cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-vitro effects of angiotensin II on steroid production by hamster ovarian follicles and on ultrastructure of the theca interna.

Angiotensin II (AII) is present in the mammalian ovary and has been correlated with atresia in follicles. Since the theca interna may be one site at which atresia is intiated, we wished to determine whether AII exerts an effect on theca interna from explanted ovarian follicles of hamsters. Hamsters were sacrified on the morning of proestrus, and ovaries were removed. Preovulatory follicles were excised from the ovaries, and cultured with one of the following components: medium alone (control); medium plus AII (1x10-6 M); the AII-receptor antagonist [Sar1, Ile8] AII (1x10-4 M); or AII plus antagonist. After 72 h, the follicles were processed for transmission electron microscopy (to determine quantities of theca interna organelles involved in the steroid synthetic pathway) or for protein determination (to normalize steroid production rates). The incubation medium was drawn off and analyzed by radioimmunoassay for progesterone, androstenedione, or estradiol-17β. There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.92, P<0.01) between follicular androstenedione secretion and area comprising theca interna smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In the theca interna, AII induced a two-fold and 1.6-fold increase in lipid droplet number and area comprising smooth endoplasmic reticulum, respectively (P<0.05). Excess antagonist negated the increase in cell or-ganelles and also reduced androstenedione secretion compared with AII alone (P<0.05). Most importantly, AII significantly augmented the ratio of androstenedione: estradiol-17β secretion by 44% over that of control. The ultrastructural changes observed in this study and the increase in the andostenedione: estradiol-17β production ratio are consistent with atresia-like changes in ovarian follicles. We believe, therefore, that AII is involved, possibly at its membrane receptor, in an aspect of the overall process of follicular atresia, operating in part at the level of the theca interna.
New treatment options for hearing loss

Hearing loss, which is caused by both genetic and environmental factors, is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans. Current treatment relies on medical devices and there are no drug-based therapies available. Here, Muller and Barr-Gillespie review the various forms of hearing loss, highlight emerging pharmacological targets and discuss the potential of regenerative medicine and gene therapy to restore auditory function. Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans and affects more than 40 million people in the United States alone. No drug-based therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and treatment mostly relies on devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. Over recent years, more than 100 genetic loci have been linked to hearing loss and many of the affected genes have been identified. This understanding of the genetic pathways that regulate auditory function has revealed new targets for pharmacological treatment of the disease. Moreover, approaches that are based on stem cells and gene therapy, which may have the potential to restore or maintain auditory function, are beginning to emerge.
Pre-existing hypercoagulability in patients undergoing potentially curative cancer resection

Background Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a new point-of-care test that allows a rapid and comprehensive evaluation of coagulation. We were among the first to show that ROTEM identifies baseline hypercoagulability in 40% of patients with intra-abdominal malignancies and that hypercoagulability persists for ≥1 month after resection. The purpose of this follow-up study was to confirm and extend these observations to a larger population in outpatient preoperative clinics. The hypothesis is that pre-existing hypercoagulability is present in patients undergoing surgery for malignant disease and that coagulation status varies by tumor type. Methods After informed consent, preoperative blood samples were drawn from patients undergoing exploratory laparotomies for intra-abdominal malignancies and analyzed with ROTEM. Results Eighty-two patients were enrolled, including 72 with a confirmed pathologic diagnosis and 10 age-matched controls with benign disease. The most common cancers involved the pancreas ( n = 23; 32%), esophagus ( n = 19; 26%), liver ( n = 12; 17%), stomach ( n = 7; 10%), and bile ducts ( n = 5; 7%). Preoperative hypercoagulability was detected in 31% ( n = 22); these patients were more likely to have lymphovascular invasion (88% vs 50%; P = .011), perineural invasion (77% vs 36%; P = .007), and stage III/IV disease (80% vs 62%; P = .039). More patients with pancreatic tumors (9/23, 39%) were hypercoagulable than with esophageal (3/19, 16%) or liver (2/13, 15%, P = .034) tumors. When only resectable malignancies were considered, clot formation was more rapid (low clot formation time, high alpha) with enhanced maximum clot strength (high maximum clot firmness) in pancreatic versus esophageal or liver cancers and in all cancers versus those with benign disease. Conclusion Preoperative hypercoagulability can be identified with ROTEM and is associated with lymphovascular/perineural invasion and advanced-staged disease in cancer. Compared with other tumor types, pancreatic adenocarcinomas have the greatest risk for hypercoagulability.
Changes in γ-H2AX expression in irradiated feline sarcoma cells: An indicator of double strand DNA breaks

