus M 2 protein. No obvious homology has been detected in the deduced amino sequences of the M 2 proteins of the two viruses. The size of the M 1 coding regions is conserved between influenza A and B viruses, however the B virus segment 7 is larger, with the difference largely due to a longer M 2 coding region.
Exposure of female mouse fetuses of various ages to testosterone and the later activation of intraspecific fighting

Abstract Female mice fought significantly sooner following the initiation of testosterone (T) treatment in adult life if they were exposed to T once (via a maternal injection) between the 13th and 18th day of fetal development. Two exposures to T during this period led to a significant increase in the percentage of animals that fought in response to chronic T exposure in adulthood. The time at which prenatal T exposure begins to affect adult responsiveness to that steroid coincides with reports of the commencement of androgen synthesis by the fetal testis.
Performance index sensitivity of optimal control of first order in time- and space-distributed parameter systems

This paper considers the performance index sensitivity with respect to system parameter variations when the system is given by a class of distributed parameter systems which is first order in time and space. It is shown that for such a class of systems, the Pagurek-Witsenhausen paradox can be extended.
Pathogenesis of bromodeoxyuridine‐induced polydactyly

Intraperitoneal injection of BUdR on day 11 or 12 of rat gestation produced preaxial polydactyly of the hindlimb. The pathogenesis of this deformity differed from that of other polydactyly regimes in that drug-induced mesenchymal necrosis was not an essential feature. Likewise an altered pattern of physiological necrosis was not an essential feature. Likewise an altered pattern of physiological necrosis in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) was not evident in hindlimbs of BUdR-treated embryos. In keeping with earlier studies, a zone of physiological necrosis within the preaxial mesoderm thought to be instrumental in controlling preaxial digitation was abolished. Speculation has focused on the incorporation of BUdR into these prospectively necrotic cells as the means by which they survive. Support for this idea is gained from the protective effect of concomitant thymidine administration, which presumably prevents BUdR incorporation.
Morphology, genetics, and ecology of pocket gophers (genus Geomys) in a narrow hybrid zone

A population of hybrid pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius × G. lutescens) exists 1–2 km west of Oakdale, Antelope County, Nebraska, U.S.A. The hybrids occur in soil that has characteristics intermediate between that occupied by G. lutescens (sand) and by G. bursarius (silt loam); the vegetation associations on the different soils are Sandhills Prairie and Tall-grass Prairie, respectively, with mixed prairie on the intermediate soils. Hybrids are identifiable on the basis of both qualitative and quantitative morphological characteristics, allozymes and karyology. Concordance between morphological, allozymic, karyotypic and ecological data sets is very high. Hybrids appear to reproduce normally and survive well; i.e. they suffer no obvious loss of fitness. Backcrossing to either parental type is apparently rare. The parental species each support obligate parasitic lice (Geomydoecus: Trichodectidae) of different species; these species are not sister species. We suggest that hybrid zones resulting from primary and secondary contact may be distinguished by (1) concordance of clines in different character sets, (2) fossil and biogeographic data, and (3) parasite data. We conclude that this zone resulted from secondary contact, and that the zone is maintained either by selection against hybrids (less likely) or by hybrid superiority (more likely).
Going back to understand the future: socioeconomic position and survival after myocardial infarction

Do we really need another paper on socioeconomic inequalities in health? Alter and colleagues have added to our knowledge, but the assumption that we can reduce socioeconomic inequalities in surviv...
Neutral lipid precursors for gangliosides are not formed by rat liver homogenates or by purified cell fractions

Abstract As part of an ongoing investigation into the ganglioside and neutral glycosphingolipid biosynthetic pathways in rodent liver, the synthesis of ceramide, glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide was examined in homogenates and purified membrane fractions of rat liver. Ceramide synthesis and its stimulation by exogenously added d -sphingosine was demonstrated in homogenates and isolated membrane fractions, with activity concentrated in the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, significant fd-sphingosine- or ceramide-dependent formation of glucosylceramide, or glucosylceramide-dependent formation of lactosylceramide (in the presence of labelled UDP-[ 14 C]glucose and UDP-[ 14 C]galactose, respectively,) could not be demonstrated. The possibility is raised that liver may be dependent on extra-hepatic sources of neutral glycosphingolipids to support ganglioside biosynthesis.
A study of coating properties of novel poly(amino-quinone)s prepared from 2-methylbenzoquinone and 2-phenylbenzoquinone†

