cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Don't Stop Thinking about the Music: The Politics of Songs and Musicians in Presidential Campaigns. By Benjamin S. Schoening and Eric T. Kasper. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2012. 289 pp.

Don't Stop Thinking about the Music: The Politics of Songs and Musicians in Presidential Campaigns. By Benjamin S. Schoening and Eric T. Kasper. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2012. 289 pp. In Don't Stop Thinking about the Music, Benjamin S. Schoening and Eric T. Kasper provide an interdisciplinary account of the role of music in American political campaigns. Their book makes a valuable contribution to research by integrating scholarship of music history with that of presidential campaigns. The book is organized into three parts. Part One focuses on what the authors call the traditional era (1789-1916). Here, they show that music has been used as a negative campaign strategy for centuries. They also point to the 1840 election as a significant turning point in its use of "singing campaigns" (p. 44) to paint candidates as down-to-earth and, simultaneously, to demean opponents (e.g., "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" set to the tune of "Little Pigs"). Moreover, technological advances made it possible to mass produce songbooks more efficiently, thereby making these singing campaigns accessible to voters. This use of what the authors call "parody," or applying new words to a familiar tune (p. 76), would be replaced in the twentieth century with songs written expressly for the campaigns. Part Two (the mass media era) extends from about 1920 to 1984. During this period, women won the right to vote and campaign music began to reflect their issues and experiences. Moreover, radio technology brought campaign music into homes across the country. Consequently, people stopped relying as heavily on songbooks and, instead, focused on slogan songs such as "Keep Cool and Keep Coolidge." In addition, as part of the Works Progress Administration program that began in the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Federal Music Project. Through it, folk singers such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger found work by composing and singing prounion songs with progressive social messages. By the 1950s, television and campaign music sound bites began to play a central role in campaigns as well. Part Three focuses primarily on post-1984 campaign music, which is now a staple in campaigns (whether or not the musicians actually endorse the candidate). Notable early examples include Ronald Reagan's use of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A" and Bill Clinton's use of Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)." By 2000, pop songs were being used unabashedly as campaign songs. Today, the Internet (much like radio and television before it) allows more people to be involved in the creation and distribution of campaign music, which is, again, marking a shift in how music is used in political campaigns. The authors close by predicting that the Internet will open even wider the doors for average citizens to introduce unsolicited campaign songs that are, also, uncontrolled by the candidates. …
Online teaching and technological affordances: An experimental investigation into the impact of modality and clarity on perceived and actual learning

Abstract Online courses have become commonplace at many institutions of higher education. While the popularity on online courses is growing, there are still many questions regarding the effectiveness of such courses in facilitating learning outcomes. Using theories from mass communication and education, we designed an online lecture which employed a 2 (modality) × 2 (clarity) between-subjects factorial design to better understand how variations in the mode (text only; audio and text) and structure/clarity (high clarity; low clarity) of information impacted feelings of instructor closeness, credibility, and perceived and actual learning. Results indicated that online lectures presented in a multimodal format were better at facilitating positive student experiences with instructors, as well as perceived and actual learning than lectures that contained only one mode of information. Implications of these findings are discussed with a specific focus on instructional design and technology.
Emergence of increased cerebral metastasis after high-dose preoperative radiotherapy with chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND In recent years, combined modality induction therapy has defined a new standard of care in the treatment of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage III nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, providing improved local control and improved disease-free survival. However, the majority of Stage III patients still die of recurrent disease. METHODS Forty-two consecutive patients with AJCC Stage IIIA/IIIB nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) who were undergoing induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection of the primary NSCLC tumor between December 1, 1987 and September 1, 1999 were analyzed for resectability, survival, and patterns of disease failure. These patients received cisplatin (60 mg/m2) on Days 1 and 22 and etoposide (100 mg/m2) on Days 1, 2, and 3, and Days 22, 23, and 24 together with 5940 centigrays (cGy) of radiation in 180-cGy fractions delivered over 6 weeks. RESULTS Thirty-one of the 42 patients (74%) underwent surgical resection of the primary lung tumor and mediastinal lymph nodes after chemoradiotherapy. No surgical deaths were reported. The median survival of these 31 patients was 52 months. The 5-year survival estimate using the Kaplan–Meier method was 49.9%. The local control rate was 80%. The incidence of distant metastases other than in the brain was reduced. The most frequently involved site of isolated first recurrence was the brain. The median time to brain recurrence was 7.5 months from the time of surgical resection. All brain metastases were detected within 2 years. CONCLUSIONS The high incidence of isolated brain metastasis after induction chemoradiotherapy and curative resection and their response to treatment suggest that routine scans of the brain may be indicated in the follow-up of patients with locally advanced NSCLC. Cancer 2001;92:160–4. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 clinical isolates with reduced sensitivity to zidovudine and dideoxyinosine by RNA-RNA hybridization

