cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Intact DNA-binding Domain Is Not Required for Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) Binding and Activation on Some PPAR Response Elements

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) interacts with retinoid X receptor (RXR) on PPAR response elements (PPREs) to regulate transcription of PPAR-responsive genes. To investigate the binding of PPARγ and RXR to PPREs, three mutations were constructed in the DNA-binding domains of PPARγ; two of the mutants maintained the structure of zinc finger I (PPARγ-GS and PPARγ-AA), and a third mutation disrupted the protein structure of zinc finger I (PPARγ-CS). Results indicated that the mutations of PPARγ that maintained intact zinc fingers were capable of binding to a variety of PPREs in the presence of RXR and could activate transcription on several PPREs. In parallel, a mutation was created in the DNA-binding domain of RXRα that maintained the structure of the zinc fingers (RXR-GS) but did not bind DNA and was transcriptionally inactive. Examination of the 3′ half-site of several PPREs revealed that variations from the consensus sequence reduced or abolished transcriptional activity, but conversion to consensus improved transcriptional activity with PPARγ-GS and PPARγ-AA. Examination of the 5′ half-site indicated that the upstream three nucleotides were more important for transcriptional activity than the downstream three nucleotides. Our data demonstrated that stringent binding of RXR to the 3′ half-site of a PPRE is more influential on the binding of the PPARγ/RXR heterodimer than the ability of PPARγ to bind DNA. Thus, unlike RXR, PPARγ exhibits promiscuity in binding on a PPRE, suggesting that the definition of a PPRE for PPARγ may need to be expanded.
Distribution of tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen and evidence for multiple forms

Distribution of tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen and evidence for multiple forms. A monoclonal antibody (A8) to a basement membrane component (TIN antigen), which is associated with autoimmune tubulointerstitial nephritis, was developed and utilized to characterize tissue distribution and properties of TIN antigen by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. Results were confirmed with polyclonal goat anti-rabbit and human autoantibodies. TIN antigen was found in basement membranes of kidney cortex, small intestines, skin, and cornea, but was not detected in the renal medulla. Within the kidney cortex proximal tubular basement membrane (TBM) showed the strongest staining. TIN antigen was also detected in Bowman's capsule, distal TBM, peritubular capillaries, and focally in the interstitium, but not in glomerular basement membrane or mesangial matrix. Immunoblotting of SDS-extracted human, rabbit, mouse, and Brown Norway rat TBM with A8 revealed predominantly a 58 kD TIN antigen; however, other reactive components were detected in minor quantities. Bovine TBM contained components of 52 kD, 45 kD and 35 kD in varying concentrations. Immunoblotting of isolated rabbit TIN antigen revealed the major 58 kD component that was characterized previously, and minor components of 300 kD, 175 kD, 160 kD and 50 kD. TIN antigen was not detected in Lewis rat TBM by immunofluorescence or immunoblotting. These studies suggest the following: 1) TIN antigen may be synthesized as a high molecular weight glycoprotein that is processed to smaller forms; 2) it may be covalently associated with other basement membrane components; 3) the antibody reactive epitope may be present on multiple TBM components; and 4) high molecular weight forms may represent aggregates of TIN antigen. These studies further characterize TIN antigen distribution in kidney, demonstrate its presence in extrarenal tissues, and reveal various molecular weight forms in isolated TBM preparations.
Evaluation of Polylactic Acid/Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds as Segmental Bone Graft Substitutes

The use of processed structural allografts for treatment of massive segmental defects in long bones can be complicated by poor incorporation and remodeling of the devitalized graft, foreign-body reaction and micro-damage accumulation which often leads to catastrophic graft failure [1]. It is therefore useful to develop a bioengineered, biodegradable scaffold that is able to stimulate healing of the defect region. The use of bioengineered scaffolds has been limited due to their poor mechanical strength that does not permit withstanding large in vivo loads and due to their poor osteoinductive properties. We therefore investigated the use of rigid polylactic acid/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PLA/βTCP) composites used in conjunction with osteoinductive factors such as growth hormones (parathyroid hormone (PTH)) and growth factors (bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) & vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) to stimulate bone formation and vessel ingrowth in the segmental defect region. We examined the physical characteristics of the scaffolds, and evaluated their osteoinductive potential in a clinically-relevant mouse model of a femoral segmental defect with or without PTH treatment. Finally, we used an ectopic bone formation model to assess the efficacy of the scaffold in site-specific delivery of bone anabolic factors.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Aspectos del debate sobre la 'cuestión religiosa' en Colombia, 1930-1935

