cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between genes and physical activity in cardiovascular disease

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excess alcohol consumption are strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Family history of premature CVD is also a robust predictor of CVD events, and it is well established that genetic variation plays a role in the development of CVD. Participation in regular exercise improves most risk factors, including lipid abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity. What is less well known is how genes and exercise interact to influence overall CVD outcomes. This review summarizes the current literature on interactions between genes and exercise in CVD.
Architecting on-chip interconnects for stacked 3D STT-RAM caches in CMPs

Emerging memory technologies such as STT-RAM, PCRAM, and resistive RAM are being explored as potential replacements to existing on-chip caches or main memories for future multi-core architectures. This is due to the many attractive features these memory technologies posses: high density, low leakage, and non-volatility. However, the latency and energy overhead associated with the write operations of these emerging memories has become a major obstacle in their adoption. Previous works have proposed various circuit and architectural level solutions to mitigate the write overhead. In this paper, we study the integration of STT-RAM in a 3D multi-core environment and propose solutions at the on-chip network level to circumvent the write overhead problem in the cache architecture with STT-RAM technology. Our scheme is based on the observation that instead of staggering requests to a write-busy STT-RAM bank, the network should schedule requests to other idle cache banks for effectively hiding the latency. Thus, we prioritize cache accesses to the idle banks by delaying accesses to the STT-RAM cache banks that are currently serving long latency write requests. Through a detailed characterization of the cache access patterns of 42 applications, we propose an efficient mechanism to facilitate such delayed writes to cache banks by (a) accurately estimating the busy time of each cache bank through logical partitioning of the cache layer and (b) prioritizing packets in a router requesting accesses to idle banks. Evaluations on a 3D architecture, consisting of 64 cores and 64 STT-RAM cache banks, show that our proposed approach provides 14% average IPC improvement for multi-threaded benchmarks, 19% instruction throughput benefits for multi-programmed workloads, and 6% latency reduction compared to a recently proposed write buffering mechanism.
Base-catalyzed decomposition of p-nitroperoxobenzoic acid

Abstract The base-catalyzed decomposition of p -nitroperoxobenzoic acid has been studied using a double isotope labeling technique. The decomposition of a sample of the peroxo acid in which 2·3% of the peroxidic oxygen was doubly labeled as − 18 O 18 O- led to complete retention of the double label in the product oxygen, 36 O 2 . This result is consistent with a decomposition mechanism involving nucleophilic attack of the conjugate base of p -nitroperoxobenzoic acid upon the carbonyl carbon of the undissociated acid.
Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of the Antidepressant Citalopram in the Mouse Tail Suspension Test

The identification of genetic variants regulating antidepressant response in human patients would allow for more individualized, rational, and successful drug treatments. We have previously identified the BALB/cJ inbred mouse strain as highly responsive to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram in the tail suspension test (TST), a widely used and well-established screening paradigm for detecting compounds with antidepressant activity. In contrast, A/J mice did not show a significant response to citalopram in this test despite exposure to equivalent plasma levels of the drug. To identify genetic determinants of this differential response, 506 F2 mice from an intercross between BALB/cJ and A/J mice were phenotyped. Composite interval mapping of 92 mice from the phenotypic extremes revealed three loci on chromosomes 7, 12, and 19 affecting citalopram response in the TST. The quantitative trait locus (QTL) at the telomeric end of chromosome 19 showed the greatest level of significance. Three candidate genes residing in this locus include those for vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2, slc18a2), alpha 2A adrenergic receptor (adra2a), and beta 1 adrenergic receptor (adrb1). The protein coding regions of these three genes in BALB/cJ and A/J mice were sequenced and two polymorphisms were found in VMAT2 (Leu117Pro and Ser505Pro), while the transcribed regions of adra2a and adrb1 were of identical sequence between strains. Follow-up studies are needed to determine if the VMAT2 polymorphisms are functional and if they could explain the chromosome 19 QTL. The present quantitative trait study suggests possible candidate genes for human pharmacogenetic studies of therapeutic responses to SSRIs such as citalopram.
Micro fuel cell utilizing fuel cell water recovery and pneumatic valve

Abstract Micro fuel cells (MFCs) defined by an average power output of less than 10 W offer the potential to improve the runtime and performance of portable devices by providing significantly higher energy density (energy per unit volume) than batteries. However, despite several decades of intense research and development, MFCs have yet to realize this potential, and no MFC technology has achieved broad market adoption. We report in this article an MFC which utilizes water-vapor-driven hydride hydrolysis, fuel cell water recovery, and a self-regulating pneumatic valve to achieve higher energy density than conventional batteries. Integrated MFC prototypes were developed and tested, and achieved 987 Wh L−1. Further improvements in energy density are possible by optimizing the fuel pellet configuration (density, geometry, particle size and distribution, etc.). Energy density greater than 2000 Wh L−1 may be possible in optimized MFCs discharged at low power.
Feedback for Adolescent Writers in the English Classroom: Exploring Pen-and-Paper, Electronic, and Automated Options

