cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anaphylactic and chemotactic response of mammalian cells to zymosan-activated shark serum

Human anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a, are small proteins which are generated by proteolytic cleavage of the complement components C3 and C5 during activation of complement. Complement activity via the classical and alternative pathways has been described for the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and studies have demonstrated chemotactic activity of shark leucocytes in response to activated shark serum. However, anaphylatoxins have not been reported in an elasmobranch. This investigation was undertaken to examine activated shark serum for anaphylatoxins by studying the anaphylactic and chemotactic response of mammalian cells. Shark (G. cirratum) serum, activated with zymosan (10 mg ml−1) for 3 h at 30° C, was fractionated on Sephadex G-100 and G-25 columns, and fractions were pooled and assayed for spasmogenic and chemotactic activity.In vitrochemotaxis assays were set up in blind well chemotaxis chambers using human leucocytes as responding cells. A significant (P<0·05) migratory response was obtained with several serum pools. Spasmogenic activity was measured by smooth muscle contraction of rat ileum, and was present in serum fractions containing low molecular size (<17·5 kDa) proteins/peptides, which also induced chemotaxis of human leucocytes. No spasmogenic or chemotactic activity was demonstrated in fractions of normal (non-activated) shark serum. This study shows that mammalian cells respond to factors generated in activated shark serum and results suggest that the chemotactic and anaphylactic activity in shark serum might be due to a biologically active peptide(s) derived from the cleavage of complement component(s), perhaps analogous to mammalian C3a and/or C5a.
Nucleon exchange in the absence of strong driving forces: The reaction Ca 238 at E lab = 425 MeV

Mass number, atomic number, energy, and angular distributions have been measured for the projectile-like fragments from the damped reaction $^{238}$U${+}^{48}$Ca at ${E}_{\mathrm{lab}=425}$ MeV. Correlations in the measured two-dimensional probability distribution P(A,Z) are discussed along with the general dissipative features of the damped reaction mechanism. The first and second moments of the observed atomic and mass number distributions are compared with those of other asymmetric reaction systems. Although the $^{238}$U${+}^{48}$Ca system is highly asymmetric, its potential energy surface in the vicinity of the injection point has a nearly zero gradient resulting in a negligible drift in the proton number. The proton drifts observed in reactions of $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ with five different projectiles vary systematically with the potential gradient. The mass and charge data are compared with quantitative predictions by a dynamical reaction model based on nucleon exchange. The theoretical model gives a reasonable account of the mass and charge distributions for the $^{238}$U${+}^{48}$Ca reaction but fails systematically to predict experimental drifts when the driving forces are large.
A Feedback-Based Self-Organizing Query Structure Optimization Algorithm

Query is one of the most important factors that can directly influence the results of information retrieval (IR). However, the query is defined by the user and thus inevitably has the following two problems: (1) the user often cannot exactly represent their search intention via query terms, (2) the user cannot effectively select the weight of each query term based on its importance toward the query's meaning. The above two problems cause the two types of uncertainty of a query. In this paper, we define them as the uncertainty of the query structure and the uncertainty of the query parameter, respectively. To eliminate the above two types of uncertainty and solve the above two problems, this paper proposes a new algorithm which includes two parts: (1) a self-organizing query structure loop which expands the initial query by adding only one term within each loop based on feedback technology until it meets the terminating condition of expansion defined by the author, and (2) an optimization algorithm based on a genetic algorithm (GA) that optimizes the weights of the expanded query vector within each loop. This algorithm provides a method of finding the optimal number of query expansion terms and improving the precision and recall of the search results. The experiment results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Globally optimal robust process control

Abstract A computational approach is developed for designing a globally optimal controller which is robust to time-varying nonlinear perturbations in the plant. This controller design problem is formulated as an optimization with bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) constraints, and is solved to optimality by a branch and bound algorithm. The algorithm is applied to a reactive ion etcher, and provides superior performance while providing robustness to nonlinear plant/model mismatch. The algorithm is also applied to a well known benchmark problem.
SAGES Update: Electronic Disease Surveillance in Resource-Limited Settings

The Suite for Automated Global Electronic bioSurveillance (SAGES) is a collection of modular, flexible, open source software tools for electronic disease surveillance in resource-limited settings. SAGES software development, funded by the US Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, continues as we add new international collaborators.
SU-FF-T-173: A Comparison of Techniques for Effective SSD Measurements and Evaluation of Data for Accelerators From Different Manufactures

