cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep Levels in p- and n-type InGaAsN for High Efficiency Multi-Junction III-V Solar Cells

Abstract DLTS measurements have been performed on InGaAsN. Four hole traps have been identified in 1.05 eV, p-type InGaAsN and the removal of a midgap trap (∼0.5 eV) during annealing has been correlated with improved bulk material properties. Improvements in MOCVD growth conditions resulted in a reduction of trap density in 1.05 eV, p-type InGaAsN. Increased indium and nitrogen composition has been correlated with higher defect concentrations in p-type InGaAsN. Two electron traps have been identified in 1.15 eV, n-type InGaAsN and annealing was found to reduce the density of the shallow electron trap.
The effect of simulated receptor aging on two types of visual illusions

A Type I (Delboeuf illusion) and Type II (Usnadze effect) illusion were viewed both through and without a yellow filter by younger and older groups of adults. The filter served to simulate receptor aging by decreasing the visual sensitivity of the Ss. The magnitude of the Type I illusion decreased at both age levels when viewed through the filter, but the magnitude of the Type II illusion did not change. The results indicate that different mechanisms produce the ontogenetic trends of the two types of illusions.
Viscoelasticity and Shear Stability of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Unsaturated Polyester Resin Dispersions

We report a detailed investigation of the effects of concentration and surface chemistry on the dispersion and rheological properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes in isophthalic unsaturated polyester, a prevalent thermoset resin. The growth of the SWNT network was shown by the concentration-dependent crossover parameters which provided an empirical basis for mastercurve scaling. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of this type of colloidal scaling for dispersed SWNTs. Rheological percolation was found to occur at 0.106 vol % ± 2% by using both power-law scaling and the concentration-dependent yield stress. The average effective hydrodynamic aspect ratio for the dispersed SWNTs was ∼650. The SWNTs were found to be dispersed as small non-Brownian aggregates whose low shear aggregation behavior was strongly dependent on intermolecular interactions related to SWNT surface oxygen content.
Imaging space charge regions in Sm-doped ceria using electrochemical strain microscopy

Nanocrystalline ceria exhibits a total conductivity several orders of magnitude higher than microcrystalline ceria in air at high temperature. The most widely accepted theory for this enhancement (based on fitting of conductivity data to various transport and kinetic models) is that relatively immobile positively charged defects and/or impurities accumulate at the grain boundary core, leading to a counterbalancing increase in the number of mobile electrons (small polarons) within a diffuse space charge region adjacent to each grain boundary. In an effort to validate this model, we have applied electrochemical strain microscopy to image the location and relative population of mobile electrons near grain boundaries in polycrystalline Sm-doped ceria in air at 20–200 °C. Our results show the first direct (spatially resolved) evidence that such a diffuse space charge region does exist in ceria, and is localized to both grain boundaries and the gas-exposed surface.
We should allow dissection of animals

The focus of the paper is the ethical issues associated with the practice of dissecting animals in lower level college biology classes. Several arguments against dissection are explored. Furthermore, the issue is examined from the point of view of the instructor's academic freedom and the point of view of a student's moral autonomy. It is argued that even though the arguments against dissection fail, it is very important to respect the moral autonomy of students who oppose the practice. Often this can be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with academic freedom and good science education.
The combined behavioural tendencies of predator and prey mediate the outcome of their interaction

Consistent individual differences in behaviour are present in most animal populations. Historically, the fitness consequences of behavioural types (e.g. bold and shy) have been investigated in one focal species at a time. Studies generally disregard variation in heterospecifics that interact with those types. However, intraspecific variation in behavioural types of multiple interactors could generate dependent effects of behavioural type × behavioural type in species interactions and might serve as a mechanism maintaining phenotypic variation in wild populations. Here we examined how behavioural types of both predators and prey jointly determine the outcome of a predator–prey interaction using the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus, and a syntopic field cricket, Gryllus integer. We assayed the antipredator (boldness) behaviour of individual G. integer and the boldness during foraging site selection of individual L. hesperus, as estimated by the spiders' tendency to settle in safe versus high-risk foraging environments. The best-fit models predicting prey survivorship and predator foraging success indicate that the behavioural tendencies of both predator and prey, as well as the interaction between them, jointly affect the outcome of staged predator–prey interactions. These models boasted R2 values 3–10 times those of models that considered behavioural type variation in either predator or prey alone. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the behavioural types of multiple interactors when testing the effects of behavioural types on species interactions and individual performance. More generally, our results strongly suggest that attention should be paid to multiple interactors if we are to understand the outcomes of species interactions.
Integrate or Perish—Lessons in Integrated NRM from North Central Victoria

The establishment and maturation of the catchment management framework in Victoria has influenced the development of a landscape approach to the protection and restoration of land, water and biodiversity resources. At the regional catchment scale, integrated approaches such as Biodiversity Action Planning have led to a clearer understanding of the complexity of landscape processes and the application of policy, extension, information management and community engagement tools that address the underlying causes of declining catchment health.
Economic Issues in Breast Cancer Care

