cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Heat Shock Response Inhibits RANTES Gene Expression in Cultured Human Lung Epithelium

The chemokine RANTES is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammation-associated acute lung injury. Although much is known regarding signals that induce RANTES gene expression, relatively few data exist regarding signals that inhibit RANTES gene expression. The heat shock response, a highly conserved cellular defense mechanism, has been demonstrated to inhibit a variety of lung proinflammatory responses. We tested the hypothesis that induction of the heat shock response inhibits RANTES gene expression. Treatment of A549 cells with TNF-alpha induced RANTES gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Induction of the heat shock response inhibited subsequent TNF-alpha-mediated RANTES mRNA expression and secretion of immunoreactive RANTES. Transient transfection assays involving a RANTES promoter-luciferase reporter plasmid demonstrated that the heat shock response inhibited TNF-alpha-mediated activation of the RANTES promoter. Inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation with isohelenin inhibited TNF-alpha-mediated RANTES mRNA expression, indicating that RANTES gene expression is NF-kappaB dependent in A549 cells. Induction of the heat shock response inhibited degradation of the NF-kappaB inhibitory protein, I-kappaBalpha but did not significantly inhibit phosphorylation of I-kappaBalpha. We conclude that the heat shock response inhibits RANTES gene expression by a mechanism involving inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and subsequent inhibition of RANTES promoter activation. The mechanism by which the heat shock response inhibits NF-kappaB nuclear translocation involves stabilization of I-kappaBalpha, without significantly affecting phosphorylation of I-kappaBalpha.
Supporting implementation science capacity in a university setting

While dissemination and implementation (DI) science has become a clear area of research focus with associated methodologies, grant programs, journals, and training programs, these are relatively recent developments which have created a gap in training and career development. Many large institutions with major research programs have some investigators who are carrying out DI research but these tend to be limited and many investigators whose work has relevance to the field are not trained adequately to take advantage of existing grant mechanisms. The University of Pennsylvania has taken the strategy of creating the Implementation Science Working Group (ISWG) with the goal of providing an opportunity for idea development, feedback, grant review, and review of key methodologic approaches and conceptual frameworks for the field. A key element of the ISWG has been to support pilot studies by faculty from across the university which focus on DI topics and which have potential for translation into NIH grant applications. In this presentation, we discuss current efforts of the Penn ISWG as an exemplar for other institutions, and present examples of pilot grant receipts who have received funding to conduct DI related work within the context of the university efforts to support DI capacity.
Derivation of interionic potentials using embedded quantum-mechanical clusters: Cation and anion impurities in MgO

The ICECAP methodology is used to derive interionic potentials of some cation and anion impurities in MgO, namely, Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, H−, S2−, and O2−. Analysis is given of the defect energies obtained by using the derived impurity potentials. Based on the available experimental data, comparison is made to justify the reliability of the derived impurity potential for Be2+. The calculated activation energy for Be2+ diffusion comes out to be 1.54 eV as compared to the experimental value of 1.60 eV, which is considered to be very satisfactory.
Inelastic analysis of thin-walled tubes under cyclic bending

Abstract Thin-walled circular tubes under bending have been shown to ovalize. For tubes bent into the plastic range, part of the ovalization is permanent. It has been demonstrated experimentally that reverse bending and subsequent repeated cyclic bending cause a gradual growth of ovalization. This paper presents a virtual work-type of formulation of the problem in an attempt to analytically predict the growth of ovalization for tubes cycled in pure bending. A number of nonlinear-hardening plasticity models are used in the formulation. The problem solution is found to be sensitive to the choice of hardening rule used.
S-Band Dual-Polarization Radar Observations of Winter Storms

AbstractThis study is based on analyses of dual-polarization radar observations made by the 11-cm-wavelength Colorado State University–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU–CHILL) system during four significant winter storms in northeastern Colorado. It was found that values of specific differential phase KDP often reached local maxima of ∼0.15°–0.4° km−1 in an elevated layer near the −15°C environmental temperature isotherm. The passage of these elevated positive KDP areas is shown to be linked to increased surface precipitation rates. Calculations using a microwave scattering model indicate that populations of highly oblate ice particles with moderate bulk densities and diameters in the ∼0.8–1.2-mm range can generate KDP (and differential reflectivity ZDR) values that are consistent with the radar observations. The persistent correlation between the enhanced KDP level and the −15°C temperature regime suggests that rapidly growing dendrites likely played a significant role in the product...
Transmission from 0–360km (6120 ps/nm) at 10 Gb/s without optical or electrical dispersion compensation using digital pulse shaping of a chirp managed laser

For the first time, we demonstrate 0-360 km transmission in SMF fibre at 10.709 Gb/s without DCF or EDC using a DSP enabled driver and a CML TOSA fitting into pluggable XFP/SFP+ transceivers.
Biochemistry of the developing rat brain II. Neonatal mitochondrial oxidations

