cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1-factor covers of regular graphs

We consider minimal 1-factor covers of regular multigraphs, focusing on those that are 1-factorizations. In particular, we classify cubic graphs such that every minimal 1-factor cover is also a 1-factorization, and also classify simple regular bipartite graphs with this property. For r>3, we show that there are finitely many simple r-regular graphs such that every minimal 1-factor cover is also a 1-factorization.
A return mapping algorithm for plane stress elastoplasticity

An unconditionally stable algorithm for plane stress elastoplasticity is developed, based upon the notion of elastic predictor-return mapping (plastic corrector). Enforcement of the consistency condition is shown to reduce to the solution of a simple nonlinear equation. Consistent elastoplastic tangent moduli are obtained by exact linearization of the algorithm. Use of these moduli is essential in order to preserve the asymptotic rate of quadratic convergence of Newton methods. The accuracy of the algorithm is assessed by means of iso-error maps. The excellent performance of the algorithm for large time steps is illustrated in numerical experiments.
A Novel Ligand-binding Site in the ζ-Form 14-3-3 Protein Recognizing the Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα and Distinct from the c-Raf-binding Site

We reported previously that the zeta-form 14-3-3 protein (14-3-3zeta) binds to a platelet adhesion receptor, glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX, and this binding is dependent on the SGHSL sequence at the C terminus of GPIbalpha. In this study, we have identified a binding site in the helix I region of 14-3-3zeta (residues 202-231) required for binding to GPIb-IX complex and to the cytoplasmic domain of GPIbalpha. We also show that phosphorylation-dependent binding of c-Raf to 14-3-3zeta requires helix G (residues 163-187) but not helix I. Thus, the GPIbalpha-binding site is distinct from the binding sites for RSXpSXP motif-dependent ligands. Furthermore, we show that wild type 14-3-3zeta has a higher affinity for GPIb-IX complex than recombinant GPIbalpha cytoplasmic domain. Deletion of helices A and B (residues 1-32) disrupts 14-3-3zeta dimerization and decreases its affinity for GPIb-IX. Disruption of 14-3-3zeta dimerization, however, does not reduce 14-3-3zeta binding to recombinant GPIbalpha cytoplasmic domain. This suggests a dual site recognition mechanism in which a 14-3-3zeta dimer interacts with both GPIbalpha and GPIbbeta (known to contain a phosphorylation-dependent binding site), resulting in high affinity binding.
Nuclear acidic protein changes in adenovirus-infected human embryo kidney cultures.

Abstract Adenovirus infection of human embryonic kidney cultures alters the metabolism of the nuclear nonhistone acidic proteins. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows that infection inhibits the labeling with radioactive amino acids of some nuclear acidic proteins, while the rate of synthesis of other acidic proteins seems to be specifically stimulated. Because not all of the polypeptides having an enhanced rate of synthesis show the same electrophoretic mobilities as the acidic adenoviral structural polypeptides, there appears to be an induction of synthesis of acidic proteins which are nonvirus components.
Antimicrobial activity of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on Listeria monocytogenes

: The antimicrobial activities of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) and the combined effects of GBE and sodium EDTA (sodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) against Listeria monocytogenes were determined at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C. Listeria monocytogenes grown at 37 °C for 24 h was inoculated (6 to 7 log CFU/mL) into BHI broth containing either GBE or GBE and EDTA (1.6 mg/mL) with various GBE concentrations of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 15.0, or 20.0% vol/vol and stored at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C. The inhibitory effect of the GBE was more pronounced at low temperature of 4 °C. GBE was effective in inhibiting microbial growth. Addition of EDTA enhanced antimicrobial activity of GBE.
POLARIZED NEUTRON STUDIES OF FORBIDDEN MAGNON SCATTERING IN GADOLINIUM

Forbidden magnon scattering from Gd was investigated using polarized neutrons. In contrast to earlier results for itinerant electron ferromagnets, forbidden magnons were not observed for this Heisenberg ferromagnet. This suggests that magnetic short range order is more important in the thermally-induced spin-disordering of the itinerant electron systems.
The putative role of the C1858T polymorphism of protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 gene in autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases represent a heterogeneous group of conditions whose incidence is increasing worldwide. This has stimulated studies on their etiopathogenesis, derived from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, in order to improve prevention and treatment of these diseases. An increasing amount of epidemiologic investigations has associated the presence of the C1858T polymorphism in the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene to the onset of several autoimmune diseases including insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 1 diabetes). PTPN22 encodes for the lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase Lyp. This belongs to non-receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases involved in lymphocyte activation and differentiation. In humans, Lyp may have a role in the negative regulation of T cell receptor signaling. The single nucleotide polymorphism C1858T encodes for a more active phosphatase Lyp R620W. This has the ability to induce a higher negative regulation of T cell receptor signaling. Thus, C1858T could play an important role at the level of thymocyte polarization and escape of autoreactive T lymphocytes, through the positive selection of otherwise negatively selected autoimmune T cells. In this review we discuss the physiological role exerted by the PTPN22 gene and its encoded Lyp product in lymphocyte processes. We highlight the pathogenic significance of the C1858T PTPN22 polymorphism in human autoimmunity with special reference to Type 1 diabetes. Recently the genetic variation in PTPN22 was shown to induce altered function of T and B-lymphocytes. In particular BCR signaling defects and alterations in the B cell compartment were reported in T1D patients. We finally speculate on the possible development of novel therapeutic treatments in human autoimmunity aiming to selectively target the variant Lyp protein in autoreactive T and B lymphocytes.
Value and limitations of secondary femoropopliteal bypasses with polytetrafluoroethylene

