cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Au/O2 electrode in 1 M H2SO4

Abstract Open circuit dependence of potential on oxygen partial pressure as well as potentiostatic behavior in O 2 - and He-saturated solution were determined. Stable hydrogen-oxygen species were formed, but potential-determining reversbility was found only in the potential range from 0·64–0·70 V ( nhe ). This equilibrium could be reasonably explained by an O 2 /H 2 O 2 exchange. Oxygen, H 2 O 2 , or other hydrogen-oxygen species may affect open circuit potentials and potentiostatic behavior, but analysis of data assuming reversibility or quasi-equilibrium kinetic theory may be justified only between 0·64 and 0·70 V.
Release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor from freshly harvested porcine endothelial cells

Vascular relaxation in rabbit aortic preparations induced by acetylcholine is endothelium-dependent. The nature of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) has not been ascertained because it is very labile (reported half-life 6-50 seconds). To obtain a stable source of EDRF, a system was developed in which the relaxing factor was continuously produced by freshly harvested porcine endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were collected from aortas by exposing the endothelial lining to collagenase 0.1%. Cells were washed and concentrated by repeated centrifugation to obtain a high cell count (7.2 X 10(6) cells/ml). Endothelium-deprived aortic strips from rabbits were incubated in these cells suspended in tissue culture medium and fetal calf serum. The strips were precontracted with histamine. Acetylcholine was added to induce EDRF release. Significant relaxation of endothelium-deprived aortic strips was observed. Superoxide dismutase, an enzyme known to protect EDRF against inactivation, caused further relaxation, which was inhibited by the addition of hemoglobin, an agent known to inhibit the relaxing action of EDRF. Even without the addition of acetylcholine, hemoglobin caused contraction of the denuded aortic strips in suspension of porcine endothelial cells, demonstrating spontaneous EDRF release. Hemoglobin had no effect in cell-free medium. Endothelial-cell-dependent relaxation occurred without attachment of endothelial cells to the endothelium-deprived aortic strips: when the cell suspension was replaced by cell-free medium, relaxation did not occur after acetylcholine. Scanning electron microscopy showed no attachment of endothelial cells to the subendothelial layer. It can be concluded that freshly harvested endothelial cells produce endothelium-derived relaxing factor with an without stimulation by acetylcholine.
Effects of cyclic AMP on the kinetics of serum protein synthesis in cultured mouse hepatoma cells.

Abstract The mouse hepatoma cell line, Hepa, was cultured in the presence of either 1 mM N 6 , O 2′ -dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt 2 cAMP), 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, or 1 μg/ml cholera toxin. The synthesis and secretion of albumin, α-fetoprotein, and transferrin were elevated above controls by 24 h reaching two- to fourfold stimulations within 72 h. These effects were reversible and were specific for the serum proteins. The stimulation of serum protein synthesis was accompanied by a decrease in the rate of cell proliferation. Protein synthetic parameters were analyzed in Hepa cells 72 h after exposure to N 6 ,O 2′ -dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The cellular rate of albumin synthesis was increased fourfold and the relative rate of albumin synthesis was increased approximately threefold. N 6 ,O 2′ -Dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not affect the size distribution of either total Hepa polyribosomes or of albumin-synthesizing polyribosomes. The elongation rate on total mRNA and on albumin mRNA was decreased by approximately 40%. These results indicate that the rate of initiation of total Hepa mRNA and of albumin mRNA also decreased by 40%. The nonspecific nature of the N 6 ,O 2′ -dibutyryl cyclic AMP effect on Hepa protein synthetic parameters must be due to an alteration in the level of a common substrate, perhaps ATP. The specific threefold increase in the relative rate of albumin synthesis with no alteration in polyribosome sizes requires a threefold increase in the relative amount of functional albumin mRNA in Hepa cells. This prediction was confirmed by cell-free translation of Hepa polyribosomes.
Effects of Fine Water Mist on a Confined Blast

A computational, multi-phase, model has been developed to study the interactions between water droplets and radial expansion of a gas cloud in a spherical chamber. Initial conditions for the gas cloud are specified based on chemical equilibrium calculations for the detonation of a high explosive (RDX). Mono-dispersed water droplets are injected at uniform concentration into the chamber prior to the expansion. A Lagrangian model is used to track the breakup of the parent drops near the shock front to form child drops, which are extremely small. The Navier–Stokes solutions show that the child droplets accumulate near the shock front and evaporate at 100 times higher rate than the parent droplets. Latent heat absorption is the dominant mechanism followed by the sensible heat absorption by the water vapor (and droplets), and momentum absorption from the high velocity gases by the child droplets. The simulations also show that the water vapor formed by the evaporation increases the gas density at the shock front. The increased density and reduced gas temperature (cooling) have opposite effects on the pressure at the shock front. This leads to only a modest suppression in the pressure. At realistic droplet concentrations (0.08 kg droplets/m3 of air), the water mist is shown to evaporate completely in a short time (2.42 ms) prior to shock reflection at the chamber wall mainly due to the breakup at the shock front. High concentrations of mist may be desirable, but are difficult to achieve in practice at the total flooding conditions.
E2F: a link between the Rb tumor suppressor protein and viral oncoproteins

