cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retroperitoneal and Truncal Sarcomas: Prognosis Depends Upon Type Not Location

Prognostication of truncal and retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas has traditionally been predicated on tumor location and grade. To compare outcomes for patients with retroperitoneal or truncal sarcomas. Retrospective analysis of a prospective cancer data registry from 1977 to 2004 was performed and outcomes were determined. The study group numbered 312 patients (median age 58 years, 54% male, 56% Caucasian, 14% black, 29% Hispanic). The most common tumor types were liposarcoma (35.9%), leiomyosarcoma (30.1%), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) (19.5%). Tumor distributions were retroperitoneal (38.9%), pelvic (24.7%), abdominal (18.6%) and thoracic (17.9%). Median overall survival was 74 months. Operative resection was undertaken in 89.4% of cases and multiple surgeries (range 2–5) in 42.2%. Negative resection margins were obtained in 72.7% of patients. Univariate analysis comparing retroperitoneal versus truncal location demonstrated no significant differences in survival. Survival was improved in lower grade tumors (P < 0.02). Liposarcoma and fibrosarcoma were associated with improved survival (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis of pre-treatment variables showed increasing age, grade, histopathology (leiomyosarcoma and MFH) and metastasis to be associated with worse outcomes. Multivariate analysis of the treatment variables showed that surgery and negative resection margins were associated with improved survival (P < 0.001). No advantage for chemoradiotherapy could be demonstrated. Successful operative resection can confer prolonged disease-free survival and cure for truncal and retroperitoneal sarcomas. Histological subtype, not location, is predictive of long-term survival. Future studies should focus on histological subtype rather than tumor location for truncal and retroperitoneal sarcomas.
Operating compressed-air energy storage as dynamic reactive compensator for stabilising wind farms under grid fault conditions

Compressed-air energy storage (CAES) is considered a promising energy storage system for many grid applications, including managing renewable variability and grid capacity concerns. However, compared with conventional generation such as coal or hydro, the cost of storage power of CAES is still high, which impedes its deployment. Therefore a standing question is how to operate CAES in the most efficient and economical fashion, that is, to exploit the system functions for maximum-possible benefit. This study investigates the CAES dynamic reactive capability used to stabilise wind farms under grid fault conditions. Two considered operation modes are motor mode with leading power factor and synchronous condenser mode. Analysis with a 60-MW wind farm and two types of popular wind turbines, namely stall-regulated and doubly fed induction-generator-based WTs, shows that the CAES performance is comparable or better than that of an static var compensator in most situations investigated. Therefore the reactive-power-supply function should be considered in CAES design and operation to increase the system efficiency and value.
Finite mixture models for ultra-wideband channels

In this paper we estimate finite mixture models (FMM) to describe the statistics of the ultrawideband (UWB) channel amplitudes. Various combinations of Rayleigh, Nakagami, Weibull, and Lognormal distributions are used to form the constituent probability density functions (PDFs) of the FMMs. The FMMs are identified using the Stochastic Expectation Maximization (SEM) algorithm. Akaike's Information Criterion is used to compare the quality of data fit provided by the FMMs and models containing only one distribution (non-mixtures). The results indicate that UWB channel amplitude statistics are best represented by mixtures of Rayleigh, Lognormal and Weibull PDFs.
An examination of the effect of processing procedure on the creep of metal matrix composites

Abstract Creep data were examined for two metal matrix composites having an Al-6061 alloy as the matrix and fabricated using either powder metallurgy (PM) or ingot metallurgy (IM) procedures. Although the results from these two composites suggest the possibility of different rate-controlling creep mechanisms, it is shown by analysis that the behavior of the two composites is mutually consistent and in agreement with the expectations from earlier creep data using dilute Al–Mg solid solution alloys. It is demonstrated that the processing procedure has an important influence on the values of the measured threshold stresses. For these two composites, the threshold stresses are consistently higher in the PM composite at any temperature, by a factor of ≈3, and this is attributed to the additional obstacles to dislocation movement, in the form of fine oxide particles, which are introduced during the atomization process.
Translocation of double-stranded DNA through membrane-adapted phi29 motor protein nanopores

Biological pores have been used to study the transport of DNA and other molecules, but most pores have channels that allow only the movement of small molecules and single-stranded DNA and RNA. The bacteriophage phi29 DNA-packaging motor, which allows double-stranded DNA to enter the virus during maturation and exit during an infection, contains a connector protein with a channel that is between 3.6 and 6 nm wide. Here we show that a modified version of this connector protein, when reconstituted into liposomes and inserted into planar lipid bilayers, allows the translocation of double-stranded DNA. The measured conductance of a single connector channel was 4.8 nS in 1 M KCl. This engineered and membrane-adapted phage connector is expected to have applications in microelectromechanical sensing, microreactors, gene delivery, drug loading and DNA sequencing.
A common region of loss of heterozygosity in Wilms' tumor and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma distal to the D11S988 locus on chromosome 11p15.5