One of the few consistent ideological differences between Colombia’s two traditional parties revolved around the “religious question.” The strongest defenders of the Church were Conservatives while Liberals were the most anti-clerical. The election of Olaya Herrera, a Liberal, as president in 1930 gave hope to those who wanted a more secular country after almost fifty years of Conservative governments allied with the clergy. However, since the presidents of the Liberal Republic wanted to avoid a religious conflict, various anti-clerical militants forced a discussion about the “religious question” in the press and from their political offices. The Church hierarchy felt threatened and decided to organize a National Eucharistic Congress in August 1935 as a collective show of force. The leftist majority in the Bogota municipal council sent the Congress a disrespectful telegram; their message, and the reaction to it by members of the clergy, solidified the opinions and fears on both extremes in the debate about the Church’s role in Colombian society, pushing more moderate voices aside. The opposition became a caricature in the increasingly violent rhetoric and the two sides stopped listening to each other in an atmosphere of mutual fear and mistrust.
Structure elucidation of a 6-methylbenzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formed by horseradish peroxidase in vitro and mouse skin in vivo

Activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with H2O2 has been studied as a model system for one-electron oxidation. This peroxidase has been used to catalyze binding of 6-[14C]methylbenzo[a]pyrene (BP-6-CH3) to DNA, which was purified, hydrolyzed to deoxyribonucleosides and analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The predominant hydrocarbon-DNA adduct observed was identified as BP-6-CH3 bound at the 6-methyl group to the 2-amino group of dG, confirming that activation by HRP occurs by one-electron oxidation. When DNA from mouse skin treated in vivo with [14C]BP-6-CH3 was purified, hydrolyzed and analyzed by HPLC, a profile was observed which was qualitatively similar to that from the peroxidase system. In particular, the identified adduct with the hydrocarbon bound at the 6-methyl group to the 2-amino group of dG was obtained. These results demonstrate that one-electron oxidation is the mechanism of activation by HRP for aromatic hydrocarbons and indicate that the same mechanism may occur in mouse skin, a target tissue for hydrocarbon carcinogenesis.
Effects of Austenitizing Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of Hot-Formed Steel

Press hardening steel is the best solution for application of extremely high strength steel in automotive structures in order to reduce the weight of body-in-white. Effect of austenitizing temperature on the grain coarsening of a press hardening steel has been investigated by using dilatometer at first. The mechanical properties of press-hardened steel austenitized at temperature between 850 to 950oC by using a pilot hot stamping line have been investigated. The strength, especially the ultimate tensile strength, was improved by the grain refinement with lower austenitization temperature.
The class of matrices of zeros, ones, and twos with prescribed row and column sums

Abstract We study the class U 2 (R,S) of all (0, 1, 2)-matrices with a prescribed row sum vector R and column sum vector S . A (0, 1, 2)-matrix in U 2 (R,S) is defined to be parsimonious provided no (0, 1, 2)-matrix with the same row and column sum vectors has fewer positive entries. In a parsimonious (0, 1, 2)-matrix A there are severe restrictions on the (0, 1)-matrix A 〈1〉 which records the positions of the 1's in A . We attempt to understand the relationships between the set of these matrices A 〈1〉 and the pair ( R , S ).
A Test of Revised Scales for the Meyer and Allen (1991) Three-Component Commitment Construct:

Despite evidence that Allen and Meyer’s scales measure three-component commitment in a reliable and valid manner, the literature contains recurring criticism of several scale items. Criticisms refe...
Normal-incidence quantum-well infrared photodetectors utilizing ellipsoidal valley intersubband transitions in n-type GaSb-AlSb multiquantum wells

We report on the observation of normal incidence IR photoconductive detector response in ellipsoidal valley n-type GaSb-AlSb multi-quantum well samples, grown on (001) GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Photoconductors were fabricated and IR detector response was measured using Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Detector response was observed in the long wavelength IR band at (lambda) equals 8.5 micrometers for an operating temperature of T equals 77 K, and agrees well with absorption data. We also show preliminary results on a method for extending the intersubband transition energies to longer wavelength.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
S1 nuclease of Aspergillus oryzae: a glycoprotein with an associated nucleotidase activity.

Abstract S 1 nuclease (EC 3.1.30.1) of Aspergillus oryzae has been purified 1600-fold by a procedure designed to remove traces of contaminating phosphatases. The nearly homogeneous enzyme was found to be a glycoprotein with a carbohydrate content of 18%. At pH 4.5 the enzyme preparation hydrolyzed single-stranded DNA, RNA, 3′-AMP, and 2′-AMP at relative rates of 100, 52, 13, and 0.05, respectively. The 3′-nucleotidase activity of this single-strand specific nuclease is inhibited by single-stranded DNA but not by double-stranded DNA. Three forms of the enzyme, with isoelectric points of 3.35, 3.53, and 3.67, were observed on electrofocusing, and each form exhibited the same relative activity on single-stranded DNA and 3′-AMP. Enzymatic hydrolysis of nucleotides occurred over a broad range of pH, with maximal activity at pH 6–7. Ribonucleotides were hydrolyzed approximately 100-fold more rapidly than deoxyribonucleotides. A high degree of base specificity was not observed. The 3′-nucleotidase activity was stimulated by Zn 2+ , but not by other divalent cations tested.
Effects of anxiety sensitivity on anxiety and pain during a cold pressor challenge in patients with panic disorder

