cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective assessment of primary rectal cancer response to preoperative radiation and chemotherapy using 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the ability of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to assess extent of pathologically confirmed rectal cancer response to preoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients with primary rectal cancer deemed eligible for preoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy because of a clinically bulky or tethered tumor or endorectal ultrasound evidence of T3 and/or N1 were prospectively enrolled. Positron emission tomography and CT scans were obtained before preoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (5,040 cGy to the pelvis and 2 cycles of bolus 5-fluorouracil with leucovorin) and repeated four to five weeks after completion of radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. In addition to routine pathologic staging, detailed assessment of rectal cancer response to preoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy was performed independently by two pathologists. Positron emission tomography parameters studied included conventional measures such as standardized uptake value (average and maximum), positron emission tomography-derived tumor volume (size), and two novel parameters: visual response score and change in total lesion glycolysis. RESULTS: Of 21 patients enrolled, prospective data (pretreatment and posttreatment positron emission tomography, and complete pathologic assessment) were available on 15 patients. All 15 demonstrated pathologic response to preoperative radiation and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. This was confirmed in 100 percent of the cases by positron emission tomography compared with 78 percent (7/9) by CT. In addition, one positron emission tomography parameter (visual response score) accurately estimated the extent of pathologic response in 60 percent (9/15) of cases compared with 22 percent (2/9) of cases with CT. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging adds incremental information to the preoperative assessment of patients with rectal cancer. However, further studies in a larger series of patients are needed to verify these findings and to determine the value of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in a preoperative strategy aimed at identifying patients suitable for sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery.
Work in progress: relative safety of high‐rise and low‐rise buildings in Los Angeles

This paper summarizes the first phase of research on the relative safety of buildings in Los Angeles. At this phase, the behaviour of two 20-storey buildings designed according to UBC-1994 provisions and subjected to simulated and recorded/scaled ground motions that represent a rare seismic event is investigated. The seismic event considered in this study is a magnitude 7·15 ground motion initiated in the blind thrust Puente Hills fault system. The effect of beam to column connections detailing on seismic demands is also investigated by developing two models for each building: one with pre-Northridge connection assumptions and the other with post-Northridge ones. In all models, the effects of gravity load carrying system and slab are neglected for simplicity. It is concluded that simulated ground motions representing the magnitude 7·15 earthquake impose higher seismic demands compared with recorded/scaled motions that represent a similar event to the extent that in the high-slip region of the fault, the behaviour of the 20-storey building with post-Northridge connection can be deemed unacceptable. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satellite cells are mitotically quiescent in mature mouse muscle: An EM and radioautographic study

Normal adult mouse tibialis anterior muscles were perfused continuously with 3H-thymidine for nine days. Quantitation of the satellite cell population in these muscles reveals that not only is the frequency of satellite cell nuclei low, but that those present are mitotically quiescent.
Plating on Zircaloy-2

Abstract Zircaloy-2 is a difficult alloy to coat with an adherent electroplate because it easily forms a tenacious oxide film in air and aqueous solutions. Procedures reported in the literature and those developed at Sandia Laboratories for surmounting this problem were investigated. The best results were obtained when specimens were first etched in either an ammonium bifluoride-sulfuric acid or an ammonium bifluoride solution, plated and then heated at 700 °C for 1 h in a constrained condition. Machining threads in the Zircaloy-2 for the purpose of providing sites for mechanical interlocking of the plating also proved satisfactory.
Bioaerosol optical sensor model development and initial validation

This paper describes the development and initial validation of a bioaerosol optical sensor model. This model was used to help determine design parameters and estimate performance of a new low-cost optical sensor for detecting bioterrorism agents. In order to estimate sensor performance in detecting biowarfare simulants and rejecting environmental interferents, use was made of a previously reported catalog of EEM (excitation/emission matrix) fluorescence cross-section measurements and previously reported multiwavelength-excitation biosensor modeling work. In the present study, the biosensor modeled employs a single high-power 365 nm UV LED source plus an IR laser diode for particle size determination. The sensor has four output channels: IR size channel, UV elastic channel and two fluorescence channels. The sensor simulation was used to select the fluorescence channel wavelengths of 400-450 and 450-600 nm. Using these selected fluorescence channels, the performance of the sensor in detecting simulants and rejecting interferents was estimated. Preliminary measurements with the sensor are presented which compare favorably with the simulation results.
After Afghanistan: Reassessing soviet capabilities and policies for power projection

Abstract This article examines some of the lessons learned by the USSR in both the military and political domains of strategy as a result of the Afghanistan war and Soviet experience there. These lessons apply both to the ongoing processes of reorganization of Soviet force structure and operational art in Europe and the third world as well as to the political dimension involved in crises in the latter. Moreover, these lessons demonstrate the implementation by Moscow of a new, more nuanced and diversified military‐political strategy to deal with third world crises. Capabilities and policies for power projection into these areas have not so much been cut back, although it is true that they have been, as they have been reformulated and restructured. Thus the lessons Moscow is applying from that war are not the same as those we might learn, and we ignore the Soviet conceptual framework that pertains to such wars only at our own cost and ignorance.
The Effect of Dried and Fresh Eggs on Plasma Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis in Chickens