The development of Wilms' tumor has been associated with two genetic loci on chromosome 11: WTI in 11p13 and WT2 in 11p15.5. Here, we have used loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in Wilms' tumors to narrow the WT2 locus distal to the D11S988 locus. A similar region was apparent for the clinically associated tumor, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. We have also demonstrated that a constitutional chromosome translocation breakpoint associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and an acquired somatic chromosome translocation breakpoint in a rhabdoid tumor each occur in the same chromosomal interval as the smallest region of LOH in Wilms' tumors and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Finally, we report the first Wilms' tumor without a cytogenetic deletion that shows targeted LOH for 11p15 and 11p13 while maintaining germline status for 11p14.
Ergebnisse mit der polarographischen Krebsreaktion im Serum und im Harn

1. In Fortsetzung einer fruheren Arbeit1 konnten die dort gefundenen Werte mit der polarographischen Krebsreaktion nachWaldschmidt-Leitz undK. Mayer bestatigt werden. 2. Die Methode der Sulfosalicylsaurefallung erwies sich nicht als spezifisch. Fast alle Krankheitsgruppen, die mit einem Eiweiszerfall einhergehen (besonders Tumoren und Entzundungen) reagierten positiv. Carcinome im Fruhstadium wurden nicht erfast. Diese Befunde berechtigen zu der Ansicht, das es sich bei der polarographischen aktiven Substanz um schwefelhaltige Eiweisabbau-, um Zellzerfalls.- und Stoffwechselprodukte handelt. 3. Die Kombination der S.F. mit der A.F., die die Trennung der Carcinome von den Entzundungen ermoglichen soll, brachte keine Besserung, sie erwies sich ebenfalls als unspezifisch. 4. Auf Grund meiner Ergebnisse kann ich sagen, das die polarographische Reaktion im Serum keine spezifische Krebsdiagnostik erlaubt. Allerdings besagt ein positiver Ausfall, das im Organismus irgendein Krankheitsherd mit Abgabe von Eiweisabbauprodukten an das Blut besteht. Ein negativer Ausfall spricht gegen eine ernstere akute Erkrankung sowie gegen einen Tumor. 5. Es wird der Versuch einer polarographischen Reaktion im Harn gemacht. Die gefundenen Beziehungen sind nicht gesetzmasig und rechtfertigen nicht den Ausbau einer diagnostischen Reaktion.
Epoxy Thermosetting Systems: Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of the Reactions of Aromatic Diamines with the Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A.

Dynamic mechanical behavior during the reactions of four aromatic diamines (m-phenylenediamine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and benzidine) with the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A was studied by torsional braid analysis under isothermal conditions. Depending on the cure temperature, three types of behavior were observed: (I) below Tgg (the glass transition temperature of the reactive systems at the gel point); (II) between Tgg and Tg∞ (the glass transition temperature of the ultimately cured polymers); (III) above Tg∞. Overall activation energies and apparent overall rate constants of the cure reactions based on third-order overall kinetics were determined before gelation, after gelation but before vitrification, and after vitrification, using gelation time, relative rigidity, and glass transition temperature Tg(t) of the polymers as kinetic terms. The influence of cure temperature and structure of the diamines on the kinetic parameters is discussed.
Effect of acetylation (O-factor 5) on the polyclonal antibody response to Salmonella typhimurium O-antigen

Antibodies directed against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen are often critical in the immune response to Gram-negative pathogens. Mice were orally immunized with isogenic strains of Salmonella typhimurium that differ only in a minor modification of O-antigen, namely acetylation, mediated by the oafA locus. To specifically examine the effect of acetylation on the antibody response to O-antigen, antibody titers were determined against both acetylated and unacetylated LPS by ELISA. In mice immunized with an oafA+ strain, the median titer against acetylated LPS was 32-fold higher than the titer against unacetylated LPS. Mice immunized with the oafA− strain had an 8-fold higher titer against unacetylated LPS. Thus, acetylation of O-antigen alters recognition by the vast majority of individual antibodies. This differential antibody recognition of O-antigen had a statistically significant correlation with protection against subsequent challenge with virulent S. typhimurium.
Determination of the channel temperature in GaN MOSHFETs under microwave operational conditions

In this work, we present a method to extract the device channel temperature of AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor hetero structure field effect transistors(MOSHFETs) in time domain under continuous wave (CW) and periodic-pulsed RF (radiation frequency) operational conditions. The temporal profiles of microwave output power densities of GaN MOSHFETs were measured at 2 GHz under such conditions and used for the extraction of the channel temperature. The measurement technique in this work is also being utilized to extract the thermal time constant of the devices. Analytical temporal solutions of temperature profile in MOSHFETs are provided to support the extraction method. The analytical solutions can also apply to generic field effect transistors (FETs) with an arbitrary form of time-dependent heat input at the top surface of the wafer.
Lysosomes and the modulation of cell morphology in the isthmus region of the outer mantle epithelium in the estuarine clam, Rangia cuneata.