The cellular transcription factor E2F, previously identified as a component of early adenovirus transcription, has now been shown to be important in cell proliferation control. E2F appears to be a functional target for the action of the tumor suppressor protein Rb that is encoded by the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene. The disruption of this E2F-Rb interaction, as well as a complex involving E2F in association with the cell cycle-regulated cyclin A-cdk2 kinase complex, may be a common mechanism of action for the oncoproteins encoded by the DNA tumor viruses.
Laser ablation synthesis of actinide selenide, oxide and oxide–selenide clusters: AnSen+, AnxOm+ and AnxOmSen+ [An=U, Np, Pu]

Abstract Actinide (An=U, Np, Pu) selenide, oxide and oxide–selenide molecular and cluster cations were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation of targets consisting of dilute mixtures of AnO 2 in a selenium matrix; selected lanthanides (Ln=Ho, Tm, Lu) were included for comparison. The compositions and abundance distributions of the molecules/clusters reflected distinctive f-element chemistries. Ablation of pure selenium resulted in Se n + clusters with n =2–9; the abundance distribution is compared with the high-temperature Se n equilibrium vapor composition. Several types of molecular and cluster ions were synthesized during the ablation process. Binary metal selenides, MSe n + ( n >1), presumably formed primarily via electrostatic attraction between co-ablated Se n and M + . The compositions of binary metal oxide clusters, M x O m + ( x ≤5) reflected the distinctive oxidation chemistries of the constituent metals. For the Ln x O m + , Lu III was the highest oxidation state, whereas for An x O m + , oxidation states up to U VI were exhibited. The formation of binary selenides and oxide clusters is attributed to the high volatility of selenium, which results in a dense ablation plume in which coalescence of MO y , MO y + , Se n and Se n + is promoted. Among the most abundant clusters were AnO m Se n + , the compositions of most of which suggested aggregation of AnO m + with Se n . The compositions of some AnO m Se n + indicated Se 2− ions in analogy with O 2− ; thus, AnSe + and AnOSe + were produced along with AnO + and AnO 2 + , whereas both AnO 2 Se + and AnO 3 + were absent. The compositions of other AnO m Se n + , such as PuO 3 Se + , indicated O–Se bonding, such as occurs in selenites. The feasibility of synthesis of metal oxide cluster ions by co-ablation of oxides and poly(acrylic acid) was assessed for UO 2 and Lu 2 O 3 . Oxide clusters were produced in appreciable quantities, but interpretation of the results was complicated by formation of complex ions from reactions with polymer fragments. Ablation of OH radicals resulted in species comprising M-(OH) as well as M=O moieties, the masses of which were often too similar to allow for definitive differentiation.
Interactive computer-based game for decision-making in ecology

This paper describes a prototype Ecology Decision Game which has been developed for experimental use within IBM. The paper is directed to those in ecology desiring to use similar techniques in developing programs that interrelate computing, management science, mathematics, and APL for training and educational purposes. The game is implemented in two modes: an author mode, which permits an author to write his own scenario; and a player mode, which enables a person to play the game. Features of the game exploit interactive capabilities for both modes. The particular scenario written for the game treats decision-making in the environmental area of solid-waste management. Three submodules explore progressively more complicated situations that give rise to management science problems: shortest route, transportation, andm aximal flow. By active and passive role-playing, and controlled and uncontrolled learning, the player is given the opportunity to use quantitative tools to refine his subjective judgments.
Cisgender Privilege, Intersectionality, and the Criminalization of CeCe McDonald: Why Intercultural Communication Needs Transgender Studies

Abstract Intercultural communication scholars should address the lives of transgender persons and the (inter)discipline of transgender studies to develop our theorizing about gender and intersectionality and intervene in the violence against trans* persons. In this essay, the author presents the concepts of cisgender, cisprivilege, cissexism, and intersectionality and examines their relevance for persons who are transgender and for the field of intercultural communication. The author also applies these terms by analyzing the criminalization of CeCe McDonald, an African American, transfeminine woman who was assaulted and imprisoned for defending herself outside a Minneapolis, Minnesota bar in June 2011.
The Pulmonary Blood Volume in Rheumatic Heart Disease and Its Alteration by Isoproterenol

Pulmonary blood volume was measured in five hemodynamically normal subjects and 37 patients with heart disease. Mean pulmonary blood volume in 25 of these patients with moderate to severe mitral st...
Serum lipid and lipoprotein profile in school children from a rural community