Abstract Secondary femoropopliteal bypasses with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts are widely regarded to be of questionable value. This has prompted some to abandon all attempts at secondary revascularization with PTFE and others to recommend that primary femoropopliteal bypasses be performed preferentially with PTFE grafts so that vein may be used for secondary procedures. Because we questioned both of these views, we reviewed all femoropopliteal bypasses done at our institution in the past 12 years and identified 73 secondary PTFE femoropopliteal procedures performed after a failed ipsilateral infrainguinal bypass (69 failed femoropopliteal; 4 failed femorodistal). Seventy (96%) secondary bypasses were performed for limb salvage and 3 (4%) for severe disabling claudication. Insertion of grafts to the popliteal artery was above the knee in 26 (36%) and below the knee in 47 (64%). Primary life-table graft patency at 4 years was only 38%. Forty-eight reinterventions in 34 limbs were required to restore or maintain graft patency in thrombosed or failing grafts. For thrombosed grafts, 20 interventions consisted of 9 simple thrombectomies and 11 thrombectomies with additional revision procedures (5 distal or proximal extensions, 6 patch angioplasties). Twenty-eight lesions threatening graft patency were treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in 3, proximal or distal extensions in 20, and patch angioplasty in 5. As a result of these reinterventions, the overall secondary patency rate was 55% at 4 years, and the limb salvage rate was 74% at 4 years. Although aggressive follow-up and reintervention may be required, the use of secondary PTFE conduits in the femoropopliteal position is a viable option in patients undergoing limb salvage procedures who are at high risk. Many of these patients do not have adequate vein for use as a bypass graft. (J VASC SURG 1991;14:292-8.)
Determination of atmospheric structure function by using a single coherent detector

The wave structure function associated with atmospheric turbulence is important in the effective design of telescopes for coherent optical receivers. This paper describes a method of measurement of the wave structure function by employing an already existing optical receiver. The aperture of this receiver's telescope is masked by an opaque screen with two small holes. It is then shown that when the incident beam obeys Gaussian statistics, the receiver's A.M. output can be simply related to the wave structure function of the incident beam.
Academic development: a survey of academic difficulties experienced by medical students and support services provided.

Background: The Academic Development Special Interest Group (ADSIG) of CGEA was formed to act as a resource for those assisting at-risk students. It is not uncommon for medical students to have varying degrees of learning and coping skills. Thus, it is important to assist students in determining their source of difficulty and provide them with resources to be successful. Description: ADSIG surveyed 36 Midwestern medical schools to identify the support services offered, problems experienced by students, and the professional needs of those assisting students having difficulties. The response rate was 83%. Evaluation: Approximately 79% of the schools provide a variety of support services. Students generally sought assistance for problems related to testing, management of time and instructional materials, course remediation, and needing tutors during their first two years. Help for general stress and anxiety remained constant across all four years. Conclusion: Medical schools need to take a proactive approach...
The measurement of interpersonal attraction

The study reports a factor analytic investigation of the interpersonal attraction construct. Two‐hundred and fifteen subjects completed 30 Likert‐type, seven‐step scales concerning an acquaintance. Factor analysis indicated three dimensions of the interpersonal attraction construct which were labeled “task” “social” and “physical.” The results of this study and four replications suggest that the resulting 15‐item instrument can be expected to measure reliably three dimensions of interpersonal attraction.
A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FLUX ROPE MODEL FOR CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS BASED ON A LOSS OF EQUILIBRIUM

A series of simulation runs are carried out to investigate the loss of equilibrium of the three-dimensional flux rope configuration of Titov & Demoulin as a suitable mechanism for the initiation of coronal mass ejections. By means of these simulations, we are able to determine the conditions for which stable equilibria no longer exist. Our results imply that it is possible to achieve a loss of equilibrium even though the ends of the flux rope are anchored to the solar surface. However, in order to have the flux rope escape, it is necessary to modify the configuration by eliminating the arcade field.
Acceptability of Evacuation Instruction Fire Warnings

