cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contraindications for superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound: do sources agree?

Abstract Batavia M. Contraindications for superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound: do sources agree? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1006-12. Objectives To determine the amount of agreement among general rehabilitation sources for both superficial heating and therapeutic ultrasound contraindications. Data sources English-language textbook and peer-reviewed journal sources, from January 1992 to July 2002. Searches of computerized databases (HealthSTAR, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase) as well as Library of Congress Online Catalogs, Books in Print, and AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Venders. Data selection Sources were excluded if they (1) were published before 1992, (2) failed to address general rehabilitation audiences, or (3) were identified as a researcher's related publication with similar information on the topic. Data extraction Type and number of contraindications, type of audience, year of publication, number of references, rationales, and alternative treatment strategies. Data synthesis Eighteen superficial heat and 20 ultrasound sources identified anywhere from 5 to 22 and 9 to 36 contraindications/precautions, respectively. Agreement among sources was generally high but ranged from 11% to 95%, with lower agreement noted for pregnancy, metal implants, edema, skin integrity, and cognitive/communicative concerns. Seventy-two percent of superficial heat sources and 25% of ultrasound sources failed to reference at least 1 contraindication claim. Conclusions Agreement among contraindication sources was generally good for both superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound. Sources varied with regard to the number of contraindications, references, and rationales cited. Greater reliance on objective data and standardized classification systems may serve to develop more uniform guidelines for superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound.
Mitigation of laser damage on National Ignition Facility optics in volume production

The National Ignition Facility has recently achieved the milestone of delivering over 1.8 MJ and 500 TW of 351 nm laser energy and power on target, which required average fluences up to 9 J/cm2 (3 ns equivalent) in the final optics system. Commercial fused silica laser-grade UV optics typically have a maximum operating threshold of 5 J/cm2. We have developed an optics recycling process which enables NIF to operate above the laser damage initiation and growth thresholds. We previously reported a method to mitigate laser damage with laser ablation of the damage site to leave benign cone shaped pits. We have since developed a production facility with four mitigation systems capable of performing the mitigation protocols on full-sized (430 mm) optics in volume production. We have successfully repaired over 700 NIF optics (unique serial numbers), some of which have been recycled as many as 11 times. We describe the mitigation systems, the optics recycle loop process, and optics recycle production data.
Structure and properties of ion-nitrided stainless steels

The structure and properties of ion-nitrided layers on several stainless steels, 410 martensitic stainless steel, 430 ferritic stainless steel and 321 austenitic stainless steel, has been studied under varying process conditions with microhardness-depth correlations, optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The process variables studied include time (2 to 10 h) and temperature (400 to 600° C). The highest case depth values and hardness levels were observed in martensitic stainless steels. The lowest case depths were observed in austenitic stainless steel. In general, the behaviour of matensitic and ferritic stainless steels were similar. All three steels showed increasing case depths and decreasing surface hardnesses with increasing ion-nitriding temperatures and times. Nitriding depth was found to be parabolic with ion nitriding time in all three steels at all ion-nitriding temperatures investigated, the nitriding reaction being faster in martensitic stainless steel than the others. Electron microscopy showed that almost no structural difference arises in the core of ferritic and austenitic stainless steels whereas recrystallization of the martensitic structure was observed in the core of martensitic steel following ion nitriding. Electron microscopy results also showed that ion nitriding produces platelets or disc-shaped precipitates on {001} matrix planes, coherent with the matrix. These platelets showed a striated morphology which is thought to be the result of the elastic strain in the matrix.
Conflict in an Israeli Collective Community A Case Study

This article deals with social conflict in a moshav (an Israeli collective community) settled mainly by American immigrants. A model of the causes of social conflict is used to analyze the dynamics of the case. An underlying schism among the members of the community, reflecting differential identification with American and Israeli values, was exacerbated by dissonant structural conditions. Two Israeli organizations responsible for helping new collective communities intervened and favored one of the factions in the conflict. Their bias neutralized the possibility of a conciliating role either by the members unaffiliated with the conflicting factions or by a private social agency which tried to mediate the conflict. The author was involved as a consultant in the attempted mediation.
Toward a Systematic Approach to Program Evaluation Design

The evaluation of programs in the public sector has been problematic and often invalid, primarily due to the fact that the evaluation plans or designs are lacking. The broad field of program evaluation is reviewed along with attempts to synthesize and systematize the steps necessary to develop valid and comprehensive evaluation designs. First, a design framework is identified which links program characteristics to design elements through an expanded set of threats to validity. Second, the various design elements are grouped into five systematically convenient components, including test hypotheses, selection scheme, measures framework, measurement methods, and analytic techniques. Third, it is proposed that the different types of evaluation can be contained in an evaluation taxonomy composed of eight measures-related classifications. Finally, the paper should be regarded as only an initial step toward a systematic approach to program evaluation design; a basis for further discussion is provided.
Drop test and analysis on micro-machined structures