In bivalves, the isthmus region of the outer mantle epithelium lies adjacent to the hinge ligament. In Rangia cuneata, the columnar cells of the epithelium manifest two distinct morphological states which are a function of the animal's environment. In state 1 the cells are uniformly filled with glycogen and in state 2 they contain large spherical whorls of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and are depleted in glycogen. In both states the cells contain large dense inclusions which are residual bodies based on their morphology and small but definite acid phosphatase activity. Based on the stucture of the RER and the cytoplasmic dispositions of residual bodies and other organelles, it is suggested that (1) the residual bodies are derived from autophagic activity originating at the center of RER whorls and (2) that autophagy is responsible for the destruction of the whorls when the cells pass from state 2 to state 1.
Pseudoarthrosis Following Anterior Cervical Surgery: Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Results

Anterior cervical fusions are performed to treat various clinical entities of the cervical spine. Many patient and surgical factors likely determine whether a solid fusion develops in an individual patient. The incidence of pseudoarthrosis varies between 0 and 50% following anterior cervical fusion. Approximately 60% of patients with failure of fusion complain of symptoms including neck and/or arm pain, parasthesias, or symptoms of myelopathy. Symptomatic pseudoarthrosis can be successfully treated with anterior, posterior, and combined anterior/posterior procedures depending on the specific situation.
Nonlinear relationship between body mass index and esophageal acid exposure in the extraesophageal manifestations of reflux.

Background & Aims Obesity is believed to be an important etiologic factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, it is not clear how obesity might affect esophageal acid exposure in patients with extraesophageal manifestations of reflux. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 223 patients with extraesophageal symptoms suspected of being related to reflux. Participants underwent endoscopy and 48-hour wireless pH testing. The percentage of time at a pH of less than 4 (total, upright, and supine) was measured for each patient, and data were compared with corresponding body mass index (BMI), as continuous and categoric variables (normal, 18.5 to 30). Multivariable linear regression was used to identify variables associated with percentage of total time at a pH less than 4. The primary predictor of interest was BMI; age, sex, esophagitis, and hiatal hernia status were considered potential confounders or precision variables. Results Esophageal acid exposure was associated significantly ( P P = .005) with increasing BMI. The relationship between percentage of time at a pH less than 4 and BMI was nonlinear and S-shaped. With BMI ranges, the percentage of time at a pH less than 4 increased by 0.23% (normal BMI), 0.75% (overweight), and 0.07% (obese) for every 1-kg/m 2 increase in BMI ( P Conclusions Increases in esophageal acid exposure are greatest among overweight patients and plateau in obese patients. The findings have implications for benefit of weight loss in patients with suspected extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Satisfaction With Family Life Scale

We wanted to present validity and reliability data for the Satisfaction With Family Life (SWFL) scale. This instrument has been successfully used in a variety of family samples and offers a brief, widely applicable tool to measure satisfaction with family life. The SWFL scale, modeled after the Satisfaction With Life scale, was designed to assess an individual's global judgment of family satisfaction, which is theoretically predicted to depend on a comparison of family life circumstances with one's own standards and expectations. The scale consists of five items on a Likert-type scale. Data were collected from parents and adolescents in 15 different family samples that vary across time, place, and culture. Across all samples a consistent unidimensional factor structure was maintained, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from .94 to .79. Evidence of usability, criterion, and construct validity were also established. The SWFL scale consistently distinguishes differences in family satisfaction among samples that w...
A new fuzzy time-series model of fuzzy number observations

Fuzzy time series [4] has been proposed to model dynamic processes whose observations are fuzzy sets or linguistic values, and some applications have been made with satisfactory results [5, 6]. In this paper, a new fuzzy time-series model is proposed by means of defining some new operations on fuzzy numbers. The proposed model is in the form of two theorems that relate the current value of a fuzzy time series with its past.
Identification and Distinct Regulation of Yeast TATA Box-Containing Genes

Despite being one of the first eukaryotic transcriptional regulatory elements identified, the sequence of a native TATA box and its significance remain elusive. Applying criteria associated with TATA boxes we queried several Saccharomyces genomes and arrived at the consensus TATA(A/T)A(A/T)(A/G). Approximately 20% of yeast genes contain a TATA box. Strikingly, TATA box-containing genes are associated with responses to stress, are highly regulated, and preferentially utilize SAGA rather than TFIID when compared to TATA-less promoters. Transcriptional regulation in yeast appears to be mechanistically bipolar, possibly reflecting a need to balance inducible stress-related responses with constitutive housekeeping functions.
Second Order Resonance Raman Scattering in As2S3 Glass.