In 447 school children 5--16 years old, in one community, serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were estimated, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, beta- and pre-beta-lipoprotein cholesterol, alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol, and the serum concentrations of beta-, pre-beta-, and alpha-lipoproteins. Mean serum cholesterol of the entire group was 188 mg/100 ml, and alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol constituted 68 mg/100 ml of this total. The levels of serum triglycerides (48.9 mg/100 ml) and pre-beta-lipoprotein (39.8 mg/100 ml) are low in children in comparison to adults. Except for pre-beta-lipoprotein levels, there was very little correlation between age and all lipids and lipoproteins in this age span. Slight differences in values were noted at certain age intervals, but there were no significant differences in values between sexes. These observations emphasize the need for evaluating lipid abnormalities in individual children by quantitating specific serum lipoproteins.
Broad sampling and diverse biomarkers allow characterization of nearshore particulate organic matter

Suspended particulate organic matter (POM) is a primary food source for benthic and pelagic consumers in aquatic and marine ecosystems. POM is potentially composed of many sources including phytoplankton, bacteria, zooplankton and macrophyte (seaweed and seagrass) and terrestrial detritus. The relative importance of these sources to POM consumers is debated, in large part due to differing interpretations of stable isotope and fatty acid biomarkers. We investigated POM composition in a nearshore marine ecosystem using multiple methods including visual quantification of living and detrital components, multiple stable isotope (MSI) and fatty acid (FA) analyses. Sampling was conducted at multiple temporal and spatial scales to 1) determine the range of variability in POM biomarkers, 2) quantitatively evaluate δ13C, δ15N, δ34S and FA biomarkers with proportional abundance of putative sources and 3) determine the availability of phytoplankton, macrophytes and terrestrial carbon in nearshore POM. Variation of total FA concentration and proportions, and δ13C and δ34S were strongly correlated to phytoplankton abundance, at tidal and seasonal timescales. Using multivariate multiple regressions, MSI and FA explained 59.6% and 89.7% of the variation in POM composition, respectively. As phytoplankton abundance increased, total FA concentration increased concurrent to δ13C and δ34S enrichment. In high detritus samples, bacterial FA and saturated FA were proportionally higher, corresponding to depletion of δ13C and δ34S and enrichment of δ15N. We identify MSI and FA biomarkers that are good predictors of diatom, dinoflagellate and detrital contributions to the POM. The results of this multi-scale study show that POM composition is highly dynamic and largely driven by phytoplankton abundance, with minor contributions from terrestrial or macrophyte subsidies. This quantitative approach provides novel and critical empirical information linking POM compositional dynamics to specific biomarkers that are commonly used for tracking energy subsidies and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
Effects of sulfur mustard on the basal cell adhesion complex.

Among the most intriguing questions about sulfur mustard (di(2-chloroethyl) sulfide) is why basal cells are the primary targets of its vesicating lesions. To investigate this problem, replicate cultures of human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) were grown from normal skin and exposed to 400 μM sulfur mustard (HD) for 5 min. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated antibodies, confocal laser microscopy and image analyses, we found that in early passages, sham-treated HEK maintained in a 0.15 mM Ca 2+ medium continued to express keratins K5 and K14 as well as α 6 β 4 -integrin. Both K5 and K14 are intermediate filaments characteristic of basal cells and linked with attachment mechanisms effecting epidermolysis bullosa simplex, a family of blistering skin diseases. Acute exposure to HD caused a statistically significant (P < 0.01) 30.74% decrease in K14 fluorescence within 1 h of exposure. Within 2 h of exposure, K14 fluorescence decreased to near-zero values. The loss in expression of K14 was progressive and occurred well before the expected appearance of in vivo blisters, which have a dose-dependent, clinical latent phase of 8-24 h. Acute exposure to HD also caused a statistically significant (P < 0.002) decrease in expression of β 4 , an integrin which has been associated with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). Disruption of K14 and α 6 β 4 -integrin may be early events in the HD injury pathway; however, they had no immediate or obvious effect on cell to substrate attachment.
Thyroid function and vitamin A deficiency

Abstract Rats, when vitamin A deficient, had increased plasma T 3 , T 4 and free thyroxine indexes. Pituitary TSH and hypothalamic TRH content were increased in vitamin A deficient animals compared to pair-fed controls. The plasma TSH response to TRH was normal in the vitamin A deficient rats. Basal prolactin, LH and FSH levels did not differ significantly in the two groups. Both groups had significant increases in LH and FSH after LRH. Vitamin A deficiency produces biochemical hyperthyroidism. Our data are consistent with an abnormality in thyroid hormone feedback on the hypothalamic pituitary axis.
Magnetization of manganese superoxide dismutase from Thermus thermophilus.

