cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emerging Technologies in Emerging Markets: Challenges for New Product Professionals

ABSTRACTDeveloping and commercializing emerging technologies in emerging markets pose an especially difficult challenge for new product professionals. Conventional marketing tools that are typically prescribed to assist the new product manager are severely limited for this extreme form of innovation. This article presents study results and discusses which marketing tools work and which do not for this important yet vexing class of innovations.
Fibrotic disease and the T H 1/T H 2 paradigm

Tissue fibrosis (scarring) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and systemic sclerosis, target the inflammatory cascade, but they have been widely unsuccessful, largely because the mechanisms that are involved in fibrogenesis are now known to be distinct from those involved in inflammation. Several experimental models have recently been developed to dissect the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and fibrosis. It is hoped that by better understanding the immunological mechanisms that initiate, sustain and suppress the fibrotic process, we will achieve the elusive goal of targeted and effective therapeutics for fibroproliferative diseases.
Orientation dynamics of main-chain liquid crystal polymers. 1. Synthesis and characterization of the mesogen

Cristaux formes par polycondensation d'acide pimelique avec l'acetoxy-4 benzoate d'acetoxy-4 phenyle entre 180 et 285°C
Structures of netrin-1 bound to two receptors provide insight into its axon guidance mechanism

Netrins are secreted proteins that regulate axon guidance and neuronal migration. Deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) is a well-established netrin-1 receptor mediating attractive responses. We provide evidence that its close relative neogenin is also a functional netrin-1 receptor that acts with DCC to mediate guidance in vivo. We determined the structures of a functional netrin-1 region, alone and in complexes with neogenin or DCC. Netrin-1 has a rigid elongated structure containing two receptor-binding sites at opposite ends through which it brings together receptor molecules. The ligand/receptor complexes reveal two distinct architectures: a 2:2 heterotetramer and a continuous ligand/receptor assembly. The differences result from different lengths of the linker connecting receptor domains fibronectin type III domain 4 (FN4) and FN5, which differs among DCC and neogenin splice variants, providing a basis for diverse signaling outcomes.
Development of a 37 k high-density oligonucleotide microarray: a new tool for functional genome research in rainbow trout

A rainbow trout high-density oligonucleotide microarray was constructed using all tentative consensus (TC) sequences that are publicly available from all international rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss genomic research projects through the Rainbow Trout Gene Index database. The new array contains 60-mer oligonucleotide probes representing 37 394 unique TC sequences and 1417 control spots. The array (4 × 44 format) was manufactured according to the design by Agilent Technologies using the inkjet-based SurePrint technology (design number 016320). The performance of the new microarray platform was evaluated by analysing gene expression associated with rainbow trout, vitellogenesis-induced muscle atrophy. This microarray will open new avenues of research that will aid in the development of novel strategies for genetic improvement for economically important traits benefiting the salmonid aquaculture industries.
Effects of adrenalectomy on specific activity of deoxyribonuclease in rat spleen after total body x-irradiation.

SummaryAdrenalectomy has been found to have no effect on increased specific activity of rat spleen DNase II following total-body x-irradiation, but size of spleen and therefore total quantity of enzyme changed in both irradiated and unirradiated animals.
Symmetrical hopping: A scalable scheduling algorithm for irregular problems

A run-time support is necessary for parallel computations with irregular and dynamic structures. One important component in the support system is the run-time scheduler which balances the working load in the system. We present a new algorithm, Symmetrical Hopping, for dynamic scheduling of ultra-lightweight processes. It is a dynamic, distributed, adaptive and scalable scheduling algorithm. This algorithm is described and compared to four other algorithms that have been proposed in this context, namely the randomized allocation, the sender-initiated scheduling, the receiver-initiated scheduling, and the gradient model. The performance of these algorithms on Intel Touchstone Delta is presented. The experimental results show that the Symmetrical Hopping algorithm achieves much better performance due to its adaptiveness.
Effects of dietary prebiotics on the growth, feed efficiency and non-specific immunity of juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus fed soybean-based diets

Previous work has demonstrated several benefits of dietary prebiotics for fish. Here, we report the effects of added dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS), mannanoligosaccharide (MOS), transgalactooligosaccharide (TOS) and GroBiotic®-A (GBA) on the weight gain, feed efficiency and non-specific immunity of juvenile red drum fed soybean meal (SBM)-based diets, in brackish water at 25 ± 1 °C. Test diets incorporated FOS, MOS, TOS or GBA at 10 g kg−1 in place of cellulose in a basal diet with 40% crude protein, half from SBM and half from fishmeal. After a 4-week feeding period, experimental fish were challenged by exposure to Amyloodinium ocellatum, after which growth and survival were monitored for 2 more weeks. Feed efficiency, serum lysozyme and intracellular superoxide anion production were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by prebiotic supplementation. Likewise, survival after A. ocellatum exposure was significantly higher for fish fed GBA, MOS and TOS (87%, 84% and 78%) versus 58% for fish fed either the FOS or the basal diet. Taken together, these results indicate that inclusion of several prebiotics at 10 g kg−1 of the diet is adequate to improve the feed efficiency of red drum as well as to enhance disease protection.
Challenges for providing effective hemostasis in surgery and trauma