This study examined the impact of different forms of feedback on the writing of a group of 82 adolescent students in secondary English classes. During a 6-week intervention, students were randomly assigned to one of three feedback groups: peer feedback on pen-and-paper drafts, teacher feedback delivered electronically through a course management system, and automated feedback generated through computer-based writing evaluation software. Pre- and post-measures of student writing quality, length, and correctness were analyzed, and survey data explored student perceptions of their experiences. Findings indicate that all students, regardless of which form of feedback they received, wrote longer essays and scored higher on holistic ratings at post test than they did at pretest. Neither language status nor group assignment had a greater or lesser impact on performance on length or holistic quality. However, differences between feedback groups spiked on the proximal measure that examined mastery of particular aspects of the genre being taught. Both peer feedback and teacher feedback delivered electronically had a statistically significant impact on student performance in the genre of open-ended response. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for future research and instruction in the secondary context.
A Coupled Damage-plasticity Model for Energy Absorption in Composite

Predicting the energy absorption of composite structures requires a constitutive model that is capable of representing post-peak softening and irreversible strains, i.e., a coupled damage-plasticity model. The development of such models requires a general damage-plasticity framework. This article examines the merits and limitations of the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) framework and the plasticity framework. Based on the physical evidence of damage accumulation process in composites and the fundamentals of the two theories, a simple coupling method was proposed. This method employs a perfect plastic flow rule within a CDM framework. The capability of this method was examined by incorporating plasticity into the Matzenmiller-Lubliner-Taylor (MLT) model, a classic CDM model for composites. The coupled MLT-plasticity model was implemented as a user defined material law in explicit finite element code LS-DYNA, and subsequently numerical tests were conducted. It was demonstrated that the proposed method can extend an existing composite CDM model into a coupled damage-plasticity model seamlessly with only a few extra parameters, while retaining its computational efficiency. The capability of the coupled CDM-plasticity model in energy absorption prediction was validated in axial impact simulations of a composite tube reinforced with 1-ply carbon fiber tri-axial braid.
THE ANALYSIS OF FELDSPAR

ASSTRACT The methods commonly used for the chemical analysis of feldspar require an excessive amount of time, particularly if the analysis is to be used only for grading the material and where great accuracy is not essential. More rapid methods are described for determining alumina, calcium oxide, and the alkalis. In these, alumina is determined by precipitating with 8-hydroxyquinoline in acid solution and then titrating an acid solution of the precipitate. Calcium oxide is determined by precipitating with oxalic acid without prior removal of aluminum and then titrating with standardized potassium permanganate. The alkalis are weighed as chlorides and potassium is determined by difference after sodium has been weighed as the triple acetate. Optional methods for attacking feldspar by acid instead of by fusion are described.
Footprints in the Forest: Ecotourism and Altered Meanings in Ecuador's Upper Amazon

El ecoturismo es un componente clave en los proyectos de desarrollo y de preservacion cultural, especialmente en las zonas en donde el medio ambiente esta amenazado, como es el caso de la Amazonia. Aunque el ecoturismo lleva un enfasis de sostenibilidad, la realidad es que la cultura y la naturaleza, y los sitios donde juntos producen significados importantes, estan cambiando de manera significante. Inspiradas por lo que decidieron gobiernos locales y nacional, muchas comunidades Kichwas en la Amazonia ecuatoriana han adoptado el ecoturismo como una alternativa para el desarrollo. Pero en el proceso de satisfacer la demanda turistica para una experiencia natural y cultural, las comunidades indigenas suelen alterar sus relaciones con otras comunidades indigenas y con su medio ambiente
Synthesis of Optimal Clocking Schemes

Clocking scheme synthesis includes the partitioning of functions into time steps, the number of clock phases, the length of each phase, (i.e. how to pipeline) and the assignment of functions to clock phases; each of these choices affects performance. Some important problems of clocking scheme synthesis are examined. Two efficient and powerful algorithms which synthesize near optimal clocking schemes have been programmed. These algorithms are applied to synthesis and/or performance evaluation of a design in progress. Optimizing the speed of a previously designed system is also considered.
Elevated cholesterol and decreased sterol carrier protein-2 in peroxisomes from AS-30D hepatoma compared to normal rat liver.