Feline injection site sarcoma (ISS) is a highly invasive soft tissue tumor that is commonly treated with radiation. Cellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the principal target for the biologic effects of radiation with cell killing correlating to the number of double stranded DNA breaks (DSBs). The objective of this study was to determine if radiation-induced damage to feline ISS cells could be detected using a commercially available DNA DSB detection kit. Feline ISS cells were irradiated and evaluated for extent of DSB induction with a γ-H2AX chemiluminescent kit; results were validated by Western Blot analysis. Irradiated cells showed a significant increase in double strand break induction compared to control cells, which was supported by Western Blot. DNA damage in feline sarcoma cells following single exposure of radiation can be indirectly detected using a commercially available mouse anti-human monoclonal antibody for γ-H2AX.
A Collaborative Approach to Solve a Nurse Scheduling Problem

In this paper we present a collaborative approach designed to solve a real world problem: the Nurse Scheduling Problem (NSP) at a Chilean hospital. Nurses represent the main shared resources in the hospital. In this paper, we attempt to find a fair/balanced schedule for them, considering a set of constraints and each nurse preferences concerning the different shifts. We propose a collaborative framework in order to manage two objectives: To maximize the nurses preferences and to minimize unfairness assignments. We use real-world instances of the problem for testing, the results show that our collaboration technique is a very effective one in terms of the CPU time and the quality of the solution found.
A MEG investigation of somatosensory processing in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract The use of minimally and non-invasive neuroimaging methods in animal models has sharply increased over the past decade. Such studies have enhanced understanding of the neural basis of the physical signals quantified by these tools, and have addressed an assortment of fundamental and otherwise intractable questions in neurobiology. To date, these studies have almost exclusively utilized positron-emission tomography or variants of magnetic resonance based imaging. These methods provide largely indirect measures of brain activity and are strongly reliant on intact vasculature and normal blood-flow, which is known to be compromised in many clinical conditions. The current study provides the first demonstration of whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive and direct measure of neuronal activity, in a rhesus monkey, and in the process supplies the initial data on systems-level dynamics in somatosensory cortices. An adult rhesus monkey underwent three separate studies of tactile stimulation on the pad of the right second or fifth digit as whole-head MEG data were acquired. The neural generators of the primary neuromagnetic components were localized using an equivalent-current-dipole model. Second digit stimulation produced an initial cortical response peaking ∼ 16 ms after stimulus onset in the contralateral somatosensory cortices, with a later response at ∼ 96 ms in an overlapping or nearby neural area with a roughly orthogonal orientation. Stimulation of the fifth digit produced similar results, the main exception being a substantially weaker later response. We believe the 16 ms response is likely the monkey homologue of the human M50 response, as both are the earliest cortical response and localize to the contralateral primary somatosensory area. Thus, these data suggest that mechanoreception in nonhuman primates operates substantially faster than that in adult humans. More broadly, these results demonstrate that it is feasible to use current human whole-head MEG instrumentation to record neuromagnetic responses in adult rhesus monkeys. Nonhuman primate models of human disease provide the closest phylogenetic link to humans. The present, non-invasive imaging study could promote exciting translational integration of invasive animal studies and non-invasive human studies, allowing experimentally induced deficits and pharmacological treatments to be interpreted in light of resulting brain network interactions.
Quick prototyping center for hybrid-wafer-scale integration (HWSI) multichip modules

HWSI''s impact on the size weight power cost speed and reliability of advanced systems is well recognized. Using the HWSI designers have profound opportunity to create innovative components and systems. However the HWSI so far is not accessible to most of them because of its high cost in prototyping and low-volume manufacturing. To solve this problem a proposal is being studied to develop a compact integrated prototyping center which delivers semi-custom HWSI modules within hours after the design is finished. The center conducts three major tasks: 1) fabricating interconnects by optical scanning and chemical etching 2) developing a solder mask by optical scanning and 3) soldering flip-chip assemblies by pickandplace and reflow. Through system simulation the proposed design for the center requires only eight automated units while maintaining a reasonable prototyping turn-around time (5 hours for the first module and 13 hours for a batch of 20 modules) . The corresponding packaging cost for each 1 inch square module ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the annual prototyping volume. A!© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Enhancement of the relative magnetic permeability of polymeric composites with hybrid particulate fillers

Composites with high relative magnetic permeability values can be used in many industrial applications, especially if they can be shaped using conventional polymer-processing technologies. In this study, various hybrid composite systems (i.e., particles with differing aspect ratio, size, and magnetic permeability embedded into a polymeric binder) were prepared in an attempt to reach high relative permeability values without the use of high pressures or sintering. It was determined that an interaction effect between the different types of fillers exists and enhances the relative magnetic permeability value of the composite in relation to the use of single type of magnetic filler. Relative magnetic permeability values of over 100 were achieved. Such relative magnetic permeability values represent a significant increase in the magnetic permeability over available magnetic composites prepared using similar processing techniques. The significant gains in magnetic permeability were realized by altering the maximum packing fraction, and ultimately the percolation threshold of the composite, by using low and high aspect ratio particles simultaneously in the formulation of the magnetic composites. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 1371–1377, 1997
Calcium and phosphatidylserine stimulate the self-association of conventional protein kinase C isoforms.