: Formal cost-effectiveness analyses assume a societal utilitarian perspective with the objective of maximizing net health benefit for members of a population within a limited level of resources. However, rarely are resources truly limited and cost-savings in one area reallocated to the most needy alternative. Therefore, most cost-effectiveness analyses have led to development of practice guidelines and quality of care indicators. On an intervention-by-intervention comparison within breast diseases, it is striking that most cost-effectiveness studies have been related to screening or the use of adjuvant drug therapies. In prior work, our group has shown that chemotherapy in node-negative breast cancer and tamoxifen alone or in combination with chemotherapy in premenopausal women are cost-effective compared with other common medical treatments. Given the growth in managed care and interest in disease management systems, one should remember that cost-effectiveness is related to value, value defined as a ratio of quality divided by costs. From a health plan perspective, breast cancer care readily lends itself to systematic appraisal in which guidelines are incorporated in a quality-of-care scorecard.
Driver and Pedestrian Behavior—The Effect of Specialized Crosswalk Illumination

The authors discuss the specialized crosswalk illumination systems that were designed and installed at seven high accident crosswalks in Philadelphia. Photometric, detection, observational and attitudinal surveys and experiments were conducted and showed significant improvement resulting from the use of this specialized form of illumination.
Association of atrial flutter with orthodromic reciprocating fetal tachycardia

Abstract Mechanisms of fetal tachycardia may be difficult to determine in utero. Selection of optimal antiarrhythmic therapy may also be difficult. We report a case of fetal tachycardia with varying heart rate, which converted in utero to a gestational-age appropriate heart rate after maternal administration of quinidine sulfate.
Differential effect of alcohol on TNFα receptor II production in the presence of LPS challenge ex vivo.

Acute alcohol exposure suppresses proinflammatory response, which may be related to increased susceptibility to infections [1]. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of acute exposure to alcohol on TNFα production capacity and TNFα receptors (TNFRs) in an ex vivo model of whole-blood stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
K Band in Colored Alkali Halide Crystals

Recently the results of a number of experiments relating to the $K$ band in colored alkali halides have been reported and several new speculations have been put forth concerning this absorption. A comparison of the known properties of the band with the predictions of various theories leads to the conclusion that the available experimental evidence supports the original suggestion of Mott and Gurney that the $K$ band is an absorption of the $F$ center to a series of higher excited states. To provide a semiquantitative theoretical test of this explanation the Simpson model for the $F$ center was investigated in detail. The model problem was solved for the most important higher bound states, and transition energies and oscillator strengths for transitions to these states were calculated. It was found that for reasonable choices of parameters the model predicts an optical absorption spectrum that is strikingly similar to the composite $F$- and $K$-band absorption. Several experimental tests of the Mott-Gurney model are suggested and the possibility of $K$-band-like absorptions associated with other centers is discussed.
Gender Congruence and Social Mediation as Influences on Fathers' Caregiving

This investigation compared two competing theories of parenting behavior, Gender Congruence Theory and Social Mediation Theory, in a sample of fathers and mothers using both role-level and domain-level measures, and scale and pie chart measures. Results provided support for both theories, but more consistently upheld the predictions of Social Mediation Theory than Gender Congruence Theory. The perceived behaviors of other fathers predicted fathers’ own behaviors at both the role and domain level. Pie chart measures did not yield significant regression models for fathers and produced models of limited utility for mothers.
Polybutene as a matrix for wood plastic composites

This study examined the feasibility of using polybutene-1 (PB-1), a ductile plastic, as a matrix for manufacturing wood plastic composites (WPCs) with improved toughness and ductility compared to currently commercialized WPCs. The processability, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of injection molded PB-1/wood-flour composite samples with varying proportions of wood flour were characterized. Analysis also included the morphology of fractured samples surface and adhesion between the polymer and wood flour using SEM. Comparisons of the mechanical properties and adhesion in the PB-1 composites to those of HDPE and PP-based WPCs found the composites made with PB-1 matrix significantly inferior in strength and stiffness (both in tensile and flexural) than their counterparts made of HDPE and PP matrices. In contrast, the processability, elongation at break, impact strength and adhesion in PB-1/wood-flour composites, superior to those of HDPE and PP, confirmed their suitability for use as a matrix in composites intended for applications subjected to high impacts.
Alkaline phosphatase modulation by osmolality changes during the growth cycle of KB cell cultures.