Abstract Peroxisomes were isolated from AS-30D hepatoma and compared to normal rat liver cells for the purpose of investigating the cholesterol accumulation in the hepatoma cells. Cholesterol was found to be approximately 10-fold higher relative to protein in AS-30D peroxisomes as compared to peroxisomes from normal liver. The peroxisomes from the hepatoma cells were found to be more stable; catalase was not released from these peroxisomes during isolation or osmotic shock of the peroxisomal fraction. The elevated cholesterol level may stabilize the peroxisomal membrane. Sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA), which indicated the highest concentration of SCP-2 to be in peroxisomes. Hepatoma peroxisomes had a lower concentration of SCP-2 (2.5 μg/mg) than normal liver peroxisomes (8 μg/mg). Approximately half of all SCP-2 detected was found to be soluble in both hepatoma and normal rat liver cells. Immunoblots from both rat liver and AS-30D fractions demonstrated the presence of the 14-kDa form of SCP-2. The liver fractions also had a 57-kDa immunoreactive protein, which was barely detectable in the AS-30D fractions. The low abundance of the high molecular weight form of SCP-2 from hepatoma peroxisomes and the lower amounts of SCP-2 detected in the AS-30D peroxisomes may be related to the accumulation of cholesterol in the cells.
Pole assignment in linear systems with structurally constrained dynamic compensators

This paper is concerned with the problem of designing dynamic compensators for linear time-invariant systems to obtain arbitrary pole placement, while preassigning the poles of the compensator. A sufficient condition for complete pole placement is specified. A practical algorithm for both complete and incomplete pole placement is developed which can easily be programmed on a digital computer.
Ras and Gpa2 Mediate One Branch of a Redundant Glucose Signaling Pathway in Yeast

Addition of glucose to starved yeast cells elicits a dramatic restructuring of the transcriptional and metabolic state of the cell. While many components of the signaling network responsible for this response have been identified, a comprehensive view of this network is lacking. We have used global analysis of gene expression to assess the roles of the small GTP-binding proteins, Ras2 and Gpa2, in mediating the transcriptional response to glucose. We find that 90% of the transcriptional changes in the cell attendant on glucose addition are recapitulated by activation of Ras2 or Gpa2. In addition, we find that protein kinase A (PKA) mediates all of the Ras2 and Gpa2 transcriptional effects. However, we also find that most of the transcriptional effects of glucose addition to wild-type cells are retained in strains containing a PKA unresponsive to changes in cAMP levels. Thus, most glucose-responsive genes are regulated redundantly by a Ras/PKA-dependent pathway and by one or more PKA-independent pathways. Computational analysis extracted RRPE/PAC as the major response element for Ras and glucose regulation and revealed additional response elements mediating glucose and Ras regulation. These studies provide a paradigm for extracting the topology of signal transduction pathways from expression data.
Discussion: Policy and Non-Policy in Foreign Trade

[1] CLARK, JOHN MAURICE, Competition as a Dynamic Process, Washington, Brookings Institution, 1961. [2] MYRDAL, GUNNAR, The Political Element in the Development of Economic Theory, London, Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd., 1953. [3] , "The Problem of Objectivity in Social Research," Wimmer Lecture, 1967. [4] SCHWENGER, ROBERT B. "Note on a Question for the Theory of International Trade," paper presented at the Institute for International Economic Studies, University of Stockholm, Dec. 1964 (draft). [5] -, "The Restructuring of Foreign Trade Negotiations," in Issues and Objectives of U.S. Foreign Trade Policy, a compendium of statements submitted to the Subcommittee on Foreign Economic Policy of the Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Congress, Sept. 1967, pp. 65-96. [6] , "Synthesis of Trade and Agricultural Policy in GATT," J. Farm Econ. 40:238-248, May 1958. (Reprinted in Foreign Agricultural Trade, ed. Robert L. Tontz, Ames, Iowa State University Press, 1966.) [7] , "World Agriculture Policies and the Expansion of Trade," J. Farm Econ. 27:67-87, Feb. 1945. (Reprinted in Readings on Agricultural Policy, ed. 0. B. Jesness, Philadelphia, Blakiston, 1949.)
Control of glutamine synthetase messenger RNA by hydrocortisone in the embryonic chick retina.

Abstract Hydrocortisone (HC) and related glucocorticoids elicit an age-dependent induction of glutamine synthetase (GS) in the embryonic chick retina. We show here that HC has no effect either on the rate of synthesis of GS or on the low intracellular level of GS mRNA in the younger preinducible (7-day) retina. In the inducible (12-day) retina, GS induction appears to be a primary effect of HC since an increase in the rate of synthesis of GS is detectable as early as 45–60 min after exposure to HC. When these retinas are cultured with HC, the rate of GS synthesis as well as the amount of GS mRNA in the polysomal and in the nonpolysomal cytoplasmic fractions increased progressively up to 10 hr in culture and declined subsequently. The increase in the level of polysomal GS mRNA is not due to loading of new GS mRNA into polysomes from the nonpolysomal fraction and is thus a result of an enhanced supply of GS mRNA from nuclei. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that, in the inducible retina, HC induces GS by initiating or accelerating the transcription of structural genes for GS and/or increasing the stability of GS mRNA in the nuclei. We conclude that the development of the age-related inducibility of GS in the embryonic retina is due to the ability of HC to evoke elevated levels of GS mRNA in the polysomes of the inducible retina, resulting from an increased supply of GS mRNA from the nucleus. The preinducible retina is insensitive to this particular effect.
Regolith transport in craters on Eros