Purpose: Investigating and comparing the effective SSDs of electron beamsmeasured by ionization chamber and electron diode for Elekta linear accelerators.Method and Materials: The effective SSDs for different energies and field sizes are measured for three Elekta linear accelerators. In order to measure effective SSD (SSDeff), two methods are used. The first method is placing a Farmer ionization chamber in a solid water phantom. The second method is using an electron diode placed on top surface of a solid water phantom. Results: The data shows that effective SSDs are energy and insert field size dependent. For both ionization chamber and electron diode measurements, the effective SSDs of three Eleckta linear accelerators, 1) increase with increasing of energy and insert field sizes which can be explained by less lateral scattering with higher energy and more lateral scattering equilibrium with lager field sizes, 2) agree well between the ionization chamber and diode measurements except for under the combinations of low energy and small field size. In most cases, the diode measurements are about 8 to 12 percent lower than ion chambermeasurements for the same energy and insert field, except low energy and small insert combinations. Interestingly, for small field size, the effective SSD of diode measurement is larger than that of ion chambermeasurement.Conclusion: The effective SSDs of three Elekta Linear accelerators agree well under most conditions except low energy and small insert field size combinations. The data also indicate that ion chambermeasurements give a more accurate measurement over diode measurement and we recommend that ionization chamber should be used to measure effective SSD. The data also show that effective SSDs for Eleckta accelerators are different but comparable to that of Varian machines.
(HBCU) Thermal-Electric Propulsion With Magnetoplasmadynamic Acceleration

Abstract : A solar thermal-electric propulsion (STEP) system has been installed to develop a rocket engine having medium ranges of specific impulse and thrust. The STEP system consisted of a solar thermal and a magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters in a tandem arrangement. The thermal chamber temperature versus the optical power was evaluated to be adequate. Without the DC power on the MPD electrodes, the system merely produce a thermal plume of argon gas. An insitu technique, Pitot tube method, was used to measure the total and static pressures of the core flow of the thermal plume in steady state operation in order to characterize and benchmark so that any increment of thrust and specific impulse resulted from the MPD acceleration. The data were compared with the results of CET'93 computer code developed at NASA Lewis Research Center. An increase in the total pressure, therefore the thrust, was found to be proportional to the square of MPD current as expected. The relative increase in total pressure was approximately 40% when the MPD current reached to 500 A.
A Comparison of Observed Molar Wear Rates in Extant Herbivorous Mammals

Here we review published molar wear rates, measured in terms of tooth height loss per year (mm yr-1) published on natural populations of ungulates (25 species), rodents and lagomorphs (Glires; 14 species) and macropodid marsupials (seven species). Although the data are limited, they nevertheless reveal consistent patterns, and raise new questions. Among ungulates, wear rates are uncorrelated with body mass but are positively correlated with hypsodonty. Browsers show lower wear rates than do mixed feeders or grazers. Percentage of grass in the diet shows a non-linear relationship with wear rates suggesting that levels of dietary abrasives result from a complex interaction among forages, habitat characteristics and feeding behaviours (whether or not grass itself is a significant abrasive agent). Rodents exhibit higher wear rates, and kangaroos lower wear rates, than do ungulates feeding on similar diets. Hypselodont rodents and lagomorphs show rates of molar wear an order of magnitude higher than do grazing ungulates.
Moral Dilemmas, Moral Strategies, and the Transformation of Gender Lessons from Two Generations of Work and Family Change

Modern societies have reconciled the dilemma between self-interest and caring for others by dividing women and men into different moral categories. Women have been expected to seek personal development by caring for others, while men care for others by sharing the rewards of their independent work achievements. Changes in work and family life have undermined this framework but have failed to offer a clear avenue for creating new resolutions. Instead, contradictory social changes have produced new moral dilemmas. Women must now seek economic self-sufficiency even as they continue to bear responsibility for the care of others. Men can reject the obligation to provide for others, but they face new pressures to become more involved fathers and partners. Facing these dilemmas, young women and men must develop innovative moral strategies to renegotiate work-family conflicts and transform traditional views of gender, but persisting institutional obstacles thwart their emerging aspirations to balance personal aut...
Biochemical markers of mood: a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of normal human brain.

Abstract Background: Elevated brain Cho has been shown within the basal ganglia and frontal (i.e., orbitofrontal and cingulate) cortices in patients with mood disorders utilizing Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS). We sought to determine the relationship between Cho and mood in a cohort of healthy young subjects. Methods: Twenty-seven subjects without neurologic or psychiatric disorders were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and underwent 1 H-MRS of bilateral frontal and occipito-parietal white matter. Results: We found that Cho in the left frontal lobe was inversely correlated with Positive Affect [ F (1,24) = 19.2, p 2 = .45]. Conclusions: Our results highlight the important involvement of Cho underlying the integration of affective processing within prefrontal circuitry, and may indicate increased myelin turnover in subjects with lower Positive Affect. Further efforts will be necessary to determine if high Cho is associated with increased incidence of mood disorders throughout life.
The use of fluorescent phorbol esters in studies of protein kinase C-membrane interactions.