Fear of anxiety symptoms, or anxiety sensitivity (AS), has been extensively studied in anxiety disorders and more recently has been linked to other psychopathological conditions including pain. Asmundson and colleagues have suggested that AS may act as a risk factor for chronic pain and several studies have demonstrated an association between AS, avoidance behaviors and pain. The present study assessed whether AS levels would be predictive of pain and anxiety during a brief pain induction task. Clinical participants meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder (n = 22) were age and sex matched with nonclinical controls (n = 22) and exposed to a 2-min cold pressor challenge. Diagnostic status and AS were significantly predictive of pain and anxiety during the cold pressor task. Moreover, AS appears to mediate the relationship between diagnostic status and pain. However, AS appears to be only indirectly associated with pain through its contribution to anxiety.
Influence of molecular geometry on valence space for quasidegenerate many-body perturbation theory

Abstract The Be-H2 insertion reaction is used as a model to study the application of quasidegenerate many-body perturbation theory (QDMBPT) to polyatomic molecules where the pattern of quasidegenerate orbitals varies greatly with geometry. Full active valence space QDMBPT calculations are compared with the exact solutions within the basis and with previous QDMBPT computations that retain only a pair of quasidegenerate valence orbitals.
Reasoning with imprecise knowledge in expert systems

Abstract The representation of knowledge plays a crucial part in the performance of expert systems. In most practical application domains, this knowledge is imprecise, requiring expert systems to represent and reason with imprecise knowledge. Two different types of imprecision—fuzziness and uncertainty—are identified in this paper, using an example domain of automobile problem diagnosis. It is argued that these two types of imprecision can arise independently. Failure to represent this difference can adversely affect the quality of conclusions drawn from the knowledge base. Furthermore, fuzziness and uncertainty interact during the reasoning process. Examination of current approaches to imprecise reasoning reveals a need to represent this distinction and interaction between the two types.
Towards controlling dioxins emissions from power boilers fuelled with salt-laden wood waste

Abstract An evaluation of the dioxins emissions from a power boiler fuelled with salt-laden wood waste has provided insights on potential control technologies. Whereas a reduction in stack particulate levels does not preclude a corresponding reduction in dioxins emissions, good combustion conditions, in combination with an efficient secondary collection device for particulate removal, were found to offer effective control (stack emissions of 0.064 to 0.086 ng TEQ/m 3 ). Regarding minimization of dioxins formation at source, a preliminary assessment of the possible beneficial effect of an attenuated chlorine: sulphur ratio was encouraging. A more accurate assessment requires additional trials, preferably longer in duration, to eliminate any possible memory effects.
Performance assessment and optimization of Pulse Wave Imaging (PWI) in ex vivo canine aortas and in vivo normal human arteries

The amplitude, velocity, and morphology of the arterial pulse wave may all provide valuable diagnostic information for cardiovascular pathology. Pulse Wave Imaging (PWI) is an ultrasound-based method developed by our group to noninvasively visualize and map the spatio-temporal variations of the pulse wave-induced vessel wall motion. Because PWI is capable of acquiring multiple wall motion waveforms successively along an imaged arterial segment over a single cardiac cycle in vivo, the regional morphological changes, amplitudes, and velocity (i.e. pulse wave velocity, or PWV) of the pulse wave can all be evaluated. In this study, an ex vivo setup was used to assess the effects of varying PWI image acquisition variables (beam density/frame rate and scanning orientation) and signal processing methods (beam sweep compensation scheme and waveform feature tracking) on the PWV estimation in order to validate the optimal parameters. PWI was also performed on the carotid arteries and abdominal aortas of six healthy volunteers for identification of several salient features of the waveforms over the entire cardiac cycle that may aid in assessing the morphological changes of the pulse wave. The ex vivo results suggest that the PWI temporal resolution is more important for PWV estimation than the PWI spatial resolution, and also that the reverse scanning orientation (i.e. beam sweeping direction opposite the direction of fluid flow) is advantageous due to higher precision and less dependence on the frame rate. In the in vivo waveforms, the highest precision PWV measurements were obtained by tracking the 50% upstroke of the waveforms. Finally, the dicrotic notch, reflected wave, and several inflection points were qualitatively identified in the carotid and aortic anterior wall motion waveforms and shown in one representative subject
Biolistic transformation of the human pathogenic fungus Coccidioides immitis