Conflicting evidence exists as to whether “conventional” protein kinase C isoforms (cPKCs) function as monomers or oligomers. In this report, we demonstrate that purified cPKC isoforms can be rapidly cross-linked by the sulfhydryl-selective cross-linker bis(maleimido)hexane, but only in the presence of both Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine; cross-linking was minimal in the presence of either of these activators alone. In addition, cross-linking of these cPKCs did not require Mg2+ or ATP. Among the various phospholipids tested, phosphatidylserine was found to be the most effective in the promotion of cPKC self-association and for the stimulation of protein kinase activity toward the exogenous substrate histone. Phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol were less effective in this regard, whereas phosphatidylcholine exhibited little ability to induce cPKC self-association or to stimulate kinase activity. An examination of the mechanism by which the cPKC isoforms self-associate in the presence of phospholipid/Ca...
Pre‐performance concerns associated with public speaking anxiety

In three studies the relationship between people's public speaking anxiety and their construals of the public speaking experience were examined. In the first study, greater anxiety was associated with greater concern about evaluation, performance, and self‐related issues. Study 2 focused on people's constructs about public speaking. Highly anxious individuals emphasized self‐oriented, negative constructs. In the final study, anxious people selected speech topics that were less familiar to them and reported less sensitivity to public discourse. While previous research on public speaking anxiety has typically examined the effects of the anxiety on performance, these studies suggest that the anxiety is also related to beliefs and concerns that play a major role in the preparation of speeches.
Uncertainty in Illness

The middle-range nursing theory of uncertainty in illness is presented from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. The theory explains how persons construct meaning for illness events, with uncertainty indicating the absence of meaning. A model of the uncertainty theory displaying the concepts and their relationships forms the basis for the theoretical and empirical material. Discussion of the theory is organized around three major themes: the antecedents of uncertainty, the process of uncertainty appraisal and coping with uncertainty.
Changes in the serum lipids and apolipoproteins in the first four weeks of life

ABSTRACT. The neonatal serum lipid transport system was monitored in the 1st month of life to determine the impact of oral feeding (breast versus formula). Lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured in the serum of normal newborn infants collected at birth, 3, 14, and 28 days of age. Fatty acid and neutral lipid studies were determined by gas-liquid chromatography and apolipoprotein levels were done by electroimmunoassay. Following collection of data, the results were divided into two groups corresponding to breast-fed (BF) or formula-fed (FF) infants. Only triacylglycerols at 3 days of age were significantly higher (p<0.04) in FF infant serum when compared to BF levels. Unesterified cholesterol levels in both groups were similar at all intervals, the cholesterol esters were higher at 14 and 28 days in BF infants. ApoA-I and ApoB levels were higher at 3 days in FF, but ApoC-HI levels were the same. At all other sampling times, no discernible differences in these parameters were found between BF and FF. For the infants as a group, changes in levels with increasing age were similar for both ApoA-I and cholesterol esters, as was the case for ApoB and triacylglycerols. However, numerous differences between BF and FF were seen in molecular forms of triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters, reflecting the dietary fatty acid differences between breast milk and formula. Analyses of the fatty acid content of these two diets demonstrated that human breast milk contained twice as much palmitic and oleic acid but only one half the linoleic acid of formula. In summary, little difference in serum lipid classes and apolipoprotein levels were found between BF and FF during the first 4 wk of life. However, striking differences in the molecular forms of both triglycerides and cholesterol esters between the two groups reflected the differences in the fatty acid composition of human milk and formula.
Molecular characterization of meiotic recombination within the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse: mapping of crossover sites within the I region.

The molecular analysis of crossing-over within the mouse major histocompatibility complex provides a useful approach for the study of the structural characteristics of meiotic recombination. In this study five intra-I-region recombinants, each derived fromIk/Ib heterozygotes, were characterized for restriction-fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) characteristic of theI region of the two parental strains. Southern blot analysis of intra-I recombinant strains A.TBR2, A.TBR3, A.TBR5, A.TBR13, and A.TBR17 using sixI-region DNA probes revealed that the point of crossing-over in all five recombinants occurred within a 6.2-kbKpnI-EcoRI segment located within theEβ gene. The segments of DNA containing the crossover point from each of the recombinant chromosomes were cloned by screening partial genomic libraries constructed in λgt7 bacteriophage. Construction of partial restriction maps of the cloned segments from the parental and recombinant chromosomes permitted the boundaries of the area containing the crossover site to be narrowed to a 4.0-kb segment located almost entirely within an intron of theEβ gene. The recognition that the points of crossing-over in all five recombinants studied are clustered in a relatively small area of theI region provides further evidence for a hot spot of recombination associated with theEs gene.
Separation of human rosette- and nonrosette-forming lymphoid cells by countercurrent distribution in an aqueous two-phase system.