Abstract The family of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes belongs to a growing class of proteins that become active by associating with membranes containing anionic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine. Depending on the particular PKC isoform, this process is mediated by Ca2+-binding to a C2 domain and interaction of activators such as 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol or phorbol esters with tandem C1 domains. This cooperation between the C1 and C2 domains in inducing the association of PKC with lipid membranes provides the energy for a conformational change that consists of the release of a pseudosubstrate sequence from the active site, culminating in activation. Thus, the properties of the interactions of the C1 and C2 domains with membranes, both as isolated domains, and as modules in the full length PKC isoforms, have been the subject of intense scrutiny. Here, we review the findings of studies in which fluorescent phorbol esters have been utilized to probe the properties of the C1 domains of PKC with respect to the interaction with activators, the subsequent interaction with membranes, and the role of the activating conformational change that leads to activation.
CoIIIEDTA- reduction by Desulfovibrio vulgaris and propagation of reactions involving dissolved sulfide and polysulfides.

The migration of 60Co, dominantly via transport of Co-EDTA complexes, into surface water and groundwater is a recognized concern at many nuclear production and storage sites. Reduction of CoIIIEDTA- to CoIIEDTA2- should decrease the mobility of 60Co in natural environments by stimulating ligand displacement with Fe(III) or Al(III) or by precipitation of CoSx in sulfidic environments. In this study, we examine direct (enzymatic) and indirect (metabolite) reduction processes of CoIIIEDTA- by the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris. D. vulgaris reduces CoIIIEDTA- to CoIIEDTA2-, but growth using it as a terminal electron acceptor was not demonstrated. Rather than acting as a competing electron acceptor and limiting cobalt reduction, introducing sulfate with D. vulgaris enhances the reduction of CoIIIEDTA- as a result of sulfide production. Sulfide reduces CoIIIEDTA- in a pathway involving polysulfide formation and leads to a CoS precipitate. Thus, both direct and indirect (i.e., through the production of sulfide) microbial reduction pathways of CoIIIEDTA- may help to retard its migration within soils and waters.
Lifetime activity studies in mice from ten to thirty generations of x-irradiated progenitors.

SummaryLifetime voluntary activity studies on non-irradiated mice from 10-30 generations of X-irradiated progenitor males were done. Mice from irradiated lines were equally active to nonirradiated line mice. It was apparent from the results of these investigations that 30 generations (the equivalent of 900 years in man) of X irradiation totaling 6000 rads failed to produce a genetic decrement measurable in terms of reduced vigor.
Mesenchymal stem cells: clinical applications and biological characterization

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from bone marrow, periosteum, trabecular bone, adipose tissue, synovium, skeletal muscle and deciduous teeth. These cells have the capacity to differentiate into cells of connective tissue lineages, including bone, fat, cartilage and muscle. A great deal has been learned in recent years about the isolation and characterization of MSCs, and control of their differentiation. These cells have generated a great deal of interest because of their potential use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering and there are some dramatic examples, derived from both pre-clinical and clinical studies, that illustrate their therapeutic value. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the potential clinical use of MSCs in cardiovascular, neural and orthopaedic applications. As new methods are developed, there are several aspects to the implanted cell-host interaction that need to be addressed before we can fully understand the underlying mechanisms. These include the host immune response to implanted cells, the homing mechanisms that guide delivered cells to a site of injury and the differentiation in vivo of implanted cells under the influence of local signals.
FINE STRUCTURE IN THE NEUTRON TOTAL CROSS SECTION OF BISMUTH.

Abstract The observation of fine structure in the neutron total cross section of 209 Bi in the energy region from 0.43 to 0.57 MeV shows that this nuclide is not in this respect essentially different from the adjacent Pb isotopes.
The prevention and treatment of amputation neuromata by silicone capping.

A technique of silicone capping of amputated sciatic or tibial nerves was evaluated in a single litter of ten New Zealand white rabbits (eight experimental, two control). All nerves and caps were evaluated 12 and 4 weeks after operation. Neuroma formation was prevented when a length .-diameter ratio of 5:1 (minimum) to 10:1 (maximum) of the cap was observed and a smooth, filmy, nonreactive capsule around all nerve ends and caps was noted. Eighteen patients with 38 traumatic neuromata in the upper extremity were treated by silicone capping and were evaluated an average of 41 months after operation. Of these 18 patients, 17 underwent revision surgery for the specific purpose of relieving disabling neuroma pain. Two patients developed a causalgic state. One patient had recurrence of symptoms in one of four nerves capped and was relieved by reoperation and recapping. The remaining 15 patients were relieved of their preoperative complaints.
Use of formycin B as a general substrate for measuring facilitated nucleoside transport in mammalian cells.

