cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carcinogenicity of azathioprine: an S-AR investigation

Besides its use in the treatment of a variety of presumed autoimmune diseases, azathioprine is given as an immunosuppressant to patients who have had renal transplants. Though epidemiological studies have provided "sufficient" evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans, the carcinogenicity tests in rats and mice are considered to be inconclusive because of limitations in the design and results of these tests (IARC, 1981, 1987). Rosenkranz and Klopman (1991) used the CASE program to identify the structural features responsible for its carcinogenicity. They concluded that this genotoxic chemical was a carcinogen due to the presence of the molecular fragment C"-S-C=. The finding was based on the presence of this biophore fragment in five other compounds, namely: 2-amino-5-nitrothiazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, fenthione, 4,4'-thiodianiline and nithiazide. Recently, Ashby (1992) has expressed concern over the validity of their findings. With the aim of contributing to this debate on the mechanism of carcinogenicity of azathioprine, we have analyzed the structural basis of carcinogenicity of azathioprine and the five support compounds using the carcinogenicity predictor of our toxicity prediction program, TOPKAT. The results, more in line with Ashby's concerns, indicate that no molecular fragment involving the S atom is associated with the carcinogenic properties of these molecules. According to the TOPKAT program the carcinogenicity, if any, of azathioprine is due to the NO2 electrophile because its other major structural features are found to be either associated with non-carcinogenicity or do not discriminate carcinogens from non-carcinogens.
Skeleton of Diacodexis, Oldest Known Artiodactyl

A nearly complete skeleton of early Eocene Diacodexis, the oldest known member of the mammalian order Artiodactyla, is described. Its slender, elongate limb elements indicate that Diacodexis was highly cursorial and closer in postcranial adaptations to tragulids and other primitive ruminants than to living or extinct nonruminant artiodactyls. Its skeletal specializations call into question the widespread notion that Diacodexis was the ancestor of all later artiodactyls.
Freeze-etch studies of the granules of human mast cells and eosinophils.

Human tissue mast cells from the skin biopsy of a patient with systemic mast cell disease, and blood eosinophils from two patients with eosinophilia were studied using freeze-etching. The mast cells contain prominent and densely packed cytoplasmic granules which vary widely in size. Favorable cleavage planes visualize subgranular cylindrical or scroll-like lamellae. These lamellae are composed of parallel lines with a repeating unit at ∼140 A. Likewise, some granules of eosinophils contain crystalline inclusions composed of a lattice work of parallel rows of particles. The rows have a periodicity of ∼78 A. It has been previously suggested that the inclusions seen in the granules of mast cells and eosinophils by thin-sectioning techniques might represent artifacts introduced during processing. We observe similar subgranular inclusions using freeze-etching. The demonstration of these lamellar and crystalline inclusions by two different morphologic techniques suggests that they are functional components of the secretory granule and not processing artifacts.
The dimensions of realization: a critique of the Standard view

Colterjohn, J. and D. MacIntosh. 1987. Gerald Vision and indexicals. Analysis 47: 58–60. Corazza, E., W. Fish, and J. Gorvett. 2002. Who is I? Philosophical Studies 107: 1–21. Everett, A. 2002. Predelli on procrastination. Analysis 62: 160–66. Kaplan, D. 1977. Demonstratives. Repr. in Themes From Kaplan, ed. J. Almog, J. Perry and H. Wettstein. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986. Predelli, S. 1996. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Analysis 56: 85–91. Predelli, S. 1997. Talk about fiction. Erkenntnis 46: 69–77. Predelli, S. 1998a. Utterance, interpretation and the logic of indexicals. Mind and Language 13: 400–14. Predelli, S. 1998b. ‘I am not here now’. Analysis 58: 107–15. Predelli, S. 2001. You never can’t tell. An analysis of the non-specific use of indexicals. The Nordic Journal of Philosophical Logic 6: 103–18. Romdenh-Romluc, K. 2002. Now the French are invading England! Analysis 62: 34–41. Smith, Q. 1989. The multiple uses of indexicals. Synthese 78: 167–91.
Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

The relationship between neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and malignant hyperthermia (MH) was investigated using the in vitro skeletal muscle contracture test to screen for MH-susceptibility in NMS patients. The maximum contracture tension which developed following exposure to halothane (1-3%), and incremental doses of fluphenazine (0.2-25.6 mM) was measured in muscle obtained from seven NMS, six MH, and six control patients. Comparison of the cumulative responses to fluphenazine revealed no significant differences among the groups. However, the response (mean +/- SEM) to halothane in the NMS group (1.7 +/- 0.7 g), which was similar to the response in the MH group (1.5 +/- 0.2 g), was significantly greater than the response found in controls (0.2 +/- 0.1 g). In addition, five of seven NMS patients could be diagnosed as MH-susceptible, based on the development of muscle contractures greater than 0.7 g in response to 1-3% halothane. In contrast, none of the controls were MH-susceptible. These findings appear to correlate with clinical evidence suggesting an association between NMS and MH.
Optimization of Absorption in a Porous Media

