cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo mapping of brain myo-inositol.

Abstract Myo-Inositol (MI) is one of the most abundant metabolites in the human brain located mainly in glial cells and functions as an osmolyte. The concentration of MI is altered in many brain disorders including Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors. Currently available magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) methods for measuring MI are limited to low spatial resolution. Here, we demonstrate that the hydroxyl protons on MI exhibit chemical exchange with bulk water and saturation of these protons leads to reduction in bulk water signal through a mechanism known as chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The hydroxyl proton exchange rate ( k = 600 s −1 ) is determined to be in the slow to intermediate exchange regime on the NMR time scale (chemical shift ( ∆ω ) > k ), suggesting that the CEST effect of MI (MICEST) can be imaged at high fields such as 7 T ( ∆ω = 1.2 × 10 3 rad/s) and 9.4T ( ∆ω = 1.6 × 10 3 rad/s). Using optimized imaging parameters, concentration dependent broad CEST asymmetry between ~ 0.2 and 1.5 ppm with a peak at ~ 0.6 ppm from bulk water was observed. Further, it is demonstrated that MICEST detection is feasible in the human brain at ultra high fields (7 T) without exceeding the allowed limits on radiofrequency specific absorption rate. Results from healthy human volunteers ( N = 5) showed significantly higher ( p = 0.03) MICEST effect from white matter (5.2 ± 0.5%) compared to gray matter (4.3 ± 0.5%). The mean coefficient of variations for intra-subject MICEST contrast in WM and GM were 0.49 and 0.58 respectively. Potential overlap of CEST signals from other brain metabolites with the observed MICEST map is discussed. This noninvasive approach potentially opens the way to image MI in vivo and to monitor its alteration in many disease conditions.
Termination of ventricular tachycardia by nonpropagated local depolarization: further observations on entrainment of ventricular tachycardia from an area of slow conduction.

A 60-year-old woman with a large left ventricular apical aneurysm underwent preoperafive catheter mapping of ventricular tachycardia. A zone of slow conduction with marked decremenlal conductive properties was identified between the left ventricular aneurysmal pouch and the right ventricular septum. Pacing from the right ventricuJar septum produced a QRS on the surface electrocardiogram of the same morphology as that of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia, while pacing from the left ventricular aneurysm caused tachycardia entrainment without fusion. Termination of ventricular tachycardia invariably occurred in association with an unpropagated left ventricular capture, followed by a change in ventricular activation to an opposite direction. This case provides a direct demonstration of reentrant ventricular tachycardia termination by orthodromic block in a zone of slow conduction.
Interdependence and Foreign Policy

Sundelius, B. Interdependence and Foreign Policy. Cooperation and Conflict, XV, 1980, 187-208.This survey briefly dissects the concept of interdependence, indicating its many interpreta tions and dimensions. Following a broad overview of the structure and process of the international politics of interdependence, as indicated in the literature covered, some implications for national foreign policy-making are pointed to. The impact of interdepen dence on state objectives and instruments, the relation between domestic and foreign policy, prevalent international processes and actors, and national processes and strategies are discussed, in particular with a view to the implications for smaller European nations. Finally, some important limitations of the discussed features are emphasized. The conclu sion calls for some empirical research to test the many interesting assertions contained in the interdependence literature.
The psychosomatic family: an overview.

Abstract In recent years, our understanding has improved of the relationship between interaction within a family and psychosomatic illness in one of its members, especially diabetes, asthma, and anorexia nervosa in a child. The author reviews the evidence for such a relationship, outlines current thinking about its mechanisms, and describes possible treatment implications.
Response of porcine oocytes to electrical and chemical activation during maturation in vitro.

These studies were conducted to examine activation of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes in response to an electrical stimulus or to an ionophore. Cumulus-enclosed porcine oocytes were incubated in maturation medium supplemented with either FSH and LH (MM:Exp.1) or pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG; MMP: experiments 2–4) at 39°C in 5% CO2:95% air with high humidity. In experiment 1, groups of oocytes were stripped of cumulus and then shampulsed (control) or electrically pulsed with a Zimmerman Cell Fusion unit at 24, 31, 41, 48, and 65 h of incubation. Control oocytes were exposed to the activation medium for 20 sec, whereas oocytes to be pulsed were subjected to a single activation pulse (120 V, 30 μsec). Oocytes were cultured for an additional 24 h and then fixed and examined. For oocytes pulsed at 24, 31, 41, 48, and 65 h, the proportions which activated were 0, 0, 87, 88, and 83%, respectively. In experiment 2, oocytes were electrically or sham-pulsed with a BTX 200 Embryomanipulation System at 24, 30, and 40 h of incubation and respective proportions of oocytes activating were 27%, 39%, and 72%. In experiment 3, oocytes were subjected to 0, 1, or 2 activation pulses after 41 h of incubation in MM-P. Double-pulsing halved the proportion of activated oocytes (P<.0001). In experiment 4, oocytes were subjected to 0, 25, 50, or 100 μM ionophore at 48 h of incubation. Proportions of oocytes activated by ionophore were greater than for control (P < .05), but activation was not increased by increasing dose of ionophore. These results indicate that porcine oocytes may respond to an activation stimulus by 24 h of incubation, long before maturation is normally completed. Activation can be achieved also with an ionophore, as described previosly for other species.
A Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography

A Royal Passion: Queen Victoria and Photography, which accompanied an exhibition of the same name at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles (February 4 to June 20, 2014), will be of great interest...
Beyond Urban Economies: Retail Enterprise among Immigrant Groups in the Hinterlands of the United States in the Late Nineteenth Century

Boyd R. L. Beyond urban economies: retail enterprise among immigrant groups in the hinterlands of the United States in the late nineteenth century, Regional Studies. Supposedly, the best opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs to become retail traders in the United States in the late nineteenth century were in urban centres of the industrialized core regions of the North. The present study, however, shows that during this time, the concentration of immigrant groups in the retail trade was greatest in the hinterlands of the West and South, the least urbanized and industrialized peripheral regions. These findings are interpreted through the conceptual framework of mixed embeddedness, which takes account of the embeddedness of entrepreneurial immigrants in co-ethnic communities and in the socioeconomic and institutional contexts of the larger society.
Optical phenomena in photoelastic models by the rotation of principal axes

The basic equations of three-dimensional photoelasticity are derived in a form which is simpler than that of equations known previously. Using the matrix representation of the solution of these equations, it is also shown that when rotation of principal axes is present there always exist two perpendicular directions of polarizer by which the light emerging from the model is linearly polarized. These polarization directions of the incident and emergent light are named primary and secondary characteristic directions, respectively. The experimental determination of characteristic directions, as well as of the phase retardation, gives three equations on every light path to determine the stress components in a three-dimensional model. A general algorithm of the method of characteristic directions is presented, and its application by determination of stress in shells by normal and tangential incidence is described. A further extension of the method to the general axisymmetric problem has been suggested.
Amines in Cheddar Cheese

Summary A number of experimental and commercial Cheddar cheeses were examined for free amines. Among the amines definitely observed were cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, histamine, tryptamine, and a compound presumed to be an amine and present in relatively large concentration. The decarboxylation product of glutamic acid, γ-amino-butyric acid, was also conspicuous in many of the cheeses. Raw milk cheese normally contained higher levels of the amines and γ-amino-butyric acid than did pasteurized milk cheese after comparable ripening periods. Soluble protein was not closely related to amine concentration. Strong unclean flavors predominating in experimental raw milk cheese were accompanied by large chromatographic areas identified as cadaverine and putrescine and by large areas representing γ-amino-butyric acid. In commercial cheese no relationship within the raw cheese group could be found between the concentration of amines and unclean flavor, but levels of γ-amino-butyric acid generally increased with increases in the intensity of unclean flavor.
Training program for pharmacists in pediatric emergencies

Purpose. A training program for improving the confidence and skills of pharmacists responding to pediatric emergencies is described. Summary. Pharmacists at a pediatric teaching hospital were asked to voluntarily participate in a training program in pediatric emergencies. The program consisted of two educational interventions. The first intervention was a 30-minute, self-study, audiovisual, computer-based module incorporating accepted guidelines for pediatric emergency care. The second intervention was participation in an objective structured clinical evaluation designed as two simulated emergency-resuscitation events allowing for experience, feedback, and evaluation in four major areas: time spent performing required tasks, identifying and locating emergency equipment and medications, drug preparation and administration, and recognition of potential complications. The pharmacists’ confidence and skills were assessed before and after the program. Nineteen pharmacists participated in the program; more than half of them had had no experience in an actual pediatric emergency during the preceding six months. After the training was completed, confidence levels (assessed by written questionnaire) increased by an average of 14.5%; the increase was significant for four of the five questions. Competency (evaluated by a 20-item examination) increased by an average of 11% ( p < 0.001). Conclusion. A training program in pediatric emergencies for pharmacists appeared to increase their confidence and competency for responding to these events.
WRONGFUL DISMISSAL IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS: SOME EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

ABSTRACT Despite the growth in wrongful dismissal litigation over the past two decades, few studies have examined the factors influencing the court's determination of reasonable notice of termination. The present study utilizes a recent sample of 233 cases in which the defendant employer was a small or medium-sized business. Plaintiffs, on average, received more than eight months notice of reasonable notice. The plaintiff's length of service, salary and occupational status were important determinants in the calculation of reasonable notice. Implications of the study's findings for small business owners and managers are also discussed.
The relative importance of wetland size and hydroperiod for amphibians in southern New Hampshire, USA

