cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid flow-induced soluble vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms regulate actin adaptation in osteoblasts.

Although load-induced mechanical signals play a key role in bone formation and maintenance of bone mass and structure, the cellular mechanisms involved in the translation of these signals are still not well understood. Recent identification of a novel flow-induced mechanosignaling pathway involving VEGF in osteoblasts and the known VEGF regulation of actin reorganization in various cell types has led us to hypothesize that fluid shear stress-induced Vegf up-regulation underlies the actin cytoskeleton adaptation observed in osteoblasts during mechanotransduction. Our results show that MC3T3-E1 cells secrete significant VEGF in response to 5 h of pulsatile fluid shear stress (PFSS; 5 dynes/cm2 at 1 Hz), whereas expression of VEGF receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, or NRP1) is unaffected. These receptors, in particular VEGFR-2, participate in PFSS-induced VEGF release. Exposure to flow-conditioned medium or exogenous VEGF significantly induces stress fiber formation in osteoblasts that is comparable with PFSS-induced stress fiber formation, whereas VEGF knockdown abrogates this response to PFSS, thereby providing evidence that flow-induced VEGF release plays a role in actin polymerization. Using neutralizing antibodies against the receptors and VEGF isoforms, we found that soluble VEGFs, in particular VEGF164, play a crucial role in transient stress fiber formation during osteoblast mechanotransduction, most likely through VEGFR-2 and NRP1. Based on these data we conclude that flow-induced VEGF release from osteoblasts regulates osteoblast actin adaptation during mechanotransduction and that VEGF paracrine signaling may provide potent cross-talk among bone cells and endothelial cells that is essential for fracture healing, bone remodeling, and osteogenesis.
Modulation of pain transmission by G-protein-coupled receptors

The heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) represent the largest and most diverse family of cell surface receptors and proteins. GPCR are widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous systems and are one of the most important therapeutic targets in pain medicine. GPCR are present on the plasma membrane of neurons and their terminals along the nociceptive pathways and are closely associated with the modulation of pain transmission. GPCR that can produce analgesia upon activation include opioid, cannabinoid, alpha2-adrenergic, muscarinic acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB), groups II and III metabotropic glutamate, and somatostatin receptors. Recent studies have led to a better understanding of the role of these GPCR in the regulation of pain transmission. Here, we review the current knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the analgesic actions of GPCR agonists, with a focus on their effects on ion channels expressed on nociceptive sensory neurons and on synaptic transmission at the spinal cord level.
Genetic variation in lactation means of somatic cell scores for six breeds of dairy cattle.

Abstract Lactation means of somatic cell scores from sample days were used to estimate the components of variation for additive genetic, permanent environmental, and herd-sire interaction effects. Data included records of 4314 Ayrshire, 7845 Brown Swiss, 18,115 Guernsey, 1,135,752 Holstein, 67,862 Jersey, and 787 Milking Shorthorn cows from across the US. Records were preadjusted for length of lactation. Fixed effects of herd-year, calving age, and calving month were included in animal models for estimation of variance components. Additive genetic estimates from REML relative to a phenotypic variance of 1.00 were .07 for Ayrshires, .07 for Brown Swiss, .11 for Guernseys, .09 for Holsteins, .09 for Jerseys, and .08 for Milking Shorthorns; permanent environmental estimates were .25, .26, .22, .21, .20, and .35; and herd-sire interaction estimates were .04, .02, .00, .02, .02, and .01. Effects of calving age were similar for all regions of the US but differed for Jerseys and Holsteins. Effects of calving month were similar for all breeds. Cows calving during summer had the highest lactation means for somatic cell score from sample days. Impact of calving month was greatest in the Southeast.
Ohmic flux consumption during initial operation of the NSTX spherical torus

Spherical tokamaks, because of their slender central columns, have very limited volt second capability relative to that of standard aspect ratio tokamaks of similar plasma cross-section. Recent experiments on NSTX have begun to quantify and optimize the ohmic current drive efficiency in an MA class ST device. Sustainable ramp rates in excess of 5 MA/s during the current rise phase have been achieved on NSTX, while faster ramps generate significant MHD activity. Discharges with Ip exceeding 1 MA have been achieved in NSTX with nominal parameters: aspect ratio A = 1.3-1.4, elongation κ = 2-2.2, triangularity δ = 0.4, internal inductance li = 0.6, Ejima coefficient CE = 0.35. Flux consumption efficiency results, performance improvements associated with first boronization and comparisons with neoclassical resistivity are described.
What is the potential for thrombopoietic agents in acute leukemia

In the 16 years since thrombopoietin was identified and cloned, much has been learned about its biochemistry, how it is regulated, and its involvement in a wide range of functions in a variety of cell lineages. The first generation of recombinant human thrombopoietins, rHuTPO and pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF), were shown to increase platelet counts in patients with immune thrombocytopenia, in platelet apheresis donors, and in patients receiving nonmyeloablative chemotherapy. Their effects in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) showed no benefit at a wide range of doses and schedules. The two second-generation TPO mimetics approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ITP, romiplostim and eltrombopag, are now being studied in a number of thrombocytopenic disorders including those due to chemotherapy and hepatitis C. Since romiplostim is comparable to the first-generation recombinant thrombopoietins, it may not be beneficial in AML treatment; however, given its novel mechanism of action, eltrombopag may be a TPO potentiator and if given at the proper time during chemotherapy, may enable AML patients to recover platelet counts sooner.
Neuropilin-1 Regulates Attachment in Human Endothelial Cells Independently of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptor-2

