cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor-like Activity in Urine from Patients with Bladder or Kidney Cancer

Growth factor activity was partially purified from human renal tumors and a human bladder cancer cell line by heparin-Sepharose chromatography. This activity stimulated bovine capillary endothelial cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in BALB/c 3T3 cells. Partially purified growth factor preparations from these tumors contained a protein with an approximate molecular weight of 17,000 which was recognized by a polyclonal antiserum raised against a peptide fragment of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF). This growth factor activity appears to be related to basic fibroblast growth factor. Measurement of FGF-like activity in 50 urine samples from 32 adult males showed that 55% (6 of 11) of the urine samples from patients with bladder cancer and 100% (7 of 7) of the urine samples from patients with kidney cancer contained activity equivalent to more than 20 ng of basic FGF/h of urine production. In contrast, only 6% (2 of 32) of the urine samples from controls, patients with a benign disease, or patients with a history of bladder or kidney cancer contained this level of growth factor activity. These results suggest that patients with bladder or kidney cancer release an FGF-like factor into urine which may be used as a marker for these tumors.
Copyright and Moral Norms

The role normative principles such as morality and ethics play in a legal system is a highly contentious point in jurisprudence and legal theory. Scholars and philosophers have often disagreed on whether laws should reflect and incorporate moral and ethical norms. The idea that there could be a necessary connection between law and objective morality has been forthrightly rejected by some jurists because of the heterogeneity of social views and beliefs about what is right and wrong conduct. This paper challenges the assertion by legal positivism that morality cannot be incorporated into legal analysis because they obfuscate analytical thinking about the law. Instead, this paper argues that morality and ethics clarifies the proper role for law and legal institutions in society and deepens one’s understanding about the functions of a legal system. For copyright law, incorporating moral or ethical principles into legal analysis would allow one to determine if copyright laws accurately reflect common expectations for the progress of science. This paper then shows that modern day jurisprudence on copyright law does not reflect common expectations of society for the progress of science. It goes on to argue that copyright law should reflect these standards if the progress of science is to be sustained. This paper is divided into three parts. The first part of this paper analyzes literature to draw out the essential premises for the disagreement between legal positivism and natural law. It demonstrates that the incorporation of moral and ethical ideals into legal analysis will lead to greater understanding about the nature and purpose of law. The second part of this paper shows how the social and separability theses so essential to positivism affect legal understanding of copyright laws and the role copyright laws play in society. The third part of the paper argues that copyright laws must reflect objective morality - and not economic calculuses - for the progress of science to be sustained and looks to environmental law as a model for conserving and preserving the common good in copyright. This paper concludes with a preliminary proposal on how the progress of science can be sustained by the incorporation of moral and ethical principles into the law.
Challenges of open source ILS adoption

This paper describes the results of a research study analyzing the challenges of the adoption of open source integrated library systems (OSS ILSs) among U.S. libraries. The research team surveyed 73 libraries of all types currently using proprietary ILSs about their satisfaction with their ILS, whether they have considered migrating to an OSS ILS, and some of the changes that would need to occur inside and outside of the libraries to facilitate migration to OSS ILSs. The results show that most of the libraries surveyed have considered migrating to OSS ILSs. The most common reason for considering migration is the cost savings of OSS ILSs compared to proprietary ILSs. The most common issues libraries cited as reasons not to migrate to OSS ILSs include lack of in-house technical staff and expertise and perceived lack of OSS ILS technical support. This paper contributes to the field by discussing some specific challenges libraries associate with OSS ILSs. This research will help libraries in the OSS ILS community to better address these challenges and encourage OSS ILS adoption.
A space with normal countable-to-one regular preimages

Abstract It is known that a space with every countable-to-one regular preimage normal must be at least ⩽ scc-cwN. We construct a model of ZFC + CH with a normal space X that has every countable-to-one regular preimage normal but is not ⩽ scc + -cwH, so that ZFC does not imply stronger separation properties for these spaces. X is also an example of a Moore space that is ⩽ ℵ 1 - paracompact but not ⩽ ℵ 2 - paracompact .
Authorship conflicts: a study of awareness of authorship criteria among academic plastic surgeons.

Background:Authorship is an important yardstick in academic medicine. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of authorship conflicts among academic plastic surgeons and determine any change in authorship awareness over an 8-year period.Methods:In 2003, members of the American Associa
Effect of Shallow Penetration and Streambed Sediments on Aquifer Response to Stream Stage Fluctuations (Analytical Model)

An analytical model of stream-aquifer interaction is proposed that considers the effects from a small degree of aquifer penetration and low-permeability sediments on the head response to an arbitrary stream-stage hydrograph. Aquifer sections under the stream and beyond are considered in a single model. The model of ground water flow in the aquifer is based on the Dupuit assumptions corrected for leakage from the stream. The model can use stream-stage hydrographs in both analytical and tabular forms. The nondimensional linear boundary value problem is solved for hydraulic head in the aquifer using numerical Laplace transforms and a convolution algorithm. The proposed solution is used to assess the impact of shallow penetration and low-permeability streambed sediments on head responses by comparison with available solutions which neglect these factors.
How to integrate strategic planning into your management process

