cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Commentary on "femoral nerve block prevents deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity after knee arthroplasty: a single-center randomized controlled trial"

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most frequently performed surgical remediation for patients with long-standing osteoarthritis, but a variety of negative outcomes following TKA have been noted, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is the aim of Chen et al.'s randomized controlled trial to explore the efficacy of advanced ultra-sounded guided femoral nerve blocks for reducing serum inflammatory cytokine levels associated with DVT. By specifically measuring changes in neurtrophil elastase following use of either an advanced femoral nerve block 30 minutes prior to surgery or conventional femoral nerve block after surgery and intravenous analgesia, Chen et al.'s study will elucidate the most reliable method for preventing DVT occurrence after TKA. While this commentary identifies several limitations to the study that must be addressed, the sound study design, adequate number of participants and the potential impact of the work on improving patient outcomes from a common procedure make it a valuable contribution to the field of orthopedics. With conclusive results from this study, as well as additional studies investigating the benefits of advanced femoral nerve blocks on outcomes like muscle atrophy, the procedure could become an important consideration during TKA surgery.
Conditions for Stability in Strategic Matching

We consider the stability of matchings when individuals strategically submit preference information to a publicly known algorithm. Most pure Nash equilibria of the ensuing game yield a matching that is unstable with respect to the individuals' sincere preferences. We introduce a well-supported minimal dishonesty constraint, and obtain conditions under which every pure Nash equilibrium yields a matching that is stable with respect to the sincere preferences. The conditions on the matching algorithm are to be either fully-randomized, or monotonic and independent of non-spouses (INS), an IIA-like property. These conditions are significant because they support the use of algorithms other than the Gale-Shapley (man-optimal) algorithm for kidney exchange and other applications. We prove that the Gale-Shapley algorithm always yields the woman-optimal matching when individuals are minimally dishonest. However, we give a negative answer to one of Gusfield and Irving's open questions: there is no monotonic INS or fully-randomized stable matching algorithm that is certain to yield the egalitarian-optimal matching when individuals are strategic and minimally dishonest. Finally, we show that these results extend to the student placement problem, where women are polyandrous but must be honest but do not extend to the admissions problem, where women are both polyandrous and strategic.
Chronic Pain Severity and Sociodemographics: An Evaluation of the Neurobiological Interface

Abstract Chronic pain is variably associated with brain structure. Phenotyping based on pain severity may address inconsistencies. Sociodemographic groups also differ in the experience of chronic pain severity. Whether differences by chronic pain severity and/or sociodemographic groups are indicated in pain-related areas of the brain is unknown. Relations between two measures of chronic pain severity and brain structure via T1-weighted MRI were investigated and sociodemographic group differences explored. The observational study included 142 community-dwelling (68 non-Hispanic Black [NHB] and 74 non-Hispanic White [NHW]) adults with/at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Relationships between chronic pain severity, sociodemographic groups, and a priori selected brain structures (postcentral gyrus, insula, medial orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, rostral middle frontal gyrus, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus) were explored. Chronic pain severity associated with cortical thickness. NHB participants reported lower sociodemographic protective factors and greater clinical pain compared to NHWs who reported higher sociodemographic protective factors and lower clinical pain.. Greater chronic pain severity was associated with smaller amygdala volumes in the NHB group and larger amygdala volumes in the NHW group. Brain structure by chronic pain stage differed between and within sociodemographic groups. Overall, chronic pain severity and sociodemographic factors are associated with pain-related brain structures. Our findings highlight the importance of further investigating social and environmental contributions in the experience of chronic pain to unravel the complex array of factors contributing to disparities. Perspective The study presents data demonstrating structural brain relationships with clinical pain severity, characteristic pain intensity and chronic pain stage, differ by sociodemographic groups. Findings yield insights into potential sources of previous inconsistent pain-brain relationships and highlights the need for future investigations to address social and environmental factors in chronic pain disparities research.
Absence of equid herpesvirus-1 reactivation and viremia in hospitalized critically ill horses.

Background: Equid herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) reactivation and shedding can occur in latently infected, asymptomatic animals. Risk factors for reactivation include stress and illness. The risk of asymptomatic shedding in hospitalized, critically ill horses with acute abdominal disease is unknown. This information is important to assess the need for additional biosecurity protocols to prevent spread of EHV-1 in hospitalized critically ill horses with acute abdominal disorders. Objectives: To determine the frequency of reactivation and nasal shedding of EHV-1 in hospitalized critically ill horses. Animals: One hundred twenty-four client-owned horses admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with acute abdominal disorders were included in the study. Methods: Cross-sectional study examining the risk of reactivation of EHV-1 in horses admitted with acute, severe, gastrointestinal disease. Whole blood and nasal secretions were collected throughout hospitalization. In addition, mandibular lymph nodes were collected from 9 study horses and 26 other Michigan horses. All samples were tested for the presence of EHV-1 nucleic acid by real-time PCR assays targeting the glycoprotein B gene and the polymerase (ORF 30) gene. Results: One hundred and twenty-four horses met the inclusion criteria. None of the samples were positive for EHV-1 DNA. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: These results suggest that nasal shedding and viremia of EHV-1 in hospitalized critically ill horses with acute abdominal disorder is extremely rare. Implementation of additional biosecurity protocols to limit aerosol spread of EHV-1 among horses with acute abdominal disease and other hospitalized horses is not necessary.
A Pretest to Differentiate Between Weak and Nearly-Weak Instrument Asymptotics