Abstract Images of Eros from the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft reveal bright and dark albedo features on steep crater walls unlike markings previously observed on asteroids. These features have been attributed to the downslope movement of space-weathered regolith, exposing less weathered material (Science 292 (2001) 484; Meteor. Planet. Sci. 36 (2001) 1617; Icarus 155 (2002) 145). Here we present observations of the interiors of large craters (>1 km in diameter) to test this hypothesis and constrain the origin of the features. We find that bright regions in these craters correspond to steep slopes, consistent with previous work. The geographic distribution of craters with albedo variations shows no pattern and does not resemble the distribution of ponds, another phenomenon on Eros attributed to regolith movement. Shadows and other indications of topography are not observed at feature boundaries, implying that the transported layer is ⩽1 m thick. The presence of multiple bright and dark units on long slopes with sharp boundaries between them suggests that mobilized regolith may be halted by frictional or other effects before reaching the foot of the slope. Features on crater walls should darken at the same rate as bright ejecta deposits from crater formation; the lack of observed, morphologically fresh craters with bright interiors or ejecta suggests that the albedo patterns are younger than the most recently formed craters greater than about 100 m in diameter. Smaller or micrometeorite impacts, which would not necessarily leave evident deposits of bright ejecta, remain possible causes of albedo patterns. Although their effectiveness is difficult to assess, electrostatic processes and thermal creep are also candidates.
Textured Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+y tiles manufactured from sintered and plasma-sprayed precursors for magnetic shieldingtiles manufactured from sintered and plasma-sprayed precursors for magnetic shielding

Superconducting magnetic shields have potential weight advantages over conventional materials as efficient, light, shielding materials. Shielding properties in high fields depend on many material features, including alignment, critical current densities, and flux pinning. Diffusion texturing can produce grain alignment with the c-axis parallel to the sheet plane. In this article, the superconducting tile is made by bonding the ceramic precursor, SrCaCu2, to a metal substrate before texture growth with Pb-Bi-O. The bonding can be produced by sintering or by plasma spraying. After diffusion texture growth, a tile with a superconducting transition temperature of 110 K and a critical current density greater than 2500 A/cm2 has been manufactured and characterized.
Spectrum in spontaneous emission: Beyond the Weisskopf-Wigner approximation

The theory of spontaneous emission presented by Weisskopf and Wigner [V. Weisskopf and E. Wigner, Z. Phys. 63, 54 (1930)] provides an excellent approximation of the actual decay that atoms undergo on optically allowed transitions. However, the theory cannot be rigorously correct since it leads to a Lorentzian spectrum that extends to negative frequencies. Within the rotating-wave approximation, we derive a closed-form expression for the spectrum that is valid for all frequencies.
Grounding an ethics of journalism

This essay is a revision of “Rudiments of an Ethics of News Reporting,”; which won honorable mention in the 1985 Carol Burnett/University of Hawaii/ AEJMC Prize for Student Papers on Journalism Ethics. It argues that news reporting suffers from a misplaced faith in individual autonomy, a faith that resists a sense of social duty on the basis of negative freedom; therefore, journalism stands in need of a moral theory that recognizes community and personhood as fundamental human characteristics essential to ethical decision‐making.
Extended en bloc resection of a primary mediastinal parathyroid carcinoma

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare endocrine tumor infrequently seen in the mediastinum. This report describes a patient who underwent en bloc resection of a primary mediastinal parathyroid carcinoma. The tumor originated from the thymus and extended from the aortic arch to the thyroid; local invasion suggested malignancy. En bloc resection of this carcinoma with all surrounding tissue provided local control of the tumor and relief of symptomatic hypercalcemia.
Sepsis Guidelines: The Work of the Society of Critical Care Medicine

The Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American College of Critical Care Medicine created the first set of sepsis guidelines in 1999. The guidelines were developed in response to a call upon medical professional organizations, by the Institute of Medicine, to develop clinical practice guidelines to facilitate best practices and potentially improve patient outcomes. These guidelines only dealt with adult patients, leaving out the pediatric population. In 2002, the American College of Critical Care Medicine published the first set of pediatric guidelines. The main algorithm from the pediatric guidelines has been incorporated into the Pediatric Advanced Life Support sepsis guidelines. Both the adult and pediatric guidelines have undergone revisions. The most recent pediatric guidelines were published in 2009.
Experimental and Analytical Investigation of a Dynamic Gas Squeeze Film Bearing Including Asperity Contact Effects