In the United States, the regulatory approach to wetland protection has a traditional focus on size as a primary criterion, with large wetlands gaining significantly more protection. Small, isolated wetlands have received less protection; however, these wetlands play a significant role in the maintenance of biodiversity of many taxonomic groups, including amphibians. An important question for directing conservation and management efforts for amphibians is whether size is a useful criterion for regulatory decisions. Because hydroperiod has an important influence on amphibian composition in wetlands, I conducted a study to examine the relative influence of wetland size and hydroperiod on amphibian occurrence. I sampled 103 wetlands in southern New Hampshire in 1998 and 1999 using dipnet sampling to document the presence of larval amphibians. Wetlands were placed into one of three hydroperiod categories; short (<4 months), intermediate (4–11 months), or long (permanent) based on field observations of drying pattern. Wetland size was determined from digitized national wetland inventory (NWI) maps (most wetlands) or measured in the field. I examined patterns of amphibian species richness and individual species occurrence using generalized linear models. Wetland size ranged from 0.01 to 3.27 ha. Overall, species richness was significantly influenced by hydroperiod (χ2 = 18.6, p <0.001), but not size (χ2 = 1.4, p = 0.24). Examination within hydroperiod categories revealed several significant relationships with wetland size. Species richness was related to wetland size in wetlands with short and intermediate hydroperiods, but not wetlands with long hydroperiods. Wetland size does not appear to be a useful sole criterion for determining wetland functional value for amphibians; assessments of functions of seasonally inundated wetlands for amphibians would benefit from examination of hydroperiod.
Homeless young people on social network sites

This paper reports on the use of social network sites (MySpace and Facebook) by homeless young people, an extraordinary user population, made so in part by its vulnerability. Twenty-three participants of diverse ethnicities, 11 women and 12 men (mean age, 21.7 years), were interviewed in same-sex discussion groups of four participants each. The interviews consisted of questions about the uses, benefits, and harms of social network sites and how people present themselves online. Qualitative analysis of the discussion group transcripts shows how young people explore their identities, cultivate and exploit social ties, experience interpersonal tensions, manage incompatible audiences, and respond to shifting affiliations and transitions. From this analysis, implications for social intervention and technical design are presented, focused on maintaining ties with pro-social family and friends and with maintaining separation between communication spheres of incompatible audiences. This work contributes to the growing literature on vital, deeply human experiences that have become associated with social network sites.
Thermal analysis of reactions and transformations in the solid state. III. Kinetic studies of desolvation, chemical degradation and phase transformation using thermogravimetry

Abstract The experimental applications of the previously introduced theoretical models were used to calculate the kinetic parameters of desolvation, chemical degradation and phase transformation of five compounds of different chemical structures. These compounds are calcium oxalate monohydrate, anhydrous theophylline, urea, 50% filled ethylene/propylene rubber and unfilled cross-linked polyethylene. The approach produces kinetic parameters which are consistent, reproducible and independent of the experimental conditions. In addition, the new method allows the study of complex and overlapping reactions in both urea and polymer degradations. Enthalpy of calcium oxalate monohydrate dehydration was found to be 32.7 kcal/mole; however, its decomposition occurs in two separate steps and the heats of activation were found to be 71.7 and 65.8 kcal/mole, respectively. The kinetic parameters for the phase transformation of theophylline are 35.4 kcal/mole for the first step and 30.7 kcal/mole for the second step. The application of the new method on cross-linked polyethylene showed that the polymer decomposes in at least three overlapping stages. Each stage has an activation energy characteristic of the process. On the other hand urea decomposition is complex and occurs in overlapping steps; each step with its characteristic heat of activation.
(−)-α-Acetylmethadol for treatment of chronic pain patients who abuse opioids

Abstract (−)-α-Acetylmethadol (LAAM) is an opioid with a duration of action up to 72 h. It appeared to relieve pain and eliminate abuse of opioids in three of four patients who had chronic pain secondary to permanent, anatomical alterations. LAAM may be very helpful in the treatment of many chronic pain patients.
The use of folic acid antagonists and the risk of colorectal cancer.

Purpose Since folate is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, we hypothesized that folic acid antagonists might increase the risk. We used data from a population-based case control study of medication use and colorectal cancer to evaluate the hypothesis. Methods Case patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum were ascertained from participating hospitals in Massachusetts and the Massachusetts cancer registry (MCR) from January 1, 2001, through November 30, 2004. Age-, sex-, and precinct-matched control subjects were chosen from Massachusetts town lists. Information on folic acid antagonist use and other relevant data were obtained from 1809 cases and 1809 matched controls by telephone interview and by a self-administered dietary questionnaire. We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios among 1229 case patients and 1165 control subjects who provided satisfactory dietary information and did not have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Results The odds ratio for colorectal cancer among regular users of folate-containing supplements was 0.7 (95%CI 0.6–0.9). The odds ratio for regular use of folic acid antagonists was 1.3 (95%CI 0.9–1.9). Contrary to expectation, the odds ratio was reduced in the highest category of alcohol consumption (OR = 0.5, 95%CI 0.2–1.2). The odds ratio was higher among users of drugs that inhibit dihydrofolate reductase (OR = 1.6, 95%CI 0.9–2.8) than drugs that work through other mechanisms (OR = 1.2, 95%CI 0.7–1.9). Conclusions Our data provide little support for the hypothesis that regular folic acid antagonist use increases the risk of colorectal cancer. However, there is a suggestion that dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors specifically may increase the risk. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rate of Absorption of Glucose from the Intestinal Tract of the Rabbit