Abstract A quantitative rapid assay to detect resistant clinical human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains remains an important medical goal. A system incorporating a quantitative RNA.RNA hybridization assay that measures the amount of intracellular HIV-1-specific RNA has been employed to detect the level of inhibition by nucleoside analogues in sensitive and resistant HIV-1 strains. The RNA.RNA hybridization assay readily distinguished previously published zidovudine (ZDV; 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine)-resistant isolates from ZDV-sensitive isolates of HIV-1. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ZDV for HTLV-IIIB and sensitive clinical HIV-1 isolates is between 0.01 and 0.04 microM. HIV-1 strains from three patients on long-term ZDV therapy displayed a greater than 20-fold increase in the ZDV IC50 compared to sensitive strains. The drug sensitivity system was confirmed by showing that mutations in the HIV reverse transcriptase gene from a ZDV-resistant isolate resulted in four amino acid changes (Leu-125----Trp, Ile-142----Val, Thr-215----Tyr, and Pro-294----Thr) including one change (Thr-215----Tyr) that has been previously reported to be associated with resistance. One clinical HIV strain with high-level ZDV resistance displayed a 5-fold increase in 2',3'-dideoxyinosine IC50 compared to that of HTLV-IIIB. A drug sensitivity assay employing RNA.RNA hybridization may be useful for extensive screening of HIV isolates from patients enrolled in clinical trials and permit the correlation of in vitro resistance with clinical outcome.
Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori nevus): Etiologic and therapeutic considerations

Background Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM), also known as Hori nevus, is one of the most commonly acquired dermal facial melanocytoses among people with dark skin, especially Asian women. Objective The goals of this article were to review published work on ABNOM; address controversies about pathogenesis and therapeutic approach; and inspire further study. Methods Articles in the literature related to the description of ABNOM were extracted and summarized. Results Clinically, ABNOM occurs predominantly on the face of middle-aged women. Histologically, it is characterized by irregularly shaped, bipolar melanocytes dispersed through the mid to papillary dermis. Therapeutically, various pigment-targeting lasers have emerged as the major mode of treatment. Limitations There is a notable absence of both biological insight into the cause of ABNOM and robust trials to effectively define a standardized therapy. The scattered reports in the literature preclude a more rigorous meta-analytical approach. Conclusion Although there have been many reports on ABNOM since 1984, the pathogenesis still remains unclear and controversial, and treatment of ABNOM is still challenging.
An expert tool for digital circuit design

Abstract A new CAD tool for digital combinatorial circuit design called DiCES and based on artificial intelligence techniques has been developed. It includes a logic synthesizer and minimizer to synthesize and simplify Boolean expressions with an arbitrary number of variables. A rule-based forward-driven expert subsystem is also provided to select the technology and design approach that best satisfy the user's design criteria, including minimization of area/number of gates, propagation delay/speed, cost/number of inputs, power dissipation, and flexibility/ease of modification. The system is implemented in Franz Lisp , running under Vax/Unix on a Vax 11 750 . The results which are included in this paper show that DiCES yields excellent simplified circuits at the expense of execution speed. Technology and design approach results are also satisfactory.
NGF stimulates incorporation of fucose or glucosamine into an external glycoprotein in cultured rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract Rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells respond to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) by ceasing to undergo mitosis and acquiring neuronal characteristics, including outgrowth of neurites and electrical excitability. We have found that NGF treatment results in no consistent qualitative and only a few minor quantitative changes in the two-dimensional electrophoresis pattern of 14 C-amino acid-labeled proteins synthesized by the cells. On the other hand, NGF stimulates the incorporation of radiolabeled fucose or glucosamine into several components, including one of apparent molecular weight 230,000 daltons on one- and two-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gels. This component is removed by mild trypsinization of intact cells and therefore appears to be a glycoprotein (named here NILE) at least partially exposed on the cell surface. Stimulation of NILE glycoprotein labeling can first be detected after 2 days of exposure to NGF and increases progressively with time of treatment. This change is not solely a consequence of the cessation of cell division caused by NGF, since it does not occur in nondividing PC12 populations prepared by cytosine arabinoside treatment. NGF stimulates labeling of NILE glycoprotein even when attachment and process outgrowth are prevented by growing the cells in spinner suspension cultures. The relative rate of labeling attained under these conditions is less, however, than in NGF-treated, substrate-attached cells. Stimulation of NILE glycoprotein labeling by NGF is selectively blocked (as is neurite outgrowth) by camptothecin, an RNA synthesis inhibitor, and thus may require transcription. Despite their similarities in apparent size and exposure on cell surfaces, the NILE and LETS glycoproteins are shown to be immunologically distinct.
Role of Orphan Nuclear Receptors in the Regulation of Drug-Metabolising Enzymes