The ground state magnetic properties of manganese superoxide dismutase from Thermus thermophilus in its native and reduced forms have been determined using saturation magnetization data. Parallel EPR measurements were used to verify that commonly encountered paramagnetic impurities were at low concentration relative to the metalloprotein. The native enzyme contains high spin Mn(III) ( S =2-formula>) with D =+2.44(5)cm −1 -formula> and E/D =0-formula>. The reduced enzyme contains high spin Mn(II) ( S =5/2-formula>) with D =+0.50(5)cm −1 -formula> and E/D =0.027-formula>. These results are in keeping with the suggestions of several previous groups of workers concerning the permissible oxidation and spin states of the manganese, but the zero field splitting parameters are unlike those of known manganese model compounds. In addition, the extinction coefficient for the visible region absorption maximum of the native enzyme and the corresponding difference extinction coefficient (native minus reduced) have been measured using saturation magnetization data to quantitate Mn(III) present. The result, e 480 =950(80)M −1 cm −1 (Δe 480 =740(60)M −1 cm −1 )-formula> agrees with the previously reported value of e 480 =910M −1 cm −1 -formula> found by total manganese determination (Sato, S. and Nakazawa, K. (1978) J. Biochem. 83, 1165–1171). The wide variation in the reported visible region extinction coefficients of manganese superoxide dismutases from different sources is discussed.
Exploring Software Partitions for Fast Security Processing on a Multiprocessor Mobile SoC

The functionality of mobile devices, such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), has evolved to include various applications where security is a critical concern (secure web transactions, mobile commerce, download and playback of protected audio/video content, connection to corporate private networks, etc.). Security mechanisms (e.g., secure communication protocols) involve cryptographic algorithms, and are often quite computationally intensive, challenging the constrained processing and battery resources of mobile devices. Extensive design effort and aggressive hardware and software optimizations are required to address this challenge. Previous work has addressed the design of hardware architectures (custom accelerators, domain-specific processors, etc.) to accelerate security processing, and many emerging systems-on-chip (SoCs) feature some form of hardware support for security. In this paper, we address the complementary problem of mapping a complex security software library to an SoC platform with security hardware enhancements. We present a systematic methodology for exploring the software architecture for security processing for a commercial heterogeneous multiprocessor SoC for mobile devices. The SoC contains multiple host processors executing applications and a dedicated programmable security processing engine. We developed an exploration methodology to map the code and data of security software libraries onto the platform, with the objective of maximizing the overall application-visible performance. The salient features of the methodology include: 1) the use of real performance measurements from a prototyping board, which contains the target platform, to drive the exploration; 2) a new data structure access profiling framework that allows us to accurately model the communication overheads involved in off loading a given set of functions to the security processor; and 3) an exact branch-and-bound-based design space exploration algorithm that determines the best mapping of security library functions and data structures to the host and security processors. We used the proposed framework to map a commercial security library to the target mobile application SoC. The resulting optimized software architecture outperformed several manually designed software architectures, resulting in up to 12.5 times speed-up for individual cryptographic operations (encryption, hashing) and 2.2-6.2 times speed-up for applications such as a digital rights management (DRM) agent and secure sockets layer (SSL) client. We also demonstrate the applicability of our framework to software architecture exploration in other multiprocessor scenarios.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all: The beatles as agents of carnival

(1996). A splendid time is guaranteed for all: The beatles as agents of carnival. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 81-88.
Higher energy cost and the demand for restaurant services — a time-series analysis

Abstract Energy cost impact on demand for the restaurant services is examined using a broad base multi-variable regression model with special attention given to the lag structure and timing of the effects. The results reveal no negative impact of higher energy costs on demand. On the contrary, a slight positive delayed impact is evident over the short-run suggesting that, on margin, eating out may have been used as a compensatory recreational activity as a temporary substitute to other, more energy intensive, recreational activities.
Structural Damage Detection Using an Embedded ETDR Distributed Strain Sensor

Feasible application of the Electrical Time Domain Reflectometry (ETDR) distributed strain sensing technique for structural damage detection was investigated in this study. A small-scale concrete beam specimen with an embedded ETDR distributed strain sensor was tested in three-point bending. The resulting ETDR waveforms of the sensor were studied in conjunction with the load–displacement curve of the concrete beam and the video images of the specimen recorded during the test. It was shown that the embedded ETDR sensor was capable of detecting weak points in the structure resulted from structural defects. The embedded sensor also had the capability to detect a load-induced damage at its early stage when no surface crack line was visible. On the occurrence of an apparent crack damage that passed through the sensing line, the embedded sensor could locate its position with a precision within 0.25′′. Moreover, the ETDR distributed sensor had the capability to detect multiple cracks simultaneously along a single sensing line.
Steady State Distribution of the Buffer Content for M/G/infinity Input Fluid Queues

We consider a fluid queue with on periods initiated by a Poisson process and having a long-tailed distribution. This queue has long-range dependence, and we compute the asymptotic behaviour of the steady-state distribution of the buffer content. The tail of this distribution is much heavier than the tail of the buffer content distribution of a queue which does not possess long-range dependence and which has light-tailed on periods and the same traffic intensity.
Factor Analysis for Clustered Observations.