Drop testing of micro-machined accelerometers (experimental samples) from the height of a table top shows that a moderate impact can result in large percentage of device malfunctions (as much as 50%) which render the devices unusable. This paper is a first attempt at providing a detailed analysis of the consequences of dropping a micro-machined transducer structure to a solid surface. The theoretical analysis is composed of two parts; first, a micro-machined structure is treated as a single degree of freedom oscillator consisting of a mass, a spring and a dashpot, whose motion is governed by an ordinary differential equation. Then the flexibility of the micro-machined structure is examined by solving a governing partial differential equation. It was found that for a nominal micro-machined transducer structure, the drop induced proof-mass travel and the deflection of the structure itself can be as large as 20% of its lateral dimension depending on the structural rigidity. The drop induced acceleration or deceleration depends on drop height as well as structural properties such as mass, spring constant, flexural rigidity, and geometrical dimensions. It is shown that a table-top drop can generate decelerations ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of g's.
Cost‐ and Schedule‐Control Integration: Issues and Needs

Cost control and schedule control are two of the most important management functions in the construction industry. Major research efforts are focused on developing procedures for improving the effectiveness of cost and schedule control. As a result, researchers are concerned with the quality, integrity, and timeliness of data that flow through such control systems. A number of data models have been proposed to integrate cost‐ and schedule‐control functions, because such integration is viewed as the, solution to the many problems facing construction projects today. This paper provides an overview of cost‐ and schedule‐control functions, defines the desired control cycle, and discusses the problems and needs of cost‐ and schedule‐control functions. A number of integrated cost‐ and schedule‐control data models, which represent the state of construction research in this area, are discussed. The work‐packaging model is briefly described and is suggested as the most likely existing model to achieve the desired ...
Deficit Irrigation of Alfalfa for Water-Savings in the Great Plains and Intermountain West: A Review and Analysis of the Literature

Diversions of water from irrigated agriculture are occurring in the western United States to address increasing municipal and industrial demands. Deficit irrigation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) could be a source of water without complete dry-up of irrigated fields. Water saving potential from alfalfa is high because it is a high water-use crop produced on 12% of the irrigated land in the United States. The objectives of this paper are to review alfalfa plant-water relations in the Great Plains and Inter-mountain West, to understand potential water savings through deficit irrigation, and to indentify management practices that maximize water-use efficiency (WUE). Alfalfa biomass yield exhibits a linear relationship to evapotranspiration (ET) with the slope of a regionally aggregated water production function of 0.16 Mg ha -1 cm -1 . Relative ET declines 30% faster than relative biomass yield under deficit irrigation or dryland management. Because early season harvests have greater WUE, combining full irrigation in spring with no irrigation during less efficient water-use growth periods may be more effective in saving water than season-long deficit irrigation. Management practices that can influence WUE under deficit irrigation include stand age, growth stage at harvest, and alfalfa variety. A potential complication with controlled deficit irrigation of alfalfa is an uncertain contribution to ET from a water table. As alfalfa roots develop over time, a significant percentage of total ET can come from water tables shallower than 200 cm and the percentage increases as availability of water from precipitation or irrigation declines.
Cloned and expressed fungal phyA gene in alfalfa produces a stable phytase.

The phyA gene from Aspergillus ficuum that codes for a 441-amino-acid full-length phosphomonoesterase (phytase) was cloned and expressed in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) leaves. The expressed enzyme from alfalfa leaves was purified to homogeneity and biochemically characterized, and its catalytic properties were elucidated. The expressed phytase in alfalfa leaves retained all the biochemical properties of the benchmark A. ficuum phytase. Although the characteristic bi-hump pH optima were retained in the cloned phytase, the optimal pH shifted downward from 5.5 to 5.0. Also, the recombinant phytase was inhibited by the pseudo-substrate myo-inositol hexasulfate and also by antibody raised against a 20-mer peptide belonging to fungal phytase. The expressed phytase in alfalfa could also be modified by phenylglyoxal. Taken together, the results indicate that fungal phytase when cloned and expressed in alfalfa leaves produces stable and catalytically active phytase while retaining all the properties of the benchmark phytase. This affirms our view that "molecular biofarming" could be an alternative means of producing stable hydrolytic enzymes such as phytase.
Surveillance of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the United States, 1981–1983

Surveillance of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in the United States has revealed a stable incidence of the disease from 1981 to 1983, with a median of 0.48 cases/100,000 population per year (range, 0.42-0.52). During this three-year period an increase in both the number and the percentage of total cases reported from the West South Central states was observed when compared with previous three-year periods. An expanded case report form, which was introduced in 1981 for use by state health departments, was received for 2,850 (87%) of the 3,294 cases reported in 1981-1983. Of these 2850 cases, 1375 (48%) were laboratory confirmed. Death from RMSF was more common in persons greater than or equal to 30 years of age (case-fatality ratio of 8.4%) than in persons less than 30 years (2.2%, P less than .001). Fatality was also associated with failure to obtain a history of a tick bite within 14 days before onset of illness (P less than .05) and with lack of treatment with tetracycline or chloramphenicol (P less than .01).
Thermoelectric Power of Germanium below Room Temperature