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a type 1 membrane protein that binds the axon guidance factors belonging to the class-3 semaforin family. In endothelial cells, NRP-1 serves as a co-receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and regulates VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)-dependent angiogenesis. Although gene-targeting studies documenting embryonic lethality in NRP-1 null mice have demonstrated a critical role for NRP-1 in vascular development, the activities of NRP-1 in mature endothelial cells have been incompletely defined. Using RNA interference-mediated silencing of NRP-1 or VEGFR-2 in primary human endothelial cells, we confirm that NRP-1 modulates VEGFR-2 signaling-dependent mitogenic functions of VEGF. Importantly, we now show that NRP-1 regulates endothelial cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins independently of VEGFR-2. Based on its dual role as an enhancer of VEGF activity and a mediator of endothelial cell adhesiveness described here, NRP-1 emerges as a promising molecular target for the development of antiangiogenic drugs.
ON THE PROPOSED ASSOCIATIONS OF SOLAR NEUTRINO FLUX WITH SOLAR PARTICLES, COSMIC RAYS, AND THE SOLAR ACTIVITY CYCLE

It has been proposed that the observed solar neutrino flux exhibits important correlations with solar particles, galactic cosmic rays, and the sunspot cycle, with the latter correlation being opposite in phase and lagging behind the sunspot cycle by about one year. Re-examination of the data-available interval 1971–1981, employing various tests of statistical significance, however, suggests that such a claim is, at present, unwarrantable. For example, on the associations of solar neutrino flux and cosmic-ray flux with the Ap geomagnetic index, neither were found to be statistically significant (at the 95% level of confidence), regardless of the choice of lag (-1, 0, or +1 yr). Presuming linear fits, all correlations with Ap had coefficients of determination (r2, where r is the linear correlation coefficient) less than 16%, meaning that ≲16% of the variation in the selected test parameters could be explained by the variation in Ap. Similarly, on the associations of solar neutrino flux and cosmic ray flux with sunspot number, only the latter association proved to be of statistical importance. Using the best linear fits, the correlation between yearly averages of solar neutrino flux and sunspot number had r2 ≈ 19%, the correlation between weighted moving averages (of order 5) of solar neutrino flux and sunspot number had r2 ≈ 45%, and the correlation between cosmic-ray flux and sunspot number had r2 ≈ 76%, all correlations being inverse associations. Solar neutrino flux was found not to correlate strongly with cosmic-ray flux, and the Ap geomagnetic index was found not to correlate strongly with sunspot number.
Evaluation of Patients' Perception of Safety to Drive after Outpatient, Minimally Invasive Procedures of the Hand:

Patients frequently ask if they can drive after minimally invasive surgery of the hand under local anesthesia. Evidence does not exist to provide a definitive answer to this question. Many physicians are unclear on the patient's safety and the patient's perception of this decision. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patient's perception of safety when driving immediately after hand surgery under local anesthesia without sedation. We sought to assess the factors affecting the decision to drive after such surgery and the timing of returning to driving. We also investigated whether patients have had any difficulties, specifically motor vehicle collisions or summons issued for traffic violations.
Long-term effects of site preparation and fertilization on total soil CO2 efflux and heterotrophic respiration in a 33-year-old Pinus taeda L. plantation on the wet flats of the Virginia Lower Coastal Plain

Abstract Total soil CO 2 efflux at the soil surface ( F S ) is the dominant respiratory flux in forest ecosystems. Therefore, minor changes in F S would impact net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and, thus, short- and long-term carbon sequestration. Intensive site management (i.e., site preparation, competition control, fertilization amendments) impacts F S by influencing resource availability and site productivity. We evaluated the long-term (rotation-age) effects of site preparation and fertilization on F S and heterotrophic respiration ( R H ) in a 33-year-old loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) plantation located in the wet flats on the Lower Coastal Plain of Virginia. We utilized an existing long-term study that consisted of a randomized complete block design split by fertilizer treatments that were replicated three times. Each of the three site preparation treatments: (i) chopped, (ii) windrow-bedded and (iii) ditched were split by four fertilizer treatments: (1) no nutrient additions (control), (2) 84 kg P ha −1 (P), (3) 112 kg N ha −1 and 84 kg P ha −1 (NP) and (4) 112 kg N ha −1 , 84 kg P ha −1 , and 2240 kg lime ha −1 (NPL). Total soil CO 2 efflux and heterotrophic respiration were measured using an infrared gas analyzer with a dynamic closed cuvette chamber. We found decreased F S ( P F S ( P F S in intensively managed loblolly pine stands. Differences in F S among treatments were correlated with treatment differences in total stand biomass measured in a previous study. High within-treatment variation in R H masked potential differences in soil microbial biomass and activity for the treatment examined.
Logical Connectives for a CAD Query Language: Algorithms and Verification