Formycin B, a C-nucleoside analog of inosine, is not catabolized by human erythrocytes and mouse P388 leukemia cells and is only very inefficiently phosphorylated in these cells. This relative inertness allows the measurement of its transport into and out of the cells uncomplicated by metabolic conversions. We have measured the zero- trans and equilibrium exchange flux of formycin B in these cells by rapid kinetic techniques. The Michaelis-Menten constants and maximum velocities for formycin B transport in both types of cell were similar to those previously reported for uridine and thymidine. Nevertheless, the differential mobility of the substrate-loaded and empty carrier of human erythrocytes was less for formycin B than uridine as substrate. Formycin B influx was inhibited by other nucleosides in accordance with their affinities for the carrier, but unaffected by purines. The inhibition of formycin B influx by nitrobenzylthioinosine and dipyridamole was also identical to that observed with uridine as substrate (IC 50 = 10 and 30 nM, respectively). Formycin B accumulated in both types of cell to 30–40% higher concentrations than were present in the medium. This concentrative accumulation was not due to active transport, metabolism or partitioning into membrane lipids. It seems to reflect binding of formycin B to intracellular components, but does not interfere significantly with measurements of its transport.
Calpain inhibitors and serine protease inhibitors can produce apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Abstract Recent investigations indicate that proteolysis is an important event in generation of the apoptosis phenotype. Although various proteases have been suggested to be candidates for this proteolysis, the results from different laboratories are inconsistent. In the present studies, HL-60 cells were treated with cycloheximide to investigate proteases involved in apoptosis. The calpain inhibitors benzyloxycarbonyl-Leu-Leu-Tyr diazomethylketone and acetyl-Leu-Leu-Nle aldehyde were not capable of preventing apoptosis induced by cycloheximide. In the absence of cycloheximide, these two inhibitors could initiate apoptosis in HL-60 cells. The thiol protease inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Leu-Val-Gly diazomethylketone neither prevented nor produced apoptosis. The serine protease inhibitors 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin (DCI) and tosyl-Phe chloromethylketone (TPCK) also induced apoptosis in the absence of cycloheximide. On the other hand, the latter two inhibitors decreased cycloheximide-induced apoptosis, assessed either by cell morphologic changes or DNA ladder generation. Benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp fluoromethyl ketone and iodoacetamide, inactivators of interleukin 1β-converting enzyme (ICE)-like proteases, did not produce apoptosis and inhibited the induction of apoptosis by cycloheximide, calpain inhibitors, or serine protease inhibitors. These results are consistent with the ICE-like proteases having a central role in proteolysis during apoptosis, while calpain-like proteases and the serine proteases sensitive to DCI or TPCK are not required for generation of the apoptosis phenotype in HL-60 cells.
SERIAL DETERMINATIONS OF WHOLE BLOOD VISCOSITY (Vn) IN SMALL PRETERM INFANTS (INFS)

Fifteen preterm INFS with a mean birth weight (BW) of 1180 gms. (770-2160) and mean gestational age (CA) of 31 wks (28-35) underwent daily Vn and central hematocrit (Hct) determinations from day 1 to day 14 of life. Eight INFS were small for gestation (SGA) and 7 were appropriate (AGA). Vn was measured at shear rates (SR) of 225, 90, 45, 22.5 & 11.25 sec−1 on a Wells-Brookfield viscometer. No INFS were hyperviscous: Hcts ranged from 31-64%. Transfusions were given as medically indicated. The best statistical correlations, which are reported below, were observed at SR 225; progressively less significant correlations were noted at lower SRs. The higher the Hct on day 1, the higher was Vn (r=.6527). SGA INFS (BW 1067gms) had significant elevations of Vn compared to AGA (BW 1280gms) through day 7. Vn also correlated significantly with GA and BW. The lower the BW and GA the higher the Vn through day 7. (See tables below)
Reactions of alkali metal iodides with diisopropyl methylphosphonate

Abstract Alkali metal iodides dissolve in diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) and react at elevated temperatures (70–120°C) to yield isopropoxy methylphosphonato (IMP) M1 (M=Li, Na, K) complexes and a mixture of isopropyl iodide, HI and propene. Li(IMP) was isolated in crystalline form. This complex redissolves in the reaction mixture at 125°C, while the Na1 and K1 analogs are soluble in the reaction mixture and were not obtained in crystalline form. Solutions of M(IMP) in the reaction mixture yield metal hydrogen methylphosphonate (M(MPH)), possibly through reaction with HI. M(MPH) is subsequently condensed to the corresponding metal pyromethylphosphonate (M2- (PMP); M=Li, Na, K), which is precipitated in crystalline form. Li(IMP) and the M2(PMP) complexes were characterized by means of infrared and conductance studies. Possible structures for these compounds are discussed.
Purification of the bifunctional enzyme, imidazoleglycerolphosphate dehydratase-histidinol phosphatase, of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract Mn 2+ precipitation, antibody affinity chromatography, and selective proteolysis have been used to purify a bifunctional core of the hisB enzyme from Salmonella typhimurium . The core is homogeneous in subunit molecular weight; however, it is heterogeneous in its charge properties, probably as a result of multiple cleavage points produced by limited proteolytic digestion. The resistance of the enzyme to irreversible denaturation by urea allowed the use of urea to elute the hisB enzyme from a column of anti- hisB IgG immobilized on Sepharose. Heterogeneous oligomeric forms of the enzyme were demonstrated by electrophoretic analysis and exist as multiples of the 46 000 molecular weight monomer.
Saturn's F ring as seen by Cassini UVIS: Kinematics and statistics

