cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MAPK/ERK and Wnt/β-Catenin pathways are synergistically involved in proliferation of Sca-1 positive hepatic progenitor cells.

Abstract Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) persist in adulthood and have the potential to play a major role in regenerating diseased liver. However, the signaling pathways that both directly and indirectly regulate HPCs’ self-renewal and differentiation remain elusive. Previously, we identified a bipotent, stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1) positive HPC population from naive adult liver tissue. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of various signaling pathways in Sca-1+ HPC proliferation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) supplementation shows a significant increase in Sca-1+ HPC proliferation and colony formation while stimulating phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activating the induction of Cyclin D1. There were no demonstrable effects of EGF on Akt. The MEK inhibitor, PD0325901, inhibits proliferation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation while also suppressing the expression of Cyclin D1. In addition, activation of either IL-6/STAT3 or Wnt/β-Catenin pathway did not independently support cell proliferation and colony formation of HPCs. The Wnt/β-Catenin pathway can cooperate with EGF to significantly promote HPC colony formation ratio and maintain long-term HPC in vitro. The data indicates that the MAPK/ERK pathway is both essential and critical for HPC proliferation, and the Wnt signaling pathway is not sufficient, while it works synergistically with the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway to promote HPC proliferation.
Experimental Demonstrations of Compressive Holography

We demonstrate 3-D object reconstruction from a single 2-D data plane using compressive holography in Gabor and Leith-Upatneiks geometries.
Developing the next generation of leaders

Purpose – Across companies, and even the public sector, there is a looming challenge as baby boomers and many current leaders retire. This is the challenge of developing the next generation of leadership ‐ not just at the CEO level, but in the various functions of the organization.Design/methodology/approach – For this study, fifteen leading CFOs were interviewed, asking them to describe their journeys to leadership.Findings – While the research was based on interviews of CFOs, the findings could pertain to many leadership roles in companies.Originality/value – The research found there were five key traits to leaders: curiosity, courage, perseverance, personal ethics, and confidence. Of these five traits, what was surprising was the consistent importance of curiosity as a valued trait among nearly all the CFO participants.
Sediment toxicity of the Anacostia River estuary, Washington, DC.

One of the major water research priorities of the District of Columbia is the restoration of the tidal freshwater Anacostia estuary. There is considerable public interest in improving the 3.8 km estuary portion of the river as it is considered the major water body of the District. The freshwater tidal Potomac estuary into which the Anacostia estuary opens has undergone remarkable improvement since 1984 with extensive growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and development of a sport fishery. One theory credits the large beds of introduced Asiatic clams (.Corbicula fluminea.), first noted in 1979 (Dresler and Cory 1980; Phelps in press), with filtering and clearing the water (Cohen et al. 1984), enabling the return of SAV (Carter and Rybicki 1986) and game fish populations (Killgore et al. 1989). The Anacostia estuary in marked contrast to the Potomac has few macrobenthics, including Asiatic clams, and no SAV or game fishing activity (Phelps 1985; Scatena 1987; Valinsky et al. 1992). Asiatic clams on trays of Anacostia sediment in the Potomac failed to spawn and had reduced gonadal size (Phelps 1987). Along with the reduced benthic community, this satisfied two of the three Sediment Quality Triad criteria indicating possibly toxic sediment in the Anacostia estuary (Chapman et al. 1987).
Relativistic adiabatic invariants of electron motion under ECRH

Abstract Three adiabatic invariants of the electron motion under electron cyclotron resonance heating have been derived. The relativistic effect has been included in the analysis. It is shown that the relativistic effect always tends to reduce the parallel energy of the electrons during the early stage of heating.
Peripheral and central oculomotor organization in the goldfish, Carassius auratus.