We propose a pretest, bootstrap Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, to differentiate between weak and nearly-weak asymptotics. This is based on bootstrapping Wald Continuous Updating Estimator (CUE) based test. Since Wald CUE test has different limits under weak and nearly-weak cases this can be used in a pretest. We also conduct some simulations and show that some of the asset pricing models conform to nearly-weak asymptotics.
Sparse matrix-variate t process blockmodels

We consider the problem of modeling network interactions and identifying latent groups of network nodes. This problem is challenging due to the facts i) that the network nodes are interdependent instead of independent, ii) that the network data are very noisy (e.g., missing edges), and iii) that the network interactions are often sparse. To address these challenges, we propose a Sparse Matrix-variate t process Blockmodel (SMTB). In particular, we generalize a matrix-variate t distribution to a t process on matrices with nonlinear covariance functions. Due to this generalization, our model can estimate latent memberships for individual network nodes. This separates our model from previous t distribution based relational models. Also, we introduce sparse prior distributions on the latent membership parameters to select group assignments for individual nodes. To learn the model efficiently from data, we develop a variational method. When compared with several state-of-the-art models, including the predictive matrix-variate t models and mixed membership stochastic block-models, our model achieved improved prediction accuracy on real world network datasets.
Enterprise Analyzer: electronic support for group requirements elicitation

The paper reports two cases in which groups from the USA Army used an automated meeting environment to define the functional requirements of two modules of a large integrated information system. The process used for these sessions is called Enterprise Analyzer, a combination of tools, facilities, facilitation, and processes that blends aspects of both computer aided software engineering (CASE) and the University of Arizona's GroupSystems Electronic Meeting System (EMS). The paper describes the evolution of the Enterprise Analyzer concept as it matured throughout the two elicitation and refinement sessions. These experiences led us to develop new techniques, tools and procedures for group requirements elicitation, which have been used during three later sessions and will be used in future sessions. >
Concomitant exposure to carbon black particulates enhances ozone‐induced lung inflammation and suppression of alveolar macrophage phagocytosis

The goal of this study was to investigate whether coexposures to carbon black and O3 result in a toxicologic interaction in the lungs as quantitated by the inflammatory response and alveolar macrophage (AM) phagocytosis. This aim was accomplished through inhalation coexposures of Swiss mice for 4 h to target concentrations of 10 mg/m3 of carbon black and 1.5 ppm O3, or exposure to either agent alone. As a control for the coexposure experiments, mice were also exposed for 4 h to carbon black, followed immediately thereafter by exposure for 4 h to O3, or vice versa. At 24 h after exposure, the lungs of the animals were lavaged for quantitation of total and differential cell counts and assessment of AM Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Exposure to carbon black did not result in an inflammatory response, nor had it any effect on AM phagocytosis. Ozone exposure resulted in an inflammatory response in the lungs and suppression of AM phagocytosis. Both biologic parameters were significantly enhanced following combined exposure to the particle and the gas. Carbon black exposure either before or after O3 had no significant effect on AM phagocytosis as compared to O3 exposure alone. These data demonstrate the toxicologic interaction of coexposures to an inert particle and O3 on well-accepted biologic markers pulmonary toxicity. The mechanism for the enhanced biologic effect may be that the carbon black particle acts as a carrier mechanism for O3 to areas in the distal lung not accessible to O3 in the gaseous phase or that O3 alters the physicochemistry of the particulate from a nontoxic to a toxic form.
Conflict Frequency within Mother-Child Dyads across Contexts: Links with Attachment Security and Gender.