This work presents a theoretical and experimental investigation of a flat circular gas squeeze film bearing. The thickness and the pressure profile of the gas squeeze film are obtained by simultaneously solving the Reynolds equation and the equation of motion for the squeeze film bearing. This work also accounts for the force due to asperity contact in the equation of motion. When the surfaces are in contact, the model predicts the contact force as a function of film thickness. Computational simulations were performed to study the development of the squeeze film from its initial state to a pseudo-steady state and also to evaluate its load- carrying capacity. For certain cases, the simulation results correlate well with the preestablished analytical results. However, corrections must be made to the preestablished analytical equations when they are used out of their effective range. In the experimental study, the squeeze film was developed by an applied relative normal motion between two parallel plates, of...
Decline of the marine ecosystem caused by a reduction in the Atlantic overturning circulation

Reorganizations of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation were associated with large and abrupt climatic changes in the North Atlantic region during the last glacial period. Projections with climate models suggest that similar reorganizations may also occur in response to anthropogenic global warming. Here I use ensemble simulations with a coupled climate-ecosystem model of intermediate complexity to investigate the possible consequences of such disturbances to the marine ecosystem. In the simulations, a disruption of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation leads to a collapse of the North Atlantic plankton stocks to less than half of their initial biomass, owing to rapid shoaling of winter mixed layers and their associated separation from the deep ocean nutrient reservoir. Globally integrated export production declines by more than 20 per cent owing to reduced upwelling of nutrient-rich deep water and gradual depletion of upper ocean nutrient concentrations. These model results are consistent with the available high-resolution palaeorecord, and suggest that global ocean productivity is sensitive to changes in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation.
Market orientation and the craftsperson

In light of critiques of structured studies of market orientation in firms, this paper reports on a qualitative investigation of market orientation amongst craftspersons. Behaviour is conceptualised as the result of interactions between individuals' value sets, goals, perceptions and activities. Following examination of the theory that the distinct value sets of craftspersons render them unlikely to behave in a market oriented way, the methods and results of an empirical study of craft food producers are reported. The study finds that participants strongly perceived themselves as prioritising non‐commercial, lifestyle‐oriented goals. At the same time, however, much evidence was found of market oriented tendencies and the desire to pursue commercial ambitions. Analysis proposes that the specialist niche markets in which these participants find themselves mean that adherence to “craft” principles positively contributes to marketing advantage and achievement of commercial goals. The implications for market orientation research are discussed.
Isometric contractile properties of the posterior latissimus dorsi muscle in normal and genetically dystrophic chickens.

Abstract Various isometric contractile properties of posterior latissimus dorsi muscles from normal and genetically dystrophic New Hampshire chickens were examined. Compared to normal, the dystrophic muscles were lighter, the indirectly elicited twitch was weaker, and the twitch-to-tetanus ratio was reduced. The time course of the twitch contraction was not significantly different from normal. However, fusion frequency was higher in dystrophic muscle and the entire frequency-tension relationship was shifted to higher frequencies. The maximal rate of rise of tension was significantly reduced during both twitch and tetanus in dystrophic muscle. There was no difference in the decrement of the gross electromyogram during high-frequency stimulation. A significantly greater post-tetanic potentiation of the twitch contraction was observed in dystrophic muscle. We suggest that the modification of contractile properties observed in dystrophic chicken muscle represents a shift toward slow muscle characteristics. The paradoxical observation of an unchanged twitch time course in the presence of a reduced maximal rate of rise of tension is discussed in relation to an apparent reduction in duration of the plateau of the active state.
Potential Use of Radar Differential Reflectivity Measurements at Orthogonal Polarizations for Measuring Precipitation

Abstract The potential use of differential reflectivity measurements at orthogonal polarizations to determine rain-fall rate is examined. The method involves measurements of ZH and ZV, the radar reflectivity factors due to horizontally and vertically polarized incident waves respectively. The differential reflectivity, ZDR = 10 log (ZH/ZV), which should be precisely determinate, occurs as a result of the distortion of raindrops as they fall at terminal velocity. The approximate theory of Gans for electromagnetic scattering by spheroids is applied to the distorted raindrops. Assuming a general exponential form for the raindrop size distribution, equations are derived relating the distribution parameters to the measurements. The determination of rainfall rate follows directly. Finally, the sensitivity of the distribution parameters to radar inaccuracies is examined, and several methods of implementing the measurements are suggested. It is concluded that good estimates of rainfall rate using a single non-att...
Albumin-based micro-composite drug carriers with dual chemo-agents for targeted breast cancer treatment