Novel poly(amino-quinone)s were quantitatively prepared from in situ produced 2-methylbenzoquinone and 2-phenylbenzoquinone with Jeffamine D-400® in the presence of calcium hypochlorite as the oxidizing agent. These polymers were readily soluble in most of the organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The coatings prepared from these polymers showed very good adhesion to metals, hardness, and flexibility even after curing at 110°C for 5 h. Particularly, coatings formulated with epoxy-novalac resin D.E.N-438 showed excellent corrosion resistance in artificial sea water and did not form any blisters. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regulation of gene expression of tumour necrosis factor-α by protein kinase C in the rat dental follicle

Tooth eruption requires alveolar bone resorption to form an eruption pathway. Recent studies suggest that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may increase bone resorption by promoting the recruitment of mononuclear cells to the dental follicle to form osteoclasts. Although the major osteoclast burst is seen early postnatally in the rat (day 3), the second round of minor osteoclastogenesis is around postnatal day 10. We have previously reported that TNF-alpha is expressed in the dental follicle of newborn rats with maximum expression at day 9. Such expression is enhanced by IL-1alpha in cultured dental follicle cells. In this report, regulation of TNF-alpha expression by protein kinase C (PKC) was studied both in vitro and in vivo. Incubating dental follicle cells with phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, significantly up-regulated TNF-alpha gene expression in a dosage-dependent manner. A PKC specific inhibitor, Go 6983, abolished this PMA effect on up-regulation of TNF-alpha, but had no effect on IL-1alpha induced expression. TNF-alpha expression was significantly greater after treatment with a combination of PMA and IL-1alpha than in treatments with PMA or IL-1alpha alone, suggesting a synergistic effect on enhancing TNF-alpha expression. These gene expression results were confirmed at the protein level by immunostaining for TNF-alpha in the dental follicle cells. In vivo, injection of PMA into postnatal rats also increased TNF-alpha expression. Thus, PKC up-regulates TNF-alpha expression in dental follicle cells, as does IL-1alpha. However, they appear to utilize different pathways to regulate TNF-alpha expression.
U.S. Revenue Surprises: Are Happy Days Here to Stay?

A key question for U.S. policymakers is whether the recent strength in federal revenue is likely to continue. This question is addressed through an econometric analysis of the determinants of tax revenue, using time series that are adjusted for tax policy changes. The results suggest that growth in corporate profits and capital gains each contributed forty percent of the increase in the revenue-to-GDP ratio from 2004-2006, and rising income inequality explains much of the rest. While part of the revenue rise is the result of structural changes taking place in the U.S. economy, some of the recent buoyancy is likely to prove temporary, reflecting the highly cyclical nature of these variables.
Evoked cortical response enhancement and attention in man. A study of responses to auditory and shock stimuli.

1. 1. In 47 consecutive normal subjects the average evoked cortical response to both click and shock stimuli was measured when the subject was attending to one while ignoring the other stimulus. 2. 2. The amplitude of the evoked response to both click and shock was enhanced when the subject attended to the stimulus, whereas the response to which he was not attending tended to be suppressed. These changes were statistically significant at the P < 0.001 level. 3. 3. In five subjects the peripheral nerve response and the cortical response to shock were simultaneously recorded. In no case could the enhancement of the average cortical response with attention be accounted for by similar augmentation of the average peripheral nerve response. 4. 4. The amplitude of the early evoked cortical response to shock did not change with changes in attention in four subjects. 5. 5. There was no consistent relationship between the subjects' success in detecting stimulus changes in the click stimulus and the degree of enhancement of the evoked response amplitude with attention. 6. 6. Attending produced decreased amplitudes of responses to click or to shock in seven subjects.
Estimating the Impact of Newly Arrived Foreign-Born Persons on Tuberculosis in the United States