Vascular injury, whether surgical or traumatic, triggers a complex series of regulatory events. The understanding of these events, their interdependence, and their effect on hemostasis and thrombosis, is slowly being unraveled. The current understanding of these processes is reviewed in this paper. The application of this knowledge to the operating theatre has been slow and is severely limited by the lack of effective tools to monitor the coagulopathic status of individual patients. Hence, the initial treatment of patients with severe hemorrhage relies on improving the patient’s physiological status and on basic surgical techniques. Should these efforts fail, then a number of topical hemostatic agents, selective inhibitors of fibrinolysis, and procoagulant molecules, such as recombinant factor VIIa, may be utilized. However, many of these agents have not yet been tested in clinical trials and studies are urgently needed to determine efficacy, safety, optimal dosage and time of administration.
Visualisation of defibrillation simulation using multiple transthoracic electrodes

DefibViz is a software tool for defibrillation simulation and the visualisation of the resulting voltage gradient induced throughout the human heart and torso. This paper presents an extension to DefibViz that provides functionality for the interactive placement of multiple sets of transthoracic electrodes of varying shape, size, and applied voltage. Such a tool may provide biomedical engineers with additional insight into the efficacy of multi-electrode configurations as compared to the single pair of electrodes used in conventional defibrillators.
A method for rapid, non-targeted screening for environmental contaminants in household dust.

Abstract Household dust can be a major source of human exposure to environmental contaminants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, pesticides, and other compounds. This work shows a screening technique that may be used to identify components in an environmental sample as xenobiotics based on mass spectral characteristics of classes of compounds that may be expected to be present in the environment. Household dust (SRM-2585) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was extracted with hexane using accelerated solvent extraction. Large molecules, such as triglycerides and fatty acids were removed with gel permeation chromatography. The extract was then concentrated and analyzed by comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time of flight mass spectrometer. The resulting peak table was automatically filtered to identify compound classes such as phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their heterocyclic analogs, chlorinated compounds, brominated compounds, and nitro compounds. While phthalates can be identified by abundances at specific masses, the identification of the remaining classes is based on the identification of the molecular ion and identification of isotope clusters or other spectral characteristics. The technique detected compounds identified and quantified by NIST as well as compounds not identified by NIST in the sample. By comparison with concentrations determined by NIST for the analytes found, the technique is able to identify analytes in these compound classes at concentrations as low as 10–20 ng/g dust.
Genetics of human situs abnormalities

Human left-right malformations are usually sporadic, but many familial cases have been described. Recognition of these families as well as sporadic cases with underlying cytogenetic abnormalities suggest genetic predisposition for many instances of situs malformations. Studies in nonhuman vertebrates have led to the discovery of several genes conserved in normal left-right development, and mutations in some of these have been identified in humans. In addition, positional cloning efforts have yielded some success in enlarging our understanding of the molecular genetics of human left-right anomalies.
Prostate Cancer Tumor Volume: Measurement with Endorectal MR and MR Spectroscopic Imaging

PURPOSE: To determine accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) and three-dimensional (3D) MR spectroscopic imaging in prostate cancer tumor volume measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endorectal MR and 3D MR spectroscopic imaging were performed in 37 patients before radical prostatectomy. Two independent readers recorded peripheral zone tumor nodule location and volume. Results were analyzed with step-section histopathologic tumor localization and volume measurement as the standard. Accuracy of tumor volume measurement was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient. P values were calculated with a random effects model. Bland-Altman regression analysis was used to evaluate systematic bias between tumor volumes measured with MR imaging and true tumor volumes. Analyses were performed for all nodules and nodules greater than 0.50 cm3. RESULTS: Mean volume of peripheral zone tumor nodules (n = 51) was 0.79 cm3 (range, 0.02–3.70 cm3). Two readers detected 20 (65%) and 23 (74%) of 31 peripheral zone tumor nodul...
Early Events in Decatungstate Photocatalyzed Oxidations: A Nanosecond Laser Transient Absorbance Reinvestigation

Transient absorbance changes following nanosecond flash excitation of M4[W10O32] (M = Na+ or (n-C4H9)4N+ ≡ Q+) in acetonitrile reveal a long-lived ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) intermediate [W10O32]4-† (φ ∼ 0.50, τ > 74 ns) as the reactive species in photocatalyzed organic oxidations. From its long lifetime and the lack of detectable emission between 400 and 900 nm, this LMCT intermediate is assigned to a “hot” ground-state isomer which is quenched reductively to [W10O32]5- or its protonated derivative [HW10O32]4-. Up to 1 μs after flash excitation of Na4[W10O32], the kinetics and quantum yields are measured for the reductive quenching of [W10O32]4-† by thiocyanate and four classes of organic substrates. Aromatic amines, thianthrene, and thiocyanate quench [W10O32]4- † by electron transfer at or near diffusion-controlled rates, and the alkanes and 2-butanol quench [W10O32]4- † by hydrogen atom transfer with rate constants in the range 107−108 M-1 s-1. High yields of the geminate pairs do not requ...
Regional anesthesia for cesarean section