The present research examined a set of fire warning statements that could be used to facilitate evacuation of a multi-story building by manipulating the statements' wording and order. Participants (N = 105) evaluated how acceptable each of 13 statements would be in a fire emergency. Manipulated in the statements were two types of components: (a) 3 levels of egress immediacy: "exit now," "exit immediately," or none, and (b) 3 levels of egress directives: "use stairs," "do not use elevator," or none. Results showed that participants rated statements containing egress-immediacy and egress-directive components higher than statements without those components. There were no significant differences between the two egress immediacy components or between the two egress directives. An additional component order manipulation showed no effects. Implications and suggestions for future research on warning statement composition are discussed. Language: en
A dynamic window-based runlength coding algorithm applied to gray-level images

Abstract We present a new lossy technique of runlength coding applied to gray-level images. In lossless runlength coding applied to gray-level images, one finds runs of gray levels that have the same value along a horizontal row and then encodes them in the form ( C , L ), where C is gray-level value and L is the runlength. The drawback to this approach is that it does not give much compression, as L is usually small. In our approach we relax the criterion of requiring runs of exactly the same gray level; instead we find runs of pixel gray-level values that lie within a dynamic range, the dynamic window range, and encode them in the form ( C , L ). Here, C represents approximations of the pixel gray levels and L the runlength. This approach, although lossy, promises to give better compression. Additionally, if lossless Huffman coding is used in the final stage a slightly higher compression ratio is achieved. This technique was used to process a set of images and the results based on windowlength, compression ratio, root-mean-square error, and peak signal-to-noise ratio are tabulated and plotted. The compressed images and the corresponding error images are provided to illustrate the results. Additionally, performance of this algorithm was compared with the runlength coding of comparable coarsely quantized images.
A numerical algorithm for solving non-linear singular integral equations that arise in connection with many body problems

Abstract A method is given for transforming non-linear singular integral equations that arise in connection with finite-temperature many-body problems into a set of algebraic equations to be solved numerically. The method can be used with either Fermi-Dirac or Bose-Einstein statistics and it can be made arbitrarily accurate.
An array of possibilities in cancer research using cytokine antibody arrays

Protein arrays have shown potential applications in cancer research. After several decades of research, it has become evident that many cytokines are central to the development of cancer and its treatment. Cytokine antibody arrays that have been designed to simultaneously detect multiple cytokines are not only available, but show a diversity of applications in the study of many diseases in addition to cancer. This review will focus on the implementation of cytokine antibody arrays in many aspects of cancer research, such as biomarker discovery, molecular mechanisms of cancer development, preclinical studies and the effects of cancer compounds.
Surface Curvature Effects in the Aqueous Ionic Solvation of the Chloride Ion

Molecular dynamics simulations of hydrated chloride ions have been performed with a polarizable model for interface geometries of varying curvature, ranging from clusters to planar surfaces. The solvation depth profile of the chloride ion is found to depend dramatically on the curvature of the interface. This behavior is consistent with the structure-breaking character of the chloride ion, and is successfully analyzed in terms of a simple geometric model. This model is expected to be useful in predicting analogous behavior in other ionic species.
Adapting the Picture Exchange Communication System to Elicit Vocalizations in Children with Autism

Little is known about the relationship between PECS training and vocalizations in children with limited verbal abilities (e.g., children who are unable to verbally imitate simple phrases). Study 1 used a multiple baseline design across children to examine the vocalizations of four children with autism during and after PECS training. At follow-up, three of the participants demonstrated higher frequencies of vocalizations than at baseline. Further, two of these participants used both PECS and vocalizations to mand at different times, but did not pair the two modalities. Study 2 was then conducted to determine if children with limited verbal abilities could be taught to pair PECS with spontaneous vocalizations using time-delay and verbal prompting procedures. By the end of Study 2, both participants made a spontaneous vocalization every time that they used PECS. Findings support the potential use of PECS as a component of a treatment package leading to verbal speech.
Effect of volcanic aerosols on stratospheric radiance at wavelengths between 8 and 13 μm

A set of stratospheric aerosol optical models is employed in a radiative-transfer computation to study the effects of postvolcanic particle size distributions and compositions on the spectral radiance in the 8–13-μm window region. The models are based on direct measurements of post El Chichon aerosol size distributions and vertical profiles. They represent various maturity states of aerosols composed of sulfuric acid aqueous solutions, formed and evolved in the stratosphere following a massive volcanic eruption. Comparisons are made with concurrent radiance observations obtained on balloon flights 6 months after the eruption and 1 yr later. Most of the calculations are done using the lowtran-6 code (either alone or combined with a multiple scattering calculation), revised so as to include the appropriate aerosol optical models. A better quantitative agreement is found between the calculated and observed spectral radiances when the aerosol loading is relatively high, indicating that additional minor radiance sources of a yet unresolved nature should be incorporated in the present version of the calculation.
Beta-adrenergic signal transduction in aging parotid and submandibular salivary glands.