SummaryThe rate of absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract of the rabbit decreases with time after the glucose is administered. This is apparently related to the decreasing amount of glucose entering the intestine from the stomach each hour for there is a relation between the rate and amount of glucose available for absorption.
Toxicity and excretion of cisplatin in the avian kidney

Cisplatin is a widely applied antineoplastic drug with significant nephrotoxic potential. The purpose of this study was to define the toxic effect and excretion of cisplatin in the chicken, a species widely applied to the study of tubular transport mechanisms but little used for toxicology studies. Toxicity was assessed by the relative effect of cisplatin on renal clearances of the standard reference substrates inulin and p-aminohippurate (PAH) and by morphologic assessment of the kidneys of cisplatin-treated chickens. The data clearly support close similarities in the pattern of tubular cell damage produced in the chicken versus that reported for rats and human patients. It was further demonstrated that administration of an organic cation reduced Pt accumulation in the kidney and mitigated the toxicity as has been reported for rats. Excretion studies were carried out during unilateral renal portal infusion of cisplatin, and the results indicated that cisplatin does not undergo net tubular secretion as occurs in the rat and human. It can be concluded that, while the pattern of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity closely parallels that seen in mammals, the avian kidney exhibits a different pattern of urinary Pt excretion than does the mammalian kidney after cisplatin administration.
Comparison of Residence Time Estimation Methods for Radioimmunotherapy Dosimetry and Treatment Planning—Monte Carlo Simulation Studies

Estimating the residence times in tumor and normal organs is an essential part of treatment planning for radioimmunotherapy (RIT). This estimation is usually done using a conjugate view whole body scan time series and planar processing. This method has logistical and cost advantages compared to 3-D imaging methods such as Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), but, because it does not provide information about the 3-D distribution of activity, it is difficult to fully compensate for effects such as attenuation and background and overlapping activity. Incomplete compensation for these effects reduces the accuracy of the residence time estimates. In this work we compare residence times estimates obtained using planar methods to those from methods based on quantitative SPECT (QSPECT) reconstructions. We have previously developed QSPECT methods that provide compensation for attenuation, scatter, collimator-detector response, and partial volume effects. In this study we compared the use of residence time estimation methods using QSPECT to planar methods. The evaluation was done using the realistic NCAT phantom with organ time activities that model 111In ibritumomab tiuxetan. Projection data were obtained using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) that realistically model the image formation process including penetration and scatter in the collimator-detector system. These projection data were used to evaluate the accuracy of residence time estimation using a time series of QSPECT studies, a single QSPECT study combined with planar scans and the planar scans alone. The errors in the residence time estimates were 3.8%, 15%, and 2%-107% for the QSPECT, hybrid planar/QSPECT, and planar methods, respectively. The quantitative accuracy was worst for pure planar processing and best for pure QSPECT processing. Hybrid planar/QSPECT methods, where a single QSPECT study was combined with a series of planar scans, provided a large and statistically significant improvement in quantitative accuracy for most organs compared to the planar scans alone, even without sophisticated attention to background subtraction or thickness corrections in planar processing. These results indicate that hybrid planar/QSPECT methods are generally superior to pure planar methods and may be an acceptable alternative to performing a time series of QSPECT studies.
Anatomy of a Market Crash: Suburban Housing Supply in California: 1989 - 1994

Prices of existing houses peaked in southern California during the second quarter of 1990 andpreceded a lengthy recession. This paper examines the response of homebuilders in a masterplanned community in the suburban Los Angeles region to the end of the boom and the onsetand deepening of the recession. There has been little research which has focused at the microlevel on buildersâ€™ responses to changes in market conditions. This paper will employ data frommaster planned community home builders in Riverside County between 1989 and 1994 toexamine the dynamics of the market. This analysis sheds some light on the volatility of housingstarts not attributable to price changes in previous studies. For example, builders are found toshift to producing low cost or lower priced housing units presumably in response to changingconsumer preferences. This adjustment does not arise from design changes but simplyproducing more of less expensive product that had already been planned and curtailingproduction of higher priced houses.
Regulation of Organismal Proteostasis by Transcellular Chaperone Signaling

A major challenge for metazoans is to ensure that different tissues, each expressing distinctive proteomes, are nevertheless well protected at an organismal level from proteotoxic stress. We show that expression of endogenous metastable proteins in muscle cells, which rely on chaperones for proper folding, induces a systemic stress response throughout multiple tissues of C. elegans. Suppression of misfolding in muscle cells can be achieved not only by enhanced expression of HSP90 in muscle cells but as effectively by elevated expression of HSP90 in intestine or neuronal cells. This cell-nonautonomous control of HSP90 expression relies upon transcriptional feedback between somatic tissues that is regulated by the FoxA transcription factor PHA-4. This transcellular chaperone signaling response maintains organismal proteostasis when challenged by a local tissue imbalance in folding and provides the basis for organismal stress-sensing surveillance.
Long-term evaluation of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in a feline model of chronic allergic asthma.