Abstract Mixtures of aqueous solutions of dextran and of poly(ethylene glycol) form immiscible two-phase systems suitable for the separation (by partition) of cells based on subtle differences in membrane surface properties. Lymphoid cells from human tonsils were subjected to countercurrent distribution in such a system. Analysis of cells from different parts of the countercurrent extraction train by the sheep red blood cell rosette test indicates a separation of rosette-forming and nonrosette-forming lymphocytes with the former having the higher partition coefficient. Since a major determinant of cell partition in these phases is a membrane-charge associated property it appears likely that the rosette-forming cells have a higher surface charge than the nonrosette-forming cells.
Pharmacologically active biurets containing piperidine and their related compounds

In order to find out what chemical groups are responsible for the favorable pharmacologic properties of biurets reported by Hill and Degnan5), four new biurets were synthesized, namely 1,1,5-triphenyl (1), 1-phenyl-5,5-pentamethylene (II), 5,5-pentamethylene (III), and 1,1,5,5,-bis(pentamethylene) (IV). I was obtained from dry diphenylamine and the azide of phenyl-oxamic acid. The same azide with piperidine gave compound II, while III was obtained from the azide of oxamic acid and piperidine. IV was prepared by the following series of reactions: (a) Diethyl oxalate, heated with a calculated amount of dry piperidine at 150°, gave ethyl N,N-pentamethylene oxamate (V). (b) V condensed with hydrazine hydrate in ethanol and gave the hydrazide of N,N-pentamethylene oxamic acid (VI). (c) VI, diazotized in the cold, gave the azide of N,N-pentamethylene oxalic acid (VII). (d) VII reacted with dry piperidine in dry boiling benzene and gave compound IV. The results of pharmacologic studies indicated that (1) the benzene ring imparts to the biuret molecule toxic properties; (2) the piperidine ring endows to the biuret molecule favorable hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties; and (3) the biuret chain seems to be associated with the reduction of toxicity. Of the four new biurets studied, only IV was found to possess valuable properties. It resembles sodium pentobarbital in its pharmacologic action and is only one tenth as toxic.
Imagining Postnationalism: Arts, Citizenship Education, and Arab American Youth

This article explores an Arab American community arts organization as a site for promoting youth civic participation and social activism. Studying a citizenship education project outside the school walls, and focusing on the arts as a medium for this work, foregrounds the role of the symbolic for engaging youth as active participants in democratic society. The article also examines the symbolic political argument for postnational citizenship that the young participants articulated through a film they produced. [Arab American youth, citizenship education, arts, immigration]
Regioncontrolled formation of iodohy dnns and expoxides from Vic-diols

Abstract A novel method for the stereoselective preparation of iodohydrins and epoxides from stereogenic vicinal diols is described. This new high-yield methodology consists of the conversion of thionocarbonates such as 12 to the primary iodo derivative 14 with complete regiocontrol. Deprotection of the secondary alcohol derivative in 14 gives the corresponding synthetically versatile iodohydrin 16, which is converted to epoxide 17. This methodology has been applied to complex tetraols 29 and 34. In the case of diols the transformation is conveniently carried out in high yield as a one-pot reaction.
Imperfections in labor markets and the scope of the firm

Abstract Results are derived showing how the interaction of adverse selection and worker uncertainty about job preferences creates incentives for firms to offer a wider array of jobs, or integrate. The equilibrium wage structure is characterized. Non-integrated firms make retention wage offers increasing in ability while integrated firms do not. A generalization in which costs to integration are relevant is then suggested. Results indicate that it is the interaction between adverse selection and uncertain preferences that leads to a second-period allocation of workers across jobs that is not first-best, but is second-best. They also show why the presence of adverse selection and uncertain preferences create a tendency toward a scope of integration broader than the first-best outcome.
Caffeine complexes with low water solubility: Synthesis and dissolution rates of 1:1 and 1:2 caffeine‐gentisic acid complexes