This study assessed agonist- and post-receptor-stimulated adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in parotid and submandibular salivary glands from female F-344 rats of 3, 12, and 24 months of age. Isoproterenol-stimulated dose-response activation of adenylate cyclase was unchanged between 3 and 12 months but decreased at 24 months (p less than .05). Forskolin-stimulated AC activity, representing catalytic unit activity, was decreased at 24 months in the parotid (p less than .05) and at 12 months (p less than .05) and 24 months (p less than .01) in the submandibular gland. Beta-adrenergic signal transduction in salivary glands stimulates the secretion of salivary proteins that have important functions in the maintenance of oral health.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 and -5 mRNAs in adult rat forebrain

Accumulating evidence indicates that the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) can act as neurotrophic factors. A family of at least six IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) has been characterized. The IGFBPs prolong the half-life of IGFs in plasma and may modulate IGF action in a cell- or tissue-specific fashion. Two recently characterized IGFBPs, IGFBP-4 and -5, have been shown by northern blot hybridization to be expressed in rat brain, but their cellular sites of synthesis are poorly characterized. Because IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5 could potentially modulate IGF actions in the brain, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry and 35S-labeled IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5 riboprobes to localize sites of IGFBP-4 and -5 mRNA expression in adult rat brain. The two IGFBP mRNAs are abundantly expressed within discrete regions of brain. The expression patterns of the two genes are largely nonoverlapping. Notably, IGFBP-4 mRNA is highly expressed within hippocampal and cortical areas, whereas IGFBP-5 mRNA is not detected above background in these areas. Within the hippocampus, abundant IGFBP-4 mRNA expression is detected in pyramidal neurons of the subfields of Ammon's horn and the subiculum and in the granule cell layer of the anterior hippocampal continuation. In the cortex, IGFBP-4 mRNA is widely expressed in most areas and layers. In contrast, IGFBP-5, but not IGFBP-4, mRNA is detected within thalamic nuclei, leptomeninges, and perivascular sheaths. The distinct expression patterns of IGFBP-4 and -5 mRNAs within the brain suggest that these IGFBPs may modulate paracrine/autocrine actions of the IGFs in discrete brain regions or compartmentalization of the IGFs within the brain. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hurthle cell carcinoma: An update on survival over the last 35 years

Background Hurthle cell carcinoma (HCC) of the thyroid is a variant of follicular cell carcinoma (FCC). A low incidence and lack of long-term follow-up data have caused controversy regarding the survival characteristics of HCC. We aimed to clarify this controversy by analyzing HCC survival over a 35-year period using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods Cases of HCC and FCC were extracted from the SEER-9 database (1975–2009). Five- and 10-year survival rates were calculated. We compared changes in survival over time by grouping cases into 5-year intervals. Results We identified 1,416 cases of HCC and 4,973 cases of FCC. For cases diagnosed from 1975 to 1979, HCC showed a worse survival compared with FCC (5 years, 75%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 60.2–85) versus 88.7% (95% CI, 86–90.8; 10 years, 66.7% [95% CI, 51.5–78.1] vs 79.7% [95% CI, 76.5–82.6]). For cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2004 we found no difference in 5-year survival between HCC and FCC (91.1% [95% CI, 87.6–93.7] vs 89.1% [95% CI, 86.5–91.2]). For cases diagnosed from 1995 to 1999, there was no difference in 10-year survival between HCC and FCC (80.9% [95% CI, 75.6–85.2] vs 83.9% [95% CI, 80.8–86.6]). HCC survival improved over the study period while FCC survival rates remained stable (increase in survival at 5 years, 21.7% vs 0.4%; at 10 years, 21.3% vs 5.2%). Improvement in HCC survival was observed for both genders, in age ≥45 years, in local and regional disease, for tumors >4 cm, and with white race. Conclusion HCC survival has improved dramatically over time such that HCC and FCC survival rates are now the same. These findings explain how studies over the last 4 decades have shown conflicting results regarding HCC survival; however, our data do not explain why HCC survival has improved.
Oviposition and Reproductive Performance of Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Six Different Pyralid Host Species

ABSTRACT Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a gregarious ecto-parasitoid that attacks larvae of several species of Lepidoptera, mainly pyralid moths infesting stored products. Host quality strongly influences the reproductive success of the parasitoid. In this study, we assessed the reproductive performance of the parasitoid, H. hebetor in a series of laboratory experiments using six different pyralid host species: Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), almond moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker), rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton), navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker), and greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. Experiments were conducted using petri dishes (100 by 15 mm) as experimental arenas at 29 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. Two-day-old H. hebetor females were introduced singly into experimental arenas and given a single host larva every day throughout their life...
Classification of red blood cells as normal, sickle, or other abnormal, using a single image analysis feature