SummaryBackground Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease airway eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and remodelling in murine models of acutely induced asthma. We hypothesized that MSCs would diminish these hallmark features in a chronic feline asthma model. Objective To document effects of allogeneic, adipose-derived MSCs on airway inflammation, AHR, and remodelling over time and investigate mechanisms by which MSCs alter local and systemic immunologic responses in chronic experimental feline allergic asthma. Methods Cats with chronic, experimentally induced asthma received six intravenous infusions of MSCs (0.36–2.5 × 10E7 MSCs/infusion) or placebo bimonthly at the time of study enrollment. Cats were evaluated at baseline and longitudinally for 1 year. Outcome measures included: bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology to assess airway eosinophilia, pulmonary mechanics and clinical scoring to assess AHR, and thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans to assess structural changes (airway remodelling). CT scans were evaluated using a scoring system for lung attenuation (LA) and bronchial wall thickening (BWT). To assess mechanisms of MSC action, immunologic assays including allergen-specific IgE, cellular IL-10 production, and allergen-specific lymphocyte proliferation were performed. Results There were no differences between treatment groups or over time with respect to airway eosinophilia or AHR. However, significantly lower LA and BWT scores were noted in CT images of MSC-treated animals compared to placebo-treated cats at month 8 of the study (LA P = 0.0311; BWT P = 0.0489). No differences were noted between groups in the immunologic assays. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance When administered after development of chronic allergic feline asthma, MSCs failed to reduce airway inflammation and AHR. However, repeated administration of MSCs at the start of study did reduce computed tomographic measures of airway remodelling by month 8, although the effect was not sustained at month 12. Further study of MSC therapy including repeated MSC administration is warranted to assess impact on remodelling in chronic asthma.
Prevention of precancerous colonic lesions in rats by soy flakes, soy flour, genistein, and calcium

The main purpose of this research was to determine whether diets containing soy products would inhibit the early stages of azoxymethane-induced colon cancer in F344 rats. Additional objectives were to determine whether feeding starch instead of sucrose, feeding additional calcium (0.5% compared with 0.1%), or feeding a low-fiber powdered enteral formula would influence early colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer was initiated with 2 injections of azoxymethane (15 mg/kg body wt) and a 12-wk dietary treatment period was started 1 wk after the second injection. Precancerous colon lesions were assessed as foci with aberrant crypts (FAC). The mean numbers of FAC were 133 [soy concentrate (low concentration of phytochemicals)], 111 (starch substituted for sucrose), 98 [full-fat soy flakes (whole soybeans)], 87 (defatted soy flour), 77 (0.015% genistein), and 70 (0.5% Ca). The soy flour and full-fat soy flake diets contained 0.049% genistein derivatives (primarily glycosides), but were less effective in inhibiting the formation of FAC than the diet containing 0.015% genistein (as the aglycone). Eating soybeans and soy flour may reduce the early stages of colon cancer.
Precise sex allocation, local mate competition, and sex ratio shifts in the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma pretiosum

We determined the sex, order, and clutch size of eggs laid by the parasitoid wasp, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, in the eggs of one of its natural hosts, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner). The parasitoid allocated sex non-randomly to hosts in the laboratory with a variance significantly less than that of a binomial (random) distribution, our null model. More clutches of two or more eggs contained a single male egg as the second or third egg laid than would be expected by chance and none contained two or more male eggs. T. pretiosum also increased the sex ratio (% male) of its offspring with increasing foundress numbers by increasing the frequency of male offspring as the second egg in a two-egg clutch allocated to unparasitized hosts and as the single egg allocated to previously parasitized hosts. These results indicate that T. pretiosum allocates the sex of its offspring precisely. Precise sex allocation is favored under local mate competition because it reduces variation in the number of sons per patch thus maximizing the number of inseminated daughters emigrating from the patch. Similar combinations of female and male offspring emerged from T. ni eggs parasitized by T. pretiosum in the field, again with a sex ratio variance less than that expected for a binomial distribution. These results strongly suggest that this parasitoid species manifests local mate competition.
Nitric oxide-donating aspirin inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells through redox-dependent signaling.