Abstract We present a new orbital model of Saturn’s F ring core based on 93 occultations by the Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) and the Voyager radio and stellar occultations. We demonstrate that the core, despite its intrinsic variability, is well-described as an inclined, freely precessing ellipse. We find that post-fit residuals with a root-mean-square of 24 km are genuine, representing the well-known non-Keplerian features observed in the ring. Over the nearly 4 years of UVIS observations we find the residual variance to increase, coincident with the apse anti-alignment of Prometheus and F ring core in December 2009. This increase in dynamical F ring core temperature most likely reflects the ever-stronger perturbations by Prometheus. Our results are in good agreement with Earth-based and HST observations as well as Voyager imaging. Cassini UVIS stellar occultations resolve the F ring at unprecedented resolutions of a few meters and we identify the F ring core and inner and outer strands. We infer their normal optical depth and full width at half maximum (FWHM) and show that core and strands form distinct morphological groups. Typically, a strand is about ten times wider than the core (average FWHM is ∼10 km) while having a ten times smaller optical depth. Unlike in pre-Cassini occultations the F ring core displays significant optical depth with in some cases >3. In many cases we find a narrow optically thick component (∼ few km and τ > 0.5) embedded in the F ring core. Entertaining the possibility that this is the actual, “true” F ring core then UVIS results suggest that this “true” core is highly non-continuous. In addition, we report the detection of a previously unknown structure – dubbed the “secondary” as it visually resembles the F ring core. Its morphology is similar to that of the core in optical depth and FWHM and it displays individual opaque features. Despite its core-like appearance, we show that its kinematics is consistent with that of strands. We conclude that it is the most prominent strand seen to date. It represents a striking example of strand creation resulting in what could be called a morphological “small-scale” version of the F ring core. This extraordinary object should be one of the prime targets of future F ring studies.
Development of a systems analysis approach for resolving the structure of biodegrading soil systems

An experimental and mathematical method is developed for the microbial systems analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading mixed cultures in PAH-contaminated “town gas” soil systems. Frequency response is the primary experimental and data analysis tool used to probe the structure of these complicated systems. The objective is to provide a fundamental protocol for evaluating the performance of specific mixed microbial cultures on specific soil systems by elucidating the salient system variables and their interactions. Two well-described reactor systems, a constant volume stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a plug flow differential volume reactor, are used in order to remove performance effects that are related to reactor type as opposed to system structure. These two reactor systems are well-defined systems that can be described mathematically and represent the two extremes of one potentially important system variable, macroscopic mass transfer. The experimental and mathematical structure of the protocol is described, experimental data is presented, and data analysis is demonstrated for the stripping, sorption, and biodegradation of napththalene.
Simulating the evolution of coastal morphology and stratigraphy with a new morphological-behaviour model (GEOMBEST)

Abstract A new morphological-behaviour model is used to simulate evolution of coastal morphology associated with cross-shore translations of the shoreface, barrier, and estuary. The model encapsulates qualitative principles drawn from established geological concepts that are parameterized to provide quantitative predictions of morphological change on geological time scales (order 10 3 years), as well as shorter time scales applicable for long-term coastal management (order 10 1 to 10 2 years). Changes in sea level, and sediment volume within the shoreface, barrier, and estuary, drive the model behaviour. Further parameters, defining substrate erodibility, sediment composition, and time-dependent shoreface response, constrain the evolution of the shoreface towards an equilibrium profile. Results from numerical experiments are presented for the low-gradient autochthonous setting of North Carolina and the steep allochthonous setting of the Washington shelf. Simulations in the Currituck region of North Carolina examined the influence of sediment supply, substrate composition, and substrate erodibility on barrier transgression. Results demonstrate that the presence of a lithified substrate reduces the rate of barrier transgression compared to scenarios where an erodible, sand-rich substrate exists. Simulations of the Washington coast, 20 km north of the Columbia River, confirmed that the model can reproduce complex stratigraphy involving regressive and transgressive phases of coastal evolution. Results suggest that the first major addition of sediment to the shelf occurred around 12 900 years ago and resulted from the rapid addition of sediment volume from the Columbia River attributed to the Missoula floods. This was followed by a period where little or no sediment was added (12 400–9100 BP) and a third period when most sediment was added to the shelf (9100 BP to present) from the Columbia River. Comparing results from each setting demonstrates an indirect control that substrate slope has on shoreface transgression rates. Shoreface transgression is shown to be sensitive to the rate of estuarine sedimentation, with the sensitivity increasing as substrate slope decreases.
Lipopolysaccharide potentiates the effect of hepatocyte growth factor on hepatocyte replication in rats by augmenting AP‐1 activity