Design engineers create models of design artifacts with commercial Computer Aided Design (CAD) solid modeling systems. These systems stop short of providing support for querying and retrieving data from within the CAD data files. The design exemplar has been proposed as an approach to developing a CAD query language based upon an analysis of the design exemplar components, vocabulary, and extensions to support logical connectives. The implementation of the required extensions is offered in this paper. Algorithms are developed to implement the NOT and OR logical connectives. These algorithms are discussed as they relate to the generic exemplar algorithm. The verification of the algorithms is performed using test cases and comparing the expected results with those found using the software. The design exemplar, supported with the AND, NOT, and OR logical connectives, provides for complex and precise query expression and geometric information retrieval.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Understanding Student Complaints in the Service Learning Pedagogy

This study draws upon student evaluations across 3 years of service learning (SL) courses at a large, urban, faith-based university identifying issues of greatest concern to students. Analysis of qualitative responses revealed perspectives on the limits, pitfalls, and barriers to successful SL student work in the community replicated over the 3 year timeframe. Over 2,200 written responses were coded and tested for reliability for each of 3 years. The top three comments SL students were most likely to express included: (1) concern about their placement in the community, for example, that sites were not prepared or that further goal-setting, communication and training by the university was necessary; (2) that the university’s choice of sites may have been ill considered; and, (3) that there were problems with time and scheduling. Ongoing assessment of students’ perspectives on their placement experience identifies practices that can enhance their learning and contributions toward building stronger communities.
Egr-1 binds the GnRH promoter to mediate the increase in gene expression by insulin

SUMMARY Insulin increases gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression in in vitro models of GnRH neurons. Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is a transcription factor that mediates the effect of insulin on target genes. In the GN11 cell line—an immortalized GnRH-secreting neuronal cell line —insulin maximally increases Egr-1 mRNA after 30 minutes of treatment and Egr-1 protein and GnRH mRNA after 60 minutes of treatment. Egr-1 small interfering RNA blocks the insulin-induced increase in GnRH promoter activity, measured as luciferase expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation using Egr-1 antibody precipitates DNA in a proximal region of the GnRH promoter but not DNA in a distal region. Mutagenesis of a putative Egr-1 binding site within the proximal region blocks the insulin-induced increase in GnRH promoter activity. Thus, Egr-1 binds the GnRH promoter at a site between −67 and −76 bp from the transcriptional start site to mediate the insulin induced increase in GnRH gene transcription.
Summary of Discussions

New techniques for obtaining information from lithic artifacts have burgeoned over the last few decades, but most are still in various stages of development, and are not yet routinely used by archaeologists. This paper argues that such new techniques will develop most rapidly and successfully if there is constant interplay between methodology and application; that is, between studies designed to increase our understanding of the physical, chemical, or biological processes underlying the technique to significant archaeological problems. As an example, trace element data from the Midwest and Northeast are used both to elucidate specific aspects of prehistoric cultures in those areas, and to study the geochemistry of trace elements in chert.
Barite solubilities and thermodynamic quantities up to 300 degrees C and 1400 bars

Solubilities of specially synthesized coarse-grained barite were determined in H/sub 2/O solutions from 22 to 280/sup 0/C and 1 to 1400 bars, and in 0.2 and 4 molal NaCl solutions from 100 to 250/sup 0/C and 1 to 500 bars. Isobaric solubilities are maximum near 100/sup 0/C in H/sub 2/O solutions; the maxima migrate to progressively higher temperatures in solutions of increasing NaCl concentrations. Isothermal solubilities increase with rising NaCl concentration and pressure. The effect of NaCl on increasing solubilities becomes greater with rising temperature. Changing temperatures cause different responses, depending on the composition of the solution and the temperature range. Initially-saturated dilute natural waters would precipitate barite with either increasing temperature or decreasing temperature, depending on the circumstances. Saline solutions are capable of behaving much like dilute solutions below 1 molal NaCl, but at higher NaCl concentrations the temperature effect on isobaric solubilities is monotonically positive. Barite solubility in sufficiently saline solutions in nature would increase with depth, due to increasing temperature and pressure. Precipitation would tend to occur during migration of solutions toward the surface. Because the low solubility of barite precludes effective transport of BaSO/sub 4/ in large quantities, precipitation of barite by the reaction of Ba/supmore » 2 +/ with sulfate derived from the oxidation of S/sup 2 -/ may be more important as a depositional mechanism than changes in the temperature-pressure environment. Thermodynamic equilibrium constants (K) and the free-energy changes for the reaction (..delta..G) for the dissolution of barite were calculated from the solubility data. Enthalpies, entropies, and volumes of reaction obtained from the solubility data are in accord with published data. Activity coefficients calculated using barite solubilities in NaCl solutions and log K data are accurately modeled by an extended form of the Debye-Hueckel equation.« less
Angiotensin II and αvβ3 Integrin Expression in Rat Neonatal Cardiac Fibroblasts