During the past several years, important advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the expression of genes that determine drug clearance, including phase I and phase II drug-metabolising enzymes and drug transporters. Orphan nuclear receptors have been recognised as key mediators of drug-induced changes in both metabolism and efflux mechanisms. In this review, we summarise recent findings regarding the function of nuclear receptors in regulating drug-metabolising and transport systems, and the relevance of these receptors to clinical drug-drug interactions and the development of new drugs. Emphasis is given to two newly recognised 'orphan' receptors (the pregnane X receptor [PXR] and the constitutive androstane receptor [CAR]) and their regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as CYP3A4, CYP2Cs and CYP2B6; and transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) and organic anion transporter peptide 2 (OATP2). Although 'cross-talk' occurs between these two receptors and their target sequences, significant species differences exist between ligand-binding and activation profiles for both receptors, and PXR appears to be the predominant or 'master' regulator of hepatic drug disposition in humans. Several important physiological processes, such as cholesterol synthesis and bile acid metabolism, are also tightly controlled by certain ligand-activated orphan nuclear receptors (farnesoid X receptor [FXR] and liver X receptor [LXR]). In general, their ability to bind a broad range of ligands and regulate an extensive array of genes that are involved in drug clearance and disposition makes these orphan receptors attractive targets for drug development. Drugs have the capacity to alter nuclear receptor expression (modulators) and/or serve as ligands for the receptors (agonists or antagonists), and thus can have synergistic or antagonistic effects on the expression of drug-metabolising enzymes and transporters. Coadministration of drugs that are nuclear receptor agonists or antagonists can lead to severe toxicity, a loss of therapeutic efficacy or an imbalance in physiological substrates, providing a novel molecular mechanism for drug-drug interactions.
Catheter-directed Therapy for the Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Embolism: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Modern Techniques

Purpose Systemic thrombolysis for the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) carries an estimated 20% risk of major hemorrhage, including a 3%–5% risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The authors used evidence-based methods to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of modern catheter-directed therapy (CDT) as an alternative treatment for massive PE. Materials and Methods The systematic review was initiated by electronic literature searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE) for studies published from January 1990 through September 2008. Inclusion criteria were applied to select patients with acute massive PE treated with modern CDT. Modern techniques were defined as the use of low-profile devices (≤10 F), mechanical fragmentation and/or aspiration of emboli including rheolytic thrombectomy, and intraclot thrombolytic injection if a local drug was infused. Relevant non-English language articles were translated into English. Paired reviewers assessed study quality and abstracted data. Meta-analysis was performed by using random effects models to calculate pooled estimates for complications and clinical success rates across studies. Clinical success was defined as stabilization of hemodynamics, resolution of hypoxia, and survival to hospital discharge. Results Five hundred ninety-four patients from 35 studies (six prospective, 29 retrospective) met the criteria for inclusion. The pooled clinical success rate from CDT was 86.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.1%, 90.2%). Pooled risks of minor and major procedural complications were 7.9% (95% CI: 5.0%, 11.3%) and 2.4% (95% CI: 1.9%, 4.3%), respectively. Data on the use of systemic thrombolysis before CDT were available in 571 patients; 546 of those patients (95%) were treated with CDT as the first adjunct to heparin without previous intravenous thrombolysis. Conclusions Modern CDT is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive PE. At experienced centers, CDT should be considered as a first-line treatment for patients with massive PE.
Explanation of launch condition choice for GRIN multimode fiber attenuation and bandwidth measurements

In order to predict the attenuation and bandwidth of a graded index (GRIN) multimode fiber system accurately, the fiber composing the system is best characterized by a restricted launch attenuation measurement and an over-filled-launch (OFL) bandwidth measurement of the fibers. The rationale for these launches is provided in terms of the power evolution in the fiber and its impact on system performance, and the basic physics of GRIN multimode fiber. Experimental results are shown that demonstrate the results. >
Phase segregation on different length scales in a model cell membrane system.

Lipid rafts are sphingolipid- and cholesterol-enriched domains on cell membranes that have been implicated in many biological functions, especially in T lymphocytes. We used a field theory to examine the forces underlying raft formation on resting living cell membranes. We find that it is difficult to reconcile the observed size of rafts on living cell membranes (∼100 nm) with a mechanism that involves coupling between spontaneous curvature differences and concentration fluctuations. Such a mechanism seems to predict raft domain sizes that are larger and commensurate with those observed on synthetic membranes. Therefore, using a Poisson−Boltzmann approach, we explore whether electrostatic forces originating from transmembrane proteins and net negative charges on cell membranes could play a role in determining the raft size in living cell membranes. We find that a balance among the intrinsic tendency of raft components to segregate, the line tension, and the effective dipolar interactions among membrane co...
Acylation of Peptide Hydroxyl Groups with the Bolton–Hunter Reagent