Abstract Intracellular distribution of tricarboxylic acid-cycle enzymes in neonatal rat brain revealed a preponderance of NADP-isocitric dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase and aconitase (pH 7.4) activities in the soluble fraction while NAD-isocitric dehydrogenase, aconitase (pH 5.8), succinicoxidase and cytochrome oxidase were localized in mitochondria. Comparison of brain and liver mitochondria from the same neonatal rats showed differences in coenzyme requirements for oxidation of substrates. Addition of NAD inhibited the oxidation of succinate in both tissues; addition of cytochrome c greatly increased succinate oxidation in liver mitochondria but was comparatively less effective in brain. Of the 3 cofactors tested for α-ketoglutarate oxidation, CoA, thiamine pyrophosphate and NAD, neonatal brain mitochondria required only NAD for maximal oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. In liver mitochondria, neither oxidation of this substrate nor oxidative phosphorylation was affected when NAD was omitted. Under optimal conditions, neonatal-rat-brain mitochondria gave P:O ratios of 1.0 for succinate and 3.0 for α-ketoglutarate.
Effects of oral cimetidine on plasma concentrations of phenylbutazone in horses.

Phenylbutazone was administered to six Thoroughbred horses in a cross-over study in which die horses received cimetidine pretreatment or no cimetidine pretreatment. Blood samples were collected at various times for 48 h after phenylbutazone administration and the plasma was analysed for phenylbutazone. Cimetidine pretreatment elevated phenylbutazone plasma concentrations during the first 8 h after phenylbutazone administration. The absorption rate, maximum phenylbutazone plasma concentrations and AUC were significantly greater with cimetidine pretreatment. The half-life of phenylbutazone did not change with cimetidine pretreatment; however, lower plasma concentrations of the metabolite gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone were observed with cimetidine pretreatments. Plasma concentrations of the metabolite oxyphenbutazone were unchanged with cimetidine pretreatment compared to control values. Twenty-four-hour plasma concentrations of phenylbutazone were not different from control values with cimetidine pretreatment. This study suggests that concurrent treatment with cimetidine and phenylbutazone 24 h before race time does not result in elevations of plasma phenylbutazone concentrations above control values.
Stereoselectivity in the alkylation of sulfonium salts

Abstract The stereoselectivity in the alkylation of sulfonium salts is attributed to the formation of an intermediate lithio-sulfonium salt rather than a free ylid.
The Laminar Diffusion Flame in Oseen Flow: The Stoichiometric Burke-Schumann Flame and Frozen Flow

The Oseen approximation is used to study the behaviour of two initially separated gas streams which, when they are united, may form a combustible mixture. The limiting cases of small and large burning reaction time are dealt with for an irreversible fuel-oxidant chemical reaction, the former of these cases being identified with the Burke-Schumann flame. The half-plane problems encountered lead to integral equations of the Wiener-Hopf type. Their general solutions are obtained and yield a description of the field near to the flame or mixing zone in terms of simple functions. We consider the following problem. Two uniform parallel gas streams in a two dimensional (planar) steady flow field are initially separated by a thin diaphragm lying along the negative half of the x axis. The chemical composition of the stream in the half-plane y > 0 is initially different from that in y < 0 but each stream is of such a character that downstream of x = 0, where they are allowed to unite, they may together form a combustible mixture. We wish to examine the disturbances created by the mixing and burning process, with the overriding assumption that the entire flow field is laminar. In order to accomplish this in a unified way we shall adopt the Oseen approximation (which linearizes the convective terms in the conservative equations), and will therefore follow Lagerstrom, Cole & Trilling (I949) and Laurmann (I958, I96I). The first group of authors used this method to elucidate the behaviour of a compressible, viscous, non-heat-conducting fluid. Laurmann included the effects of heat conduction and considered slip flows past finite and infinite flat plates. We generalize the basic sets of equations used by these authors to include the effects of variable chemical composition and its consequences. Apart from the Oseen-type of treatment which is to be used here, other, similar but not identical, studies have been undertaken previously. Closest in character to the present work is that carried out by Lilian (I963), who has dealt with comparable configurations with the aid of laminar boundary layer theory. Much of Linian's effort is directed towards an attempt to explain ignition and extinction phenomena. This will not be our immediate concern; rather do we propose to analyse one special configuration in a fairly detailed way. It is worth pointing out too that Lilian's work is applicable to high Reynolds number situations whereas the present approach, aside from any benefits which it may bring in the way of a unified treatment of the field, is especially applicable at low Reynolds numbers. As will be seen, this may well be of some importance in any subsequent discussions of extinction phenomena.
#60 Black and white women's employment status and mortality