A majority of past investigations focused on solutions to a specific optimization task with a very limited number of spatial parameters to be varied, usually a fixed geometric configuration, that was tuned in their search for a maximum level of acoustic energy absorption. This approach is a “single-scale” approach yielding an optimum for a certain morphology and flow intensity without giving an explanation for why it was achieved. Without an explanation, there is no guidance on how to change the design to improve its performance. For each new morphology, the experiment, whether real or numerical, needs to be performed again. In the acoustics industry there are countless research studies devoted to this problem. Travkin et al. [1] developed a mathematical basis, using volume averaging theory (VAT), see also Whitaker [2], and models for optimization of a heterogeneous, hierarchical scaled media. The treatment of the optimization process can be applied to any specific hierarchical heterostructure with the aim to optimize its performance. In this work, developments of VAT to describe transport phenomena in heterogeneous media are applied to optimization of acoustic energy absorption by a heterogeneous media. The enhancement of acoustic energy absorption is stated mathematically in a way that the lower scale viscous dissipation and the performance of the total device are incorporated for optimization. The VAT equations derived by Vadnjal and Catton [3] are the basis for a model that successfully describes the non-homogeneous nature of the porous media, allowing optimization of a heterogeneous structure for optimum performance.© 2004 ASME
Silencing of RNA Helicase II/Guα Inhibits Mammalian Ribosomal RNA Production

The intricate production of ribosomal RNA is well defined in yeast, but its complexity in higher organisms is barely understood. We recently showed that down-regulation of nucleolar protein RNA helicase II/Guα (RH-II/Guα or DDX21) in Xenopus oocytes inhibited processing of 20 S rRNA to 18 S and contributed to degradation of 28 S rRNA (Yang, H., Zhou, J., Ochs, R. L., Henning, D., Jin, R., and Valdez, B. C. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 38847–38859). Since no nucleolar RNA helicase has been functionally characterized in mammalian cells, we used short interfering RNA to search for functions for RH-II/Guα and its paralogue RH-II/Guβ in rRNA production. Silencing of RH-II/Guα by more than 80% in HeLa cells resulted in an almost 80% inhibition of 18 and 28 S rRNA production. This inhibition could be reversed by exogenous expression of wild type RH-II/Guα. A helicase-deficient mutant form having ATPase activity was able to rescue the production of 28 S but not 18 S rRNA. A phenotype exhibiting inhibition of 18 S and 28 S rRNA production was also observed when the paralogue RH-II/Guβ was overexpressed. Both down-regulation of RH-II/Guα and overexpression of RH-II/Guβ slowed cell proliferation. The opposite effects of the two paralogues suggest antagonistic functions.
Combined internal cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and myocardial revascularization for ischemic ventricular arrhythmias: optimal cost-effective strategy

Abstract During the 7-year period from August 1986 to July 1993, 203 patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias underwent 203 implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD system) implantations at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. Sixty-four patients had significant coronary artery stenoses amenable to myocardial revascularization and thus, at the time of the operation for ICD placement, also underwent coronary artery bypass graft. A retrospective analysis of the course of these 64 patients was carried out to determine the effect of two different treatment strategies on the outcome and cost of therapy. Thirty-six patients (group 1) underwent concomitant implantation of the ICD leads, patches and generator at the time of myocardial revascularization; 28 patients (group 2) underwent a two-stage strategy of initial placement of the ICD leads and patches at the time of myocardial revascularization followed by postoperative electrophysiologic testing to determine the persistent need for generator implantation. Of this latter group, 16 patients still had inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia during postoperative electrophysiologic testing and underwent generator implantation; 12 patients did not receive an ICD generator. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 4.7%. Two patients died in group 1 for a mortality rate of 5.5% and one died in group 2 for a mortality rate of 3.6%. The mean(s.d.) length of stay was 22.8(9.6) days at a mean(s.d.) cost of $93 000(33 000) for group 1 and 24.5(9.6) days at a mean cost of $82 900(30 000) for group 2 (P = n.s.). The mean(s.d.) postoperative length of stay was 13.7(7.8) days for group 1 and 15.4(6.5) days for group 2 (P = n.s.). Other complications occurred in 23% of surviving patients in group 1 and 29% of surviving patients in group 2 (P = n.s.). Mean follow-up was 33 months for group 1 and 23 months for group 2. At the end of 2 years, 78% of patients in group 1 and 86% in group 2 were alive (P = n.s.). It is concluded that concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and ICD implantation does not result in significantly shorter hospitalization or lower costs. A staged approach appears equally economical, particularly as some patients are spared the cost of the initial ICD generator, the subsequent periodic generator replacements and the mandatory ICD follow-up. This has important implications when the use of non-thoracotomy devices becomes widespread.
Transcriptional responses in thyroid tissues from rats treated with a tumorigenic and a non-tumorigenic triazole conazole fungicide☆