Abstract Coccidioides immitis is a fungal respiratory pathogen of humans. The infectious, saprobic phase of the microbe resides in soil of southwestern desert regions of the United States. The genetics of this pathogen are essentially undeveloped. Progress in studies of the molecular biology of C. immitis have been hampered by the absence of a transformation system. We report here the first stable integration of plasmid DNA into chromosomes of C. immitis by the method of biolistic DNA delivery. A previously-described pAN7-1 plasmid and a newly-constructed C. immitis URA5 gene disruptant (pU5H-1) were used to transform C. immitis strain 735. The 6.8-kilobase (kb) pAN7-1 plasmid and the 10.1-kb pU5H-1 construct both contained the hygromycin phosphotransferase gene ( hph ) which encodes a protein that inactivates hygromycin B (HmB) by phosphorylation. Germinated, saprobic phase spores (arthroconidia) and parasitic phase cells (spherules) of C. immitis were subjected to bombardment by gold particles coated with either the linearized pAN7-1 or the circular pU5H-1 plasmid DNA (50 μg DNA per 25 mg gold particles). A single pAN7-1 and two pU5H-1 transformants were initially selected from approximately 10 7 cells on the basis of their ability to grow on glucose–yeast extract agar supplemented with 60–80 μg/ml HmB. The transformants showed resistance to HmB up to a concentration of approximately 320 μg/ml of media, compared to the parental strain which was unable to grow in the presence of 40 μg HmB/ml of media. Southern hybridization analyses of the transformants suggested that both the pAN7-1 and pU5H-1 DNAs were integrated into chromosomal DNA of C . immitis as tandem repeats. After animal passage, all transformants showed mitotic stability of the integrated DNA. This newly-developed transformation system permits genetic manipulations of C. immitis which were not previously possible.
Correlation of fetal frontal lobe and transcerebellar diameter measurements: the utility of a new prenatal sonographic technique

Several authors have reported the value of the sonographic assessment of both the fetal frontal lobe and the cerebellum. Both frontal lobe shortening and cerebellar hypoplasia have been associated with fetal aneuploidy. We anecdotally observed that the distance between the calvarium and the posterior cavum septum pellucidum (frontal lobe) closely approximated the transcerebellar diameter. This study was undertaken to investigate this relationship. Between 1 July 1994 and 1 January 1996, the frontal Lobe (posterior cavum septum pellucidum to the inner calvarium) and transcerebellar diameter were measured in patients referred to two prenatal ultrasound laboratories in Denver, Colorado., USA. All pregnancies had certain dates and were uncomplicated. Statistical comparison was completed using interval polynomial regression analysis. During the study period, we performed 221 detailed ultrasound examinations in which the frontal lobe and the transcerebellar diameter were measured. We found a correlation coefficient of 0.950 when comparing the two variables (p < 0.0001). Some conditions (Down's syndrome, lethal trisomies and pathological microcephaly) have differential effects on the frontal lobe and the transcerebellar diameter. Our preliminary judgement is that this new technique may prove to be a useful tool in assessing the relative effect of these conditions on structural neuroanatomy. Copyright © 1997 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Historian among Filmmakers

“This is not a work of fiction,” writes historian Boubacar Barry of Terry Alford's Prince Among Slaves: The True Story of an African Sold into Slavery in the South. Instead, he continues, it is an ...
Concepts, Theory, and Techniques INFLATION, MAINTENANCE OF CAPITAL, AND THE IRR MODEL OF CAPITAL BUDGETING*

Businesses operating under inflationary conditions need capital-budgeting models that help them judge the adequacy of returns on their investments and also allow them to keep capital intact by considering the erosive effects of inflation. The model proposed in this paper computes a modified internal rate of return (IRR); if cash inflows from a project are divided between earnings and recovery of capital, total recovery equals that amount which the capital-budgeting concept adopted by the business specifies (such as the original investment in constant dollars or its replacement cost). Under this model, a project should be accepted only if this computed rate equals or exceeds a hurdle rate that consists of the inflation-free rate of return plus the effect of inflation on such a return. Other modifications to the IRR model suggested in the literature do not completely satisfy the objective of capital budgeting under inflationary conditions.
The use of orthopedic wire as a lateral suture for stifle stabilization.

Extracapsular suture stabilization is a long-accepted technique for stabilization of cranial cruciate deficient stifles in small-breed dogs. Use of stainless steel wire as the suture material in the extracapsular technique extends the procedure to use in many large breed dogs and is currently the author’s surgery of choice. The surgical technique and illustrative cases are described
Evolutionary data mining of digital logic and the effects of uncertainty

A data mining based procedure for automated reverse engineering has been developed. The data mining algorithm for reverse engineering uses a genetic program (GP) as a data mining function. A genetic program is an algorithm based on the theory of evolution that automatically evolves populations of computer programs or mathematical expressions, eventually selecting one that is optimal in the sense it maximizes a measure of effectiveness, referred to as a fitness function. The system to be reverse engineered is typically a sensor. Design documents for the sensor are not available and conditions prevent the sensor from being taken apart. The sensor is used to create a database of input signals and output measurements. Rules about the likely design properties of the sensor are collected from experts. The rules are used to create a fitness function for the genetic program. Genetic program based data mining is then conducted. This procedure incorporates not only the experts' rules into the fitness function, but also the information in the database. The information extracted through this process is the internal design specifications of the sensor. Significant experimental and theoretical results related to GP based data mining for reverse engineering and the related uncertainties will be provided.
Extraction and labeling high-resolution images from PDF documents