Abstract PURPOSE: Studies of the impact of women's employment on health have mostly been limited to white women. Since white and black women have different labor force experiences, we studied the association between employment status and mortality in a biracial cohort of middle-age women. METHODS: Participants were black and white women from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study who reported being a homemaker (n = 1958) or employed (n = 5403) at the baseline exam (1987-89). The outcome was defined as death during a mean follow-up of 10.2 years (n = 457, 6.2%). Proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the association between employment status and mortality, with homemakers serving as the referent. Race specific models were adjusted for socio-demographic variables (age, education, income, race) and selected risk factors (SBP, hypertensive medication, diabetes status, physical activity, BMI, HDL and LDL serum cholesterol, smoking status, alcohol use, history of cancer), both including and excluding deaths occurring within the first two years. RESULTS: Mortality was higher among homemakers than among those employed and the absolute magnitude of this difference was greater among black (7.4% employed vs. 15.4% homemakers) than white (3.4% employed vs. 5.6% homemakers) women. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, the hazard ratio (HR) of death for employed women was 0.53 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.39,0.73) for black women and 0.58 (95% CI = 0.44,0.76) for white women. After additional adjustment for risk factors, this association was modestly attenuated (HR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.43,0.86 for black women and HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.45,0.79 for white women). Estimates did not substantially change when analyses were repeated excluding women who died during the first two years. CONCLUSION: In ARIC, employed women were less likely to die than homemakers. Associations were similar across race groups and were not explained by selected biological and behavioral risk factors.
Intersecting solids on a massively parallel processor

Solid modeling underlies many technologies that are key to modern manufacturing. These range from CAD systems to robot simulators, from finite-element analysis to integrated circuit process modeling. The accuracy, and hence the utility, of these models is often constrained by the amount of computer time required to perform the desired operations. In this paper we present, in detail, an efficient algorithm for parallel intersections of solids using the Connection Machine, a massively parallel SIMD processor. We describe the data structure for representing the solid models and detail the intersection algorithm, giving special attention to implementation issues. We provide performance results, comparing the parallel algorithm to a serial intersection algorithm.
Experimental Wall Shear Estimation as a Means of Predicting Thrombus Formation Within a 50cc Penn State Blood Pump

The use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) as a means of cardiac support for patients with diminished heart function has been investigated since the 1960s [1]. While VAD therapy has had success in assisting the failing heart, thrombus formation within these devices is one of various complications that still limit its long term use. Research has shown that thrombus deposition in VADs is a function of the underlying fluid mechanics within these devices. Areas of flow stasis, high blood residence time, and wall shear rates under 500 s−1 are important flow characteristics driving thrombosis [2].Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Purification and characterization of human phosphoglucose isomerase.

Abstract 1. 1. The glycolytic enzyme phosphoglucose isomerase ( d -glucose-6-phosphate ketol isomerase, EC 5.3.1.9) has been purified from human muscle. This preparation was homogeneous by several criteria. 2. 2. The molecular weight of the enzyme obtained by the sedimentation-equilibrium method was 134 000. Following dissociation in guanidine hydrochloride the molecular weight was 61 000, indicating a dimeric structure for the enzyme. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was determined by electrofocusing and found to be pH 8.9. 3. 3. The amino acid composition of the enzyme was determined.
An Unconstrained Quadratic Binary Programming Approach to the Vertex Coloring Problem

The vertex coloring problem has been the subject of extensive research for many years. Driven by application potential as well as computational challenge, a variety of methods have been proposed for this difficult class of problems. Recent successes in the use of the unconstrained quadratic programming (UQP) model as a unified framework for modeling and solving combinatorial optimization problems have motivated a new approach to the vertex coloring problem. In this paper we present a UQP approach to this problem and illustrate its attractiveness with preliminary computational experience.
The Mis/recognition of Enron Executives' Competence as Cultural and Social Capital

This case study examines Enron's top executives' activities through Bourdieu's notion of misrecognized competence or “capital.” Top executives' practices were misrecognized as valuable and legitimate competencies against the backdrop of the company's changing new-economy context. Most approaches to intellectual, social, and cultural capital assume their automatic value. In contrast, this essay shows that the perceived value of executives' practices was the result of Enron's context and executives' communicative efforts to position their own contributions as the most important. As outsiders scrutinized the company, however, executives' activities were exposed as self-serving and primary contributors to Enron's troubles.
Influence of AmiSorb on Coastal Bermudagrass Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Carpramid (copoly-[(3-carboxypropionamide)(2-carboxy-methylacetamide)]) is being marketed as a nutrient absorption enhancer under the trade name AmiSorb. No published research is available on the response of a perennial forage to AmiSorb. Two studies using AmiSorb were conducted on 'Coastal' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] in northeast Texas. For 2 yr commercial fertilizer (200 N-50 P 2 O 5 -150 K 2 O/acre) and broiler litter (6 tons/acre) were applied with and without 2 qt of AmiSorb/acre. When AmiSorb was applied to commercial fertilizer, forage production was increased in two of the nine harvests over the 2 yr. However, AmiSorb did not increase annual yield with commercial fertilizer or broiler litter. Nor did AmiSorb have a consistent influence on N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentration in the forage or uptake, or P, K, Ca, and Mg residual soil levels at the end of the growing seasons. A second study conducted for 1 yr examined AmiSorb rate and time of application when it was sprayed directly on the grass sod. Coastal bermudagrass responded positively to 2 qt/acre applied 1 May (300 lb dry matter [DM]/acre) and to an additional 0.5 qt/acre applied after the first harvest (500 to 700 lb DM/acre) when 2 or 4 qt AmiSorb were applied I May. However, as in the first study, AmiSorb did not increase total forage production for the year. Results from this study with a perennial forage crop do not support the claim that AmiSorb increases DM production or nutrient uptake.
Opportunity Cost of Time and Other Socioeconomic Effects on Away-From-Home Food Consumption