We recently demonstrated that alpha(v)beta(3) integrins are involved in the mechanisms of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced DNA synthesis and collagen gel contractions in rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFBs), cellular mechanisms that are relevant for cardiac remodeling. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of Ang II and other growth factors on the regulation of the alpha(v)beta(3) integrins in fibroblasts from neonatal rat hearts. The alpha(v)beta(3) integrin receptor expression was significantly increased (P<0.05) at the mRNA level after treatment with Ang II, transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) for 8 and 16 hours. The surface expression of the alpha(v) and beta(3) integrin subunits was elevated after 32 and 48 hours (P<0.05) as determined with flow cytometry. To investigate fibroblast motility, we performed chemotaxis experiments with transwell chambers. Ang II was chemotactic for CFBs, as tested with checkerboard experiments. The chemotactic effect was concentration dependent and was completely blocked by Ang II type 1 receptor blockers but not by Ang II type 2 receptor blocker PD 123319. Ang II- and PDGF-BB-mediated chemotaxis could be significantly inhibited by RGD peptides and the blocking antibodies against alpha(v)beta(3) integrin (both P<0.01). Adhesion of CFBs to vitronectin was partially inhibited by an antibody to alpha(v)beta(3) integrin but was mainly mediated by an alpha(v)beta(5) integrin. Relevant in vivo expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin by CFBs was confirmed with in situ hybridization with probes for alpha(v) and beta(3) mRNA in rat hearts. The present study demonstrates that the expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin is augmented by Ang II, PDGF, and TGF-beta(1) in neonatal CFBs. Furthermore, this integrin is involved in the chemotaxis, motility, and adhesion of CFBs. The present findings support the current concept that integrins participate in the control of fibroblast behavior during cardiac remodeling mechanisms.
Effects Function Analysis of ELF Magnetic Field Exposure in the Electric Utility Work Environment

The incomplete understanding of the relation between power-frequency fields and biological responses raises problems in defining an appropriate metric for exposure assessment and epidemiological studies. Based on evidence from biological experiments, one can define alternative metrics or effects functions that embody the relationship between field exposure patterns and hypothetical health effects. In this paper, we explore the application of the ‘‘effects function’’ approach to occupational exposure data. Our analysis provides examples of exposure assessments based on a range of plausible effects functions. An EMDEX time series data set of ELF frequency (40 ‐ 800 Hz) magnetic field exposure measurements for electric utility workers was analyzed with several statistical measures and effects functions: average field strength, combination of threshold and exposure duration, and field strength changes. Results were compared for eight job categories: electrician, substation operator, machinist, welder, plant operator, lineman/splicer, meter reader, and clerical. Average field strength yields a different ranking for these job categories than the ranks obtained using other biologically plausible effects functions. Whereas the group of electricians has the highest exposure by average field strength, the group of substation operators has the highest ranking for most of the other effects functions. Plant operators rank highest in the total number of field strength changes greater than 1mT per hour. The clerical group remains at the lowest end for all of these effects functions. Our analysis suggests that, although average field strength could be used as a surrogate of field exposure for simply classifying exposure into ‘‘low’’ and ‘‘high,’’ this summary measure may be misleading in the relative ranking of job categories in which workers are in ‘‘high’’ fields. These results indicate the relevance of metrics other than average field strength in occupational exposure assessment and in the design and analysis of epidemiological studies. Bioelectromagnetics 18:365 ‐ 375, 1997. q 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
18F-labeling and biodistribution of the novel fluoro-quinolone antimicrobial agent, trovafloxacin (CP 99,219)☆

Abstract [ 18 F]CP 99,219 [(1α,5α,6α)-7-(6-amino-3-azabicyclo [3.1.0]hex-3-yl)-1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-6-fluoro-1, 4-dihydro-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid] was prepared by 18 F for 19 F exchange followed by reverse-phase HPLC purification. Studies of the effects of reaction time and temperature on 18 F incorporation demonstrated that heating 1.0 mg of CP 99,219 in 0.5 cc of DMSO with 4.5 mg of K 2 CO 3 and 24 mg of Kryptofix for 15 min at 160 °C results in the optimal compromise between radiochemical yield and purity. This method routinely provides radiochemical yields of 15–30% [EOS] with radiochemical purities of >97%. Varying the concentration of CP 99,219 in the reaction mixture had no effect on yield. Biodistribution studies in rats demonstrated that significant concentrations of drug accumulate in most tissues. The tissues with the highest concentrations of drug were intestine, liver, kidney, and stomach.
THE FORMATION OF P(III) PRODUCTS FROM PHOSPHINAMIDES WITH SILICON HYDRIDES

Abstract Two N,N-diethyl derivatives of phosphinamides in the 3-phospholene series were used as models to develop techniques for reduction to P(III) derivatives. The products from the reduction with HSiCl3 in the presence of pyridine depended on the molar ratio of the participants. A 1 : 1 : 1 amide-HSiCl3-pyridine mixture after 2 h in refluxing benzene provided the phosphinous chlorides in preparatively useful (55–65%) yield. A 1 : 1.5 : 1.5 mixture led to coupling at phosphorus to give the diphosphine, also in good yield (60–65%). The diphosphines also resulted from refluxing a 1 : 1 mixture of the amide with phenylsilane. However, heating a 2 : 1 amide–silane mixture at 100° gave only the product of deoxygenation (65%). A 1-benzylaminophosphetane oxide was also reduced successfully. The conditions with HSiCl3 and C6H5SiH3 were applied to a noncyclic phosphinamide (C6H5)2PO(NEt2); reaction rates were considerably slower than for the cyclic amides, but similar P(III) products were formed. 13C and 31P NMR...
Density-Matrix-Based Algorithm for Solving Eigenvalue Problems