Abstract The primary purpose of strategic planning is to enable management to make decisions today which will affect the firm over the long run where the long run is characterized by risk and uncertainty. If strategic planning is to be useful to management it must be an integral part of the decision making process and not merely an appendage to the management process. In this paper we shall define some of the problems involved in integrating strategic planning and strategic planning tools into the decision process. We shall also suggest some possible solutions to these problems.
Intensified fish culture combining water reconditioning with pollution abatement

Abstract Diminishing sources of new pure water supplies, increasing demand for sport and commercial fishes, and developing governmental pollution abatement requirements in the U.S.A. led to a study by the authors' firm for a group of agencies. It was found that a properly designed water reconditioning-reuse system, under conditions set forth, can provide necessary pollution abatement and increase a hatchery's fish carrying capacity tenfold as compared to a single-pass system. Requirements for removal of ammonia, nitrite and solids are discussed.
Purinergic regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in angiogenesis.

P2Y purine nucleotide receptors (P2YRs) promote endothelial cell tubulogenesis through breast cancer cell-secreted nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK). We tested the hypothesis that activated P2Y1 receptors transactivate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2) in angiogenic signaling. P2Y1R stimulation (10 μ M 2-methyl-thio-ATP (2MS-ATP)) of angiogenesis is suppressed by the VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, SU1498 (1 μ M). Phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 by 0.0262 or 2.62 nM VEGF was comparable with 0.01 or 10 μ M 2MS-ATP stimulation of the P2Y1R. 2MS-ATP, and VEGF stimulation increased tyrosine phosphorylation at tyr1175. 2MS-ATP (0.1–10 μ M) also stimulated EC tubulogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of sub-maximal VEGF (70 pM) in the presence of increasing concentrations of 2MS-ATP yielded additive effects at 2MS-ATP concentrations <3 μ M, whereas producing saturated and less than additive effects at ⩾3 μ M. We propose that the VEGF receptor can be activated in the absence of VEGF, and that the P2YR–VEGFR2 interaction and resulting signal transduction is a critical determinant of vascular homoeostasis and tumour-mediated angiogenesis.
Parallel Solution of Transient Problems by Trapezoidal Integration

The numerical method presented in this paper permits the solution of differential equations by trapezoidal integration in a time of order log2 T, where T is the number of discrete time steps required for the solution. The number of required parallel processors is T/2. Linear and nonlinear examples are presented. The nonlinear example corresponds to a small stability problem. The classical trapezoidal integration algorithm is compared to the new parallel trapezoidal algorithm in terms of solution time requirements. Also, for the nonlinear example the comparison includes the number of iterations and convergence characteristics. Overall conclusions indicate that the parallel algorithm is always much faster and sometimes has better convergence characteristics. Potential limitations of the method are also discussed.
Cytoprotective effect of curcumin in human proximal tubule epithelial cells exposed to shiga toxin.

We conducted the following experiments to determine whether curcumin, an antioxidant compound extracted from the spice tumeric, inhibits cell death induced by Shiga toxin (Stx) 1 and 2 in HK-2 cells, a human proximal tubule cell line. Cells were incubated for 24–48 h with Stx1 or Stx2, 0–100 ng/ml. Test media contained either no further additives or 10–50 μM curcumin. Exposure to Stx1 and Stx2, 100 ng/ml, reduced cell viability to approximately 25% of control values after 24 h and 20 μM curcumin restored viability to nearly 75% of control. Cell staining confirmed that Stx1 and Stx2-induced damage in HK-2 cells involved a combination of apoptosis and necrosis. Thus, Stx1 caused apoptosis and necrosis in 12.2 ± 2.2 and 12.7 ± 0.9% of HK-2 cells, respectively. Similarly, Stx2 caused apoptosis and necrosis in 13.4 ± 2.1 and 9.0 ± 0.5% of HK-2 cells, respectively. Addition of 20 μM curcumin decreased the extent of apoptosis and necrosis to 2.9 ± 2.0 and 3.8 ± 0.2%, respectively in the presence of Stx1 and to 3.0 ± 2.1 and 3.9 ± 0.3%, respectively, for Stx2 (P < 0.01). Stx-induced apoptosis and its inhibition by curcumin were confirmed by DNA gel electrophoresis and by an assay for fragmentation. The protective effect of curcumin against Stx1 and Stx2-induced injury to HK-2 was not related to its antioxidant properties. Instead, curcumin enhanced expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in HK-2 cells under control conditions and after exposure to Stx1 or Stx2. No injury was detectable after incubation of LLC-PK1 or OK cells, non-human proximal tubule cell lines, with Stx1 or Stx2. Thus, curcumin inhibits Stx-induced apoptosis and necrosis in HK-2 cells in vitro. The cytoprotective effect of curcumin against Stx-induced injury in cultured human proximal tubule epithelial cells may be a consequence of increased expression of HSP70.
Neutrino Lighthouse at Sagittarius A