Peripheral and central oculomotor organization was studied in the goldfish. The sizes of the extraocular muscles were quantified by counting the fibers contained in a given muscle and by area measurements of the cross-sectional surfaces. All the muscles were of approximately similar size. Kinematics were determined by electrical stimulation of a given muscle. The macroscopic appearance and kinematics of the muscles had the characteristics of other lateral-eyed animals (e.g., rabbit). Locations of extraocular motor neurons wert found by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) following injections into individual extraocular muscles. The eye muscles were innervated by four ipsilateral (lateral rectus, medial rectus, inferior oblique, inferior rectus) and two contralateral (superior rectus, superior oblique) motor neuron pools. The oculomotor nucleus was found in the midbrain, at the level of the caudal zone of the inferior lobe of the hypothalamus. Inferior rectus motor neurons were located drosally in the oculomotor nucleus, whereas medial rectus, superior rectus, and inferior oblique motor neurons were intermingled in its more caudal portions. All labelled cells were located dorsally and medially to the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) in close proximity to either the floor of the ventricle or the midline region. Occasionally, motor neurons were interspersed within the fiber bundles of the MLF or the exiting fibers of the oculomotor nerve. The trochlear nucleus, containing superior oblique motor neurons, was found in the immediate lateral and caudal neighborhood of the oculomotor nucleus, where its rostral border overlapped with the caudal border of the latter. The abducens nucleus, containing lateral rectus motor neurons, was located in the posterior brainstem in the neighborhood of the vestibular nuclear complex. This nucleus was divided into a rostral and a caudal portion. The axons of ipsilaterally projecting motor neurons headed toward their respective nerve roots via the shortest possible route, as did the axons of superior rectus motor neurons, which crossed the midline without detour to enter the contralateral oculomotor nerve. In contrast, trochlear motor neuron axons arched around the dorsal aspect of the ventricle through the cerebellar commissure to reach the contralateral trochlear nerve. The morphology of individual motor neurons was visualized by intrasomatic injection of HRP. Cell somata had oblong shapes, and their large dendrites were oriented laterally and ventrally. The axons did not collateralize within the midbrain region or the oculomotor nerve as far as they could be traced. The oculomotor system of the goldfish is similar to that found in other teleosts and higher vertebrates, displaying characteristics of an animal whose eye movements cover all regions of its external environment.
A mechanistic basis for the beneficial effects of caloric restriction on longevity and disease : Consequences for the interpretation of rodent toxicity studies

Caloric restriction in rodents has been repeatedly shown to increase life span while reducing the severity and retarding the onset of both spontaneous and chemically induced neoplasms. These effects of caloric restriction are associated with a spectrum of biochemical and physiological changes that characterize the organism's adaptation to reduced caloric intake and provide the mechanistic basis for caloric restriction's effect on longevity. Here, we review evidence suggesting that the primary adaptation appears to be a rhythmic hypercorticism in the absence of elevated adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels. This characteristic hypercorticism evokes a spectrum of responses, including reduced body temperature and increased metabolic efficiency, decreased mitogenic response coupled with increased rates of apoptosis, reduced inflammatory response, reduced oxidative damage to proteins and DNA, reduced reproductive capacity, and altered drug-metabolizing enzyme expression. The net effect of these changes is to (1) ...
Foraging habits in a generalist predator: Sex and age influence habitat selection and resource use among bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

This study examines resource use (diet, habitat use, and trophic level) within and among demographic groups (males, females, and juveniles) of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We analyzed the δ13C and δ15N values of 15 prey species constituting 84% of the species found in stomach contents. We used these data to establish a trophic enrichment factor (TEF) to inform dietary analysis using a Bayesian isotope mixing model. We document a TEF of 0‰ and 2.0‰ for δ13C and δ15N, respectively. The dietary results showed that all demographic groups relied heavily on low trophic level seagrass-associated prey. Bayesian standard ellipse areas (SEAb) were calculated to assess diversity in resource use. The SEAb of females was nearly four times larger than that of males indicating varied resource use, likely a consequence of small home ranges and habitat specialization. Juveniles possessed an intermediate SEAb, generally feeding at a lower trophic level compared to females, potentially an effect of natal philopatry and immature foraging skills. The small SEAb of males reflects a high degree of specialization on seagrass associated prey. Patterns in resource use by the demographic groups are likely linked to differences in the relative importance of social and ecological factors.
Microbe manufacturers of semiconductors.

Abstract Synthesis of cadmium sulfide (CdS) semiconductor nanoparticles within a prokaryotic organism is reported for the first time by Sweeney et al. [1]. This paper demonstrates the utility of microorganisms to perform chemistries outside the scope of their "normal" metabolism and offers an environmentally benign synthesis of CdS nanoparticles.
Homozygous translocations in Anopheles albimanus

Four homozygous, autosomal translocation stocks were established in Anopheles albimanus, which is an important vector of malaria in Central America. When inbred, the fertility of these homozygous translocation stocks ranged from 87.4 to 92.5%, and similar fertilities were observed in outcrosses to a normal strain. The chromosomal breakpoints for these four translocations were located close to the centromeres. The sterility in heterozygous translocation males was consistently higher than that observed for females.
Effects of low [Ca2+]0 upon [K+]0 during and after maintained illumination of the isolated retina of the toad.

Abstract Using K − -selective microelectrodes, [K + ] 0 was measured in the receptor layer of the isolated retina of the toad, Bufo marinus , during and after maintained adapting illumination. Lowering [Ca 2− ] 0 to one-tenth of its control value produced larger, more rapid changes in [K − ] 0 at light onset and offset than under control conditions. Lowering [Ca 2+ ] 0 also produced rod membrane depolarization in the dark and larger light-evoked changes in rod membrane voltage. The observed effects are consistent with a mechanism by which lowering [Ca 2− ] 0 increases sodium conductance in rods in the dark, which in turn increases [Na + ], and stimulates the rods Na + /K + pump. This putative mechanism may be used to explain several effects of low [Ca 2+ ] 0 upon rod function observed previously.
Multiple ideologies and their proposed roles in the outcomes of nurse practice settings: The for-profit psychiatric hospital scandal as a paradigm case