Viewing the household as both a producing and consuming unit suggests the opportunity cost of the homemaker's time to be an important factor affecting food consumption. Opportunity cost of time is shown empirically to have a positive affect on away-from-home consumption for employed homemakers in all 12 region-urbanization classes studied. The same response is shown for unemployed homemakers in most classes. Furthermore, the estimated bias associated with income elasticities estimated without adjustment for the time input was significant in most cases. Estimated effects of income, family composition and size, and race on away-from-home food consumption are analyzed.
Influence of adsorbed hydroxyl and carbon monoxide on potential-induced reconstruction of Au(100) as examined by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract The potential-dependent hexagonal (“hex”) reconstruction of ordered Au(100) in an alkaline electrolyte, 0.1M KOH, has been examined by means of in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy. In harmony with recent X-ray diffraction results, the hex → (1 × 1) transition occurs at lower potentials, ~ 0 V versus SCE, than in weakly adsorbing acidic media such as perchloric acid, consistent with an influence of hydroxide adsorption. The dynamics of the reverse (1 × 1) → hex transition accelerate markedly as the potential is lowered below about −0.35 V versus SCE. Carbon monoxide adsorption, induced in 0.1M KOH at negative potentials, facilitates the formation of a notably homogeneous hex phase.
Increased vocal intensity due to the Lombard effect in speakers with Parkinson's disease: Simultaneous laryngeal and respiratory strategies

Abstract Purpose The objective of the present study was to investigate whether speakers with hypophonia, secondary to Parkinson's disease (PD), would increases their vocal intensity when speaking in a noisy environment (Lombard effect). The other objective was to examine the underlying laryngeal and respiratory strategies used to increase vocal intensity. Methods Thirty-three participants with PD were included for study. Each participant was fitted with the SpeechVive™ device that played multi-talker babble noise into one ear during speech. Using acoustic, aerodynamic and respiratory kinematic techniques, the simultaneous laryngeal and respiratory mechanisms used to regulate vocal intensity were examined. Results Significant group results showed that most speakers with PD (26/33) were successful at increasing their vocal intensity when speaking in the condition of multi-talker babble noise. They were able to support their increased vocal intensity and subglottal pressure with combined strategies from both the laryngeal and respiratory mechanisms. Individual speaker analysis indicated that the particular laryngeal and respiratory interactions differed among speakers. Conclusions The SpeechVive™ device elicited higher vocal intensities from patients with PD. Speakers used different combinations of laryngeal and respiratory physiologic mechanisms to increase vocal intensity, thus suggesting that disease process does not uniformly affect the speech subsystems. Learning outcomes: Readers will be able to: (1) identify speech characteristics of people with Parkinson's disease (PD), (2) identify typical respiratory strategies for increasing sound pressure level (SPL), (3) identify typical laryngeal strategies for increasing SPL, (4) define the Lombard effect.
Gravity survey of Ogden Valley in the Wasatch Mountains, north central Utah

Ogden Valley is a northwest-trending valley in the Wasatch Mountains of north central Utah. From geologic investigations it is inferred that Ogden Valley is structurally controlled by normal faults along both the northeast and southwest margins. Gravity measurements in the valley indicate a fault with about 2000 ft of vertical displacement along the west margin of the valley. A fault with at least 1000 ft of vertical displacement is postulated along the east margin of the valley, and a smaller, buried fault is postulated within the valley. The maximum thickness of Cenozoic sediments and sedimentary rocks in the valley is estimated to be about 5000 ft.
Apparent telepathy in psychotherapy.

A somewhat detailed report has been made on two patients who apparently interacted with each other in order to work out mutual pressing psychodynamic problems, utilizing some process related to mental telepathy which served to coordinate and fulfill their affective needs. The possible participation of the therapist in the “declaration a deux” was considered, and a theoretical postulation of telepathy in psychotherapy delved into. Finally, nine other possible telepathic instances were outlined.
Laboratory experiments for enhanced learning of electromechanical devices

In advanced Power Engineering and Smart Grid Laboratory environment students get opportunities to demonstrate their ability to design and conduct experiments, use knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to perform complex experiments and learn how to use optimization procedure for accurate data interpretation, and propose additional requirements for the electromechanical devices to meet the application specifications. In this paper we discuss the effects of the strides we have made to improve the pedagogical aspect of teaching in response to changes in the power industry.
A preliminary study of age-related difference in resistance to sepsis in the rat model

