cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic pouch surgery: results after 20 years.

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a curative operation for patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis that provides excellent quality of life. The operation has been performed in earnest since the 1980s, and reports of approaching the procedure with the laparoscopic technique were done in the early 1990s. Initially, there was no overwhelming support for the procedure as surgeons found significantly longer operating times and higher complication rates than in open operations. 1 But, as technology advanced and laparoscopic instrumentation improved with the advent of angled cameras, enhanced grasping instruments, and tissuesealing devices, the laparoscopic approach to IPAAs has been shown to be safe and effective. One must first define laparoscopic IPAA to really see where we have come over the last 20 years. There are several minimally invasive approaches to the procedure that have been described including the laparoscopically assisted approach, hand-assisted approach, single-incision approach, and robotically assisted approach. The most commonly performed procedures are the laparoscopically assisted or the hand-assisted approach. Port placement varies for the procedures, but a diamond approach with an umbilical port, leftand right-lower-quadrant ports, and a suprapubic port provides access to all quadrants of the abdomen for colonic mobilization and resection and facilitates laparoscopic mobilization of the rectum. Abdominal incisions to remove the specimen and format the pouch can be made either through the right-lower-quadrant stoma site, around the umbilicus, or through a Pfannenstiel incision. Safety and efficacy have been shown through several studies. Larson et al. published a comparison retrospective review of their experience comparing 100 laparoscopic IPAA patients to 200 IPAA patients. They found no difference in complication rates or short-term outcomes, but did see a significantly lower length of stay (4 vs. 7 days) with a significantly longer operative time (330 vs. 240 min) in the laparoscopic group. 2 Polle et al.
Diazepam in the prevention of seizures and death in cocaine-intoxicated rats

Rats were exposed to high-dose intraperitoneal cocaine. Pretreatment with diazepam was found to be highly effective in reducing observed seizures from 90% to 0% and reducing the incidence of death from 85% to 10%. Furthermore, diazepam treatment after cocaine exposure was also effective in decreasing deaths, from 80% to 21%, even when given after the onset of seizures. Although diazepam pretreatment was shown to prevent clinically overt seizures, cortical EEGs in these rats demonstrated a continuum of convulsantlike electrical activity Our study points to the protective effects of diazepam when given before or after cocaine exposure. Together, these data suggest that diazepam has significant efficacy against cocaine intoxication even though it does not totally suppress cocaineinduced cortical EEG seizure activity.
TU‐C‐17A‐11: Progressive Knowledge Modeling for Pelvic IMRT/VMAT Treatment Planning

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of progressive knowledge modeling for IMRT/VMAT treatment planning for multiple cancer types in the pelvic region. Methods: The treatment planning knowledge model quantifies correlations between patient anatomical features and the OAR dose sparing features. The model is trained with prior plans using a stepwise regression machine learning technique. The progressive modeling process starts with 20 low risk prostate plans (type 1) which offer simplest PTV-OAR geometry. Cases with more complex PTV-OAR anatomies (prostate with lymph node, type 2 and anal rectal, type 3) are added to the training dataset one by one until the model prediction accuracies reach a plateau. The starting point of the plateau also defines the minimum numbers of type 2 and 3 training cases required for modelling.The DVHs predicted by the knowledge model for bladder, femoral heads and rectum were validated by 20, 9 and 18 cases with type 1, 2, and 3 geometries, respectively (rectum DVHs are omitted for type 3). Mean and standard deviation of differences between the dosimetric parameters sampled from the DVHs and the corresponding actual plan values measure the prediction accuracy of the model. Further, the accuracy was also compared with the single-type models which were trained by single type cases. Results: Prediction accuracy reaches plateau when 6 type 2 and 8 type 3 cases were added to the training dataset. The determination coefficients R2 (should be square, font) for the OARs are: Bladder 0.90, rectum 0.64, and femoral heads 0.82. The prediction accuracies by the multiple-type model and single-type model have no significant differences by F-test (p-value: bladder: 0.58, femoral head: 0.44, rectum: 0.97). Conclusion: Progressive knowledge modeling of OAR sparing for multiple cancer types in pelvic region is feasible and has comparable accuracy to single cancer type modeling. Partially supported by NIH/NCI under grant #R21CA161389 and a master research grant by Varian Medical System.
Successful renewable energy development in a competitive electricity market: A Texas case study

Abstract The development of renewable energy in markets with competition at wholesale and retail levels poses challenges not present in areas served by vertically-integrated utilities. The intermittent nature of some renewable energy resources impact reliability, operations, and market prices, in turn affecting all market participants. Meeting renewable energy goals may require coordination among many market players. These challenges may be successfully overcome by imposing goals, establishing trading mechanisms, and implementing operational changes in competitive markets. This strategy has contributed to Texas’ leadership among all US states in non-hydro renewable energy production. While Texas has been largely successful in accommodating over 9000 MW of wind power capacity, this extensive reliance upon wind power has also created numerous problems. Higher levels of operating reserves must now be procured. Market prices often go negative in the proximity of wind farms. Inaccurate wind forecasts have led to reliability problems. Five billion dollars in transmission investment will be necessary to facilitate further wind farm projects. Despite these costs, wind power is generally viewed as a net benefit.
Impact of using adaptive body bias to compensate die-to-die Vt variation on within-die Vt variation