The deviant outcomes of the private psychiatric hospital system were a logical, if extreme, extension of the events that transpired and the ideologies that shaped the greater culture. Can good nursing and the corporation coexist?
Selecting a Model for Freshman Engineering Design

This paper describes a process undertaken at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to select a model for teaching freshman engineering design. The project identified and characterized methods in use for teaching freshman design, and selected method(s) appropriate for UAF with general recommendations for implementation. Background research included a needs and information survey of freshmen and senior engineers, and research on methods currently used to teach design at ABET accredited colleges and universities. Eight methods for teaching design to freshman engineering students were identified. A Weighted Factor Scoring Model was used to determine which methods of teaching design were most applicable to UAF. A reverse engineering model was selected and proposed for the new freshman engineering design course. The methodology, results, and other considerations are discussed.
Combined Spinal Motion and Loading in Occupational Low Back Disorders

Low back disorders (LBDs) are considered the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in occupational settings. There is significant epidemiological and biomechanical evidence that implicates combined motion and loading as important risk factors for LBDs. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a potential approach for quantifying 3-D combined motion, loading, and loading rates in ergonomic research. Data from a field study were used to quantify combined; three-dimensional (3-D) trunk velocities of low and high-risk groups, and data from lifting study were used to assess the 3-D combined spinal loading and loading rate. The results showed that evaluating the percent of time the magnitude of 3-D vectors was over defined limits (velocities, loads, or load rates) provides the important temporal aspect of risk factors, which is commonly ignored in LBD risk assessment. The results also showed that loading rate was a sensitive indicator of dynamic loading. In conclusion, the present approach allows the deta...
Elements of Quantum Chromodynamics

Quantum chromodynamics should need little introduction, since it already permeates almost all descriptions of strong interaction phenomena nowadays. We recount here very briefly the basic motivation, beginning with some factual evidence: 1. Quarks of fractional charge and three colors seem to be required as constituents of hadrons in order to understand the spectrum of hadrons and their resonances. 2. The ratio of electron-quark to neutrino-quark deep inelastic scattering argues strongly for fractional charge of the quarks. 3. In addition to the spectroscopic evidence, the observed width of the decay πo → 2γ and the large cross section for e+e− → hadrons is successfully understood provided there are 3 colors of quarks. 4. The color-symmetry should be exact (or very nearly so); otherwise we would expect additional low-lying color non-singlet hadron states, states for which there is no empirical evidence.
Reduced ambulatory activity after stroke : The role of balance, gait, and cardiovascular fitness

Abstract Michael KM, Allen JK, Macko RF. Reduced ambulatory activity after stroke: the role of balance, gait, and cardiovascular fitness. Objectives To determine ambulatory activity in a sample of community-dwelling people with chronic hemiparetic stroke and to examine whether deficits in balance and gait and cardiovascular and metabolic fitness are key determinants of ambulatory activity levels. Design Descriptive correlational. Setting Home and community. Participants Twenty-eight men and 22 women (N=50) over the age 45 years with more than 6 months of hemiparetic gait after ischemic stroke. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Ambulatory activity (total daily step activity), mobility deficit severity (Berg Balance Scale [BBS] scores, timed 10-m walks), and cardiovascular fitness (energy costs of hemiparetic gait, peak exercise capacity [Vo 2 peak]). Results Mean ambulatory activity profiles were extremely low (2837 steps/d vs reported 5000–6000 steps/d in sedentary older adults). Ambulatory activity levels were strongly associated with BBS scores ( r =.581, P r =.554, P 2 peak, 11.7±2.8mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ). The energy costs of hemiparetic gait were high (8.7±1.7mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ), representing 76% of physiologic fitness reserve. Although the relationships of economy of gait and Vo 2 peak to ambulatory activity was not statistically significant, both the Vo 2 peak and the physiologic fitness reserve, as expressed by fractional utilization, were strongly related to balance ( r =.374, P =.02; r =−.430, P Conclusions Ambulatory activity levels and cardiovascular fitness in patients with chronic stroke are extremely low. Mobility deficits, particularly in balance, are associated with low ambulatory activity. Balance-related inactivity may be an important factor in deconditioning. Further studies are needed to better understand whether task-oriented exercise enhances balance and whether increases in daily ambulatory activity yield improved cardiovascular fitness in chronic stroke survivors.
Synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites of reactive nanoclay by bulk polymerization methods