The syntheses of 1:1 and 1:2 molecular complexes of caffeine with gentisic acid are described, and their rates of dissolution are reported and compared with that of caffeine. Both complexes were less soluble in water than caffeine, and their rates of dissolution in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and in a phosphate buffer at pH 7.5 were less than that of caffeine. These complexes thus present a potentially useful way of formulating caffeine in dosage forms such as chewable tablets that are intended to linger in the mouth. Such dosage forms would only release caffeine slowly and should, consequently, have an improved taste factor over ones containing pure caffeine. The rates of dissolution of the complexes were close to those predicted by equations that take into account-both the diffusional and chemical equilibrium processes occurring. These equations are shown to be useful in the selection of a complex to achieve a specific dissolution rate.
Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise in Children

The cardiovascular system of children responds to exercise differently than does that of an adult, although the mechanisms behind the differences are unclear. During dynamic exercise, it has been reported that heart rate (HR) response to the initiation of exercise is both faster and slower in children than adults. Furthermore, HR recovery has been reported to be faster in children. During submaximal steady state exercise, HR and total peripheral resistance are higher, while stroke volume [SV (ml)] and cardiac output [Q (L/min)] are lower in children at a given rate of work. At maximal exercise intensities HR is higher while SV and Q are lower in children than adults. Differences in cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise between young boys and girls have also been reported. The majority of studies report that HR is lower and SV is higher in boys than girls at a given rate of work, although data to the contrary have been reported. These differences seem to be related to larger hearts in the boys. Further, the majority of the studies report that Q is similar in young boys and girls at a given rate of work. Few studies have reported differences between boys and girls at maximal intensities of exercise, and the results of those studies are inconsistent. Less is known about cardiovascular responses of children to static exercise compared with adults. A number of studies have reported that HR response to handgrip exercise is greater in children than adults, while others have reported no difference in this response. Even fewer studies have compared boys and girls in their cardiovascular response to static exercise and the results of these studies are also inconsistent. During prolonged exercise both children and adults exhibit cardiovascular drift (gradual increase in HR and decrease in SV). The direction and degree to which these changes differ between children and adults is unclear, with both greater and lesser responses being reported in children. Few studies have investigated differences in cardiovascular response to prolonged exercise between boys and girls. Those that have, report no difference between young boys and girls.
Pilot study of the porcine uterine horn as an in vivo appendicitis model for development of endoscopic transgastric appendectomy

Background Iatrogenic inflammation of the porcine uterine horn may serve as an in vivo appendicitis model for the development of endoscopic transgastric appendectomy. Objective Five female pigs. Study Design Animal study. Settings General anesthesia. Main Outcome Measurements Anatomical appearance and technical feasibility. Interventions Three pigs were used to identify an injectable material that would inflame the uterine horn, and 2 pigs were used for a pilot appendectomy. Three types of materials were individually injected into the bilateral uterine horns, and the ideal material to inflame the uterine horn was injected into the right uterine horn for the last 2 pigs. After 24 hours, the injected uterine horns of the first 3 pigs were assessed and a pilot appendectomy was performed in the last 2 pigs. Results Ethanolamine oleate (EO) injected uterine horns demonstrated similarities to the inflamed human appendix. Simulations of the appendectomy were successfully performed by using the EO model. Limitations Suboptimal existing tools. Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrated the technical feasibility to create a model for acute appendicitis by using the porcine uterine horn and transgastric appendectomy.
A self-stabilizing distributed algorithm for minimal spanning tree problem in a symmetric graph

Abstract Minimal Spanning Tree (MST) problem in an arbitrary undirected graph is an important problem in graph theory and has extensive applications. Numerous algorithms are available to compute an MST. Our purpose here is to propose a self-stabilizing distributed algorithm for the MST problem and to prove its correctness. The algorithm utilizes an interesting result of [1]. We show the correctness of the proposed algorithm by using a new technique involving induction.
Preliminary studies on the phytate content of nigerian foods

Abstract Preliminary data on the phytate levels of staples common to Nigerian diets including beans, tubers, fruits, vegetables, and some fermented foods are presented. The phytate levels in these foods were determined by the recently described Harland/Oberleas AOAC-approved method and are higher than previously reported. Estimations of phytate intake in a “typical” Nigerian daily diet are on the order of 2200 mg/day. Nigerian diets appear to contain three times the phytate found in the diets of North Americans or residents of the British Isles.
Surface diffusion limited desorption of iodine on a platinum electrode

We employed cyclic voltammetry to monitor iodine desorption from a platinum electrode, and the uptake of iodine on an iodine-free platinum surface made available through a dedicated cell geometry and electrode immersion procedures. Within the experimental setting, iodine adsorption takes place either on the bottom half of the same working electrode or on a second, indicator electrode. The rate of iodine desorption is electrode potential dependent and is much higher when desorption occurs from the half I-covered vs. the fully I-covered working electrode. We exclude the possibility of long-range diffusion of iodine on platinum to account for the data, and conclude that 2D diffusion may contribute to the accelerated desorption process by allowing iodine to decompress before it leaves the surface to solution.
Horizontal and vertical winds and temperatures in the equatorial thermosphere: Measurements from Natal, Brazil during August–September 1982