We investigate whether a subset of high-energy events observed by IceCube may be due to neutrinos from Sagittarius A*. We check both spatial and temporal coincidences of IceCube events with other transient activities of Sagittarius A*. Among the seven IceCube shower events nearest to the Galactic center, we have found that event 25 has a time very close to (around three hours after) the brightest x-ray flare of Sagittarius A* observed by the Chandra X-ray Observatory with a $p$-value of 0.9%. Furthermore, two of the seven events occurred within one day of each other (there is a 1.6% probability that this would occur for a random distribution in time). Thus, the determination that some IceCube events occur at similar times as x-ray flares and others occur in a burst could be the smoking gun that Sagittarius A* is a point source of very-high-energy neutrinos. We point out that if IceCube Galactic center neutrino events originate from charged pion decays, then TeV gamma rays should come from neutral pion decays at a similar rate. We show that the CTA, HAWC, H.E.S.S. and VERITAS experiments should be sensitive enough to test this.
Therapeutic potential of RNA interference for neurological disorders

During the past decade, numerous molecular mediators of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders have been identified and validated, yet few novel therapies have emerged and the unmet medical needs remain high. These molecular mediators belong to target classes such as ion channels, neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter receptors, cytokines, growth factors, enzymes and other proteins. In some cases, substantial pre-clinical validation exists, but the molecular target has not been readily druggable with small molecules, proteins or antibodies. RNA interference represents a therapeutic approach applicable to such non-druggable targets. Both non-viral and viral delivery strategies are being undertaken for in vivo silencing of molecular targets by RNA interference, which has resulted in robust efficacy in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, anxiety, depression, neuropathic pain, encephalitis and glioblastoma. These proof-of-concept data in animal models, together with the commencement of clinical trials using RNA interference for macular degeneration and respiratory syncytial virus infection, point to the potential of direct RNA interference for neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Graph-theoretic algorithms for PMU placement in power systems under measurement observability constraints

In this paper we develop two graph-theoretic PMU placement algorithms for multi-area power system networks with the objective of identifying a dynamic equivalent model for the system. We first show that to derive the equivalent line parameters connecting the different areas we must have PMUs placed at the minimum vertex cover of the bipartite graphs formed between every pair of node-sets arising out of the boundary buses of the areas. Considering further that the number of tie-lines observable from any given PMU is constrained by an upper limit, we derive an algorithm to compute the sub-optimal minimum cover, first for a bipartite graph and then for any general topology. We illustrate our results using a IEEE 34-bus model.
Follow-up after polypectomy: Consensus?

Abstract Patients who have had a colorectal adenoma resected have an increased risk of subsequent cancer and may benefit from follow-up surveillance. Surveillance strategies should be tailored to the assessed risk of each individual patient. A number of long-term follow-up studies indicate that the risk of metachronous neoplasia is higher if on index colonoscopy there were multiple (⩾2) adenomas, or if any adenoma was large (⩾1 cm), contained villous tissue or severe dysplasia, or if the patient had a family history of colorectal neoplasia. Data from the U.S. National Polyp Study indicate that polyp resection and follow-up surveillance greatly reduces the incidence of metachronous cancer, and that the first follow-up colonoscopy does not need to be performed for 3 years. Current data have been incorporated into a comprehensive consensus practice guideline.
Epizootiology of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus in Upstate New York, USA: I. Introduction, demography and natural environment of an endemic focus

This first paper of a series provides a history of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) in New York State, USA, and the rationale for detailed studies at an inland endemic focus. Also included is summary information on the cultural growth, climate, and physiography of the area, and description of the freshwater swamp selected as a representative epicenter of local EEEV activity.
Anxiety detecting robotic system—towards implicit human-robot collaboration

A novel affect-sensitive human-robot cooperative framework is presented in this paper. Peripheral physiological indices are measured through wearable biofeedback sensors to detect the affective state of the human. Affect recognition is performed through both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A subsumption control architecture sensitive to the affective state of the human is proposed for a mobile robot. Human-robot cooperation experiments are performed where the robot senses the affective state of the human and responds appropriately. The results presented here validate the proposed framework and demonstrate a new way of achieving implicit communication between a human and a robot.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a renal transplant recipient.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a viable and safe alternative for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones and biliary colic. As surgeons gain more experience with this procedure, contraindications become fewer and indications increase. Well-documented advantages of this approach include less patient discomfort, less surgical scarring, and earlier return to employment. Not previously discussed in the literature, however, are the additional advantages that this procedure holds for a specific subset of patients—namely, those patients that have undergone successful organ transplantation and are receiving immunosuppressive drugs. We report a case of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in such a patient.
Issues that Must be Addressed for Risk Assessment of Mixed Exposures: The U.S. EPA Experience with Air Quality