The thermoelectric power of germanium single crystals has been measured in the temperature range 10 to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. $N$-type samples of various impurity content have been investigated. Results show that the thermoelectric power $Q$ decreases with increasing concentration of carriers. A few values of the heat conductivity are also reported.The conventional theory predicts a relation between the thermal emf and the Hall coefficient. The temperature dependence of the thermoelectric power is in good agreement with this relation at temperatures higher than 200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Below this temperature $Q$ rises sharply above the value given by this expression, reaches a maximum of several millivolts per degree near 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and decreases again at lower temperatures.Large deviations may be expected at low temperatures due to the disturbance of the phonon equilibrium. The phonon current has a strong influence on the interaction with electrons and may lead to a maximum in the thermoelectric power at low temperatures. The contribution due to the non-equilibrium of the lattice is proportional to the ratio of phonon and electron mean free path. The former is related to the thermal conductivity while the latter can be derived from electrical data.
Synchrotron Based Measurements Of The Soft X-Rayperformance Of Thin Film Multilayer Structures

There is a great interest in the application of thin film multilayer structures for xA¢â‚¬â€?ray optical elements. We have developed aparatus and techniques to measure the reflectivity of multilayer structures on flat substrates a function of energy at angles from grazing to near normal incidence using a synchrotron. We will present descriptions of our measurement techniques and aparatus along with a comparison between theoretical calculations and experimental data.
Jump In! An Investigation of School Physical Activity Climate, and a Pilot Study Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility of a Novel Tool to Increase Activity during Learning.

Physical activity (PA) benefits children’s physical and mental health and enhances academic performance. However, in many nations, PA time in school is decreasing under competing pressures for time during the school day. The present paper argues that PA should not be reduced or seen as incompatible with academic learning. Instead, the authors contend that it is critical to develop tools that incorporate PA into content learning during the school day. To facilitate the development of such tools, the authors conducted six focus group discussions with 12 primary school teachers and administrators to better understand the school climate around PA as well as school readiness to embrace PA tools that can be used during academic content learning. In addition, a pilot test of a new health promotion tool, the Jump In! educational response mat, was conducted with 21 second-grade students from one classroom in Northern Colorado in 2013. The results of both studies demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of incorporating PA into classroom learning, and suggested that tools like Jump In! may be effective at overcoming many of the PA barriers at schools. Teachers and administrators valued PA, believed that students were not getting enough PA, and were receptive to the idea of incorporating PA into classroom learning. Students who used Jump In! mats during a math lesson reported more interest in the class material and rated themselves as more alert during the lesson, compared to students who did not use the response mats. In addition, incorporating PA into the lesson did not impair performance on a quiz that assessed learning of the math content. Jump In! mats were successfully integrated into the lesson plan and were well-received by teachers and students. Together, the results of these studies suggest that, given the right tools, incorporating more PA into classroom learning may be beneficial and well-received by students, teachers, and administrators.
Strategic Leadership: Concepts, Skills, Style and Process

Based on personal observations of several thousand managers, in both business and simulated business settings, four elements are identified that are frequently associated with leadership effectiveness. These elements are: (1) consistently and routinely applying a small number of key concepts, (2) developing skill at thinking and acting strategically, (3) taking advantage of knowing one′s personal style and its impact on others, (4) understanding the non‐linear and iterative nature of strategic management processes. These four elements ‐concepts, skills, personal style, and process – had the most impact on the organisations run by the managers in our study when the elements had been developed in proportion to each other. Too strong a focus on an element, or a noticeable lack of ability with respect to an element, was counterproductive.
Blocking the immune response in ischemic acute kidney injury: the role of adenosine 2A agonists

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality and its incidence is increasing. These factors, together with a lack of successful clinical trials, necessitate a comprehensive evaluation of the pathogenesis of AKI and trial design. The progress that has been made in elucidating the pathogenesis of AKI has defined inflammation as an early event and therefore a potential target for therapeutic intervention. This Review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the role of inflammation in AKI as well as our approach to limiting inflammation using compounds that stimulate adenosine 2A receptors (A(2A)Rs). A(2A)Rs are members of a family of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that have become a focus of interest primarily because of their ability to broadly inactivate the inflammatory cascade. An A(2A) agonist-ATL146 ester (ATL146e)-is currently being tested in a phase III clinical trial as a pharmacological stress agent in cardiac perfusion imaging studies. This study, together with extensively published preclinical data, will facilitate testing of ATL146e in human trials of AKI.
Thermally excited inchworm actuators and stepwise micromotors: analysis and fabrication