Background: Among approximately 163.5 million foreign-born persons admitted to the United States annually, only 500,000 immigrants and refugees are required to undergo overseas tuberculosis (TB) screening. It is unclear what extent of the unscreened nonimmigrant visitors contributes to the burden of foreign-born TB in the United States. Methodology/Principal Findings: We defined foreign-born persons within 1 year after arrival in the United States as ‘‘newly arrived’’, and utilized data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and World Health Organization to estimate the incidence of TB among newly arrived foreign-born persons in the United States. During 2001 through 2008, 11,500 TB incident cases, including 291 multidrug-resistant TB incident cases, were estimated to occur among 20,989,738 person-years for the 1,479,542,654 newly arrived foreign-born persons in the United States. Of the 11,500 estimated TB incident cases, 41.6% (4,783) occurred among immigrants and refugees, 36.6% (4,211) among students/ exchange visitors and temporary workers, 13.8% (1,589) among tourists and business travelers, and 7.3% (834) among Canadian and Mexican nonimmigrant visitors without an I-94 form (e.g., arrival-departure record). The top 3 newly arrived foreign-born populations with the largest estimated TB incident cases per 100,000 admissions were immigrants and refugees from high-incidence countries (e.g., 2008 WHO-estimated TB incidence rate of $100 cases/100,000 population/ year; 235.8 cases/100,000 admissions, 95% confidence interval [CI], 228.3 to 243.3), students/exchange visitors and temporary workers from high-incidence countries (60.9 cases/100,000 admissions, 95% CI, 58.5 to 63.3), and immigrants and refugees from medium-incidence countries (e.g., 2008 WHO-estimated TB incidence rate of 15–99 cases/100,000 population/year; 55.2 cases/100,000 admissions, 95% CI, 51.6 to 58.8). Conclusions/Significance: Newly arrived nonimmigrant visitors contribute substantially to the burden of foreign-born TB in the United States. To achieve the goals of TB elimination, direct investment in global TB control and strategies to target nonimmigrant visitors should be considered.
In Vivo and In Vitro Photodynamic Studies with Benzochlorin Iminium Salts Delivered by a Lipid Emulsion

Benzochlorin iminium salts (BIs) are hydrophobic photosensitizers based on an octaethylbenzochlorin nucleus that absorb in the near-IR region of the visible spectrum. In these studies the photodynamic activities of the zinc, copper and metal-free BI derivatives were compared in vivo in C3H-HeJ mice bearing a mammary adenocarcinoma tumor line. In vitro studies were also performed with the radiation-induced fibrosarcoma tumor line. An argon-pumped Ti-sapphire laser tuned to deliver light between 710 and 800 nm or an Oriel arc-lamp filtered to deliver broadband light above 590 nm were used as light source. A lipid emulsion was used as the delivery system for sensitizers in all studies. A pronounced solvent dependence was observed for the Q band for each of all iminium salts examined. As an example, the metal-free (BI) derivative had an absorption maximum at 798 nm in dichloromethane and at 727 nm in serum. The action spectra showed a greater PDT response at blue-shifted wavelengths for each of the three iminium salts both in vivo and in vitro. Among the three derivatives, the zinc analog (ZnBI) produced the greatest tumor regression at the low drug/light dose of 0.7 (mumole/kg and 200 J/cm2. These results indicate that iminium salts have characteristics that may make them promising third-generation photosensitizers.
Heavy ion inertial fusion Report on the International Symposium held at Monterey, California, United States of America, 3–6 December 1990

The 1990 International Symposium on Heavy Ion Inertial Fusion (HIF) was the fifth in a series, following meetings in Darmstadt (1982), Tokyo (1984), Washington, DC (1986) and Darmstadt (1988). The meeting was sponsored by the American Physical Society and the United States Department of Energy (USDOE). It was hosted by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL). The Proceedings of the symposium will be published as a refereed special issue of Particle Accelerators, edited by D. Judd (LBL).
An examination of industry exit patterns