Scaling of supply voltage (Vdd) is essential for controlling active power dissipation in complex digital circuits. Transistor threshold voltage (Vt) variation is one of the key limiters to Vdd scaling. Several adaptive body bias in schemes have been proposed earlier to reduce the impact of die-to-die Vt variation. Unfortunately, body bias degrades the short channel effect (SCE) in the MOSFET. As technology is scaled down, this adverse effect of body biasing poses an increasingly serious challenge to controlling SCE and results in worse within-die Vt variation. The scaling trends of body bias values required to reduce die-to-die Vt variations and the resulting increase in within-die Vt variation are presented across three different technology generations.
Ventral and sub-caudal scale counts are associated with macrohabitat use and tail specialization in viperid snakes

Viperids are a species rich clade of snakes that vary greatly in both morphology and ecology. Many species in the family express tail specializations used for defensive warnings, prey lures, and stability during locomotion and striking. To examine the relationships among ecology, behavior, and vertebral number in the family Viperidae, morphological data (maximum total length and the number of pre-cloacal and caudal vertebrae), macrohabitat use, and tail specialization for 157 viperids were gleaned from published sources. A composite tree topology was constructed from multiple published viperid phylogenies for independent contrasts analysis. The number of vertebrae was strongly correlated with the total length of the snake. Results of both non-phylogenetic and phylogenetically corrected analysis showed that macrohabitat use did not strongly influence total snake length. However, the number of vertebrae per unit length did vary among species according to macrohabitat. Specifically, vertebral density increased with increasing arboreality. Overall, viperids showed a positive correlation between the number of caudal and pre-cloacal vertebrae, but separately rattlesnakes had a significant negative correlation. Species with prehensile tails and those that caudal lure had the most caudal vertebrae. The increased caudal segments of prehensile and luring tails likely improve performance when grasping small vegetation for support or imitating invertebrate prey. These results illustrate that vertebral number is a primary characteristic involved in the diversification of viper species and ecology.
Construction and analysis of in vivo activity of E. coli promoter hybrids and promoter mutants that alter the -35 to -10 spacing.

Abstract A series of promoter hybrids has been constructed by exchanging the − 35 and − 10 regions of lac UV5, tet , and trp promoters. These three promoters and the six hybrid promoters constructed from them have been inserted into a pKO plasmid which places galactokinase expression under the control of the inserted promoter. Additionally, promoter mutants were prepared which had altered the spacing between the − 35 and − 10 regions of the promoter. Derivatives of the tet promoter with one or two extra base pairs in this spacer region and constructions of the lac :: tet hybrid promoter with two different spacings have been inserted into the galactokinase expression plasmid. Measurements of galactokinase levels in strains harboring these plasmids permited the comparison of in vivo activities of the promoters. The strongest of the hybrid promoters (order: − 35, − 10) were trp :: lac and trp :: tet suggesting a high efficiency for the − 35 region of the trp promoter. The weakest promoters were tet :: trp , lac :: trp and lac :: tet indicating a weak − 10 region for the trp promoter and the importance of − 35 to − 10 spacing. Analysis of activity of related promoters with differences in spacing indicated that a distance of 19 bp yields a very weak promoter, and that 18 bp is less active than the 17-bp spacing, which is the most frequently found spacing in promoters.
Standard Errors of Prediction in Generalized Linear Mixed Models

Abstract The unconditional mean squared error of prediction (UMSEP) is widely used as a measure of prediction variance for inferences concerning linear combinations of fixed and random effects in the classical normal theory mixed model. But the UMSEP is inappropriate for generalized linear mixed models where the conditional variance of the random effects depends on the data. When the random effects describe variation between independent small domains and domain-specific prediction is of interest, we propose a conditional mean squared error of prediction (CMSEP) as a general measure of prediction variance. The CMSEP is shown to be the sum of the conditional variance and a positive correction that accounts for the sampling variability of parameter estimates. We derive a second-order-correct estimate of the CMSEP that consists of three components: (a) a plug-in estimate of the conditional variance, (b) a plug-in estimate of a Taylor series approximation to the correction term, and (c) a bootstrap estimate of...
Larmor precession and the traversal time for tunneling

Baz' and Rybachenko have proposed the use of the Larmor precession as a clock to measure the time it takes a particle to traverse a barrier. An applied magnetic field is confined to the barrier. The spin of the incident particles is polarized perpendicular to this field. The extent of the Larmor precession occurring during transmission is used as a measurement of the time spent traversing the barrier. However, the particles tunneling through an opaque barrier also acquire a spin component parallel to the field since particles with spin parallel to the field have a higher transmission probability than particles with spin antiparallel to the field. Similar effects are actually used to polarize electrons and neutrons. An interpretation of this experiment compares the results with an approach which determines the traversal time by studying transmission of particles through a time-modulated barrier. This leads to three characteristic times describing the interaction of particles with a barrier. A dwell time measures the average time interval during which a particle interacts with the barrier whether it is reflected or transmitted at the end of its stay, a traversal time measures the time interval during which a particle interacts with the barrier if it is finally transmitted, and a reflection time measures the interaction time of a reflected particle.
Eikonal methods for multielectron ion-atom collisions