Abstract Spinal or epidural local anesthetics are common and very reliable ways to provide anesthesia for cesarean section. Regional anesthesia avoids many of the maternal risks associated with general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is a good choice for elective cesarean section. In laboring women, epidural analgesia can be readily converted to epidural anesthesia. The combined spinal epidural technique is useful when surgery may be prolonged and in patients who may not tolerate standard doses of intrathecal local anesthetic. This article reviews some technical aspects to consider when performing regional anesthesia for cesarean section. It offers suggested protocols for each of these techniques. Lastly, it discusses two common clinical situations: the inadequate epidural anesthetic and the conversion of labor epidural analgesia to operative epidural anesthesia.
The Recently Described Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae): Current Knowledge and Conservation Assessment

Abstract The highland mangabey (Lophocebus kipunji), described and named in 2005, is the first monkey to be discovered in Africa since 1984. This species, endemic to Tanzania, was independently discovered by two research groups, one working in Ndundulu Forest in the Udzungwa Mountains, the other ∼350 km to the southwest in the Rungwe-Livingstone Forest in the Southern Highlands. Lophocebus kipunji is an arboreal omnivore with a morphology and vocal repertoire distinct from other mangabeys (Lophocebus spp. and Cercocebus spp.). Although few data are available, studies of its molecular biology, ecology, behavior, and conservation status are underway. Lophocebus kipunji is Critically Endangered as a result of hunting and loss of habitat, which have produced small and fragmented populations. Efforts to improve the conservation status of both Ndundulu Forest and Rungwe-Livingstone Forest are ongoing, as well as augmentation of community-based conservation programs with expanded law enforcement. Research, long-...
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background. The nipple is an extremely unusual location for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Objective. To report a case of BCC originating on the areola and nipple region in a 47-year-old Dominican woman treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Methods. We discuss a case of BCC originating on the areola and nipple region treated with MMS and review the literature regarding treatment of BCC of the nipple. Results. BCCs of the nipple occur rarely, with a total of 19 cases reported in the literature, 6 of which occurred in females. While many of the reported cases were treated with simple excision, several of these required postoperative radiation therapy and/or mastectomy due to their large size and aggressive nature. Conclusion. MMS should be considered for treating BCCs at this site as a tissue-sparing measure to minimize deformity of this important anatomic area and to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Equivalence method for retrieving stratospheric constituent profiles from infrared solar occultation data

Abstract Mixing ratios of stratospheric constituents can be inferred from satellite- or balloon-based infrared solar occultation measurements. The nonlinear system of equations that relates the measurements to the mixing ratios is often solved by the “onion-peeling” technique. We show how to implement onion-peeling with an algorithm in which limb paths are represented by equivalent homogeneous paths. The essential computations are confined to the tangent layers instead of the full multilayer limb paths. The algorithm yields the same solutions as conventional onion-peeling but requires significantly less computation time.
Transfer of discriminated taste aversion to a leverpressing task

Rats were trained to avoid consuming saccharin (but not anise) by following saccharin consumption with apomorphine injections. The Ss later showed lower rates of leverpressing for saccharin than for anise or water. The results indicate that the saccharin taste had acquired generalized motivational properties.
Effect of propranolol on the myocardial contractility of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rabbits: Relationship of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

Myocardial contractility of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rabbits was determined following an iv bolus injection of propranolol HCl. Left ventricular pressure and dimension were used to calculate the contractility parameters of (dP/dt)max,maximum fiber shortening velocity Vcf, and the slope of the end systolic pressure-end systolic volume line (ESP-ESV line). Hypertension was induced by a methoxamine HCl iv infusion which mimicked the cardiac effects seen in essential hypertension. Propanolol caused a significant decrease in all contractility parameters (p<0.05)within 15min after administration, with a peak effect occurring after 30–35 mins. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propranolol were fit using Hill's equation in conjunction with the concentration of drug in the theoretical effect compartment. The normotensive group of rabbits had a calculated EC(50)of 12.7 ng/ml, while the hypertensive group had an EC50 of 6.9 ng/ml,indicating that the hypertensive rabbits were much more sensitive to the propranolol than the normotensive group. In addition, the normotensive group of rabbits demonstrated a much different pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship than that of the hypertensive group, indicating that the hypertensive state of the animal has a significant effect upon the concentration-effect relationship.
Siamese Memoirs. The Life & Times of Pimsai Svasti