Exit, like entry, must be unobstructed so that resource reallocation does follow changing market conditions. Indices of two potential barriers to exit are created in order to study their relationship to observed industry exit patterns. One, an index of the structural barrier, reflects the durability and specificity of the assets needed to produce the product. The other, an index of the corporate strategy barrier, reflects the complementarity of one product with other products the firms produce. The results strongly suggest that these barriers do impede the flow of resources out of certain industries.
Transcriptional Regulation of Mouse δ-Opioid Receptor Gene IKAROS-2 AND UPSTREAM STIMULATORY FACTOR SYNERGIZE IN TRANS-ACTIVATING MOUSE δ-OPIOID RECEPTOR GENE IN T CELLS

Considerable evidence indicates that transcription of the δ-opioid receptor (dor) gene is correlated with both the expression of DOR on T cells and the capacity of DOR agonists to modulate the immunological functions of the T cell. We previously reported that increased Ikaros (Ik) binding activity over an Ik-binding site at −378 to −374 (with the translation start site designated as +1) in the mouse dorpromoter was required for the enhanced transcription of dorgene in phytohemagglutinin-activated EL-4 cells, a mouse T cell line that constitutively expresses DOR. In the present study, we have analyzed further the mouse dor promoter in EL-4 cells and have demonstrated that Ik-2 homodimers bind to the −378/−374 Ik-binding site and exerts a position-dependent trans-activation effect on the dor promoter. Moreover, an E box (−185 to −180) that binds upstream stimulatory factor is essential for the dor promoter activity in both resting and phytohemagglutinin-activated T cells. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that Ik-2 and upstream stimulatory factor synergize in trans-activating the dor promoter via the putative Ik-binding site and the E box, respectively.
ONTOGENY AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF IMMUNOREACTIVE ARGININE VASOPRESSIN AND CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING FACTOR IN THE OVINE FETAL HYPOTHALAMUS

In sheep, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) stimulate adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. Increased hypothalamic secretion of these peptides at the end of gestation initiates parturition in this species. We hypothesized that CRF and/or AVP content in the fetal hypothalamus increases late in gestation and that this content was comprised of multiple molecular weight forms of these peptides. Hypothalami and pituitaries were collected from fetuses and lambs (74 days' gestation to 4 weeks postnatal). Hypothalamic concentrations of immunoreactive AVP (IR-AVP) and CRF (IR-CRF) significantly increased during late fetal and neonatal development (p < 0.01). Pituitary AVP concentration did not change. Western blot and gel exclusion chromatography revealed both processed and precursor forms of IR-CRF and IR-AVP in the hypothalamus. We conclude that ovine fetal and neonatal hypothalami contain both processed and unprocessed forms of IR-CRF and IR-AVP and that, overall, concentrations of the immunoreactive peptides increase over the course of development.
Extraordinary Photocurrent Harvesting at Type-II Heterojunction Interfaces: Toward High Detectivity Carbon Nanotube Infrared Detectors

Despite the potentials and the efforts put in the development of uncooled carbon nanotube infrared detectors during the past two decades, their figure-of-merit detectivity remains orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional semiconductor counterparts due to the lack of efficient exciton dissociation schemes. In this paper, we report an extraordinary photocurrent harvesting configuration at a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (s-SWCNT)/polymer type-II heterojunction interface, which provides highly efficient exciton dissociation through the intrinsic energy offset by designing the s-SWCNT/polymer interface band alignment. This results in significantly enhanced near-infrared detectivity of 2.3 × 108 cm·Hz1/2/W, comparable to that of the many conventional uncooled infrared detectors. With further optimization, the s-SWCNT/polymer nanohybrid uncooled infrared detectors could be highly competitive for practical applications.
It's ‘ACES’: An alternative billing model that really works

Mark D. Wolf, of Houston, details how his company manages incentives that pay its outside lawyers less, but at better rates, rewarding efficiency. Using charts, the assistant general counsel lays out a unique alternative billing system developed at his employer, FMC Technologies Inc.
The choice of organizational form The case of franchising