Abstract The Glauber and Born approximations were used to calculate cross sections for bare ions exciting hydrogen to its n = 2 level for an energy of 1.4 MeV/amu which corresponds to a speed of ν =7.5 a.u. results for the total cross sections for the incident bare ions H + , Be 4+ , C 6+ , O 8+ , Ne 10+ , Mg 12+ , and P 15+ are presented. The Glauber approximation results make a significant correction to the Born approximation as the charge on the incident ion is increased. For P 15+ the Glauber result is over a factor of 2 larger than the Born result. Two eikonal approximations (G1 and G2) based on the Glauber approximation were carried out for an incident phosphorus ion in different ionization states for the same energy, 1.4 MeV/amu. It is argued that the G1 approximation, which has a structure similar to the Born approximation, is expected to be in better agreement with experimental data. However, there is no data with which to compare at this time.
Bradycardia induced from stimulation of the left versus right central nucleus of the amygdala

Studies have demonstrated that the predominant effect of stimulation of the central nucleus of the amygdala is one of heart rate deceleration. Anatomical studies have shown that projections from the central nucleus to the cardioinhibitory neurons in the medulla are ipsilateral and that projections of the left or right vagal efferents to the heart innervate different nodal points. The results of this study suggest that stimulation of the central nucleus of the amygdala from either the left or right hemisphere produced similar increases in heart period. These results are discussed in terms of the effects of the localization of epileptic foci in the temporal lobes on the cardiovascular system. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
HYPOTONIC SALINE AND FUROSEMIDE DIURESIS IN BARTTER'S SYNDROME

Top of pageAbstract Chamiovitz, et. al., recently demonstrated a defect in sodium (NA) reabsorption in the medullary diluting segment in a patient with Bartter's Syndrome (B.S.). We performed hypotonic saline diuresis studies on a patient (J.A.) with B.S. and followed this with furosemide (F) infusion of 1mg/kg. The following table illustrates our data compared with Chamiovitz's patients and his normal controls. Although the actual free water clearance (CH2O) in J.A. is comparable to established controls (9.2 vs. 9.0), it is reduced in relation to NA delivery to the ascending limb (CH2O + CNA) thereby supporting the contention of Chamiovitz, et. al., of defective sodium reabsorption in the diluting segment. The defect appears partial as evidenced by the change in CH2O when NA delivery was increased. Since F. reduced CH2O some NA reabsorption does occur in the medullary diluting segment in B.S. The increase in CH2O + CNA achievable as compared to controls treated similarly (19.6 vs. 11.1) might also suggest defective proximal tubular reabsorption of NA.
A proposal concerning decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment for young people

La decision de poursuivre un traitement d'entretien chez un grand enfant ou un adolescent depend de la relation parent-enfant, du role et de l'attitude du pediatre et du developpement de la capacite de decision (comprehension, raisonnement, volontarisme) du jeune. Chacun devrait y avoir sa part
Systematic administration of calcitonin through ocular route

Abstract Calcitonin has been used clinically to treat hypercalcemia, Vitamin D intoxication, osteolytic bone metastases and increased skeletal remodeling in Paget's disease. In general calcitonin is given every 6 to 12 hrs intramuscularly or subcutaneously. It has been found in this study that the same results can be achieved by giving calcitonin through eyes as ophthalmic solutions. When 25 μl of 0.05% calcitonin was given as eyedrops to New Zealand white rabbits, it did not reach the concentration achieved by i.v. administration at the same dose level. The systematic absorption of calcitonin did not reach the level achieved by i.v. administration even though the eyedrop concentrations were increased 2-fold (0.1%) to 10-fold (0.5%). When absorption enhancers such as BL-9 and Brij-78 were added to calcitonin eyedrops, however, the systematic absorption of calcitonin was enhanced markedly. BL-9 (0.5%) increased calcitonin (0.5%) absorption 16–20 fold and raised blood concentration of calcitonin above levels achieved by i.v. injection (25μl, 0.05%) with 0.5% calcitonin eyedrops instillation. Effects of Brij-78 (0.5%) were even more impressive. It increased calcitonin absorption 22–24 fold and raised the blood concentration of calcitonin above the levels achieved by i.v. injection (25μl 0.05%) with 0.15% and 0.5% calcitonin eyedrops instillation. These results indicate that the therapeutic level of calcitonin can be reached through the ocular route.
Pre-adolescent concern for the natural environment according to gender

Natural environment and human relationships are very important in creating a healthy society. In particular, recent research focuses on the relationship between child and natural environments. Chil...
EUS-guided FNA of lung masses adjacent to or abutting the esophagus after unrevealing CT-guided biopsy or bronchoscopy