Abstract The current study examined context, attachment, temperament, and gender as predictors of conflict frequency between mothers and their young children. Conflict between 40 mothers and their 36-month-old children was observed during multiple laboratory tasks with varying levels of structure, and the number of dyadic conflict episodes was totaled for each context. Mothers also completed measures of attachment and temperament. Results indicated that relative to free play and clean-up contexts, dyads displayed the highest amounts of conflict during the teaching context, which was driven by mother-initiated conflict. Attachment, but not temperament, was predictive of dyadic conflict frequency and child-initiated conflicts for mother–daughter dyads, but not for mother–son dyads, during the teaching context. Specifically, as attachment security increased, conflict decreased between mothers and their daughters. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of examining the context and child's gender in accordance with attachment in order to fully understand the relationship between attachment and conflict frequency.
TH-C-137-11: Dose-Guided Automatic IMRT Planning: A Feasibility Study

Purpose: To develop and evaluate an automatic planning technique for prostate cancer utilizing prior expert plan's dose as guidance. Methods: A plan atlas was created using 10 expert prostate IMRT plans covering a variety of typical anatomical configurations. The target includes both prostate and seminal vesicle. Additional 9 patients (query cases) were used to test the automatic planning, which started by matching the query case to the atlas based on the overall PTV‐OAR anatomical configuration. The anatomy of the matched atlas case is then linked to the query case via deformable registration in MIM Maestro™, which provides fine local‐regional matching. Following the same anatomical deformation, the expert dose in atlas is warped onto the query case, creating the goal dose conforming the query case's target. DVH objectives were sampled from the goal dose to guide automatic IMRT treatment planning in Eclipse™ for the query case. Dosimetry comparison between dose‐guided automatic plans (DAPs) and clinical plans for query cases are reported. Results: Generating goal dose is highly efficient with customized workflows in MIM™. The deformation registration provides a realistic goal dose for the query cases in terms of dose fall off at the PTV‐OAR junctions and PTV conformity. The automatic planning takes ∼2.5 min (∼70 iterations) without human intervention. Compared to clinical plans, DAPs improved the PTV conformity index from 1.031±0.044 for expert plans to 1.005±0.019 (p=0.04). Other dosimetric parameters are similar between DAP and clinical plans (p>0.1): homogeneity indices are 0.073±0.010 and 0.079±0.015; Bladder‐gEUDs are 3917±352 cGy and 3934±354 cGy; Rectum‐gEUDs are 3923±256 cGy and 3932±323 cGy, respectively. Conclusion: Dose‐guided automatic treatment planning is feasible and efficient. Atlas‐based patient‐specific DVH objectives can effectively guide the optimizer to achieve similar or better plan quality compared to clinical plans.(The authors thank Adam Neff from MIM Software Inc. for technical supports.) The study is partially supported by NIH grant and a Varian master research grant.
Nitrite consumption and production in the cardiopulmonary circulation during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation

Nitrite (NO2-) is reduced to nitric oxide (NO) by deoxyhemoglobin, and resynthesized in blood by oxidation of NO in the presence of ceruloplasmin. The central circulation seems a probable site for nitrite consumption and repletion during periods of oxidative stress and recovery such as that seen in hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR). We asked whether NO2- is consumed in the central circulation during hemorrhage, and reconstituted during resuscitation.
Femtosecond studies of trapped electrons at the liquid—solid interface of aqueous CdS colloids

Abstract We report the direct measurements of the dynamics of trapped electrons at the liquid—solid interface of aqueous CdS colloids on the femtosecond time scale. The trapped electrons are found to be generated in less than 100 fs. The majority of the trapped electrons decays in 10 ps through predominately electron—hole recombination, while a small fraction lives for longer than 1 ns.
Ryanodine Receptor Sensitization Alters Local And Global Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Release Termination Threshold In Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes

Dynamic measurements of Ca within the sarcoplasmic reticulum ([Ca]SR) using low-affinity Ca indicators give critical insight into the role of [Ca]SR in Ca release termination. Here we used a low dose of caffeine to examine the effects of ryanodine receptor (RyR) sensitization on local and global SR Ca release in rabbit ventricular myocytes. In field stimulated myocytes (1 Hz), application of 250 μM caffeine caused an initial 44% increase in amplitude of action potential-induced [Ca]SR depletion. This resulted in unloading of the SR (27% decrease in steady state diastolic [Ca]SR) and a lowering of the termination level for global release (28% decrease in systolic [Ca]SR). A single stimulus protocol was used to examine the effects of caffeine on SR Ca release after varying [Ca]SR. At all [Ca]SR levels where release was observed, caffeine increased the [Ca]SR depletion amplitude by lowering the global termination level of release. We next studied the effects of caffeine on local SR Ca release events in permeabilized myocytes by simultaneously measuring cytosolic Ca sparks with associated local [Ca]SR depletions (Ca blinks). Under control conditions, Ca sparks terminated at a fixed [Ca]SR depletion threshold, irrespective of initial [Ca]SR. Application of 200 μM caffeine caused an immediate increase in Ca spark frequency (58%), amplitude (8%), duration (23%), and spatial width (13%), and decreased the Ca blink termination level below the control threshold level. Taken together, these data suggest that sensitization of the RyR produces an increase in SR Ca release by decreasing the [Ca]SR termination level for release at individual release junctions.
The Attempt to Reform Taxation in the United States