Although the pathophysiology of intraabdominal sepsis is well established in the adult animal, there is a paucity of similar information in the newborn animal. Using the Wichterman (K.A. Wichterman, A.E. Baue, and I.H. Chaudry, Journal of Surgical Research 29: 189, 1980) model of intraabdominal sepsis, 42 Sprague-Dawley suckling rat pups and 42 adults underwent cecal ligation followed by a single needle puncture of the cecum. Whereas a mortality of 47.6% was noted in the adult animals, only 7.1% of the suckling animals succumbed by the end of 1 week. After the ip LD50 of Escherichia coli was determined independently in each age group, appropriate doses of the bacteria were injected into the peritoneums of 36 suckling and 30 adult rats. The peritoneal fluid was aspirated at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hr and the bacterial concentration in the suspension was determined. The rate of bacterial clearance from the peritoneum of the suckling rats was found to be significantly greater at 2, 4, and 8 hr as compared with the adult animal. In vitro assay of the phagocytic activity of the peritoneal macrophages demonstrated a significantly higher activity in the cells obtained from the suckling rats than in those from the adult (P less than 0.05). A more efficient bacterial clearance and a higher phagocytic activity in the peritoneal macrophages of the suckling rats may contribute to the difference in the mortality between the two age groups.
Increase in hypothalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in prepuberal female rats administered estrogen

In previous studies, it has been reported that the administration of estrogen to prepuberal female rats produces precocious surges in the serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin and the number of synaptic contacts in the arcuate nucleus. In the study reported here, we tested the hypothesis that the concentration of hypothalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is the synaptic event initiating the precocious hormonal surges. A single injection of estrogen was administered to prepuberal female rats on day 25 and the serum concentrations of LH and prolactin and the concentration of the binding sites for α-bungarotoxin (BuTX), a putative nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand, were measured on day 27. The concentration of hypothalamic BuTX binding sites was increased by the estrogen treatment, but we found no evidence that this increase in receptors precedes or initiaties the serum hormonal surges.
Critical-state model for harmonic generation in a superconducting microwave resonator

A critical-state model is developed for the treatment of the nonlinear ac response of a superconducting coaxial-type transmission line. Analytical results are presented for the resistance and reactance as well as the response at overtone frequencies. Center conductors of both elliptical and rectangular thin-film cross section are considered. The dominant response, in the case of the elliptical geometry, is found to be independent of the aspect ratio of the ellipse. Significant differences are found between the elliptical and strip geometries. These differences are due to the difference in structure of the critical state in the two geometries. The model is applied to resonators with the assumption that end effects can be neglected. Qualitative agreement is found with experimental results. @S0163-1829~97!01317-9#
Anthropogenic Albedo Changes and the Earth's Climate

The human species has been altering the environment over large geographic areas since the domestication of fire, plants, and animals. The progression from hunter to farmer to technologist has increased the variety and pace more than the geographic extent of human impact on the environment. A number of regions of the earth have experienced significant climatic changes closely related in time to anthropogenic environmental changes. Plausible physical models suggest a causal connection. The magnitudes of probable anthropogenic global albedo changes over the past millennia (and particularly over the past 25 years) are estimated. The results suggest that humans have made substantial contributions to global climate changes during the past several millennia, and perhaps over the past million years; further such changes are now under way.
Antimicrobial Activity and Human Pharmacology of Amoxicillin

The in vitro antibacterial activity of amoxicillin (a-amino-p-hydroxybenzylpenicillin) against 568 clinical isolates was evaluated. Amoxicillin was active against gram-positive organisms at an inhibitory level similar to that of ampicillin or penicillin G. The majority of Streptococcus pyogenes, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus viridans were inhibited by 0.05 [tg of amoxicillin/ml. Most Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were inhibited by 0.1 asg/ml. Amoxicillin and ampicillin were equally active against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. However, amoxicillin was twofold more active against Salmonella species than ampicillin but twofold less active against Shigella species. Enterococci were more susceptible to amoxicillin than to ampicillin. Amoxicillin produced peak serum levels that were two to two and a half times those produced with an identical amount of ampicillin. Blood levels of amoxicillin were still present 8 hr after administration of a single oral 500-mg dose. Absorption of amoxicillin was not decreased by food. Orally administered amoxicillin produced serum levels equal to levels produced by sodium ampicillin or ampicillin trihydrate administered im. The peak blood level achieved with a single oral 3-g dose of amoxicillin equaled that achieved with 3.5 g of ampicillin plus 1 g of probenecid or 4.8 X 106 units of procaine penicillin plus 1 g of probenecid. Urinary excretion of amoxicillin was 50%-70%; this was significantly greater than the 30%-40% excretion of ampicillin.
Inside Thai Society: Religion, Everyday Life, Change

Thailand is often called the "Land of Smiles", a nickname which sounds at once pleasant and mysterious. It is said that the Thais have a smile for every emotion, and with so many nuances of smiling, the smile often hides more than it reveals. Inside Thai Society looks behind smiles and appearances in order to discover those regularities and expectations that pervade everyday life. It identifies the basic ideas that give meaning and order to existence and that make life in Thai society eminently reasonable.
Decreasing Inappropriate Verbalizations of a Moderately Retarded Adult by a Staff Assisted Self-Control Program