Humans are routinely exposed to a complex mixture of air pollutants in both their outdoor and indoor environments. The wide diversity of these exposure scenarios and potential for regional transport present the health scientist with a challenge of how to appropriately address complex air pollution mixtures. Similarly, regulators are faced with mixture issues ranging from exposures, to health outcomes, and to associated uncertainties that are in need of more definitive and strategic information to support informed decisions. This article provides a perspective of an empiricist on the background related to the issue of air pollution mixtures. Historic and current regulatory platforms for dealing with mixtures are described. Using the topic of particulate air pollution, general guidance through the nuances of potential interactions among PM constituents is provided, along with alterative approaches and examples, and how these support scientific and regulatory agendas. The impact of new cell and molecular technologies is inevitable, and we must be prepared to take advantage of these and other cross-cutting methods as they become available. Such innovative approaches hold the secret to high-throughput biologic dissection of component interactions and mixture profiles, which will aid in the assessment of risk.
Chromatin structure of integrated T-DNA in crown gall tumors.

We have investigated the chromatin structure of the integrated T-DNA in two N. tabacum crown gall tumor lines, and compared the results to those obtained in a previous study of the methylation patterns of these same integrated DNA sequences (Gelvin et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 11:159–174, 1983). The E9 octopine-type tumor contains a single copy of TL, whose transcription is essential for tumor maintenance, and 15–30 copies of TR, a non-essential region. The HT37#15 nopaline type teratoma contains a single copy of the nopaline T-DNA. All these integrated sequences can be found associated with nucleosomes, although the diffuse nature of the nucleosome bands on Southern transfers implies an ‘open’ chromatin conformation. In addition, all the sequences are more sensitive to digestion with deoxyribonuclease I than the bulk of the chromatin. We present evidence suggesting that, despite the previously published data that the majority of copies of the TR-DNA are highly methylated at the sequence CCGG whereas the TL-DNA is not, the majority of copies of the TR-DNA in the E9 tumor line are in the same chromatin conformation as TL. These data therefore suggest that most of the copies of TR-DNA are likely to be transcriptionally competent.
The Fallacy of Passive Management Managing for Firesafe Forest Reserves

The hard lesson that we should take away from the last decade of fire management in drier forests is that a choice to do nothing is a choice of action, not always with a desirable outcome.
Conservation tillage effects on soil properties and yield of corn and soya beans in Indiana

Long-term studies have been conducted on 7 soils throughout the state of Indiana, to determined the effectiveness of a range of tillage systems in producing high crop yields while reducing erosion and improving soil physical properties. The soil studied included one sandy loam, one loam, three silt loams and two silty clay loams with a range of organic matter contents and slope and drainage classes. Tillage systems studied included conventional moldboard plow, chisel plow, disking, ridge till-plant and no-till. Conservation tillage systems resulted in higher soil water contents, lower soil temperatures, more organic matter and more water-stable aggregates near the surface, and higher bulk densities than conventional tillage systems. On sloping, well-drained, low organic matter soils, conservation tillage produced corn (Zea mays L.) yields that were equal or better than yields from conventional tillage. On poorly-drained, low organic matter, poorly structured soils, the soil structure under conservation tillage tended to improve with time as soil organic matter and aggregation increased. Corn and soya bean (Glycine max) yields have also improved with time and often exceed those from conventionally tilled soils. On poorly drained soils high in organic matter that were cropped to continuous corn, conservation tillage generally yielded less than conventional systems due to low soil temperature and excess wetness in spring. Significant interactions of tillage systems and crop rotation existed on the two poorly-drained soils on which rotation was an experimental variable.
Low-temperature phase behavior of vegetable oil/co-solvent blends as alternative diesel fuel

Vegetable oils (triacylglycerols) have many characteristics that make them attractive candidates as renewable alternative fuels for compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Unfortunately, vegetable oils are too viscous to be compatible with modern direct-injection diesel fuel systems and engines. Co-solvent blending is a simple and flexible technology that reduces viscosity by mixing the oil with low molecular weight alcohol. A co-solvent (A), consisting, of surfactant plus an amphiphilic compound, is added to solubilize otherwise nearly immiscible oil-alcohol mixtures into a single-layer (isotropic) solution. This work examines low-temperature phase behavior of two soybean oil (SBO)/methanol mixtures solubilized by A=unsaturated long-chain (C18) fatty alcohol/medium-chain alkanol (n-butanol and 2-octanol), one SBO/methanol mixture solubilized by A=triethylammonium linoleate/2-octanol, and one SBO/95 wt% ethanol (E95) mixture solubilized by n-butanol. The E95-blend was further blended in 1∶1 (vol/vol) mixtures with No. 2 diesel fuel. Two types of anisotropic phase behavior were observed; formation of a cloudy layer of solid crystals suspended in bulk solution (Type 1) and formation of two immiscible liquid layers (Type II). The type of phase separation in a given solution was influenced by phase separation temperature (Tϕ) relative to the crystallization characteristics of compounds in the SBO and fatty alcohol or amine constituents present in solution. Solutions with relatively low Tϕ values experienced crystallization of small solid particles favoring Type 1 separations. Conversely, solutions with Tϕ sufficient to avert crystallization of high melting point compounds favored Type II separations where Tϕ=critical solution temperature (Tcritical). Increasing the A/oil (SBO or No. 2 diesel/SBO mixture) mass ratio decreased Tϕ while increasing the mass fraction of alcohol (methanol or E95) increased Tϕ. This work shows that vegetable oil/A-based blends can be formulated with cold flow properties superior with respect to cloud point and comparable with respect to kinematic viscosity (v) of methyl soyate (biodiesel), either neat or blended with petroleum middle distillates.
Frictional dependence of gouge mixtures of quartz and montmorillonite on velocity, composition and fabric