Abstract The novel chemopreventive nitric oxide-donating aspirin (NO-ASA) prevents nearly 90% of ductal adenocarcinomas in a animal tumor model. To decipher the mechanism of this effect, we studied in BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells the sequence of signaling events leading from NO-ASA treatment to cell growth inhibition. NO-ASA inhibited the growth of BxPC-3 cells (IC50 = 13 μM), by inhibiting proliferation modestly and inducing apoptosis, necrosis and G1/S cell cycle block. At 15 min of treatment with NO-ASA, the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) began increasing (peak at 8 h, baseline levels by 24 h). ROS activated almost immediately in a time- and concentration-dependent manner the MAPK pathways p38, ERK and JNK (their activation was abrogated by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine). MAPK activation induced p21cip-1, which suppressed the levels of cyclin D1 that controls the G1/S cell cycle transition. NO-ASA induced COX-2 expression starting 90 min after p21cip-1 was induced. When COX-2 expression was knocked down using siRNA against cox-2, the expression of p21cip-1 was induced by NO-ASA, regardless of the level of expression of COX-2, suggesting a marginal, if any, role for COX-2 in the growth inhibitory effect of NO-ASA. These findings along with the temporal sequence of individual changes indicate a signaling sequence that involves ROS → MAPKs → p21cip-1 → cyclin D1 → cell death. Our findings establish the critical role of ROS as proximal signaling molecules in the action of anticancer compounds and may be useful in designing mechanism-driven approaches to cancer control.
Calorie restriction, post-reproductive life span, and programmed aging: a plea for rigor.

: All scientists are acutely aware of the profound challenge that they face when communicating scientific findings to nonscientists, especially when great uncertainty is involved and when the topic is of personal interest to the general public. Simplification of the issues—sometimes extending to a degree of oversimplification—is a sad but generally recognized necessity. It is not, however, a necessity when scientists communicate with each other, and when that happens, the explanation may lie elsewhere: either in the speaker's vested interests or in overconfidence on the speaker's part in the extent to which he or she has grasped the topic under discussion. Both these explanations are serious allegations and must not be made without good reason, not least because an alternative explanation is often the entirely legitimate preference for scientific “shorthand.” However, when a general tendency toward oversimplification emerges within an expert community, not only in informal interactions but in learned publications, the field in question can suffer a loss of reputation for rigor, which may especially infect younger scientists joining that field (or contemplating joining it). I feel that this has occurred to a dangerous degree within biogerontology in respect of the way in which the effect of the environment on the rate of aging—whether that of an individual organism or of a lineage—is described. There are still important controversies in that area, but I refer here strictly to issues concerning which a thorough consensus exists. In this essay I highlight some fundamental tenets of biogerontology that are frequently, and to my mind problematically, mis-stated by many in this field in their printed pronouncements. Greater precision on these points will, I believe, benefit biogerontology at many levels, avoiding confusion among biogerontologists, among other biologists, and among the general public.
MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AND RELATED BIOMECHANICS FOR YOUTH BASEBALL PITCHING

An estimated 3 million youth participate in youth baseball. The purpose of this review is to highlight musculoskeletal development and specific throwing-related injuries in youth baseball players, as well as the current knowledge of pitching biomechanics, which are closely intertwined with the both arm development and injuries. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to highlight musculoskeletal development, throwing-related injuries and pitching mechanics. Results: Youth athletes are actively going through skeletal maturation which includes the formation of new bone at the epiphyseal plate, increasing muscle mass and/or strength, and morphological changes in tendons and ligaments. These processes setup youth pitchers to sustain throwing injuries at their shoulder and elbow in ways that differ from their adult counterparts. Faulty pitching biomechanics may also cause throwing injuries. Deviation from proper mechanics at any point can cause injuries in the shoulder and elbow. Conclusion: Many musculoskeletal changes occur during the development of a youth baseball player. Some of these changes are beneficial for improving throwing performance, but also predispose the athlete to injury. Improper biomechanics may be related to the throwing-related injuries that are seen in youth baseball players.
Abrasive Effects in Oxide Chemical Mechanical Polishing

In this study, we have characterized the effects of abrasive properties, primarily particle size, on the Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) of oxide films. Sol-gel silica particles with very narrow size distributions were used for preparing the polishing slurries. The results indicate that as particle size increases, there is a transition in the mechanism of material removal from a surface area based mechanism to an indentation-based mechanism. In addition, the surface morphology of the polished samples was characterized, with the results showing that particles larger than 0.5 μm are detrimental to the quality of the SiO2 surface.
A Lagrangian-based algorithm for a Multiple Depot, Multiple Traveling Salesmen Problem