AbstractA 28 year old moderately retarded female who had been institutionalized for most of her life was treated for frequently making negative statements. Experimental conditions of baseline and a treatment of self-monitoring and evaluation, and instructions, feedback and modeling by trainers were manipulated via a multielement design. It was concluded from the data that this positive treatment approach was effective for decreasing high frequency negative statements in the subjects living area.
Simulating surface femtochemistry: coverage dependence of laser-induced desorption of CO from copper surfaces

The method of molecular dynamics with electronic frictions is employed to simulate femtosecond laser induced desorption of CO from Cu(100), at an initial surface temperature of 95 K. The effect of adsorbate coverage is assessed by comparing simulations at low coverage, and 0.5 ML coverage. For desorption due to a single 100 fs laser pulse, a significant enhancement of desorption yield due to overlayer coverage is obtained, particularly at the highest laser fluence considered (60 J m-2). The origin of this coverage dependence is discussed. Additionally, the simulations are reported in which the exciting laser pulse is split into two components, separated by a variable time delay.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Solid state characterization of the structure of chitosan films

Films of chitosan, prepared by different fabrication processes, were examined at several structural levels, from the molecular to the macroscopic. This revealed the presence of polymorphic crystal forms, which varied with film treatment. Similarly, morphological structures varying from spherulites to rods were formed, depending on film processing conditions. The effect of structure on the mechanical properties, as well as the orientability of the films, were also investigated.
The combined utilization of clinical and histological findings in the diagnosis of trichotillomania

Background: Trichotillomania (TM) is a chronic disorder in which patients traumatically remove their own hair in a bizarre pattern. TM histopathological findings are not well defined. Methods: Twenty-eight scalp biopsies of TM were reviewed. Multiple vertical sections and special stains were used to evaluate the specimens. Twenty-six patients (24 female, 2 male) were in the cohort, 2 patients had 2 sets of biopsies. Results: Age range was 13^78 years (mean 41 years), most of them presented with chronic TM. Specific histological findings included trichomalacia (57%) and pigmented casts (46%). Non-specific histological findings included: follicular plugging (96%), decreased number of follicles (96%), reversed anagen:telogen ratio (86%), decreased number of sebaceous glands (68%), melanoderma (68%), increased number of fibrous tracts (64%) and vellus hairs (57%), superficial dermal inflammation (57%), evidence of hemorrhage (18%) and presence of hair granulomas (18%). Conclusions: Even though TM is often a disease of the young people, middle aged and elderly patients with TM have more often a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This paper suggests diagnostic criteria for TM. Specific histological findings and clinical suspicion of TM were considered major criteria, while the non-specific histological findings were considered minor diagnostic criteria for TM.
(Na+ + K+)-ATPase in C6 glioma and rat cerebrum

Abstract The content and distribution of the membranee-bound enzyme (Na + + K + )-ATPase in a rat cerebral C 6 glioma was determined by immunocytochemistry, immunoblots and enzyme assay. In the C 6 glioma cell culture (Na + + K + )-ATPase activity was about 20% of (Mg 2+ + Na + + K + )-ATPase activity. However, (Mg 2+ + Na + + K + )-ATPase activity in the cerebral C 6 gliomas was very close to Mg 2+ baseline and not significantly increased by Na + and K + . As shown by immunobloting, (Na + + K + )-ATPase catalytic subunit was detected in excised samples of control cerebrum and as a trace in the intracerebral portions of C 6 glioma but not at all in the extracranial portions of C 6 glioma or in C 6 glioma cell culture. (Na + + K + )-ATPase was not detected immunocytochemically in paraffin sections of the extracranial or intracerebral portions of rat cerebral C 6 glioma. The absence of staining for (Na + + K + )-ATPase clearly demarcated projections of glioma within normal brain. These results suggest that C 6 glioma has little if any expression of (Na + + K + )-ATPase in vitro or in vivo. The small amount of enzyme epitope in the intracerebral portions represents contamination by normal cerebrum in the extracts.
Analysis of human color mechanisms using sinusoidal spectral power distributions.

We examined the effects of probing human color mechanisms using sinusoidal spectral power distributions (SPD’s) varying in frequency (i.e., from 0.1 to 5.0 cycles/300 nm for a constant starting phase) and phase (i.e., from 0 to 360 deg for a fixed frequency of 1 cycle/300 nm) through computer simulation using several color models. Predicted modulation sensitivity functions (MSF’s) in spectral frequency and phase differ among the models and indicate that measurements of the minimum amplitudes necessary to detect sinusoidal SPD’s would be useful for distinguishing among theories of color vision. MSF’s obtained from similar analyses of dichromats’ color mechanisms reveal characteristic patterns of modulation sensitivities and suggest that such measures could serve to distinguish type and degree of color-vision defect. Some implications based on sinusoidal approximations to illuminant and reflectance spectra are discussed along with more general considerations regarding sine-wave SPD’s as a probe for mechanisms of color vision.
An averaging method for stochastic approximations with constant parameters: Small parameter values

Abstract : Stochastic approximations with constant gain coefficients and dependent noise and nonlinear or even 'discontinuous dynamics' have many applications in control, automata and communication theory. When the gain coefficient is small, an asymptotic theory is developed which gives much information on the character of the paths and errors. The method involves both 'averaging' and 'stability' ideas. The ideas are outlined. An example which illustrates the basic ideas and techniques is given. (Author)
Amphiphilic polybetaines: the effect of side-chain hydrophobicity on protein adsorption.