Sickle cell anemia is a disease for which there is currently no effective treatment. One method of evaluating clinical status is the counting of cell types based on morphology. There is a need for a rapid, reproducible method, superior to human inspection, for classification of these cells. Quantitative digital-image analysis is being applied to this need. Blood from 24 patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) and SC disease and ten hematologically normal volunteers (AA) was stressed by bubbling with nitrogen. One hundred fifty cells were analyzed from each sickle specimen, and 100 were analyzed from each nonsickle specimen. Expert observers classified each cell as normal (N), sickle (S), or other abnormal (A). Cells were analyzed with a custom, high-resolution image-analysis instrument. A total of 42 features including metric, optical density-derived, and textural features were extracted. The metric feature Form Factor (4 pi Area/Perimeter2) was selected by recursive partitioning analysis as the sole feature needed for segregating cells into the classes of N, A, and S. The agreement of automated classification (using cutpoints determined by recursive partitioning analysis) with a human expert for specimens from individuals with sickle cell anemia was 89% for N-, 73% for A-, and 92% for S-classified cells. For specimens from AA individuals, the agreement was 92% for N and 76% for A. For specimens from individuals with sickle cell anemia, rates of agreement between two human experts were compared and found to be 86% for N, 84% for A, and 80% for S. For specimens from AA individuals, the agreement was 90% for N and 87% for A.
Negotiating condom use: partner type and gender effects.

Little is known about what strategies adolescents use in condom use negotiation or what strategies are successful. In this paper the authors report on analyses of the content of 306 adolescents condom negotiation strategies in a role-playing situation. Study participants were higher-risk adolescents recruited in a sexually transmitted disease clinic and in a juvenile detention institution. Using an analogue paper-and-pencil measure adolescents wrote out the responses they would give to an opposite sex partner who was pressuring them to have sex without a condom. Responses were coded and reasons were grouped into four categories: use condoms no sex safety-related reasons and socioemotional appeals. Consistent with predictions socioemotional messages were more likely to be used with steady than casual partners and no-sex messages were more likely to be used with casual than with steady partners. Implications for refining intervention design and for future research are discussed. (authors)
Pentoxifylline attenuates UVB-induced cutaneous erythema.

Background: The mechanism for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-associated cutaneous erythema may involve production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Pentoxifylline inhibits TNF-α production.
Factors Contributing to Job Quality and Satisfaction Among Ethnically Diverse, Lower Income, Elderly Part-Timers

Abstract This study examines the contributing factors to job satisfaction and commitment among lower-income, older (age 55 and over), part-time employees (N = 164). Job satisfaction index (JSI) scores were relatively high for all subjects and did not differ significantly for age, gender, or Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) status. While not particularly low, white employees were significantly less satisfied with their employment experiences than Hispanic or African American workers. The scarcity of fringe benefits was the least satisfying aspect of employment. Older Hispanics, whites, and men reported less interference between job, family, and home life than African Americans and women. Multiple regression analysis revealed that race/ethnicity, skill utilization opportunities, perceived views of elders held by younger workers and supervisors, availability of fringe benefits, and suitable work days explained the majority of variance in JSI scores. Opportunities to interact with others an...
Student consumer health knowledge and behavior in the marketplace.

A questionnaire designed to reflect salient consumer health issues reported in the F.D.A. Consumer was used to measure the consumer health knowledge and behavior of 200 randomly selected university students and 200 randomly selected high school students. The data from this study demonstrated the consumer is hard pressed to stay informed and protected in the marketplace and needs guidance.
Retinoic acid potentiates interleukin-1- and fibroblast growth factor-induced human synovial fibroblast proliferation

All trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and related compounds, at concentrations ranging from 10−8 to 10−6M, augmented the proliferation of human synovial fibroblasts (HSN) stimulated by human interleukin-1α or-β (IL-1α, IL-α) and both the acidic and basic forms of fibroblast growth factor (FGFa, FGFb). In contrast, ATRA had no effect on human tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced HSN proliferation. The potentiation of HSN proliferation was completely dependent on the presence of IL-1 or FGF since HSN were unresponsive to ATRA alone. The mechanism by which ATRA enhances IL-1-induced HSN proliferation does not appear mediated by changes in the affinity or number of IL-1 receptors expressed by HSN; however, treatment with dexamethasone (DEX, 10−6M) resulted in a twofold increase in IL-1 receptor number. ATRA inhibited both IL-1β-and TNFα-induced secretion of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), a potent feedback inhibitor of cytokine-stimulated HSN proliferation. However, the synergistic effect of ATRA on IL-1-or FGF-induced proliferation did not appear related to the secretion of cyclooxygenase products since ATRA had no effect on TNFα-induced HSN proliferation and indomethacin was included in all HSN proliferation experiments. The results of this study suggest that ATRA may contribute to the pathology of chronic arthritic disease by potentially causing increased growth of the joint-destroying pannus.
Nuclear factor kappa B activation is a potential target for preventing pancreatic carcinoma by aspirin.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic carcinoma exhibits a unique genetic profile of mutations that may play key roles in its progression to malignant phenotypes. Constitutive activation of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a frequent molecular alteration in pancreatic carcinoma, suggesting a possible link between inflammation and cancer. The aims of the current study were to determine the effects of aspirin on pancreatic carcinoma prevention and to reveal a possible mechanism of aspirin-mediated cancer chemoprevention. METHODS An orthotopic mouse model with human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines PANC-1, PANC-1/Puro, and PANC-1/IκBαM was used to study the inhibitory effects of aspirin on pancreatic tumor formation. RESULTS Aspirin inhibited constitutive NF-κB activity in culture and, in turn, decreased the expression of the NF-κB downstream target gene, Cox-2, in PANC-1 or PANC-1/Puro cells, without significantly inhibiting the in vitro growth of PANC-1/Puro cells. All animals inoculated with either PANC-1 or PANC-1/Puro cells, and not given aspirin, developed pancreatic tumors, whereas none of the mice injected with PANC-1/IκBαM cells showed any evidence of pancreatic tumor formation. Animals given aspirin for 6 days before, or at the time of, orthotopic tumor cell injection showed a significantly lower incidence of tumor formation compared with those receiving aspirin 2 weeks after inoculation and controls receiving no aspirin. CONCLUSIONS Aspirin repressed tumor formation by PANC-1 cells in vivo in a prophylactic setting, suggesting a possible mechanism for aspirin's preventive effect in pancreatic carcinoma through inhibition of NF-κB activation and a mechanistic link between inflammation and tumorigenesis. Aspirin-mediated antiinflammatory approaches might be an effective strategy to prevent pancreatic carcinoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
A Study of the Impact of 3D Haptic-Augmented Learning Tools on Dynamics Course

This paper presents our recent investigation on the impact of 3D haptic-augmented learning tools on Dynamics, which is a basic course in most of the engineering education program. Dynamics is considered to be one of the most difficult and non-intuitive courses that engineering students encounter during their undergraduate study because the course combines basic Newtonian physics and various mathematical concepts such as vector algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus and these were applied to dynamical systems. Recent advances in Virtual Reality and robotics enable the human tactual system to be stimulated in a controlled manner through 3-dimensional (3D) force feedback devices, a.k.a. haptic interfaces. In this study, 3D haptic-augmented learning tools are created and used to complement the course materials in Dynamics course. Experiments are conducted with a group of Mechanical Engineering students in the Dynamics class. The assessment result shows that the innovative learning tools: 1) allow the students to interact with virtual objects with force feedback and better understand the abstract concepts by investigating the dynamics responses; 2) stimulate the students’ learning interests in understanding the fundamental physics theories.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effects of dibutyryl-3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and prostaglandin E1 on compound 4880-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells invitro

Abstract The release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48 80 was inhibited by high concentrations of 6N-O-dibutyryladenosine-3',5'-cyclic-monophosphate (DB-c-AMP). Several other adenine nucleotides were ineffective at comparable concentrations. The histamine release promoted by compound 48 80 was also inhibited by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, theophylline, reserpine, diethylaminoethylreserpine and perphenazine. With the exception of theophylline, these inhibitors themselves produced a less dramatic release of histamine. Although the concentrations required for inhibition of histamine release are quite high, the data obtained for DB-c-AMP, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and PGE1 can be viewed as circumstantial evidence in support of a role for c-AMP in the histamine release process of the mast cell.
Singular antiplane stress fields for bonded and disbonded three-material junctions

Abstract Antiplane shear solutions are given for the asymptotic stress field around an internal point in an elastic, isotropic solid where three wedges of different materials meet. The three interfaces are either all perfectly bonded or a disbond is introduced along one interface. One feature of this three-material junction that is not present for the corresponding two material case, is that each interface is geometrically different, and therefore, the singular behavior is dependent on which interface is disbonded. Each material and geometrical combination therefore gives rise to four problems; one with perfect bonding at all interfaces and three cases of an interface disbond. Numerical results are presented for selected three-material junctions. Numerical results show that singularities can be much more severe in three-material junctions than in two-material junctions. The results also show the importance of providing the associated angular variations of the field which can be drastically different for two cases with very similar geometries and identical orders of singularity.
Service-learning in communication education A case study investigation in support of a prisoners’ human rights organization

This article offers a case study of a graduate class in communication research methods with a service-learning approach. Students were engaged in evaluating the public information campaign of a nonprofit organization exposing human rights abuses in US prisons. They gained hands-on experience in the use of a variety of basic research methods and offered their client insight into its current and potential audiences. With a community partner to serve, the students understood the importance of systematic research inquiry and its value to nonprofit organizations. The project demonstrates the value of service-learning in communication education and describes how best practices can be applied for the development of similar courses in the discipline.
1021-60 Patients Presenting with Systemic Emboli are Often Found to Have Mobile Plaque In the Aortic Arch by Transesophageal Echocardlography (TEE)

