cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadband and economic growth in China: An empirical study during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Abstract This paper proposed an economic model that describes the special role of broadband in the economic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Empirical research was conducted using the data of China to investigate how broadband affected China’s economic growth during this period. The findings showed broadband alleviated China’s economic losses during the first a few months of 2020 when the new coronavirus spread across the country, and broadband affected China’s economic growth to a larger extent during this pandemic period than during the normal time periods. These findings have policy implications for China as well as other countries where the pandemic is still pervasive.
Chromosome Removal Via Cellular Fragmentation and Aneuploid Blastomere Exclusion in Primate Embryos

A major contributor to in vitro fertilization failure and embryo loss is aneuploidy. Human pre-implantation embryos often sequester mis-segregated chromosomes into micronuclei during mitosis, while undergoing a process called cellular fragmentation. Using live-cell imaging, single-cell/fragment DNA-Sequencing, and confocal analyses, we demonstrate in a large number of rhesus embryos that aneuploidy, micronuclei, and cellular fragmentation dynamics is conserved between primates. We also determined that ~18% of fragmented embryos encapsulate whole or partial chromosomes within cellular fragments, which are either maternal or paternal in origin and undergo DNA damage. Additional findings of reciprocal chromosome segments, uniparental genome segregation, and mixoploidy support the prevalence of chromosome breakage and abnormal cytokinesis. Despite frequent chromosomal errors, we show that embryos can prevent incorporation of fragments and non-dividing blastomeres at the blastocyst stage. We propose that embryos respond to segregation errors by eliminating micronuclei via cellular fragmentation and select against aneuploid blastomeres to overcome chromosome instability.
A World of Many Worlds: Marisol de la Cadena and Mario Blaser, eds. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2018. i-vii and 224 pp., illustrations, photos, index. $25.95 paper (ISBN 9781478002956), $99.95 cloth (ISBN 9781478001362), $25.95 electronic (ISBN 9781478004318).

A World of Many Worlds is a rich and welcome collection of essays that offers a complex and exploratory response to a timely problematic. Its statement is forthright and hallmark; political ecology...
An Updated Morphological Description of Ash Weevil Stereonychus fraxini (DeGeer, 1775): A New Record for Turkey (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The first detection of one of the most harmful defoliating insects, the ash weevil Stereonychus fraxini (DeGeer, 1775) in Black Sea Region (Trabzon) of Turkey is reported here. Both the genus StereonychusSuffrian, 1854 and the species S. fraxini are new records for the Turkish fauna. A diagnostic morphological update is presented with digital evident. Female terminalia segments, genital structure, metathoraxic wings are described for the first time.
Music therapy in children and young people’s palliative care

While palliative and/or hospice services exist for adults in approximately 60% of the world’s countries (Wright et al., 2008), only “14% of the world population have access to palliative care” (Uni...
Abstract 027: T cell-Dependent B cell Activation Plays a Role in Mediating Hypertension and Pathophysiology in Response to CD4+ T cells from Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pregnant Rats

Preeclampsia, (PE) newly developed hypertension during pregnancy, is associated with altered immune activation. We have previously shown that adoptive transfer of CD4+T cells from a rat model of PE, the RUPP Rat, increases blood pressure, endothelin (ET) expression, oxidative stress (ROS), inflammation, and agonist autoantibodies to the AT1 receptor in NP recipients, all of which have been shown to play a role in hypertension during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine if blockade of lymphocyte crosstalk via the CD40-CD40 ligand interaction between RUPP CD4+ T cells with endogenous B cells in NP recipient rats would improve pathophysiology observed previously with RUPP CD4+ T cells. To do so splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes were magnetically separated, incubated with 2.5 μg/mL anti-CD40 ligand (αCD40L) overnight and transferred into Normal Pregnant (NP) rats on day 12 of gestation (NP+ αCD40L RUPP T cells). On day 19 of gestation, blood pressure (MAP), blood, and tissues were collected from all groups of rats. MAP was 99+/-1.2 in NP (n=18), 120+/-2.3 mmHg in control RUPP rats (n=19;P<0.001); 121+/-1.2 in NP+RUPP T cells(n=5;P<0.001); but only increased to 103 +/-1.7 in NP + αCD40L RUPP T cells (n=21) (P<0.001 vs NP+RUPP T cells). Placental ROS increased from 160.4 +/- 31 in NP to 380.5 +/- 60.7 in RUPP (p<0.05) and 318.6 +/-89 in NP+RUPP T cells. CD40 ligand binding reduced placental ROS to 118.7 +/-24 in NP + αCD40L RUPP T cells (p<0.05). Plasma IL-6 increased from 38.71+/-8 in NP to 92.94+/-15 in RUPP (p<0.05) and 107.4+/-26 in NP+RUPP T cells and only increased to 50.1+/-3.6 pg/ml in NP + αCD40L RUPP T cells. TNF-alpha increased from 10.9+/-5 in NP to 79+/-15 in RUPP (p<0.05) and 23+/-17 in NP+RUPP T cells and was only 8+/-3 pg/ml in NP + αCD40L RUPP T cells. Plasma sFLT-1 increased from 79+/-14 in NP to 172+/-34 in RUPP (p<0.05) and 107+/-9 in NP+RUPP T cells and was only 74+/-21 pg/ml in NP + αCD40L RUPP T cells. These studies indicate that placental ischemic induced T cell communication with B cells is one important mechanism of PE that leads to much of the pathophysiology of the disease.
Dark Matter and Pulsar Kicks from a Singlet Neutrino