Abstract Conazoles are azole-containing fungicides that are used in agriculture and medicine. Conazoles can induce follicular cell adenomas of the thyroid in rats after chronic bioassay. The goal of this study was to identify pathways and networks of genes that were associated with thyroid tumorigenesis through transcriptional analyses. To this end, we compared transcriptional profiles from tissues of rats treated with a tumorigenic and a non-tumorigenic conazole. Triadimefon, a rat thyroid tumorigen, and myclobutanil, which was not tumorigenic in rats after a 2-year bioassay, were administered in the feed to male Wistar/Han rats for 30 or 90 days similar to the treatment conditions previously used in their chronic bioassays. Thyroid gene expression was determined using high density Affymetrix GeneChips (Rat 230_2). Gene expression was analyzed by the Gene Set Expression Analyses method which clearly separated the tumorigenic treatments (tumorigenic response group (TRG)) from the non-tumorigenic treatments (non-tumorigenic response group (NRG)). Core genes from these gene sets were mapped to canonical, metabolic, and GeneGo processes and these processes compared across group and treatment time. Extensive analyses were performed on the 30-day gene sets as they represented the major perturbations. Gene sets in the 30-day TRG group had over representation of fatty acid metabolism, oxidation, and degradation processes (including PPARγ and CYP involvement), and of cell proliferation responses. Core genes from these gene sets were combined into networks and found to possess signaling interactions. In addition, the core genes in each gene set were compared with genes known to be associated with human thyroid cancer. Among the genes that appeared in both rat and human data sets were: Acaca , Asns , Cebpg , Crem , Ddit3 , Gja1 , Grn , Jun , Junb , and Vegf . These genes were major contributors in the previously developed network from triadimefon-treated rat thyroids. It is postulated that triadimefon induces oxidative response genes and activates the nuclear receptor, Pparγ, initiating transcription of gene products and signaling to a series of genes involved in cell proliferation.
An experimental analysis of self-adjusting computation

Recent work on adaptive functional programming (AFP) developed techniques for writing programs that can respond to modifications to their data by performing change propagation. To achieve this, executions of programs are represented with dynamic dependence graphs (DDGs) that record data dependences and control dependences in a way that a change-propagation algorithm can update the computation as if the program were from scratch, by re-executing only the parts of the computation affected by the changes. Since change-propagation only re-executes parts of the computation, it can respond to certain incremental modifications asymptotically faster than recomputing from scratch, potentially offering significant speedups. Such asymptotic speedups, however, are rare: for many computations and modifications, change propagation is no faster than recomputing from scratch.In this article, we realize a duality between dynamic dependence graphs and memoization, and combine them to give a change-propagation algorithm that can dramatically increase computation reuse. The key idea is to use DDGs to identify and re-execute the parts of the computation that are affected by modifications, while using memoization to identify the parts of the computation that remain unaffected by the changes. We refer to this approach as self-adjusting computation. Since DDGs are imperative, but (traditional) memoization requires purely functional computation, reusing computation correctly via memoization becomes a challenge. We overcome this challenge with a technique for remembering and reusing not just the results of function calls (as in conventional memoization), but their executions represented with DDGs. We show that the proposed approach is realistic by describing a library for self-adjusting computation, presenting efficient algorithms for realizing the library, and describing and evaluating an implementation. Our experimental evaluation with a variety of applications, ranging from simple list primitives to more sophisticated computational geometry algorithms, shows that the approach is effective in practice: compared to recomputing from-scratch; self-adjusting programs respond to small modifications to their data orders of magnitude faster.
The effect of roots and media constituents on trichomes and artemisinin production in Artemisia annua L.

Rooting of Artemisia annua increases trichome size on leaves and helps drive the final steps of the biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene antimalarial drug, artemisinin. Artemisia annua produces the antimalarial drug, artemisinin (AN), which is synthesized and stored in glandular trichomes (GLTs). In vitro-grown A. annua shoots produce more AN when they form roots. This may be a function not of the roots, but rather media components such as the phytohormones, α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), or salts and sucrose used to maintain either rooted or unrooted shoot cultures. We investigated how three main media components altered artemisinic metabolite production, pathway gene transcripts, and GLT formation in both mature and developing leaves in rooted and unrooted cultures. Although transcript levels of AN biosynthetic genes were not altered, AN levels were significantly different, and there were major differences in both artemisinic metabolite levels and trichomes in mature versus developing leaves. For example, NAA induced higher AN production in rooted shoots, but only in mature leaves. In developing leaves, BAP increased GLT density on the leaf surface. When both phytohormones were present, GLTs were larger on young developing leaves, but smaller on mature leaves. Furthermore, although other media components increased GLT density, their size decreased on young leaves, but there was no effect on mature leaves. Roots also appeared to drive conversion of artemisinic precursors towards end products. These results suggest that, while the presence of roots affects AN and trichome production, phytohormones and other media constituents used for in vitro culture of A. annua also exert an influence.
Kinetics and non-exponential binding of DNA-coated colloids