In the first section of the paper the causes behind the demand for tax reform in the United States are investigated. They include issues associated with bracket creep, the redistribution of income, low rates of return on saving, sluggish economic growth, capriciousness of the tax system, and problems associated with the averaging of income, the marriage tax penalty, automatic stabilization, and the cost of administration.In the second part of the paper there is an examination of the four most influential tax proposals that culminated in the 1986 tax law. The economic effects of the new levy are investigated.In the final section of the article the prospects for genuine tax-reform in the United States are examined. It is argued that, under existing political institutions and incentives, there is little hope for meaningful reform. Data are produced to support this hypothesis.
Stress Relaxation of Trithiocarbonate-Dimethacrylate-based Dental Composites

Objectives To reduce polymerization-induced shrinkage stress while maintaining mechanical properties, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-capable functional groups were incorporated into a photopolymerizable dimethacrylate-based dental composite. We hypothesize that the incorporation of trithiocarbonate-based RAFT functional groups into conventional dimethacrylate dental resins will reduce polymerization stress.
On the singular “Vectors of the Lyapunov operator

For a real matrix A, the separation of $A^T $ and A is sep $(A^T , - A) = \min \| A^T X + XA \| / \| X \|$, where $\| \cdot \|$ represents the Frobenius matrix norm. We discuss the conjecture that the minimizer X is symmetric. This conjecture is related to the numerical stability of methods for solving the matrix Lyapunov equation. The quotient is minimized by either a symmetric matrix or a skew-symmetric matrix and is maximized by a symmetric matrix. The conjecture is true if A is 2-by-2, if A is normal, if the minimum is zero, or if the real parts of the eigenvalues of A are of one sign. In general the conjecture is false, but counterexamples suggest that symmetric matrices are nearly optimal.
Relation of Dietary Protein Content to Water intake, Water Elimination and Amount of Cloacal Excreta Produced by Growing Chickens

Abstract Wet litter in poultry houses is a problem of considerable economic and pathological importance. Although little is known of the physiological factors involved, Eley and Hoffmann (1949) suggest that dietary protein content may affect the amount of moisture in the droppings which should in turn directly affect the moisture content of the litter. The present study is a preliminary report on an attempt to determine the relationship between protein intake and the amount of water eliminated in the droppings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight, 12-week-old Rhode Island Reds were divided at random into 6 groups of 8 birds each. Each group contained 4 males and 4 females. The birds were held in compartments 4×2×1½ which were equipped with wire screen floors. The three diets differed essentially only in percentage protein as a result of varying the corn and soybean oil meal content. These diets provided 15, 20 and 25 percent protein . . .
New Ni--Cr--Mo alloy demonstrates high-temperature structural stability with resultant increases in corrosion resistance and mechanical properties

Results of a program are preserted to develop quantitative information on the effect of both intermetallic and carbon precipitation on the corrosion resistance of Ni-- Cr-Mo alloys in oxidizing and reducing environments. This program has resulted in an improved third generation alloy, Hastelloy Developmental alloy C-4, which achieves stability with respect to precipitatlon of the carbide and intermetallic phases. (GE)
The effect of 5-fluorouracil on the eye pigmentary system in Ephestia kühniella

Abstract The action of 5-fluorouracil on the development of the eye pigmentation in the pupa of Ephestia has been studied descriptively and by means of paper chromatography. It was observed that treatment with 5-FU up to 60 hr after pupation blocks a spreading process which is necessary for the synthesis and deposition of the two pigment components which appear first in development. Treatment with 5-FU up to the fourth day after pupation suppresses completely the formation of a third component of the pigment, while after this time 5-FU has no effect on the formation of the eye pigments, even though the third pigment component appears only at the 7th day after pupation. The results are discussed with respect to possible mechanisms underlying the effects of 5-FU on the processes involved in pigment formation.
Essential role for MFG-E8 as ligand for αvβ5 integrin in diurnal retinal phagocytosis

The integrin receptor αvβ5 controls two independent forms of interactions of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with adjacent photoreceptor outer segments that are essential for vision. αvβ5 localizes specifically to apical microvilli of the RPE and contributes to retinal adhesion that maintains RPE contacts with intact outer segments at all times. Additionally, αvβ5 synchronizes diurnal bursts of RPE phagocytosis that clear photoreceptor outer segment fragments (POS) shed in a circadian rhythm. Dependence of retinal phagocytosis and adhesion on αvβ5 receptors suggests that the extracellular matrix ensheathing RPE microvilli contains ligands for this integrin. Here we studied mice lacking expression of functional MFG-E8 to test the contribution of this integrin ligand to αvβ5 functions in the retina. Lack of MFG-E8 only minimally reduced retinal adhesion. In contrast, lack of MFG-E8, like lack of αvβ5 receptor, eliminated αvβ5 downstream signaling involving the engulfment receptor MerTK and peak POS phagocytosis, both of which follow light onset in wild-type retina. MFG-E8-deficient RPE in primary culture retained normal epithelial morphology and levels of apical αvβ5 receptors, but showed impaired binding and engulfment of isolated POS. Soluble or POS-bound recombinant MFG-E8 was sufficient to fully restore phagocytosis by MFG-E8-deficient RPE. Furthermore, MFG-E8 supplementation strongly increased POS binding by wild-type and MerTK-deficient RPE, but did not affect POS binding by RPE lacking αvβ5. Thus, MFG-E8 stimulates rhythmic POS phagocytosis by ligating apical αvβ5 receptors of the RPE. These results identify MFG-E8 as the first extracellular ligand in the retina that is essential for diurnal POS phagocytosis.
Metastatic renal tumor presenting as ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Patients with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the kidney often present with metastatic disease, in some cases involving organs in which primary clear cell tumors occur. Under these circumstances, diagnosis of the renal primary tumor may be delayed. Herein we present a case of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the ovaries initially treated as primary ovarian disease, until the appearance of other metastases prompted the discovery of its true origin. A high index of suspicion and the histologic characteristics of these tumors may allow earlier diagnosis and treatment of a renal primary tumor.
Application of dial-gage and laser speckles for ultra-low thermal-expansion measurements using push-rod dilatometers