Novel amphiphilic polybetaines were synthesized and used as the base material for nonfouling coatings. The amphiphilicity of these polybetaines was systematically tuned by coupling chains of increasing hydrophobicity to the zwitterionic functionality side at the repeat unit level. An oligoethylene glycol (OEG) moiety was selected to yield the most hydrophilic coating, while octyl (C8) and fluorinated (F) groups were used to impart lipophilicity and lipophobicity to the coatings, respectively. This unique design allowed us to investigate the effect of the lipophilicity/lipophobicity of the side chain on the nonfouling properties of these zwitterionic systems. Adsorption studies, performed using six different proteins, showed that the fluorinated polybetaine, Poly[NFZI-co-NSi], resisted nonspecific adsorption as effectively as, and in some cases even better than, the most hydrophilic Poly[NOEGZI-co-NSi] coating. The comparison of Poly[NFZI-co-NSi] to its noncharged analog demonstrated the essential nature o...
Videotape modeling of interest in nontraditional occupations for women

Abstract This study investigated peer social modeling of interest in nontraditional occupations for women as a possible technique in career counseling. Subjects in treatment and control groups were female undergraduate, undeclared majors in a liberal arts curriculum. Two series of videotaped films with sex of counselor as a controlled variation of the modeling were presented to two experimental groups. Selected criteria from Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory and a simulated career choice indicated a significant increase in interest in nontraditional occupations by subjects viewing a modeling series with reinforcement by a male counselor.
Focal ethanol elevates extracellular dopamine and serotonin concentrations in the rat ventral tegmental area

Abstract The present study describes the effects of local perfusion with ethanol on extracellular dopamine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) concentrations in the ventral tegmental area. Various concentrations of ethanol in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) (0.1–10%, v/v) were administered through a microdialysis probe into the ventral tegmental area of freely moving Sprague-Dawley rats. A significant and concentration-dependent increment in dialysate output of both dopamine and serotonin was observed after local infusion of ethanol. Perfusion with Ca2+-free medium or tetrodotoxin (1 μM in ACSF) produced a significant reduction in basal extracellular dopamine and serotonin concentration but failed to block dopamine or serotonin release produced by infusion of 10% ethanol. Perfusion with 100 mM K+ before and after infusion of 10% ethanol revealed that the second perfusion with high K+ solution still produced an increase in dopamine and serotonin concentration, similar in magnitude to the first response, indicating that perfusion with 10% ethanol did not cause irreversible damage to either dopamine cell bodies or serotonin terminals in the ventral tegmental area. These results suggest that dopamine and serotonin release from the ventral tegmental area produced by focal application of 10% ethanol is mediated, at least in part, by a non-exocytotic mechanism. Direct stimulation of the ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons by ethanol might be involved in the reinforcing properties of the drug.
Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic amebic abscess in children

From 1 January 1976 to 31 December 1985, 11 children under the age of 12 years (range 11 months to 11 years) were treated for hepatic amebic abscess at the UCLA-affiliated hospitals with no mortality. There were 7 girls and 4 boys, and all were of Mexican or Mexican-American descent. In only 3 instances (27%) was the correct diagnosis considered on admission. In 3 patients the diagnosis was made when symptoms persisted following a negative laparotomy for appendicitis, but all 3 made a complete recovery on medical therapy. A delay in diagnosis in 2 other patients contributed to intrahospital rupture of the abscess and resultant urgent surgical drainage. In the remaining 6 patients, amebicidal therapy alone proved effective and no surgery was required. The complex of fever, abdominal pain, anemia, leukocytosis, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a child without a definite diagnosis should prompt the clinician to entertain an early diagnosis of amebic liver abscess and to begin immediate therapy with a safe and efficacious drug.
Functional analysis of the murine IgH enhancer: evidence for negative control of cell-type specificity

We have carried out a mutational analysis of the mouse IgH enhancer. Consistent with previous reports, deletions extending from either the 5' side or the 3' side of the enhancer fail to reveal distinct boundaries which define enhancer function in lymphoid cells. Interestingly, internal point mutations and deletions within the "enhancer core" regions fail to identify any necessary functional role for these conserved elements. When tested in CV1 cells, which do not normally respond to the IgH enhancer, certain deletions exhibit significant enhancer activity. We take these findings to indicate that the functional domains of the IgH enhancer are complex and that cell type specificity is defined in part by negative factors present in non-lymphoid cells.
Effect of dietary vitamin A concentration and roasted soybean inclusion on marbling, adipose cellularity, and fatty acid composition of beef