Accuracy of content-based image retrieval is affected by image resolution among other factors. Higher resolution images enable extraction of image features that more accurately represent the image content. In order to improve the relevance of search results for our biomedical image search engine, Open-I, we have developed techniques to extract and label high-resolution versions of figures from biomedical articles supplied in the PDF format. Open-I uses the open-access subset of biomedical articles from the PubMed Central repository hosted by the National Library of Medicine. Articles are available in XML and in publisher supplied PDF formats. As these PDF documents contain little or no meta-data to identify the embedded images, the task includes labeling images according to their figure number in the article after they have been successfully extracted. For this purpose we use the labeled small size images provided with the XML web version of the article. This paper describes the image extraction process and two alternative approaches to perform image labeling that measure the similarity between two images based upon the image intensity projection on the coordinate axes and similarity based upon the normalized cross-correlation between the intensities of two images. Using image identification based on image intensity projection, we were able to achieve a precision of 92.84% and a recall of 82.18% in labeling of the extracted images.
Observation of daytime aurora

Abstract Daytime aurora has been detected from the ground using a spectral scanning polar-imeter employed earlier for measurement of the day airglow. Observations made at Fort Churchill, Manitoba during December 1962 revealed intensities for the green (5577 A) and red (6300 A) lines of oxygen of up to 30 kR on a magnetically disturbed day; subsequent observations on a quiet day gave intensities for both lines of less than 2 kR. The daytime aurora was not accompanied by radar echoes.
Transmitting the threat: Media coverage and the discussion of terrorism and civil liberties since 9/11

Since 11 September 2001, a significant portion of the public debate in the United States has focused upon the threat of terrorism. Previous scholarship has concluded that exposure to threatening information may result in significant alterations to individual decision‐making and, ultimately, may influence support for expansive civil liberties. Since information may critically impact support for civil liberties, the current study investigates alterations in print and broadcast media content related to civil liberties before and after 11 September 2001. The content analyses utilized here focus upon the types of content (such as threatening information, group‐specific information, and contextual information) that experimental research has suggested may influence individual decision‐making concerning civil liberties. Results suggest that threatening information in the media coverage of civil liberties escalated following 9/11 until it peaked in the year 2003. Following 2003, levels of threatening information g...
Commentary: Cultural Adaptation, Collaboration, and Exchange

This commentary reviews three articles linked together by two themes (a) the use of cultural adaptation of evidence-based practices to reduce disparities in health and services delivery and (b) the importance of collaboration involving intervention developers, practitioners, and consumers when delivering services. Both themes illustrate a process of cultural exchange, enabling researchers to develop interventions that are more meaningful and acceptable to consumers; providers to develop a stronger therapeutic alliance with consumers; and consumers to develop greater understanding and acceptance of treatment process. Such exchanges lead to improved consumer outcomes and greater satisfaction with services. By serving as a culture broker or change agents, social workers can play a leadership role in the translation of research to practice.
Influence of serosal Cl on transport properties and cation activities in frog skin.

The effects of serosal substitution of isosmotic Na2SO4-Ringer solution for NaCl-Ringer solution were studied in the short-circuited frog skin (Rana pipiens, Northern variety). Despite prompt changes of transepithelial measurements, initial cellular effects were slight. After 30 to 45 min, however, the transcellular current had decreased and the cell electrical potential had depolarized, in association with decrease of the apical membrane fractional resistance and basolateral membrane conductance. Apical membrane slope conductance was unaffected. Similar effects were obtained with isolated epithelia. With the use of gluconate or NO3 in place of Cl, the effects on cellular current and conductance were minimal or insignificant, despite changes of the cell potential, fractional resistance, and basolateral conductance similar to those seen with sulfate. Following prolonged exposure to serosal SO4-Ringer, the extent of depolarization induced by raising the serosal K concentration decreased, indicating diminution of basolateral K conductance and the existence of other basolateral conductances. Equilibration in serosal gluconate-Ringer enhanced polarization on serosal restoration of Cl or removal of Na, again indicating a time-dependent change in the basolateral conductance pattern. Depolarization on removal of serosal Cl was not attributable to inhibition of the pump. Nor was it the result of decrease of the K equilibrium potentialEK: exposure to serosal SO4-Ringer decreased cell K activitya K c from 104±6 to 58±4mm (n=5), butEK was reduced only slightly; exposure to serosal gluconate increaseda K c andEK. Serosal sulfate lowered the cell Na activitya Na c , but the electrochemical potential difference for Na across the apical surface was unaffected. The concurrent decrease of botha K c anda Na c following serosal substitution of SO4 for Cl raises questions concerning mechanisms of osmoregulation.
Six Great New Articles Including Three White Papers

In this issue, we are pleased to lead with a special section series of three White Papers capably facilitated and edited by special section co-editor Ted Peters, past president of the Eastern Acade...
Stereotactic aspiration of a brain stem hematoma

A medical student developed a progressive mesencephalic lesion found to be cystic in nature by computed tomographic (CT) scanning. Stereotactic aspiration of a pontomesencephalic hematoma was carried out twice, and the patient recovered. Angiography and CT scanning demonstrated a vascular lesion compatible with a venous angioma.
Biodegradation behavior of gellan gum in simulated colonic media.