Although the mobile component of plaque is thought to represent thrombus, the efficacy of anticoagulation has not been proven. In order to assess the influence of anticoagulation in this population. we studied 29 pts with mobile plaques found by TEE interrogation of the aortic arch. Each pt had had a recent systemic embolism: cerebral in 27 (93%) and peripheral in 2 (7%). After TEE, pt treatment was determined by physician preference. Followup (mean 13 ± 12 mo.s) was obtained via telephone interview and chart review. Of the 29 pts studied, 19 (66%) received warfarin (WAR) and 10 (34%) received either aspirin (7) or no therapy(3). These groups were compared in regards to dimensions of both mobile and immobile plaque components and vascular events: Plaque Dimensions Vascular Event Immobile Component Mobile Component Height Width Area Height Width Area WAR(n = 19) 7 ± 3 29 ± 13 13 ± 6 8 ± 9 3 ± 3 5 ± 8 0 No WAR (n = 10) 6 ± 2 30 ± 15 12 ± 8 7 ± 4 3 ± 2 2 ± 3 6 (60%) P NS NS NS NS NS NS 0.0009 The dimensions of both mobile and immobile components of plaque were similar in the groups. Vascular events occurred in 6 (60%) of the No WAR group (4 strokes and 2 myocardial infarctions) while none of the pts receiving warfarin had an event (p = 0.0009). Similarly when pts with and without vascular events were compared, no differences in plaque dimensions were found. In conclusion, mobile aortic plaque is associated with a high frequency of vascular events during a relatively brief period of follow-up. Although no morphologic aspect of the plaque predicts an event, it appears that warfarin may provide adequate prophylaxis.
Organic design techniques utilized in the development of a domain-based integrated knowledge repository to enhance learning outcomes

The goal of the research was to design and build an organic knowledge repository that had the inherent ability to grow and evolve over time. A design artifact -- Constructivist Unifying Baccalaureate Epistemology (CUBE) -- was designed and tested to validate the efficacy of this approach. Concept Clustering displayed as a knowledge map was used to display linkages between related concepts. Two models that facilitate this organic nature of the system were developed for this research; a Knowledge Weighting Model and the Aggregation-Integration-Master model. A ranking/voting feature was incorporated which enabled students and faculty to add content to the knowledge base and collectively evaluate the relative weights of conceptual threads. The two design goals of this approach were validated. First, students and faculty were able to enter information that dynamically altered the organization and structure of the knowledge repository. Second, students utilizing the Integrated Knowledge Repository developed a more complex understanding of the interconnected nature of the materials linking a discipline than those students who take conventional single topic courses.
The percolation phase transition in sea ice

Sea ice exhibits a marked transition in its fluid transport properties at a critical brine volume fraction pc of about 5 percent, or temperature Tc of about -5 degreesC for salinity of 5 parts per thousand. For temperatures warmer than Tc, brine carrying heat and nutrients can move through the ice, whereas for colder temperatures the ice is impermeable. This transition plays a key role in the geophysics, biology, and remote sensing of sea ice. Percolation theory can be used to understand this critical behavior of transport in sea ice. The similarity of sea ice microstructure to compressed powders is used to theoretically predict pc of about 5 percent.
The inhibition of milk synthesis by juvenile hormone in the viviparous cockroach, Diploptera punctata

The brood sac of the viviparous cockroach, Diploptera punctata, synthesizes a protein rich milk which nourishes developing embryos. Milk is first detected in the brood sac (by immunoelectrophoresis) when the embryos begin drinking and continues to increase in parallel with total protein of the brood sac. When embryos cease drinking, both total protein and milk decline in the brood sac. Premature decline in protein and milk content of the brood sac has been observed after treatment with juvenile hormone (from implanted active corpora allata) or a juvenile hormone analogue (ZR 512 applied topically). The fine structure of the brood sac 7 days after corpora allata implant is consistent with that of gland cells which are not actively synthesizing milk. The effect of ZR 512 is detected in decreased milk content of the brood sac after 24 hr of treatment.
Chronic hepatitis with nonspecific histological changes. Is it a distinct variant of chronic hepatitis

A longitudinal follow-up study has been undertaken in 62 patients with clinicopathologically verified chronic hepatitis with non-specific reactive histological changes (NSRH) in comparison with 28 patients with chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH), the clinical features of which are quite similar to NSRH. In contrast to the stationary and non-progressive course of CPH, 45.2% of patients with NSRH, either HBsAg positive or negative, ran a fluctuating course with moderate to marked elevation of SGPT (greater than 200 IU/l) In HBsAg-positive patients, only those positive for HBeAg and a few negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBe had fluctuating courses. In addition, patients with apparent clinical and biochemical changes could show histological features of chronic lobular hepatitis (CLH). A few developed chronic active hepatitis and/or cirrhosis on follow-up biopsy. It is concluded that NSRH is a form of chronic hepatitis different from CPH, but similar to or representing a phase of CLH. It is suggested that NSRH should be categorized as CLH in the classification of chronic hepatitis.
Activity density in the open field: a measure for differentiating the effect of psychostimulants.