Abstract Conversion of conventional push-rod dilatometers for ultra-low thermal-expansion measurements is described. The method is based on the determination of the displacement of the probe-rod by ultra-precise dial-gage measurements by means of a laser-speckle technique. The movement of speckles created in space by the laser beam incident on an aluminum foil attached to the needle of the gage is observed for the measurements. It has been found that the sensitivity of the modified dilatometer is orders of magnitude higher than the existing LVDT approach.
Quantitative Comparison of HTLV-1 and HIV-1 Cell-to-Cell Infection with New Replication Dependent Vectors

We have developed an efficient method to quantify cell-to-cell infection with single-cycle, replication dependent reporter vectors. This system was used to examine the mechanisms of infection with HTLV-1 and HIV-1 vectors in lymphocyte cell lines. Effector cells transfected with reporter vector, packaging vector, and Env expression plasmid produced virus-like particles that transduced reporter gene activity into cocultured target cells with zero background. Reporter gene expression was detected exclusively in target cells and required an Env-expression plasmid and a viral packaging vector, which provided essential structural and enzymatic proteins for virus replication. Cell-cell fusion did not contribute to infection, as reporter protein was rarely detected in syncytia. Coculture of transfected Jurkat T cells and target Raji/CD4 B cells enhanced HIV-1 infection two fold and HTLV-1 infection ten thousand fold in comparison with cell-free infection of Raji/CD4 cells. Agents that interfere with actin and tubulin polymerization strongly inhibited HTLV-1 and modestly decreased HIV-1 cell-to-cell infection, an indication that cytoskeletal remodeling was more important for HTLV-1 transmission. Time course studies showed that HTLV-1 transmission occurred very rapidly after cell mixing, whereas slower kinetics of HIV-1 coculture infection implies a different mechanism of infectious transmission. HTLV-1 Tax was demonstrated to play an important role in altering cell-cell interactions that enhance virus infection and replication. Interestingly, superantigen-induced synapses between Jurkat cells and Raji/CD4 cells did not enhance infection for either HTLV-1 or HIV-1. In general, the dependence on cell-to-cell infection was determined by the virus, the effector and target cell types, and by the nature of the cell-cell interaction.
Evaluating Sustainability of Selected Airport Pavement Treatments with Life-Cycle Cost, Raw Material Consumption, and Greenroads Standards

In the global aviation community, sustainability increasingly is becoming a priority for airport projects as a foundation for future prosperity. Pavement structures are an airport's greatest asset and greatest liability. Pavement management systems involve an intensive and expensive enterprise, and pavement maintenance projects consume massive amounts of nonrenewable resources at every airport in the nation. Little research has been conducted to assist airport pavement managers in reducing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of pavement maintenance and preservation processes. The old cliche of "what is not measured is not managed" applies, and a performance metric therefore is needed to permit pavement managers to measure sustainability. No standard, quantitative performance metric for sustainability is now in use by pavement managers assessing pavement treatment alternatives. This paper demonstrates how airport pavement managers can quantitatively analyze typical pavement treatments with a li...
Insecticidal activity of individual and mixed monoterpenoids of geranium essential oil against Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae).