Background The accuracy, the safety, and the cost-effectiveness of EUS-guided FNA for screening patients with lung cancer for mediastinal metastasis are well established, but the utility of EUS-guided FNA in evaluating lung mass per se has not been investigated. This study retrospectively evaluated experience with EUS-guided FNA of lung mass lesions after unsuccessful attempts by CT-guided or bronchoscopic tissue sampling to establish a tissue diagnosis. Methods A database was searched for all patients who had EUS-guided FNA of lung mass lesions over a 3-year period. The diagnostic yield and safety of EUS-guided FNA were evaluated. Observations Eighteen patients (11 men, 7 women) underwent EUS-guided FNA of lung mass lesions adjacent to or abutting the esophagus. The indication for EUS-guided FNA was evaluation of the mediastinum of patients with lung mass of unclear etiology. EUS-guided FNA yielded tissue for diagnosis in 100% of patients: 15 non-small-cell lung cancer, one small-cell lung cancer, two metastatic lung disease. Ten patients had unresectable disease; in 8, the mass was conf ined to the lung parenchyma. The mean number of needle passes required to establish a diagnosis was two (range 1–6). No complication was encountered (mean follow-up 141 days; range 72–396 days). Five patients underwent curative surgery, and 13 had palliative chemoradiation. Conclusions In this study, EUS-guided FNA of lung mass was safe, and it established a diagnosis in all patients with accessible lesions. Given these preliminary data, a prospective evaluation of this new indication for EUS-guided FNA is justified.
Latinos, Higher Education, and the “Needs” of the Market

In this essay, we consider the current state of Latinos in higher education. In our analysis, we offer a critique of mainstream discourse on Latinos and higher education. In doing so, we foreground contemporary capitalist formations as critical to understanding the structural realities faced by Latinos in higher education today.
The Analysis of Comparison of the 1000KV UHV Electrical Equipment and Circuit

The single UHV electrical equipment and numerical model for its circuit would be established by the Ansys software, after respectively analyze the Earthquake acceleration response spectrum of all the models, the stress distribution of equipments of all numerical model and its top displacement results would be get. By comparing the differences of every model’s result and focusing on the load-carrying properties of the structure, the experiments would get further optimizing space and confirm the circuit connection mode that is favorable for the Seismic resistance. After the comparison of single equipment and circuit results, it is suggested to establish a complete circuit numerical model while analyze and verify the converting station.
Role for subgenomic mRNA in host translation inhibition during Sindbis virus infection of mammalian cells.

Abstract Sindbis virus subgenomic mRNA is efficiently translated in infected vertebrate cells whereas host translation is shut-off. Deletions in the 5′UTR of the subgenomic mRNA were made to investigate its role in viral gene expression. Deletion of nucleotides 1–10 and 11–20 caused a small plaque phenotype, reduced levels of subgenomic mRNA and structural proteins, and increased expression of nonstructural proteins. Whereas deletion 1–10 virus inhibited cellular protein synthesis, deletion 11–20 did so inefficiently. A large plaque revertant of deletion 11–20, possessing a duplication of the subgenomic promoter region, produced subgenomic mRNA at WT levels and restored inhibition of host protein synthesis. Further analysis of the mutant and revertant 5′UTR sequences showed the ability to shut-off host cell translation correlated with the efficiency of translation of subgenomic mRNA. We propose that the translational efficiency and quantity of the subgenomic mRNA play a role in inhibition of host cell translation.
Some properties of a random set approximation to upper and lower distribution functions

Information on an uncertain real variable is oftentimes conveyed using upper and lower distribution functions, which define a credal set, M. The paper explores the properties of a random set (random interval) approximation, R, to the upper and lower distribution functions carried out using the outer discretization method (ODM) introduced by the author as a generalization to an algorithm proposed in Williamson and Downs R.C. Williamson, T. Downs, Probabilistic arithmetic. i. Numerical methods for calculating convolutions and dependency bounds, Int. J. Approx. Reason. 4 (1990) 89--158]. It is shown that probability bounds calculated using the ODM random sets, R, always contain the probability bounds calculated using M. This result holds even in the multivariate case (when each marginal is ODM discretized into a random set, R) regardless of the concept of dependence or independence adopted. The bound inclusion is also true for the image of a function defined on those variables. Finer discretizations of the original credal sets yield tighter or equal probability bounds. Since the ODM yields a random set, R, the information can be modeled either using probability measures of the measurable selections or the credal set of the belief and plausibility of R. It is proven that both models yield the same probability bounds and that the Choquet integrals of the belief and plausibility of R are the inferior and superior, respectively, of the expectations calculated using the measurable selections. However, the probabilistic information conveyed by the measurable selections may be more restrictive than the information contained in the credal set of the belief and plausibility of R.
Langmuir Monolayer and Langmuir−Blodgett Film Studies of an Amphiphilic Coumaryl Crown Ether