Transient bridges of DNA have been used to direct the self-assembly of colloidal particles into interesting soft materials, but the particle binding kinetics are often slow or anomalous. Using line optical tweezers, we quantify the dynamics of two DNA-coated microspheres as a function of DNA density and strength of the DNA-induced pair interaction potential. At high DNA density, the binding kinetics is limited by the rate of microsphere diffusion and displays the expected dependence on the interaction potential energy. At low DNA density, the particle binding kinetics is set by single molecular binding events and exhibits bound times having a non-exponential distribution, suggesting that individual DNA bridges may also have intrinsic non-exponential kinetics. A dynamic model that includes such dispersion in the lifetimes of molecular bridges reproduces our observations, while an alternative model based on fluctuations in DNA density does not.
Estimated effect of ventilation and filtration on chronic health risks in U.S. offices, schools, and retail stores

We assessed the chronic health risks from inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in U.S. offices, schools, grocery, and other retail stores and evaluated how chronic health risks were affected by changes in ventilation rates and air filtration efficiency. Representative concentrations of VOCs and PM2.5 were obtained from available data. Using a mass balance model, changes in exposure to VOCs and PM2.5 were predicted if ventilation rate were to increase or decrease by a factor of two, and if higher efficiency air filters were used. Indoor concentrations were compared to health guidelines to estimate percentage exceedances. The estimated chronic health risks associated with VOC and PM2.5 exposures in these buildings were low relative to the risks from exposures in homes. Chronic health risks were driven primarily by exposures to PM2.5 that were evaluated using disease incidence of mortality, chronic bronchitis, and non-fatal stroke. The leading cancer risk factor was exposure to formaldehyde. Using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to account for both cancer and non-cancer effects, results suggest that increasing ventilation alone is ineffective at reducing chronic health burdens. Other strategies, such as pollutant source control and the use of particle filtration, should also be considered.
Chiral Induction in the Inner-Sphere Reduction of [Co(ox)3]3- by [Co(2,2,2-tet)(OH2)2]2+ and Derivatives

The reductions of [Co(ox)3]3- by [Co(2,2,2-tet)(OH2)2]2+ and derivatives are rapid inner-sphere electron transfer reactions which proceed through a doubly chelated oxalate bridge. The second-order rate constants for the reactions are 1.6 × 104 M-1 s-1 and 3.6 × 104 M-1 s-1 respectively for [Co(2,2,2-tet)(OH2)2]2+ and [Co(2,3,2-tet)(OH2)2]2+. Hydrolysis of the complexes inhibits the reaction and reflects the need to form a chelate bridge in the electron transfer precursor complex. The primary products in the reaction with [Co(2,2,2-tet)(OH2)2]2+ are Λ,Δ-cis-β(SR,RS)-[Co(2,2,2-tet)(ox)]+ (15%) and Λ,Δ-cis-β(SS,RR)-[Co(2,2,2-tet)(ox)]+ (85%) and they have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Λ,Δ-cis-β(SR,RS)-[Co(2,2,2-tet)(ox)]ClO4 crystallizes in Pna21 with Z = 4, a = 15.126(1) A, b = 7.9468(4) A, c = 11.603(1) A, and R = 0.021 for 1882 reflections. Λ,Δ-cis-β(SS,RR)-[Co(2,2,2-tet)(ox)]Cl·3H2O crystallizes in P1, with Z = 2, a = 7.636(3) A, b = 8.468(2) A, c = 13.456(3) A, α = 107.45(2)°, β = 102.00...
Dispersive infrared phase angle photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy

Abstract An earlier theory of phase angle photoacoustic spectroscopy has been extended and applied to photothermal beam deflection (PBD). The results reveal a relationship between the phase lag of the PBD signal and the optical absorption coefficient of the sample. The PBD signal's dependence upon the modulation frequency is also determined. “Phase angle” infrared spectra of solids were recorded using a dispersive IR-PBD spectrometer with an ordinary Nernst glower source. It is demonstrated that the phase angle technique yields spectra which are independent of the source intensity and also can be used to alleviate the detrimental effects of photothermal saturation.
Water fluoridation and Down's syndrome evidence inconclusive.