Abstract This paper reports synthesis and characterization of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites of reactive silicate clays. Pre-polymer (method I) and chain-extended polymer molecules (method II) with residual –NCO groups participated in tethering reactions with clay during clay–polymer mixing. It was found that both clay–polymer reactions and shear stress of mixing are responsible for clay exfoliation. In method I, more clay-tethered polymer chains were produced, but clay particles did not exfoliate due to low shear stress of mixing. Method II provided an order of magnitude higher shear stress of mixing and yielded exfoliated nanocomposites. Control experiments with high shear stress of mixing and no clay–polymer reactions resulted in only intercalated composites. It was found that clay particles deterred hydrogen bonding among hard segments. The exfoliated nanocomposites exhibited optical clarity and more than 100% increase in tensile strength and tensile modulus over pristine polyurethanes.
Isolation and partial characterization of procollagen fractions produced by a clonal strain of calf dermatosparactic cells

Distinct procollagen fractions were isolated from the culture medium and cell layer of CD cells, a clonal strain of dermal fibroblasts originally obtained from a calf bearing the heritable connective tissue disease, dermatosparaxis. The procollagen fractions yield, after limited pepsin proteolysis, molecules that correspond to (αl)2α2 and (αl)3, respectively. Each pro-α chain has a molecular weight of approximately 120,000, except that about 25% of the pro-α chains in each procollagen fraction from the culture medium have a molecular weight of approximately 150,000 (θ chain). The θ chain is disulfide-linked with other chains in the procollagen fractions and may be the vestige of a larger, single-chain collagen precursor. The amino acid compositions of the different procollagen fractions are unique, and each contains relatively large amounts of cysteine and tryptophan. A mixture of collagen and two procollagen fractions was extracted from the cell layer and separated into these three components. The isolated collagen seemed virtually identical to authentic calf skin collagen, while each procollagen fraction closely resembled the equivalent fraction in the medium, except for the relative lack of the 150,000 molecular weight polypeptide component. This result suggests that the procollagen fractions in the culture medium are partially processed before forming extracellular fibrils in the cell layer.
Age dependence of NMDA receptor involvement in epileptiform activity in rat hippocampal slices

Abstract The pattern of epileptiform activity recorded from a number of in vitro seizure models is age dependent: ictal discharges are observed in immature brain slices while interictal bursts are seen in adult brain slices. This study evaluated the involvement of the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the age-dependency of epileptiform activity recorded in area CA1 of hippocampal slices in Mg 2+ -free medium. Incubation in Mg 2+ -free medium induced ictal activity in 84% of hippocampal slices from immature rats (postnatal 10–15 days). In contrast, adult slices responded with interictal bursting, while ictal activity was rare (9%). Bath application of the NMDA receptor antagonist d,l -2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (DL-APV, 20 μM) converted ictal activity to interictal activity in the hippocampal slices from immature rats. In adult slices, bath application of NMDA (10–20 μM) in Mg 2+ -free medium induced ictal-like discharges. Perfusion with NMDA (20 μM) in a medium containing 1.5 mM Mg 2+ induced ictal activity in immature slices while it evoked only interictal bursts in adult slices. These results suggest that differences in NMDA receptor function may be involved in the age-dependency of epileptiform activity induced by Mg 2+ -free medium. Enhanced NMDA receptor-mediated activity may partially underlie increased seizure susceptibility in the immature brain.
Blunt pulmonary contusion: admission computed tomography scan predicts mechanical ventilation.

Background:Blunt pulmonary contusion (BPC) evolves over 12 to 24 hours, and the initial plain radiographs fail to reliably identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration. Admission computed tomography (CT) may offer accurate characterization of BPC and early prediction of the need for mechanica
Gangrene of the foot following intramuscular injection in the lateral thigh: A case report with recommendations for prevention

Summary A case of peripheral gangrene of the leg following an intramuscular penicillin injection into the midlateral thigh of an infant is reported. Although this site has proved superior for intramuscular injections in infants and young children, there are potential dangers. An analysis of this case suggests that, for pediatric practice, the 1 1/2 inch, 20 gauge needle usually provided in standard injection sets be replaced by a 1 inch needle. Care must also be taken to limit the injection site to the upper outer quadrant of the thigh, and the needle should be inserted obliquely to avoid any major nerves or vessels.
Incorporation of chemical reactions into UV photochemical ablation of coarse-grained material

A coarse-grained representation of material can significantly speed up molecular dynamics simulations. The difficulty arises when the simulations need to include chemical reactions. We have developed a methodology for including the effects of chemical reactions in coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, namely the Coarse-Grained Chemical Reactions Model (CGCRM). The model adopts physically and experimentally based parameters of a specific material, such as photochemical passways, the probabilities, and the exothermicities of chemical reactions. We have applied this approach to elucidate the effects of photochemical reactions on laser ablation of organic and polymeric materials. We find that the model provides a plausible description of the essential processes.
Photogenic partial seizures