As a potential compound for use in optical fiber fluorescence sensor for rapid detection of saxitoxin, 4-(monoaza-18-crown-6-methyl)-7-octadecanoylaminocoumarin (ODAC) was synthesized and the interfacial and spectroscopic properties of its Langmuir monolayers and Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) films were studied. The surface pressure− and surface potential−area isotherms were obtained on a pure water subphase. In situ fluorescence of the ODAC monolayer at the air−water interface showed a fluorescence band centered around 425 nm (λex = 332 nm) decreasing in intensity with increasing surface pressure. This observation is due to the self-quenching of the ODAC molecules as the surface concentration per unit area increases and aggregates are formed. To reduce the aggregation phenomenon, mixed monolayers of ODAC with C18GlyGlyAlaGlyNH2 peptidolipid (PL) (PL:ODAC, 20:1 and 100:1) were used to dilute the fluorophore molecules at the air−water interface and diminish the self-quenching. LB films of pure ODAC and PL:ODAC mi...
Polymer blends near patterned surfaces

The complicated density profiles exhibited by compressible binary polymer blends near patterned surfaces in the one-phase region are studied employing the analytic density functional-self-consistent field theory. The density patterns are explained on the basis of the competing influences of the correlation lengths for composition and density fluctuations, the pattern spacing, and the interfacial density profiles at abrupt changes in the surface interaction. The length scale for the in-plane interfacial profiles is determined primarily by the correlation length for composition fluctuations, with the correlation length for density fluctuations exerting rather a small influence. However, the magnitude of the surface segregation depends on both correlation lengths, the pattern dimensions, and the surface–polymer potentials.
Surfactant headgroup orientation at the air/water interface.

We have used vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy to provide the first measurement of the spectrum and orientation of the polar headgroup of a charged alkyl surfactant at the air/water interface. Sum-frequency spectra of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are used to arrive at all participating elements of the second-order susceptibility tensor. We use these χ(2) elements, together with calculated values of the hyperpolarizability, to determine the tilt of the S−O bond attached to the alkyl chain and the twist of the S−O−C plane. Thus, a full characterization of the orientation of the surfactant headgroup has been achieved. This is the first demonstration of the feasibility of sum-frequency measurements of sulfate modes in the 1100 cm-1 region, opening possibilities for future investigations of surfactant behavior in this spectral region at aqueous and solid interfaces.
CMX-8933, a peptide fragment of the glycoprotein ependymin, promotes activation of AP-1 transcription factor in mouse neuroblastoma and rat cortical cell cultures.

Abstract An 8-amino acid peptide fragment (CMX-8933) of Ependymin, a glycoprotein component of the extracellular fluid and cerebrospinal fluid of goldfish brain, was synthesized and tested for its capacity to activate AP-1 transcription factor in cell cultures. Dose-response and time - course studies of AP-1’s binding to DNA were carried out in neuroblastoma (NB2a/dl) and primary rat brain cortical cultures using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A 13–14-fold increase in AP-1’s DNA binding was obtained when NB2a cells were incubated for 4 h with 6–10 μg/ml CMX-8933. Primary rat brain cortical cultures were much more sensitive to the effects of CMX-8933 than transformed (NB2a) cultures; here a 26.7±5.2-fold increase in binding was observed following a 3-h treatment with as little as 10 ng/ml peptide. These findings are consistent with an activation of this transcription factor, a characteristic that has been previously correlated with functional aspects of full-sized neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor and brain-derived nerve growth factor) in neuronal differentiation and regeneration. Such data suggest a role for Ependymin in transcriptional control.
Label-free quantitative DNA detection using the liquid core optical ring resonator

Abstract We demonstrated quantitative real-time label-free detection of DNA sequences using the liquid core optical ring resonator (LCORR) sensor. The LCORR is a recently developed sensing platform that integrates microfluidics and photonic sensing technology with low detection limit and sub-nanoliter detection volume. We analyzed experimentally and theoretically the LCORR response to a variety of DNA samples that had different strand lengths (25–100 bases), number of base- mismatches (1–5), and concentrations (10 pM to 10 μM) to evaluate the LCORR sequence detection capability. In particular, we established the linear correlation between the LCORR sensing signal and the molecule density, which allows us to accurately calculate the molecule density on the surface. It is found that the probe surface coverage was 26–51% and the extent of hybridization was 40–50%. The titration curve for 25-base probe and 25-base target DNA yields a dissociation constant of 2.9 nM. With a 37.1 nm/RIU LCORR, detection of 10 pM bulk DNA concentration was demonstrated. The mass detection limit was estimated to be 4 pg/mm 2 , corresponding to a density of 10 10 molecules/cm 2 on the surface. We also showed that the LCORR was sensitive enough to differentiate DNA with only a few base-mismatches based on the raw sensing signal and kinetic analysis. Our work will provide important insight into the light-DNA interaction at the ring resonator surface and lay a foundation for future LCORR-based DNA label-free microarray development.
Gender equity forty years later: a look at Title IX’s impact on American sport