Pimsai Svasti and Ping Amranand (Bangkok: Amulet Production, 2011) When I picked up this volume in a Bangkok bookstore I did not expect to be reviewing it for this journal. It was to be a bit of li...
Chronic Atrial Flutter in Brothers with the Marfan Syndrome

Chronic atrial flutter was found in two teenage brothers with classical features of the Marfan syndrome. Since neither patient has a gross cardiovascular defect, it is postulated that the arrhythmias may be secondary to an alteration in the fine structure of the atrial myocardium.
In vitro effects of acetaminophen and its analogues on human platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 synthesis

We examined the effect of acetaminophen and the structural analogues 2,6-dimethylacetaminophen, 3,5-dimethylacetaminophen, and N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine on human platelet aggregation, 14C-serotonin secretion, and thromboxane B2 synthesis. Preincubation with 1 mM acetaminophen for 2 min completely inhibited arachidonic acid- and collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. Thromboxane B2 production and 14C-serotonin secretion by arachidonic acid-stimulated platelets also were completely inhibited. Preincubation of platelets with 1 mM 3,5-dimethylacetaminophen inhibited collagen and arachidonic acid-induced aggregation and arachidonic acid-stimulated thromboxane B2 synthesis, while treatment with 2,6-dimethylacetaminophen did not inhibit aggregation and blocked thromboxane B2 formation to a much lesser degree. Preincubation with 1 mM N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine inhibited arachidonic acid-induced aggregation and 14C-serotonin secretion but had no effect on arachidonic acid-induced thromboxane B2 formation and collagen-induced platelet aggregation.
Profile: Perception of threatening events in the emotional aftermath of a televised college football game

Affective reactions to a football game were expected and found to influence the perception of a threatening event outside of sports. The outlook of fans distressed about their team's defeat proved to be more pessimistic than that of fans exuberant about their team's victory. In December 1990, distraught fans deemed a feared war with Iraq significantly more likely and devastating, in loss of life, than did their ecstatic counterparts.
Arthroscopic subchondral bone plate microfracture technique augments healing of large chondral defects in the radial carpal bone and medial femoral condyle of horses.

Objective— To evaluate the effect of arthroscopic subchondral bone microfracture on healing of large chondral defects in horses. Study Design— Short- (4 months) and long-term (12 months) in vivo experimental chondral defect model. Animals— 10 horses, aged 2 to 5 years. Methods— Each horse had a 1 cm2 full-thickness chondral defect created in both radial carpal bones and both medial femoral condyles. One carpus and one femoral condyle of each horse had the subchondral bone plate under the defect perforated using an orthopedic awl. All horses were exercised, five horses were evaluated after 4 months and five horses after 12 months. Gross, histologic, and histomorphometric examination of defect sites and repair tissues was performed, as was collagen typing of the repair tissue. Results— On gross observation a greater volume of repair tissue filled treated defects (74%) compared with control defects (45%). Histomorphometry confirmed more repair tissue filling treated defects, but no difference in the relative amounts of different tissue types was observed. There was an increased percentage of type II collagen in treated defects compared with control defects and evidence of earlier bone remodeling as documented by changes in porosity. Conclusions— In full-thickness chondral defects in exercised horses, treatment with subchondral bone microfracture increased the tissue volume in the defects and the percentage of type II collagen in the tissue filling the defects when compared to nontreated defects. Clinical Relevance— No negative effects of the microfracture technique were observed and some of the beneficial effects are the basis for recommending its use in patients cases with exposed subchondral bone.
Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis presenting as a locked lateral meniscal bucket handle tear: A case report and review of the literature

Pigmented villonodular synovitis involves proliferation of the synovium of joints, bursa, or tendon sheaths. It is a rare disorder that can occur in two forms. The diffuse form involves the entire synovium and occurs in the majority of cases. The localized form involves a discrete section of the synovium. The disorder almost always involves a single joint, and the knee is most commonly affected. The treatment of choice for the diffuse form is total synovectomy. Recurrence is common. The treatment of choice for the localized form is partial synovectomy. Recurrence is uncommon. We present a case report of a localized pigmented villonodular synovitis presenting as a locked lateral meniscal bucket handle tear in an otherwise healthy 27-year-old man.
Development of the gel pond technology

Abstract A review of the development of the gel pond technology is presented. First, the emergence and growth of solar pond technology since the 1950's is described. The inherent problems encountered with the conventional salt gradient ponds are discussed, leading to the concept of the solar gel pond in which the salt gradient layer in the former is replaced by a transparent polymer gel. The major work in the first phase dealt with the experimental development of a polymer gel which met certain selection criteria. The criteria considered included transmissivity, stability of physical and chemical properties, high viscosity and other physical and optical properties. The gradual development of the polymer gel through an alternating process of testing and elimination and evaluation of relevant properties of the gel has been described. Modeling and optimization studies of the solar gel pond have been presented. Bansal and Kaushik's model for a salt gradient pond has been modified for a solar gel pond, and the results of the simulation are presented in a graphical form to serve as a quick reference for estimation of pond surface area, depth and flow rate for heat extraction depending on the extreme temperature required in the storage zone and the required heat load. Then, a cost-benefit economic analysis compares the economics of a solar gel pond with a conventional salt gradient pond. The construction of an experimental gel pond (18 m2) at The University of New Mexico is described, and the results of the study are summarized. Information on commercial scale ponds at Chamberino, New Mexico (110 m2), and in Albuquerque, New Mexico (400 m2), is provided. The review of the technology demonstrates the immense potential of the gel pond as a source of alternate energy for the years ahead.
The murine double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR and the murine 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-dependent RNase L are required for IFN-β-mediated resistance against herpes simplex virus type 1 in primary trigeminal ganglion culture