A singlet neutrino with mass in the 2-20 keV range is a viable candidate for dark matter. If such a particle exists, it would be emitted from a supernova with an appreciable anisotropy due neutrino oscillations in a medium polarized by a strong magnetic field. An asymmetric emission of singlet neutrinos could explain the observed velocities of pulsars. Future X-ray telescopes may be able to detect a 1–10 keV photon line from the decays of the relic sterile neutrinos. In addition, one may be able to detect gravity waves from a pulsar being accelerated by neutrinos in the event of a nearby supernova.
Applied neural network for navy marine gas turbine stall algorithm development

In June 2005, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Gas Turbine Emerging Technologies conducted testing on a general electric LM2500 gas turbine engine. This engine is the main propulsor for DDG-51 and CG-47 class United States Navy surface ships. The purpose of this testing was to induce compressor stall in order to evaluate existing algorithms for stall prediction and gather data for further algorithm development. In addition to existing sensor data, dynamic pressure sensors, with data rates ranging from 20-1000 KHz, were installed in various compressor stages for additional capability. Utilizing the data collected, in conjunction with a MATLAB-based neural network approach, NSWC has developed algorithms to detect and trend stall margin and related quantities that can eventually be used in an early stall warning system onboard ship. Algorithms can be incorporated into the recently installed full authority digital control, allowing real-time stall detection and prevention. This paper discusses the feasibility of employing a neural network approach to detect and output a compressor stall margin value and associated risk of compressor stall for U.S. Navy LM2500 gas turbine engines.
Impairment of Asset Values

The value of long-lived assets such as buildings, land, and equipment can be susceptible to impairment. The decline in their value could be due to any number of factors such as technological innovations, new competition, or wear and tear. Both GAAP and IFRS provide different guidelines for when to recognize and how to measure impairment losses of long-lived assets and intangible assets. There are certain tests that must be performed by an organization before they recognize any impairment loss. Keywords: long-lived assets; intangibles; impairment; IFRS
Hunger in the 1980s: Backdrop for policy in the 1990s

Abstract Setting the scene for the policy discussions that follow, this article reviews the global hunger situation in the 1980s. A discussion of food shortage, food poverty and food deprivation includes estimates of numbers affected by insufficient aggregate food supply, inadequate entitlement and assorted nutrient deficiencies. The wide range of underlying causes of these different problems complicates the task of reducing hunger.
The management of delivery in pregnancy complicated by serious rheumatic heart disease

Abstract A series of 1,089 patients with pregnancy complicated by rheumatic heart disease is presented. This complication occurred in 2.6 per cent of 41,459 pregnancies. The functional capacity diagnoses according, to the New York Heart Association criteria were: 480 (44 per cent) Class 1, 442 (41 per cent) Class 2, 113 (10 per cent) Class 3, and 54 (5 per cent) Class 4. The total mortality was 11 (1 per cent), and the cardiac mortality 8 (0.7 per cent). All cardiac deaths were due to decompensation—five died undelivered, and three died following abdominal delivery. The Class 3 and Class 4 cases are completely analyzed. Twenty-six were delivered abdominally with 3 deaths (12 per cent). One hundred thirty-six were delivered vaginally with no deaths. The abdominal group consisted of 5 hysterotomies with 1 death, and 21 cesarean sections with 2 deaths. The vaginal group consisted of 35 abortions and 101 viable deliveries. Cardiac failure occurred after the fourth month, and 15 per cent of these cases died. An outline for management of pregnancy complicated by serious rheumatic heart disease (Class 3 and Class 4) is presented.
Nuclear power plant transient diagnostics using artificial neural networks that allow 'don't-know' classifications

A nuclear power plant`s (NPP`s) status is usually monitored by a human operator. Any classifier system used to enhance the operator`s capability to diagnose a safety-critical system like an NPP should classify a novel transient as ``don`t-know`` if it is not contained within its accumulated knowledge base. In particular, the classifier needs some kind of proximity measure between the new data and its training set. Artificial neural networks have been proposed as NPP classifiers, the most popular ones being the multilayered perceptron (MLP) type. However, MLPs do not have a proximity measure, while learning vector quantization, probabilistic neural networks (PNNs), and some others do. This proximity measure may also serve as an explanation to the classifier`s decision in the way that case-based-reasoning expert systems do. The capability of a PNN network as a classifier is demonstrated using simulator data for the three-loop 436-MW(electric) Westinghouse San Onofre unit 1 pressurized water reactor. A transient`s classification history is used in an ``evidence accumulation`` technique to enhance a classifier`s accuracy as well as its consistency.
Formalizing Design Spaces: Implicit Invocation Mechanisms