A feedlot trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary vitamin A concentration and roasted soybean (SB) inclusion on carcass characteristics, adipose tissue cellularity, and muscle fatty acid composition. Angus-crossbred steers (n = 168; 295 +/- 1.8 kg) were allotted to 24 pens (7 steers each). Four treatments, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, were investigated: no supplemental vitamin A, no roasted soybeans (NANS); no vitamin A, roasted SB (20% of the diet on a DM basis; NASB); with supplemental (2,700 IU/kg) vitamin A, no roasted SB (WANS); and with supplemental vitamin A, roasted SB (WASB). Diets included high moisture corn, 5% corn silage, 10 to 20% supplement, and 20% roasted SB in the SB treatments on a DM basis. The calculated vitamin A concentration in the basal diet was 0.10) for cattle performance, carcass composition, or muscle fatty acid composition. Low vitamin A diets (NA) did not affect (P > 0.05) ADG, DMI, or G:F. Quality grade tended (P = 0.07) to be greater in NA steers. Marbling scores and the percentage of carcasses grading > or = Choice(-) were 10% greater for NA steers, although these trends were not significant (P = 0.11 and 0.13, respectively). Backfat thickness and yield grade were not affected (P > 0.26) by vitamin A supplementation. Composition of the LM was not affected (P > 0.15) by vitamin A or SB supplementation. Serum retinol at slaughter was 44% lower (P 0.18) by vitamin A or SB treatments. Fatty acid profile of the LM was not affected by vitamin A (P > 0.05), but SB increased (P < 0.05) PUFA (7.88 vs. 4.30 g/100 g). It was concluded that feeding NA tended to increase marbling without affecting back-fat and yield grade. It appeared that NA induced hyperplasia in the i.m. but not in the s.c. fat depot.
Phototoxicity of selected non-ionic surfactants to soybean Glycine max cell suspensions

Abstract The phytotoxicity of a series of linear alcohol ethylene oxide adduct non-ionic surfactants to achlorophyllous soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. var. Wilkin cell suspensions was determined. The compounds tested were 1-dodecanol (12-0), four of its ethylene oxide (EO) adducts, and an adduct of 1-decanol with 6·7 (average) EO units (10- 6·7 ). Three of the dodecanol adducts were homogeneous surfactant preparations with 2,6 or 8 EO (12-2, 12-6, 12-8, respectively) and one had an average of 17 EO (12- 17 ). The 12-0 compound had no effect on cell growth. Its lipophilic EO adducts 12-2 and 12-6 stimulated growth slightly (less than 30%) at the lower concentrations (22 to 55 μ m and 7 to 26 μ m , respectively) 8 days after treatment. All compounds except 12-0 inhibited growth at the higher concentrations (ranging from 11 to 120 μ m , depending on the compound). Growth inhibition by these adducts increased with EO chain length from 12-2 to 12-8 and then decreased for the very hydrophilic 12- 17 . Growth was only slowed by surfactant treatments at intermediate concentrations and eventually the cells attained nearly the same maximum dry weight as untreated cells. The 10- 6·7 surfactant affected the cultures similarly, but not identically, to the 12-6 and 12-8 surfactants. The surface tensions of the treating solutions were measured. The concentrations of 12-6, 12-8, 12- 17 and 10- 6·7 at which phytotoxicity occurred were too low for micelle formation.
Adsorption and dissociation of Si2H6 on Ge(001)2 × 1

Adsorption and thermally-induced dissociation of disilane (Si2H6) on clean Ge(001)2 × 1 surfaces have been investigated using a combination of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). With initial Si2H6 exposure at room temperature, the Si surface coverage increased monotonically, the EELS surface dangling bond peak intensities continuously decreased, and the intensity of half-order RHEED diffraction rods decreased. The low-coverage Si2H6 sticking probability at 300 K on Ge(001) was found to be ∼ 0.5 while the saturation coverage was ∼ 0.5 ML. A new EELS feature, GSH, involving Si-H and Ge-H bond states was observed at Si2H6 exposures φ ≳ 3.4 × 1013 cm−2. In contrast to Si2H6 -saturated Si(001), the saturated Ge(001) surface significant fraction of dimerized bonds. Adsorbed overlayers were highly disordered with the primary species on saturated surfaces being SiH2, GeH, and undissociated SiH3· Si2H6-saturated Ge(001)2 × 1 substrates were annealed for l min at temperatures Ta between 425 and 825 K. Admolecules were mobile at Ta = 545 K giving rise to significant ordering in one-dimensional chains. By Ta = 605 K, essentially all of the admolecules were captured into coarsened islands. Dangling-bond EELS peaks reappeared by 625 K and the intensities of the half-order RHEED diffraction rods increased. Ge segregation to the surface, which began at Ta ≳ 625 K, occurred rapidly at Ta ⩾ 675 K. All H was desorbed by 725 K.