Thermal actuation using a bimorph structure has been combined with electrostatic actuation in cantilever devices. An analytical model was given for thermal actuation, where temperature dependent internal stress in both layers was included in 1D beam equations. The results were compared with the test results and numerical simulation results and showed good agrement. A novel micromotor was designed and fabricated to demonstrate one possible application. The force created by the bimorph actuator is in micro Newton range, and transient thermal power less than 50mW is enough to turn rotors with a diameter of 250 micrometers . Potential applications of the micromotor are accurate positioning of active and passive devices including lasers and micromirrors, and light modulation as an optical shutter.
Relevance of the Surgical Care Improvement Project on glycemic control in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who receive continuous insulin infusions

Objective The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) has benchmarked 6:00 am blood glucose levels of less than 200 mg/dL on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2 as quality measures of glycemic control in cardiac surgery. This study was undertaken to (1) determine the incidence of SCIP outliers in patients receiving a continuous insulin infusion (CII) targeted to maintain perioperative serum glucose levels less than 180 mg/dL after cardiac surgery, (2) identify the profile of patients who are SCIP outliers, (3) determine whether SCIP outliers have increased morbidity and mortality, and (4) identify more relevant benchmarks for glycemic control in patients having cardiac surgery. Methods Between January 1, 2008, and April 30, 2011, a total of 832 patients underwent cardiac surgery and received CII to maintain serum blood glucose levels of less than 180 mg/dL. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients compliant with SCIP and SCIP outliers. Results The incidence of SCIP outliers was 6.6% (55/832). Patients more likely to be SCIP outliers had diabetes mellitus (38, 69% vs 250, 32%; P P P = .03). However, SCIP outliers had no increase in morbidity, mortality, or hospital length of stay. Conclusions Patients undergoing cardiac surgery may still be SCIP outliers despite CII targeted to maintain serum glucose levels below 180 mg/dL; however, SCIP outliers had no increase in morbidity, mortality, or length of stay.
Clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of patients with inducible pulsus alternans.

Abstract Pulsus alternans can be found in some patients with abnormal left ventricular function and also can develop after spontaneous premature beats. The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the inducibility of pulsus alternans in a series of patients referred for routine cardiac catheterization and (2) define the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of those who develop pulsus alternans. In 104 patients referred for right and left heart catheterization, atrial premature beats and rapid atrial pacing were used to try to provoke pulsus alternans. The 29 patients who developed pulsus alternans in response to these maneuvers were older (63 ± 6 vs 59 ± 10 years, p 0.50) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (
Early eruption of deciduous and permanent teeth: a case report.

Abstract A family of three children with detailed records of eruption times and sequence is presented. Dental eruption, dental maturation, skeletal ossification age, height, and weight are compared to standards for chronologic age. Two of the children showed eruption patterns within the normal range. One child, a girl 7 years 11 months of age, displayed marked advancement of eruption of the deciduous and permanent dentitions outside the limits of normal variation. This child also displayed marked advancement in anterior vertical facial growth; she was of very short stature and on the light side in weight for her chronologic age and the skeletal age corresponding to her chronologic age. Otherwise, this child had the normal physical characteristics of a 7-year-old girl. Laboratory tests to detect hyperthyroidism proved negative. No etiologic cause for this extreme advancement in dental development was evident. Marked generalized early maturation and eruption of the dentition of this girl appears to be an idiopathic phenomenon.
Multiple roles of soluble sugars in the establishment of Gunnera-Nostoc endosymbiosis.

Gunnera plants have the unique ability to form endosymbioses with N2-fixing cyanobacteria, primarily Nostoc. Cyanobacteria enter Gunnera through transiently active mucilage-secreting glands on stems. We took advantage of the nitrogen (N)-limitation-induced gland development in Gunnera manicata to identify factors that may enable plant tissue to attract and maintain cyanobacteria colonies. Cortical cells in stems of N-stressed Gunnera plants were found to accumulate a copious amount of starch, while starch in the neighboring mature glands was nearly undetectable. Instead, mature glands accumulated millimolar concentrations of glucose (Glc) and fructose (Fru). Successful colonization by Nostoc drastically reduced sugar accumulation in the surrounding tissue. Consistent with the abundance of Glc and Fru in the gland prior to Nostoc colonization, genes encoding key enzymes for sucrose and starch hydrolysis (e.g. cell wall invertase, α-amylase, and starch phosphorylase) were expressed at higher levels in stem segments with glands than those without. In contrast, soluble sugars were barely detectable in mucilage freshly secreted from glands. Different sugars affected Nostoc’s ability to differentiate motile hormogonia in a manner consistent with their locations. Galactose and arabinose, the predominant constituents of polysaccharides in the mucilage, had little or no inhibitory effect on hormogonia differentiation. On the other hand, soluble sugars that accumulated in gland tissue, namely sucrose, Glc, and Fru, inhibited hormogonia differentiation and enhanced vegetative growth. Results from this study suggest that, in an N-limited environment, mature Gunnera stem glands may employ different soluble sugars to attract Nostoc and, once the cyanobacteria are internalized, to maintain them in the N2-fixing vegetative state.
The campus child care center as a professional development school