An important goal of software engineering is to exploit commonalities in system design in order to reduce the complexity of building new systems, support large-scale reuse, and provide automated assistance for system development. A significant roadblock to accomplishing this goal is that common properties of systems are poorly understood. In this paper we argue that formal specification can help solve this problem. A formal definition of a design framework can identify the common properties of a family of systems and make clear the dimensions of specialization. New designs can then be built out of old ones in a principled way, at reduced cost to designers and implementors.
Yap, a novel family of eight bZIP proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with distinct biological functions.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains eight members of a novel and fungus-specific family of bZIP proteins that is defined by four atypical residues on the DNA-binding surface. Two of these proteins, Yap1 and Yap2, are transcriptional activators involved in pleiotropic drug resistance. Although initially described as AP-1 factors, at least four Yap proteins bind most efficiently to TTACTAA, a sequence that differs at position 62 from the optimal AP-1 site (TGACTCA); further, a Yap-like derivative of the AP-1 factor Gcn4 (A239Q S242F) binds efficiently to the Yap recognition sequence. Molecular modeling suggests that the Yap-specific residues make novel contacts and cause physical constraints at the 62 position that may account for the distinct DNA-binding specificities of Yap and AP-1 proteins. To various extents, Yap1, Yap2, Yap3, and Yap5 activate transcription from a promoter containing a Yap recognition site. Yap-dependent transcription is abolished in strains containing high levels of protein kinase A; in contrast, Gcn4 transcriptional activity is stimulated by protein kinase A. Interestingly, Yap1 transcriptional activity is stimulated by hydrogen peroxide, whereas Yap2 activity is stimulated by aminotriazole and cadmium. In addition, unlike other yap mutations tested, yap4 (cin5) mutations affect chromosome stability, and they suppress the cold-sensitive phenotype of yap1 mutant strains. Thus, members of the Yap family carry out overlapping but distinct biological functions. Eukaryotic organisms from yeast to humans contain AP-1 transcription factors that stimulate the expression of specific classes of genes in response to a wide variety of extracellular stimuli (2, 27, 50). By definition, AP-1 proteins contain a conserved bZIP DNA-binding domain (36) consisting of a leucine zipper that mediates dimerization (45) and an adjacent basic region that specifically interacts with DNA sequences termed AP-1 sites (10). Mammalian cells contain a large number of AP-1 proteins, and distinct family members can often interact to form heterodimeric complexes with AP-1 sites. However, analysis of transcriptional activation, oncogenic potential, and loss-of-function phenotypes in mice clearly indicates that indi
Toughening of a high-temperature polymer by the sol–gel, in situ generation of a rubbery silica–siloxane phase

A phenyl ether phenyl phosphate polymer, specifically poly(biphenyl ether triphenyl phosphate), was modified to increase its tractability and to improve its toughness. The first goal was achieved by increasing its solubility by sulfonation of the chain, and the second, by the in situ generation of a rubbery phase. This phase was generated by a modification of the usual sol-gel reaction (which usually generates a hard silicalike material by the hydrolysis of a tetrafunctional organosilicate). In this case, a difunctional silicate was included, thus introducing some softening organic groups into the dispersed phase. A bonding agent, N,N-diethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, was also included to improve the bonding between the two phases in this organic-inorganic composite. As expected, the glass transition temperatures generally increased slightly upon sulfonation, but decreased significantly upon introduction of the rubbery phase. Most important, the toughness of the polymer was successfully increased with, for example, only 8 wt % of the rubbery phase, quadrupling extensibility to 20 % and markedly increasing the toughness.
Autotelic personality through a five-factor lens: Individual differences in flow-propensity

Abstract Autotelic personality represents an individual difference factor believed to have an increased propensity to experience flow. In 316 young adults, we administered the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 (DFS-2; Jackson & Eklund, 2002 ) targeted to general life activities to capture cross-situational consistency in the propensity to experience flow, and a well-established measure of the Five Factor Model of personality (i.e., the NEO Personality Inventory Revised; NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992 ). NEO-PI-R domains of Neuroticism (−), Extraversion (+), Agreeableness (−), and Conscientiousness (+) predicted global flow propensity, accounting for 38% of the measured variance. Canonical correlation analysis highlighted these domains in relation to DFS-2 components of flow with the first canonical correlation ( R = .73) accounting for 53.4% of the shared variance between NEO domains and DFS-2 subscales. Individually, DFS-2 subscales were variously predicted by NEO domains (e.g., Time Transformation at 4%; Clear Goals at 44%). NEO Openness was notably lacking in predicting flow components. These findings emphasize the strong and substantial relationship of FFM personality traits to flow-propensity.
Word Goodness and Word Frequency in Homophone Pairs