Reaction of the decapeptide gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) with the Bolton-Hunter reagent produced a single major derivative. Mass spectrometric analysis of this derivative at M-Scan Corporation revealed that O-acylation of the Ser4 hydroxyl had occurred. Formation of the O-acylated Ser4 derivative was dependent on the presence of the His2 residue in GnRH. Similar experiments with several unrelated peptides revealed that the Bolton-Hunter reagent will readily acylate hydroxyl groups on serine, tyrosine, and threonine side chains located two positions from a histidine residue (e.g., His-X-Ser). Such O-acylated peptides can be formed under mild reaction conditions and appear to be relatively stable. Recognition of this sequence-specific O-acylation can be critical when labeling peptides with the Bolton-Hunter reagent and when interpreting experiments in which such modified peptides are used.
Gli1 Deletion Prevents Helicobacter-Induced Gastric Metaplasia and Expansion of Myeloid Cell Subsets

Chronic inflammation in the stomach induces metaplasia, the pre-cancerous lesion that precedes inflammation-driven neoplastic transformation. While Hedgehog signaling contributes to the initiation of some cancers, its role in gastric transformation remains poorly defined. We found that Helicobacter-infected C57BL/6 mice develop extensive mucous cell metaplasia at 6 month but not at 2 months post-infection. Gastric metaplasia coincided with the appearance of CD45+MHCII+CD11b+CD11c+ myeloid cells that were normally not present in the chronic gastritis at 2 months. The myeloid regulatory gene Schlafen-4 was identified in a microarray analysis comparing infected WT versus Gli1 null mice and was expressed in the CD11b+CD11c+ myeloid population. Moreover this same population expressed IL-1β and TNFα pro-inflammatory cytokines. By 6 months, the mucous neck cell metaplasia (SPEM) expressed IL-6, phosphorylated STAT3 and the proliferative marker Ki67. Expression was not observed in Gli1 mutant mice consistent with the requirement of Gli1 to induce this pre-neoplastic phenotype. Ectopic Shh ligand expression alone was not sufficient to induce SPEM, but with Helicobacter infection synergistically increased the histologic severity observed with the inflammation. Therefore Hedgehog signaling is required, but is not sufficient to generate pre-neoplastic changes during chronic gastritis. Gli1-dependent myeloid cell differentiation plays a pivotal role in the appearance of myeloid cell subtypes ostensibly required for SPEM development. Moreover, it suggests that therapies capable of targeting this phenotypic switch might prevent progression to metaplasia, the pre-neoplastic change that develops prior to dysplasia and gastric cancer, which also occurs in other epithelial-derived neoplasias initiated by chronic inflammation.
Effect of concurrent exercise and physostigmine on lactate and pyruvate in plasma, muscle, and brain tissue of rats

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of physostigmine (Phy) and/or concurrent exercise on lactate, pyruvate, and L/P ratio in plasma, skeletal muscle, and brain tissue in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The Phy-dosed (Phy-D) and Phy-dosed + concurrent acute exercise (Phy-D + CAE) groups elicited significantly higher L/P ratios in plasma compared to the acutely exercised (AE) group at 30 min postexercise. Physostigmine dosing, with or without exercise, resulted in significantly lower muscle pyruvate levels, from 30 to 50 min postdrug administration, in Phy-D and Phy-D + CAE groups compared to the AE group. In the brain, lactate values were significantly elevated in the acutely exercised groups at 5 min postexercise with or without Phy dosing. However, at 15 to 30 min postexercise, lactate values were significantly elevated in the Phy-D + CAE compared to the AE group. These data suggest that when Phy is administered prior to a 20-min moderately intensive exercise bout, there is an accumulation of lactate for a prolonged period of time in recovery.
Effect of concanavalin A on phagocytosis.

Concanavalin A has been shown to inhibit phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The effect is reversed by specific sugars.
HYPEROSMOLALITY (HO) DOES NOT ALTER BILIRUBIN (B) OXIDATION BY BRAIN MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANES (MM). 320

HYPEROSMOLALITY (HO) DOES NOT ALTER BILIRUBIN (B) OXIDATION BY BRAIN MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANES (MM). 320
Massive Hyperlipemia During Estrogen Therapy

In addition to the many well-publicized complications of oral contraceptive and estrogen therapy, it has been found that these medications frequently induce mild elevations of serum triglyceride levels. We report elevations of triglyceride levels to 3,000 mg/100 ml and more, and cholesterol levels to more than 500 mg/100 ml in three postmenopausal women on estrogen therapy and one woman receiving oral contraceptive drugs. After discontinuation of drug usage, these levels returned toward normal over several months. Each patient had a mild underlying hyperlipemia. The mechanism involved in the elevation of the triglyceride levels appears to be an enhanced hepatic synthesis rather than defective removal and is due to the estrogenic component of the contraceptives. We suggest periodic monitoring of serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in all patients receiving oral contraceptives and estrogens. Patients with preexisting hyperlipemia should probably not receive estrogen therapy.
Metallacumulenes: from vinylidenes to metal polycarbides

Metallacumulenes and carbide complexes exhibit diverse structures and modes of reactivity. This review presents an overview of work in the author's research group on vinylidene complexes of group 6 and 8 metals, allenylidene and butatrienylidene complexes of group 8 metals, and metal carbide, bicarbide and tricarbide complexes of group 6, 7 and 8 metals.
Risk for adjacent segment and same segment reoperation after surgery for lumbar stenosis: a subgroup analysis of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT).