Data sources A qualified librarian searched 25 specialist databases, including Medline, Embase, Toxline and the Current Contents Science Citation Index, from database inception to February 2000. In addition, searches of Index Medicus (1945–1959) and Excerpta Medica (1955–1973) were undertaken by hand. Additional references were sought from individuals and organisations through a dedicated website for this review [ www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluoride.htm ], and through members of a specifically designated advisory panel. Published and unpublished studies in any language were included. Study selection All study designs were included that compared the incidence of Down's syndrome in populations where different levels of fluoride occurred in water supplies, either naturally or added artificially. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently assessed each paper for inclusion, and disagreements were resolved through consensus. A qualitative analysis was conducted. Results The six studies included were all ecological in design and had poor validity scores. The estimates of the crude relative risk ranged from 0.84 to 3.0. Four studies showed no significant association between the incidence of Down's syndrome and water fluoride level whereas two studies by the same author found a significant (P<0.05) positive association (increased Down's syndrome incidence with increased water fluoride level). Only two of the studies controlled for confounding factors and only one of these presented summary outcome measures. Conclusions The evidence of an association between water fluoride level and Down's syndrome incidence is inconclusive. The quality of the studies included in the review was relatively low, however, and further high quality research is needed.
Estimates of need for transfusions during hypertransfusion therapy in sickle cell disease

The relationship between Hemoglobin S (Hb S) level and simultaneous values of reticulocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) were studied in six patients with sickle cell disease who were receiving a transfusion protocol because of cerebrovascular accidents. There was good correlation between Hb S and reticulocyte count (r=0.601), Hb (r=−0.530), and Hct(r=−0.479). Although three of the six patients had simllar patterns of relationship of Hb S to reticulocyte count and four of six had simllar patterns of relationship of Hb S to Hb and Hct, the other patients had distinctly different patterns. “Decision levels” of reticulocyte count, Hb, and Hct, indicating the probable need for transfusion, were determined by the point at which the regression line plus 1 standard error would yield the maximum Hb S considered safe. Although all individual decision levels could separate patients with regard to the need for transfusion, decision levels for the group as a whole could not do so for Hb or Hct and could do so for reticulocyte count only with reduced specificity and predictive value. After an individual patient's pattern of relationship has been established, estimates of Hb S based on reticulocyte count, Hb, or Hct can be used as an inexpensive screen for the need for transfusion.
Your Face Says It All: Closeness and Perception of Emotional Expressions Among Females

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess whether interpersonal closeness facilitates earlier emotion detection as the emotional expression unfolds. Female undergraduate participants were either paired with a close friend or an acquaintance (n = 92 pairs). Participants viewed morphed movies of their partner and a stranger gradually shifting from a neutral to either a sad, angry, or happy expression. As predicted, findings indicate a closeness advantage. Close friends detected the onset of their partners' angry and sad expressions earlier than acquaintances. Additionally, close friends were more accurate than acquaintances in identifying angry and sad expressions at the onset, particularly in non-vignette conditions when these expressions were void of context. These findings suggest that closeness does indeed facilitate emotional perception, particularly in ambiguous situations for negative emotions.
Refining the origins of breast cancer.

Cyclin D1 may be overexpressed in most breast cancers. Is this a critical early step in breast carcinogenesis (pages 1257–1260)?
Mechanism of the metastable reaction H2S+ → S+ + H2; product energy distributions and their dependence on temparature

The fragmentation of metastable H2S+ ions to produce S+ and H2 has been investigated by mass analyzed ion kinetic energy spectrometry (MIKES). Kinetic energy release distributions have been derived from the MIKES peaks. Resolved structure is evident in the release distributions. When the metastable reaction is assigned to the specific H2S+(2A1) vibronic, levels (known from fluorescence lifetime measurements to lie in the metastable lifetime range) good correlation is found between the position of the structure in the distributions and predicted transition energies. The data indicate that substantial rotational excitation of the product H2 is occurring. The average kinetic energy released in the metastable fragmentation was found to increase with ion source temperature. This increase in kinetic energy with temperature is ascribed to the release of the increase in rotational energy of H2S+ as relative kinetic energy of the metastable products. A detailed analysis of the mechanism for the metastable reaction is given.
Controlled humidity for oxygen barrier determinations

A comparison is made between the salt solution sandwich and wet/dry mixed gas methods of humidifying and controlling moisture in film samples while being tested for oxygen barrier properties on a f...
A review of the friction of snow skis.

Snow friction results from a mixture of processes. With little meltwater present, the surfaces are partially separated and, when too much water is present, the contact area increases and there may be capillary attachments. Slider thermal conductivity and even colour are very important. Heat is generated by friction and solar radiation absorbtion and is conducted away by both slider and ice particles. The remaining heat is available to generate meltwater which acts as a lubricant. While sliders must be designed for use over a narrow range of snow and weather conditions, polyethylene bases can be structured and waxed to broaden that range. The important processes operate not at the air temperature, but at the ski base temperature, which is highly dependent on such things as snow‐surface temperature, load and speed. The roughness elements and contact areas must be characterized before the basic processes can be understood further.
Fragment emission in proton-xenon interactions in the near-threshold regime