The objective of this investigation was to test the biodegradability of gellan gum in the presence of galactomannanase in order to explore its suitability for the development of colon‐specific controlled delivery systems. Gellan beads containing azathioprine (AZA) were prepared by ionotropic gelation in the presence of Ca2 + ions and were coated with an enteric polymer, Eudragit® S‐100. The effects of the simulated colonic fluid (SCF, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer) containing 15 mg/mL of galactomannanase on the in vitro release profiles of uncoated and enteric‐coated beads were investigated, and the morphological changes in the structure of uncoated beads were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, 1% solution of deacetylated gellan gum was prepared and several aliquots of the resulting solution were evaluated rheologically to determine the concentration‐ and time‐dependent effects of galactomannanase. Based on the percent drug released at 2 h, approximately 10% greater amount of drug was ...
Anticarcinoma activity in vivo of rhodamine 123, a mitochondrial-specific dye

Carcinoma cells and normal epithelial cells differ in the mitochondrial retention of a permeant cationic compound, rhodamine 123. The possibility of utilizing this difference in carcinoma chemotherapy was investigated. Rhodamine 123 exhibited anticarcinoma activity in mice, and this activity was potentiated by 2-deoxyglucose.
Clinical Applications of Pharmacokinetics and Adaptive Control

FOR the great majority of drugs, it is generally true that the more drug one takes per day, the greater is the total amount of drug in the body, the greater are the serum and tissue concentrations, the greater is the rate of excretion of the drug, and also the greater is the incidence of adverse reactions. In general, most of these things, except the incidence of adverse reactions, are linearly related to each other, and the kinetic behavior of these drugs can be regarded as that of linear pharmacokinetic systems. The "well-stirred tank" concepts found in introductory courses in calculus apply, and compartmental models of drug behavior are the ones commonly used. Many drugs have been studied in this way, including digitalis glycosides, aminoglycoside antibiotics, lidocaine, procainamide, quinidine, and theophylline, to name only a few.
The Relation of Sociocultural Factors to Eating Attitudes and Behaviors among Middle School Girls.

Three hundred and eighty-five girls ages 10 through 14 years were surveyed about eating behavior, body satisfaction, concern with being slender, and cues from parents, peers, and magazines in regar...
Channel Surfing Redux: A Brief History of the TV Remote Control and a Tribute to Its Coinventors

As the consumer electronics industry mourns the passing of the last of the coinventors of the wireless remote control for television, IEEE hits the pause button to review the colorful history behind the remote control to reflect on the impact of this innovation that has transformed the lives of generations of TV viewers and to celebrate the lives and contributions of these consumer electronic industry pioneers.
Anaphylatoxins C5a and C3a induce nuclear factor κB activation in human peripheral blood monocytes

Abstract The anaphylatoxins C5a and C3a are involved in the regulation of cytokine production. In this study the capability of C5a and C3a to induce transcription factor activation was examined. C5a and C3a stimulation of human peripheral blood monocytes resulted in nuclear expression of a DNA binding activity with specificity to the κB sequence. The p50 and p65 proteins, constituents of the prototypic nuclear factor κB, were identified as components of the DNA-protein complexes by anti-peptide antibodies in gel supershift assays. C5a induced κB binding activity was detected 15 min after agonist stimulation, peaked at 30–40 min, and remained detectable at 2 h. Binding to κB sequence was accompanied by an initial decrease and subsequent increase in the cytoplasmic IκBα levels, as detected by Western blotting using an anti-IκBα antibody. Pertussis toxin treatment markedly decreased κB binding activities induced by both C5a and C3a, whereas cholera toxin displayed no inhibitory effect. Neither of the two toxins affected κB binding activity induced by TNFα in the same cells. These results imply a potential role of the anaphylatoxins C5a and C3a in regulating leukocytes gene expression through G protein-coupled transcription factor activation.
Unfolding of iron and copper complexes of human lactoferrin and transferrin

1. Human lactoferrin and transferrin are capable of binding two iron or copper ions into specific binding sites in the presence of bicarbonate. 2. Urea and several alkyl ureas have been effective in unfolding these metal-protein complexes. 3. Biphasic transitions are observed for the unfolding of each of the metal complexes of these proteins as determined by direct visible spectroscopy suggesting the release of iron(III) and Cu(II) ions from both of these metal-binding proteins during the unfolding process. 4. Greater stabilization and increased resistance to protein unfolding is observed for all iron(III) complexes compared to Cu(II) complexes of lactoferrin and transferrin as determined by isothermal unfolding and thermal denaturation. 5. Relative stabilization of the different metal-protein complexes investigated within this study were determined to be as follows: Lf-Fe(III) greater than Lf-Cu(II); Tf-Fe(III) greater than Tf-Cu(II), and Lf-Fe(III) greater than Tf-Fe(III); Lf-Cu(II) greater than Tf-Cu(II).
Differential Transformation and Its Application to Nonlinear Optimal Control