Abstract Oxidation products of cholesterol, which have been observed to be formed in powdered eggs and other dehydrated cholesterol-containing foods, have been suspected as the probable primary cause of atherosclerotic lesions. The feeding of powdered vs. fresh egg yolks to young male chickens up to 30 and 43 weeks of age, respectively, produced approximately the same increase in plasma cholesterol, liver fat, and liver cholesterol when compared to the feeding of a soybean-based cholesterol-free diet. Aortic atherosclerosis, however, was found to be more severe in a group of birds fed fresh egg yolks than in those fed powdered egg or the cholesterol-free diet. A previously demonstrated, enhanced feedback inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by oxidized cholesterol derivatives may at least partly explain these results.
Administrative Agencies and the Court: a Reexamination of the Impact of Agency Type On Decisional Outcomes

is thoroughly documented in the literature. Over the past forty years there have been several studies that have demonstrated the high levels of success enjoyed by the agencies, with most of the literature reporting a success rate of about 70 percent for federal agencies (Pritchett 1948; Tanenhaus 1960; Canon and Giles 1972; Handberg 1979; Crowley 1987). Although federal agencies are successful as an aggregate group, researchers in the past have found that there is differentiation among the agencies in their rates of support by the Court. Some scholars have suggested that the different levels of support could be due to differences in the interests associated with the agencies (Handberg 1979; Crowley 1987). This has led to the creation of typologies that have usually been based on some variation of an economic/social dichotomy. It is argued that economic agencies seldom incite the ideological passions that are generally associated with social agencies (Ripley and Franklin 1984). The same ideological conflicts that we find in the legislatures could arise in the Court when it deals with cases involving social regulation (Crowley 1987). The impact of litigant characteristics on Supreme Court decisionmaking has been demonstrated for other types of parties such as black litigants (Ulmer and Thomson, 1981) and women (O'Connor and Epstein 1983). There is evidence that the type of party filing an amicus belief has a significant impact on the decision to grant plenary review (O'Connor and Epstein 1983; Caldeira and Wright 1988; Ulmer 1978). Moreover, Segal (1988) found that litigants supported by the solicitor general with amicus briefs are more likely to win than not. Similarly, there is a considerable amount of research indicating the effectiveness of the solicitor general as a direct party before the Court (Segal 1988; Segal and Reedy 1988; Ulmer and Willison 1985). It seems clear that the type of party involved in the case can have a significant impact on the Court's decisional outcomes.
Recombinant adenoviruses expressing steatosis-associated hepatitis C virus genotype 3 core protein produce intracellular lipid accumulation in cultured and primary hepatocytes.

Steatosis, or “fatty liver”, is a common finding in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and reflects dysregulation of lipid homeostasis. HCV Core protein causes lipid accumulation when expressed in cultured cell lines, which data now indicates is a critical step for HCV replication, assembly and release. Previous studies on HCV Core and lipid accumulation have been limited by poor efficiency of conventional transfection techniques or the cell line limitations of the available cell culture system. In this study, we have designed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HCV Core and demonstrate that infection of both cultured and primary cells leads to intracellular lipid accumulation. This system will allow for detailed studies of the mechanisms that drive intracellular lipid accumulation during HCV infection and addresses some of the disadvantages that have hampered previous research.
What happens to untreated asymptomatic retinal breaks, and are they affected by posterior vitreous detachment?

Abstract Objective The purpose of the study was to ascertain the natural consequences of asymptomatic retinal breaks and to learn what effects, if any, the occurrence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) has on such breaks. Design This was a cohort study of consecutive asymptomatic phakic patients, all of whom had asymptomatic retinal breaks, observed without treatment over periods of 1 to 33 years (average, 11 years). Participants There were 196 patients with 235 involved eyes. Intervention Periodic clinical examinations, including binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral indentation on all eyes and posterior vitreous examination on 50 eyes, were performed. Results In the total study period, one small peripheral retinal detachment developed, without symptoms, from a previous subclinical detachment over a period of 14 years. Nineteen eyes (8%) originally had or developed 22 areas of subclinical detachment, 2 of which were treated because of moderate extension, even though remaining subclinical and without symptoms. Ten eyes encountered acute PVDs, which caused symptomatic retinal tears in three eyes, one of which also had a clinical retinal detachment. Of the 50 asymptomatic eyes examined with Goldmann lens and slit lamp, 12 (24%) were found to have an existing PVD, which had not led to any complication of the previous retinal breaks in any eye. Conclusions Asymptomatic retinal breaks discovered in phakic primary eyes do not show any significant tendency toward clinical retinal detachment, with the exception of a few of those cases that progress to subclinical retinal detachment. It is only some of these, comprising 1% to 2% of the total group, that may justify treatment. Posterior vitreous detachment coexists safely with asymptomatic retinal breaks in phakic primary eyes and shows no tendency to provoke complications to pre-existing breaks at the time of its occurrence.
New developments in work-related asthma