Recent research (1) has shown that words which appear frequently in written English, as measured by Thorndike-Lorge ( 4 ) word counts, are more likely to be rated as "good" by Ss than are infrequent words. This finding raises a question as to why this goodness-frequency relation exists. A simple explanation might involve the ease of emission of frequenr as opposed to infrequent words. Frequent words are also generally short words ( 5 ) , with relatively few syllables. The frequent, short, word is easier to say than an infrequent, long, word. The greater ease of emission of frequent words may account fo r their greater rated goodness. The purpose of this pape r is to determine whether the relation between goodness and frequency persists when pronounciability is held constant. W e obtained from lip-reading manuals (2, 3) 108 pairs of homophones (e.g., teamteem; straight-strait) of known Thorndike-Lorge frequencies. These homophone pairs were presented to 29 Ss in random order with order within pairs also determined randomly. Ss were told to "encircle the most pleasantly toned word of each pair." In 68 of the 108 pairs the more frequent word in the pair was chosen more often as "the more pleasantly toned." A sign test indicates this preference for the frequent members of homophone pairs to be significant (P < .01). Of a total of 3,132 possible choices, Ss omitted 14, chose the more frequent words as more pleasant 1,836 times, and chose the less frequent as more pleasant 1,276 times. A normal curve approximation of the binomial expansion shows this preference for frequenr words to be highly significant ( P < .00001). Even with ease of emission controlled, frequent words are judged to be more pleasantly toned. The previously obtained relation between goodness and frequency does not seem attributable to the greater ease of emission of frequent words.
Variation among androgenic and gynogenic doubled haploids of tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum L.)

Agronomic field performance traits and leaf chemical characteristics of gynogenic doubled haploids (GDH) and androgenic double haploids (ADH) were compared with selfed lines of a burley tobacco cultivar to determine which type of doubled haploids was superior. Three sets of ADH and GDH lines performed similar to their selfed lines, but one set each of ADH and GDH lines had reduced yield, plant height, leaf number, stalk diameter, and leaf length in comparison to the respective selfed lines of KY 17.
Commentary on an article by T. Tomesen, MD, et al.: "Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation".

Percutaneous and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of calcaneal fractures are becoming more popular. In their study, Tomesen et al. report on their use of the modified method of Forgon and Zadravecz1 on patients over an eight-year period. This retrospective review of thirty-seven patients suggests that this technique can be successful but that it has limitations. In any series of patients involving fracture treatment, it is important to understand the fracture population. In this report, the large majority of fractures (thirty-two of thirty-seven) occurred as a result of a fall from a height, representing a “lower-energy” mechanism of injury. This technique may not be applicable in centers that treat patients with motor-vehicle and other high-energy trauma. On the average, fractures were surgically treated eight days after injury, with a range of one to seventeen days. The timing of surgery is consistent with many expert opinions that percutaneous techniques need to be performed early, when the fracture fragments are relatively easy to manipulate because the reduction technique relies on ligamentotaxis2. The authors treated 123 calcaneal fractures during the time period of the …
Educating Future Earth Scientists: ABSTRACT

With knowledge expanding at a quickening pace, there is obvious necessity for broad and substantial preparation in mathematics and the physical sciences as a basis on which to build the derivative earth sciences. Three of these earth sciences--geology, geophysics, End_Page 1771------------------------------ and geochemistry--are of special concern to explorationists of the petroleum industry. Institutions trying to train students for future professional work in the earth sciences are confronted with difficult educational problems. Certain of the more important and critical of these problems are discussed. The student who is to become the imaginative and successful explorationist of the future must know the fundamental facts and principles of the earth sciences. He must know how to do field work, for exploration is still a combination of field science and art, but he must also understand the place of theory and experiment, of laboratory investigation and careful measurement. He must know enough mathematics to understand the laws and principles of physics and chemistry, so that he is reasonably knowledgeable about the work of his earth science associates. And he had better be able to speak clearly and forcefully, to write succinctly and to the point, and to press or yield as occasion demands when dealing with situations or people. This is a big order to fill. It will hardly ever be filled by any single person. Assuming nevertheless, that we should attempt to train the best possible earth scientists, even though few will approach the specifications given, how shall we solve the problems now with us which bear directly on this question? Should we go to a five-year program for a bachelor's degree, and correspondingly increase the time necessary for more advanced degrees? How many bachelors, masters, and doctors should we train? Is there a possibility of an oversupply in the coming decade? How can some of our best younger scientists be attracted into the earth sciences? How can the ambitious and capable ones without adequate funds get financial help? Can the best professors, especially the younger ones, afford to continue to be professors, in the face of more inviting positions in industry? How can the great Ph.D.-producing institutions maintain quality in staff and students in the face of inflation? Should the petroleum industry support educational effort even more generously than at present and possibly share some of their abler scientists and engineers with educational institutions? Finally, should the endowed institutions look to increased federal support? End_of_Article - Last_Page 1772------------
Divergent host preferences of above- and below-ground Culex pipiens mosquitoes and their hybrid offspring