Abstract We examine companies that franchise some units and centrally operate (‘own’) others. The agency problems confronting these two organizational forms are analyzed. Testable hypotheses are developed. The empirical results support the notion that owning versus franchising reflects a trade-off among agency-related problems. The cost of monitoring store managers appears to be especially important in the own/franchise decision. The level of repeat business and initial investment requirements per unit also appear to be important.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIFTH FORCE

We review recent experimental searches for deviations from Newtonian gravity, which could arise from a postulated “fifth force”. New theoretical ideas on the origins and phenomenology of a possible fifth force are also discussed.
The ncsu catalog research testbed: a tool for evaluating faceted library catalog interfaces

Many libraries have recently been devoting significant efforts to modernizing their library catalog web interfaces. One popular approach is to create a faceted search interface to the library catalog. Faceted search interfaces can be complex, requiring designers to make many decisions about the placement and display of faceted search design elements on the page. Unfortunately little empirical research exists on how to optimize faceted search interfaces for library catalogs. To facilitate research in this area, the NCSU Libraries has developed the NCSU Catalog Research Testbed, a tool for developing and evaluating faceted library catalog interfaces.
Automatic Responses, Target Resistance, and the Adaptation of Compliance-Seeking Requests

Based upon politeness theory and a cognitive rules perspective, it is argued that anticipated resistance to a persuasive message should effect compliance-seeking message behavior. Using controlled interviews to elicit persuasive messages, results indicate that persuaders used a greater number of strategies when confronting a positively predisposed target who refused to comply. Beyond an initial opening gambit, negative sanctions were employed more extensively against positively predisposed targets. Overall, a pattern of compliance-gaining behaviors involving a gradual shift to negative sanctions was observed. The findings are explained in light of current perspectives on information processing, possibly shedding light on past failures to find evidence of strategic adaptation based on situational factors.
Social skills training for patients with schizophrenia: A controlled clinical trial

Abstract Twenty-eight schizophrenic male patients, diagnosed by the Present State Examination and Catego criteria, and from families high on "expressed emotion," were randomly assigned to either intensive social skills training or holistic health therapy. A multidimensional evaluation was conducted before and after 9 weeks of inpatient treatment and for 24 months in the community. Patients exposed to social skills training evidenced significantly greater acquisition, generalization, and durability of social skills; their social adjustment in the community was rated as better by significant others; and they experienced fewer relapses and rehospitalizations.
p53 Mediates interstitial cystitis antiproliferative factor (APF)-induced growth inhibition of human urothelial cells

Antiproliferative factor (APF) is a sialoglycopeptide elevated in the urine of patients with interstitial cystitis, a urinary bladder disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by chronic pelvic pain. The present study was directed toward uncovering a pathway through which APF signals. Treatment of human urothelial cells with native APF resulted in growth inhibition accompanied by blockade of cell cycle transit and increased p53. Reduced expression of p53 by RNA interference diminished, while ectopic expression of p53 mimicked, the effects of APF. These are the first findings implicating the network of p53 target genes in urothelial defects associated with interstitial cystitis.
System identification of DM4 glomerulus in the Drosophila antennal lobe using stationary and non-stationary odor stimuli.

The lack of precise stimulus delivery and measurement systems has fundamentally limited the progress of system identification in olfaction. In [1], we used a novel in vivo experimental setup with precise and reproducible delivery of airborne stimuli to apply system identification methods to Olfactory Sensory Neurons (OSNs) in Drosophila. Here we continue our investigation of the olfactory coding problem by applying the same time-varying odor stimuli and recording in vivo the response of Projection Neurons (PNs) postsynaptic to OSNs in [1].
High-Solids Paint Overspray Aerosols in a Spray Painting Booth: Particle Size Analysis and Scrubber Efficiency