Although work-related asthma is the most commonly recognized occupational lung disease, the condition remains underrecognized and underreported. New-onset occupational asthma and work aggravated asthma can have deleterious medical and socioeconomic consequences for the individual. Although interpretation and comparison between studies are hampered by the use of variable definitions of WRA and criteria for the diagnosis, as many as 20% of cases of new or aggravated adult asthma has important work-related factors. Thus, all asthmatic patients should be asked about their work, if their respiratory symptoms are worse when they work, or if a new job/exposure preceded the onset of symptoms. A series of longitudinal inception and apprentice cohort studies were undertaken to address significant weakness in the previous medical literature. These studies are just beginning to produce results, and provide strong evidence for asthma caused by exposure to specific occupational environments. They have begun to produce new understanding of the risk factors for developing OA, the natural history of OA and immune sensitization, and the existence of the healthy worker effect. New, non-invasive measures of airway inflammation have been developed with the potential for broad applications in the field of WRA. Although the measurement of exhaled NO and induced sputum analysis are primarily used as research tools, their place in clinical practice is likely to become clearer. These methods also have the potential to elucidate the various pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in WRA and may broaden our concept of occupational exposures that can initiate the onset of asthma.
Generalized D-Forms Have No Spurious Creases

A convex surface that is flat everywhere but on finitely many smooth curves (or seams) and points is a seam form. We show that the only creases through the flat components of a seam form are either between vertices or tangent to the seams. As corollaries we resolve open problems about certain special seam forms: the flat components of a D-form have no creases at all, and the flat component of a pita-form has at most one crease, between the seam's endpoints.
The biomechanical behavior of healing canine radii and ribs.

Abstract An experimental study and accompanying theoretical study of the biomechanics of healing canine ribs and radii have been conducted. Biomechanical behavior of the healing bones was determined experimentally by whole bone structural tests in four point bending. The experimental results indicated that the non-weight-bearing ribs regained bending strength more rapidly than bending stiffness, while the weight-bearing radii regained bending stiffness more rapidly than bending strength. These differences were not found to correlate with differences in overall callus biochemistry, but physical examinations of the bones suggested that differences in callus morphological details between the two bone types might offer an explanation. Utilizing a theoretical model, a parameter study of the influence of callus geometry and morphology on bending behavior was conducted. The results of the parameter study demonstrate that the experimentally observed variations in the amount and distribution of callus materials and in bone geometry can produce the qualitative biomechanical differences measured experimentally. The results of the parameter study also demonstrate that bending stiffness must be used with caution as a healing criterion since it does not necessarily reflect structural strength.
Orientation dependence of the Kapitza resistance between liquid and HCP 4He

Abstract We present a calculation of the Kapitza resistance between liquid and hcp 4 He, assuming that the interface has an inertia due to the motion of quantum kinks on the solid surface, and taking into account the orientation dependence of the surface stiffness and the anisotropy of the crystal.
GENDER‐BASED DISPARITIES EAST/WEST: RETHINKING THE BURDEN OF CARE IN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN

When feminist bioethicists express concerns about health-related gender disparities, they raise considerations about justice and gender that traditional bioethicists have either not raised or raised somewhat weakly. In this article, I first provide a feminist analysis of long-term healthcare by and for women in the United States and women in Taiwan. Next, I make the case that, on average, elderly US and Taiwanese women fare less well in long-term care contexts than do elderly US and Taiwanese men. Finally, I explore some suggested practical remedies to reduce gender disparities in long-term care contexts.
Characterizing withdrawal in rats following repeated drug administration using an amphetamine-vehicle-haloperidol drug discrimination.