Abstract First and second order resonance enhanced Raman scattering has been observed for As2S3 glass. First order scattering is dominated by a peak at 340 cm-1 due to the symmetric stretch of the AsS3 pyramidal group. Two partially resolved second order peaks are observed at about 630 and 710 cm-1 whose relative intensities are highly temperature dependent and which are due respectively to overtones of the antisymmetric and symmetric AsS3 stretching modes.
Suppression of uracil-DNA glycosylase induces neuronal apoptosis

A chronic imbalance in DNA precursors, caused by one-carbon metabolism impairment, can result in a deficiency of DNA repair and increased DNA damage. Although indirect evidence suggests that DNA damage plays a role in neuronal apoptosis and in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In particular, very little is known about the role of base excision repair of misincorporated uracil in neuronal survival. To test the hypothesis that repair of DNA damage associated with uracil misincorporation is critical for neuronal survival, we employed an antisense (AS) oligonucleotide directed against uracil-DNA glycosylase encoded by the UNG gene to deplete UNG in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. AS, but not a scrambled control oligonucleotide, induced apoptosis, which was associated with DNA damage analyzed by comet assay and up-regulation of p53. UNG mRNA and protein levels were decreased within 30 min and were undetectable within 6-9 h of exposure to the UNG AS oligonucleotide. Whereas UNG expression is significantly higher in proliferating as compared with nonproliferating cells, such as neurons, the levels of UNG mRNA were increased in brains of cystathionine β-synthase knockout mice, a model for hyperhomocysteinemia, suggesting that one-carbon metabolism impairment and uracil misincorporation can induce the up-regulation of UNG expression.
Qualifications for a Serials Librarian in an Electronic Environment

Abstract Technological demands significantly complicate the careers of librarians. Dynamic growth and changes in information technology plus the introduction of electronic journals into library collections create serious challenges in organizing and managing information and collections. The author examines the most frequently required and preferred qualifications and knowledge demands for a serials librarian. Based on job announcements in academic institutions from the years 1999–2001, the analysis reveals what new skills a person needs to manage electronic information and also suggests some professional development opportunities that improve competencies for serials librarians. Serials Review 2002; 28:33–37.
Library education and government documents work

Abstract There have been continuing and fruitful discussions between documents librarians and educators concerned with preparing students for their first professional library positions. Nevertheless, there is recent evidence that there is an imbalance between practitioner expectations and what can be accomplished in the common one-year library science graduate degree. That imbalance affects government publications positions as much as other preparation specializations. The article examines these issues and concerns, and suggests appropriate interactions for both practitioners and educators.
Hypertensive crisis managed by computer controlled infusion of sodium nitroprusside: a model for the closed loop administration of short acting vasoactive agents.

Abstract Nitroprusside infusion has been controlled by computer in 12 cases of hypertensive crisis. Pretreatment mean arterial pressure varied from 134 to 165 mm Hg. Nitroprusside infusion was commenced manually, a set point for mean arterial pressure specified and computer control commenced. Each 2 min the computer compares mean arterial pressure with the set point. For mean arterial pressures 10 mm Hg or more above the set point, the infusion rate increases by 5%. For mean arterial pressures 10 mm Hg or more below the set point, the infusion is decreased in rate or stopped depending on the level of pressure. The percentage of time mean arterial pressure was maintained within ±10 mm Hg of the set point averaged 75%, within a ±15 mm Hg range 88%, and within a ±20 mm Hg range 94%. The system has been successful in the management of patients with complicated hypertension.
Stimulation of lactose synthetase activity and casein synthesis in mouse mammary explants by estradiol.

17β-Estradiol (E2; 1 ng/ml) can significantly (P < 0.05) augment lactose synthetase activity (85%) and casein synthesis (65%) in mammary gland explants (from midpregnant C3H/HeN mice) cultured in medium 199 containing insulin, cortisol, PRL, and T3. Both T3 (0.65 ng/ml) and a physiological concentration of PRL (50 ng/ml) are required for stimulation by E2; at higher PRL levels, the effects of E2 are obscured. Sex steroid specificity was supported by the observations that the E2 effects are blocked by tne antiestrogen nafoxidine (5 μg/ml), and that 17α-estradiol (5 ng/ml) was inactive; however, at 5 ng/ml, estrone and diethylstilbestrol were equipotent to E2. Testosterone (5 μg/ml) and progesterone (1μg/ml) were inhibitory, although progesterone did not suppress casein synthesis. Since E2 did not alter the amount of epithelial DNA, its effects represent an increase in biological activities per cell. E2, therefore, in conjunction with the classical lactogenic hormones and T3 can act directly on mammary tiss...
ADVISOR—An expert system for the selection of courses☆

Abstract This paper describes the purpose, design, and development of the expert system ADVISOR for the selection of courses. Traditionally, the students in universities are advised by the faculty members in planning the courses in their undergraduate programs. In order to make the process of advising less tedious, more reliable and consistent, it is necessary to computerize the various tasks associated with advising. The present system ADVISOR provides a student with a course plan which will allow him or her to complete the degree requirement in a minimum number of semesters. ADVISOR is designed to function also as a course catalog and a student record keeping system. ADVISOR is an efficient and helpful tool for the faculty advisors as well as for the students.
Color vision and image intensities: When are changes material?