Summary: Purpose: To establish the incidence and symptoms of partial seizures in a cohort of patients investigated on account of known sensitivity to intermittent photic stimulation and/or precipitation of seizures by environmental visual stimuli such as television (TV) screens or computer monitors. Methods: We report 43 consecutive patients with epilepsy, who had exhibited a significant EEG photoparoxysmal response or who had seizures precipitated by environmental visual stimuli and underwent detailed assessment of their photosensitivity in the EEG laboratory, during which all were questioned concerning their ictal symptoms. Results: All patients were considered on clinical grounds to have an idiopathic epilepsy syndrome. Twenty-eight (65%) patients reported visually precipitated attacks occurring initially with maintained consciousness, in some instances evolving to a period of confusion or to a secondarily generalized seizure. Visual symptoms were most commonly reported and included positive symptoms such as coloured circles or spots, but also blindness and subjective symptoms such as “eyes going funny”Other symptoms described included nonspecific cephalic sensations, deja-vu, auditory hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting. No patient reported any clear spontaneous partial seizures, and there were no grounds for supposing that any had partial epilepsy excepting the ictal phenomenology of some or all of the visually induced attacks. Conclusions: These findings provide clinical support for the physiological studies that indicate that the trigger mechanism for human photosensitivity involves binocularly innervated cells located in the visual cortex. Thus the visual cortex is the seat of the primary epileptogenic process, and the photically triggered discharges and seizures may be regarded as partial with secondary generalization.
Research on the power utilization strategy of smart power community integrated with micro-grid system

This paper presents the key technology used in smart power community with an introduction into the background, concept and characteristics of smart power community. The modeling and simulation of micro-grid system are conducted to identify the proper control strategy to reach its ideal state. Then the load of smart power community is classified and efficient power utilization strategy is proposed.
Reflectance and optical constants of evaporated osmium in the vacuum ultraviolet from 300 to 2000 A.

The reflectance and optical constants of evaporated osmium films were measured in the wavelength region from 300 to 2000 A. The films were evaporated by electron bombardment in an ion-titanium-pumped vacuum system and deposited at a rate of about 50 A/s onto glass and super-polished quartz substrates that were at 40 and 300 °C. The optical constants were determined from reflectance measurements made at several angles of incidence. Reflectance losses during extended exposure to air were rather small, indicating that oxide films formed at room temperature are very thin. Films made on substrates at 300 °C had only slightly higher reflectances than those made at 40 °C. Owing to interference effects, semitransparent films 150–250 A thick on glass or quartz substrates showed higher reflectances than opaque films, throughout most of the vacuum-ultraviolet region. Osmium films prepared under optimum conditions had a reflectance of 34% at 584 A. The fact that high reflectance can be obtained with films deposited onto unheated substrates makes osmium a very useful coating material for replica gratings, which cannot be heated.
Adsorption and Photodegradation of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate Vapor at TiO2 Surfaces

The adsorption and degradation of the nerve agent simulant dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) over UV-irradiated TiO2 powders and thin films has been investigated. Adsorption of vapor-phase DMMP on TiO_2 powder is characterized by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Photochemically assisted oxidation of adsorbed DMMP is carried out in situ by irradiation of samples in the DRIFTS accessory, giving kinetic data and information on specific site binding of DMMP and catalyst poisoning. Gas-phase intermediates from a static vapor phase reaction are identified by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analysis, and surface-bound intermediates and products are analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry, and ion chromatography of both aqueous and organic extractions from the TiO_2. Adsorbed DMMP is photodegraded in a stepwise fashion to give methylphosphonic acid, PO_4^(3-), H_2O, and CO_2 as products. A proposed reaction pathway is consistent with a rapid degradation of DMMP but with extensive poisoning of the catalyst by surface-bound phosphonate products.
Photolytic cyclopentadienyl ligand exchange in selected systems

Abstract Cyclopentadienyl ligands have been exchanged between molecules of metallocene dichlorides (M = V and Hf) in benzene by photochemical processes. The exchange of cyclopentadienyl ligands between molecules of vanadocene monochloride (or vanadocene) occurs by both thermal and photochemical processes.
Benzyloxycarbonylarginine nitrophenyl ester salts: 1-hydroxybenzotriazole catalyzed acylations of amines.

Benzyloxycarbonylarginine p-nitrophenyl ester has been prepared by the p-nitrophenyltrifluoroacetate method. The p-nitrophenyl ester derivative was isolated as its crystalline picrate and nitrate salts. The ester salts couple with amino compounds in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, but decompose without acylation of amines in the absence of the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole catalyst. Benzyloxycarbonylarginine p-nitrophenyl ester and other activated esters of N-α-substituted arginine salts may be useful reagents for introduction of trypsin-labile protecting groups into peptide fragments for purpose of polypeptide semi-synthesis. At the same time, side reactions of such carboxyl-activated arginine derivatives may serve as models for side reactions in the couplings of peptide fragments with arginine residues in the carboxyl-terminal position. Peptide fragment couplings of this type may frequently be encountered in semi-synthesis of polypeptides from tryptic fragments.
Partially saturated referents as a source of complexity in semantic interpretation