Rationale: Previous research using an amphetamine (AM)-haloperidol (HA) drug- drug discrimination task has shown that predominant responding on the HA-appropriate lever occurs 24 h after a single or multiple administrations of 10 mg/kg AM. Conversely, rebound responding on the AM-appropriate lever occurs following single or multiple administrations of 1 mg/kg HA. HA-appropriate responding was also observed 24 h following a single injection of AM using a three-lever, AM-vehicle-HA discrimination task. However, a single administration of HA did not produce robust rebound responding on the AM-appropriate lever. The present studies seek to clarify the discrepancy between responding following HA in the two- and three-choice tasks. Objective: Experiment 1 examined the extent of rebound responding that could be achieved following ten daily administrations of either 10 mg/kg AM or 1 mg/kg HA. Experiment 2 explored potential differences between the two- and three-choice tasks in characterizing the post-HA cue. Methods: Animals were trained to discriminate 0.35 mg/kg AM, vehicle, and 0.033 mg/kg HA. In experiment 1, animals received ten daily injections of 10 mg/kg AM, vehicle, or 1 mg/kg HA, and were tested 24 h after the final injection, and again 8, 15, and 22 days post-treatment. In experiment 2, animals were retrained and then treated daily with either vehicle or 1.0 mg/kg HA for 10 days, and then tested 24 h after the final injection, and again 5 and 11 days post-treatment, with either all three levers or with only the AM- and HA-appropriate levers available. Results: In experiment 1, multiple injections of AM produced robust HA lever responding, which is consistent with results from previous studies that used the two-choice, AM-HA discrimination task. However, multiple injections of HA did not produce predominant responding on the AM-appropriate lever. In experiment 2, animals treated with either vehicle or HA responded predominantly on the vehicle-appropriate lever when tested with all three levers present. When tested with the vehicle lever removed, however, animals treated with vehicle responded predominantly on the HA-appropriate lever, whereas those treated with HA responded predominantly on the AM-appropriate lever. Conclusions: These results suggest that the two-choice and three-choice task used here differ in how the post-HA withdrawal cue is characterized. This finding emphasizes the importance of knowing the relative locations of the agonist-, vehicle-, and antagonist-produced cues on the interoceptive stimulus continuum established by discrimination training.
Probabilistic methods for the analysis of metal-matrix composites

Abstract A probabilistic micromechanics-based non-linear analysis procedure is developed to predict and quantify the variability in the properties of high-temperature metal-matrix composites. Monte Carlo methods and assumed probabilistic distributions of the constituent level properties including fiber, matrix, and interphase properties, volume and void ratios, strengths, fiber misalignment, and non-linear empirical parameters are used to predict the resultant ply properties and quantify their statistical scatter. Graphite/copper and silicon-carbon/titanium-aluminide (SCS-6 T115) unidirectional plies are considered to demonstrate the predictive capabilities. The non-linear material response of continuous-fiber-reinforced metal-matrix composite structures has also been studied by using the macroscopic elastoplasticity theory and a continuum shell element. The procedures discussed have a high potential for use in material characterization and selection (to precede and assist in experimental studies) and determination of the structural response of new high-temperature metal-matrix composites.
AUTOMATIC ACCESS TO WORD SOUNDS AND MEANING IN DECODING WRITTEN TEXT

Acquisition of efficient reading skills depends on developing reading‐related skills to a high level of proficiency. Making skills associated with reading “automatic” is a key factor in efficient r...
Mapping of the polA locus of Escherichia coli K12: orientation in the amino- and carboxy-termini of the cistron.

Three mutations of thepolA cistron, the structural gene for DNA polymerase I ofE. coli, have been ordered by three factor transductional crosses. The three mutant polymerase species have altered properties which may be ascribed to defects located in different portions of the polypeptide chain. Our data indicate that the amino terminal end is encoded by the end of thepolA cistron nearer tometE and that transcription and translation proceed clockwise on theE. coli circular map towards therha locus.
The Microvascular Composition of the Healing Wound Compared at Skin Sites with Nutritive versus Arteriovenous Perfusion