A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of an adenoviral construct expressing the murine interferon-beta (IFN-beta) transgene (Ad:IFN-beta) against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in a primary trigeminal ganglion (TG) cell culture. The transduction efficiency ranged from 0.2 to 11.0% depending on the multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of the adenoviral vector (0.5-50.0). Moreover, neurons were the main target of the adenoviral transduction. TG cultures transduced with Ad:IFN-beta displayed up to a 19-fold reduction in viral titers compared with cells transduced with an Ad:Null or nontransduced TG culture controls. Transduction with Ad:IFN-beta up-regulated two critical antiviral genes, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase R (PKR) and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS). The absence of PKR or RNase L (downstream effector molecule of OAS) attenuated Ad:IFN-beta efficacy against HSV-1 replication, implicating a critical role for PKR and OAS/RNase systems in the establishment of IFN-induced resistance against HSV-1 in TG cells.
Zur Bestimmung von Solvatationszahlen extrahierter anorganischer Verbindungen

Die Bestimmung der Solvatationszahl x extrahierter anorganischer Verbindungen nach dem Grenzgesetz K=a · c ist praktisch nur bei Verteilungssystemen mit sehr hohen Verteilungskoeffizienten durchfuhrbar. Es ist gezeigt worden, da\ Solvatationszahlen auch mit einem modifizierten Verfahren nach Job und durch photometrische und konduktometrische Extraktionstitrationen zuverlAssig bestimmt werden konnen. Durch geeignete Wahl der Konzentrationen der Reaktionspartner sind diese Verfahren auch bei kleineren Verteilungskoeffizienten anwendbar. Die nach dem Grenzgesetz bestimmte Solvatation des Uranylnitrats, der Tetrachloroeisen(III)-sAure, des Eisen(III)-thiocyanats und des Eisen(III)-chlorids in Tributylphosphat wird durch Anwendung der hier beschriebenen Methoden bestAtigt.
Jobs and Freedom Now! Functional Finance, Full Employment, and the Freedom Budget

Forty-five years ago, the A. Philip Randolph Institute issued “The Freedom Budget,” in which a program for economic transformation was proposed that included a job guarantee for everyone ready and willing to work, a guaranteed income for those unable to work or those who should not be working, and a living wage to lift the working poor out of poverty. Such policies were supported by a host of scholars, civic leaders, and institutions, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; indeed, they provided the cornerstones for King’s “Poor Peoples’ Campaign” and “economic bill of rights.” This paper proposes a “New Freedom Budget” for full employment based on the principles of functional finance. To counter a major obstacle to such a policy program, the paper includes a “primer” on three paradigms for understanding government budget deficits and the national debt: the deficit hawk, deficit dove, and functional finance perspectives. Finally, some of the benefits of the job guarantee are outlined, including the ways in which the program may serve as a vehicle for a variety of social policies.
Cell-free synthesis of putative neurophysin precursors from rat and mouse hypothalamic poly (A)-RNA.

Abstract Poly(A)-containing RNA has been isolated from rat and mouse hypothalamic tissue and used to direct the synthesis of polypeptides in cell-free systems derived from wheat germ extract and rabbit reticulocyte lysate in the presence of [ 35 S]-L-cysteine and [ 3 H]-L-proline. Translation products were subjected to immunoprecipitation using an antiserum to rat neurophysin proteins. Following purification of the immunoprecipitates by protein A-Sepharose chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a single polypeptide species of molecular weight 17,500 derived from both cell-free systems.
The Role of Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 in the Biologic Behavior of Human Soft Tissue Sarcoma

The molecular basis of sarcoma remains poorly understood. However, recent studies have begun to uncover some of the molecular pathways involved in sarcomagenesis. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been implicated in sarcoma development and has been found to be a prognostic marker for poor clinical outcome. There is growing evidence that overexpression of CXCR4 plays a significant role in development of metastatic disease, especially in directing tumor cells towards the preferential sites of metastases in sarcoma, lung and bone. Although further investigation is necessary to validate these pathways, there is potential for clinical application, particularly in the use of pharmacologic inhibitors of CXCR4 as means of preventing sarcoma metastasis.
Amplitude modulation detection as a function of modulation frequency and stimulus duration: Comparisons between macaques and humans