Classical factor analysis assumes a random sample of vectors of observations. For clustered vectors of observations, such as data for students from colleges, or individuals within households, it may be necessary to consider different within-group and between-group factor structures. Such a two-level model for factor analysis is defined, and formulas for a scoring algorithm for estimation with this model are derived. A simple noniterative method based on a decomposition of the total sums of squares and crossproducts is discussed. This method provides a suitable starting solution for the iterative algorithm, but it is also a very good approximation to the maximum likelihood solution. Extensions for higher levels of nesting are indicated. With judicious application of quasi-Newton methods, the amount of computation involved in the scoring algorithm is moderate even for complex problems; in particular, no inversion of matrices with large dimensions is involved. The methods are illustrated on two examples.
Some Binary Output Sequence Properties of Deterministic Autonomous Finite-State Machines with Probabilistic Initialization

An improved bound on the number of low-weight sequences that may be generated by L-step observable autonomous finite-state machines is derived. An upper and lower bound on the range of L for this same class of machines is also developed.
Gum chewing stimulates bowel motility in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVES Several studies have shown that gum chewing may stimulate bowel motility after gastrointestinal surgery. Because urinary diversion typically uses a segment of bowel, it is conceivable that patients undergoing cystectomy and diversion may benefit from gum chewing. This study aimed to determine whether gum chewing in the immediate postoperative period facilitates a return to bowel function in patients undergoing cystectomy and urinary diversion. METHODS A total of 102 patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for clinically localized bladder cancer. Each patient followed our institution's perioperative cystectomy care plan. The first cohort of patients underwent surgery between July 2004 and August 2005 and served as a comparison (control) group in which no gum was dispensed. The second cohort underwent surgery during September 2005 to July 2006. These patients were given chewing gum to begin on postoperative day 1. Outcome measures included time to flatus, time to bowel movement, length of hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS The time to flatus was shorter in patients who received gum compared with controls (2.4 versus 2.9 days; P <0.001). Also, time to bowel movement was reduced in patients who received gum (3.2 versus 3.9 days; P <0.001). There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay between gum-chewing patients and controls (4.7 versus 5.1 days, respectively; P = 0.067). Gum chewing was well tolerated in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Gum chewing may speed the recovery of bowel function after cystectomy and diversion. These findings are consistent with outcomes in the colorectal surgery published data that support the use of chewing gum as an easy and inexpensive way to enhance recovery after surgery.
Influence of Forced Flow on the He II-He I Transition in the Presence of Heat Flow

The influence of forced flow on the He I-He II, two-phase flow has been studied during heat transfer to superfluid He II in a U-shaped tube, at pressures from 2.4 bar to 10 bar, bath temperatures from 1.6 K to 2.1 K, and flow velocities from zero internally applied speed (''zero net mass flow'') to the order of 0.1 cm/s. Within this range of conditions, forced flow (i) did not influence heat transfer prior to phase transitions more than 10 percent; (ii) reduced temperature excursions at lambda phase transitions by a factor of 2 at most with respect to zero net mass flow; (iii) did not influence the limiting heat flux density at initiation of the lambda transition in the supercritical pressure range covered.
Implementing early childhood inclusion: Barrier and support factors

Abstract This study examined the underlying factor structure of a rating scale designed to assess perceived barriers and supports associated with early childhood inclusion. Participants were 201 administrators and direct service providers from the early intervention, early childhood, and special education fields and 287 parents (primarily mothers) of young children with disabilities (birth through 5 years) who received early intervention services. A four-factor solution for barriers that accounted for 41% of the total variance emerged from an exploratory factor analysis. Because one of the factors was found to have low internal consistency, a three-factor solution was used in subsequent analyses. The three factors consisted of barriers associated with early childhood program quality, community resources, and coordinating and integrating services for children with disabilities and their families. Items reflecting supports for early childhood inclusion produced a single supports factor. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a barriers factor structure for parents that was consistent with that obtained for professionals. Background variables contributed to explaining ratings of barriers and supports among parents who differed with respect to race, education, employment status, and experience with inclusion, lending further support for the validity of the factor structure.
Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Analogues Containing Substituted Nicotinic Acid: Effect of Modification on Ca2+ Release

Analogues of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) with substitution at either the 4- or the 5-position position of the nicotinic acid moiety have been synthesized from NADP enzymatically using Aplysia californica ADP-ribosyl cyclase or mammalian NAD glycohydrolase. Substitution at the 4-position of the nicotinic acid resulted in the loss of agonist potency for release of Ca2+-ions from sea urchin egg homogenates and in potency for competition ligand binding assays using [32P]NAADP. In contrast, several 5-substituted NAADP derivatives showed high potency for binding and full agonist activity for Ca2+ release. 5-Azido-NAADP was shown to release calcium from sea urchin egg homogenates at low concentration and to compete with [32P]NAADP in a competition ligand binding assay with an IC50 of 18 nM, indicating that this compound might be a potential photoprobe useful for specific labeling and identification of the NAADP receptor.
Three-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound examination following injection of Macroplastique for stress urinary incontinence: Outcomes based on location and periurethral distribution of the bulking agent