Abstract The collaboration between college faculty and campus child care staff to accomplish goals set forth by university-based teacher education reform groups is explored. A brief historical perspective on the function of campus child care is followed by a discussion of the agenda of one reform group—the Holmes Group. The authors propose that campus child care centers have the potential to become professional development schools for the university. A case study is presented of one center's efforts to strengthen its linkage to the university through becoming a professional development school for a college of education.
Redox controls on Ni–Fe–PGE mineralization and Re/Os fractionation during serpentinization of abyssal peridotite

Awaruite (Ni2Fe to Ni3Fe) is often used to infer fugacity and redox gradients in hydrothermally altered peridotites. However, discrepant petrological and thermodynamic data suggest that the fO2–fS2 stability field of awaruite is not well constrained. In this study, we assess the thermodynamic properties of awaruite and re-evaluate the Fe–Ni–S systematics of hydrothermally altered peridotites. New experimental data indicate that awaruite is stable at higher fO2 than previously thought, supporting the common occurrence of awaruite in the reaction zone of modern and ancient ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal vent systems. Awaruite is known to catalyze the abiogenic synthesis of methane during active serpentinization, contributing to methanogenesis at modern oceanic hydrothermal systems and potentially on early Earth. The enhanced stability field of awaruite determined here suggests that abiogenic methanogenesis may be active at a broad range of redox conditions. Serpentinized peridotites also contain platinum-group element (PGE)–Re sulfides and metal alloys that can be derived from desulfurization of primary mantle sulfides under low fS2. Thermodynamic calculations suggest that Os will exist as metal and Re as ReS2 in the redox stability field of awaruite. Under a relatively broad range of fS2–fO2 conditions, hydrothermal alteration and desulfurization of primary mantle may produce open system behavior in the Re/Os system and variable Re–PGE ratios and contribute over time to the Os isotopic heterogeneity of the mantle, through subduction and recycling of altered oceanic lithosphere. PGE-metal alloys occur at such low abundances in peridotite that they often are nearly impossible to find. The stability of awaruite at higher fO2 suggests that it can coexist with Os–Ir–Pt metal alloys, making it an important indicator mineral for their presence in hydrothermally altered peridotites.
Some interlacing properties of the Schur complement of a Hermitian matrix

Abstract For a Hermitian matrix H with nonsingular principal submatrix A, it is shown that the eigenvalues of the Moore-Penrose inverse of the Schur complement (H/A) of A in H interlace the eigenvalues of the Moore-Penrose inverse of H. Moreover, if H is semidefinite, it is shown that the eigenvalues of (H/A) interlace the eigenvalues of H.
Characteristics of the dephosphoryated form of phosphorylase purified from rat liver and measurement of its activity in crude liver preparations

The phosphorylated form of liver glycogen phosphorylase (alpha-1,4-glucan : orthophosphate alpha-glucosyl-transferase, EC 2.4.1.1) (phosphorylase a) is active and easily measured while the dephosphorylated form (phosphorylase b), in contrast to the muscle enzyme, has been reported to be essentially inactive even in the presence of AMP. We have purified both forms of phosphorylase from rat liver and studied the characteristics of each. Phosphorylase b activity can be measured with our assay conditions. The phosphorylase b we obtained was stimulated by high concentrations of sulfate, and was a substrate for muscle phosphorylase kinase whereas phosphorylase a was inhibited by sulfate, and was a substrate for liver phosphorylase phosphatase. Substrate binding to phosphorylase b was poor (KM glycogen = 2.5 mM, glucose-1-P = 250 mM) compared to phosphorylase a (KM glycogen = 1.8 mM, KM glucose-1-P = 0.7 mM). Liver phosphorylase b was active in the absence of AMP. However, AMP lowered the KM for glucose-1-P to 80 mM for purified phosphorylase b and to 60 mM for the enzyme in crude extract (Ka = 0.5 mM). Using appropriate substrate, buffer and AMP concentrations, assay conditions have been developed which allow determination of phosphorylase a and 90% of the phosphorylase b activity in liver extracts. Interconversion of the two forms can be demonstrated in vivo (under acute stimulation) and in vitro with little change in total activity. A decrease in total phosphorylase activity has been observed after prolonged starvation and in diabetes.
Persistent elevation of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels during the first month after minimally invasive colorectal resection.