Abstract Energy spectra of fragments, 3≤Z≤14, from the Interaction of 1–20 GeV protons with xenon have been measured over a nearly continuous range of proton energies using an Internal gas Jet target In the AGS. Analysis of the fragment energy spectra shows the presence of two distinct fragment production mechanisms below 6 GeV, which we Identify as binary and multi-fragment break up.The relative contribution of the binary process decreases with increasing proton energy and becomes negligible above 6 GeV. The data for the multi-fragment component above 4 GeV are consistent with the formation of fragments from a supersaturated gas of nucleons.The coexistence curve and the critical temperature are approached monotonically with increasing proton energy.
Fibroblast growth factor-9 modulates the expression of myelin related proteins and multiple fibroblast growth factor receptors in developing oligodendrocytes †

The effect of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-9 on the expression of FGF receptors (FGFR) and the major myelin proteins was examined in cultures of developing rat brain oligodendrocytes (OLs), using immunological techniques. FGFR-1, -3, and -4 were expressed at all developmental stages but were not present in isolated myelin fractions. By contrast, FGFR-2 protein was predominantly localized to differentiating cells and myelin. FGF-9 altered FGFR and myelin protein levels during OL differentiation; there was increased expression of FGFR-1 and decreased levels of both FGFR-2 and myelin proteins. Further, FGF-9 stimulated mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. The effect of FGF-9 on MAPK, however, was transient and less robust in progenitor cells than in differentiated oligodendrocytes. The effects of FGF-9 and FGF-2 on FGFR and myelin protein levels were comparable; both up-regulated FGFR-1, and down-regulated FGFR-2, CNP, PLP and MBP. These findings suggest that FGF-9 may be important for glial cell development. J. Neurosci. Res. 61:273–287, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Uncertainty, Asymmetric Information and Bilateral Contracts

On considere un monopole bilateral avec incertitude et information asymetrique, on donne les conditions necessaires et suffisantes a l'existence de contrats qui soient efficaces et a la fois stimulants
Establishment of economic production rate, production batch size, and production sequence in manufacturing systems with flexible routing

Abstract Through automation, manufacturing systems today are being built with increased flexibility to accomodate alternate routings and perform complex operations. Through the technology of programmable fixturing, fixtures and other workholding devices can easily be configured to accommodate varying workpiece shapes and sized. Although increased flexibility is a desirable feature, it does in many cases increase the complexity of planning for production as a result of theincreased number of operations sequences that are available to the analyst. In this paper, the problem of lot sizing and process sequencing in a shop with sequence-dependent production rate, setup cost, and unit processing cost is addressed. Using standard lot sizing model with backorder, the paper develops two separate solution procedures, one based on dynamic programming and the other on graph theory, to simultaneously determine the production rate, operation sequence, and other lot sizing parameters that yield a minimum manufacturing cost plan. In doing so, the procedure automatically integrates the functions of process planning and inventory control. These two functions have traditionally been kept separate in most manufacturing organizations. The implementation of the model in a totally computerized process planning systems is also discussed.
Case Study of Rape in Contemporary China: A Cultural-Historical Analysis of Gender and Power Differentials

Rape is a rarely reported event in contemporary China. In this article, two distinct narratives provided by a victim allow for deconstruction and analysis within sociocultural and historical frames. Analyses are purposely framed within the contexts of culture and history and contextualized within the realities of the victim's life. The authors argue that this rape has as much to do with the victimization of one woman as with those enablements which a patriarchal and phallocentric culture provides for men who use their privilege as a sexual weapon. The narratives also illustrate how a Chinese woman metamorphoses her trauma in ways consistent with Sinitic history and culturally gendered forms of coping. The authors end with a critical assessment of China's efforts to remediate sexual crimes against women.
The interaction of light and graphene: Basics, devices and applications

Summary form only given. Graphene interacts with light strongly in a broad wavelength range from sub-terahertz to ultraviolet. Moreover, such interaction can be adjusted by an electric field, making graphene suitable for a variety of tunable photonic applications. In this talk, the author first address the physics of light-graphene interaction within the single-electron framework in wafer-scale CVD graphene whose physical dimension is much larger than the excitation light wavelength. In this case, intraband transitions dominate in terahertz and far-infrared, while interband transitions lead to a constant absorption of around 2% in near-infrared and visible. The mechanism of photodetection, high speed photodetectors, and optical modulators are presented.
Viral RNAs: Lessons from the Enemy

Viruses are adept at evolving or co-opting genomic elements that allow them to maximize their replication potential in the infected host. This evolutionary plasticity makes viruses an invaluable system to identify new mechanisms used not only by viruses but also by vertebrate cells to modulate gene expression. Here, I discuss the identification and characterization of viral mRNA structures and noncoding RNAs that have led to important insights into the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic cells.
Direct Autocrine Action of Insulin on β-Cells: Does It Make Physiological Sense?