A fast and stable numerical algorithm for solving the symmetric eigenvalue problem is presented. The technique deviates fundamentally from the traditional Krylov subspace iteration based techniques (Arnoldi and Lanczos algorithms) or other Davidson-Jacobi techniques and takes its inspiration from the contour integration and density-matrix representation in quantum mechanics. It will be shown that this algorithm---named FEAST---exhibits high efficiency, robustness, accuracy, and scalability on parallel architectures. Examples from electronic structure calculations of carbon nanotubes are presented, and numerical performances and capabilities are discussed.
Ocular Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Though inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a specific predilection for the intestinal tract, it is a systemic inflammatory disorder affecting multiple organs, including the eye. Ocular complications directly related to IBD are categorized as primary and secondary. Primary complications are usually temporally associated with IBD exacerbations and tend to resolve with systemic treatment of the intestinal inflammation. These include keratopathy, episcleritis, and scleritis. Secondary complications arise from primary complications. Examples include cataract formation due to treatment with corticosteroids, scleromalacia due to scleritis, and dry eye due to hypovitaminosis A following gut resection. Some ocular manifestations of IBD can lead to significant visual morbidity and temporally associated complications can also be a herald of disease control. Furthermore, ocular manifestations of IBD can occasionally manifest before the usual intestinal manifestations, leading to an earlier diagnosis. Thus, it is important to understand the clinical presentation of possible ocular manifestations in order to initiate appropriate treatment and to help prevent significant visual morbidity.
Molecular Orbital Approach to Chemisorption. II. Atomic H, C, N, O, and F on Graphite

The calculation of the chemisorption behavior of atomic H, C, N, O, and F on a graphite basal (0001) surface is examined with the CNDO (complete neglect of differential overlap) molecular-orbital scheme. This approach is a semiempirical approximation to the Hartree-Fock self-consistent field procedure, in which the Hamiltonian explicitly depends upon both atomic and orbital charge distribution. The location of binding sites and changes in relative binding energies and net charges with the identity of the adsorbed species are explored with an extended carbon (0001) surface, simulated by an 18-carbon lattice with appropriate boundary connections. The strength of binding to the simulated graphite substrate increases in the order H, F, O, N, and C. The atoms C and N are most stable when positioned above the center of a hexagonal sixcarbon ring, whereas H, F, and O are most stable above the center of a bond connecting nearest-neighbor carbons. Calculated charge distributions are used to predict a work-function decrease with the adsorption of atomic H or N on graphite, but an increase with the adsorption of C, O, or F. The commonly used electronegativity reasoning is shown to be inadequate for the prediction of adsorbate-charge transfer.
Aggressive Locoregional Surgical Therapy for Gastric Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Background. Peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer (GPC) responds poorly to systemic chemotherapy. Limited published data demonstrate improved outcomes after aggressive locoregional therapies. We assessed the efficacy of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) in GPC. Methods. We prospectively analyzed 23 patients with GPC undergoing CRS/HIPEC between 2001 and 2010. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox regression models identified prognostic factors affecting oncologic outcomes. Results. CRS/HIPEC was performed for synchronous GPC in 20 patients and metachronous GPC in 3 patients. Adequate CRS was achieved in 22 patients (CC-0 = 17; CC-1 = 5) and median peritoneal cancer index was 10.5. Most patients received preoperative chemotherapy (83 %) and total gastrectomy (78 %). Pathology revealed diffuse histology (65 %), signet cells (65 %) and LN involvement (64 %). Major postoperative morbidity occurred in 12 patients, with 1 in-hospital mortality at postoperative day 66. With median follow-up of 52 months, median overall survival (OS) was 9.5 months (95 % confidence interval 4.7–17.3), with 1- and 3- year OS rates of 50 and 18 %. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.8 months (95 % confidence interval 3.9–14.6). In a multivariate Cox regression model, male gender [hazard ratio (HR) 6.3], LN involvement (HR 1.2), residual tumor nodules (HR 2.4), and [2 anastomoses (HR 2.8) were joint significant predictors of poor OS (v 2 = 18.2, p = 0.001), while signet cells (HR 8.9), anastomoses[2 (HR 5.5), and male gender (HR 2.4) were joint significant predictors of poor progression (v 2 = 16.3, p = 0.001). Conclusions. Aggressive CRS/HIPEC for GPC may confer a survival benefit in select patients with limited lymph node involvement and completely resectable disease requiring less extensive visceral resections.
Syringomyelia in a thoroughbred foal.