SummaryGrowing KB cells in hyper-osmolar medium causes a reduction in total alkaline phosphatase activity associated with a decrease in the proportion of the heat-labile and an increase of the heat-stable enzyme components. In standard medium enzyme activity increases progressively during a 6-day growth cycle and the proportion of heat-stable activity remains constant. In hyperosmolar medium, activity increases only during the initial 24 hr after the change in osmolality and then levels off, but the heat-stable alkaline phosphatase activity increases 7-fold within 48 hr. The transition in thermostability is discernible 24 hr after increasing the osmolality of the medium and toward the end of a growth cycle most of the activity is heat-stable.
Rapid prototyping of update algorithm of discrete Fourier transform for real-time signal processing

An algorithm is developed in the companion paper, to update the existing DFT to represent the new data series that results when a new signal point is received. Updating the DFT in this way uses less computation than directly evaluating the DFT using the FFT algorithm, This reduces the computational order by a factor of log2 N. The algorithm is able to work in the presence of data window function, for use with rectangular window, the split triangular, Hanning, Hamming, and Blackman windows. In this paper, a hardware implementation of this algorithm, using FPGA technology, is outlined. Unlike traditional fully customized VLSI circuits, FPGAs represent a technical break through in the corresponding industry. The FPGA implements thousands of gates of logic in a single IC chip and it can be programmed by users at their site in a few seconds or less depending on the type of device used. The risk is low and the development time is short. The advantages have made FPGAs very popular for rapid prototyping of algorithms in the area of digital communication, digital signal processing, and image processing. Our paper addresses the related issues of implementation using hardware descriptive language in the development of the design and the subsequent downloading on the programmable hardware chip.
Polynomials of generating series type

An algebraic approach for determining sequences of polynomials satisfying a "generating series type" convolution law is presented. A problem of Goldman-Rota [3], is solved via the method.
Effect of cimetidine and ranitidine on cardiovascular drugs

A compilation of drug interactions between H2 antagonists and cardiovascular drugs is found in Table I. Cimetidine's potency, lipophilicity, and affinity for binding to the P-450 cytochrome system can probably be attributed to the drug interactions that have been identified with the H2 antagonists. The mechanism for most cimetidine drug interactions is inhibition of hepatic metabolism. There is conflicting evidence regarding significance of altered liver blood flow for both cimetidine and ranitidine and their influence on other agents. Cimetidine may increase propranolol's blood concentrations and potentiate beta blocking effects through inhibition of hepatic microsomal enzymes and possibly through reduction of hepatic blood flow. Ranitidine has no effect on propranolol. Cimetidine, when administered concurrently with metoprolol, could possibly cause an increase in plasma metoprolol concentrations or bioavailability through inhibition of hepatic P-450 metabolizing enzymes. No effect of cimetidine on metoprolol pharmacodynamics was evident. Ranitidine has no effect on metoprolol pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. Neither H2 antagonist altered the kinetics or physiologic effects of atenolol. Atenolol is the drug of choice in patients receiving H2 antagonists, since no interaction has been observed. Metoprolol could probably be used safely in most patients, as no change in pharmacodynamics has been evident. Concurrent administration of cimetidine and nifedipine may result in alterations in heart rate and blood pressure. The mechanism is inhibition of oxidative liver metabolism. Ranitidine has no effect on nifedipine. Studies are needed to investigate the interaction between the H2 antagonists and diltiazem or verapamil. Cimetidine, given concomitantly with lidocaine, may increase lidocaine concentrations and clinical symptoms of lidocaine toxicity. The mechanism involved is probably a reduction in oxidative drug metabolism or liver blood flow. Ranitidine has no significant effects on lidocaine pharmacokinetics. Cimetidine may increase quinidine levels and symptoms of quinidine toxicity. Additionally, enhanced arrhythmic effects may be observed. The interaction probably caused by an inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism of quinidine by cimetidine would be most significant in patients with liver disease and in the elderly. Ranitidine may enhance quinidine's arrhythmic effect. Cimetidine can possibly increase procainamide and NAPA serum concentrations, especially in the elderly and in patients with renal dysfunction, predisposing them to adverse side effects. The interaction is mediated by a reduction of tubular secretion of procainamide and NAPA.
A morphological law

We are familiar in historical linguistics with the notion of Lautgesetz. Non-trivial cases of semantic ‘laws’ are rather less frequently observed, and certainly less abundantly and explicitly described; some carefully studied changes in kin-terms (e.g. E~vpb~ -6 ‘woman’s father(mother-)in-law’ > rrsvp *bhrtiter> cppdq~/cpphrwp, &A e.g. aovro~ ‘sea’ to Skt. printtiSlavic p@b ‘road’, Lat. pont‘bridge VSO developments belong to such investigations but have been less than successful in their exact and conclusive formulation. Less ambitious would be the statement that for all IndoEuropean NPs with Adj(uncts) (excepting Quantifiers vel sim.) the resulting order for Lithuanian is Adj + N, whereas for Albanian it is N + Adj.
Late diagnosis of tree nut and sesame allergy in patients previously sensitized but tolerant to peanut.