Abstract Background. In the rat, there is a significantly greater blood flow response to wounding at the back, a site perfused mainly by small capillaries, than at the paw, which has a much higher density of arterioles and venules. Materials and methods. We characterized the microvascular composition of wounds at the two skin sites in 11 Wistar Kyoto rats using a quantitative imaging program. Blood flow was compared using laser Doppler technology. Results. Prior to wounding, skin blood flow was much greater at the paw (7.1 ± 0.5 ml 100 g tissue −1 min −1 ) than at the back (2.1 ± 0.1 ml 100 g tissue −1 min −1 , P −1 min −1 ) and at the perimeter of the back wound (4.1 ± 0.5 ml 100 g tissue −1 min −1 ) had increased substantially. In contrast, skin blood flow at the perimeter of the paw wound had increased moderately (12.7 ± 2.0 ml 100 g tissue −1 min −1 ), but there was no change at the center of the wound (6.9 ± 0.9 ml 100 g tissue −1 min −1 ). There were three times more microvessels per mm 2 at the paw site (39.3 ± 3.6) than at the back (13.1 ± 1.5) prior to wounding. The wound granulation tissue was very vascular; the numerical density of vessels was identical at back (166 ± 9) and at paw (154 ± 6). Despite the marked increase in blood flow at the perimeter of the back wound, there was no difference in the microvascular density (15.2 ± 1.4) compared to baseline, nor was there a difference at the paw perimeter (39.4 ± 3.6) compared to baseline. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the microvascular constitutions of granulation tissues at the paw and back are identical. Thus, the rise in flow at the back wound and reduction in flow at the paw wound are entirely consistent with similar microvascular compositions of these two sites. Yet, there is increased flow at the back wound perimeter where there is no significant change in microvascular constitution compared to unwounded skin. Therefore, a microvascular structure no different from that prior to wounding functions very differently after wounding. Clearly vasoregulatory factors impact on the wound to modify flow through the microvascular network.
Long-term Prognosis of Acute Kidney Injury After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication during hospitalization and is an accepted risk factor for in-hospital mortality. However, the association of severity of AKI with the long-term risk of death is not well defined. Methods To examine the independent effect of the severity of AKI on long-term risk of death following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we performed an observational study of 147007 elderly Medicare patients admitted for AMI from January 1994 through February 1996 as a part of the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project. We evaluated the association between AKI and all-cause mortality. We defined AKI as absolute changes in serum creatinine level, categorized as none (creatinine level increase, ≤0.2 mg/dL), mild (0.3-0.4 mg/dL increase), moderate (0.5-0.9 mg/dL increase), and severe (≥1.0 mg/dL increase). Results Overall, 19.4% of the patients had AKI, including 7.1% with mild AKI, 7.1% with moderate AKI, and 5.2% with severe AKI. Less than 10% of patients who had severe AKI were alive at 10 years compared with 12.2%, 21.1%, and 31.7% patients with moderate, mild, and no AKI, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio for death for in-hospital survivors at 10 years was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.18) for mild AKI, 1.23 (95% CI, 1.20-1.26) for moderate AKI, and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.28-1.38) for severe AKI. Similar results were obtained in several secondary analyses that included inpatient mortality, excluded mortality in the first 3 years, and stratified by some specified high-risk groups. Moderate or severe AKI were comparable in strength with other known correlates of cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions Acute kidney injury has an independent and graded association with long-term mortality. These results should stimulate additional mechanistic and interventional studies and plans for follow-up of patients with AKI after discharge.
Tunable Band-Pass Filters Employing Stretchable Electronic Components

This paper describes some of the recent results of an ongoing U.S. Army research program examining the electronic behavior of hyperelastic stretchable capacitor, resistor, and inductor networks for which the conductor material employed is stretchable. As with traditional rigid analog components, stretchable electronic components exhibit frequency-dependant behavior. Unlike their rigid counterparts, stretchable electronic components may also exhibit dramatic strain-dependent behavior. In this way stretchable circuit networks may be viewed as controllable spatio-temporal filters. Resistance, capacitance, and inductance all change to varying degrees depending on the specific set of spatio-temporal inputs. These variations may be harnessed to create an adaptive circuit element that is controllable. This paper describes the results of integrating stretchable components into a tunable band-pass filter. Center frequency, bandwidth, and gain can be varied in a controllable way by varying the capacitance or resistance of specific circuit elements by stretching them. Biaxially stretchable components are described that are subjected to equibiaxial strain-states as high as 100% area strain. We examine the influence that the type of compliant conductor has on tunable circuit properties and on control authority.© 2012 ASME
What Do We Really Know About the Safety of Tai Chi?: A Systematic Review of Adverse Event Reports in Randomized Trials

Abstract Objective To systematically review the frequency and quality of adverse event (AE) reports in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of tai chi (TC). Data Sources Electronic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE and additional databases from inception through March 2013 of English-language RCTs. Search terms included tai chi , taiji , and tai chi chuan . Data were independently extracted by 2 investigators. Study Selection We included all available RCTs that were published in English and used TC as an intervention. Inclusion and exclusion criteria of studies were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data Extraction Eligible RCTs were categorized with respect to AE reporting: no mention of protocol for monitoring AEs or reports of AEs, and reports of AEs either with or without explicit protocol for monitoring AEs. Data Synthesis There were 153 eligible RCTs identified; most targeted older adults. Only 50 eligible trials (33%) included reporting of AEs; of these, only 18 trials (12% overall) also reported an explicit AE monitoring protocol. Protocols varied with respect to the rigor of systematic monitoring in both the TC and comparison groups. Reported AEs were typically minor and expected and primarily musculoskeletal related (eg, knee and back pain); no intervention-related serious AEs were reported. Conclusions TC is unlikely to result in serious AEs, but it may be associated with minor musculoskeletal aches and pains. However, poor and inconsistent reporting of AEs greatly limits the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the safety of TC.
Heart rate variability and its association with mortality in prehospital trauma patients.