SUMMARY The report describes a case of myelodysplasia involving spinal cord segments C7 to T8 of a 5 month old part-Thoroughbred foal. There was a single extensive syringomyelic and hydromyelic cavity which extended from the seventh cervical segment (C7), to the seventh thoracic segment (T7), abnormal size and shape of central canal, and disorderly differentiation of the grey and white matter. The cause of the defect is unknown. RESUME Cette communication decrit un cas de myelodysplasie de la moelle entre C6 et D8 chez un foal. Il y avait une cavite unique hydromyelique et syringomyelique allant du segment C7 au segment D7. Le canal centro medullaire avait des dimensions et une forme anormale, et la repartition des matieres grise et blanche etait anarchique. Causalite inconnue. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Diese Arbeit beschreibt einen Fall von Myelodysplasie in den Ruckenmarksabschnitten C7 bis T8 bei einem funf Monate alten Vollblutfohlen. Die Veranderung bestand in einer einzigen grossen syringomyelischen und hydromyelischen Hohlung, die von C7 bis T7 reichte, in abnormer Grosse und Gestalt des Zentralkanals und in einer ungeordneten Differenzierung von weisser und grauer Substanz. Die Ursache des Defekts ist nicht bekannt.
(d, α) reactions on C12, O16 and Mg24

Abstract The energy spectra of alpha particles from bombardment of C 12 , O 16 and Mg 24 with 15 MeV deuterons have been measured at many angles between 10° and 90° (laboratory system) by means of an ionization chamber with a resolution in energy of about 1.2%. The alpha groups leading to the 1.74 MeV, T = 1, 0 + level of B 10 and to the 2.31 MeV, T = 1,0 + level of N 14 were not observed. The 2.22 MeV level of Na 22 was slightly excited for angles of observation less than 40° (laboratory system) but for higher angles it appeared with an intensity comparable with the intensity of other T = 0 levels of Na 22 . Angular distributions and absolute cross sections corresponding to the ground, 0.72, 2.15 and 3.58 MeV states of B 10 to the ground state of N 14 and to the ground 0.58, 0.89, 1.53 and 2.58 MeV states of Na 22 are reported. The general shape of these angular distributions indicates that the (d, α) reactions, leading to the low lying states of the residual nuclei, proceed by a direct surface interaction. Attempts to fit the data with plane and distorted wave calculation have been done.
Experimental Alteration of Pulmonary Functions

Abstract Methods for producing limitation of one or more of the three pulmonary functions have been discussed and are summarized in Table I . Inadequate ventilatory function may be produced by anesthetic agents and by muscular paralysis. Reduction of alveolar ventilation in the presence of increased total ventilation may be produced by the addition of an artificial dead space. Reduction of lung compliance may be produced by experimental pulmonary edema. Impaired diffusion results from resection of pulmonary tissue and from extensive pulmonary embolization, but pulmonary fibrosis and diffusion limitation from increased thickness of the alveolar-capillary membrane has not been produced in experimental animals. Impaired distribution, in the form of different ventilation/perfusion ratios in different parts of the lung, may be produced by partial collapse of the lung, and effective right-to-left shunt of mixed venous blood may be produced by pulmonary edema or by the surgical construction of a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. The anoxemia that might be expected to result from complete lung collapse is prevented by effective shunting of blood away from the atelectatic lung, and functional limitation would only be expected to occur when large amounts of pulmonary tissue are collapsed. The functional reserve of the lung, in terms of the circulatory bed and diffusion surface, is obviously large, and mechanisms exist to prevent the development of anoxemia due to impaired distribution under abnormal conditions. Measurements of vital capacity are impossible in the experimental animal, but, by inference from human data, ventilatory reserve is also great, and after resection of pulmonary tissue, inadequate diffusion surface and pulmonary vascular bed prove to be limiting factors before alveolar ventilation becomes inadequate.
Developing conceptions of authority and contract across the lifespan: Two perspectives ☆

Abstract Kohlberg’s moral stage scale is but one of a number of “Piagetian” developmental scales proposed during the latter part of this century. Kohlberg claimed that his moral stages fulfilled the criteria for “hard” Piagetian stages—invariant sequence, qualitative change, and structured wholeness. He also argued that his scoring system measures a dimension of thought with a unique structure. To explore these contentions, we compare the concepts that define Kohlbergian stages with those associated with orders of hierarchical complexity as determined with the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System, a generalized content-independent stage-scoring system. We conclude that the sequence of conceptual development specified by Kohlberg generally matches the sequence identified with the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System, and that contract and authority concepts identified with a methodology that employs the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System match the concepts that define theoretically analogous Kohlbergian stages above Kohlberg’s stage 2. However, we argue that Kohlberg’s stages 1 and 2 do not accurately describe the development of moral concepts in young children.
Optically excited microwave ring resonators in gallium arsenide

Microstrip ring resonators with fundamental frequencies near 3.5 GHz have been fabricated in semi-insulating GaAs using an electroplating technique for conductor deposition. Test signals were coupled into the resonators by focusing modulated light into a photoconductive microstripline gap. Loaded Q-factors measured for one of the rings with optical excitation ranged from 54 at the fundamental frequency to 103 at the third harmonic.
Functional imaging of normal tissues with nuclear medicine: applications in radiotherapy.