Background Recent studies have indicated that tolerance to peanut can occur in patients with a history of peanut allergy. Tree nut and sesame allergies have been reported to occur at increased incidence in patients with peanut allergy. Although the coexistence may be simply due to a predisposition to food allergy in these individuals, cross-reactivity has been demonstrated between peanut and tree nuts and between peanut and sesame seed. Objective To describe 3 patients previously sensitized but tolerant to peanut who were subsequently diagnosed as having either tree nut or sesame allergy. Methods All the patients had a clinical history of peanut sensitivity and underwent follow-up peanut skin testing to commercial extracts using a bifurcated needle followed by a graded peanut challenge. One patient had a previous positive radioallergosorbent test reaction to sesame and underwent a graded sesame challenge. Results All the patients had negative peanut challenge results. Two patients subsequently had exposure to tree nuts at home and had systemic reactions and positive skin test reactions to the incriminated tree nut. One patient had a positive challenge reaction to sesame. Conclusion Demonstration of tolerance to peanut may falsely reassure patients and physicians that patients no longer need to avoid tree nuts or sesame. Tree nut and sesame allergies can exist or develop in patients despite the development of tolerance to peanut.
Understanding of the mechanism of pulsed NH3 growth in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract We have studied the mechanism of pulsed NH3 growth in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition by investigating the influence of interruption duration of NH3, growth temperature, pressure and NH3 flow rate on the growth behavior of GaN selective area growth (SAG). The essential mechanism of pulsed NH3 is to create a short-term metal-rich growth condition, thus facilitating the growth of { 1 0 1 ¯ 1 } facets. Optimized pulse duration, growth temperature, pressure and NH3 flow rate balance the amount of Ga atoms on the surface and create an appropriate metal-rich condition, resulting in an enhanced lateral growth rate by dramatically increasing the growth rate of { 1 0 1 ¯ 1 } facet. We have achieved hexagonal GaN plates with flat c-plane top surfaces and { 1 0 1 ¯ 0 } vertical sidewalls on substrates with a fill factor of about 0.1%. The understanding of pulsed NH3 growth technique will significantly promote the preparation of crystals by SAG or epitaxial lateral overgrowth, especially on substrates with a very low fill factor.
BoneNET: a network model of bone microstructure and dynamics

We develop a network model of bone microstructure and dynamics, BoneNET, which is capable of quantitative assessment of Bone Mineral Density BMD and bone remodelling dynamics. First, we introduce a network model of bone microstructure by describing structural properties and process of bone network modelling. Secondly, we explain a mathematical model of bone microstructure by analysing the density for mineralised fibres of bone microstructure. Finally, we provide a bone remodelling dynamics among osteoblast and osteoclast and study bone networks by proposing several measurements to calculate bone strength and identify critical elements in bone microstructure.
Oxygen Levels in Normal and Previously Irradiated Human Skin as Assessed by EF5 Binding

The oxygen status of skin is a controversial topic. Skin is radiosensitive, suggesting it is well-oxygenated. However, it can be further sensitized with nitroimidazole drugs, implying that it is partially hypoxic. Skin oxygen levels are difficult to measure with either electrodes or the hypoxia-monitoring agent 3 H-misonidazole. For the latter, binding has previously been reported to be high in murine skin, but this could be attributed to either non-oxygen-dependent variations in nitroreductase activity, drug metabolism, and/or actual oxygen gradients. We obtained tumor and skin from patients given EF5, a 2-nitroimidazole tissue hypoxia monitor. We performed immunohistochemical studies using highly specific monoclonal antibodies for the hypoxia-dependent production of EF5 tissue adducts. Some tissue sections were counterstained using either Ki67 for proliferation or CD31 for vessels. We found that the human dermis is well-oxygenated, the epidermis is modestly hypoxic and portions of some sebaceous glands and hair follicles are moderately to severely hypoxic. Normal and irradiated skin had similar oxygenation patterns. Control studies demonstrated that these observations are not due to tissue variations in nitroreductase activity. The importance of the highly heterogeneous distribution of oxygen in skin requires further study, but recent investigations suggest that skin hypoxia may have important clinical ramifications including mediating cellular transformation.
Trajetórias de vida na Ilha: fragmentos de uma conversa com Silvio Coelho dos Santos

Apresento aqui partes de uma longa conversa que tive com Silvio Coelho, no Nucleo de Povos Indigenas — NEPI, situado no Centro de Ciencias Humanas, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, no dia 14 agosto de 2007 Embora o principal assunto de nosso encontro tenha sido a Ilha de Santa Catarina e suas transformacoes, selecionei as narrativas sobre sua vida, a formacao de professor e sua familia, relatos que tanto ilustram sua trajetoria, servindo como metaforas no cenario da sua propria historia e a historia da cidade.
Errors in slope-area computations of peak discharges in mountain streams