Particle size distributions of high-solids acrylic-enamel paint overspray aerosols were determined isokinetically in a downdraft spray painting booth in which a 7-stage cascade impactor was used. Three different industrial paint atomizers were used in this study, and the paint aerosols were characterized before and after a paint booth scrubber. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of a metallic basecoat and an acrylic clearcoat paint aerosol from air-atomized spray guns ranged from 4-12 µm and was dependent on atomization pressure. The clearcoat paint aerosols also were generated from rotary atomizers and had MMADs, which ranged from 20-35 µm depending on rotational speed. When the paint booth was operated under controlled conditions simulating those in a plant, the collection efficiency of paint overspray aerosols by a paint scrubber was found to be size dependent and decreased sharply for particles smaller than 2 µm to as low as 64% for clearcoat paint particles of 0.6 µm. Based on the performanc...
Innovations in special constructs for standard cell libraries in sub 28nm technologies

In this paper, we have presented the need for Middle of Line (MOL) Local Interconnects in a fixed layout shape called “Special Constructs” in order to make 20nm a very compelling technology for product migration from 28nm. These constructs are used to demonstrate considerable area, cost, and power/performance benefits by enabling efficient and manufacturable high density standard cell libraries. Also, these constructs have become an essential elements of optical lithography based advanced CMOS nodes for cost effective technology scaling even beyond 20nm.
The impact of tilting on blood flow and localized tissue loading.

Abstract Aim of the study The overall goal of this research was to improve the use of seated tilt to increase function, health and quality of life for people using power wheelchairs. Specifically, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical responses to seated full body tilt in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and Methods Laser Doppler Flowmetry and interface pressure measurement were employed to measure changes in blood flow and loading at the ischial tuberosities across different amounts of tilt. Eleven participants with SCI were studied in a laboratory setting. Results Results showed that biomechanical responses to tilt were highly variable. Pressure reduction at the ischial tuberosity was not present at 15°, but did occur with tilts to 30° and greater, and could be explained by the tilt position and upright pressure. Unlike pressure, blood flow increased with all tilts from an upright position, but did not increase when tilting from 15° to 30°. Only 4 of 11 participants had increases in blood flow of ≥10% at 30° tilt, whereas 9 participants did during maximum tilt (i.e., 45°–60°). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, tilting for pressure reliefs as far as the seating system permits is suggested to maximize the potential for significant blood flow increases and pressure relief. The use of interim small tilts is also supported, as they also provide some benefit.
Overview of the current spectroscopy effort on the Livermore electron beam ion traps

An overview is given of the current spectroscopic effort on the Livermore electron beam ion trap facilities. The effort focuses on four aspects: spectral line position, line intensity, temporal evolution, and line shape. Examples of line position measurements include studies of the K-shell transitions in heliumlike Kr34+ and the 2s-2p intrashell transitions in lithiumlike Th87+ and U89+, which provide benchmark values for testing the theory of relativistic and quantum electrodynamical contributions in high-Z ions. Examples of line intensity measurements are provided by measurements of the electron-impact excitation and dielectronic recombination cross sections of the heliumlike transition-metal ions Ti20+ through Co25+. A discussion of radiative lifetime measurements of metastable levels in heliumlike ions is given to illustrate our time-resolved spectroscopy techniques in the microsecond range. We also present a measurement of the spectral lineshape that illustrates the very low ion temperatures that can be achieved in an EBIT.
Reevaluation of suspension solutions for soil pH