Culex pipiens form pipiens and Cx. pipiens form molestus (Diptera: Culicidae) belong to a cosmopolitan taxonomic group known as the Pipiens Assemblage. Hybridization between these forms is thought to contribute to human transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America. Complementary choice and no-choice landing assays were developed to examine host acceptance by North American Cx. pipiens in the laboratory. Populations collected from above- and below-ground sites in suburban Chicago were identified as forms pipiens and molestus using a polymerase chain reaction-based assay. Avian and human host acceptance was then quantified for the two populations, as well as for their hybrid and backcross offspring. No-choice tests were used to demonstrate that both the pipiens and molestus forms were capable of feeding on human and avian hosts. Choice tests were used to demonstrate that form pipiens females were strongly avian-seeking; an individual's probability of accepting the chick host was 85%. Form molestus females were more likely to accept the human host (87%). Rates of host acceptance by F1 and backcross progeny were intermediate to those of their parents. The results suggest that host preferences in Cx. pipiens are genetically determined, and that ongoing hybridization between above- and below-ground populations is an important contributor to epizootic transmission of WNV in North America.
Studies of Polymerized Sodium N-Undecylenyl-l-valinate in Chiral Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography of Neutral, Acidic, and Basic Compounds

The polymerized surfactant poly(sodium N-undecylenyl amino l-valinate) [poly(l-SUV)] has been used in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for the chiral separation of various acidic and basic drugs, as well as neutral compounds. Under the conditions studied, poly(l-SUV) was shown to be a very versatile anionic chiral selector in the pH range of 5.6−11. The micelle was used for the enantioseparation of coumarinic anticoagulant drugs with various buffers under moderately acidic conditions. Neutral and alkaline buffer conditions were used to successfully separate the neutral atropisomers (±)-1,1‘-bi-2-naphthol, (±)-1,1‘-binaphthyl-2,2‘-diamine, and Troger's base. Chiral separation of the cationic paveroline drugs, laudanosine, norlaudanosoline, and laudanosoline, was influenced by pH and the use of coated capillaries. The acquired data focused on optimizing the migration times, capacity and separation factors, and electrophoretic mobilities of the various racemic mixtures.
Transition intensities from projection-integral wave functions

Possible deviations from the Alaga rules based on the use of projection-integral wave functions are investigated. It is shown that while such deviations, in principle, exist, they identically vanish in the region of heavy deformed nuclei, if it is assumed that these nuclei can be described by "semirigid" intrinsic wave functions.[NUCLEAR MOMENTS Deformed nuclei; calculated $B(E2)$ deviations. Projection integral wave functions.]
The mitochondrial inner-membrane anion channel possesses two mercurial-reactive regulatory sites

The mitochondrial inner membrane anion channel catalyzes the electrophoretic transport of a wide variety of anions and is inhibited by matrix divalent cations and protons. In this paper, evidence is provided that mersalyl and p-chloromercuribenzene-sulfonate each interact with this uniporter at two distinct sites. Binding to site 1 causes a shift in the pH dependence of transport, characterized by a decrease in the pIC50 for protons from about 7.8 to about 7.3, and leads to substantial stimulation of transport in the physiological pH range. This effect is not reversed by addition of thiols such as thioglycolate. Binding of mersalyl and p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate to site 2 inhibits the transport of most anions including Pi, citrate, malonate, sulfate and ferrocyanide. The transport of Cl− is inhibited about 60% by mersalyl, but is not inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate. These data suggest that inhibition is a steric effect dependent on the size of the anion and the size of the R group of the mercurial. This inhibition is reversed by thioglycolate. Dose/response curves indicate that mersalyl binds to site 1 as the dose increased from 7 to 13 nmol/mg, whereas it binds to site 2 as the dose is increased from 10 to 18 nmol/mg. Thus, at certain pH values both stimulatory and inhibitory phases can be seen in the same dose/response curve. It is suggested that these sites may contain thiol groups and that physiological regulators may exist which can effect changes in activity of the inner membrane anion uniporter similar to those exerted by mercurials.
Protective Effects of Extracellular Acidosis and Blockade of Sodium/Hydrogen Ion Exchange During Recovery from Metabolic Inhibition in Neuronal Tissue Culture

Acidosis is a universal response of tissue to ischemia. In the brain, severe acidosis has been linked to worsening of cerebral infarction. However, milder acidosis can have protective effects. As part of our investigations of the therapeutic window in our neuronal tissue culture model of ischemia, we investigated the effects of acidosis during recovery from brief simulated ischemia. Ischemic conditions were simulated in dissociated cortical cultures by metabolic inhibition with potassium cyanide to block oxidative metabolism and 2-deoxyglucose to block glycolysis. Lowering the extracellular pH (pH0) to 6.2 during metabolic inhibition had no effect on injury, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase release from cultures after 24 h of recovery. Lowering the pH0 during the first hour of recovery, in contrast, had profound protective effects. When the duration of metabolic inhibition was lengthened to 30 min, most of the protective effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 were lost. However, the protective effects of acidosis were unchanged. This suggested that the protective effects of extracellular acidosis could be due to more than blockade of NMDA receptors. Intracellular acidosis might be responsible. To test this, recovery of intracellular pH (pH1) was slowed by incubation with blockers of Na+/H+ exchangers at normal pH0. The two compounds tested, dimethylamiloride and harmaline, had protective effects when present during recovery from metabolic inhibition. Measurements of pH1 confirmed that the blockers slowed recovery from intracellular acidosis; more rapid pH1 recovery was correlated with injury. The protective effects of acidosis could be reversed by brief incubation with the protonophore monensin, which rapidly normalized pH1. These results are the first demonstration of the protective effects of blocking Na+/H+ exchange in a model of cerebral ischemia. The protective effects of acidosis appear to arise either from suppressing pH-sensitive mechanisms of injury or from blocking sodium entry due to Na+/H+ exchange.
Liver receptor homolog-1 stimulates the progesterone biosynthetic pathway during follicle-stimulating hormone-induced granulosa cell differentiation.