Background Elevations of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been noted early after colorectal resection. The duration of this increase is unknown. Because VEGF is a potent promoter of angiogenesis, which is critical to tumor growth, a sustained increase in blood VEGF levels after surgery may stimulate the growth of residual metastases early after surgery. This preliminary study aimed to determine VEGF levels during the first month after colorectal resection.
Pathophysiological Characteristics of Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Acute and Chronic Injury Models: A Possible Contribution of KLF5 to Fibrogenic Responses

Dimethylnitrosamine administration induces a rapid increase in collagen deposition with concomitant proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in rats. Here, we investigated the pathophysiological profiles of acute and chronic hepatic fibrosis states and attempted to determine the possible role of Kruppel-like factor-5 (KLF5) in this model. In acute study using a single drug injection, we observed a rapid transient increase of ALT and mRNA levels of KLF5 followed by increases in fibrosis-related genes. Repeated administration of dimethylnitrosamine once a week caused early damage with severe fibrosis and sustained hepatocyte injury, while intermittent injections at 2-week intervals induced only modest fibrosis from 3 weeks. Weekly administration also induced profound upregulation of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin, and KLF5 mRNA. In contrast, such continued augmentation was not observed after intermittent injections; KLF5 increased only after 3 weeks. These results suggested that dimethylnitrosamine induced a rapid hepatic fibrogenic response with a possible participation of KLF5.
Nanotechnology: A platform for education change

Nanotechnology, as an enabling technology, has aspects which support multiple engineering disciplines. Nanoscale demonstrations, activities and experiments have been used to illustrate nanoscale principles as they apply to biological, electrical, material and chemical aspects of engineering topics. The emerging field of nanoscience offers state of the art applications and conceptual development appropriate for multiple levels of engineering education which may enhance learning and student retention.
Nitrogen, Energy and Vitamin Nutrition of Rhizobium japonicum

SUMMARY The energy, nitrogen and vitamin nutrition of 36 strains of Rhizobium japonicum were investigated. Most of the strains utilized gluconate, glycerol, arabinose, glucose, mannose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose and maltose. Pyruvate, succinate, ribose, ribitol, xylose, fructose and lactose were of limited use whereas acetate, propionate, lactate, malate, citrate and sucrose were uniformly inadequate as carbon or energy sources. All strains grew well with vitamin-free casein hydrolysate, and 6 could utilize ammonia as sole nitrogen source. Glutamate was utilized by 33 strains, histidine by 26, aspartate by 20 and proline by 26 strains. Other amino acids were not utilized by most strains. The organisms grew independently of any vitamins except biotin. Three of the strains were stimulated and growth of 4 was inhibited by biotin.
Ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation in patients with cancer

Objective To evaluate controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in women with cancer compared with healthy women. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic assisted reproductive technology (ART) program. Patient(s) Fifty women undergoing oocyte retrieval before cancer treatment and 50 age-matched controls. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Number of oocytes and matured oocytes retrieved, number of fertilized oocytes, days of stimulation, dose of gonadotropins. Result(s) There were no significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved (13 vs. 11.5), the number of matured oocytes retrieved (9.7 vs. 9.6), and the number of oocytes fertilized (7.4 vs. 6.8). However, the patients with cancer had a longer duration of stimulation (10.5 vs. 9.0 days) and higher total dose of gonadotropins (4,174 IU vs. 3,416 IU). Conclusion(s) In our study, reasonable ovarian response was achieved by women with cancer with increased doses of gonadotropins and a longer duration of stimulation.
Isokinetic evaluation of shoulder rotational strength in high school baseball pitchers

Isokinetic, shoulder rotational strength was evaluated in 26 high school baseball pitchers before the start of spring practice. Using the Cybex II (Cybex, Division of Lumex, Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY), test data were gathered on the dominant and nondominant shoulders in the supine 90 degrees abducted test position (90 degrees AbTP) and the standing neutral test position (neutral TP). Tests were performed at 90 and 240 deg/sec. The HUMAC (Computer Sports Medicine, Inc., Flemington, NJ) computer system was used to analyze data. Means and standard deviations for peak torque, total work, peak torque to body weight ratios, and agonist/antagonist ratios are presented. Comparison of dominant to non-dominant sides and 90 degrees AbTP to neutral TP values are reported. Peak torque and total work values for the throwing side internal rotators were significantly higher than the nonthrowing side in all tests. Pitching side external rotators failed to show this dominance. External/internal rotation ratios for peak torque and total work were significantly lower on the pitching side, suggesting a relative imbalance of cuff musculature compared to the nonpitching shoulder. Significant differences existed between data gathered in the two different test positions. In the 90 degrees AbTP, external rotation peak torque and total work values and external/internal rotation peak torque and total work ratios were higher than the equivalent values gathered in the neutral TP. Internal rotation peak torque and total work values tended to be higher in the neutral TP than in the 90 degrees AbTP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the Biochemical Nature of Triose- and Hexose- Stimulated Insulin Secretion*