The difficulty in understanding a biological system or its components without some idea of its goals has been emphasized by Marr. In this paper, a preliminary goal for color vision is proposed and analyzed. That goal is to determine where changes of material occur in a scene (using only spectral information). The goal is challenging because the effects of many processes (shadowing, shading from surface orientation changes, highlights, variations in pigment density) are confounded with the effects of material changes in the available image intensities. We show there is a minimal and unique condition, the spectral crosspoint, that rejects instances of these confounding processes. (If plots are made of image intensity versus wavelength from two image regions, and the plots intersect, we say that there is a spectral crosspoint.) An operator is designed to detect crosspoints; it turns out to resemble double-opponent cells described in primate visual cortex.
Frequency of hapten-specific B cells in neonatal and adult murine spleens.

The frequency of B cells specific for 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) and fluorescein (Fl) in spleen cell suspensions obtained from neonatal, conventionally-reared, nonimmune adult, and germ-free adult BALB/c mice was determined by an in vitro splenic focus technique. Per 106 injected adult spleen cells, the frequency of primary B cells stimulated by 10−6M DNP, TNP, or F1 determinant concentration on Limulus polyphemus hemocyanin was 3.5, 3.0, and 2.0, respectively. These frequencies were relatively invariant, even in germ-free donors. The frequency of DNP and TNP-specific B cells in neonatal spleens was also relatively invariant and approached adult frequencies early in development. In contrast, variation was observed in the frequency of neonatal precursor cells responding to F1, and spleen cell suspensions from 3-day old neonates had 5–6-fold fewer F1-specific B cells than DNP or TNP-specific B cells. Since the experimental conditions employed maximized B cell responsiveness, and since the generation of primary B cells appears to be independent of antigenic stimulation, this observed disparity in the rate of appearance of specific B cells is most likely a reflection of the mechanism responsible for generating B cell diversity.
Dropwise and filmwise condensation of water vapor on gold

A pure gold tube was found to give filmwise condensation in the absense of organic contamination in a flow sitution simulating that found in seawater conversion plants. A sensitive test for the presence of organic contamination has been developed. The gold tube, promoted by paraffinic thio-silane or mercaptan, gave 100% excellent dropwise condensation. Overall heat transfer coefficients are reported for filmwise and dropwise condensation. The steamside heat transfer coefficient with dropwise condensation was estimated to be over 0.2 MW/m2-°C (35,000 B.t.u./hr-ft2-°F) at the 95% confidence level. Gold plated tubes11 gave 95% filmwise condensation after one week of operation in a clean, once-through system.
Disease-Associated Mutations Prevent GPR56-Collagen III Interaction

GPR56 is a member of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Mutations in GPR56 cause a devastating human brain malformation called bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria (BFPP). Using the N-terminal fragment of GPR56 (GPR56N) as a probe, we have recently demonstrated that collagen III is the ligand of GPR56 in the developing brain. In this report, we discover a new functional domain in GPR56N, the ligand binding domain. This domain contains four disease-associated mutations and two N-glycosylation sites. Our study reveals that although glycosylation is not required for ligand binding, each of the four disease-associated mutations completely abolish the ligand binding ability of GPR56. Our data indicates that these four single missense mutations cause BFPP mostly by abolishing the ability of GPR56 to bind to its ligand, collagen III, in addition to affecting GPR56 protein surface expression as previously shown.
Electrons in condensed media

Abstract The role of the electron in condensed media is emphasized with special reference to ionization processes and equilibrium states. Consistent descriptions are provided for: (1) ionization in liquid water, and (2) mobility and free-ion yield in liquid hydrocarbons. A new method for calculating the escape probability of electron–ion geminate recombination is introduced, which may be extended to arbitrary mean free path.
Surface effect on the isotopic fractionation between CO2 and some carbonate minerals

Abstract The surface effect on the isotopic fractionation between CO 2 and calcite, dolomite and witherite has been studied through gas-solid exchange experiments. Oxygen isotope fractionation between surface calcite and CO 2 was found to be higher by 5–6%. than the fractionation between bulk calcite and CO 2 . Similar studies were made using dolomite and witherite. The dolomite-calcite and witheritecalcite fractionation evaluated through the surface exchange with CO 2 were found to be close to values determined by other workers under controlled conditions in the laboratory.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS MEDIATED NERVE GROWTH FACTOR EXPRESSION IN BLADDER AND AFFERENT NEURONS: POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR DIABETIC BLADDER DYSFUNCTION