Abstract The velocity of frictional sliding was studied experimentally using 35° -precut cylinders of Tennessee sandstone with a layer of saturated quartz-montmorillonite gouge along the precut. Experiments were performed at room temperature, confining pressures of 25, 50, and 70 MPa and displacement rates varying during the tests from 10−3 to 102 μm s −1 Frictional coefficients range from 0.08 to 0.14 for montmorillonite, increasing to 0.49 to 0.62 for pure quartz, with 70% or more of an end member controlling the coefficient. Mid-range compositions show monotonic changes with composition. Pure quartz gouge exhibits only stick-slip, however, with as little as 5% montmorillonite added, sliding is stabilized. Mixtures of coarse-grained quartz containing 15 to 50% montmorillonite strain harden, while other mixtures achieve steady-state sliding within the available displacement of 15 mm. Steady-state behavior is promoted by a decrease in quartz grain size and gouge thickness, as well as precompaction, large displacements, and long periods of time under a normal stress. Negative velocity dependency is shown by 100% quartz while all other gouges show a slight to pronounced positive velocity dependency. The latter show stable sliding, but gouges with 5% and 100% montmorillonite show incipient unstable behavior at the slowest rates. The characteristic sliding distance, dc, is found to be independent of gouge thickness, grain size and the magnitude of the velocity step, but does increase with slip velocity. Petrofabric analyses reveal well developed shear geometries and localization of displacement on Y surfaces in experiments that attained steady-state sliding. Experiments showing work hardening have few through-going fractures and relatively little grain-size reduction in the quartz. In gouge mixtures displacement is accommodated initially by the montmorillonite, but as the quartz grains rotate they come into contact initiating microfracturing. Concurrently strain hardening occurs. All experiments went through a change in fabric and work hardening before attaining steady-state sliding. Velocity history, gouge thickness and initial grain size are found to affect fabrics and the ability to attain steady-state sliding.
Potential of the microporosity of cellulose fibers for interactive paper

The size distribution of the microporous structure of fibers derived from wood for use in interactive paper is discussed in terms of wood sources, pulping methods and conditions. The merits and demerits of the various procedures for the placement of both organic and inorganic chemicals within the cell wall pores are reviewed.
Endothelial Mediation Is Necessary for Subsequent Hepatocyte Uptake of Transferrin

ABSTRACT The authors previously have reported on the presence of transferrin (TF) receptors on liver endothelial cells and have shown that hepatic uptake of transferrin-iron (TF-Fe) complexes in the liver is mediated by the endothelium. We now provide evidence that this endothelial cell mediation may be necessary for hepatocyte uptake of TF-Fe complexes. Transport of TF-Fe from endothelial cell to hepatocyte was studied in mixed cell suspensions in which radiolabeled TF-Fe complexes were incubated at 37° C with the two cell populations purified and then mixed in equal ratios. The mixtures were then refractionated at various times after incubation and cell-associated radioactivities measured. Radiolabeled TF was rapidly taken up by the endothelial cell fraction, but radioactivity began to decline in this fraction as it increased in the hepatocyte fraction, In double labeling experiments with 125 ITF- 59 Fe, both radiolabels moved across the endothelium in parallel fashion, indicating that Fe remains associated with TF during trans-cytosis. However, in hepatocytes the two radiolabels became dissociated, with Fe remaining cell-associated and TF being recycled. Hepatocyte uptake of processed TF was partially in- hibitable by galactan and asialofetuin, indicating that hepatocyte uptake may occur via asialoglycoprotein receptors of hepatocyte.
Regenerative steady-state simulation of discrete-event systems

The regenerative method possesses certain asymptotic properties that dominate those of other steady-state simulation output analysis methods, such as batch means. Therefore, applying the regenerative method to steady-state discrete-event system simulations is of great interest. In this paper, we survey the state of the art in this area. The main difficulty in applying the regenerative method in our context is perhaps in identifying regenerative cycle boundaries. We examine this issue through the use of the "smoothness index." Regenerative cycles are easily identified in systems with unit smoothness index, but this is typically not the case for systems with nonunit smoothness index. We show that "most" (in a certain precise sense) discrete-event simulations will have nonunit smoothness index, and extend the asymptotic theory of regenerative simulation estimators to this context.
New high-bandwidth all-solid-state pulse-shaping system for the OMEGA laser facility

An all-solid-state pulse-shaping system based on a single- frequency master oscillator, preamplifier, and aperture- coupled-stripline electrical waveform generator has been developed and implemented in the OMEGA laser fusion facility.
The relation of free plasma tryptophan to anger, hostility, and aggression in a nonpatient sample of adult men and women.