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 has impacted the American sports landscape in many ways. While many believe that the law has led to increases in participation and employment opportunities for women, the real numbers show that this may not be true. The true numbers also help explain why courts have allowed men’s opportunities to be cut, while not allowing women’s opportunities to also be cut. Though claimants have focused on these cuts, clear disparities still exist in regard to financial aid and athletic facilities provided to men and women, and courts have recently opened the door to the possibility of counting other activities as sports demonstrating that earlier measures of assessing compliance may once again need to be revamped. Overall, the legal claims that can be brought under Title IX did not substantially exist until very recently so the law’s true impact has not yet been felt. This article will provide a brief overview of these controversial areas to assess Title IX’s true impact on athletics 40 years after its enactment.
Functional domains and phosphorylation of the orphan receptor Nur77

Nur77 represents a unique class within the steroid receptor superfamily since its synthesis is tightly regulated by extracellular signals and it is capable of potent transactivation activity in the absence of an exogenously added ligand. In this study, we sought to dissect the functional domains regulating the activities of Nur77 by deletion mapping. We demonstrate that whereas the transactivation activity of Nur77 resides in the amino-terminal domain, the carboxy-terminal domain regulates this activity. A short deletion from the carboxy terminus eliminates transactivation activity while a further deletion restores the activity. Deletion of the domain immediately carboxyl to the zinc fingers motif eliminates both DNA binding activity and nuclear localization, thus abolishing transactivation. Nur77 is posttranslationally modified predominantly by phosphorylation, which occurs primarily at the N-terminal domain. The growth-related kinase pp90rsk, but neither the pp44mapk nor the pp70s6k, can phosphorylate recombinant Nur77 in vitro. Furthermore, we have identified a site within the region required for sequence-specific DNA binding, Ser-354, that is phosphorylated by pp90rsk in vitro; this site is also phosphorylated in vivo. The possibility that phosphorylation might affect DNA binding is discussed.
110 DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN ACTIONS OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I IN THE PREIMPLANTATION BOVINE EMBRYO-RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND THERMOTOLERANCE

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) can affect function of the preimplantation bovine embryo by increasing the proportion of cultured embryos that become blastocysts, reducing effects of heat shock on development and apoptosis, and enhancing survival of embryos transferred into heat-stressed recipients. At Day 5 postinsemination (pi), the embryo is sensitive to IGF-I as determined by activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway and activation of thermoprotective mechanisms. It is not known how early in development IGF-I can affect embryo physiology. The overall objective of the present study was to determine whether IGF-I protects two-cell embryos from heat shock. In the first experiment, the presence of the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) was evaluated by immunofluorescence using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide of the human IGF-IRβ subunit. Specific labeling for IGF-IR was observed for two-cell embryos (n = 20) and embryos ≥16 cells collected at Day 5 pi (n = 17). In the second experiment, it was tested whether IGF-I would protect two-cell embryos from heat shock. Two-cell embryos were collected at 28 hpi and cultured ±100 ng mL–1 recombinant human IGF-I. After 1 h, embryos were heat-shocked (41°C for 15 h and 38.5°C for 9 h) or maintained at 38.5°C for 24 h. Embryos were then washed to remove IGF-I and cultured in KSOM-BE2 until Day 8 pi. The percent of embryos that became blastocysts at Day 8 was reduced by heat shock (P < 0.005) but was not affected by IGF-I or IGF-I v. heat shock. The least-squares means for percent blastocyst was 38.1% (control) v. 19.3% (heat shock) for embryos without IGF-I and 32.8% (control) v. 20.8% (heat shock) for embryos cultured with IGF-I (n = 11 replicates, n = 169–174 embryos/group; SEM = 2.0%). The third experiment was performed to verify that IGF-I protects Day 5 embryos from heat shock. Embryos ≥16 cells were collected at Day 5 pi and cultured ±100 ng mL–1 IGF-I. After 1 h, embryos were heat-shocked (42°C for 15 h and 38.5°C for 9 h) or maintained at 38.5°C for 24 h. Embryos were washed and cultured in KSOM-BE2 until Day 8 pi. The percent of embryos that became blastocysts was reduced by heat shock (P < 0.001) and increased by IGF-I (P < 0.05). The least-squares means for percent blastocyst at Day 8 pi was 86.9% (control) v. 47.7% (heat shock) for embryos without IGF-I and 88.7% (control) v. 66.3% (heat shock) for embryos cultured with IGF-I (n = 4 replicates, n = 59–60 embryos/group; SEM = 5.6%). In conclusion, IGF-I does not induce thermotolerance in two-cell embryos despite the presence of IGF-IR. Support: USDA NRI 2007-35203-18070 and BARD US-3986-07.
A Novel Pain Management Paradigm: Conformational Studies of the Mu-Opioid Receptor