A novel numerical method based on the differential transformation is proposed for solving nonlinear optimal control problems in this paper. The differential transformation is a linear operator that transforms a function from the original time and/or space domain into another domain in order to simplify the differential calculations. The optimality conditions for the optimal control problems can be represented by algebraic and differential equations. Using the differential transformation, these algebraic and differential equations with their boundary conditions are first converted into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Then the numerical optimal solutions are obtained in the form of finite-term Taylor series by solving the system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The differential transformation algorithm is similar to the spectral element methods in that the computational region splits into several subregions but it uses polynomials of high degrees by keeping a small number of subregions. The differential transformation algorithm could solve the finite- (or infinite-) time horizon optimal control problems formulated as either the algebraic and ordinary differential equations using Pontryagin’s minimum principle or the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman partial differential equation using dynamic programming in one unified framework. In addition, the differential transformation algorithm can efficiently solve optimal control problems with the piecewise continuous dynamics and/or nonsmooth control. The performance is demonstrated through illustrative examples.
Why WIC Women Stop Breastfeeding?: Analysis of Maternal Characteristics and Time to Cessation

Women who receive benefits from Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are not meeting the recommendations for breastfeeding duration. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine maternal sociodemographic and time factors related to the reason for discontinuing breastfeeding for 238 WIC participants who initiated breastfeeding. This study is a secondary data analysis of existing longitudinal survey and administrative data from a Chicago-area community health center and WIC clinic. The average length of breastfeeding within this sample was 16 weeks. Women in this sample reported a perception of insufficient milk (PIM; 46%), returning to work/school (13%), and other maternal problems (13%) as the main reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding. Within the first 16 weeks, 65% of the women who discontinued breastfeeding cited PIM as the main reason, with 2 distinct time points at 5 weeks and 13 weeks. Women of Hispanic descent were more likely than non-Hispanic women to report this perception ...
An Episodic Model of Identity Management Behaviors in Pregnant Employees

The current study uses event-based experience sampling procedures to examine identity management processes in pregnant employees over the course of pregnancy at the interaction level of analysis. S...
Fatigue Design of Sign Support Structures for Loading Caused by Natural Wind Loads

A unified design method for fatigue loading caused by natural wind for highway overhead sign support structures is needed. Whereas the fatigue design provisions given in the 2001 AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals provide fatigue design criteria for natural wind, these provisions are applicable only within certain limitations. A comprehensive approach was developed for fatigue design for the treatment of sign support structures, considering the dynamic properties of the structures such as the natural frequency and damping characteristics. The approach is applicable for structures in which the dynamic response can be approximated by a single degree-of-freedom system. Typical examples include cantilever- and bridge-type overhead sign support structures. The proposed fatigue design approach incorporates these parameters in a simplified, systematic procedure that can be readily used by the engineer. The analytical work performed involved pr...
A murine monoclonal antibody (VM-1) against human basal cells inhibits the growth of human keratinocytes in culture.

Using epidermal cells from psoriatic plaques as the immunogen, an IgG 1 murine monoclonal antibody, VM-1, has been produced which stains basal keratinocytes on frozen sections of skin obtained from normal individuals and from psoriatic plaques. In some areas of both normal and psoriatic epidermis, the cell layer immediately above the basal cells is also stained. Cells in the external root sheath of the hair follicles also bind VM-1. The antibody binding site is trypsin-resistant, and is not blocked by bullous pemphigoid serum. If dispersed epidermal cells are preincubated with VM-1 for 1 h or more before plating, the majority of the cells do not attach and spread out on a collagen-coated Petri dish surface or on a fibroblast feeder layer. When added to attached, preconfluent cultures of keratinocytes, VM-1 inhibits growth and alters cell morphology. The growth inhibition is specific for keratinocytes, and viability studies show that it is not due to an immediate toxic effect of the antibody. The VM-1-induced inhibition of keratinocyte growth is not reversed by soy bean or lima bean trypsin inhibitors added at the time of cell plating or at the time of addition of antibody.
Electronic relaxation in naphthalene vapor

Abstract Fluorescence of naphthalene vapor at 0.1 mm and room temperature has been studied as a function of vibrational level and excitation energy. It is shown that the quantum yield of fluorescence from different vibrational levels of the lowest excited singlet states (S 1 ) shows a large variation, with the emission from a b 1g level showing particularly high yield. The quantum yield of the emission from several virbational levels (a b 1g level in particular) of S 1 is greater from naphthalene- h 8 than for naphthalene- d 8 , contrasting the normal deuterium isotope effect on radiationless transitions. It also shown that the quantum yield of fluorescence decrease rather smoothly with increasing excitation energy in the spectral region covering the second and third absorption bands. In the same spectral region, the fluorescence quantum yield of d 8 is greater than that of h 8 , and the ratio of the two yields increases smoothly with increasing energy of excitation.
Measurement of surface contact area of the ankle joint