Functional imaging techniques are gaining significant interest from radiation oncologists. Many now claim the need for physical and physiological information during both treatment planning and in the study of normal tissue injury. Toward this goal, the nuclear medicine functional imaging modalities, single-photon emission computed tomography and positron-emission computed tomography, have been used. This article reviews the studies performed in radiotherapy that used these modalities, and attempts to stimulate further interest in this topic.
Effect of oil substitution in chiral microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.

In a previous publication (Pascoe, R., Foley, J. P., Analyst 2002, 127, 710–714 [1]), a novel chiral microemulsion based on 1.0% w/v dodecoxycarbonylvaline (DDCV), 0.50% v/v ethyl acetate and 1.2% v/v 1-butanol, was shown to provide rapid enantiomeric separations of various pharmaceutical compounds. The two deficiencies noted with this method were that the peak shapes obtained were asymmetric and the efficiencies were lower than those previously obtained using DDCV micelles (Peterson, A. G., Ahuja, E. S., Foley, J. P., J. Chromatogr. B 1996, 683, 15–28 [2]). This study examines the use of three alternative low-interfacial-tension oils (methyl acetate, methyl propionate, and methyl formate), in combination with DDCV, to characterize their effect on the elution range, efficiency, resolution, and enantioselectivity of various pharmaceutical enantiomers. The oils were evaluated in both the same volume percentage and the same molar concentration as ethyl acetate in the original DDCV microemulsion system. Including ethyl acetate, a total of seven microemulsion systems were examined. For the compounds that were separated, average enantioselectivities ranged from 1.09 to 1.28, with corresponding efficiencies of 14 000–20 000. While some interesting differences were observed, ethyl acetate still proved to be the most advantageous in terms of enantioselectivity, resolution, and elution range.
API usability peer reviews: a method for evaluating the usability of application programming interfaces

We describe a usability inspection method to evaluate Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). We found the method useful as it identified usability defects in Microsoft's .NET Framework, of which 59% were new and 21% were fixed. Based on a comparison of usability defects identified between API usability peer reviews and API usability tests, API usability tests were found to expose design issues related to actually using an API whereas API usability peer reviews were found to expose the design rationale of an API. We reflect on the efficiency and productivity of each method: each API usability test is equivalent to 16 API usability peer reviews with the former having a 2.5x productivity advantage. We discuss how API usability peer reviews can be used in conjunction with API usability tests to increase usability coverage on APIs.
Les plus vieilles traces d'occupation humaine en Afrique du Nord : Perspective de l'Ain Hanech, Algérie

Resume Les recentes decouvertes de sites a hominides anciens et/ou vieilles industries lithiques, effectuees en Afrique et Eurasie, revelent que l'expansion des anciens hominides vers les regions temperees de l'ancien monde s'est produite plus tot que l'on ne pensait. Du fait de sa position geographique, l'Afrique du Nord est fort probablement la region que les anciens hominides occuperent avant leur sortie d'Afrique. Par consequent, il est pertinent d'approcher le theme de la premiere occupation humaine dans cette region d'Afrique. L'Ain Hanech est un site cle pour apporter un eclairage a cette question. Comprenant plusieurs localites, le site est date de 1,78 million d'annees (Ma) en se basant sur les donnees paleomagnetiques et biochronologiques. Les recentes fouilles ont livre une faune de savane plio-pleistocene associee a des assemblages oldowayens deposes dans un environnement de plaine d'inondation alluviale. Les travaux de l'Ain Hanech denotent une tres ancienne presence humaine en Afrique du Nord, contrastant ainsi avec le modele de courte chronologie propose par certains chercheurs. Pour citer cet article : M. Sahnouni, C. R. Palevol 5 (2006) .
Structural and biochemical basis for the binding selectivity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma to PGC-1alpha.

The functional interaction between the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its coactivator PGC-1α is crucial for the normal physiology of PPARγ and its pharmacological response to antidiabetic treatment with rosiglitazone. Here we report the crystal structure of the PPARγ ligand-binding domain bound to rosiglitazone and to a large PGC-1α fragment that contains two LXXLL-related motifs. The structure reveals critical contacts mediated through the first LXXLL motif of PGC-1α and the PPARγ coactivator binding site. Through a combination of biochemical and structural studies, we demonstrate that the first LXXLL motif is the most potent among all nuclear receptor coactivator motifs tested, and only this motif of the two LXXLL-related motifs in PGC-1α is capable of binding to PPARγ. Our studies reveal that the strong interaction of PGC-1α and PPARγ is mediated through both hydrophobic and specific polar interactions. Mutations within the context of the full-length PGC-1α indicate that the first PGC-1α motif is necessary and sufficient for PGC-1α to coactivate PPARγ in the presence or absence of rosiglitazone. These results provide a molecular basis for specific recruitment and functional interplay between PPARγ and PGC-1α in glucose homeostasis and adipocyte differentiation.
Synaptic patterns in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus of the monkey, Macaca mulatta.