The mu opioid receptor (MOR) is a Class A G protein-coupled receptor. Naloxone, a MOR antagonist, has been shown experimentally to have partial agonist properties in a transmembrane helix 4 (TMH4) S196L/A MOR and full agonist activity in a triple mutant that combines the TMH4 mutation (S196L) with two mutations in TMH7, T327A and C330S (Claude-Geppert et. al, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2005). We hypothesized that the loss of a serine in TMH4, the loss of a threonine in TMH7 and addition of a serine in TMH7 will modify the wild-type (WT) conformation of both helices and that this change may result in naloxone preferring the MOR activated state. The hydrogen bonding capacity of Ser/Thr residues in α-helices can be satisfied by an intrahelical hydrogen bond interaction, in either the g- or g+ conformation, between the O-γ atom and the i-3 or i-4 carbonyl oxygen . Ser/Thr residues in the g- conformation can induce a bend in an α-helix (Ballesteros et. al, Biophysical J. 2000), as well as changes in wobble angle and face shift (Zhang et al. Mol. Pharmacol. 2005). Using the Monte Carlo/simulated annealing technique, Conformational Memories, we explored the effect of Ser/Thr in g- on the conformation of WT MOR and the mutant TMH4 and TMH7s (Whitnell et. al, J. Comput. Chem. 2007). For TMH4, the (wobble angle, face shift) was found to be (-36.4°, 22.1°) for WT vs. (5.7°, 4.6°) for S196L , causing the top of TMH4 to move away from the TMH bundle. For TMH7, a significant difference was found in the average wobble angles of WT(52.52° ± 21.72°) vs. mutant TMH7 (120.55° ± 23.43°), causing the top of TMH7 to move into the bundle. [Support: NIH DA023905 and DA021358]
Determination of Glucose at the Ru(NH3)63+‐Based Paste Enzyme Electrode

This paper describes a paste enzyme electrode based on a mediator-assisted electrical communication between redox active centers of glucose oxidase and graphite particles. The mediator is a solid inorganic redox salt composed of the Ru(NH3)63+ and Ru(CN)64− ions. The actual redox mediation is hypothesized to be accomplished by the paste-solubilized Ru(NH3)63+/Ru(NH3)62+ couple that shuttles electrons between the enzyme and the graphite powder. The paste enzyme electrode operates at a potential of 0.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl/3M NaCl and displays superior analytical properties in terms of high operational stability, freedom from interferences, fast response time, extended long term stability, and ease of preparation.
Spatial–Temporal Analysis of Yield and Soil Factors in Two Four-Crop–Rotation Fields in the Sacramento Valley, California

Data were analyzed from two 30-ha laser-leveled commercial fields in the Sacramento Valley, California, for crops grown between 1995 and 1999. Crops were wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and corn (Zea mays L.). One of the fields had a wheat-tomato-bean-sunflower rotation while the other had a wheat-tomato-sunflower-corn rotation during the same period. Yield data were collected with a commercial yield monitor, except for tomato yield data, which were collected with an experimental yield monitor. After georeferencing, interpolation, and correction of yield-monitored data, analysis was performed on grid cells representing an area of 20-m square. Soil cores were extracted from the fields on a 60-m square grid. Yield and sand content were both separated into large- and small-scale components by median polish. Persistent large-scale trends in yield, which were consistent with large-scale trends in sand content, were observed. Six 2-yr comparisons via linear regression were performed in each field. Yield of one crop was a poor predictor of yield of another crop grown in another year, but after standardizing and averaging the yields, areas with the same average performance tended to be clustered together spatially. The standardized yields were also analyzed using K-means clustering. This provided a different spatial configuration of clusters from that of the standardized average but also a high level of spatial autocorrelation, which shows that both methods may be helpful in delineating management zones at the scale normally used by growers.
Estrous cycle influences on sexual diergism of HPA axis responses to cholinergic stimulation in rats.

Abstract Central cholinergic systems differentially modulate hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity in female and male animals (sexual diergism). We previously reported that male rats had significantly greater HPA axis responses to stimulation by physostigmine (PHYSO), an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, compared to females. Females in defined estrous cycle stages, however, were not studied because of sample size limitations. We, therefore, determined HPA axis responses to stimulation by PHYSO in females during all estrous cycle stages (n=78), and in male rats (n=75). Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) were measured. Estrous cycle stage was determined by light microscopy of vaginal smears. Proestrous and estrous females had higher ACTH and CORT responses compared to metestrous and diestrous females. Males had higher ACTH and AVP responses compared to females in all cycle stages. CORT responses followed the ACTH responses, except that females started from a higher baseline in all estrous stages, compared to males. These results suggest that cholinergic regulation of the HPA axis differs among females across stages of the estrous cycle, as well as between males and females. These effects are likely due to differences in circulating sex steroids and their actions within the brain.
Generation of ester and amide derivatives of metaphosphoric acid by photolysis of 2,3-oxaphosphabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene derivatives

Abstract Irradiation at 254 nm of P-NMe 2 and P-OEt derivatives of phosphonates where P is incorporated into the 2,3-oxaphosphabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene framework results in fragmentation of the molecules to release N,N-dimethylamino metaphosphoramidate and ethyl metaphosphate, respectively. Both species polymerize rapidly, but are effectively trapped as phosphate deriva- tives when alcohols are included in the reaction mixtures.
Continuous state models for finite state machines