Purpose: Diabetic cystopathy resulting from sensory neuropathy may potentially be treated by direct gene therapy. It has been suggested that nerve growth factor (NGF) has an ameliorative effect in preventing the death in diabetes of afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons, which control bladder function. We investigated NGF gene transfer to the bladder and bladder afferent pathways for treating diabetic cystopathy. We used replication competent and replication defective herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vectors that express a functionally active form of the β-subunit of mouse NGF (β-NGF) to examine the level and duration of therapeutic gene expression after administration of the vectors.Materials and Methods: NGF expression during acute (3 days) and latent (21 days) infections was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical testing after the injection of 1 × 106 to 1 × 108 pfu HSV-NGF expression vectors into the bladder wall of adult rats.Results: HSV vectors with the str...
Thyroglossal duct cyst in hyoid bone: Unusual location

A 10-year-old female presenting with a discharging sinus in the midline of the neck of one month duration was diagnosed to have a thyroglossal sinus. She underwent sistrunk’s operation, intra-operatively a thyroglossal duct cyst was atypically sited in the intrahyoid region. The cyst may be located in the intralingual, suprahyoid, thyrohyoid or suprasternal region. A literature search revealed that this intrahyoid location of a thyroglossal duct cyst is extremely rare and so far only three cases have been reported. A case and review of literature regarding this unusual entity are presented.
Determination of copper speciation in marine waters by competitive ligand equilibration/liquid-liquid extraction: an evaluation of the technique

Abstract A technique for determining organic complexation of copper using a competitive ligand equilibration coupled with liquid-liquid extraction was evaluated with respect to its applicability in marine waters. Particular attention was paid to the equilibration times required, extractability of naturally occurring organic copper complexes, and consistency with results from electrochemical techniques. In general, it was found that although this approach produces results that agree well with those from other analyses of the open ocean, there are unresolved discrepancies when it is applied to copper analyses in estuarine samples. The ability to use the technique for analysis of a single sample at different competition strengths, or analytical windows, was also examined. In open ocean waters, it was possible to identify two discrete ligand classes with three different windows, although the determined extent of binding did increase with increasing competition strength.
Phospholipase Cγ negatively regulates Rac/Cdc42 activation in antigen‐stimulated mast cells

The Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42 play a central role in the regulation of secretory and cytoskeletal responses in antigen-stimulated mast cells. In this study, we examine the kinetics and mechanism of Rac and Cdc42 activation in the rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. The activation kinetics of both Rac and Cdc42 show a biphasic profile, consisting of an early transient peak at 1 min and a late sustained activation phase at 20–40 min. The inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC)γ causes a twofold increase in Rac and Cdc42 activation that coincides with a dramatic production of atypical filopodia-like structures. Inhibition of protein kinase C using bisindolylmaleimide mimics the effect of PLCγ inhibition on Rac activation, but not on Cdc42 activation. In contrast, depletion of intracellular calcium leads to a complete inhibition of the early activation peak of both Rac and Cdc42, without significant effects on the late sustained activation. These data suggest that PLCγ is involved in a negative feedback loop that leads to the inhibition of Rac and Cdc42. They also suggest that the presence of intracellular calcium is a prerequisite for both Rac and Cdc42 activation.
Combined effects of alachlor and atrazine on benthic algal communities in artificial streams

A duplicated factorial approach was used to assess the combined effects of three environmentally realistic levels of alachlor (0.0, 5.0, and 90.0 μg/L), cross-classified with three environmentally realistic levels of atrazine (0.0, 12.0, and 150.0 μg/L), on indigenous epipelic algae (mud-dwelling species, characteristic of agricultural streams). The experiment was conducted in 18 recirculating laboratory streams over a 4-week period. Biovolume of viable algal cells and relative abundance of the six dominant algal species were utilized as experimental endpoints. Community biovolume was impacted throughout the experiment in streams treated with 12.0 and 150.0 μg/L atrazine and in streams containing 90.0 μg/L alachlor, but only in samples collected at 4 weeks. The effects of atrazine and alachlor together on algal community biovolume appeared to be additive rather than synergistic. The relative abundance of two dominant algal taxa were impacted in streams treated with alachlor, but only one species remained affected over time. The lack of significant interactions is most likely attributable to the different modes of action of atrazine and alachlor. The additive nature of these two herbicides should be an important consideration in the development of water quality criteria.
Numerical simulation of hot-carrier transport in silicon bipolar transistors

Conventional numerical simulations of bipolar transistors assume that the carrier transport processes in the device can be described by the semiconductor equations with electric-field dependent mobility and the Einstein relation between the mobility and diffusion coefficient. These assumptions are not generally valid for the large electric fields, current densities, and concentration gradients present in advanced bipolar transistors. In this work, we present a new numerical bipolar device simulation which provides a better description of the carrier transport processes in these devices. Specifically, the carrier mobilities and diffusion coefficients are treated as functions of the average carrier energy and the thermoelectric current resulting from spatial variations in the carrier energies is included. The required carrier energies are calculated using energy balance equations. The results of this simulation are compared with those calculated using a conventional bipolar-device simulation, and the differences are discussed.
"I Am Not a Format": Teachers' Experiences with Fostering Creativity in the Era of Accountability.