The liver regenerates by replication of differentiated hepatocytes after damage or removal of part of the liver. Although several growth factors and signaling pathways are activated during regeneration, it is unclear as to which of these are essential for hepatocyte replication. We show here that low- (1 mg/kg) and high- (10 mg/kg) dose hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced replication of 2.1% and 11.1% of hepatocytes in rats, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inducer of the acute phase response, augmented hepatocyte replication in response to low- and high-dose HGF by 4- and 2-fold, respectively. HGF alone induced moderate levels of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), resulting in moderate levels of AP-1-DNA binding activity. The combination of LPS + HGF increased JNK and AP-1-DNA binding activity more than levels seen with LPS or HGF alone. The activation of Stat3 that was observed after administration of LPS + HGF, but not HGF alone, could contribute to increased transcription of AP-1 components. Because phosphorylation of the c-Jun component of AP-1 by JNK increases its ability to activate transcription, the AP-1 in hepatocytes from animals treated with LPS + HGF may be more active than in rats treated with LPS or HGF alone. LPS may contribute to hepatocyte replication by potentiating the effect of HGF on the activation of both AP-1-DNA binding and transcriptional activity.
Species differences in renal γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity do not correlate with susceptibility to 2-bromo-(diglutathion-S-yl)-hydroquinone nephrotoxicity

Abstract Administration of 2-brono-(diglutathion- S -yl)hydroquinone (2-Br-[diGSyl]HQ) 1 (10–30 μmol/kg; i.v.) to rats causes severe renal proximal tubular necrosis. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) catalyses the first step in the metabolism of glutathione (GSH) and its S-conjugates and the toxicity of 2-Br-(diGSyl) HQ can be emeliorated by inhibition of renal γ-GT. Species differences in the specific activity of renal γ-GT have been reported and we now describe the relationship between renal γ-GT and species differences in susceptibility to 2-Br-(diGSyl)HQ nephrotoxicity. Although rats exhibited the highest specific activity of renal γ-GT, and were the most sensitive species toward 2-Br-(diGSyl)HQ-mediated nephrotoxicity, renal γ-GT activity did not correlate with susceptibility in the other species examined. Indeed, the guinea pig, which expressed the lowest activity of renal γ-GT between the species (8% of the rat) was the only other rodent found to be responsive toward 2-Br-(dGSyl)HQ at the highest dose tested (200 μmol/kg; intracardiac). Thus, factors other than γ-GT activity probably play an important role in modulating species susceptibility to 2-Br-(diGSyl)HQ nephrotoxicity. Although the reason(s) for the interspecies variation in response to 2-Br-(diGSyl)HQ are unclear at present, it seems possible that differences in both renal biochemistry, such as differences in the relative activities of cysteine conjugate N -acetyl transferase and deacetylase, and renal physiology, contribute to the observed results.
The Role of Toll-like Receptors in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Dermatological Disease

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are crucial players in the innate immune response to microbial invaders. These receptors are expressed on immune cells, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and granulocytes. Importantly, TLR are not only expressed by peripheral blood cells, but their expression has been demonstrated in airway epithelium and skin, important sites of host–pathogen interaction. Host cells expressing TLR are capable of recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as lipopolysaccharide and CpG DNA, and their activation triggers signaling pathways that result in the expression of immune response genes and cytokine production. As TLR are instrumental in both launching innate immune responses and influencing adaptive immunity, regulation of TLR expression at sites of disease such as in leprosy, acne, and psoriasis may be important in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Furthermore, since TLR are vital players in infectious and inflammatory diseases, they have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. Indeed, synthetic TLR agonists such as imiquimod have already established utility in treating viral pathogens and skin cancers. In the future, it seems possible there may also be drugs capable of blocking TLR activation and thus TLR-dependent inflammatory responses, providing new treatment options for inflammatory diseases.
Radiation therapy oncology group clinical trials with misonidazole

This paper presents a review of the progressive clinical trials of the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer, misonidazole, in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Presentation is made of all the schemas of the recently completed and currently active RTOG Phase II and Phase III studies. Detailed information is provided on the clinical toxicity of the Phase II trials, specifically regarding neurotoxicity. With limitations in drug total dose, a variety of dose schedules have proven to be tolerable, with a moderate incidence of nausea and vomiting and mild peripheral neuropathy, and a low incidence of more severe peripheral neuropathy or central neuropathy. No other organ toxicity has been seen, specifically no liver, renal or bone marrow toxicities. The clinical pharmacologic monitoring of misonidazole blood levels has been satisfactory with good correlation between the group-wide (Phase II) UV values and the HPLC values from the Phase I study. The patient accrual of the trials has been rapidly increasing and an early analysis suggests efficacy better than previous radiation experience. A series of eight Phase III trials are currently underway or proposed in the RTOG and the results of these are pending. An additional Phase III malignant glioma trial in the Brain tumor Study Group is described.
Geographic dimensions of enduring rivalries