FSH-stimulated granulosa cell differentiation is associated with the induction of the LH receptor (LHr) as well as induction of the estrogen and progesterone biosynthetic pathways. Although activation of the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway is sufficient to stimulate progesterone production, additional pathways are required for the induction of the LHr and P450 aromatase. The orphan nuclear receptor, liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), is expressed in granulosa cells and has been shown to synergize with the cAMP signaling system to regulate the gonadal type II aromatase promoter in transient transfection assays. To determine whether LRH-1 can interact with the cAMP pathway in the induction of aromatase and the LHr, we examined the effects of an adenoviral vector that directs the expression of human LRH-1 (Ad-LRH-1) on FSHstimulated granulosa cell differentiation. Infection of undifferentiated granulosa cells with LRH-1 alone had no effect on estrogen production, progesterone production, or the expression of the LHr. However, combination of FSH stimulation and Ad-LRH-1 infection led to significantly greater progesterone production and increases in mRNA for P450 side-chain cleavage and 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase than granulosa cells stimulated by FSH alone. However, infection with AdLRH-1 did not stimulate estradiol production or increases in mRNA for P450 aromatase or the LHr above that seen with FSH treatment alone. Moreover, infection with Ad-LRH-1 was able to overcome H-89 inhibition of FSH-stimulated progesterone but not estrogen production. Collectively, these observations support a direct role for LRH-1 in the induction of the progesterone but not the estrogen biosynthetic pathway during granulosa cell differentiation. (Endocrinology 145: 3821–3829, 2004)
Enhancing 1α-Hydroxylase Activity with the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D-1α-Hydroxylase Gene in Cultured Human Keratinocytes and Mouse Skin

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) and its analogs are used to treat psoriasis because of their potent antiproliferative activity. They have the potential for causing hypercalcemia, however, and patients often become resistant to the drug. We examined the feasibility of enhancing the cutaneous production of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 using a human 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) plasmid. The 1α-OHase gene was fused to the green fluorescent protein gene (1α-OHase-GFP) driven by the cytomegalovirus promoter. Transfection of cultured normal human keratinocytes with the 1α-OHase-GFP plasmid resulted in a marked increase in the expression of 1α-OHase-GFP in the mitochondria. Transfection of keratinocytes with 1α-OHase-GFP or 1α-OHase plasmids in vitro enhanced the 1α-OHase activity substantially and increased the sensitivity of the keratinocytes to the antiproliferative effect of 25(OH)D 3 . The 1α-OHase-GFP plasmid was topically applied to shaved C57/BL6 mice. Twenty-four hours after topical application, immunohistochemical analysis of the skin for 1α-OHase-GFP revealed the presence of 1α-OHase-GFP in the epidermis and epidermal appendages including the hair follicles. The results from this study offer a unique new approach for the topical treatment of hyperproliferative disorders such as psoriasis and skin cancer using the 1α-OHase gene that could locally increase the production of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 without causing hypercalcemia or resistance.
Terrain-induced downwash effects on ground level SO2 concentrations

Abstract A field study was conducted at the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Widows Creek Steam Plant from March to 1 May 1979 to investigate the effects of terrain-induced downwash. The Widows Creek Plant is located in a valley formed by Sand Mountain to the southeast and the Cumberland Plateau to the northwest. With southeasterly winds, a downward component of velocity is induced by the terrain as the air moves from Sand Mountain across the valley. Because of the proximity of the plant to Sand Mountain, the plumes are caught in this terrain-induced downwash, which then causes a significant increase in the ground level SO 2 concentrations. An SO 2 -monitoring network was established in the downwash region and the measured SO 2 concentrations were correlated with the meteorological parameters and plant operating conditions. The maximum SO 2 concentrations were measured within 1.3 km of the source at locations approximately perpendicular to the Sand Mountain ridge line. The ground level concentration per unit emission rate increased with increasing wind speed and the ratio of wind speed to stack exit velocity. Neither the magnitude nor the trends predicted by the CRSTER model compared well with measured data unless the plume was assumed to be suppressed by the terrain-induced downwash. The CRSTER model predicted a maximum concentration for class A stability and negligible values for class D to G. Ground level concentrations were not measured during the few periods of class A stability that occurred. The highest concentrations were measured for stability class C and D conditions.
Uniform silica particle precipitation: An aggregative growth model