Abstract Fabry-Perot interferometer measurements of Doppler shifts and widths of the 630.0 nm nightglow line have been used to determine the neutral winds and temperatures in the equatorial thermosphere over Natal, Brazil during August–September 1982. During this period, in the early night (2130 U.T.) the average value of the horizontal wind vector was 95 m s −1 at 100° azimuth, and the temperature varied from a low of 950 K during geomagnetically quiet conditions to a high of ~ 1400 K during a storm (6 September). The meridional winds were small, ≲, 50 m s −1 , and the eastward zonal winds reached a maximum value 1–3 h after sunset, in qualitative agreement with TGCM predictions. On 26 August, an observed persistent convergence in the horizontal meridional flow was accompanied by a downward vertical velocity and an increase in the thermospheric temperature measured overhead. Oscillations with periods of 40–45 min in both the zonal and vertical wind velocities were observed during the geomagnetic storm of 6 September, suggesting gravity wave modulation of the equatorial thermospheric flow.
Directive-based parallelization of the NIM weather model for GPUs

The NIM is a performance-portable model that runs on CPU, GPU and MIC architectures with a single source code. The single source plus efficient code design allows application scientists to maintain the Fortran code, while computer scientists optimize performance and portability using OpenMP, OpenACC, and F2C-ACC directives. The F2C-ACC compiler was developed in 2008 at NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) to support GPU parallelization before commercial Fortran GPU compilers were available. Since then, a number of vendors have built GPU compilers that are compliant to the emerging OpenACC standard. The paper will compare parallelization and performance of NIM using the F2C-ACC, Cray and PGI Fortran GPU compilers.
Regulation of dynein-driven microtubule sliding by the radial spokes in flagella

The regulation of microtubule sliding in flagellar axonemes was studied with the use of Chlamydomonas mutants and in vitro assays. Microtubule sliding velocities were diminished in axonemes from mutant cells missing radial spoke structures but could be restored upon reconstitution with dynein from axonemes with wild-type radial spokes. These experiments demonstrate that the radial spokes activate dynein's microtubule sliding activity.
Parental emotional functioning declines with occurrence of clinical complications in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Parents’ stress levels are high prior to their child’s hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and during transplant hospitalization, usually abating after discharge. Nevertheless, a subgroup of parents continues to experience frequent anxiety and mood disruption, the causes of which are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess whether clinical complications of HSCT could explain variation in parents’ recovery of emotional functioning. Pediatric HSCT recipients (n = 165) aged 5–18 and their parents were followed over the first year post-transplant. Health-related quality of life assessments and medical chart reviews were performed at each time period (baseline, 45 days, 3, 6, and 12 months). We tested the association between clinical complications [acute and chronic graft versus host disease (aGVHD and cGVHD), organ toxicity, and infection] and longitudinally measured parental emotional functioning, as assessed by the Child Health-Ratings Inventories. The models used maximum likelihood estimation with repeated measures. In adjusted analyses covering the early time period (45 days and 3 months), aGVHD grade ≥2, intermediate or poor organ toxicity, and systemic infection were associated with decreases in mean parental emotional functioning of 5.2 (p = 0.086), 5.8 (p = 0.052), and 5.1 (p = 0.023) points, respectively. In the later time period (6 and 12 months), systemic infection was associated with a decrease of 20 points (p < 0.0001). cGVHD was not significantly associated. When children experience clinical complications after HSCT, parental emotional functioning can be impacted. Intervening at critical junctures could mitigate potential negative consequences for parents and their children.
The transcendent teacher‐learner relationship: A class investigation

Abstract As children's challenges and needs climb at an alarming rate, teachers are called to a new pedagogy, called to move beyond the barriers of the past. Moreover, to meet the needs of all learners effectively, teachers must relate to children in new ways that transcend the obstacles that have long stood in the way of meaningful learning. All children, particularly special needs children, homeless children, and neglected and abused children, need a special brand of caring, trust, compassion, and high expectations. Such children need transcendence in their relationships with teachers. In a transcendent relationship, teacher and learner go beyond their traditional interactive roles and both may undergo a “turning point” in which their life goals are altered. Caring, trust, mutual respect and love are characteristics of transcendent relationships. This discussion will analyze how transcendent relationships are mutually beneficial for both relators and how frequently the impact of such relationships is pr...
Modification of DNA topoisomerase II activity via direct interactions with the cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein and related transcription factors

DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) is an essential nuclear enzyme which catalyzes the interconversions of various forms of DNA. As predicted from the human topo II cDNA, the enzyme contains a potential leucine zipper protein dimerization motif. We therefore tested whether topo II could enter protein-protein interactions with other better characterized leucine zipper-containing proteins and determined if these interactions could modify topo II enzymatic activity in vitro. By far Western analyses, a large C-terminal fragment of human topo II was shown to interact with the DNA binding and dimerization regions of either cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) or the activating transcription factor-2. The C-terminal topo II fragment also interacted with full-length c-Jun, but not with full-length c-Fos. Using CREB as a prototype, the effect of this interaction on various topo II catalytic activities was assessed in vitro. CREB, at a 1- to 10-fold molar excess relative to topo II, inhibited site-specific DNA c...
Ad buys in presidential campaigns: The strategies of electoral appeal

Two approaches have dominated the study of political advertising: those based on public opinion surveys and those derived from experiments. In this paper, we propose a third perspective based on ad buys—the campaign decisions on when, where, and how often to broadcast particular ads. Using national ad buy data for Bush, Clinton, and Perot in 1992 as well as local ad buy data in four communities around the country, we find major differences in how presidential candidates allocated advertising monies. Bush and Perot spent more of their ad resources nationally than did Clinton, while Clinton devoted more effort to local ad buys. There also were substantial variations in ads broadcast in different cities, in the timing of attack ads, and in strategic alterations during the course of the campaign. Bush, for example, used a stealth advertising strategy in which he aired more positive ads nationally in the last two weeks of the campaign in order to avoid press criticism while keeping attack ads on the air in pol...
The Role of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Following Radical Prostatectomy

Hypogonadism is highly prevalent in older men and men who have prostate cancer. The symptoms of hypogonadism, such as depression, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased bone mineral density, can significantly impair a man's quality of life. Moreover, we know that testosterone plays an important role in erectile preservation and in the growth and function of cavernosal and penile nerves. There are compelling data to suggest that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in normal and high-risk men does not increase the risk for prostate cancer. In the few studies of men treated with TRT after a radical prostatectomy, there have been no biochemical recurrences. Based on these data, it is difficult to justify withholding TRT following a radical prostatectomy. If we do not lower the testosterone levels of eugonadal men after a radical prostatectomy, how can we justify not replacing testosterone levels in hypogonadal men to make them eugonadal following a radical prostatectomy?
How useful is quantitative risk assessment

This article discusses the use of quantitative risk assessment (QRA) in decision making regarding the safety of complex technological systems. The insights gained by QRA are compared with those from traditional safety methods and it is argued that the two approaches complement each other. It is argued that peer review is an essential part of the QRA process. The importance of risk-informed rather than risk-based decision making is emphasized. Engineering insights derived from QRAs are always used in combination with traditional safety requirements and it is in this context that they should be reviewed and critiqued. Examples from applications in nuclear power, space systems, and an incinerator of chemical agents are given to demonstrate the practical benefits of QRA. Finally, several common criticisms raised against QRA are addressed.
Synergistic induction of tissue-type plasminogen activator gene expression by glucocorticoids and cyclic nucleotides in rat HTC hepatoma cells.

We have reported previously that tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) gene expression is regulated by glucocorticoids and cyclic nucleotides in HTC rat hepatoma cells. Incubation of HTC cells with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) transiently increases tPA messenger RNA accumulation 2-fold, whereas incubation with 8-bromo-cAMP (cAMP) alone results in a sustained 2-fold increase. Nuclear run-on studies indicate that these effects occur at the level of gene transcription. In combination, however, Dex and cAMP act synergistically to induce tPA messenger RNA levels 10- to 15-fold; this synergistic induction is at least in part transcriptional. We now report that this synergistic induction of tPA gene transcription requires concomitant protein synthesis. Furthermore, the action of Dex must precede that of cAMP, and the action of Dex requires ongoing protein synthesis, whereas the action of cAMP has no such requirement. To further investigate the mechanism of the synergistic induction of tPA g...
Interest rates and metal price movements: Further evidence

Abstract We offer a theory about the relationship between interest rates and metal price movements. The theory is a version of the Hotelling rule Eq. (8). The results obtained from prices of four different metals based on seasonally and unadjusted quarterly data over the period 1968:2–1982:2 suggest that a reformulated Hotelling rule which has a dynamic structure can explain the relationship between metal prices and interest rates. In view of this result, it appears that the return on exhaustible resources is related to changes in, rather than the levels of, interest rates. This result also confirms the results of G. M. Heal and M. M. Barrow [ Rev. Econom. Stud. 48 , 161–181 (1979); Econom. Lett. 7 , 95–103 (1981)].
Developmental patterns of PDGF B-chain, PDGF-receptor, and α-actin expression in human glomerulogenesis