During an evaluation of 70 slope-area measurements on higher-gradient streams (stream slopes greater than 0.002) throughout the United States, peak discharge measurements were found to be affected by n values, scour, expansion and contraction losses, viscosity, unsteady flow, number of cross sections, state of flow and stream slope. Problems due to measurement error can often be as great as or greater than 100% and leads to overestimation of the actual peak discharge. This can result in misleading maximum flood values, erroneous flood-frequency analyses and overdesign of flood-plain structures. A brief discussion of these problems, tentative solutions and research needs is presented. The critical-depth method of computing peak discharge provides the most reasonable results in higher-gradient streams.
p53 Protein overexpression is associated with increased cell proliferation in patients with locally recurrent prostate carcinoma after radiation therapy

BACKGROUND The biologic changes in recurrent prostate carcinoma following radiation therapy are not fully understood. The authors sought to determine the level of p53 protein overexpression and its association with cellular proliferation (Ki-67 labeling index), glutathione S-transferase-π (GST-π) expression, and other clinical pathologic findings in patients with locally persistent prostate carcinoma after radiation therapy. METHODS The authors investigated p53 nuclear accumulation, cellular proliferation activity (Ki-67 labeling index by digital image analysis), and GST-π expression in 55 patients with persistent or recurrent prostate carcinoma after radiation therapy. All patients underwent salvage radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy following irradiation failure. The interval from radiation therapy to cancer recurrence ranged from 6 months to 17 years (mean, 3.8 years). Age at surgery ranged from 51 to 78 years (mean, 65 years). Mean follow-up after surgery was 5.7 years (range, 1–13 years). RESULTS p53 protein overexpression was associated with increased cell proliferation (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.29, P = 0.03). A substantial proportion (62%) of recurrent cancer also showed GST-π immunoreactivity. No apparent correlation was observed between p53 protein overexpression, cellular proliferation (Ki-67 labeling index), or GST-π expression and Gleason score, pathologic stage, DNA ploidy, or patient outcome. There was an inverse correlation between GST-π expression and Gleason score (P = 0.06). The majority of prostate carcinomas (95%) were proliferative (mean Ki-67 labeling index, 7.0; range, 0–20), whereas concurrent prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) had a lower Ki-67 labeling index (mean, 3.1; range, 0–11.5). Nineteen of 28 (68%) concurrent PIN demonstrated p53 immunoreactivity. A trend toward adverse clinical outcome was observed in patients with a higher Ki-67 labeling index in recurrent cancer. CONCLUSIONS In this study cohort selected for salvage prostatectomy, recurrent cancers were biologically aggressive following radiation therapy. Whether this represents selective persistence and regrowth of prognostically unfavorable tumor clonogens or stepwise clonogenic progression is uncertain. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the correlation between p53 overexpression and the presence of other biologic changes after radiation therapy. Cancer 1999;85:1293–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
The Rise and Fall of the Proletarian Utopias

Proudhon once remarked—and Cortez eagerly took up the idea—that in the Western world all great intellectual and moral issues derive, fundamentally, from theological sources. In the past, and even today, Western thought has received and is receiving a tremendous impetus from the secularization of religious and theological doctrines. The Christian doctrines of salvation, of the kingdom of God, of the visio beatifica in a Paradise of happiness and perfect concord, have always led men not only to envision but even to plan an earthly millenium. With the rise of anthropocentric humanism the theological bases of these conceptions were swept away. Man and his powers superseded them. Man, endowed with reason, freedom and a desire for happiness, was made the focal point of history and of nature.
Gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised hosts.

Purpose of reviewGastrointestinal infections in the immunocompromised host continue to have significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. They all have similar exposures to viruses, bacteria and parasites and respond to these infections in a similar way. This review will summarize the la
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS-AMONG TODDLERS IN DAY-CARE CENTRES IN RELATION TO CHILD GROUP STRUCTURE

Abstract The present work demonstrates a close association between illness-associated absence among children below 4 y of age in day-care, and the age-related composition of the child groups. The study, which spanned a 4 y period and is based on illness-related absence from day-care in a Stockholm suburb, shows that morbidity decreases significantly among young children as age-integration in the groups is intensified. Absence due to illness was most common in toddler groups of infants up to 3 y of age. Among sibling groups of children in the age range 0–6 y, illness-related absence was lower among toddlers compared to toddlers in age-separated groups, and significantly lower in extended sibling groups in the age range 0–12 y. Morbidity among children older than 3 y was not affected in the same way by group structure.
Recognition of cap structure in splicing in vitro of mRNA precursors