Background:Accurate prehospital triage of trauma patients is difficult, especially in mass casualty situations. Accordingly, the U.S. Military has initiated a program directed toward improving noninvasive prehospital triage algorithms based on available physiologic data. The purpose of this study wa
Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase-dependent Activation of Renal Mesangial Cell Ki-Ras and ERK by Advanced Glycation End Products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced by the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and lipids. AGE levels are pathologically elevated in a number of inflammatory diseases and in diabetes mellitus. There is evidence that AGEs, acting through the receptor for AGEs, contribute to diabetic complications. Nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. However, the initiating molecular events that trigger diabetic renal disease are unknown. Renal mesangial cells produce excess extracellular matrix in response to treatment with transforming growth factor-beta, and excess mesangial cell matrix production, by impairing glomerular filtration, contributes to diabetic nephropathy. AGEs are known to trigger the autocrine production and release of transforming growth factor-beta. However, it is unclear how AGEs signal in mesangial cells. Here we show that treatment of mesangial cells with AGEs and with the receptor for AGEs agonist S100 triggers activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) pathways. AGEs trigger the GTP loading of mesangial cell Ras, and AGE activation of ERK requires Ras. We observe that Ki-Ras, but not Ha-Ras, is the target of AGE action. Surprisingly, inhibition of PI3K blocks both ERK and Ki-Ras activation. We also observe that activation of ERK and the PI3K target kinase protein kinase-B is blocked with free radical scavengers, indicating a role for reactive oxygen species in AGE recruitment of PI3K. Thus, AGEs signal to Ki-Ras and ERK through reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of PI3K.
Density stratification due to counterbuoyant flow along a vertical crystallization front

Abstract Theoretical modelling and experimentation are used to analyze horizontal solidification of a double-diffusive, binary liquid in a confined rectangular cavity. For solutions which segregate the lighter component into the liquid, the composition and temperature gradients produced upon solidification lead to the onset of vertical counterbuoyant flow along the growing crystals. The counterflow progressively transforms the initially homogeneous liquid into a density-stratified fluid layer characterized by pronounced vertical gradients in solute concentration. The theoretical representation describes the coupling between the solidification and development of density stratification in the liquid in the interior of the cavity. The computed results and experimental observations indicate that for moderate horizontal temperature differences, the vertical stratification can effectively damp convection in the stratified portion of the bulk liquid. Increasing the temperature difference or lateral heat flux across the enclosure sufficiently, initiates formation of a series of horizontal double-diffusive convection layers. The nature of the fluid motion in the bulk is seen to have significant influence on solute redistribution and heat transfer, both at the growth interface and in the interior of the enclosure. The computed flow patterns, solid-liquid interface shapes, and rates of growth of the stratified region compare well with those observed experimentally for directionally-solidified solutions of sodium carbonate and water. The calculated and observed heights of the horizontal convection cells correlate well with theoretical predictions. Order-of-magnitude analysis is used to explore the theoretical limits of stability of the growing layer under the roof with respect to remixing with the underlying ‘bulk’ liquid.
How and why sharing good news matters at work

This paper explores sharing and responding to good news at work. Scholars have examined this process, also known as interpersonal capitalization, in non-work contexts and found both sharing and certain responses have a range of positive intrapersonal and interpersonal effects. Drawing on social valuing theory, I hypothesize that felt worth, how valued and respected one feels at work, is one mechanism by which responses to good news influence a range of workplace outcomes (e.g., well-being, effort, performance). Two pilot studies provide evidence that capitalization is a widespread practice at work, and a multi-source survey study finds general support for the hypothesized model.
Reflection phase characterization of a circularly symmetric high impedance surface

The reflection characteristics of a circularly symmetric high impedance surface, with a circular substrate in a cartesian coordinate system, is studied and compared with that of the rectangular HIS with straight strips. The operational bandwidth of the circular and rectangular HISs are obtained and compared together.
First-trimester prediction of small-for-gestational age neonates incorporating fetal Doppler parameters and maternal characteristics.

Objective First-trimester screening for subsequent delivery of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant typically focuses on maternal risk factors and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler. Our aim is to test if incorporation of fetal umbilical artery (UA) and ductus venosus (DV) Doppler improves SGA prediction. Study Design Prospective screening study of singletons at 11-14 weeks. Maternal characteristics, serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin are ascertained and UtA Doppler, UA, and DV Doppler studies are performed. These parameters are tested for their ability to predict subsequent delivery of a SGA infant. Results Among 2267 enrolled women, 191 (8.4%) deliver an SGA infant. At univariate analysis women with SGA neonates are younger, more frequently African-American (AA), nulliparous, more likely to smoke, have lower PAPP-A and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. They have a higher incidence of UtA Doppler bilateral notching, higher mean UtA Doppler-pulsatility index z-scores ( P P = .03), but no significant difference in DV-pulsatility index z-scores or in the incidence of abnormal qualitative UA and DV patterns. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identifies nulliparity and AA ethnicity ( P P Conclusion Delivery of a SGA infant is most frequent in nulliparous women of AA ethnicity. Despite the statistical association with UtA Doppler first-trimester SGA prediction is poor and not improved by the incorporation of fetal Doppler.
Law, Violence and Community in Classical Athens/Greeks Bearing Gifts: The Public Use of Private Relationships in the Greek World, 435–353 BC