ABSTRACT The major components of geranium (Geranium maculatum L.) oil and their mixtures were tested against female Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae). Chemical analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry revealed four major constituents: citronellol (38%), geraniol (16%), citronellyl formate (10.4%), and linalool (6.45%) (concentration expressed as percentage of total). Topical application demonstrated that the most potent component was citronellol and geraniol, with LD50 values 9.7 and 12.7 µg/insect, respectively. Linalool and Citronellyl formate were less toxic with LD50 values 24.7 and 38.5 µg/insect, respectively. Toxicity of these four major constituents in the same proportion as the natural oil, was greater than whole oil and each individual component. Removal of any four constituents produced a decreased in effectiveness. The absence of citronellol caused the greatest decrease in toxicity (DL50 from 2.2 to 10.9 µg/insect), leading us to conclude that thi...
Structure of the Human Gene Encoding Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 (SREBF2)

Sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) 1 and SREBP2 are ubiquitously expressed transcription factors that play key roles in the regulation of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. SREBP1 and SREBP2 share ∼47% sequence identity and map to chromosomes 17 and 22, respectively. The gene encoding SREBP1 (SREBF1) has been cloned and characterized. In this paper we describe the gene structure and 5′-flanking sequence ofSREBF2. SREBF2spans 72 kb and is composed of 19 exons and 18 introns. The locations of the exon/intron boundaries ofSREBF2are remarkably similar to those ofSREBF1,butSREBF2is approximately 2.8 times larger in size. The 5′-flanking regions ofSREBF2and of two alternatively spliced forms ofSREBF1, SREBF1aandSREBF1c,were sequenced, and theSREBF2transcription start site was determined. A perfect 10-bp sterol regulatory element (SRE)-1 sequence was present in the promoter region ofSREBF2.No SRE-1 was identified in the 5′-flanking sequences of eitherSREBF1aorSREBF1c,but several E-box sequences were present inSREBP1c.Thus, analysis of the 5′-flanking regions provides support that these two transcription factors, though similar in their coding sequence and overall gene structure, have different physiological roles. Finally, evidence is presented for the presence of another expressed gene of unknown function located 500 bp upstream ofSREBF2.
Caffeine (1,3,7‐trimethylxanthine), a temperate promoter of DMBA‐induced rat mammary gland carcinogenesis

The administration of caffeine to the drinking water (250 mg/l and 500 mg/l) of female Sprague-Dawley rats after treatment with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) (5 mg i.g.) resulted in an increase in mammary carcinoma incidence. The confidence levels of statistical significance for the groups of rats receiving the 250-mg and 500-mg doses of caffeine were greater than 0.70 and greater than 0.99, respectively. This increase in mammary carcinoma incidence was observed when caffeine treatment was initiated commencing 3 days after DMBA treatment and continued for 21 weeks. This effect was also observed when caffeine treatment was initiated commencing 20 weeks after DMBA treatment and continued for 6 weeks in rats relatively refractory to carcinogen treatment (mammary tumor-free at onset of treatment) and in rats relatively sensitive to the carcinogen (mammary tumor bearing at onset of caffeine treatment). Caffeine treatment of rats prior to and during carcinogen treatment did not significantly affect mammary carcinoma incidence. Thus caffeine consumption has been shown to significantly enhance the promoting phase but is without effect on the initiating phase of this carcinogenic process.
Numerical Study of Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Experiments for Mars Entry Aeroshells

The combination of landing future high mass systems with small landing footprints on Mars may require the use of both propulsive deceleration (PD) and reaction control system (RCS) thrusters. However, the interactions between these jets and the supersonic or hypersonic freestream involve complex flow phenomena that are still not well understood. This paper describes numerical and experimental techniques that are used in an effort to develop physically accurate methods to compute these complex flow interactions. The paper also presents a numerical parametric study that is conducted using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code LeMANS. This study examines the effects of low temperature and density values and radially nonuniform freestream conditions in the hypersonic wind tunnel facility using an aeroshell based on the Mars Science Laboratory in Mach 12 flow of nitrogen gas with PD and RCS jets off. It is shown that although the Blottner and the Sutherland models compute different values of viscosity at low temperatures, the flowfield and surface properties predicted by LeMANS using these two models are in very close agreement. The study also shows that thermal nonequilibrium effects are negligible. The radial freestream nonuniformities, however, have considerable effects on the flowfield and surface properties. The nonuniform conditions change the temperature and density distributions in most of the computational domain, widen the bow shock around the aeroshell, increase continuum breakdown regions, and decrease the drag coefficient of the capsule compared to the uniform conditions. Finally, the paper presents qualitative experimental comparisons with the computed results which show overall good agreement.
Characterization of the ribosome-protected regions of 125I-labelled rabbit globin messenger RNA☆

Abstract The fragments of 125I-labelled rabbit globin messenger RNA protected from pancreatic RNAase by initiating 40 S subunits and 80 S ribosomes were analysed using the techniques of RNA sequencing. The fragments were cleaved specifically at cytidine residues generating oligonucleotides labelled in their 3′ terminal residue. Analysis of the partial digestion products of these oligonucleotides after treatment with pancreatic, T1, U2 and T2 RNAase enabled their sequences to be deduced. Sequences were determined from knowledge of the specificities of the ribonucleases and then confirmed in a separate analysis making use of the known electrophoretic mobilities of each base. This combination of methods served to establish that the 40 S- and 80 S-protected fragments are related, and that both contain the initiation codon of the mRNA. The 80 S-protected fragment is about 40 bases in length whilst the 40 S-protected fragments range from 50 to more than 60 bases in length. The most prominent of these 40 S-protected fragments is about 50 bases in length and extends more towards the 5′ end of the mRNA than does the 80 S-protected fragment. It follows that 80 S ribosomes do not protect the 5′ end of the mRNA from nuclease digestion and that the 5′ terminus of rabbit globin mRNA must be at least 15 to 30 bases from the initiation codon.
Extraction of process specific photolithography model parameters