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the possibility of a direct autocrine effect of insulin on the pancreatic β-cell. Indeed, there have been numerous intriguing articles and several eloquent reviews written on the subject (1–3); however, the concept is still controversial. Although many in vitro experiments, a few transgenic mouse studies, and some human investigations would be supportive of the notion, there exist different insights, other studies, and circumstantial evidence that question the concept. Therefore, the idea of autocrine action of insulin remains a conundrum. Here we outline a series of thoughts, insights, and alternative interpretations of the available experimental evidence. We ask, how convincing are these, and what are the confusing issues? We agree that there is a clear contribution of certain downstream elements in the insulin signaling pathway for β-cell function and survival, but the question of whether insulin itself is actually the physiologically relevant ligand that triggers this signal transduction remains unsettled.
Effect of low-fat diet on development of prostate cancer and Akt phosphorylation in the Hi-Myc-transgenic mouse model

This study evaluated the effect of dietary fat on prostate cancer development by using the Hi-Myc mouse transgenic prostate cancer model. Hi-Myc mice develop murine prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (mPIN) as early as 2 to 4 weeks and invasive adenocarcinoma between 6 and 9 months due to the overexpression of human c-Myc in the mouse prostate. Threeweek-old male Hi-Myc mice were placed on high-fat (HF; 42% Kcal) or low-fat (LF; 12% Kcal) diets, and equal caloric intake was maintained until euthanasia at 7 months. The number of mice that developed invasive adenocarcinoma at 7 months was 27% less in the LF diet group (12/28) compared with the HF diet group (23/33, P < 0.05). Epithelial cells in mPIN lesions in the LF group had a significantly lower proliferative index compared with epithelial cells in the HF group (21.7% versus 28.9%, P < 0.05). During the mPIN phase of carcinogenesis (4 months), the LF group had higher serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-1 levels (21.0 F 8.9 ng/mL versus 3.2 F 0.8 ng/mL, P < 0.05) relative to the HF group. Akt (Ser 473 ) phosphorylation, Akt kinase activity, and phosphorylation of downstream targets of Akt in prostates were significantly reduced in the LF diet group compared with the HF group. We conclude that dietary fat reduction delays transition from mPIN to invasive cancer in this Myc-driven transgenic mouse model, possibly through suppression of the IGF-Akt pathway and decreased proliferation of mPIN epithelial cells. [Cancer Res 2008;68(8):3066–73]
Divine Development: Transnational Indian Religious Organizations in the United States and India

This article examines how Indian Americans' religious organizations send not only financial remittances to India, but also social remittances that shape development ideologies. Comparing Indian- American Hindu and Muslim organizations, I find both groups draw from their socioeconomic experiences in India and use their position as elite immigrants in the United States to identify and empower their respective religious constituencies in India and overturn different social relations (not just religious practices). Hindu Americans draw from their majority status in India to overturn India's lower position in the world system and support poverty alleviation efforts within a neoliberal development framework. Indian-American Muslims draw from their poor status in India to overturn economic inequities within India by shifting India's development rhetoric from identity to class. Collective religious identities (expressed through organizations) not only affect the intensity of immigrants' development efforts, but also their content and ideology. These findings urge us to fold transnational religious organizations into contemporary discussions on migration and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Endocrine and other clinical manifestations of hypothalamic disease; a survey of 60 cases, with autopsies.

INTRODUCTION RESEARCH on the hypothalamus of animals has given us a wealth of information regarding alteration of function, obtained by producing pinpoint lesions in this autonomic center. Such lesions are made with stere6taxic instruments. In the study of human disease, however, we very seldom see such selective lesions. Any pathologic condition involving the hypothalamus usually affects at least one third, if not two thirds of this organ. This is not surprising when one considers the following facts: The whole hypothalamus weighs approximately 4 grams (the size of the terminal phalanx of a grown man's thumb). This small area contains about 15 to 20 paired nuclear centers, of which the afferent and efferent nerve fibers likewise have to run through this narrow region. The clinical observer therefore will usually be confronted with a rather complex situation as far as symptomatology is concerned. It was felt that a survey of a fairly large number of cases with various pathologic lesions of the hypothalamu...
Self-reported health-promoting behaviors of black and white caregivers

The purpose of this study was to describe the behaviors that caregivers report carrying out to maintain their own health, and to compare the health-promoting behaviors of Black and White caregivers. Although many studies have examined health-promoting behaviors, few have examined health promotion among caregivers. Reported studies of caregivers' health-promoting behaviors have not compared cultural groups. The sample for this study was selected by random digit dialing, and included 136 Black and 257 White caregivers of frail elders. Content analysis of respondents' answers to the open-ended question, "In general, what do you do to stay healthy?" was used to address the research questions. Most caregivers reported specific behaviors they engaged in for the purpose of staying healthy. Although most of their behaviors addressed physical health, caregivers also mentioned behaviors that contribute to mental and spiritual health. Both differences and similarities were found in Black and White caregivers' self-reported health behaviors, which have important implications for nursing practice and research in the future.
VLSI synthesis of a programmable DWT chip for the optimal choice of a prototype wavelet