Albumin-based drug-carrying micro-composite spheres were fabricated and studied to evaluate their potentials for breast cancer treatment. Magnetic nanoparticles and albumin were incorporated within poly(D l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres to increase accumulation of the microspheres at the target site. Two chemotherapeutics, cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil, were encapsulated into the microspheres. The drug-release study revealed an initial burst of drug and then sustained release by diffusion. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study confirmed the presence of all components of the drug delivery system. An in vitro study using fibroblast cells (3T3) and breast cancer cells (MDA-486) exhibited an effective cytotoxicity behavior when exposed to the drug delivery system in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The therapeutic influence of the drug delivery system was evaluated in vivo using a nude mouse breast cancer model. A continuous decrease in tumor size was observed in groups treated with microspheres containing the chemotherapeutics, whereas mice treated with direct chemotherapy without drug delivery system showed less efficacy and suggested tumor relapse after cessation of treatment. The enhanced therapeutic influence of the drug delivery system may be attributed to the increased uptake of the microspheres by malignant cells due to the presence of albumin and magnetic force. The bioavailability of chemotherapeutics at the target site was further increased due to the sustained release of the drugs by diffusion following the burst release. Continuous investigations will optimize the size of the drug delivery system and portions of the target driving-force components (magnetic nanoparticles and albumin) in the drug delivery system to maximize its therapeutic efficacy and minimize potential long-term side effects.
Compliant walking in primates: Elbow and knee yield in primates compared to other mammals

It has been suggested that primates utilize a compliant gait to help reduce peak locomotor stresses on their limbs (Schmitt [1994] J. Hum. Evol. 26:441-458; Schmitt [ 1998] Primate Locomotion, p. 175-200; Schmitt [ 1999] J. Zool. Lond. 248:149-160). However, the components of such a gait, i.e., increased step length, prolonged contact time, and substantial limb yield, have only been documented on a handful of primate species. In order to explore the generality of this claim, elbow and knee angles during walking were documented at touchdown, midstance, and liftoff in a sample of primates, carnivores, marsupials, rodents, and artiodactyls, all under 25 kg. Limb yield was calculated as the change in angle from touchdown to midstance, and re-extension as the change in angle from midstance to liftoff for both forelimbs and hind limbs. Use of a compliant gait (as reflected in significant limb yield) in primates was confirmed for both forelimbs and hind limbs. However, there was variability within primates in the degree of either elbow or knee yield. Surprisingly, marsupials were found to exhibit almost as much elbow yield and even greater knee yield than primates. Carnivores and rodents display a modest amount of limb yield during walking, while artiodactyls appear to display a relatively stiff gait. These data are consistent with the suggestion that the use of a compliant gait to attenuate peak substrate reaction forces may have facilitated the primate invasion of a small-branch niche. However, limb compliance (as reflected by elbow or knee yield) does not appear to be exclusive to the primate order.
The essence of entrepreneurial success

Reviews the essential elements of entrepreneurial success in large and small, existing or newly‐created companies. Examines the links between the firm and its environment, strategy and risk taking. Identifies the essential elements and argues that satisfying customer needs is the cornerstone of success.
Diabetes-induced changes in lens antioxidant status, glucose utilization and energy metabolism: effect of DL-α-lipoic acid

Summary The study was aimed at evaluating changes in lens antioxidant status, glucose utilization, redox state of free cytosolic NAD(P)-couples and adenine nucleotides in rats with 6-week streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and to assess a possibility of preventing them by dl-a-lipoic acid. Rats were divided into control and diabetic groups treated with and without dl-a-lipoic acid (100 mg ◊ kg body weight ‐1 ◊ day ‐1 , i. p.). The concentrations of glucose, sorbitol, fructose, myo-inositol, oxidized glutathione, glycolytic intermediates, malate, a-glycerophosphate, and adenine nucleotides were assayed in individual lenses spectrofluorometrically by enzymatic methods, reduced glutathione and ascorbate ‐ colorimetrically, and taurine by HPLC. Free cytosolic NAD + :NADH and NADP + :NADPH ratios were calculated from the lactate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme systems. Sorbitol pathway metabolites were found to increase, and antioxidant concentrations were reduced in diabetic rats compared with controls. The profile of glycolytic intermediates (increase in glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate, decrease in fructose1,6diphosphate, increase in dihydroxyacetone phosphate, 3-phosphoglycerate, phosphoenolpyruvate, pyruvate, and no change in lactate), and 5.9-fold increase in a-glycerophosphate suggest diabetes-induced inhibition of glycolysis. Free cytosolic NAD + :NADH ratios, ATP levels, ATP/ADP · inorganic phosphate (Pi), and adenylate charge were reduced in diabetic rats while free cytosolic NADP + :NADPH ratios were elevated. Diabetes-induced changes in the concentrations of antioxidants, key glycolytic intermediates, free cytosolic NAD + :NADH ratios, and energy status were partially prevented by dl-a-lipoic acid, while sorbitol pathway metabolites and free cytosolic NADP + :NADPH ratios remained unaffected. In conclusion, diabetes-induced impairment of lens antioxidative defense, glucose intermediary metabolism via glycolysis, energy status and redox changes are partially prevented by dl-a-lipoic acid. The findings support the important role of oxidative stress in lens metabolic imbalances in diabetes. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 1442‐1450]
Differential Modulation of bFGF Receptors by TGF-β in Adult Skin, Scleroderma Skin, and Newborn Foreskin Fibroblasts