Previous observations show that humans outperform non-human primates on some temporally-based auditory discrimination tasks, suggesting there are species differences in the proficiency of auditory temporal processing among primates. To further resolve these differences we compared the abilities of rhesus macaques and humans to detect sine-amplitude modulation (AM) of a broadband noise carrier as a function of both AM frequency (2.5 Hz–2 kHz) and signal duration (50–800 ms), under similar testing conditions. Using a go/no-go AM detection task, we found that macaques were less sensitive than humans at the lower frequencies and shorter durations tested but were as, or slightly more, sensitive at higher frequencies and longer durations. Humans had broader AM tuning functions, with lower frequency regions of peak sensitivity (10–60 Hz) than macaques (30–120 Hz). These results support the notion that there are species differences in temporal processing among primates, and underscore the importance of stimulus duration when making cross-species comparisons for temporally-based tasks.
Phosphodiesterases in Normal and Dystrophic Human Muscle

SummaryThe levels and some properties of phosphodiesterase I and phosphodi-esterase II were determined in biopsied muscles from normal persons and the results were extended to diseased muscles. The activities of both enzymes were generally normal or minimally elevated in mildly affected muscles from patients with Duchenne dystrophy, other forms of dystrophies and related neuromuscular diseases. However, in severely abnormal muscles, with advanced dystrophy or advanced polymyositis, the levels of these enzymes were greatly elevated.
Functionally graded materials for yield suppression at stress concentrators

Abstract Vapor-deposition techniques are emerging as an economical and flexible way of fabricating multiphase materials with spatially varying architectures. The aim of this work is to design architectures that exploit the concept of functional grading. We consider two basic problems; the first is the computation of the response of an infinite plate with a circular hole to a remote symmetric radial load, and the second is the computation of the response of an infinite matrix to a uniform temperature change when the matrix is perfectly bonded to an infinitely long, rigid, circularly cylindrical fiber with a zero coefficient of thermal expansion. For each configuration the variation of the material properties with position is determined so that the body yields everywhere at the same load, and we compute how this variation can be effected through variation of the distribution of two phases. We show that for each configuration the load required to initiate yielding can be doubled if the material is engineered properly.
Modulation of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations by DMSO, an OH radical scavenger. 1: Dose-response studies in human lymphocytes exposed to 220 kV X-rays.

SummaryHuman G0 lymphocytes were exposed to 220 kV X-radiation in the presence or absence of DMSO, an efficient selective scavenger of OH radicals. Our studies demonstrate that DMSO affects a concentration-dependent modulation of induced asymmetrical aberrations in human lymphocytes exposed to ∼ 3·0 Gy, with maximum protectible fractions of approximately 70 percent at DMSO concentrations of ≥ 1 m. The dose dependency for dicentrics in lymphocytes acutely exposed to X-ray doses of 0·51 to 4·98 Gy in the absence of DMSO is adequately described by the linear-quadratic dose—response function Y = αD + βD2. Data from duplicate cultures exposed in the presence of 1 m DMSO produce an excellent fit to the regression function modified as follows: where the ‘dose modifying’ factor Δ = 0·501. We interpret these findings as providing evidence that OH radical-mediated lesions in DNA account for ∼ 50 percent of the dose dependency for dicentrics resulting from either one-track or two-track events, following exposures of...
Synthesis and characterization of mechanical-alloyed Ti-xMg alloys

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of Ti– x Mg ( x =4, 9, 12, 15, 21, 24 at%) alloys using mechanical alloying was investigated. A nanometer-sized Ti–24Mg alloy was produced. During mechanical alloying, the height of the XRD peaks of the Mg in the Ti–9Mg alloy decreased, and then disappeared, whereas the Ti XRD peaks broadened, and the grain size decreased with increasing milling time. The Mg firstly dissolved in the grain boundaries of the Ti, and then diffused into the Ti grain interiors. The grain boundaries played an important role in enhancing the solid solubility of Mg in Ti. With increasing Mg content the volume fraction of grain boundaries increased, and a decrease in grain size occurred after mechanical alloying for 48 h.
Absorption spectrum, lifetime and reactivity of the excited triplet state of dimesitylcarbene☆

Abstract The first excited triplet state of dimesitylcarbene has been generated in solution at room temperature. It has a lifetime of 60 ns and shows fluorescence with λ max = 501 nm and absorption with λ max = 360 nm. This species is quenched by oxygen and carbon tetrachloride with rate constants of (4.4 ± 0.8) × 10 10 and (7.3 ± 0.6) × 10 9 M −1 s −1 , respectively.
Fuzzy Ostrowski type inequalities

We present optimal upper bounds for the deviation of a fuzzy continuous function from its fuzzy average over [a,b] I R, error is measured in the D-fuzzy metric. The established fuzzy Ostrowski type inequalities are sharp, in fact attained by simple fuzzy real number valued functions. These inequalities are given for fuzzy Holder and fuzzy differentiable functions and these facts are reflected in their right-hand sides.
Copepod grazing and the biogeochemical fate of diatom iron