A significant factor in the complexity of the compressed, complex prose style used by journalists in short, targeted commercial reports (Who's News, joint ventures, earnings reports, etc.) is the fact that many of the phrases are semantically incomplete, i.e. their interpretation is dependent on information in other parts of the sentence or the in discourse context. We propose that the complexity that such partially saturated referents contribute to the overall process of semantic interpretation can be characterized by two factors we will call displacement and unpacking. This complexity source can be quantified by counting the distance, in nodes, between each phrase that has a locally incomplete interpretation and the phrase(s) that supply the terms that complete them.In this paper we wil define this phenomenon and illustrate its impact on interpretation by examining short texts excepted from the Tipster corpus and other online sources.
Positive correlation between PEDF expression levels and macrophage density in the human prostate

BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated the capacity of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) to modulate the recruitment and the differentiation of monocytes/macrophages both in vitro and in human prostate. METHODS Using Boyden chambers, we assessed PEDF effect on the migration of monocytes and chemically activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Normal, prostatitis, and prostate cancer specimens were retrospectively selected and examined by immunohistochemistry for PEDF expression and infiltration of immune CD68 + macrophagic cells. PEDF expression and macrophage density were then correlated with each other and clinicopathological parameters. M1 and M2 differentiation markers were quantified by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. RESULTS In chemotaxis, PEDF induced the migration of monocytes/macrophages. In immunohistochemistry, macrophages were markedly increased in prostatitis and malignant compared to normal tissues. PEDF was expressed at variable levels in the stroma and epithelium. PEDF mRNA was down-regulated in both prostate cancer and prostatitis compared to normal tissues. In correlation studies, macrophage density and PEDF expression were respectively positively and negatively associated with prostate size. Most importantly, PEDF expression positively correlated with macrophage density. Finally, PEDF stimulated the expression of iNOS, IL12, and TNFα; and inhibited IL10 and arginase 1 in mouse and human macrophages confirming a M1-type differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that PEDF acts directly on monocytes/macrophages by inducing their migration and differentiation into M1-type cells. These findings suggest a possible role of macrophages in PEDF anti-tumor properties and may support further development of PEDF-based anti-cancer therapy. Prostate 73: 549–561, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intracellular pH (pH in) and cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+] cyt) regulation via ATPases: Studies in cell populations, single cells and subcellular compartments

Changes in pHin and (Ca2+)cyt are important in the signal transduction mechanisms leading to many physiological responses including cell growth, motility, secretion/exocytosis, etc. The concentrations of these ions are regulated via primary and secondary ion transporting mechanisms. In diabetes, specific pH and Ca2+ regulatory mechanism might be altered. To study these ions, we employ fluorescence spectroscopy, and cell imagin spectroscopy/confocal microscopy. pH and Ca2+ indicators are loaded in the cytosol with acetoxymethyl ester forms of dyes, and in endosomal/lysosomal (E/L) compartments by overnight incubation of cells with dextran- conjugated ion fluorescent probes. We focus on specific pH and Ca2+ regulatory systems: plasmalemmal vacuolar- type H+-ATPases (pm V-ATPases) and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases (SERCA). As experimental models, we employ vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and microvascular endothelial cells. We have chosen these cells because they are important in blood flow regulation and in angiogenesis. These processes are altered in diabetes. In many cell types, ion transport processes are dependent on metabolism of glucose for maximal activity. Our main findings are: (a) glycolysis coupling the activity of SERCA is required for cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis in both VSM and microvascular endothelial cells; (b) E/L compartments are important for pH and Ca2+ regulation via H+-ATPases and SERCA, respectively; and (c) pm-V- ATPases are important for pHin regulation in microvascular endothelial cells.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Noise Measurements During Take‐Off and Climbout Operations of Jet Transports

Data were obtained under closely controlled conditions for both simulated and actual climbouts with the objective of correlating the operation of the aircraft with the measured noise. Two‐, three‐ and four‐engine commercial jet aircraft having turbojet and turbofan engines were included in the program. Good correlation was found between the ground noise measurements and such factors as flight profile, engine power, flap setting and aircraft speed. Parametric charts are included to illustrate the relative significance of the above variables and are shown to be useful for ground noise predictions.
Second-Line Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Although standard of care for treatment of pancreatic cancer is established in the first line setting, there is limited data to support standard for second line chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. This is starting to change, as new studies have shown positive effect on overall survival in the second line setting. At the recent ASCO Annual Meeting 2014, several new second-line chemotherapy regimens were presented, including ruxolitinib with capecitabine, oxaliplatin with 5-FU/leucovorin, metformin plus paclitaxel and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel. These abstracts provide exciting new directions for the second line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer that has been refractory to both gemcitabine-based regimens as well as non-gemcitabine based regimens. Image: Schematic representation of the mechanism of action of the Janus kinase inhibitors.
Artificial neural networks applied to ratio analysis in the analytical review process