A real-time implementation of S. Mallat's (1989) pyramid algorithm for wavelet decomposition is presented. The proposed VLSI implementation is such that the optimal wavelet can be chosen by programming the filter characteristics. >
Cardiovascular pharmacology: a look back and a glimpse into the future

When I graduated from New York University's School of Medicine in 1952, drugs available for the management of cardiovascular diseases were few and with the exception of nitroglycerine, which was widely used in the treatment of angina, they were relatively ineffective. Digitalis was given universally for heart failure, along with painful, deep i.m. injections of the diuretic mercuhydrin; to augment the latter's potency, it was sometimes preceded by large doses of oral ammonium chloride and followed by i.v. theophylline. The only anti-arrhythmic drug available was quinidine, which was widely used for the treatment of many tachyarrhythmias; its intrinsic pro-arrhythmic properties were not suspected. Bradycardia and heart block were treated with oral ephedrine, and in emergencies epinephrine was administered subcutaneously. While heparin and warfarin were available, the indications for their use were unclear and they were not prescribed frequently. High doses of salicylates were administered for acute rheumatic fever, a condition which was still quite common, and penicillin was life saving in many patients with streptococcal endocarditis. Anti-hypertensive drugs, adrenergic receptor blockers, antiplatelet agents (other than salicylates), cholesterol-lowering agents, and oral diuretics had not yet been developed. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis had not been defined and drugs that blocked its activity did not exist. The entire subject of drug therapy of cardiovascular diseases was well covered in a 1 hour lecture, with time to spare. Since … [↵][1]*Corresponding author. Tel: +1 6177328989, Fax: +1 6179750955, Email: ebraunwald{at}partners.org [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
First generation ISOL radioactive ion beam facilities

Widespread scientific interest has developed in using accelerated radioactive ion beams (RIBs) for nuclear physics, astrophysics, solid-state physics, and applied studies. Two general methods can be used to produce RIBs: the recoil fragmentation method and the isotope-separator-on-line (ISOL) method. The recoil-fragmentation method requires one accelerator, filters radioactive fragments produced from medium-energy heavy-ion beams incident on thin targets, and is relatively well developed. This method has been pursued vigorously at several laboratories. The ISOL method requires two accelerators, has the promise of lower energies and more intense beams, and is in an earlier state of development. The status, challenges, and plans of the first-generation ISOL accelerated RIB facilities presently operating or under construction will be discussed. These are facilities based in part on at least one existing accelerator and will produce limited RIB beam species, intensities, and energies.
Rational Design of Potent Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

A new series of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors based on an imidazole-amide biarylether scaffold has been identified and shown to possess potent antiviral activity against HIV-1, in...
Intimate, ambivalent and erotic mentoring: Popular culture and mentor–mentee relational processes in Mad Men

Mentoring centers on the development of another person through career, psychosocial and role modeling support. As popular cultural portrayals and gendered critiques of mentoring show, not all can be categorized as rational, instrumental and positive. There often are unconscious forces that drive particular mentoring arrangements and offer entree points into mentorship analyses that contrast with rational approaches. Popular culture images provide an arena to critique dominant mentoring practices. Towards this end, we critically examine the award-winning drama Mad Men (Weiner, 2007) and uncover how non-rational mentoring practices are depicted. We argue that characters engage in intimate, ambivalent and erotic mentoring processes in which loyalties shift and neuroses reflect the nature of workplace social relations. Our critique displays characters’ complicity in perpetuating asymmetrical gendered workplace relations through practices that are seemingly non-rational, presumably meritocratic and/or captured...
Novel percutaneous transcatheter intervention for refractory active endocarditis as a bridge to surgery–angiovac aspiration system

Guidelines for the treatment of active right-sided endocarditis are not well defined. We report the first novel use of an aspiration catheter system for transcatheter therapy of refractory active right sided endocarditis on a bioprosthetic valve in a high-risk surgical patient as a bridge to surgical intervention.
Mode compression and loss in tapered microstructure optical fiber

We calculate the evolution of the loss, dispersion, and mode shape in a tapered microstructure optical fiber. We show that the primary limitation on mode compression is the loss due to mode leakage.
A comparison of FAM and CMAC for nonlinear control

This article compares a neural network-based controller, both local and global networks, with fuzzy associative memories (FAM) on a nonlinear problem. CMAC and FAM are chosen as representatives of local generalization networks. CMAC controller is trained off-line, therefore, it can response to the incoming input immediately. CMAC can interpolate its memory and give a reasonable control signal even the input has not been trained on. Backpropagation is picked as a representative of global generalization networks. All three systems are studied on a simple simulated control problem. This preliminary research will be adapted later to control the laser cutting machine. A performance measure that depends on the transient response and the steady state response of the controlled system is used. The results indicate that CMAC and FAM are comparable. >
A tool for deep-water archaeology

(Though the method of raising a boat illustrated in Fig. 3 would seem to the archaeologist unhappily drastic, it could well be that the circumstances of discovery at extreme depths might make it the only possible method of recovery. Ed.)