STUDY DESIGN Subgroup analysis of a prospective, randomized database. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Reoperation due to recurrence of index level pathology or adjacent segment disease is a common clinical problem. Despite multiple studies on the incidence of reoperation, there have been few comparative studies establishing risk factors for reoperation after spinal stenosis surgery. The hypothesis of this subgroup analysis was that lumbar fusion or particular patient characteristics, such as obesity, would render patients with lumbar stenosis more susceptible to reoperation at the index or adjacent levels. METHODS The study population combined the randomized and observational cohorts enrolled in Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial for treatment of spinal stenosis. The surgically treated patients were stratified according to those who had reoperation (n = 54) or no reoperation (n = 359). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years. The difference in improvement between those who had reoperation and those who did not was determined at each follow-up period. RESULTS Of the 413 patients who underwent surgical treatment of spinal stenosis, 54 (13%) underwent a reoperation within 4 years. At baseline, there were no significant differences in demographic characteristics or clinical outcome scores between reoperation and nonreoperation groups. Furthermore, between groups there were no differences in the severity of symptoms, obesity, physical examination signs, levels of stenosis, location of stenosis, stenosis severity, levels of fusion, levels of laminectomy, levels decompressed, operation time, and intraoperative or postoperative complications. There was an increased percentage of patients with duration of symptoms greater than 12 months in the reoperation group (56% reoperation vs. 36% no reoperation, P < 0.008). At final follow-up, there was significantly less improvement in the outcome of the reoperation group in MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey physical function (14.4 vs. 22.6, P < 0.05), Oswestry Disability Index (-12.4 vs. -21.1, P < 0.01), and Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (-5 vs. -8.1, P < 0.006). CONCLUSION Lumbar fusion and instrumentation were not associated with increased rate of reoperation at index or adjacent levels compared with nonfusion techniques. The only specific risk factor for reoperation after treatment of spinal stenosis was duration of pretreatment symptoms more than 12 months. The overall incidence of reoperations for spinal stenosis surgery was 13%, and reoperations were equally distributed between index and adjacent lumbar levels. Reoperation may be related to the natural history of spinal degenerative disease.
Characterization of prostaglandin E2 receptors (EP2, EP4) in the horse oviduct

Biological effects of prostaglandin E2 are mediated via one of four receptors designated EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 which are encoded by separate genes. In general, EP1 and EP3 induce smooth muscle contraction whereas EP2 and EP4 induce smooth muscle relaxation. The objective of the current study was to characterize the expression of the genes for PGE2 receptors (EP2 and EP4) in the horse oviduct based upon immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Oviductal tissue was collected from mares at estrus (n=5), at 5 days post-ovulation (n=4), and from prepubertal mares (n=5). Isthmic and ampullar regions of the oviduct were fixed for IHC or preserved for RNA isolation. Prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 were strongly expressed by the luminal epithelium of both the isthmic and ampullar regions of the horse oviduct with a lesser immuno-expression noted within the smooth muscle in both regions of the oviduct. Based upon qPCR, relative amounts of EP2 or EP4 mRNA did not differ across estrous cycle stage or from prepubertal mares. However, across region and estrous cycle stage, relative amount of EP2 was greater (P<0.05) than EP4, and relative amount of EP2 mRNA was greater (P<0.001) in the ampullar compared with the isthmic oviduct. The relative roles of these receptors in regulating oviduct function in the mare remains to be determined.
Arsenic Binding and Transfer by the ArsD As(III) Metallochaperone

ArsD is a metallochaperone that delivers trivalent metalloids [As(III) or Sb(III)] to the ArsA ATPase, the catalytic subunit of the ArsAB pump encoded by the arsRDABC operon of Escherichia coli plasmid R773. Interaction with ArsD increases the affinity of ArsA for As(III), conferring resistance to environmental concentrations of arsenic. Previous genetic analysis suggested that ArsD residues Cys12, Cys13, and Cys18 are involved in the transfer of As(III) to ArsA. Here X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to show that As(III) is coordinated with three sulfur atoms, consistent with the three cysteine residues forming the As(III) binding site. Two single-tryptophan derivatives of ArsD exhibited quenching of intrinsic protein fluorescence upon binding of As(III) or Sb(III), which allowed estimation of the rates of binding and affinities for metalloids. Substitution of Cys12, Cys13, or Cys18 decreased the affinity for As(III) more than 10-fold. Reduced glutathione greatly increased the rate of binding of As(III) to ArsD but did not affect binding of As(III) to ArsA. This suggests that in vivo cytosolic As(III) might be initially bound to GSH and transferred to ArsD and then to ArsAB, which pumps the metalloid out of the cell. The As(III) chelator dimercaptosuccinic acid did not block the transfer from ArsD to ArsA, consistent with channeling of the metalloid from one protein to the other, as opposed to release and rebinding of the metalloid. Finally, transfer of As(III) from ArsD to ArsA occurred in the presence of MgATP at 23 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C. Neither MgADP nor MgATP-gamma-S could replace MgATP. These results suggest that transfer occurs with a conformation of ArsA that transiently forms during the catalytic cycle.
Evaluation of glyphosate-resistant Glycine max genotypes for competitiveness at recommended seeding rates in wide and narrow rows