Our aim was to use three-dimensional enodovaginal ultrasound (3D EVUS) to identify sonographic parameters that are associated with successful outcomes following injection of Macroplastique. Three hundred and sixty degree 3D EVUS was performed in 100 treatment-naive patients following Macroplastique injection. The location, volumes, periurethral distribution, and distance of the hyperechoic densities from the urethrovesical junction were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 72): patients who had good clinical outcome and group B (n = 28): patients who were not improved or worsened. The two groups were compared with respect to the ultrasound parameters measured. Group A had a greater proportion of women with Macroplastique located in the proximal urethra, while midurethral location was found to be significantly more frequent in group B (p = 0.036). The odds of a circumferential periurethral distribution in group A were 13.62 times the odds in group B (95% CI: 5.12–56.95). When the location of the injection and the type of periurethral distribution were considered together, it was found that when the site of injection was proximal, the odds of circumferential distribution in group A was significantly greater than those in group B (odds ratio [95% CI]: 22 [3.05–203.49]; p < 0.001). Proximally located Macroplastique and circumferential periurethral distribution of Macroplastique are individually associated with successful outcomes following the injection. The combination of circumferentially distributed and proximally located Macroplastique is associated with the best short-term clinical outcomes.
Cytotoxicity of plant lectins for mouse embryonal carcinoma cells.

The cytotoxicity of 10 plant lectins with different carbohydrate recognition properties towards a number of mouse embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell lines (F9, OTF9-63, PCC4, PCC3/A/1, P19, and P19S1801A1) has been examined. Six of the lectins are toxic for the majority of the cell types at concentrations of ≤100 μg/ml and should be useful as direct selective agents for the isolation of EC glycosylation mutants (see accompanying manuscript). However, the concentration of the various lectins required to kill 90% of the cell population differs markedly between EC cell lines, the greatest variation being observed with the lectins from T.vulgaris (wheat germ agglutinin; WGA) and G.simplicifolia (GS-I). The lectin-binding abilities of different EC cell lines also vary and do not necessarily correlate with their relative lectin sensitivities. Certain lectins which are not toxic even at concentrations of 200 μg/ml, nevertheless exhibit significant binding at the cell surface. The extensive variation in lectin sensitivities and lectin-binding abilities between the EC cell lines is diagnostic of the expression of different carbohydrate structures at their respective cell surfaces. The results suggest that the EC lines examined will give rise to different families of glycosylation mutants.
Heat-shock transcription factor HSF1 has a critical role in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-induced cellular transformation and tumorigenesis

The heat-shock transcription factor HSF1 was recently shown to have a key role in the development of tumors associated with activation of Ras or inactivation of p53. Here, we show that HSF1 is required for the cell transformation and tumorigenesis induced by the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) oncogene responsible for aggressive breast tumors. Upon expression of HER2, untransformed human mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells underwent neoplastic transformation, formed foci in culture and tumors in nude mouse xenografts. However, expression of HER2 in MCF-10A cells with knockdown of HSF1 did not cause either foci formation or tumor growth in xenografts. The antitumorigenic effect of downregulation of HSF1 was associated with HER2-induced accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and decrease in the mitotic regulator survivin, which resulted in growth inhibition and cell senescence. In fact, either knockout of p21 or overexpression of survivin alleviated these effects of HSF1 knockdown. The proliferation of certain human HER2-positive breast cancer lines also requires HSF1, as its knockdown led to upregulation of p21 and/or decrease in survivin, precipitating growth arrest. Similar effects were observed with a small-molecular-weight inhibitor of the heat-shock response NZ28. The effects of HSF1 knockdown on the growth arrest and senescence of HER2-expressing cells were associated with downregulation of heat-shock protein (Hsp)72 and Hsp27. Therefore, HSF1 is critical for proliferation of HER2-expressing cells, most likely because it maintains the levels of HSPs, which in turn control regulators of senescence p21 and survivin.
Ets transcription factor-induced regulation of matrix metalloproteinase in neuroblastomas

Abstract Introduction: Ets transcription factor plays a critical role in the regulation of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor in neuroblastomas (NB). GRP is a mitogen for NB; increased GRP-receptor expression stimulates NB cell growth. Ets regulates expression of matrix metalloproteinase proteins (MMPs), which are important for tumor invasion; the exact role of Ets in the regulation of MMPs in NB is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the effects of GRP on transcriptional activity of Ets, and (2) to determine whether Ets regulates MMP expression in NB. Methods: Human neuroblastoma cells, SK-N-SH and BE(2)-C, were treated with either GRP (10-7M) or vehicle. Ets1 expression was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Nuclear protein was extracted to determine Ets binding activity by gel shift assays. Immunocytochemical fluorescent imaging was performed to assess GRP-induced Ets1 nuclear localization. Western blot analysis was performed to demonstrate MMP expression. Results: An increased expression of Ets1 was noted in advanced-stage NB when compared to its benign counterpart, ganglioneuroma. GRP treatment resulted in nuclear translocation of Ets1 protein and an increased Ets protein/DNA binding activity. GRP treatment also resulted in increased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that GRP regulates Ets binding, and induces MMP expression in NB. The novel transcription factor, Ets, may be an important nuclear protein which promotes tumor invasion in more advanced-stage NB.
Mapping the Local Osmotic Modulus of Polymer Gels