Law, Violence and Community in Classical Athens. DAVID COHEN. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. xii + 214 pp., notes, bibliography essay, bibliography, index. Greeks Bearing Gifts: The Public Use of Private Relationships in the Greek World, 435–353 BC. LYNETTE G. MITCHELL. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. xiv + 248 pp., notes, bibliography, appendixes, indexes.
Seasonal influences on conception efficiency in Minnesota dairy herds

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of climatological factors on the conception efficiency of cows in 23 Minnesota dairy herds between March 1982 and March 1985. It was found that year of insemination (P < 0.005), herd (P < 0.005), linear and quadratic terms of days open (P < 0.05), and linear and quadratic terms of minimum temperature (MNT), maximum temperature (MXT) and temperature humidity index (THI) were similarly related to observed monthly variations in first service conception rates. The year of insemination (P < 0.005), herd (P < 0.005), and linear and quadratic terms of MNT, MXT and THI were also related to the variation in overall conception rate. Conception rate declined from April to August and increased from August to January. There was an 11% difference between the month of lowest fertility (August) and the month of highest fertility (November). It can be concluded that climatological factors appear to depress herd fertility in the northern United States as well as in the warmer southern areas. Thus, consideration should be given to strategies which will minimize the impact of the observed fertility depression due to these climatic factors.
First principles calculations of the electronic and geometric structure of Ag 27 Cu 7 nanoalloy

Ab initio calculations of the structure and electronic density of states (DOS) of the perfect core-shell ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{27}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{7}$ nanoalloy attest to its ${D}_{5h}$ symmetry and confirm that it has only six nonequivalent (two Cu and four Ag) atoms. The analyses of bond length, average formation energy, and heat of formation of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{27}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{7}$ and $L{1}_{2}$ bulk Ag-Cu alloys provide an explanation for the relative stability of the former with respect to the other nanoalloys in the same family. The highest occupied molecular orbital--lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap is found to be $0.77\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, which is in agreement with previous results. The analyses of the DOS of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{27}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{7}$, $L{1}_{2}$ Ag-Cu alloys, and related systems provide insight into the effects of low coordination, contraction or expansion, and the presence of foreign atoms on the DOS of Cu and Ag. While some characteristics of the DOS are reminiscent of those of the phonon-stable $L{1}_{2}$ Ag-Cu alloys, the Cu and Ag states hybridize significantly in ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{27}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{7}$, compensating for the $d$-band narrowing that each atom undergoes and hindering the dip in the DOS found in the bulk alloys. Charge density plots of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{27}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{7}$ provide further insight into the relative strengths of the various interatomic bonds. Our results for the electronic and geometric structures of this nanoalloy can be explained in terms of length and strength hierarchies of the bonds, which may have implications also for the stability of alloys in any phase or size.
Calcite growth-rate inhibition by fulvic acid and magnesium ion—Possible influence on biogenic calcite formation

Abstract Increases in ocean surface water dissolved carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations retard biocalcification by reducing calcite supersaturation ( Ω c ). Reduced calcification rates may influence growth-rate dependent magnesium ion (Mg) incorporation into biogenic calcite modifying the use of calcifying organisms as paleoclimate proxies. Fulvic acid (FA) at biocalcification sites may further reduce calcification rates. Calcite growth-rate inhibition by FA and Mg, two common constituents of seawater and soil water involved in the formation of biogenic calcite, was measured separately and in combination under identical, highly reproducible experimental conditions. Calcite growth rates (pH=8.5 and Ω c =4.5) are reduced by FA (0.5 mg/L) to 47% and by Mg (10 −4 M) to 38%, compared to control experiments containing no added growth-rate inhibitor. Humic acid (HA) is twice as effective a calcite growth-rate inhibitor as FA. Calcite growth rate in the presence of both FA (0.5 mg/L) and Mg (10 −4 M) is reduced to 5% of the control rate. Mg inhibits calcite growth rates by substitution for calcium ion at the growth site. In contrast, FA inhibits calcite growth rates by binding multiple carboxylate groups on the calcite surface. FA and Mg together have an increased affinity for the calcite growth sites reducing calcite growth rates.
Configuration-space three-body scattering theory

Results are quoted for the 'physical' three-body transition operator yielding the volume-independent three-body reaction coefficient, in terms of which one computes the three-body elastic scattering rate when three initially free independently moving particles collide under the influence of short-range forces.
The Genetic Basis of Primate Behavior: Genetics and Genomics in Field-Based Primatology