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in 2002 and 2003 to identify simple plant characteristics breeders could use to select for competitive Glycine max L. Merr. genotypes grown in wide and narrow row widths at recommended seeding rates. Soybean height, width, canopy volume, and visual assessment of Glycine max groundcover were used to evaluate differences in competitiveness among genotypes. ‘SC00-883’ was highly competitive in both row widths and years, suppressing weed biomass and having lower yield loss. ‘Hartz 6255’, ‘Delta and Pineland 6299’, ‘Asgrow 6202’, and ‘Northrup King S60-E4’ had high yield loss and were ineffective in suppressing weed growth in wide rows. With the exception of ‘Pioneer 96B21’, competitiveness was generally consistent across row widths; meaning genotype competitive rank in wide and narrow rows is often similar. Weed-free yields were not correlated with yield loss or weed biomass, but were correlated ( r = 0.80 ) with yields in the presence of weeds across row widths and years. Height differences among genotypes never exceeded 6 cm during vegetative growth, and Amaranthus palmeri overtopped all genotypes prior to Glycine max reproductive development, negating any potential height effects on competitiveness. Glycine max groundcover was similar among genotypes in higher population narrow rows but differences among genotypes in lower population wide rows occurred at 7 weeks after Glycine max emergence (WAE) in both years. Yield loss and weed biomass were not correlated with groundcover in wide rows at 7 WAE, nor were they correlated with Glycine max height, width, canopy volume, or groundcover through 7 WAE. Glycine max competitiveness therefore appears linked to more complex or difficult to measure traits, or a combination of traits.
Vitreoretinal surgery for complications of congenital retinoschisis

Purpose To report the results of vitreoretinal surgery for the management of complications associated with congenital retinoschisis in children. Methods We conducted a review of consecutive children with complications of congenital retinoschisis treated with advanced vitreoretinal techniques. Nine eyes of seven patients with congenital retinoschisis had vitreoretinal surgery for one of the following complications of congenital retinoschisis: hemorrhage within a large schisis cavity with a dense vitreous hemorrhage; rapid progression of schisis threatening the macula; obscuration of the macula by the overhanging inner wall of a schisis cavity; a combined schisis--traction retinal detachment; or a combined schisis--rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Vitreoretinal surgery consisted of vitrectomy, inner schisis wall retinectomy, fluid-gas exchange, endolaser treatment, and perfluoropropane gas injection. After vitreoretinal surgery, patients were followed up for a mean of 26 months (range, 9 to 67 months). Retinal reattachment, visual acuity, and visual fields were used as outcome measures. Results Eight of nine eyes had successful retinal reattachment. Six eyes postoperatively had improved visual acuity or visual field, or both. One eye had stabilization of visual acuity, and two eyes had a decrease in visual acuity. Conclusion In children with complications of congenital retinoschisis, vitreoretinal surgery with excision of the inner wall of the peripheral schisis cavity may be effective in achieving retinal reattachment, thereby improving visual acuity or visual field size.
For everything there is a season.

Describes the “seasons” of professional life and conscious decision-making regarding role changes.
Theory of quantitative reconstruction of vegetation II: all you need is LOVE

This paper describes the LOVE (LOcal Vegetation Estimates) model for estimating local vegetation composition within the relevant source area of pollen. This model quantifies and then subtracts background pollen (ie, pollen coming from beyond the relevant source area) in order to arrive at a quantitative reconstruction of local vegetation. Parameters required for LOVE applications are pollen counts from target sites, the relevant source area of pollen of these sites, pollen productivity estimates and regional vegetation composition within 104 -105 km2. Regional vegetation composition is obtained using fossil pollen from large sites (≥102 ha) with the REVEALS (Regional Estimates of VEgetation Abundance from Large Sites) model, the first step of the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA) specifically designed for LOVE applications. POLLSCAPE simulations demonstrate that (1) regional vegetation composition can be used to predict background pollen at and beyond the relevant source area of pollen for given-si...
Optimizing Distributed-Contact Friction in Ring Dampers

This paper describes the vibration analysis and optimization of a base structure and a beam-like attached damper sub-system that couple in vibration through distributed-contact friction damping. The objective is to tune the characteristics of the damper sub-system to maximize energy dissipation, and therefore to control vibration of the base structure. Applications of the concept to noise and vibration phenomena associated with automotive disk brake rotors are discussed. Per-cycle energy dissipation is examined as a function of damper preload for two classes of sub-systems: dampers that are split rings, and dampers that are continuous rings. End-effects and the manner in which energy dissipation is distributed spatially along the damper are also discussed. Of potential technological application, for a given excitation frequency, the damper sub-system’s design can be optimized to reduce vibration of the base structure.© 2005 ASME
HPV Awareness and Vaccine Acceptability in Hispanic Women Living Along the US-Mexico Border