Abstract Soil pH measurements in salt solutions are often used to provide values which are reportedly independent of suspension effect errors. Field plots where soil pH levels, measured in water, had been maintained at about 5.7, 6.2, 6.5, and 7.0 for 15 years were used to determine if salt solution pH measurements are more precise than water for a highly weathered Plinthic Kandiudult of the Southern Coastal Plain in the United States. Soil pH measured in water fluctuates by 0.3 to 0.5 units from winter to summer, possibly due to varying salts in the soil solutions. Comparisons of pH measured in water, 0.01M CaCl2, and M KC1 (2 solution: 1 soil) were made 9 times in the period 1982 to 1985 to determine if some of the seasonal variation could be decreased by a salt‐solution measurement. Mean pH for the 576 samples across 4 pH levels was 6.34 in water, 5.62 in CaCl2, and 5.21 in KCl. The three measurements were highly correlated (r = 0.97 to 0.99) and precise [coefficient of variability (CV) = 3.12% for wat...
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Risk Behaviors of Minority Women with Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The relationship between sexual abuse and sexually transmitted disease (STD) represents an important and underinvestigated context of domestic violence. This study examined the association between sexual abuse, sexual risk behaviors, and risk for reinfection and HIV among minority women with STD. Mexican American and African American women (n = 617) with active STD entered a randomized study of behavioral intervention to reduce STD recurrence. Each underwent questioning at entry regarding sexual abuse and sexual risk behaviors. Comparisons of these behaviors using chi-square, t tests, and logistic regression were made by history of sexual abuse. Sexually abused women were more likely to have lower incomes, earlier coitus, STD history, currently abusive partners, new sex partners, anal sex, and bleeding with sex, placing them at increased risk for STD reinfection and HIV. Due to this association with sexual risk behavior, assessment for sexual abuse is essential in programs focusing on STD/HIV prevention.
Financial Incentives for Completion of Fecal Occult Blood Tests Among Veterans: A 2-Stage, Pragmatic, Cluster, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background: Rates of patient completion of fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are often low. Objective: To examine whether financial incentives increase rates of FOBT completion. Design: A 2-stage, p...
In-situ hybridization of calcium silicate and hydroxyapatite-gelatin nanocomposites enhances physical property and in vitro osteogenesis

Low mechanical strengths and inadequate bioactive material-tissue interactions of current synthetic materials limit their clinical applications in bone regeneration. Here, we demonstrate gelatin modified siloxane–calcium silicate (GEMOSIL–CS), a nanocomposite made of gelatinous hydroxyapatite with in situ pozzolanic formation of calcium silicate (CS) interacting among gelatin, silica and Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). It is shown the formation of CS matrices, which chemically bonds to the gelatinous hydroxyapatite, provided hygroscopic reinforcement mechanism and promoted both in vitro and in vivo osteogenic properties of GEMOSIL–CS. The formation of CS was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction. The interfacial bindings within nanocomposites were studied by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis. Both gelatin and CS have been found critical to the structure integrity and mechanical strengths (93 MPa in compressive strength and 58.9 MPa in biaxial strength). The GEMOSIL–CS was biocompatible and osteoconductive as result of type I collagen secretion and mineralized nodule formation from MC3T3 osteoblasts. SEM and TEM indicated the secretion of collagen fibers and mineral particles as the evidence of mineralization in the early stage of osteogenic differentiation. In vivo bone formation capability was performed by implanting GEMOSIL–CS into rat calvarial defects for 12 weeks and the result showed comparable new bone formation between GEMOSIL–CS group (20 %) and the control (20.19 %). The major advantage of GEMOSIL–CS composites is in situ self-hardening in ambient or aqueous environment at room temperature providing a simple, fast and cheap method to produce porous scaffolds.
A design methodology for installing reactive compensation equipment in ultra high voltage AC transmission system based on a modified particle swarm optimisation method

Ultra high voltage (UHV) AC system operates at 1000kV or above and is characterised with having a large transmission capacity (5000MW or above per single circuit) and long transmission distances. It is capable of producing over 4 times more reactive power gains than a conventional 500kV transmission line, and also absorbing a significant amount of reactive power when power flow across the line is high. Managing UHV AC voltage profile across a range of operating conditions is a major design challenge, especially in the early stage of development in UHV AC transmission systems. It requires an appropriate amount of inductive and capacitive compensation equipments with different characteristics installed at appropriate locations. This paper presents a practical method for designing, installing and operating reactive power compensation schemes for UHV AC systems. The method takes into account the cost of different types of reactive power compensation equipment, such as mechanically switched capacitors, static var compensators, fixed shunt reactors, controllable shunt reactors, etc, and minimises the overall cost of reactive compensations such that the system operates satisfactorily across a range of operational conditions whilst satisfying system constraints, including voltage and thermal constraints. The optimisation problem is solved by a modified particle swarm optimisation algorithm. The design framework is applied to a real UHV system design as case study, and is compared with conventional design method.