This phenomenological study examined the experience of fostering creativity and creative thinking in the classroom under high-stakes testing conditions, as described by teachers at a magnet elementary school in Central California. The tensions between standardization and professionalism, as well as performativity and creativity, served as the conceptual framework for this study. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with ten teachers. Phenomenological techniques were used to analyze the data. Significant statements were extracted from interview transcriptions to yield textural descriptions, and two structural themes emerged regarding fostering creativity in the classroom: connections versus disconnections and right fit versus lack of fit. The findings showed that teachers see creativity as an important component of teacher agency and highly value the role creativity plays in helping children learn and enjoy learning. However, high-stakes testing conditions inhibit their ability to foster creativity...
Stimulation and inhibition by puromycin of cell-free amino acid incorporation.

Abstract Puromycin led either to stimulation or to inhibition of phenylalanine incorporation in cell-free systems from Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus stearothermophilus 10. Stimulation was observed at low puromycin concentrations, at high puromycin concentrations in the presence of excess transfer RNA, and over a narrow range of temperatures. Inhibition was observed at high puromycin concentrations and at temperatures below and above the range where stimulation occurred. Freshly prepared subcellular fractions were inhibited to a greater extent than stored fractions.
Environmental and biotic correlates to lionfish invasion success in Bahamian coral reefs

Lionfish (Pterois volitans), venomous predators from the Indo-Pacific, are recent invaders of the Caribbean Basin and southeastern coast of North America. Quantification of invasive lionfish abundances, along with potentially important physical and biological environmental characteristics, permitted inferences about the invasion process of reefs on the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas. Environmental wave-exposure had a large influence on lionfish abundance, which was more than 20 and 120 times greater for density and biomass respectively at sheltered sites as compared with wave-exposed environments. Our measurements of topographic complexity of the reefs revealed that lionfish abundance was not driven by habitat rugosity. Lionfish abundance was not negatively affected by the abundance of large native predators (or large native groupers) and was also unrelated to the abundance of medium prey fishes (total length of 5-10 cm). These relationships suggest that (1) higher-energy environments may impose intrinsic resistance against lionfish invasion, (2) habitat complexity may not facilitate the lionfish invasion process, (3) predation or competition by native fishes may not provide biotic resistance against lionfish invasion, and (4) abundant prey fish might not facilitate lionfish invasion success. The relatively low biomass of large grouper on this island could explain our failure to detect suppression of lionfish abundance and we encourage continuing the preservation and restoration of potential lionfish predators in the Caribbean. In addition, energetic environments might exert direct or indirect resistance to the lionfish proliferation, providing native fish populations with essential refuges.
Rate allocation for Multihop routing in anonymous networking

This work investigates Multi-hop routing for single destination mix networks; mixes are routers or proxy servers that use layered encryption, delaying, and packet reordering to provide source anonymity to packets that arrive at a common destination. In this work, the optimal rate allocation across multiple paths that maximizes anonymity under fixed delay requirements on individual mixes is investigated analytically. In particular, it is shown that in the high traffic regime, the maximum anonymity is achievable independent of the rate allocation. In the light traffic regime, there exists a unique path for each source node such that the overall anonymity is maximized. When the desired quality of service is expressed as a weighted sum of the anonymity and the end to end delay a low complexity algorithm is proposed to derive the optimal rate allocation under light traffic to maximize the weighted reward.
Molecular genetic methods for improving secondary-metabolite production in actinomycetes

The practical applications of genetic engineering to improve secondary-metabolite production in actinomycetes are potentially numerous, but have been limited by: (1) restriction barriers, which can hinder the introduction of DNA into many actinomycetes; (2) self-replicating plasmid-cloning vectors, which generally inhibit secondary-metabolite production; and (3) recombinants containing heterologous DNA, which may be subject to additional regulatory hurdles. Recently, intergeneric conjugation has been used to circumvent host restriction, and integration of cloned DNA into neutral genomic sites prevents product inhibition by self-replicating plasmids, and has enabled construction of recombinant strains lacking heterologous DNA sequences. The rpsL system permits direct selection for gene replacements and gene insertions that can facilitate this process.
Tight junctions between contact-inhibited cells in vitro

Abstract We have studied the fine structure of the junctional zone between cultured L cells which are contact inhibited as shown by cinematography. The difficulties of the approach and significance of the findings are discussed.
Primary Neuron/Astrocyte Co-Culture on Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films: A Template for Studying Astrocyte-Mediated Oxidative Stress in Neurons**