The differential effects of several specific inhibitors of intermediary metabolism, mannoheptulose, 2-deoxylucose, and iodoacetate, were studied with isolated perifused pancreatic islets stimulated with glucose, mannose, glyceraldehyde, dihydroxyacetone, or alpha-ketoisocaproate. Insulin release rates and/or capacities to metabolize these caloric stimuli served as indicators of the inhibitors' actions. Mannoheptulose and 2-deoxyglucose blocked hexose-stimulated hormone release and hexose metabolism concomitantly, but left the functional and metabolic actions of trioses unaltered. Iodoacetate blocked hexose- and triose-stimulated hormone release as well as their metabolism in a parallel fashion. The action of alpha-ketoisocaproate was not affected by any of these three inhibitory agents. The data are most easily explained by a theory that incorporates metabolic signals, arising during the degradation of insulin-releasing fuel molecules, as an integral component in the process of beta-cell stimulation.
Estimation of velocities and roll-up in aircraft vortex wakes

A nonlinear model is developed which determines the swirling and axial velocities in an aircraft vortex wake, given wing lift and drag distributions. The model is shown to reduce to that given by Betz when the axial velocity is the freestream value. The nonlinear interaction of swirling and axial velocities may lead to velocity distributions which are different from those previously calculated. Qualitatively, drag reduces the axial velocity in the vortex and results in an enlarged vortex radius and, therefore, a reduction in swirl velocity. The inviscid model that predicts that significant changes in the structure of the vortex wake, brought about solely by modification of the drag distribution, may require prohibitively large drag penalties. Theoretical results compare favorably with measurements made by Orloff and Grant. A model is developed to estimate the time to roll up a two-dimensional vortex sheet. Results are presented for the cases of linear, parabolic, and elliptic wing loading.
Possible regulation of DNA methyltransferase expression by RNA processing in streptococcus pneumoniae

Abstract Atypical ribosome-binding sites lacking Shine-Dalgarno sequences appear to be used for translation of the DpnM and DpnA DNA methyltransferases of the DpnII restriction system. Preliminary results indicate that the 5′-endpoints of DpnII system mRNAs result from degradation of the original transcript. These tentative findings serve as the basis for a possible regulatory model that would accommodate the DpnII cassette either as a single copy in the chromosome or on a multicopy plasmid.
Transactivation of ErbB1 and ErbB2 receptors by angiotensin II in normal human prostate stromal cells.

BACKGROUND Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is synthesized primarily in the stromal compartment of the human prostate and may regulate stromal as well as epithelial cell growth and survival. The primary cognate HB-EGF receptor, ErbB1, has been shown recently to be transactivated by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) through regulated proteolytic cleavage of the membrane-bound, precursor form of HB-EGF. Previous studies have demonstrated that human prostate tissue, especially tissue from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), has high angiotensin converting enzyme activity, and a high density of angiotensin (Ang) receptors in periurethral stromal cells. Because the pressor peptide Ang II signals through GPCRs, we tested the possibility that Ang II could transactivate ErbB1/ErbB2 in human prostate stromal (hPS) cells. METHODS Primary and early passage hPS cells were used as an in vitro model. Cells were stimulated by recombinant HB-EGF or Ang II and total cell lysates were harvested for immunoprecipitation and Western blot. Cell growth was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation assay and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS Ang II receptors AT1 and AT2 were expressed in hPS cells. ErbB1 and ErbB2 receptors were activated by HB-EGF. Furthermore, Ang II was able to transactivate both ErbB1 and ErbB2, and this transactivation activity could be abolished by pretreatment with [Glu-52]-diphtheria toxin/CRM197, a specific inhibitor of HB-EGF bioactivity. Consistent with its transactivation activity, Ang II modestly promoted hPS cell growth and this effect was abolished by pretreatment with the ErbB1 antagonist AG1478. CONCLUSION These experiments suggest a regulatory role for Ang II in the prostate stroma and implicate the endogenous stromal growth factor HB-EGF as a mediator of Ang II signaling in the prostate. Prostate 54: 1–7, 2003. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tubulin synthesis during ciliogenesis in the mouse oviduct

Abstract We reported earlier that tubulin levels increase in the developing mouse oviduct during that period after birth when ciliogenesis is at a maximum (Staprans, I., and Dirksen, E. R. (1974) J. Cell Biol. , 62, 164). To determine the degree to which de novo synthesis and tubulin pools contribute to this increase, [ 3 H]leucine-incorporation experiments were performed in vivo and in culture. Soluble, particulate and axonemal fractions, obtained from homogenized oviducts of 3-, 5-, 8- and 12-day-old suckling mice, were electrophoresed on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels and the specific activity of the tubulin band determined. The present work shows that more than 90% of the tubulin in 3-day-old and 75% in 5-day-old mouse oviducts is synthesized de novo . From both the in vivo and in culture experiments we conclude that although tubulin pools are present in mouse oviduct, they are continuously being replenished by newly synthesized protein as there is a rapid outflow from the soluble and particulate to the axonemal fraction into structures such as basal bodies and cilia. This burst of de novo tubulin synthesis corresponds to evidence from electron microscopic autoradiography, where label is present to a greater extent over centriole precursors and basal bodies than over other cell organelles. [ 3 H]leucine incorporation into tubulin was inhibited by cycloheximide, demonstrating that we are dealing with synthesis, while colchicine below 10 −3 , M concentration had no effect on tubulin assembly into axonemes.
Psychobiologic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in humans: methodological considerations and preliminary observations