Substrate RNAs are only efficiently spliced in HeLa whole-cell extract when they possess capped 5' termini. This cap requirement is observed with substrate RNAs prepared by transcription with either mammalian RNA polymerase II or bacterial RNA polymerase. Addition of less than 10 microM of cap analogs such as m7G(5')ppp(5')N or m7GTP strongly inhibits splicing of capped RNAs. This observation, as well as experiments following the fate of substrate RNA, indicates that the dependence of splicing on a cap structure is not due to an effect on RNA stability. More interestingly, cap analogs inhibit splicing when added at the start of the reaction but not at later times of incubation. This suggests that the cap recognition might be an important step in the formation of a specific ribonucleoprotein complex required for splicing.
Abstract 3131: IGF-I regulates Cyr61-induced breast cancer cell growth and migration

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61) is a protein involved in wound healing, regulation of extracellular matrix microenvironment, and in tumor invasion. Data from our laboratory and others have shown that highly invasive cancer cells have high Cyr61 transcriptional levels as compared with non-invasive cells. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that IGF-I (insulin growth factor I) is involved in activating the PI3/Akt pathway, and this may increase Cyr61 expression. We have hypothesized that IGF-I induces tumor invasion by upregulating Cyr61 through Akt phosphorylation (pAkt). In the current study, several breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB231, BT474, MCF-7, SKBR3 were used; two of which were stably transfected with active Akt1(SKBR3/AA and MCF-7/AA) and dominant negative Akt1 (SKBR3/DN and MCF-7/DN). To determine Cyr61 expression in response to IGF-I, cells were treated with IGF-I and Cyr61 expression was examined by RT-Real time PCR. To determine cell invasiveness in relation to Cyr61 expressions and IGF-I induction, a migration assay was used. Our result showed that Cyr61 expression was significantly higher in MDA-MB231 cells. SKBR3/AA and MCF-7/AA had increased levels of Cyr61, while SKBR3/DN and MCF-7/DN had decreased levels of Cyr61 compared to SKBR3 and MCF-7. Furthermore, IGF-I (100ng/ml) increased Cyr61 expression significantly and cells with high level of Cyr61 increased invasiveness. In summary, active Akt was associated with the IGF-I induced Cyr61, which caused breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Hence, Cyr61 may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of invasive breast tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3131.
2010 Young Investigator Award winner: Therapeutic aprotinin stimulates osteoblast proliferation but inhibits differentiation and bone matrix mineralization.

Study Design. Analysis of the effect of antifibrinolytics on in vitro bone formation. Objective. As the direct effect of antifibrinolytics on bone formation is unknown, we examined whether antifibrinolytics routinely used in spine surgery, namely, aprotinin and aminocaproic acid, affect osteoblast function in vitro. Summary of Background Data. Antifibrinolytics are used in spine surgery to prevent intraoperative blood loss and decrease the need for transfusion. They are either delivered systemically or included as a component of most tissue sealants. Although the role of the fibrinolytic system in wound healing is well established, reports of indirect effects on normal bone biology are emerging. This suggests that the pharmacological targeting of this system may also influence skeletal mass and integrity. Methods. Osteoblast progenitor cells were cultured with therapeutic doses of aprotinin and aminocaproic acid. The effect of the antifibrinolytics on osteoblast development was determined by measuring cellular viability and proliferation, quantification of matrix mineralization, and genetic analysis of osteoblast differentiation markers. Protease inhibition profiles of the antifibrinolytics were determined by amidolytic chromogenic assays. Results. Therapeutic concentrations of aprotinin dose-dependently inhibited plasmin's proteolytic activity, stimulated osteoblast proliferation, and inhibited osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization. Aprotinin inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization could be recovered by removing aprotinin from culture or stimulating cells with bone morphogenetic protein-2 or plasmin. Conversely, aminocaproic acid inhibited plasmin's proteolytic activity significantly less than aprotinin and had no effect on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, or matrix mineralization in its therapeutic range. Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that the antifibrinolytics have drastically different effects on osteoblasts due in part to different efficacies of protease inhibition. Further, this work suggests that the fibrinolytic proteases and their inhibitors have great potential to regulate bone by affecting the processes that control osteoblast growth and differentiation.
Review: electroconvulsive therapy may be an effective short term treatment for people with depression.

(2003) Lancet 361, 799; The UK ECT Group. . Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in depressive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. . , Mar; . : . –808 . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] QUESTION: What is the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for people with depressive illness? Systematic review with meta-analysis. The reviewers searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Collaboration Depressive Anxiety and Neurosis and Schizophrenia Group Controlled Trial Registers, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Biological Abstracts, CINAHL, LILACS, PsycInfo, SIGLE, reference lists, and specialist textbooks. The full search strategy is available at http://image.thelancet.com/extras/02art8375webappendix.pdf. Unconfounded randomised controlled trials were eligible if they compared ECT with no ECT, ECT versus pharmacotherapy, or different forms of ECT for people with depressive illness. Non-randomised studies assessing mortality after ECT were also eligible, as were case-control neuroimaging and post-mortem studies examining structural brain changes following ECT. When available, evidence from randomised trials was included in preference to other designs. Two reviewers selected papers for inclusion. Paired members of the review team extracted data independently. The authors assessed the quality of studies using methods appropriate to the specific design. … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.stitle%253DLancet%26rft.volume%253D361%26rft.issue%253D9360%26rft.spage%253D799%26rft.epage%253D808%26rft.atitle%253DEfficacy%2Band%2Bsafety%2Bof%2Belectroconvulsive%2Btherapy%2Bin%2Bdepressive%2Bdisorders%253A%2Ba%2Bsystematic%2Breview%2Band%2Bmeta-analysis.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252803%252912705-5%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12642045%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12705-5&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=12642045&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F6%2F3%2F83.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000181466600007&link_type=ISI
Teaching happiness and well-being in schools: learning to ride elephants