Abstract An aggregative growth model for the formation of uniform particles is developed and tested with rate and particle size distribution data gathered on spheres precipitated from silicon alkoxides. Smoluchowski population balance equations with a source term are solved for conditions applicable to the precipitation reaction. Size dependent aggregation rate constants are determined from estimates of particle properties and measures of particle surface potentials. Assuming particles grow solely by aggregation, the model provides good estimates of final particle size distribution parameters from silicon alkoxide reaction rates.
A Demonstration of AZURITE: Backtracking Tool for Programmers

Programmers often need to backtrack, but backtracking support in modern programming environments is limited. Previously, we have conducted a series of studies, which discovered that backtracking in programming is in fact prevalent and programmers need better backtracking tools. In this demonstration, we will present our backtracking tool called AZURITE, which provides selective undo and history search and visualization features in the Eclipse code editor. The demonstration will include the user interface presented in our previous work, as well as the new features added in response to user feedback. Keywords—selective undo; backtracking
Aluminium chloride as a solvo acid and friedel-crafts catalyst☆

Abstract A detailed kinetic study has been made of the rate of chloride exchange between liquid phosgene and solute aluminium chloride. At low concentrations the rate is first order in aluminium chloride, but it changes over to a rate intermediate between 1 and 2 at higher concentrations. The cross-over point occurs at high concentration when the temperature is low and low concentration when the temperature is high. The energy of activation is 14·1 kilocalories in the first order region and 18·3 kilocalories in the region of higher order. It is suggested that phosgene and aluminium chloride undergo a weak acid-base interaction leading to chloride exchange. It is also suggested that the cross-over to higher order is due to the appearance of ions in the solution, rather than to a specific chemical effect. In conformity to this picture, it is found that chloro-aluminate ions, for example, AlCl4−, undergo much slower exchange of chloride with solvent phosgene than does aluminium chloride. It is also found that the presence of ions in this solution can have a drastic effect toward raising the rate of exchange between phosgene and solute aluminium chloride. Hydrogen chloride suppresses the rate of exchange of chloride between phosgene and solute aluminium chloride, possibly by means of such a reaction as AlCl 3 + HCl+COCl 3 ⇆ HCOCl 3 + + AlCl 4 − It appears that while there is no compound formation between hydrogen chloride and aluminium chloride by themselves, yet aluminium chloride can force hydrogen chloride to donate a proton to a proton acceptor, even one as weak as phosgene.
Transposable elements as introns: evolutionary connections.

Recent molecular genetic studies demonstrate that many transposable elements, when inserted into nuclear genes, can behave as introns and create novel intron processing patterns. These studies point to possible mechanisms by which transposable element insertions participate in the evolutionary diversification of gene structure, the rise of alternative splicing patterns and the production of novel regulatory interactions. Moreover, they provide us with fresh insights into the evolutionary dynamics of these mobile sequences.
Postcolonial ghosts in the Caribbean: Lloyd w brown's Duppies

Abstract A ghost is the sign that a haunting is taking place, according to sociologist, Avery Gordon (8), who defines ‘ghost’ as a ‘social figure’, one form by which something lost, or not visible, is made known. This paper looks at the signs of haunting in a postcolonial context in Lloyd W Brown's poetry collection Duppies. The poems are inspired by Brown's revisiting of Jamaica and the ‘ghosts’ (duppies, soucouyants, rolling calves and zombies) that are invoked relate to his past ‐ his childhood memories and violent ancestral history. However, they also reflect how the colonial past continues to haunt present day, post‐independence Jamaica. I examine a selection of poems which demonstrate Lloyd Brown's use of gothic motifs. These represent his personal view of the condition of postcolonial Jamaica, and “write back” to dominant colonial discourses. In so doing, I call upon Bill Ashcroft's work on the process of writing back and postcolonial transformations and the insights of Avery Gordon, David Punter, ...
Probing the Origin of Structural Stability of Single and Double Stapled P53 Peptide Analogs Bound to MDM2

The alpha-helical conformation and structural stability of single and double stapled all-hydrocarbon cross-linked p53 peptides in solution and when bound to MDM2 are investigated. We determined the effects of the peptide sequence, the stereochemistry of the cross-linker, the conformation of the double bond in the alkene bridge, and the length of the bridge, and the relative stability of the alpha-helix structure. The conformation population distribution indicates a fully helical state and several partially folded states. The distribution of dihedral pairs of the stapled peptides in the bound state indicates a significant population around the alpha-helical region. Peptide residues over which the linker spans tend to have the highest helical occupancy. WaterMap simulations yielded over hundred hydration sites identifying regions with water density greater than twice that of the bulk. The free energy released by displacing the hydration sites populating the staple-binding pocket was determined. The three hydrophobic pockets, which bind Phe19, Trp23 and Leu26, provide a large positive contribution to the binding free energy for all peptides studied. In agreement with experimental data, potential of mean forces and weighted histogram analysis methods indicated the order of peptides from lowest to highest binding affinity to be cis-sah3, WT, cis-sah8 and cis-sah4.Work done in collaboration with Z. Guo, K. Streu, G. Krilov. UM thanks Guggenheim Foundation for Fellowship.
Sustained ventricular tachycardia associated with sarcoidosis: Assessment of the underlying cardiac anatomy and the prospective utility of programmed ventricular stimulation, drug therapy and an implantable antitachycardia device