Background: Dysregulation of central nervous system serotonergic (5-HT) activity is implicated in behavioral states and psychological traits associated with depression and aggression, with some studies suggesting possible gender-related differences.Purpose: This study examined the relation of free plasma tryptophan (TRP) to aggression and depression in a sample of 138 nonsmoking adults recruited from the general community. It was hypothesized that TRP would be associated with anger, hostility, and aggression.Methods: To minimize effects of diurnal variation and menstrual cycle, fasting blood samples were collected in the morning, and, for women, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Participants were administered questionnaires following blood draw. Plasma TRP was determined by high performance liquid chromatography.Results: In women, but not men, higher levels of TRP were associated with trait hostility, propensity for anger, a tendency to express anger outwardly, and an antagonistic interpersonal style. For men and women, greater severity of depressive symptoms, anger, and the verbal expression of anger were associated with higher TRP. These associations were independent of age, body mass index, fasting albumin, and race and ethnicity.Conclusions: These data suggest that in women, but not men, higher plasma levels of TRP, the precursor to 5-HT, are associated with anger-hostility-aggression and that these associations are independent of various potential confounds. Implications of these observations to studies employing acute TRP depletion studies are discussed.
Location and Configuration of Passing Lanes

Kansas State University conducted a study of passing lanes on major two-lane highways in Kansas. Passing lane location and configuration are among the crucial design factors that may affect the operation and safety of two-lane highways containing passing lanes. The literature suggests that passing lanes should not be located where crossroad intersections exist. Yet a traffic conflict study of Kansas passing lane locations found that the mean traffic conflict level at crossroad intersections located within the passing lane was lower than it was at a similar intersection on a two-lane highway outside the passing lane sections. Crossroad intersections may be tolerated within passing lanes if they are not in the laneaddition and lane-drop areas of the passing lane and if turning volumes are relatively low. Based on traffic simulation, there was no evidence that tail-to-tail passing lane configurations are better than other configurations, as claimed in the literature. However, the difference in percent time d...
Dynamic network models: introduction to new and interdisciplinary approaches

On September 26–27, 2005, the National Academies hosted a special conference on dynamic models for networks. The meeting was funded through a research grant from the National Security Agency, with some organizational support from NSF Grant DMS-0437183/SES 0437239. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together researchers in different fields, all of whom were working on aspects of creating mathematical descriptions of network change. This special issue collects a representative but nonrandom sample of the papers presented at that conference. The most important outcome of the meeting was the cross-fertilization of ideas— there were clear differences between the fields in the methods that were used and how the problems were framed. For example, biologists had developed models for feedback mechanisms, which are not part of the standard toolkit for social network analysts. But the social network analysts had invented latent space models, made more use of covariate information, and were exploring agent-based simulations to permit representation of more complex relationships. Similarly, the neural scientists used point process models to describe spike-train activity in networks, and had specific interest in making inferences about causation. But the telecommunications researchers used heavy-tailed processes to model activity, and focused on network mapping rather than event triggers. The meeting drew an impressive selection of outstanding researchers. The keynote speakers were John Doyle, from the California Institute of Technology, speaking on “Network Complexity and Robustness”; Eve Marder, of Brandeis, speaking on “The Development and Stability of Biological Networks”; and Steve Borgatti, of Boston College, speaking on “The State of Art in Social Network Analysis”. To give a better sense of the intellectual range of the meeting, other prominent speakers included
The efficiency of the mesta: A parable

Abstract The Mesta, the Spanish guild of shepherds and sheepowners, has been considered to be an inefficient institution because it helped reverse the trend toward enclosures and gained privileges that allowed it to pay minimal rents for pasturelands. Here, on the other hand, it is argued that because of the conflict between pastoral and agricultural interests and the absence of reliable fences, the decrees of the Spanish monarchs helped, rather than hindered, the allocation of economic resources. To reach this conclusion one has to understand the role that the kings played as zoning authorities allocating resources to the highest valued use. Once allocative zoning procedures were in place, land rents were redundant for allocative purposes and hence could be taxed away without altering efficiency.
Heart-lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract Background . The operation of choice for primary pulmonary hypertension remains controversial, as heart-lung transplantation, single-lung transplantation, and double-lung transplantation have all been advocated. Methods . We reviewed our institution's experience with heart-lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension. Results . Thirty-nine patients had heart-lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension. Operative mortality rate was 18%, and actuarial survival was 72% at 1 year, 67% at 2 years, and 42% at 5 years. Freedom from obliterative bronchiolitis was 91% at 1 year, 83% at 2 years, and 70% at 5 years. Freedom from obliterative bronchiolitis-related death was 100% at 1 year, 90% at 2 years, and 87% at 5 years. Freedom from accelerated graft coronary disease was 92% at 5 years. The most frequent causes of death were infection, obliterative bronchiolitis, and accelerated graft coronary disease. Conclusions . Heart-lung transplantation results in survival comparable to that reported for single or double lung transplantation. Obliterative bronchiolitis is a significant cause of late death but seems to occur less frequently with heart-lung transplantation than with lung transplantation alone. Accelerated coronary graft disease is rare in the first 5 years after transplantation.
The effect of cardioacceleration by right atrial pacing on myocardial blood flow in normal human subjects