by Ian Morris, New York, Continuum, 2009, 256 pp., $44.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-82-644303-8 ‘If I could change one thing about the educational system, it’d be to teach students about well-being. ...
Determination of elastic constants of anisotropic heavy petroleum product using molecular dynamics simulation

For the purpose of experimental verification of the assumption that the elastic properties of heavy petroleum can be characterized by a matrix of elasticity for a transversely isotropic medium, molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed. It is shown that the main structural elements of heavy petroleum are some saturated hydrocarbons, resin-solvated asphaltenes and self-associated asphaltenes. The obtained numerical results of the Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio in a wide temperature range for these compounds suggest that their elastic properties are closer in nature to the properties of solids, rather than amorphous entities. The method presented for determining the elasticity of a complex material in this paper can be found convenient and sufficiently accurate. This is so, since by analyzing the molecular composition of a complex compound and defining the main structural elements of it, properties of each of them can be estimated separately, in a first place, and then a general result can be derived for a substance as a whole. Numerical results obtained in this research may be useful for those who are interested in heavy petroleum fractions rheology, and those who perform numerical studies in petroleum hydrodynamics and acoustics.
Acceleration Across California: Shorter Pathways in Developmental English and Math

Developmental courses in English, math, and reading have an important purpose in higher education, especially in the open-access world of community colleges. These classes—also referred to as “reme...
Cultural determination of rhetorical styles: A study in Greek oratory

This study explores three distinct historical periods in ancient Greece and shows how the cultural perspective evidenced in the works of representative dramatists can be seen in the speeches of court logographers. The essay traces the cultural shift from the time of Aeschylus and Antiphon, who believed in an orderly cosmos, to the period of disillusionment, when Euripides and Isaeos explored the depths of human emotions in an uncontrollable universe.
Replacement of Quartz by Opaline Silica during Weathering of Petrified Wood

A mineralogical investigation by X-ray powder diffraction and optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy of partially weathered petrified wood in the Yegua Formation (Eocene) of east-central Texas revealed that microcrystalline quartz present in the unaltered petrified wood has been gradually dissolved and replaced by disordered silica polymorphs (mainly opal-CT) as a result of weathering. This replacement suggests that the reaction sequence: opal-A → opal-CT → quartz, which has been described elsewhere to occur during diagenetic alteration of petrified wood, is apparently reversed when the petrified wood is exposed to low-energy weathering conditions. The relatively high rate of dissolution of the quartz in the petrified wood appears to be related to its small crystallite size. The silica released by the dissolution of the quartz is subsequently reprecipitated as disordered cristobalite-tridymite (opal-CT) and poorly crystalline silica (opal-A) that, in turn, probably converts to opal-CT on aging. Opal-CT is the major silica phase in the completely altered powdery material enclosing the partially weathered petrified wood. The intermediate zone between the altered and unaltered zones contains both quartz and opal-CT.
C. elegans Epidermal Wounding Induces a Mitochondrial ROS Burst that Promotes Wound Repair

Summary Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide are generated at wound sites and act as long-range signals in wound healing. The roles of other ROS in wound repair are little explored. Here, we reveal a cytoprotective role for mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) in Caenorhabditis elegans skin wound healing. We show that skin wounding causes local production of mtROS superoxide at the wound site. Inhibition of mtROS levels by mitochondrial superoxide-specific antioxidants blocks actin-based wound closure, whereas elevation of mtROS promotes wound closure and enhances survival of mutant animals defective in wound healing. mtROS act downstream of wound-triggered Ca 2+ influx. We find that the mitochondrial calcium uniporter MCU-1 is essential for rapid mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake and mtROS production after wounding. mtROS can promote wound closure by local inhibition of Rho GTPase activity via a redox-sensitive motif. These findings delineate a pathway acting via mtROS that promotes cytoskeletal responses in wound healing.
A Novel Nuclear Import Pathway for the Transcription Factor TFIIS