Experts claim that artificial neural network ANN technology can outperform standard statistical methods when applied to examine actual financial data. Researchers have used ANNs to analyze bankruptcy prediction, bond rating and the going-concern problem. Financial firms have employed ANNs commercially to predict commercial bank failures, detect credit card fraud and verify signatures. For accounting and auditing problems, however, application of ANN technology has been limited. Preliminary experiments tested whether an ANN offered improved performance in recognizing material misstatements during the analytical review process of auditing. Four years of audited financial data from a medium-sized distributor were input as data streams to calibrate the ANN across fifteen financial accounts. Researchers compared a presumed lack of actual errors and certain seeded material errors with signals from the ANN analytical review process to evaluate performance. Results were compared to analyses where financial ratios and regression methods were employed as analytical review techniques. Results tentatively suggest that the ANN method recognized patterns within financial accounts more effectively than did financial ratio and regression methods. ANNs applied as a forecasting tool seem useful for identifying patterns that can indicate potential investigations of a firm's unaudited financial data in the current year.
Mother-daughter communication and human papillomavirus vaccine uptake by college students.

OBJECTIVES: Although a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been available for more than 3 years, little research has documented the uptake and predictors of vaccination among older adolescents and young adult women. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of HPV vaccination among college women across time and to explore the effect of mother-daughter communication on vaccination. METHODS: During the period of fall 2007 through fall 2009, a convenience sample of 972 female undergraduate students (aged 18–25) at a large Midwestern state university (89% white) completed a paper-and-pencil or online anonymous questionnaire that assessed their sexual-risk behavior, knowledge of HPV, perceptions of HPV risk, communication from their mothers about sex-related topics (including HPV), and their current vaccination status. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent of the women reported being sexually active, and 49% reported having received at least the first of the 3-shot vaccine series. The mother9s approval of HPV vaccination, mother-daughter communication about sex, and daughter9s perceptions of vulnerability to HPV were positively associated with vaccination status. Among the women who had not received any of the HPV shots, the mother9s approval of HPV vaccination, perceived vulnerability to HPV, and risky sexual behavior were predictive of interest in receiving the vaccine. Mother-daughter communication about values related to sex was negatively associated with interest. CONCLUSIONS: Although many of these young women were old enough to receive the vaccine without their parents9 consent, perception of their mother9s approval and mother-daughter communication about sex were important predictors of vaccination.
Turbulent kinetic energy and coherent structures in a tidal river

[1] We investigate the relationship between turbulence statistics and coherent structures (CS) in an unstratified reach of the Snohomish River estuary using in situ velocity measurements and surface infrared (IR) imaging. Sequential IR images are used to estimate surface flow characteristics via a particle-image-velocimetry (PIV) technique, and are conditionally sampled to delineate the surface statistics of bottom-generated CS, or boils. In the water column, we find that turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) production exceeds dissipation near the bed but is less than dissipation in the midwater column and that TKE flux divergence closes a significant portion of the measured imbalance. The surface boundary leads to divergence in upwelling CS, and leads to the redistribution of vertical TKE to the horizontal. Very near the surface, statistical anisotropy is observed at length scales larger than the depth H (3–5 m), while boil-scale motions of O(1)m are nearly isotropic and exhibit a −5/3 turbulent cascade to smaller scales. Conditional sampling suggests that TKE dissipation in boils is approximately 2 times greater on average than dissipation in ambient flow. Similarly, surface boils are marked by significantly greater velocity variance, upwelling, divergence, and TKE flux divergence than ambient flow regions. Coherent structures and their surface manifestation, therefore, play an important role in the vertical transport of TKE and the water column distribution of dissipation, and are an important component of the TKE budget.
Structural Basis for Substrate Recognition in The Salicylic Acid Carboxyl Methyltransferase Family

Recently, a novel family of methyltransferases was identified in plants. Some members of this newly discovered and recently characterized methyltransferase family catalyze the formation of small-molecule methyl esters using S-adenosyl-L-Met (SAM) as a methyl donor and carboxylic acid-bearing substrates as methyl acceptors. These enzymes include SAMT (SAM:salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase), BAMT (SAM:benzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase), and JMT (SAM:jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferase). Moreover, other members of this family of plant methyltransferases have been found to catalyze the N-methylation of caffeine precursors. The 3.0-A crystal structure of Clarkia breweri SAMT in complex with the substrate salicylic acid and the demethylated product S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine reveals a protein structure that possesses a helical active site capping domain and a unique dimerization interface. In addition, the chemical determinants responsible for the selection of salicylic acid demonstrate the structural basis for facile variations of substrate selectivity among functionally characterized plant carboxyl-directed and nitrogen-directed methyltransferases and a growing set of related proteins that have yet to be examined biochemically. Using the three-dimensional structure of SAMT as a guide, we examined the substrate specificity of SAMT by site-directed mutagenesis and activity assays against 12 carboxyl-containing small molecules. Moreover, the utility of structural information for the functional characterization of this large family of plant methyltransferases was demonstrated by the discovery of an Arabidopsis methyltransferase that is specific for the carboxyl-bearing phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid.
The role of models in ecological risk assessment: A 1990's perspective