Polymer gels undergo volume phase transition in a thermodynamically poor solvent as a result of changes in molecular interactions. The osmotic pressure of gels, both synthetic and biological in nature, induces swelling and imparts the materials with the capacity to resist compressive loads. We have investigated the mechanical and swelling properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gels brought into the unstable state by changing the composition of the solvent. Chemically cross-linked PVA gels were prepared and initially swollen in water at 25 °C, and then n-propyl alcohol (nonsolvent) was gradually added to the equilibrium liquid. AFM imaging and force−indentation measurements were made in water/n-propyl alcohol mixtures of different composition. It has been found that the elastic modulus of the gels exhibits simple scaling behavior as a function of the polymer concentration in each solvent mixture over the entire concentration range investigated. The power law exponent n obtained for the concentration depen...
Assessing Interpersonal Understanding in the Classroom Context

(1996). Assessing Interpersonal Understanding in the Classroom Context. Childhood Education: Vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 265-268.
In vivo MR imaging of bone marrow cells trafficking to atherosclerotic plaques.

Purpose To develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based method to monitor in vivo trafficking of bone marrow (BM) cells to atherosclerotic lesions. Materials and Methods BM cells from LacZ-transgenic mice were labeled with a superparamagnetic iron oxide (Feridex) and then transplanted into ApoE–/– recipient mice that were fed an atherogenic diet. Twenty-four ApoE–/– mice were divided into three study groups: 1) group I with Feridex-labeled BM transplantation (BMT) cells (N = 9), 2) group II with unlabeled BMT cells (N = 10), and 3) group III with no BMT cells (N = 5). Migrated Feridex/LacZ-BM cells to atherosclerotic aortic walls were monitored in vivo using a 4.7T MR scanner and correlated with histopathological findings. Results In group I with Feridex-BMT cells, histology examination displayed plaques in five of nine animals. In four of these five animals, in vivo MRI showed large MR signal voids of the aorta walls (due to the “blooming” effect of migrated Feridex-BM cells in plaques), which were correlated with Feridex- and/or LacZ-positive cells detected in the atherosclerotic lesions. No signal voids could be visualized in the two control animal groups (groups II and III). Conclusion This study demonstrates the potential use of in vivo MRI to monitor the trafficking of magnetically labeled BM cells to atherosclerotic lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermally Driven Motions in an Equatorial β-Plane: Hadley and Walker Circulations During the Winter Monsoon

Abstract The linearized shallow-water equatorial β-plane equation was solved for a subset of approximate solutions applicable to thermally driven large-scale tropical circulation. In particular, the heat-induced monsoon circulations during Southeast Asian northeasterly cold surges are investigated. It was demonstrated that the response of the tropical atmosphere to a localized heat source consists of forced Rossby waves propagating westward and Kelvin waves eastward along the equator away from the region of forcing. In general, for any source/sink distribution, the heat-induced motion can have the characteristics of a Walker-type (ν = 0 at the equator) or a Hadley-type (u = 0 at the equator) response or a combination of both, depending on the latitudinal location of the forcing. Away from the equator, a forcing corresponding to the sudden imposition of mass at the lower layer, or equivalently in our model a rapid cooling of the lower troposphere, produces a sudden local surface pressure rise and strong an...
Exercise-induced transcription of the muscle glucose transporter (GLUT 4) gene.

We studied the effects of exercise on GLUT4 gene transcription in several lines of transgenic mice expressing the chloramphenicol acyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene, driven by various lengths of the human GLUT4 promoter (2400, 1600, 895, and 730 bp). In all transgenic lines examined, endogenous GLUT4 mRNA increased in response to exercise (19-90%, P < 0.05). Exercise increased CAT mRNA (51-83%, P < 0.05) in mice when the transgene was driven by at least 895 bp of the promoter but showed no effect in mice in which the transgene was driven by only 730 bp. These results suggest that the exercise-induced increase in the transcriptional activity of the human GLUT4 gene is mediated, at least in part, by element(s) within -895 bp of the promoter. These observations reveal a striking similarity to the time course and regional promoter requirements of AMPK-induced GLUT4 gene expression, providing further evidence that AMPK may be mediating the effects of exercise on GLUT4 expression.
Medical history for anesthesiologists: continuation of a primer.