We have identified a novel pathway for protein import into the nucleus. We have shown that the previously identified but uncharacterized yeast protein Nmd5p functions as a karyopherin. It was therefore designated Kap119p (karyopherin with M r of 119 kD). We localized Kap119p to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. We identified the transcription elongation factor TFIIS as its major cognate import substrate. The cytoplasmic Kap119p exists as an approximately stoichiometric complex with TFIIS. RanGTP, not RanGDP, dissociated the isolated Kap119p/TFIIS complex and bound to Kap119p. Kap119p also bound directly to a number of peptide repeat containing nucleoporins in overlay assays. In wild-type cells, TFIIS was primarily localized to the nucleus. In a strain where KAP119 has been deleted, TFIIS was mislocalized to the cytoplasm indicating that TFIIS is imported into the nucleus by Kap119p. The transport of various substrates that use other karyopherin-mediated import or export pathways was not affected in a kap119Δ strain. Hence Kap119p is a novel karyopherin that is responsible for the import of the transcription elongation factor TFIIS.
Ursolic acid mediates photosensitization by initiating mitochondrial- dependent apoptosis

The signaling pathways PI3K/Akt and MAPK play key roles in transcription, translation and carcinogenesis, and may be activated by light exposure. These pathways may be modulated or inhibited by naturally-occurring compounds, such as the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA). Previously, the transcription factors p53 and NF-kB, which transactivate mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes, were shown to be differentially modulated by UA. Our current work indicates that UA causes these effects via the mTOR and insulin-mediated pathways. UA-modulated apoptosis, following exposure to UV radiation, is observed to correspond to differential levels of oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and skin melanoma (SM) cells. Flow cytometry analysis, DHE (dihydroethidium) staining and membrane permeability assay showed that UA pretreatment potentiated cell cycle arrest and radiation-induced apoptosis selectively on SM cells while DNA photo-oxidative damage (i.e. strand breakage) was reduced, presumably by some antioxidant activity of UA in RPE cells. The UA-mediated NF-κB activation in SM cells was reduced by rapamycin pretreatment, which indicates that these agents exert inter-antagonistic effects in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In contrast, the antagonistic effect of UA on the PI3K/Akt pathway was reversed by insulin leading to greater NF-κB and p53 activation in RPE cells. MitoTracker, a mitochondrial functional assay, indicated that mitochondria in RPE cells experienced reduced oxidative stress while those in SM cells exhibited increased oxidative stress upon UA pretreatment. When rapamycin administration was followed by UA, mitochondrial oxidative stress was increased in RPE cells but decreased in SM cells. These results indicate that UA modulates p53 and NF-κB, initiating a mitogenic response to radiation that triggers mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.
Differences in Transitional Needs of High School Students With and Without Learning Disabilities

Studies investigating the post-high-school vocational status of individuals with disabilities have frequently found that these individuals are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, or employed part-time, when compared to nondisabled peers. Transition programs are needed for adolescents with disabilities to facilitate their vocational success. The current study surveyed 80 high school students with learning disabilities (LD) and 80 nondisabled (NLD) peers to determine their transitional needs. Results indicated that (a) more students with LD than NLD students are involved in transition programs; (b) career goals were established by the majority of both groups; (c) parents provided most of the assistance in making career decisions; and (d) twice as many NLD students as students with LD wanted to go to college, while twice as many students with LD as NLD students wanted to enter the job market. More students with LD than NLD students were aware of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, but the number was still below 50%. The majority of the information about VR services came from the school.
Ethanol Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in C6 Glioma Cells

Nitric oxide (NO . ), a free radical gas, has been implicated in the CNS actions of ethanol. The brain contains several cell types that can produce NO . , including neurons and glia. This study examined the effect of acute and chronic ethanol exposure on the activity of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) found in neuroglia. Experiments were performed using intact rat C 6 glioma cells, and NO . production was assessed by nitrite accumulation after iNOS induction by coadministration of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ethanol was inhibitory at high concentrations (IC 50 150 mm) when acutely present during the 24-hr period subsequent to initiation of enzyme induction. In contrast, cells exposed to ethanol were inhibited chronically at clinically relevant lower concentrations (IC 50 30 mM with 10 days exposure). Chronic inhibition was both time- and concentration-dependent. Inhibition by ethanol seems to be a consequence of interference with LPS signal transduction. Acutely, ethanol did not affect the ability of PMA to synergize with LPS to induce activity, but it attenuated the ability of LPS to synergize with the PMA. Ten days exposure to 50 mm ethanol decreased the LPS potency by 4-fold in the presence of a maximally activating concentration of PMA, although not significantly changing PMA potency. Inhibition by chronic ethanol exposure was long-lasting, being retained over 24 hr in cells returned to control conditions. Thus, chronic ethanol may downregulate key components needed for iNOS expression. These results suggest that acute toxic and chronic ethanol exposure can inhibit NO . production in the brain, and considering the ability of NO . to protect neurons from free radical injury, this action could contribute to ethanol-induced brain damage