A modelling process by which finite state machines are embedded in the continuous state setting is developed. It is shown that every finite state machine has both linear and multilinear continuous state extensions.
The Indian ocean gravity low: Evidence for an isostatically uncompensated depression in the upper mantle

The broad gravity low in the equatorial Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka is the largest and most striking feature in the gravitational field of the earth. The most negative long-wavelength free-air gravity anomalies are found there and the sea surface (geoid) lies more than 100 meters below the best fitting ellipsoid. A model of the lithosphere and upper mantle is proposed which accurately predicts the observed free-air gravity and geoid elevation. This model is consistent with bathymetry and sediment thickness data and suggests that the crust south of India currently floats as much as 600 meters lower than would be expected if the region were isostatically compensated. This residual depression of the crust is apparently confirmed by observations of ocean depth. An uncompensated depression is consistent with the presence of a mechanical wake left in the upper mantle behind India as it traveled toward Asia.
Low frequency electro-optic and dielectric constants of lithium niobate

Abstract The low frequency electro-optic coefficients and dielectric constants of lithium niobate have been measured for the 6328 A wavelength of the He-Ne laser. No dielectric anomalies are found in the temperature range of -60 to +200°C.
Synthesis and Binding Affinities of Novel Re-Containing 7alpha-Substituted Estradiol Complexes: Models for Breast Cancer Imaging Agents.

The diagnosis and staging of breast cancer could be improved by the development of imaging radiopharmaceuticals that provide a noninvasive determination of the estrogen receptor status in the tumor cells. Toward this goal, we have synthesized a number of novel Re-containing 7α-substituted estradiol complexes. The introduction of the 7α side chain involves the alkylation of tetrahydropyranyloxy-protected 6-keto estradiol. The methods used to introduce the rhenium metal involve “3 + 1” and “4 + 1” mixed ligand complexes (2a−c and 5, respectively), tricarbonyl dithioether complexes (3), and the cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmetal organometallic system (4ab, 6, 7). These complexes showed binding affinities for the estrogen receptor (as high as 45% for the “3 + 1” complex 2c) when compared to the native ligand estradiol. The polarity of some complexes (4ab) was modified to improve biodistribution properties by introducing (poly)ether linkages into the 7α side chain (6, 7). These complexes provide a further refine...
A Role for Transglutaminase in Neurotransmitter Release by Rat Brain Synaptosomes

Rat brain synaptosomes exhibit calcium-dependent transglutaminase activity. This activity, measured in detergent-treated or sonicated preparations, was six- to sevenfold lower than that in the liver. The synaptosomal transglutaminase was inhibited by various amines and alpha-difluoromethylornithine, compounds known to inhibit activity of this enzyme in other tissues. The inhibitors of transglutaminase induced release of catecholamines, but not of gamma-aminobutyric acid, from synaptosomes both under basal and K+-stimulated conditions. The concentrations of the agents that caused stimulation of catecholamine release were approximately the same as those that inhibited the activity of transglutaminase. Stimulation of release was largely reduced by the withdrawal of calcium from the incubation medium. Inhibitors of transglutaminase had little effect either on the uptakes of neurotransmitters or the amounts of deaminated products of catecholamine degradation released into the medium. It is suggested that a synaptosomal transglutaminase is involved in suppressing vesicular release of catecholamines by resting (nondepolarized) neurons and that this action may also be a part of negative feedback control which prevents excessive transmitter release at the synapse during increased neuronal activity.
A Comparison of Attitudes About Cremation Among Black and White Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Social workers must be instrumental in educating elders and their families to make informed decisions about death and dying. As part of a larger qualitative study, we explored attitudes about cremation of 25 older and 25 middle-aged adults, evenly split between Black and White respondents. Major themes emerged about disposition of the body after death. Costs and land conservation influenced support for cremation; reasons against cremation include religious beliefs, lack of closure, and sense of place. Additionally, some respondents were against cremation primarily because of lack of exposure, as it was not their family tradition, suggesting a role for education.
Electron microscopic evidence of charge-ordered bi-stripe structures in the bilayered colossal magnetoresistive manganite La 2 − 2 x Sr 1 + 2 x Mn 2 O 7

In sharp contrast to the three-dimensional perovskite manganite, evidence of charge-ordered structures with bi-stripe models has been found on the bilayered manganite La{sub 2-2x}Sr{sub 1+2x}Mn{sub 2}O{sub 7} based on in-situ electron microscopic studies. At the electronic doping level of x=0.6, a new face-centered charge-ordered superstructure was observed. This structure is composed of bi-stripes of Mn{sup 3+}O{sub 6} and paired Mn{sup 4+}O{sub 6} rows alternatively stacking along the ordering direction, which is assembled from the building blocks of the charge-ordered phase at x=0.5. Taking into account the systematic absence of reflections with the face-centered symmetry, its modulation vector was deduced as q=(1/10,1/10,0). Moreover, for another charge-ordered phase identified at x=0.67 with q=(1/6,1/6,0), again only the bi-stripe model fits the existing data over the Wigner-crystal model.