While the synaptic patterns studied with the electron microscope in the upper layers of the superior colliculus of the monkey are basically similar to those described for the rat, there are notable differences in the terminal patterns of the afferent pathways.
Primary Gleason pattern does not impact survival after permanent interstitial brachytherapy for Gleason score 7 prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND The impact of primary Gleason pattern was determined on cause-specific (CSS), biochemical progression-free (bPFS), and overall survival (OS) after brachytherapy for Gleason score 7 prostate cancer. METHODS From April 1995 to October 2003, 530 patients underwent brachytherapy for Gleason score 3+4 (n = 300) or Gleason 4+3 (n = 230) prostate cancer. All patients underwent brachytherapy more than 3 years before analysis. The median follow-up was 5.7 years. Of the 530 patients, 412 (77.7%) received supplemental external beam radiation therapy (XRT) and 177 (33.4%) received androgen deprivation therapy. bPFS was defined by a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤0.40 ng/mL after nadir. Multiple parameters were evaluated as predictors of CSS, bPFS, and OS. RESULTS At 10 years, Gleason 3+4 versus 4+3 did not predict for CSS (96.7% vs 93.3%, P = .506), bPFS (97.0% vs 92.9%, P = .085), or OS (77.0% vs 78.0%, P = .933). Cox linear regression analysis demonstrated that clinical stage and radiation dose (D90) predicted for CSS, whereas pretreatment PSA, clinical stage, and prostate size predicted for bPFS. Patient age, diabetes, and tobacco were the strongest predictors for OS. To date, 57 patients have died, with 80.7% due to cardiovascular/pulmonary events or secondary malignancies. Five patients have died of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS The primary Gleason pattern did not impact CSS, bPFS, or OS in Gleason score 7 prostate cancer. Deaths from cardiovascular/pulmonary disease and second malignancies were 9.6 times more common than death from prostate cancer. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Reversible Addition−Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization in an Inverse Microemulsion System: Homopolymerization, Chain Extension, and Block Copolymerization††Paper no. 140 in a series on Water-Soluble Polymers.

We report the first successful reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer inverse microemulsion polymerization (RAFT-IMEP). The inverse microemulsion (IME) system conditions were optimized by...
Wireless NoC as Interconnection Backbone for Multicore Chips: Promises and Challenges

Current commercial systems-on-chips (SoCs) designs integrate an increasingly large number of predesigned cores and their number is predicted to increase significantly in the near future. For example, molecular-scale computing promises single or even multiple order-of-magnitude improvements in device densities. The network-on-chip (NoC) is an enabling technology for integration of large numbers of embedded cores on a single die. The existing method of implementing a NoC with planar metal interconnects is deficient due to high latency and significant power consumption arising out of long multi-hop links used in data exchange. The latency, power consumption and interconnect routing problems of conventional NoCs can be addressed by replacing or augmenting multi-hop wired paths with high-bandwidth single-hop long-range wireless links. This opens up new opportunities for detailed investigations into the design of wireless NoCs (WiNoCs) with on-chip antennas, suitable transceivers and routers. Moreover, as it is an emerging technology, the on-chip wireless links also need to overcome significant challenges pertaining to reliable integration. In this paper, we present various challenges and emerging solutions regarding the design of an efficient and reliable WiNoC architecture.
Evidence for a receptor mediated action of norepinephrine distinct from alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors.

The mode of action of (-) norepinephrine (NE) and UK-14,304-18 has been investigated using the chohnergically-evoked ‘twitch’ response of the electrically stimulated guinea-pig ileum. St 587 and benextramine were employed as antagonists. St 587 acted as a competitive antagonist toward UK-14,304-18, yielding an apparent pA2 value of 7.3. In contrast, St 587 failed to act competitively toward NE. Similarly, benextramine (1×10−5 mol/l) blocked the inhibitory responses to UK-14,304-18 but was considerably less active toward NE. Remaining responses to NE after benextramine were not antagonized by St 587, even at a concentration of 3×10−5 mol/l. It is postulated that NE acts to inhibit the ‘twitch’ response be evoking two different receptor-mediated events: 1. agonism at the alpha2-adrenoceptor and 2. agonism at a site which is distinct from the alpha- and beta-subtypes. In the concentrations studied, UK-14,304-18, St 587 and benextramine age postulated to lack affinity for the proposed site.
The dissolution and passivation kinetics of stainless alloys containing molybdenum—II. Dissolution kinetics in artificial pits

Abstract Artificial pit electrodes of FeCrNi and FeCrNiMo alloys have been polarized in a neutral 1M KCl solution at 22°C. The active dissolution kinetics in the nearly saturated pit environments have been determined; 1.6 at % Mo depresses the anodic dissolution rate in the active region by a factor of 5–10, depending on the potential. The consequent displacement of the corrosion potential in the pit is approximately the same as the change in pitting potential caused by the molybdenum addition. Experiments with 0.0065M sodium thiosulphate added to the bulk solution indicate that the alloy containing molybdenum is considerably less sensitive to the activating effect of adsorbed sulphur.
THERMOGRAVIMETRIC DECOMPOSITION OF THORIUM 8-HYDROXYQUINOLATE

Abstract The thermogravimetric behaviour of crystalline thorium 8-hydroxyquinolate has been correlated with empirical and molecular formulae. The first of two sharp breaks is shown to be due to both water and oxine, and the second to oxine alone.