Recent advances in genetic and genomic techniques have led to explosive advances in the fields of biology and ecology. Perhaps nowhere is the stark difference between what was possible in genetics research 10 years ago compared to what can be done today as obvious as in field-based studies of animals. Whereas biologists of the past were severely limited by the costs of most genetic analyses, the biologists of today must cope with the timeand information-processing constraints associated with analyzing huge quantities of data—a privileged problem to be sure. This shift has been brought about most directly by the widespread use of massively parallel (or next-generation) sequencing, which has drastically reduced not only the costs of genotyping (a trend that continues), but also the quantity and quality of requisite DNA, as well as the amount of time required to complete genetics projects (Bradley and Lawler 2011; Perry 2014; Tung et al. 2010). These advances, in addition to the now commonplace presence of shared genomics infrastructure in research institutes and universities, have removed most of the major limitations to the use of genetic information by animal biologists. Scholars that study nonhuman primates are particularly well poised to take advantage and benefit from this new wave of genetics. Interests in primates from the biomedical community, which stem from our shared taxonomic membership (McClure 1984; Rogers and Hixson 1997; Watson and Platt 2012), have resulted in the fullgenome sequencing of a relatively large number of primate species. The full-genome sequence has been published or is underway for at least 23 primate species (Bradley Int J Primatol (2014) 35:1–10 DOI 10.1007/s10764-013-9732-6
Synthesis and use of an in-solution ratiometric fluorescent viscosity sensor

A procedure for the synthesis of a ratiometric viscosity fluorescent sensor is described in this protocol. The essential requirement for the design of this sensor is the attachment of a primary fluorophore that has both a viscosity-independent fluorescence emission (coumarin dye shown in blue) and an emission from a fluorophore that exhibits viscosity-dependent fluorescent quantum yield (p-amino cinnamonitrile dye shown in red). The use of sensor 1 in viscosity measurements involves solubilization in a liquid of interest and excitation of the primary fluorophore at λex = 360 nm. The secondary fluorophore is simultaneously excited via resonance energy transfer. The ratio of the fluorescent emission of the secondary over the primary fluorophore provides a fast and precise measurement of the viscosity of the solvent. The synthesis of compound 1 using commercially available materials can be completed within 5 d.
Confidence intervals which admit positively (semi) relevent sursets that are not invariant

Let be a random sample from a normal population with unknown mean μ and variance σ2. L. Brown has shown that the standard confidence interval for μ (depending on the sample mean [Xbar] and sample variance S2 admits a positively relevant subset. R Olshen has generalized these results to cover confidence ellipsoids. The positively (semi) relevant subsets demonstrated in both cases are invariant with respect to σ2 This paper demonstrates that events the form (where Y is independent of [Xbar] and S2) are positively biased semirelevant subsets for the standard confidence interval for μ but are not invariant with respect to σS2.
Real-time ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a feasibility study

Introduction: Ultrasound (US) performed prior to percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) may be useful in avoiding injury to pretracheal vascular structures and in avoiding high placement of the tube. Bedside real-time US guidance with visualization of needle path is routinely utilized for other procedures such as central venous catheterization, and may enhance the safety and accuracy of PT without causing airway occlusion or hypercarbia. Our objective was to demonstrate that PT performed under real-time US guidance with visualization of needle path during tracheal puncture is feasible, including in patients with features that increase the technical difficulty of PT. Methods: Mechanically ventilated patients with acute brain injury requiring tracheostomy underwent US guided PT. The orotracheal tube was withdrawn using direct laryngoscopy. The trachea was punctured under real-time US guidance (with visualization of the needle path) while using the acoustic shadows of the cricoid and the tracheal rings to identify the level of puncture. After guidewire passage the site and level of entry was verified using the bronchoscope, which was then withdrawn. Following dilatation and tube placement, placement in the airway was confirmed using auscultation and the “lung sliding” sign on US. Bronchoscopy and chest X-ray were then performed to identify any complications. Results: Thirteen patients successfully underwent US guided PT. Three patients were morbidly obese, two were in cervical spine precautions and one had a previous tracheostomy. In all 13 patients bronchoscopy confirmed that guidewire entry was through the anterior wall and between the first and fifth tracheal rings. There was no case of tube misplacement, pneumothorax, posterior wall injury, significant bleeding or other complication during the procedure. Conclusions: Percutaneous tracheostomy performed under real-time ultrasound guidance is feasible and appears accurate and safe, including in patients with morbid obesity and cervical spine precautions. Larger studies are required to further define the safety and relative benefits of this technique.
Memory self-efficacy and performance differences in young and old adults: The effect of mnemonic training.

We evaluated the hypothesis that mnemonic training would result in higher memory self-efficacy and better memory performance in young and old adults. Forty-eight yound adults (17- to 19-year-olds) and 45 old adults (60- to 78-year-olds) received either training in the method of loci or no training and were given either performance feedback or no feedback on a serial-word recall task. Ss were tested at pre- and posttraining and were asked to rate their self-efficacy strength (SEST) and self-efficacy level (SEL) at each test session. We conclude that efficacy expectations and attributions for memory performance may influence mnemonic training outcomes