Abstract Effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) on proliferative responses to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were studied in human diploid fibroblasts cell strains derived from three different sources: adult skin, scleroderma, and newborn foreskin. All three types of cell strains were similarly responsive to TGF-β, whereas adult skin fibroblasts were significantly more responsive to bFGF. Incubation of cells with TGF-fl prior to bFGF addition substantially increased responsiveness of adult skin fibroblasts to this latter cytokine, slightly increased that of scleroderma fibroblasts, and decreased that of foreskin fibroblasts. Modulation of bFGF receptors by TGF-β correlated positively with these mitogenic effects. Adult skin fibroblasts showed increases of both high- and low-affinity receptors and scleroderma fibroblasts showed small increases of high-affinity receptors only, whereas foreskin fibroblasts showed no changes. Heparitinase treatment of adult skin fibroblasts during TGF-β pre-incubation resulted in reduced bFGF binding to low-affinity receptors and reduced mitogenic response to bFGF, suggesting that the TGF-β-stimulated increase of low-affinity receptors in these cells contributes to the observed enhanced mitogenic effects of bFGF. Abnormal responses of scleroderma fibroblasts to TGF-β/bFGF stimulation, particularly failure to synthesize low-affinity receptors in response to TGF-β, adds a new characteristic to the fibrotic phenotype of scleroderma fibroblasts.
Neutrophil depletion decreases VEGF-induced focal angiogenesis in the mature mouse brain.

To explore the role of neutrophil-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during angiogenesis in the brain, we hypothesized that transient neutrophil depletion attenuates the angiogenic response to focal hyperstimulation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Brain focal angiogenesis was achieved using an adeno-associated virus delivered VEGF (AAV-VEGF) gene transfer in the mature mouse. Four groups of mice underwent AAV vector injection in the brain parenchyma: (1) AAV-LacZ; (2) AAV-VEGF; (3) AAV-VEGF plus anti-polymorphonuclear (PMN) antibody; and (4) AAV-VEGF plus serum. Animals in groups 3 and 4 underwent 4 days of PMN antibody or serum treatment before transfection; treatment was sustained for an additional 14 days. Anti-PMN treatment decreased circulating neutrophils to 9% of baseline (P < 0.001). Microvessels in the AAV-VEGF-group increased 25% compared with the AAV-lacZ-transduced group (256 ± 15 versus 208 ± 16; P < 0.05). Anti-PMN treatment attenuated the increase to 10% compared with ...
Patterns of Reproductive Skew in the Polygynandrous Acorn Woodpecker

Abstract: We compared observed levels of reproductive skew in the cooperatively breeding acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) with those predicted by two alternative transactional models. “Concession” models predict the degree to which parentage is shared assuming that a single dominant is in complete control of reproduction. Alternatively, “restraint” models predict reproductive sharing assuming that the dominant controls only whether subordinates remain in the group but does not control its share of reproduction. Reproductive skew is high among males: on average, the most successful male sires more than three times as many offspring as the next most successful male. Females share parentage equally and have lower constraints on dispersal and lower survival rates compared with males, which is consistent with predictions from the concessions model. Also as predicted by the concessions model, yearly variation in opportunities for dispersal before the breeding season correlates positively with skew. Ho...
Applying a Subculture of Violence Thesis to an Ongoing Criminal Lifestyle

This article describes our case study of a random violent abduction and murder in a rural part of southeastern Kentucky located in the Appalachian mountains. The offender, who was raised in this rural and isolated part of Kentucky, had a long history of violence and had been socialized into what we identify as a subculture of violence that is still found today in homogeneous and isolated pockets of some Appalachian regions (among other areas). In our description and analysis of his ongoing criminal way of life and this specific act of violence, we rely on Miller's (1958) subcultural explanations. We particularly use Miller's focal concerns, that is, daily behavioral patterns that are reflected in this offender's culturally based and lower class lifestyle and his violent subcultural traits.
RotoTexture: Automated Tools for Texturing Raw Video

We propose a video editing system that allows a user to apply a time-coherent texture to a surface depicted in the raw video from a single uncalibrated camera, including the surface texture mapping of a texture image and the surface texture synthesis from a texture swatch. Our system avoids the construction of a 3D shape model and instead uses the recovered normal field to deform the texture so that it plausibly adheres to the undulations of the depicted surface. The texture mapping method uses the nonlinear least-squares optimization of a spring model to control the behavior of the texture image as it is deformed to match the evolving normal field through the video. The texture synthesis method uses a coarse optical flow to advect clusters of pixels corresponding to patches of similarly oriented surface points. These clusters are organized into a minimum advection tree to account for the dynamic visibility of clusters. We take a rather crude approach to normal recovering and optical flow estimation, yet the results are robust and plausible for nearly diffuse surfaces such as faces and t-shirts
Pause transfer: a topogenic sequence in apolipoprotein B mediates stopping and restarting of translocation.