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a phenethylamine with potent effects on serotonergic neurotransmission which has been the object of controversy over its potential as a therapeutic adjunct versus its possible risks for causing neurotoxic injury. This paper discusses the background, methodology and preliminary findings of the first FDA approved Phase I study prospectively evaluating the effects of MDMA administration in humans. Six subjects with prior experience with MDMA were administered two different dosages of MDMA and an inactive placebo utilizing a randomized, double-blind methodologic design. Dosages from 0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg, p.o., were administered. All subjects tolerated the procedures without any overt evidence of physical discomfort or psychological distress. MDMA produced a modest increase in heart rate and blood pressure. The threshold dose for the stimulation of ACTH and prolactin appeared to be between 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg, with the two higher doses clearly stimulating both ACTH and prolactin. Methodology for assessing MDMA's effects on serotonergic neurotransmission is discussed.
Scattering by an imperfect right-angled wedge

A solution is obtained for the problem of a plane electromagnetic wave at skew (oblique) incidence on a right-angled wedge one of whose faces is imperfectly conducting. An exact integral expression for the total field is derived, and the geometrical optics and edge diffracted fields are obtained. These are used to produce a uniform solution in the uniform asymptotic theory (UAT) format. Plots of the edge diffracted and total fields are presented to show the effect of the impedance of the wedge face.
From Individual to Institution: On Making the World Different.

Some years ago, I watched as Steve Lydenberg, who was one of 23 individuals later profiled in The Dif? ference Makers, began to build a new institution, what is now the Initiative for Responsible Investment (IRI), initially housed in the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and now at the Harvard Kennedy School's Hauser Center. Now one of the leading figures in the social investment arena, Steve had earlier co-founded with Amy Domini and Peter Kinder the social research firm KLD Research and Analytics (acquired by RiskMetrics in the fall 2009, which itself was acquired by MSCI in early 2010), and had by that time begun working full time for Domini Social Investments as chief investment
Rerooting the evolutionary tree of malaria parasites

Malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) have plagued humans for millennia. Less well known are related parasites (Haemosporida), with diverse life cycles and dipteran vectors that infect other vertebrates. Understanding the evolution of parasite life histories, including switches between hosts and vectors, depends on knowledge of evolutionary relationships among parasite lineages. In particular, inferences concerning time of origin and trait evolution require correct placement of the root of the evolutionary tree. Phylogenetic reconstructions of the diversification of malaria parasites from DNA sequences have suffered from uncertainty concerning outgroup taxa, limited taxon sampling, and selection on genes used to assess relationships. As a result, inferred relationships among the Haemosporida have been unstable, and questions concerning evolutionary diversification and host switching remain unanswered. A recent phylogeny placed mammalian malaria parasites, as well as avian/reptilian Plasmodium, in a derived position relative to the avian parasite genera Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus, implying that the ancestral forms lacked merogony in the blood and that their vectors were non-mosquito dipterans. Bayesian, outgroup-free phylogenetic reconstruction using relaxed molecular clocks with uncorrelated rates instead suggested that mammalian and avian/reptilian Plasmodium parasites, spread by mosquito vectors, are ancestral sister taxa, from which a variety of specialized parasite lineages with modified life histories have evolved.
Rapid in-vitro plant regeneration of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A rapid, clonal propagation procedure has been developed to regenerate mature cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants from pre-existing meristems that were excised from in-vitro-grown tissues. This plant regeneration procedure was applicable to diverse cotton germplasms and required specific concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) depending on the origin of the meristems. All shoots regenerated directly without a callus phase. Screening BA concentrations (0.0–10.0 µm) demonstrated that shoot meristems (apices), secondary leaf nodes, primary leaf nodes, and cotyledonary nodes derived from in-vitro-grown 28-day-old seedlings (Paymaster HS26) varied in their ability to form elongated shoots depending on the level of BA. Indicative of a germplasm-independent procedure, a BA concentration screen (0.0, 0.3, 1.0 µm) demonstrated that explants with pre-existing meristems, excised from diverse germlines, were also able to form elongated shoots at 0.3 µm BA. In most cases, elongated shoots derived from this procedure were rooted by a two-step process: an in-vitro maturation step (Murashige and Skoog medium-activated charcoal) followed by planting into soil after basal application of Rootone. This BA plant regeneration procedure was rapid, reproducible, and highly efficient for Stoneville 7A, Paymaster HS26, and other high-fiber-yielding germlines. Regenerated plants were phenotypically normal and all of the mature plants regenerated to date have initiated flowers and set viable R1 seeds.