Abstract In this study, we show that our understanding of rivalries can be enhanced by a greater consideration of the connection between this phenomenon and geographic factors. More specifically, we seek to understand the impacts of territoriality (i.e. disputes over land control) and space (i.e. contiguity) on rivalry. Prior works tell us that these factors are important in individual militarized conflicts, but until now we did not know whether they also impact patterns of recurring conflicts. Although we find that both territorial disputes and contiguity matter little for rivalries in general, we do demonstrate that both factors’ importance grows as we consider the more serious types of rivalries. In other words, most rivalries are not fought over territory or between neighbors, but a substantial portion of proto- and enduring rivalries are conditioned by territorial disputes and proximity. We also investigate whether disputes over land and contiguity have impacts on conflict density, rivalry development, and rivalry severity. We show that both factors increase the frequency of conflict and the chances of serious rivalry development. In contrast, rivalry severity is more of a function of the underlying issue the rivals disagree over (i.e. territorial control) than of opportunity to fight (i.e. proximity).
Protein folding by 'levels of separation': a hypothesis.

The protein folding process has been studied both computationally and experimentally for over 30 years. To date there is no detailed mechanism to explain the formation of long-range interactions between the transition and native states. Long-range interactions are the principle determinants of the tertiary structure. We present a theoretical model which proposes a mechanism for the acquisition of these interactions as they form in a modified version of ‘degrees of separation’, that we term ‘levels of separation’. It is based on the integration of network science and biochemistry.
Fanconi anemia and the development of leukemia

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive cancer-prone inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, due to mutations in 16 genes, whose protein products collaborate in a DNA repair pathway. The major complications are aplastic anemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and specific solid tumors. A severe subset, due to mutations in FANCD1/BRCA2, has a cumulative incidence of cancer of 97% by age 7 years; the cancers are AML, brain tumors, and Wilms tumor; several patients have multiple events. Patients with the other genotypes (FANCA through FANCQ) have cumulative risks of more than 50% of marrow failure, 20% of AML, and 30% of solid tumors (usually head and neck or gynecologic squamous cell carcinoma), by age 40, and they too are at risk of multiple adverse events. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant may cure AML and MDS, and preemptive transplant may be appropriate, but its use is a complicated decision.
Response of choline metabolites to docetaxel therapy is quantified in vivo by localized 31P MRS of human breast cancer xenografts and in vitro by high-resolution 31P NMR spectroscopy of cell extracts†

Choline-containing compounds (CCCs) are elevated in breast cancer, and detected in vivo by the 1H MRS total choline (tCho) resonance (3.25 ppm) and the 31P MRS phosphomonoester (PME) resonance (3.8 ppm). Both the tCho and PME resonances decrease early after initiation of successful therapy. The single major component of these composite resonances, phosphocholine (PCho), also responds to therapy by decreasing. The ability to resolve and quantify PCho in vivo would thus increase the sensitivity of this biomarker for early detection of therapeutic response.Herein, the in vivo resolution and quantification of PCho is reported in human mouse xenograft tumors of the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-mb-231. Significant decreases in tumor PCho are observed within 2 to 4 d posttreatment with the antimicrotubule drug, docetaxel. To determine whether these decreases are a general tumor response or an intracellular metabolic response, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy was performed on extracts of cells treated with docetaxel. Significant decreases in intracellular PCho and increases in glycerophosphocholine (GPC) were observed. These decreases are coincident with other tumor and cellular responses such as tumor growth delay (TGD), cell-cycle arrest, and modes of cell death such as mitotic catastrophe, necrosis, and apoptosis, with mitotic catastrophe predominating. Magn Reson Med 58:270–280, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for the Elderly: Trends in Programs and Policies

This article presents the latest available expenditure and participation trends (1999-2002) for three Medicaid home and community-based (HCBS) programs that serve the elderly (home health, waivers, and personal care services [PCS]) and reports a national survey of policies used on these programs in 2002. Although the trend data show a rise in elderly waiver and PCS programs and participation, they also reveal falling per participant expenditures in PCS programs, declining annual growth in total HCBS expenditures, and large interstate variations in elderly waivers. The use of cost control policies such as spending caps and large waiver waiting lists in many states contribute to the gap between demand and supply for Medicaid HCBS for the elderly.
From blindness to sight environmental epistemology in 1990s Disney films