Abstract Previously, we described the stepwise translocation of a large amino-terminal fragment of apolipoprotein B (apo B15) in which the nascent secretory chain translocates through a series of distinct, nonintegrated transmembrane intermediates with large domains exposed to the cytoplasm. Thus, apo B15 appears to stop and restart translocation at several points. We have identified a sequence of amino acids in apo B15 that confers this behavior on a heterologous chimeric protein. In addition, we dissect pausing into two distinct steps, stopping and restarting, thereby trapping otherwise transient intermediates. Finally, we demonstrate the function of a second "pause transfer" sequence over 200 amino acids downstream in apo B15 that restarts translocation posttranslationally, suggesting that multiple pause transfer sequences are involved in the biogenesis of apolipoprotein B.
Neutralizing Ability of Sera from Three Strains of Chickens for Rous Sarcoma Virus

Abstract THE occurrence of antibodies or antibody-like factors in the sera of poultry capable of neutralizing the virus of Rous sarcoma has been reported frequently in the scientific literature: Andrewes (1931, 1939), Sittenfield et al. (1931), Duran-Reynals (1940), Kenzy and Neuzil (1953), Bang and Haley (1958), Dougherty et al. (1960) and Bang and Foard (1963). Determining the exact relationship of these neutralizing antibodies to Rous sarcoma virus is complicated, however, by other avian neoplastic viruses, particularly those of the avian leukosis complex. Moreover, Rubin and Vogt (1962) reported the presence of an avian leukosis virus in stocks of Rous sarcoma virus. Antibodies which are able to neutralize Rous sarcoma virus may also demonstrate cross-reactivity with viruses of the avian leukosis complex, Hanafusa et al. (1964). The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural occurrence of substances which neutralize Rous sarcoma virus in the sera of three genetically different strains …
Fatigue testing and performance of acrylic bone-cement materials: state-of-the-art review.

Over the past three decades or so, a very large volume of literature has been generated on the impact of an assortment of variables on the fatigue lifetimes of a large number of acrylic bone-cement formulations. In the present article, this literature is examined critically to reveal areas of agreement, areas of disagreement, as well as a welter of underexplored and unexplored topics. For example, there is unanimity of support for the notion that an increase in the molecular weight of the powder constituents or the fully cured cement leads to an increase in the cement's fatigue life, whereas there is disagreement as to whether vacuum mixing the cement constituents leads to an increase in the fatigue life of the fully cured cement (relative to the hand-mixed counterpart). Among the underexplored topics is systematic study of the effect of test frequency on the fatigue results, whereas determination of the optimal concentration of the antibiotic in an antibiotic-loaded cement is an example of the unexplored topics. It is pointed out that resolving the controversies, addressing the underexplored topics, and filling the lacunae will allow comprehensive evaluations of acrylic bone-cement materials to be made. This enhanced body of knowledge will prove invaluable in the continued use of acrylic bone cement as the anchoring agent in cemented arthroplasties.
The effect of hydrocortisone on extracellular connective tissue fibrils in the early chick embryo.

Two series of chick embryos were treated with hydrocortisone in an attempt to demonstrate the influence of this hormone upon microfibrils found free in the tissue space surrounding the notochord. Embryos in series I were explanted on agar-albumen medium and permitted to survive 1–24 hours after Ringer's solution or hydrocortisone had been pipetted onto the area vasculosa. Doses of hydrocortisone ranged from 5 μg to 1 mg. Series II embryos were similarly treated in ovo through a small shell “window” and then incubated 12 or 24 hours. All embryos were sacrificed at 72 hours incubation age. Ringer-treated embryos in both series exhibited a rich tangle of early extracellular connective tissue fibrils (microfibrils) surrounding the notochord. One hour after treatment with hydrocortisone, embryos in series I showed a reduction in perinotochordal microfibrils. At four hours the effect was maximal and by 12 hours, recovery had been initiated, the morphology of which suggested a re-organization of amorphous material and extracellular debris to form fibrillar structures. Twenty-four hours after treatment, recovery was complete and hydrocortisone-treated embryos exhibited perinotochordal fibril populations that were indistinguishable from Ringer-treated specimens. The results of the series II experiments roughly parallelled those seen in series I but were somewhat less predictable. Possible modes of action of hydrocortisone on connective tissues and their relationship to the present study are discussed. It is suggested that the steroid may induce the release of a substance with an enzymatic activity capable of digesting microfibrils. This catabolic activity may be reflected as an inhibition of connective tissue production if it is assumed that microfibrils are precursors of larger, more mature fibrils. It is further suggested that since microfibrils are thought to contain connective tissue proteins, the initiation of microfibrillar reduction by hydrocortisone could indicate that this hormone may act in a similar manner on more mature connective tissue fibrils.