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of contact area of the ankle joint with axial loading and in positions of maximal dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, supination, and pronation. We also tested the effects of extrinsic tendon loading and arch instability. DESIGN: Nine cadaveric feet were studied in the intact condition and following transection of ligaments to create arch instability. BACKGROUND: Assessment of ankle contact in various joint positions and degrees of instability is difficult to accomplish with conventional methods. METHODS: Displacement of the talus relative to the tibia was measured with a magnetic tracking device and tibiotalar joint contact from proximity calculations of digitized joint surfaces. RESULTS: Contact area did not change significantly from unloaded condition to 667 N load condition in the medial, central, and lateral zones. Central zone contact area decreased in plantar flexion by an average of 324 mm(2) (SD, 165 mm(2)) (P = 0.0004). Medial zone contact area decreased in plantar flexion by a mean of 55 mm(2) (SD, 28 mm(2)) (P = 0.0004), decreased in pronation by an average of 42 mm(2) (SD, 36 mm(2)) (P = 0.0086), and increased in supination by an average of 20 mm(2) (SD, 26 mm(2)) (P = 0.0430). Lateral zone contact decreased in plantar flexion by a mean of 124 mm(2) (SD, 57 mm(2)) (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In plantar flexion, there was a decrease in contact area. Loading extrinsic tendons to the foot did not significantly increase ankle contact area, but arch instability caused a decrease in central and lateral zone contact area. RELEVANCE: This technique was used to assess joint contact characteristics in various loading conditions and will be useful for evaluating the extent to which treatment for ankle or hindfoot problems such as bracing or reconstruction operations restores normal joint contact.
Racial Disparities in CHD Mortality from 1968–1992 in the State Economic Areas Surrounding the ARIC Study Communities

PURPOSE: This study examined racial variations in CHD (coronary heart disease) mortality rates (1968–1992) of residents aged 35–84 in the state economic areas (SEAs) surrounding the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study. The quarter century of CHD mortality rates are discussed in relation to racial and gender differences in baseline risk factors measured in the ARIC cohort and to the incidence of hospitalized myocardial infarction and case fatality rates obtained from the community surveillance component of the ARIC study between 1987 and 1994, inclusive. METHODS: Five-year average annual, gender- and age-specific CHD mortality rates were compared across race groups, based on National Vital Statistics data for state economic areas. RESULTS: Five-year average annual CHD mortality declined 2.6% for white men and women and 1.6% and 2.2% for black men and women, respectively. The black-white mortality rate ratio increased over time for men and women. The black-white mortality age crossover (higher black than white mortality in young men, lower black than white mortality at older ages) had disappeared by the end of the observation. CHD mortality was markedly greater in black than white women at all ages and time periods. The black disadvantage in CHD mortality was increasingly greater in the ARIC SEAs than in the United States as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent and increasing racial disparities in CHD mortality occurred in the ARIC SEAs concurrently with racial differences in risk factors, the incidence of myocardial infarction, and case fatality rates.
Communication outcome in children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury

Abstract This article gives a brief review of investigations of speech and language impairment after paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and describes possible effects of frontal lobe injury on non-aphasic disorders of communication. The relation between age and outcome after brain injury in children is also considered. Procedures for overcoming chronic obstacles to effective supports and services for students returning to school after TBI are described briefly. Although most children with normal development of language at the time of their injury experience generally satisfactory recovery of speech and language skills, there is considerable variation within this population. The most likely communication challenges relate to the socially skilled application of available speech and language skills, not their possession.
A fast maximum likelihood estimation approach to LAD regression

In this paper, we show that the optimization needed to solve the least absolute deviations (LAD) regression problem can be viewed as a sequence of maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) of location. The derived algorithm reduces to an iterative procedure where a simple coordinate transformation is applied during each iteration to direct the optimization procedure along edge lines of the cost surface, followed by a MLE estimate of location which is executed by a weighted median operation. Requiring weighted medians only, the new algorithm can be easily modularized for hardware implementation, as opposed to most of the other existing LAD methods which require complicated operations such as matrix entry manipulations. The new algorithm provides a better trade-off solution between convergence speed and implementation complexity compared to existing algorithms.
Field programmable multi chip modules using programmable laser interconnects

Researchers have been performing extensive studies in Multi-FPGA systems for rapid prototyping, logic emulators, reconfigurable computing and software accelerators. Traditional prototyping systems mapped on to multi-FPGA systems have considerable delay and do not reflect the actual timing characteristics of the custom design. An innovative methodology is proposed for prototyping and also for implementation of the design using FPMCM. Two types of FPMCM are used, i.e. SRAM based FPMCM and Laser Vertical Link (LVL) based FPMCMs. These proposed FPMCM systems have better performance characteristics than the conventional multi-FPGA systems due to the inherent advantages of MCMs over PCB systems coupled with faster programmable interconnects.