Although Disney animated films are often celebrated for depicting positive images of nature and for promoting environmental conservation, Disney's presentation of the environment is somewhat problematic in that characters' relationships with nature are varied and often contradictory between films and an epistemic dichotomy is set up between the “civilized,” cosmopolitan society and “uncivilized,” wild settings. How characters from different films comprehend these two worlds and navigate their differences is displayed through various elements of film such as narrative, image, and musical score. Examining animated Disney films from 1990 through the early 2000s that directly engage in environment themes reveals a clear, demonstrable evolution in the ways that characters come to `know' the environment. Beginning with Beauty and the Beast (1991) and ending with Brother Bear (2003), these films show a progression in the capability of their characters to both apprehend and relate to the environment. This paper explores three thematic and chronological groups. Characters in Beauty and the Beast are depicted as unable to reliably apprehend the environment or relate to it, an epistemic deficiency due to an absent, rather than underdeveloped capacity for knowing the environment. The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), and Tarzan (1999) present characters with incomplete apprehension of the environment, requiring the assistance of a “savage” mediator to fully apprehend and relate to nature. Finally, in The Emperor's New Groove (2000) and Brother Bear, the characters are able to apprehend and relate to nature without a mediator, but must undergo a transformative event to do so.
Cellular topology and its applications in image processing

In this paper the interaction between Minkowski algebra, nondiscrete cellular topologies and some well known basic cellular image processing operations is investigated. It is shown that some useful topological measures can be extracted from these basic image operations and that these operations can be viewed from a nonalgebraic and purely topological point of view.
Aligning Assessment to Organizational Performance in Distance Education Service Delivery

ABSTRACT This article seeks to provide an understanding of the issues in and possible steps of aligning the library's assessment processes to distance education service delivery. Through a review of the literature and current practices, the researcher sought to identify the need and value of aligned performance assessment processes for libraries, the primary contributing alignment factors affecting the library assessment process, and potential benefits of improved alignment of the assessment process for libraries in aligning assessment to the distance education services provided to customers. The results of the review suggest that libraries can improve the reporting and value of their assessment processes by improving the alignment of their assessment processes to distance education service delivery in 2 ways: internally through the use of consistent and innovative processes, metrics, and culture within the library and externally by embracing the alignment factors and available technologies of the library...
Protein Denaturation of Frozen Pacific Whiting (Merluccius productus) Fillets

Protein denaturation in Pacific whiting fillets stored at −8, −20, −34, and −50°C was investigated over a 10-mo period by several methods, including salt-soluble protein extractability, Ca++-ATPase activity, and the torsion test. Changes in quality of fillets stored at −8°C were significantly greater than those stored at lower temperatures. Fillets stored at −34 and −50°C showed no significant advantage over those stored at −20°C as measured by salt-soluble protein extractability and Ca++-ATPase activity. However, fillets stored at the lower temperatures had slightly higher torsion shear strain.
Improved pain management with daily nursing intervention during radiation therapy for head and neck carcinoma

This study evaluated the response to a defined mouth care and analgesic treatment protocol for oropharyngeal mucositis in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck carcinoma. Nineteen patients completed a 15 question pain survey before each radiation treatment. Patients were given instructions on the use of mouthwashes and a three-step analgesic protocol: acetaminophen, acetaminophen with codeine suspension, and oral morphine (20 mg/mL) for mild, moderate, and severe pain, respectively. Patients were seen daily by a radiation therapy nurse who reviewed the survey and prompt changes in the prescribed analgesic regimen were then made by a physician. Marked differences in control of pain related to radiation mucositis were observed when compared to patients from our prior study who used the same daily survey but had only sporadic nursing intervention and no analgesic protocol. Patients having daily nursing intervention reported fewer days of moderate/severe pain, had less pain throughout the day, and noted less disturbance in sleep, eating, and energy level. Weight loss of greater than 5 kg was noted in only three patients. Analgesics were used on 77% of treatment days and relieved all or most of the pain in 94% of these days. Daily review of a symptom survey by a radiation therapy nurse, combined with a well-defined strategy for mouth care, and analgesics results in improved pain management of radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis because of prompt attention to patient needs. Future trials should incorporate defined strategies for oral care and analgesic use to control for possible bias in assessing efficacy.
An Examination of the ECST-R as a Screen for Feigned Incompetency to Stand Trial.

Psychological assessments of competency-to-stand-trial (CST) referrals must consider whether the defendants' impairment is genuine or feigned. This study addressed feigning on the Evaluation of Competency to Stand Trial--Revised (ECST-R), a standardized interview designed for assessing dimensions of CST and screening for feigned CST. In particular, this study examined the effectiveness of the ECST-R's Atypical Presentation (ATP) scales as screens for feigned incompetency. It examined ATP scales for (a) jail detainees (n=96) in simulation and control conditions and (b) inpatient competency cases (n=56) in clinical comparison and probable malingering groups. Comparisons of ATP scales yielded very large effect sizes for feigners when compared with jail controls (mean d=2.50) and genuine inpatient competency cases (mean d=1.83). Several cut scores were established with very few false negatives and robust sensitivity estimates. In summary, the ECST-R ATP scales appear to be homogenous scales with established clinical use as feigning screens in CST evaluations.