Developmental patterns of PDGF B-chain, PGDF-receptor, and α-actin expression in human glomerulogenesis. Expression of PDGF B-chain and the PDGF receptor β-subunit (PDGFRβ) is detected immunocytochemically during the development of glomeruli in human kidneys of 54 to 105 days gestational age. During the early stages (vesicular, comma-shape and S-shape) of glomerulogenesis, PDGF B-chain is localized to differentiating epithelium of the glomerular vesicle, while PDGFRβ is expressed in the undifferentiated metanephric blastema, vascular structures, and interstitial cells. During this stage PDGF may be acting as a paracrine growth factor and as a chemoattractant acting to recruit mesangial progenitor cells into the developing glomerulus. As the glomerular tuft forms, both PDGF B-chain and PDGFRβ can be detected in an arboreal pattern radiating from the hilus of the glomerular tuft. Immunocytochemical studies using markers specific to endothelium (Ulex europaeus I lectin, Factor VIII related antigen), and smooth muscle (α-smooth muscle actin), indicate that the PDGF B-chain and PDGFRβ are both expressed primarily by mesangial cells. During this stage, PDGF may be acting primarily to provide an autocrine factor to mediate further mesangial cell proliferation. Glomerular expression of α-smooth muscle actin is limited to later stages of glomerulogenesis; at these stages the pattern of expression is similar to that of PDGF-B chain and PDGFRβ. The upregulation of mesangial PDGF, PDGFRβ, and α-smooth muscle actin expression that has been identified in some disease states in both humans and experimental animals appears to represent a recapitulation of this normal developmental process.
Step-Scan FT-IR Time-Resolved Spectroscopy in the Solid State

The use of KBr pellets as an interference-free matrix for performing time-resolved infrared (TR-IR) measurements on samples in their crystalline state is described and demonstrated. Step-scan Fourier transform infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (S2FT-IR TRS) is used to measure the infrared (IR) absorption difference (ΔA, excited state minus ground state) spectra of the long-lived charge-transfer excited states of polypyridine Ru(II) and Pt(II) complexes pressed into KBr pellets. A comparison of the difference spectra measured for the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) state of the Ru(II) complex in a KBr pellet vs. acetonitrile (ACN) solution is used to validate the technique. The Pt(II) complex could not be analyzed in solution because of its extremely poor solubility. Thus, these results illustrate one of the significant advantages of performing TR-IR measurements on solid KBr sample pellets.
Evaluating space perception in NPR immersive environments

Non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) methods allow us to emphasize or omit detail in order to communicate information more effectively. An important issue to consider is how can we evaluate and validate the communication adequacy of these techniques? In this paper we present a methodology for quantitatively evaluating spatial perception in a functional, NPR, stereo, immersive environment. The methods described in this paper borrow from both the art and perceptual psychology communities and will provide NPR researchers with a methodology for conducting user studies to perceptually validate new rendering approaches within immersive environments.
Osteogenesis from cultured chick periostea has a specific requirement for chloride.

Bone development, like embryonic development in general, depends on a particular internal electrical milieu. Ions are the carriers of currents that maintain this internal environment. In embryonic bone, chloride is a major carrier of such current. To explore the role chloride plays in embryonic bone development we performed several ion-removal experiments, using the chick periosteal osteogenesis (CPO) system as our model. We found that if chloride is reduced in the medium and replaced with a nontoxic anion, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity does not rise, nor does osteogenic development occur. However, acid phosphatase (AP) activity is not affected by level of chloride. Experiments using metabolic inhibitors showed that explants cultured in low chloride medium remain viable. Dose-response studies revealed that the response of ALP activity to chloride concentration is sigmoidal, with a [Cl−]0.5 of 45.9 mM. Reciprocal transfers of explants between complete and low chloride medium show that the rise in ALP activity depends on the length of time explants are cultured with chloride. In contrast, such transfer experiments show that osteogenesis requires chloride only during days 2–3 of culture.
AN UNUSUAL IODINATED PROTEIN OF THE SERUM IN HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS*

Protein-bound iodine may exist in forms other than thyroxine. Man and associates (1) found that patients receiving Lugol’s solution usually had a significant amount of serum iodine that was precipitable together with proteins (therefore not being inorganic iodide) but was not soluble in butanol (therefore not being thyroxine). Danowski and coworkers (2) made the same observations on rats given iodides or iodine. Robbins and associates (3, 4) have identified thyroglobulin in the serum after therapy with radioiodine (doses of 7 to 241 millicuries). This component was found in only small amounts in the serum of patients treated for hyperthyroidism; however, in about half the patients who had malignant lesions of the thyroid, a portion of the radioiodine precipitated along with proteins was identified as thyroglobulin.