The myocardial blood flow response (MBF), measured by a coincidence counting technique and 84RbCl, to cardioaccleration by right atrial pacing, was studied in 18 normal subjects. MBF was found to increase at approxmately 130 beats/min but decreased at more rapid rates (150 beats/min). Further study will be required to resolve the problem of this narrow range of response in order to validate pacing studies in the evaluation of serial changes in coronary reserve.
Primary Aberrant Regeneration of the Oculomotor Nerve: Occurrence in a Patient with Abetalipoproteinemia

Primary aberrant regeneration of the oculomotor nerve is a clinical syndrome involving eyelid, pupil, and extraocular movement abnormalities following damage to the peripheral portion of the oculomotor nerve. It has been described only with meningiomas and internal carotid artery aneurysms within the cavernous sinus.1-6We describe herein a patient with abetalipoproteinemia (Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome [BKS]) who has bilateral primary aberrant regeneration of the oculomotor nerve. REPORT OF A CASE A 31-year-old right-handed man was diagnosed as having BKS at age 9 years because of acanthocytosis and serum β lipoprotein levels less than 4% of normal7. Visual fields and funduscopic examination findings were normal, and visual acuity was 6/15 - 1 OD and 6/15 + 1 OS uncorrected. Extraocular movements and pupillary reaction were normal at that time, but he had moderate bilateral ptosis, greater on the right. He required assistance to walk, and his gait was broad based and ataxic. At age
Electronic structure and superconducting energy gap in Rb3C60 single crystals studied by photoemission spectroscopy.

We report an ultrahigh-resolution photoemission study of ${\mathrm{Rb}}_{3}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ single crystals (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=30.5 K) and the measurement of the superconducting energy gap. The crystals were cleaved at 13 K to expose the (111) plane. They show a sharp Fermi cutoff above ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ and a superconducting gap opening below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ (2\ensuremath{\Delta}/${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\sim}4.1 at 13 K). The valence band shows a \ensuremath{\sim}0.15-eV-wide band near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ that is consistent with calculations, and a broad band at 0.15--1.3 eV, possibly contributed by the surface ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ layer.
Fluconazole compared with endoscopy for human immunodeficiency virus- infected patients with esophageal symptoms

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The best initial treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with esophageal symptoms is unknown. The outcome, including safety and cost-effectiveness, of fluconazole compared with endoscopy as a treatment strategy for HIV-infected patients with new-onset esophageal symptoms was evaluated. METHODS: During a 53-month period, 134 HIV-infected patients with esophageal symptoms were randomized prospectively to groups receiving either standard doses of fluconazole or endoscopy. RESULTS: Among the 68 patients in the fluconazole group, a complete symptomatic response was observed in 56 patients (82%), usually within 1 week. The most common endoscopic findings in the 66 patients in the endoscopy group included Candida esophagitis alone in 42 patients (64%) and ulcerative esophagitis in 10 patients (15%). Patients responding to empirical antifungal therapy or who had Candida esophagitis alone at endoscopy were less like to have severe symptoms (P = 0.027) or odynophagia as the only symptom (P
Expression of biologically active Acidothermus cellulolyticus endoglucanase in transgenic maize plants

Abstract Commercial production of ethanol from plant biomass sources employs enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose. Transgenic plants that can produce their own hydrolysis enzymes may offer an inexpensive and convenient system for the large-scale production of these enzymes. The catalytic domain of an endo-1,4-β- d -glucanase gene from the eubacterium, Acidothermus cellulolyticus , was transferred to maize using particle bombardment, and transgenic plants were regenerated from five independent experiments containing E1 catalytic domain (E1-cd). Several of these plants grown in the greenhouse reached maturity and set seeds. Stable integration of the transgene in the genome of these plants was confirmed by Southern blot and expression of the transgene in plants by Western blot analysis. Expression of the recombinant E1-cd varied in different transgenic plants and the protein was enzymatically active. The activity-based assays indicate that the enzyme accumulated to concentrations up to 2.1% of plant total soluble proteins with enzymatic activity of 0.845 nmol/μg/min in leaf, and 2.08% with enzymatic activity of 0.835 nmol/μg/min in root tissues. The present data demonstrate the feasibility to produce a bacterial cellulase within the maize biomass crop for possible biomass conversion into fermentable sugars.
Discordance Between Sibling and Parent Reports of the Impact of Chronic Illness and Disability on Siblings