Abstract In this manuscript, we consider the problem of motion planning of m Dubins’ vehicles through n points in a plane. The initial location and heading of the vehicles is specified and is assumed to be distinct for each vehicle. A motion plan for a vehicle is given by the sequence of points and the corresponding angles at which each point must be visited by the vehicle. We require that each vehicle return to the same initial location (depot) at the same heading after visiting the points. The objective of the motion planning problem is to choose at most q ( ≤ m ) Dubins’ vehicles and find their motion plans so that all the points are visited and the total cost of the tours of the chosen vehicles is a minimum amongst all the possible choice of vehicles and their tours. This problem is a generalization of the Multiple Depot, Multiple Traveling Salesmen Problem (MDMTSP) in two directions — the problem involves the determination of choice of vehicles and their respective headings at each of their assigned points. This problem is NP-hard. We propose a two step approach to solve this problem — (1) The combinatorial problem of choosing the vehicles and their associated tours is based on Euclidean distances between points and (2) Once the sequence of points to be visited is found, the heading at each point is determined based on a Dynamic Programming scheme. The solution to the first step is based on a generalization of Held–Karp’s method for the MDMTSP. We modify the Lagrangian heuristics, in the literature, for finding a close primal solution from the Held–Karp’s (dual) solution. Empirical results indicate that this scheme seems to provide primal solutions which are within 5 % of the optimum in the span of 25 dual iterations for instances which have about 45 points to visit and 6 vehicles.
Flexural Modeling of Devonian Catskill Delta in Eastern United States and Formation of Taghanic Unconformity: ABSTRACT

The Devonian Catskill delta is an exogeosynclinal clastic wedge in the Appalachian basin. Subsidence caused by this load is modeled as flexure of a perfectly elastic crust. Subsidence can be measured accurately in eastern New York and Pennsylvania because of excellent well and outcrop control and the ability to recognize shoreline position. Calculated flexural response to the load of the Erian Series sediments predicts subsidence smaller than observed values, especially in the eastern portion of the delta. It is necessary to postulate an additional tectonic component of subsidence. Additional subsidence is modeled as a cosine curve decaying exponentially with distance from a point deflection of the crust. This model, plus the flexure caused by sediment load, produces subsidence consistent with observations. The flexural response of the crust offers an explanation for an unconformity in black shales that developed during the Taghanic age on the west side of the Appalachian basin, with at least 50 m (165 ft) of expected strata missing. This unconformity expands westward and southwestward End_Page 522------------------------------ from the maximum sediment load. The unconformity is unusual because it formed during a sea level rise (Taghanic onlap) which apparently affected all of North America. Flexural modeling predicts upwarp in central and western New York, western Pennsylvania, and eastern Ohio, and offers a plausible explanation for this unconformity. The tectonic component of the subsidence curve, coupled with the geologic constraints, offers an opportunity to model the location of the Acadian Mountains to the east, which have since been eroded to their roots. End_of_Article - Last_Page 523------------
Genetic mapping of a novel X-linked recessive colobomatous microphthalmia

Colobomatous microphthalmia is a common ocular malformation with a heterogeneous phenotype. The majority of cases without associated systemic abnormalities have an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern [McKusick, 1990: Mendelian inheritance in man]. A few isolated cases with autosomal recessive transmission have been described [Zlotogora et al., 1994: Am J Med Genet 49:261–262]. To our knowledge, no cases of X-linked colobomatous microphthalmia that are not a part of a syndrome or a multisystem disorder have been reported. In this study, we describe a genetic and clinical evaluation of a large pedigree in which colobomatous microphthalmia is segregating in an X-linked recessive fashion. Based on recombination breakpoint analysis, we have determined that the critical interval exists between markers DXS989 and DXS441, placing the disease locus on the proximal short arm or the proximal long arm of the X chromosome. Using linkage analysis, we obtained two-point lod scores of 2.71 at zero recombination with markers DXS1058, DXS6810, DXS1199, and DXS7132. Overlapping multipoint analysis established a broad maximum from marker DXS1068 to marker DXS7132, a region spanning approximately 28 cM. This study provides evidence for the presence of a new locus for colobomatous microphthalmia. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relaxation spectroscopies of viscous liquids

Abstract Data on supercooled liquids obtained by specific heat spectroscopy, dielectric susceptibility, ultrasonic attenuation and frequency-dependent shear modulus are reviewed. Where these different measurements have been made on the same sample, they measure the same average relaxation times. In addition, dielectric data are presented covering 13 decades in frequency. These data can all be scaled such tath, independent of temperature, they all fall on a single curve. Data for the primary relaxation of different samples can be overlaid to give a universal curve determined by only two parameters, peak frequency and width. This scaling form is different from any as yet proposed in the literature. Interesting scaling is also found when the secondary relaxation is included.
State-of-the-art eigensolvers for electronic structure calculations of large scale nano-systems

The band edge states determine optical and electronic properties of semiconductor nano-structures which can be computed from an interior eigenproblem. We study the reliability and performance of state-of-the-art iterative eigensolvers on large quantum dots and wires, focusing on variants of preconditioned CG, Lanczos, and Davidson methods. One Davidson variant, the GD+k (Olsen) method, is identified to be as reliable as the commonly used preconditioned CG while consistently being between two and three times faster.
FIBER OPTIC SENSING OF PRESTRESSED-PRISM-REINFORCED CONTINUOUS-COMPOSITE CONCRETE BEAMS FOR BRIDGE DECK APPLICATION