The presentation, cardiac anatomy and utility of programmed ventricular stimulation in seven patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia associated with sarcoidosis are described. The mean patient age was 38 +/- 8 years. Pulmonary involvement was apparent in three patients and no systemic manifestations of sarcoidosis were present in one patient. All patients had electrocardiographic abnormalities at rest and six had a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45%. All seven patients had left ventricular wall motion abnormalities and five had mitral valve dysfunction. Sustained ventricular tachycardia was easily induced in all patients. Spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia was not prevented with corticosteroid administration. Despite antiarrhythmic drug therapy, two patients had sudden cardiac death and an additional four had recurrence of ventricular tachycardia. Four patients had an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator implanted and received drug therapy; all four received appropriate shocks. This report represents the largest descriptive series of consecutive patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia associated with sarcoidosis. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy of ventricular tachycardia in patients with sarcoidosis, even when guided with programmed ventricular stimulation, is associated with a high rate of arrhythmia recurrence or sudden death, or both. Thus, implantation of an automatic antitachycardia device (cardioverter-defibrillator) should be considered as primary therapy in such patients. Furthermore, sarcoidosis should be excluded, with Kveim skin testing if necessary, in any patient with sustained ventricular tachycardia of unknown origin.
The value of process measures in evaluating an evidence-based guideline.

Background. Linking the process of evidence-based guidelines to outcomes is difficult. We hypothesized that the process of implementing an evidence-based clinical guideline for blunt splenic trauma would reduce resource consumption and improve outcome. Methods. Time periods were divided into period 1 (7/1/96-6/30/99) and period 2 (7/1/99-6/30/01). On 7/1/99 our American College of Surgeons-verified level I trauma center instituted an evidence-based approach for managing splenic trauma incorporating hemodynamic normality as the process measure triggering clinical decisions. Outcomes included the number of hemodynamically normal patients treated without operation, patient death, length of stay, and cost. Results. Two hundred thirty-one patients had blunt splenic injury; 115 patients were seen during period 1 and 116 during period 2. Hemodynamically normal patients undergoing splenectomy decreased during period 2 (P <.05). Median length of stay was 8 days in period 1 and 6 days in period 2 (P <.03). Cost per patient was $34,972 in period 1 and $24,037 in period 2 (P <.03). The mortality rate was unchanged. Conclusions. Compliance with evidence-based data in the management of blunt splenic injury improved rates of nonoperative management, decreased hospital days, and did not change mortality rates. An evidence-based clinical guideline evaluated with process measures can reduce resource use and improve outcome in a trauma program.
Absorption cross section of BrO between 312 and 385 nm AT 298 and 223 K

Abstract The absolute UV cross section of BrO at 338.1 ± 0.1 nm, the peak of the (7,0) band of the A( 2 Π)←X( 2 Π) transition, was measured at 298±2 and 223±4 K to be (1.71±0.14) × 10 −17 and (2.21±0.16) × 10 −17 cm 2 , respectively, using the technique of flash photolysis-ultraviolet absorption. The spectral resolution for these measurements was 0.18 nm. The absorption spectra of BrO in the wavelength range 312–385 nm were measured at 298±2 and 223±4 K using a flow tube reactor coupled to a diode array spectrometer. Using the (7,0) band cross sections, the absorption cross sections in the above wavelength range were calculated.
The Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Cardiac Function and Heart Failure: Implications for Management of Prostate Cancer

Conflicting clinical evidence regarding the possible association between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with heart failure in men with prostate cancer is reviewed, including 2 population-based registries showing such an association, and 1 showing no association. Studies of the effects of androgens on cardiomyocyte contractility at the molecular level, the effects of testosterone on the cardiovascular system, particularly cardiac function, and the beneficial effects of testosterone therapy for patients with heart failure might help illuminate this controversy. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effect of ADT on end points of heart failure. The authors weigh the possible adverse effects of ADT on cardiac function and heart failure against its known benefits to cancer outcomes, defined according to published, randomized trials, in a discussion of the implications of the preclinical and clinical literature on the management of prostate cancer in men at risk for heart failure. In the absence of conclusive evidence that ADT causes heart failure, the authors discuss clinical situations in which ADT may be delayed, given on a short-term or intermittent basis, or withheld from treatment with the goal of reducing the risks of heart failure without compromising prostate cancer outcomes.
Effective targeted gene delivery to dendritic cells via synergetic interaction of mannosylated lipid with DOPE and BCAT.

The efficient delivery of plasmids encoding antigenic determinants into dendritic cells (DCs) that control immune response is a promising strategy for rapid development of new vaccines. In this stu...