This study compared sibling and parent reports of sibling adjustment to chronic illness/developmental disability (CI/DD) in 51 siblings (ages 8 to 13). Discordance between sibling and parent reports on the Sibling Perception Questionnaire was common, with parents tending to report more sibling adjustment problems than did siblings. Siblings who reported more problems than parents tended to be younger and male. There was a trend for parents who reported more problems than siblings to also report greater negative impact of CI/DD on family social functioning than other parents. Findings highlight the importance of obtaining sibling self-reports in research and clinical settings.
Redundant wireless communication technologies for real-time surveillance

Catastrophic events including those sparked by terrorism have cast a pall over society in recent years. Events such as September 11th or the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Okalahoma City demonstrated a sudden surge in telephone call volume. These events indicated that communications systems, including cellular, can fail as a result from damage or capacity overload. Cellular systems have significant capacity given the limited radio spectrum allocated but much like airlines that oversell seats because inevitably some passengers do not show up, cellular providers typically have more customers than operational spectrum can handle in aggregate. Normally this is perfectly acceptable because a high percentage of the customer base would never be making calls simultaneously; except in an emergency. Such emergencies can be active or passive in nature. The release of dangerous airborne agents is one such scenario. The purpose of this study was to use a portable air particulate sensor as a data acquisition platform to evaluate the capability of real-time data throughput using existing wireless topologies, Java, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and Internet protocols when cellular transmission frequencies are compromised. Results show that high levels of cellular voice traffic in a given area can hamper simultaneous data communications; however, Low Earth Orbiting Satellites (LEOS) can provide redundancy.
Expression of functional scorpion neurotoxin Lqq-V in E.coli.

Abstract We report the results on the expression in Escherichia coli of a functional neurotoxin LqqV from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus. The gene for LqqV was synthesized using recursive PCR and expressed as a poly-histidine-tagged fusion protein in thioredoxin mutant E. coli strain [AD494(DE3)pLysS], thus permitting disulfide-bond formation. When cultured at 37 °C, about 50% of the expressed protein is contained as a monomer in the soluble fraction of the E. coli extract. The fusion protein from the soluble fraction was purified and the His-tag was cleaved by thrombin, resulting in a yield of about 1.5 mg/liter. The globular structure of the purified protein was confirmed by NMR and CD spectroscopy. Patch-clamp measurements using native sodium channels in guinea pig ventricular myocytes reveal (1) a slowing of inactivation and (2) a decrease in peak current upon application of toxin, thus confirming the α-toxin activity of the purified recombinant protein.
The chivalric dragon: hagiographic parallels in early Spanish romances

The bridge I should hope to make between chivalry and hagiography is somewhat indeterminate and fragile. Yet it has been proposed before in earnest, not as conjecture but as thesis and, indeed, as ...
Neural Mechanisms of Angiotensin II–Salt Hypertension: Implications for Therapies Targeting Neural Control of the Splanchnic Circulation

Chronically elevated plasma angiotensin II (AngII) causes a salt-sensitive form of hypertension that is associated with a differential pattern of peripheral sympathetic outflow. This “AngII-salt sympathetic signature” is characterized by a transient reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity (SNA) to the kidneys, no change in SNA to skeletal muscle, and a delayed activation of SNA to the splanchnic circulation. Studies suggest that the augmented sympathetic influence on the splanchnic vascular bed increases vascular resistance and decreases vascular capacitance, leading to hypertension via translocation of blood volume from the venous to the arterial circulation. This unique sympathetic signature is hypothesized to be generated by a balance of central excitatory inputs and differential baroreceptor inhibitory inputs to sympathetic premotor neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. The relevance of these findings to human hypertension and the future development of targeted sympatholytic therapies are discussed.
Initiation of DNA synthesis in the liver and other tissues of adult mice by a growth factor (EACF) isolated from acellular fluid of the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

The mitogenic effect of a new growth factor that we recently isolated from the acellular ascitic fluid of the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma grown in vivo was examined. We have called this factor EACF (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma factor). EACF caused initiation of DNA synthesis in the liver, submandibular gland, exorbital lacrimal gland and epithelium of the tongue of adult mice after i.p. injection at a protein concentration of 3 micrograms per 25 g of body weight. For all tissues examined, except the tongue, EACF initiated DNA synthesis at about 48 to 60 h after injection, with the maximum effect at approx. 85 h, and the stimulatory effect lasting approx. 60 h. The initiation of DNA synthesis in liver, which is normally characterized by only an occasional cell passing through the S phase, by EACF is of particular interest. The initiation of DNA synthesis in the liver was not prevented by hypophysectomy. Evidence also indicates that a similar heat-labile growth promoting factor(s) is present in calf serum.