Despite advances in prevention of cervical cancer in the US, women of Hispanic origin still bear an unequal burden in cervical cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to determine the HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptability in a group of mostly Hispanic females. In this cross sectional survey, 62 % of participants heard of HPV; 34.9 % identified HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. 63 % of participants reported willingness to receive vaccine and 77 % were willing to vaccinate daughters. Those with previous abnormal PAPs were more likely to have heard of HPV and Vaccine. No other factors examined showed association with willingness to get vaccine or administer to daughters. Knowledge level remains low in this high risk population. Willingness to receive vaccine is high despite lack of access to care. Increased targeted community based education and vaccination programs may be useful in closing disparity in cervical cancer morbidity.
Catecholamine effect on HCO3−/Cl− exchange and rabbit myocardial cell pH regulation

Abstract The possible effect of isoproterenol on a HCO 3 − /Cl − exchange in mammalian myocardium and its role on intracellular pH (pHi) regulation was studied in isolated perfused rabbit hearts. pHi was determined from the distribution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (DMO). Perfusates contained either 137.4 or 4.4 mM Cl − . In the latter case, Cl − was replaced by glucuronate. Hearts were perfused with low [Cl − ] Ringer for 1 h in order to deplete the cell of Cl − . Isoproterenol (10 −5 M) was infused for the last 15 min of perfusion in approximately half of the preparations. Reduction of [Cl − ], both in the untreated and in the isoproterenol-treated preparations resulted in an increase in pHi. Isoproterenol increased tissue cAMP concentration by approximately 2.5 fold both in hearts perfused with normal and with low [Cl − ] Ringer. In the presence of normal [Cl − ], isoproterenol had an alkalinizing effect when acid loads were introduced. This effect was abolished by the reduction of [Cl − ]. These results support the idea that the catecholamine-cAMP system stimulates a HCO 3 − /Cl − exchange in mammalian myocardium.
Cholesterol-dependent Regulation of Nitric Oxide Production: Potential Role in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is preceded by cholesterol-induced diminution in vascular nitric oxide (NO) production and proatherogenic changes in endothelial cell function. Careful dissection of the steps involved in regulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity has revealed that cholesterol-induced caveolin expression reduces NO production by stimulating the production of inhibitory caveolin eNOS complexes.
The use of permselective membranes to determine the activity of the counterion in some polyelectrolyte solutions

Various cation-selective membranes have been examined for sodium ion response in dilute solutions. The oxidized nitrocellulose membranes of Sollner have been used to determine cationic activities in solutions of Sky Blue FF, of cellulosic polyelectrolytes and of sodium polymethacrylate. The dyestuff behaves as a normal electrolyte of between 1:2 and 1:4 valence type, whereas the polyelectrolytes show the usual pronounced sequestering of the cation.
Gyromagnetic ratio of a black hole.

We examine the properties of a rotating loop of charged matter in the presence of a static charged black hole. The behavior of the gyromagnetic ratio is examined in the limit as the radius of the loop becomes very large and in the limit as the loop radius approaches the radius of the black hole's event horizon. The implications of these results for the gyromagnetic ratio of a black hole are discussed. For large radii of the loop the gyromagnetic ratio reduces to the value computed for a loop in classical electromagnetism, which has {ital g}=1. As the radius of the loop approaches the horizon, the ratio approaches that for a black hole which has {ital g}=2, like an electron. The latter result is also true for a {ital neutral} loop; hence, magnetic-monopole black holes that accrete matter with angular momentum have gravitationally induced electric fields.
The neurobiology of adolescence: Changes in brain architecture, functional dynamics, and behavioral tendencies

Adolescence is a period of increased behavioral and psychiatric vulnerabilities. It is also a time of dramatic structural and functional neurodevelopment. In recent years studies have examined the precise nature of these brain and behavioral changes, and several hypotheses link them together. In this review we discuss this research and recent electrophysiological data from behaving rats that demonstrate reduced neuronal coordination and processing efficiency in adolescents. A more comprehensive understanding of these processes will further our knowledge of adolescent behavioral vulnerabilities and the pathophysiology of mental illnesses that manifest during this period.
Factors Associated with Nurses' Intention to Report Child Abuse: A National Survey of Taiwanese Nurses.