In order to truly represent photolithography through simulation, the exposure, bake, and development models and model parameters must be accurate. Using the approach for the measurement of the in-situ development rate, developed in the first paper of this two paper series, the model parameters were extracted for Shipley 812 resist with Shipley MF312 developer. Development rates for exposures of 66, 90, and 114 mJ/cm2 were measured. It was discovered that the set of Kim model parameters, R1 through R6, were highly correlated with the combination of the Dill exposure parameters. Thus, for A equals 0.581 micrometers -1, B equals 0.082 micrometers -1 equals 0.013 cm2/mJ, the parameters R1 equals 25.559 micrometers /min, R2 equals 10.451 micrometers /min, R3 equals 1.879, R4 equals 0.112, R5 equals 1.586, R6 equals 0.000 micrometers , and (sigma) equals 0.0016 micrometers were extracted. A comparison of simulated data using the extracted model parameters with the measured data demonstrated the quality of the fit.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of current suppression in the pn−n+ diode of integrated injection logic

Abstract The j - V characteristics of the pn − n + diode are derived by combining the different current components in the n − region of the diode for various bias voltages. For infinitly fast recombination, the expression for the current density as a function of bias reduces to that of a conventional one-dimensional theory. For finite recombination, however, the expression deviates significantly from the usual expression. In fact, contrary to what would be expected from the conventional theory, the current increases as the width of the neutral n − region increases for a constant bias. Finally the results of the analysis of the pn − n + diode are applied to an analysis of the current gain in the integrated injection logic ( I 2 L ) device. A qualitative discussion of the current gain for the lateral pnp transistor and for that of the vertical npn transistor is given.
Sound propagation, density, and viscosity in liquid 3 He

We have measured the temperature dependence of the velocity and the attenuation of sound in the range 60–700 mK. The maximum in the sound velocity observed by Abraham and Osborne is confirmed. The viscosity deduced from the attenuation measurements is in good agreement with that of Abel, Anderson, and Wheatley but differs from that of Betts, Keen, and Wilks. The sound velocity as a function of pressure at 150 mK was also measured and from this the low-temperature pressure dependence of the density was determined.
Dilated cardiomyopathy with mural thrombus presenting with asthma-like symptoms

Abstract Rationale We report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy with mural thrombus presenting in an atopic patient with symptoms of reactive airways disease. Methods A 47 year-old female presented to the Allergy Clinic during the spring season with rhinitis, ocular pruritus, cough, chest tightness and wheeze. Allergy skin testing showed reactivity to tree pollens and dust mites. A chest film showed a mild lingular infiltrate. Pulmonary function test showed mild obstructive airway disease. She was treated with azithromycin, beclomethasone diproprionate 80 ug, 2 puffs twice daily, albuterol as needed and a short Prednisone taper. Her symptoms improved. Four weeks later, she experienced a recurrence of cough, nocturnal wheeze, dyspnea and tachycardia. When her symptoms persisted despite the use of fluticasone proprionate,220 ug, salmeterol and monteleukast, a repeat chest film was obtained. Results The chest film showed a mild cardiomegaly compared with her previous chest x-ray. An echocardiogram revealed a dilated cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular mural thrombus. D-Dimer was positive. Doppler study of the lower extremities was normal. She was started on digoxin, furosemide, warfarin sodium and lisinopril and has done well off all asthma medications. Conclusions Allergists should maintain a high index of suspicion in cases where symptoms suggestive of reactive airway disease may be masquerading as another unexpected disease entity.
Rapporteur summary: role of technology in clinical trials-validation of information

Policy should be directed toward increased scientific rigor in clinical trails, not rigor mortis of the review process. New technologies such as biomedical imaging can increase rigor by providing objective, quantitative measures of device efficacy. Furthermore, a variety of digital technologies for management of clinical trails data and for computerization of the regulatory submission and review process should also be encouraged. In sum, policy should encourage technologies that facilitate the clinical trails and regulatory review process, while increasing scientific rigor.
Dynamics of the oceanic general circulation: the potential vorticity field

The general circulation of the oceans is determined by vorticity, temperature and salinity. The theory of large-scale circulation puts a strong constraint on the fields of potential vorticity, q. New calculations and observations of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, using the field of potential vorticity as a point of comparison, reveal strong similarities. In particular, the observations can be modelled by gyres around which geostrophic contours deform to follow the circulation and within which q is uniform. The effects of injected waters with relatively low potential vorticity are significant.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Literacy