Previously published reviews of mathematical models available for ecological risk assessment have emphasized population and ecosystem modeling approaches originally developed 20 years ago or more. Discussions of applications have focused on quantifying ecological effects of toxic chemicals and pesticides. This review emphasizes (a) modeling approaches developed within the last decade; (b) applications to a broad array of environmental problems on local, regional, and global scales; and (c) the relevance of different types of models to different components of the risk assessment process.
Lovastatin Has Significant Activity against Zygomycetes and Interacts Synergistically with Voriconazole

Zygomycetes are emerging opportunistic molds resistant to most conventional antifungals. We evaluated the in vitro activity of lovastatin (LOV), a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, against seven clinical isolates of Zygomycetes by using standard microdilution methods in three different media, disk diffusion testing, and viability dye staining. To further study the in vivo efficacy of LOV against zygomycetes, we developed a Drosophila melanogaster model of zygomycosis. In different experiments, groups of Toll-deficient (Tl) flies fed LOV-containing food were subsequently injected with two representative Zygomycetes isolates (Mucor and Rhizopus spp.). Finally, we examined the effects of LOV on voriconazole (VRC) activity against zygomycetes in vitro by checkerboard dilution, Epsilometer test-based methods, and bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol staining and in vivo in Tl flies fed food containing LOV plus VRC and infected with zygomycetes. LOV exhibited significant, medium, and strain-independent fungicidal activity against all Zygomycetes isolates in vitro by all testing methods (MIC50, 48.0 microg/ml; 50% minimal fungicidal concentration, 56.0 microg/ml; 50% effective concentration, 29.4 microg/ml [6.6 to 38.9 microg/ml]). Tl flies fed LOV-containing food and infected with Mucor had a significantly better 6-day survival rate than did infected Tl flies fed regular food (P = 0.0005). LOV displayed in vitro synergy with VRC against all Zygomycetes isolates (fractional inhibitory concentration index, 0.104 to 0.290) by all methods used. LOV also displayed synergy with VRC in the Drosophila model of zygomycosis (P < 0.01). LOV is significantly active against zygomycetes and synergizes with triazoles inherently resistant to them, such as VRC. The clinical significance of these findings needs to be further explored.
Logarithmic Store-Carry-Forward Routing in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Two schools of thought exist in terms of handling mobility in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). One is the traditional connection-based model, which views node mobility as undesirable and tries to either remove (through recovery schemes) or mask (through tolerant schemes) the effect of mobility. The other is the mobility-assisted model, which considers mobility as a desirable feature, where routing is based on the store-carry-forward paradigm with random or controlled movement of mobile nodes (called ferries). It is well known that mobility increases the capacity of MANETs by reducing the number of relays in routing. Surprisingly, only two models, diameter hop count in the connection-based model and constant hop count in the mobility-assisted model, which correspond to two extremes of the spectrum, have been systematically studied. In this paper, we propose a new routing model that deals with message routing, as well as trajectory planning, of the ferries that carry the message. A logarithmic number of relays are enforced to achieve a good balance among several contradictory goals, including increasing network capacity, increasing ferry sharing, and reducing moving distance. The model considers the dynamic control of ferries in terms of the number of ferries, trajectory planning of ferries, and node communication and synchronization. The effectiveness of the proposed model is evaluated analytically, as well as through simulation
The Battle of the Sexes: Women Win Out in Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background Women have been shown to have worse outcomes compared with men after cardiac surgery, but fare better after traumatic injury. No study considers the impact of gender on outcomes after major gastrointestinal surgery. We hypothesize that the physiologic insults of a major abdominal operation are similar to an injury model; therefore, women will have improved outcomes. Material and Methods We performed a retrospective review of the NIS database from 1998 to 2007. Patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery were identified by ICD-9 procedure codes: esophageal (42.4), gastric (43.5-43.9), small intestine (45.6), large intestine (45.7–45.8 and 17.3), rectal (48.4–48.6), hepatic (50.2–50.3), biliary (51.3 and 51.6), and pancreatic (52.5–52.7). Exclusion criteria included age over 60 y and under 18 y, multiple operations, and a sexual developmental disorder (25.52, 75.27, and 25.9). The primary outcome measure was in-hospital death. Results A total of 307,124 patients were identified, of whom 50.3% were women. Overall, there were 6574 (2.14%) deaths; 2.45% of men and 1.84% of women died (P Fig. 1 ). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that women may have improved outcomes after some types of major gastrointestinal surgery; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. Future studies are needed to further evaluate this interesting phenomenon.