Abstract Objective: The objectives were to determine the experiences of Taiwanese nurses with a new child abuse reporting law and to assess attitudinal correlates of nurses’ intention to report. Method: A stratified quota sampling technique was used to select registered nurses working in pediatric, psychiatric and emergency care units in Taiwan. A total of 1400 (return rate 88%) questionnaires from 1617 nurses were used. The questionnaire includes demographic information, attitudes toward and knowledge of child abuse and reporting laws, and eight vignettes of child abuse. Results: Most nurses (86%) said they had never reported a child abuse case; 21% said they had failed to report a suspected case of child abuse. Most (80%) had never had any child abuse education. About 75% felt their nursing education and in-service training was inadequate or absent. Most had an inadequate knowledge of the reporting law (mean score: 60% correct). Nurses only answered 17–43% of the law-related questions correctly. The majority accepted the professional responsibility to report. There were some differences among pediatric, psychiatric and emergency care nurses. In general, these Taiwanese nurses had negative attitudes toward corporal punishment and toward parents who abuse their children. The study also identified a variety of attitudes related to intention to report relevant to the Theory of Planned Behavior. Conclusions: Nurses accept responsibility for reporting but they believe their professional preparation for reporting is inadequate. There is a strong need for in-service and pre-service education about child abuse among nurses in Taiwan.
Structural Effects and Energy Conversion Efficiency of Power Harvesting

The concept of power harvesting works towards developing self-powered devices that do not require replaceable power supplies. One important parameter defining the performance of a piezoelectric power harvesting system is the efficiency of the system. However, an accepted definition of energy harvesting efficiency does not currently exist. This article will develop a new definition for the efficiency of an energy harvesting system, which rather than being defined through energy conservation as the ratio of the energy fed into the system to maintain the steady state to the output power, we consider the ratio of the strain energy over each cycle to the power output. This new definition is analogous to the material loss factor. Simulations will be performed to demonstrate the validity of the efficiency and will show that the maximum efficiency occurs at the matched impedance; however, for materials with high electromechanical coupling, the maximum power is generated at the near open- and closed-circuit resona...
Stalking the Elusive Middle Class in Nineteenth-Century America

Although most Americans today identify themselves as members of a middle class, scholars have debated about the existence and emergence of the middle class in America. Early scholars, such as Louis Hartz, maintained that this country was a middle-class society from its very inception.' In the 1970s some historians-such as Michael Katz, Michael Doucet, and Mark Stemquestioned the existence of a middle class altogether, but another group of historians-led by Burton Bledstein, Paul Johnson, and Mary Ryan-argued that a middle class did emerge but not until the first half of the nineteenth century.2 Now, Stuart Blumin, in a fascinating and thought-provoking volume, traces the emergence of the middle class in American cities during the four decades prior to the Civil War. Blumin quickly rejects the notion that America always had been a middleclass society, pointing to the class divisions and inequality of wealth that characterized ante-bellum America. He similarly argues persuasively against the efforts of Katz, Doucet, and Stem to portray nineteenth-century America simply as a two-class society by demonstrating the existence of a growing middle category of individuals located between the mass of blue-collar workers and the smaller, but wealthy, upper-class elites.3 Drawing loosely upon the theoretical works of Anthony Giddens on the middle class, Blumin looks at the ways in which the daily lives of nineteenth-
Significance of ovomucoid- and ovalbumin-specific IgE/IgG4 ratios in egg allergy

Background The role of specific IgG 4 antibodies in natural tolerance acquisition remains a matter of debate; the specific IgE/IgG 4 ratio might add value to the measurement of absolute amounts of IgE for assessing the ongoing status of egg reactivity. Objective We sought to determine the significance of IgG 4 antibodies to ovalbumin (OVA) and ovomucoid (OVM) in egg-allergic children. Methods One hundred seven egg-allergic children (mean age 6.9 years; range 1.6-18.6 years) were challenged to baked egg. The outcomes of the challenges were related to the level of specific IgE and IgG 4 to OVM and OVA, component IgE/IgG 4 ratios, and mediator release in a functional assay based on the rat basophil leukemia cell line. Results Baked egg–reactive children had significantly higher OVA and OVM ratios of IgE/IgG 4 and mediator release in the rat basophil leukemia–based assay than did tolerant children ( P 4 ratios and mediator release were correlated. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the areas under the curve for a logistic regression model including specific IgE and IgG 4 to OVA and OVM were significantly greater compared with the areas under the curve for egg white–specific IgE and OVM-specific IgE. Conclusions The balance between IgE and IgG 4 to OVA and OVM has functional consequences. A model that includes the interactions between IgE and IgG 4 to OVA and OVM accurately predicts reactivity to baked egg and warrants further investigation.
Potential role of type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibition in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with impairment of aerobic capacity in patients with heart failure and may play a role in the progression of disease. Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with heart failure can be attributed to decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide and attenuated responses to nitric oxide in vascular smooth muscle. Impaired vasodilation in response to nitric oxide derived from vascular endothelium or organic nitrates in vascular smooth muscle may be related in part to increased degradation of the second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate by type 5 phosphodiesterase. Sildenafil, a specific type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor currently approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, has been shown to acutely enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with heart failure. Further studies are warranted to characterize the safety and efficacy of type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibition in the treatment of chronic heart failure.