This special issue concerns one of the most challenging areas in the education of children who are deaf and hard of hearing: the development and improvement of literacy (reading and writing) skills. Much of what we know about the reading and writing achievement levels of these students has been obtained through the use of norm-referenced or criterion-referenced tests. Data from such studies indicate that most deaf and hard-ofhearing students do not read or write as well as their hearing counterparts upon graduation from high school. Many 18to 19-year-old deaf and hard-ofhearing students are performing no better than the average 9or 10-year-old hearing students. With respect to reading, there seems to be an annual growth rate of only 0.3 grade level per year with a leveling off or plateau occurring at the thirdor fourth-grade level. If poor readers are invariably poor writers, then it is not surprising that the findings of research on the written language productions of students who are deaf and hard of hearing also reveal low levels of achievement. These students cannot benefit much from the reciprocal relationships between reading and writing. That is, typically, students can increase their reading skills through writing activities and can improve their writing skills through reading activities. If deaf (or hearing) students have not developed an internal representation of English, they will receive only limited ben-
Collection analysis outcomes in an academic library

Purpose – The intent of this article is to illustrate outcomes and results of a collection analysis done by a smaller academic library.Design/methodology/approach – The collection was evaluated using an online analysis tool combined with a physical inventory of the collection.Findings – Peer group comparisons revealed some of the problems with this particular collection were also widespread among the comparison libraries. The value of the e‐book collection to patrons was clear: not only did e‐books provide resources to remote students; they help compensate for shortfalls in the print collection.Practical implications – The catalog more accurately reflects what is on the shelf and also what is reported to OCLC. Access to the collection has been improved and enhanced. Steps were taken to refocus the library's collection development procedures and management. The changes made have led to increased faculty involvement in selection and a more balanced, more comprehensive collection management plan.Originality/...
An 18-year-old with nephrotic syndrome and chest pain: questions.

A 15-year-old African American male presented with periorbital and lower extremity edema and was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Hepatitis B and C serologies, cytomegalovirus PCR and rapid human immunodeficiency virus tests were negative, and genetic studies revealed no abnormal variants in the NPHS2, ACTN4 or TRPC6 genes. The initial biopsy showed minimal change disease, although focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was suspected based on the patient’s age at presentation. Subsequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of FSGS. He was treated with high-dose prednisone for 6 weeks, and his NS was steroid-resistant. He subsequently received an 8-week course of oral cyclophosphamide, which was prematurely stopped due to an increased urine protein:creatinine ratio and worsening anasarca. He then received tacrolimus, which induced remission after 5 months. Three years following his initial diagnosis of NS, he presented to our emergency room with a 1-week history of dry cough and 1 day of worsening severe substernal pleuritic chest pain. Further questioning revealed a medical history of 3 weeks of nightly fevers and sweats, 2 weeks of generalized abdominal pain, headaches and generalized fatigue. He denied anyweight changes. He continued to take tacrolimus. Physical exam was unremarkable. Specifically, there was no edema, palpable lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. He was afebrile, with a blood pressure of 94/57, heart rate of 112 beats per minute and respiratory rate of 19 breaths/minute. His urine protein:creatinine ratio was 0.1 mg/mg and serum albumin was 3.2 g/dL. His serum tacrolimus level was appropriate at 8.5 ng/mL and his serum creatinine was 0.8 mg/dL. He had no reaction on a tuberculin skin test. An electrocardiogram revealed sinus tachycardia.
Neither hearth nor home: the (un)making of elder care responsibility

Abstract Using framing analysis and textual analysis methodologies, this research identifies the major themes or meaning systems that two elite national newspapers and the Administration on Aging (AoA) applied to elder care responsibility. The two newspapers yielded 235 published items dealing with various aspects of elder care during the 10-year period from 1987 to 1997. Elder care proved to be an elusive concept for the national news media, which are better suited to cover events rather than issues. Two dominant themes emerged from the news texts: the burden of elder care on the US economy, and the role of personal obligations in undertaking care responsibilities of the elderly. The former theme resonates in policy discussions relating to the Family Medical Leave Act. The primary theme in the AoA's elder care campaign was the benefits of family care versus institutionalized care. Together these themes provide insight into the cultural expectations associated with care responsibilities of the elderly.
Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons pediatric patients seek emergency care. The emergency physician must be able to distinguish diagnoses requiring immediate attention from self-limiting processes. Pediatric patients can be challenging, particularly those who are preverbal, and therefore, the clinician must rely on a detailed history from a parent or caregiver as well as a careful physical examination in order to narrow the differential diagnosis. This article highlights several pediatric diagnoses presenting as abdominal pain, including surgical emergencies, nonsurgical diagnoses, and extraabdominal processes, and reviews the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of each.