We engineered patterned co-cultures of primary neurons and astrocytes on polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films without the aid of adhesive proteins/ligands to study the oxidative stress mediated by astrocytes on neuronal cells. A number of studies have explored engineering co-culture of neurons and astrocytes predominantly using cell lines rather than primary cells owing to the difficulties involved in attaching primary cells onto synthetic surfaces. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of patterned co-culture of primary neurons and astrocytes for studying neuronal metabolism. In our study, we used synthetic polymers, namely poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) (PDAC) and sulfonated poly(styrene) (SPS) as the polycation and polyanion, respectively, to build the multilayers. Primary neurons attached and spread preferentially on SPS surfaces, while primary astrocytes attached to both SPS and PDAC surfaces. SPS patterns were formed on PEM surfaces, either by microcontact printing SPS onto PDAC surfaces or vice-versa, to obtain patterns of primary neurons and patterned co-cultures of primary neurons and astrocytes. We further used the patterned co-culture system to study the neuronal response to elevated levels of free fatty acids as compared to the response in separated monoculture by measuring the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS; a widely accepted marker of oxidative stress). The elevation in the ROS levels was observed to occur earlier in the patterned co-culture system than in the separated monoculture system. The results suggest that this technique may provide a useful tool for engineering neuronal co-culture systems, that may more accurately capture neuronal function and metabolism, and thus could be used to obtain valuable insights into neuronal cell function and perhaps even the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Statistical Mechanics of a Multipolar Gas: A Lattice Field Theory Approach

A recently proposed lattice field theory approach to the statistical mechanics of a classical Coulomb gas (J. Chem. Phys. 1992, 97, 5653) is generalized to treat particles with arbitrary electric multipole moments. Explicit development of the mean-field approximation is given for the case of mobile dipoles and monopoles (ions) surrounding an arbitrary collection of fixed charges embedded in macroions. In particular, a modified Poisson−Boltzmann (PB) equation is derived in which the mobile dipoles provide an effective spatially dependent dielectric constant. This equation implies a self-consistent iteration procedure by which the monopole and dipole densities are simultaneously determined in terms of single scalar (PB) field. Moreover, this equation can be derived from a minimum principle; an annealing strategy for computing the PB field is thereby suggested. In addition, explicit mean-field expressions for thermodynamic free energies are obtained as simple functionals of the PB field. Connection to the we...
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF DEPOSITION RATES IN THE PRESENCE OF ALKALI SULFATE VAPOR SCAVENGING BY SUBMICRON PARTICLES IN COMBUSTION GAS BOUNDARY LAYERS

We examine the mass transfer consequences of the nonequilibrium scavenging of condensible vapor (Na2SO4) by suspended solid particles (MgO) within combustion gas boundary layers (BLs) using an extension of our 'flash-evaporation' technique (Rosner and Liang, 1986) and laser light scattering methods. In contrast to the result of introducing additives which form miscible condensates with the primary alkali sulfate on a sufficiently cold deposition target—a situation which leads to vapor deposition rate increases (Liang and Rosner, 1986), additives which form nonvolatile, submicron particles in the main-stream, capable of scavenging the alkali vapor(s), reduce total alkali deposition rates at all levels. This result indicates that the thermophoretic diffusivity of such ‘getter’ particles is smaller than the Fick diffusivity of the scavenged alkali sulfate vapor. Both nonequilibrium laminar BL-theory (Castillo and Rosner, 1987) and our flash evaporation-light scattering experiments reveal that the alkali mass...
Quantum limited detectors for weak classical signals

When a classical signal is very weak, the quantum features of its detector cannot be ignored. There appears then to be a conflict between the continuous nature of the classical signal and the discrete spectrum of a quantum device. Moreover, the final output cannot be read directly from a quantum system: The latter has to be ``measured'' by another device (the ``meter'') which then yields another classical signal---a real number. This paper examines the amount of distortion caused by the presence of a quantum interface between two classical signals. It is shown that the meter should have a moderate resolution, so as to lump together numerous levels of the detector. A finer resolution deteriorates the correspondence between the input and output signals. A perfect resolution, down to isolated eigenvalues, may completely lock the output signal (this is the quantum Zeno effect).
Activation of KATP channels suppresses glucose production in humans

Increased endogenous glucose production (EGP) is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus. While there is evidence for central regulation of EGP by activation of hypothalamic ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in rodents, whether these central pathways contribute to regulation of EGP in humans remains to be determined. Here we present evidence for central nervous system regulation of EGP in humans that is consistent with complementary rodent studies. Oral administration of the K(ATP) channel activator diazoxide under fixed hormonal conditions substantially decreased EGP in nondiabetic humans and Sprague Dawley rats. In rats, comparable doses of oral diazoxide attained appreciable concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, and the effects of oral diazoxide were abolished by i.c.v. administration of the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide. These results suggest that activation of hypothalamic K(ATP) channels may be an important regulator of EGP in humans and that this pathway could be a target for treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Insect Embryogenesis: Macromolecular Syntheses during Early Development

A new technique permits the injection of aqueous solutions into the eggs of certain Coleopteran insects. DNA and protein are synthesized from the outset of development, but the synthesis of RNA is not detectable until the ligrating cleavage nuclei arrive at the cortex of the egg.