Editor's note: The absence of a recognized formal curriculum in anesthesia history means that many of us have known and unknown gaps in our knowledge. These gaps limit our ability to understand how things came to be, how things may become and how we can affect the future. I have asked Dr. Manisha Desai and Dr. Sukumar Desai to provide a primer on the history of medicine and anesthesia history. The goals of this primer are to educate and to help individuals target future study. Below is the second article in a continuing series.
Asymmetry in the effects of economic fundamentals on rising and falling exchange rates

Abstract Empirical research provides evidence for exchange rates overreaction to changes in economic fundamentals over a short run, but convergence in a long run. In this research we use statistical method developed by Cox [Cox, D.R., “Regression models and life-tables,” Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. Series B (Methodological), Vol. 34, Iss. 2 (1972), 187–220.] to examine the differences in the effects of local economic fundamentals on the probability of occurrence of extreme fluctuations in exchange rates over time periods of rising and falling exchange rates. We identify an extreme fluctuation as a 10% decrease or increase in exchange rate over a three month period and 20% over a one year period. We find asymmetry in the effects of economic fundamentals on exchange rates (eight countries' exchange rates quoted as f/$) during time periods of rising and falling exchange rates: the probability of extreme fluctuation is greater during time periods of rising exchange rates as compared to falling.
The Cambridge History of South Africa. Volume 1: From Early Times to 1885

Venerable and august, the first volume of The Cambridge History of South Africa is both a defiant youth attempting to escape the controlling grasp of a parent and a self-assured spokesperson for a ...
Silicon-on-insulator micromechanical optical switch with postprocessed polymeric waveguides

A micro-mechanical optical switch based on lateral deflection of a waveguide is described. The switching element is a suspended silicon beam formed by deep reactive ion etching and release of silicon-on-insulator (SOI). Actuation is implemented using integrated electrostatic comb drives. Dry etched polymeric optical waveguides are post processed onto the mechanical structure. We present design, simulations, and preliminary experimental results.
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of friction stir welded ODS alloy MA754

Abstract Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of MA754, an yttrium oxide dispersion-strengthened nickel-based superalloy, were investigated after friction stir welding (FSW). A tool rotation rate of 1000 revolution per minute and a traverse speed of 50.8 mm per minute were employed using a cermet (WC–Co) tool. After FSW, fine equiaxed grain structure with a high dislocation density and a random texture was achieved. Agglomeration of yttrium oxide dispersoids was observed in FSW MA754. Room-temperature tensile properties of FSW MA754 were compared to those of as-received MA754 alloy, and the results indicated that particle strengthening contribution decreased as a result of dispersoid agglomeration.
Performance of windmills in a closely spaced array

A model based on momentum theory is developed for windmill performance with slipstream interference. Only the two-rotor interference problem is considered. The windmill performance is obtained from momentum theory with the approach velocity of the blanketed part of the rotor assumed to correspond to the fully developed wake velocity of the upstream windmill. It is shown that wake interference between windmills in a closely spaced array strongly degrades system performance, the power output varying cosine-like from interference-free to fully blanketed operation. Performance improvement results from a more favorable distribution of the kinetic energy of the impinging air over each rotor of the array.
Purification and partial characterization of epidermal growth factor isolated from the male rat submaxillary gland

Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been isolated from the submaxillary gland of testosterone-treated male rats. Using a variety of batch processes as well as ion-exchange and gel chromatography, a relatively homogeneous protein is obtained. The EGF protein is a single polypeptide chain of molecular weight 6000 with an isoelectric pH of 4.3–4.6. The amino acid composition of rat EGF is very similar to the well-characterized mouse EGF and to the partially characterized human EGF. The protein demonstrates biological activity at levels as low as 0.05–0.10 μg/g body weight in newborn rats.
Proximal Probes Based Nanorobotic Drawing of Polymer Micro/Nanofibers

This paper proposes a nanorobotic fiber fabrication method which uses proximal probes to draw polymer fibers down to few hundred nanometers in diameter and several hundred micrometers in length. Using proximal probes such as Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) or glass micropipettes, liquid polymers dissolved in a solvent are drawn. During drawing, the solvent evaporates in real-time which solidifies the fiber. Controlling the drawn fibers trajectory and solidification in three-dimensions (3-D), suspended fibers, fiber cantilevers, custom 3-D fibers, and fiber networks, are proposed to be fabricated. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer dissolved in chlorobenzene is used to form a variety of suspended polymer fibers with diameters from few microns to 200nm. Fabrication of crossed and linear networks of fibers is also demonstrated. Viscoelastic modeling of polymer fiber drawing is realized using a finite element method to test the significance of the drawing speed and velocity profile on the extensional behavior of the drawn fiber. Since the mechanical properties of the drawn micro/nanofibers could vary from the bulk polymer material significantly, mechanical characterization of suspended fibers using an AFM and a Nanoindenter setup is proposed. Extending this technique to a variety of nonconductive and electroactive polymer fibers, many novel applications in micro/nanoscale sensors, actuators, fibrillar structures, and optical and electronic devices would become possible
Trends in causes of death among children under 5 in Bangladesh, 1993-2004: an exercise applying a standardized computer algorithm to assign causes of death using verbal autopsy data

Background Trends in the causes of child mortality serve as important global health information to guide efforts to improve child survival. With child mortality declining in Bangladesh, the distribution of causes of death also changes. The three verbal autopsy (VA) studies conducted with the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys provide a unique opportunity to study these changes in child causes of death.