We investigated the effects of copepod grazing on fractionation of diatom cellular Fe into assimilated, dissolved, and fecal pellet pools. Grazer assimilation was only weakly dependent on prey N: Fe ratios, with assimilation efficiencies approximately tripling over a 100-fold increase in diatom N: Fe ratios. Assimilation efficiencies strongly correlated with prey subcellular partitioning, however, exhibiting a 1 : 1 relationship to cell cytoplasmic content and a 1 : 3 relationship with diatom intracellular content. Release of Fe from copepod fecal pellets conformed with a two-compartment loss model, with roughly 80% of associated Fe in a slowly released pool (tb½ = 113 d). Partitioning into dissolved, assimilated, and fecal pellet pools indicated that all three are important fates for ingested cellular Fe.
Cultural traits and cultural integration

Modern efforts to model cultural transmission have struggled to identify a unit of cultural transmission and particular transmission processes. Anthropologists of the early twentieth century discussed cultural traits as units of transmission equivalent to recipes (rules and ingredients) and identified integration as a signature process and effect of transmission.
Mixing of perfluorinated carboxylic acids with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine.

Abstract Perfluorinated acids are emerging as an important class of persistent environmental pollutant, thus raising human health concerns. To understand the behavior of these compounds in biological systems, the mixing behavior of two perfluorinated acids, perfluorododecanoic and perfluorotetradecanoic acid, with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was studied in monolayers at the air–water interface and in fully hydrated DPPC bilayers. The mixing behavior of both acids was indicative of an attractive interaction and partial miscibility with DPPC at the air–water interface. In the bilayer studies, the fluorinated acids cause peak broadening and elimination of the pretransition of DPPC. The onset temperature of the main phase transition remains constant in the presence of the fluorinated acids suggesting immiscibilities in the gel phase. Below X(DPPC)=0.97 significant peak broadening of the main phase transition can be observed. These results suggest strong interaction between the respective acid and DPPC, and that both acids are able to partition into the lipid bilayer. However, their mixing behavior is far from ideal, thus suggesting the presence of domains or lipid aggregates with high acid concentrations which may (adversely) impact the function of biological mono- and bilayers.
The role of acoustic wave amplification in the emission of microwave noise from InSb

The experimental evidence for the generation of microwave emission from InSb by acoustic amplification of thermal noise is reviewed. The conditions in which the electron-phonon interaction is likely to dominate over other possible physical mechanisms are discussed, with particular reference to crystallographic orientation and crystal geometry. The applicaotion of the small signal acoustic amplification theory is shown to lead to qualitative agreement between constant gain loci and emission threshold curves.
Patterning and plasticity in development of the respiratory lineage

The mammalian respiratory lineage, consisting of the trachea and lung, originates from the ventral foregut in an early embryo. Reciprocal signaling interactions between the foregut epithelium and its associated mesenchyme guide development of the respiratory endoderm, from a naive sheet of cells to multiple cell types that line a functional organ. This review synthesizes current understanding of the early events in respiratory system development, focusing on three main topics: (1) specification of the respiratory system as a distinct organ of the endoderm, (2) patterning and differentiation of the nascent respiratory epithelium along its proximal-distal axis, and (3) plasticity of the respiratory cells during the process of development. This review also highlights areas in need of further study, including determining how early endoderm cells rapidly switch their responses to the same signaling cues during development, and how the general proximal-distal pattern of the lung is converted to fine-scale organization of multiple cell types along this axis.
Phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of solid solutions in the systems ZnOCoOTiO2 and ZnONiOTiO2 at 1050°C☆

Abstract Phase equilibria and conjugation lines were determined in the systems ZnOCoOTiO2 and ZnONiOTiO2 at 1050°C. The free energies of formation of compounds in this system are, in kcal/mole: CoTiO3, −3·6±0·3; NiTiO3, −2·6±0·3; (ZnTiO3, +1·7±2·0); Co2TiO4, −5·9±0·4; (Ni2TiO4, −1·7±1·0); Zn2TiO4, −4·7±0·6. The spinel solid solution in the system ZnOCoOTiO2 shows marked positive deviation from ideality, and the spinel solid solution in the system ZnONiOTiO2 shows positive deviation from ideality in the Zn-rich part and negative deviation from ideality in the NiO-rich part of the solid solution.
The effect of flying and not flying on myoglobin content of heart muscle of the pigeon Columbia livia domestica

Abstract 1. 1. Wild pigeons were captured and their heart muscle myoglobin (mb) content was compared to wild pigeons prevented from flying for 9 wk. 2. 2. Changes in heart weight and body weight of flying and non-flying pigeons were determined. 3. 3. Normal flying pigeons have a significantly higher amount of heart mb than the non-flying pigeons. 4. 4. Non-flying pigeons showed an increase in body weight and heart size as compared to the flying pigeons. 5. 5. The overall response indicated that activity is the stimulus for synthesis and maintenance of heart mb; inactivity results in the stimulus for degradation of heart mb.
Oral melatonin produces arrhythmia in sparrows