Abstract Traditional open-field activity measures do not provide a sharp behavioral differentiation across psychomotor stimulants such as d -amphetamine (AMPH) and cocaine (COC) in the mouse. We used Software for the Exploration of Exploration (SEE) to investigate and develop a novel behavioral endpoint to characterize the “structure” of AMPH- and COC-induced locomotor behavior in two inbred strains of mouse, C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2). We suggest a measure we term “activity density” as a means to differentiate the behavioral effects of COC and AMPH. Activity density is defined as the activity divided by the range over which it took place. It characterizes the restriction of behavioral repertoire that does not result merely from inactivity. In both the B6 and D2 mice, AMPH increased activity density in a dose-dependent fashion by restricting the range of activity compared with COC doses producing the same level of activity. While AMPH restricted the range in both genotypes, characterizing the geographical region in which the restriction took place further differentiated the genotypes. The newly developed activity density measure thus provides a more general measure than stereotypy of the path, and can differentiate the effects of AMPH and COC both within and across genotypes.
Priming of new associations in reading time: What is learned?

The priming of new associations has been a controversial topic, with some studies finding significant effects but others failing to replicate these results. Three studies investigated the priming of new associations in a reading time task, presenting lists of word pairs that were read aloud as quickly as possible. In Experiment 1, significant priming of new associations was found after two study presentations, replicating similar results by Moscovitch, Winocur, and MacLachan (1986). In Experiment 2, reading time was facilitated for intact pairs when word positions remained constant relative to when word positions were reversed. This suggested that the associative priming effect was related to specific lower level features of the word pairs rather than to abstract associations. In Experiment 3, the insertion of the wordand between test words eliminated the pairing-specific effect, placing the locus of new association priming at the transition between words within pairs. These findings demonstrate that the knowledge that supports priming of new associations in the reading time task involves perceptual or articulatory information about the transitions between words rather than abstract associative knowledge.
Better Tools, Better Workers Toward a Lateral Alignment of Technology, Policy, Labor, and Management

This article examines one government agency’s experience with a new kind of technology— computerization—andhow that fostered a newoperational rationality that, in turn, permitted significant improvements in the agency’s work. Those improvements were enabled by computerization itself and by a new lateral alignment of technology, policy, labor, and management. That kind of lateral alignment— although often contested—has important implications for public administration, especially for envisioning a world of work that avoids the limits of hierarchical and compartmentalized bureaucratic structures.
Phase Transitions of Amorphous Sucrose and Frozen Sucrose Solutions

Amorphous sucrose showed typical thermal transitions of amorphous materials. The temperatures of those transitions, glass transition, crystallization and melting, decreased with increasing moisture content. The glass transition temperature of dry amorphous sucrose at 57°C was decreased to -46°C as the sucrose was plasticized with excess water. That value remained constant due to maximal freeze-concentration with 72-73% sucrose in the unfrozen matrix which showed ice melting at -34°C. Concentrated solutions may become supercooled resulting in partial freeze-concentration with resultant lowering of glass transition temperature.
More Is Sometimes Better: Increased Mitigating Evidence and Sentencing Leniency

ABSTRACT Mitigation testimony in the sentencing phase of capital cases provides the defense with the opportunity to present psychological and psychosocial evidence about the defendant. Previous research has sought to identify the mitigating worth of various psychological and psychosocial factors, but has primarily focused on the value of independent mitigating factors. The present study investigated the affects of periods of childhood abuse on mitigating potential, as well as the affect of increasing the number of mitigating circumstances presented. It was found that increasing the number of psychological disturbances and psycho-social circumstances presented resulted in higher perceptions of mitigating value by mock jurors. In addition, extended periods of childhood abuse suffered by the defendant were associated with an increase in juror compassion. The implications of these results for mitigation experts are discussed.
Cell proliferation in growing cultures of dissociated embryonic mouse brain: macromolecule and ornithine decarboxylase synthesis and regulation by hormones and drugs.

Primary cultures of cells dissociated from embryonic mouse brain were demonstrated to be a useful system for studying cell proliferation and its regulation. Ornithine decarboxylase activity was closely correlated with the rate of DNA and RNA synthesis during cell growth, suggesting that the enzyme is as good an indicator of cell proliferation in these cultures as it is in vivo. Both DNA synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase activity were stimulated by insulin. The enzyme was stimulated five- to sixfold by insulin and approximately twofold by butyrate, cis-retinoic acid, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. No effect on the enzyme activity was observed with triiodothyroinine, hydrocortisone, growth hormone, cyclic AMP, or cyclic GMP.