This investigation involves the identification and use of a novel type of fiber optic sensor in nondestructive testing and monitoring of the deformation behavior of critical sections of structural concrete elements and transforming them into smart systems. Deformational behavior of high-performance-concrete continuous-composite beams reinforced with prestressed prisms was studied and instrumented using fiber optic Bragg grating sensors. Such elements are useful as components of continuous bridge decks where prevention of cracking in the negative moment regions is essential to maintaining the integrity of a bridge. An experimental technique using Bragg grating sensors to evaluate the behavior of the investigated elements at service load stages and the potential of this technique for on-line, real-time monitoring of existing constructed concrete structures are presented. Four continuous beams 5791 mm (19 ft) long with two equal 2743-mm (9-ft) clear spans were tested to failure. High-performance concrete wit...
Chronic elevation of IL-1β induces diuresis via a cyclooxygenase 2-mediated mechanism

Chronic renal inflammation is an increasingly recognized phenomenon in multiple disease states, but the impact of specific cytokines on renal function is unclear. Previously, we found that 14-day i...
Information uncertainties and asset pricing puzzles: risk or mispricing?

Purpose – Prior research has documented the role of information uncertainty in the cross-sectional variation in stock returns. Miller (1977) hypothesizes that if information uncertainty is caused by differences of opinion, prices will reflect only the positive beliefs due to short-sale constraints. These anomalous stock price behaviors may result from mispricing. In contrast, Merton (1974) asserts that default risk is a function of the uncertainty in the asset value process. Information uncertainty may be subsumed by credit or default risk. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The authors employ various sorting techniques and Fama-MacBeth Regressions to test the hypotheses. Findings – The authors provide empirical evidence consistent with Merton’s (1974) default risk hypothesis and inconsistent with Miller’s (1977) mispricing hypothesis. Research limitations/implications – Risk aversion and not misplacing is the primary factor driving information-related anomalies in equit...
Mentoring Pre-Service Teachers: A Case Study

This paper explores the mentoring relationships between pre-service teachers and cooperating teachers participating in an early childhood practicum. A collective case study methodology was utilised to gain insight into the dynamics of the relationships. Data sources included open-ended interviews, observations, reflective journals and dialogue journals. Results reveal that clear, explicit expectations, ongoing communication, and adequate time are vital to the development of positive relationships. Implications for practice are discussed.
Adrenal Medulla Transplants in Rodents and Nonhuman Primates: Regenerative Responses in the Host Brain

The first clinical trials using intrastriatal adrenal autografts for the treatment of parkinsonism are now underway. From the early published reports it is clear that the procedures being used and the reported benefits from the grafts vary considerably from study to study. There are two general procedures being employed for the implantation of tissue. The first clinical experiments in Sweden (1,2) entailed the stereotactic placement of adrenal medullary tissue into the caudate or putamen using, in some instances, a steel spiral tissue carrier and, in other instances, the direct injection of tissue into the graft sites. In the first series involving two patients, the stereotactic implants were into the caudate nucleus (1). Backlund and his colleagues reported a moderate transient improvement during the first ten days postsurgery in the first patient and a more lasting improvement in the second patient which they suggested extended out to approximately six months. The criteria used were relatively subjective, making it difficult to quantitate the degree of recovery.
Cleft lip and/or palate: one organization's experience with more than a quarter million surgeries during the past decade.

BACKGROUND A charitable surgical relief organization (Smile Train) enables local physicians in developing countries to provide surgical treatment of cleft lip and/or palate. The following study reviews the epidemiological data from more than 260,000 surgeries performed in India through this organization from 2000 until January 1, 2012. METHODS Demographic and clinical patient data were collected from the participating surgeons, recorded in Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA), and analyzed using Software Package for the Social Sciences (IBM, Armonk, NY). RESULTS The distribution of clefts treated was 20.2% of cleft lip, 13.9% of cleft palate (CP), and 65.9% of cleft lip and palate. The overall unilateral-bilateral ratio was 2.49:1 with a left-right ratio of 2.03:1. The male-female ratio was 1.58:1. Of the total patients, 2.67% had associated anomalies. The most frequently performed surgeries included primary repair of a unilateral cleft lip (41.62%), followed by primary repair of a CP (31.15%). The mean age at surgery was 7.91 years. The reported complication rate was 0.88%. CONCLUSIONS The data collected are from the largest reported cohort of orofacial cleft patients in India. The cleft type, sex distribution, and overall male predominance resemble previously reported distributions; however, fewer CP patients and greater cleft lip and palate patients presented than would be expected. The frequency of associated anomalies was lower than in previous reports. Although there is significant selection bias to milder cases from lower socioeconomic groups in this study, the large sample size is unique, and the data collected can provide a valuable framework to further study the epidemiology of cleft lip and/or palate in India.