House sparrows,Passer domesticus, exhibit circadian rhythms of perch-hopping behavior. The rhythm was abolished by ad libitum administration of melatonin in the drinking water.
Bankruptcy prediction for credit risk using neural networks: A survey and new results

The prediction of corporate bankruptcies is an important and widely studied topic since it can have significant impact on bank lending decisions and profitability. This work presents two contributions. First we review the topic of bankruptcy prediction, with emphasis on neural-network (NN) models. Second, we develop an NN bankruptcy prediction model. Inspired by one of the traditional credit risk models developed by Merton (1974), we propose novel indicators for the NN system. We show that the use of these indicators in addition to traditional financial ratio indicators provides a significant improvement in the (out-of-sample) prediction accuracy (from 81.46% to 85.5% for a three-year-ahead forecast).
The case for subspecialization in neurology: movement disorders

Within the world of medicine, the advent of new treatments and new technology has resulted in an increase in the number of specialties and subspecialties. This is especially true in neurology. A widely quoted article has demonstrated that 74% of neurology residents will do a fellowship (Larson et al., 2000), and given that the survey was done over 10 years ago, the number increased, as the most recent AAN resident survey gives a number of almost 78% (Resident Survey, 2008). Movement disorders is one of the many neurology fellowships that is non-accredited. On the AAN webpage there are currently 44 programs listed in the United States and Canada that offer a movement disorders fellowship (Directory for Fellowship Positions: American Academy of Neurology, 2010). The AAN resident survey reported that 9% of residents going into a fellowship chose movement disorders (Resident Survey, 2008). The question under consideration is to determine when a general neurologist should refer a patient to a movement disorders specialist.
Evaluation of a commercial solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for the detection of ovine Chlamydia psittaci.

Diagnostic tests designed specifically for direct (nonculture) detection of Chlamydia psittaci in animal specimens are not available commercially. However, several tests for C. trachomatis, particularly enzyme immunoassays (EIA) utilizing antibodies against Chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), have been used for this purpose. Chlamydial LPS possesses at least 3 antigenic domains, 2 of which are shared by other gram-negative bacteria and 1 that is common only to members of the genus Chlamydia. l Generally, these tests are less sensitive and specific than Chlamydial isolation in cell culture. Cross-reactions with other gram-negative bacteria have limited the usefulness of some tests. Recently, direct-binding (solid-phase) enzyme immunoassays for detection of C. trachomatis have been introduced. These tests are self-contained, require no special equipment, and yield visual results. In this study, a commercial directbinding monoclonal-based EIAa for the visual detection of Chlamydial antigen in human endocervical, urethral, ocular, and urine specimens was compared with isolation in cell culture for detection of C. psittaci in samples collected from aborting ewes. This test does not depend upon the viability of the organism. The LPS antigen is extracted from the organism and is detected with a monoclonal antibody specific for Chlamydial LPS antigen. Placental vaginal swabs were collected at abortion or lambing from 23 pregnant crossbred ewes that were inoculated intravenously with 1.0 ml of 0.01 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.2) containing approximately 10 inclusion forming units of the ovine abortion strain B577 of C. psittaci. Placental swabs for EIA analysis were also collected from ovine placentas submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Ames, Iowa. Swabs of abomasal contents, lung, liver, abdominal or thoracic fluids, and conjunctiva were collected from aborted fetuses and weak lambs from experimentally infected ewes, were placed in transport tubes (supplied with the EIA kit), stored at 4 C for 24-48 hours, and tested for Chlamydial antigen by EIA. The EIA was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All reagents, including wash solutions, were provided with the test kit. Representative samples of placental cotyledons and fetal tissues were used for Chlamydial isolation in cell culture and for routine aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolation. Sixty-one placental specimens (23 experimentally infected and 38 field cases) and 25 vaginal swabs were examined by cell culture and by EIA (Table 1). Compared with isolation in cell culture, the EIA had a
On the Combined Effects of Lubricant Inertia and Viscous Dissipation in Long Bearings

We have demonstrated earlier that for laminar, isothermal flow of the lubricant in the non-cavitating film of long journal bearings, inertia has negligible effect on the load-carrying capacity and influences only the stability characteristics of the bearing. The question we pose in the present paper is: “will these conclusions remain valid for nonisothermal flow, or will lubricant inertia and dissipation interact and result in significant changes in bearing performance?” The results obtained here assert that the effect of lubricant inertia on load-carrying capacity remains negligible, irrespective of the rate of dissipation. The stability of the bearing is, however, affected by lubricant inertia. These results, although obtained here for long bearings and noncavitating films, are believed to be applicable to some practical bearing operations and suggest that for these, bearing load may be calculated from classical, i.e., noninertial theory.