cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High glucose-induced proliferation in mesangial cells is reversed by autocrine TGF-β

High glucose-induced proliferation in mesangial cells is reversed by autocrine TGF-β. We investigated the effects of glucose concentration in serum-free media on the proliferative growth response of a cultured murine mesangial cell line. Raising the ambient D-glucose concentration from 100 mg/dl to 450 mg/dl stimulated cell proliferation after 24 to 48 hours but had a growth inhibitory effect after 72 to 96 hours of incubation. This biphasic proliferative response to high glucose concentration was not mediated by the elevated osmolarity of the medium and did not occur when L-glucose was used. The early phase of glucose-induced proliferation was associated with increased expression of the immediate early genes c- myc and egr -1 as well as with induction of the S-phase related proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA). Several lines of evidence indicated that the late phase of glucose-induced growth inhibition was mediated by the bioactivation of endogenous transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Neutralizing antibody against TGF-β prevented the late inhibitory effects of glucose on proliferation. On the other hand, exogenous TGF-β (1 ng/ml) significantly inhibited basal proliferation in mesangial cells. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis revealed that TGF-β 1 mRNA was induced by 450 mg/dl glucose in the medium after 48 to 72 hours, but not after 24 hours. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that mesangial cells incubated in high glucose for 24 hours have a higher percentage of cells in the S-G 2 phase of the cell cycle compared with cells grown in normal glucose concentration. After 48 hours of culture in elevated glucose concentration, the percentage of cells in S-G 2 phase was decreased, and became comparable to that of cells in normal glucose concentration. However, the addition of neutralizing anti-TGF-β antibody stimulated the progression of cells towards S-G 2 in high glucose medium after 48 hours. The findings of this study demonstrate a biphasic growth response of mesangial cells when they were cultured in high glucose concentration; initially there was a transient stimulation of replication for 24 to 48 hours followed by a sustained inhibition after longer incubation periods. This inhibition may be mediated by the glucose-induced synthesis and/or bioactivation of TGF-β which can inhibit proliferation of mesangial cells in an autocrine fashion.
Late blight infection of potato tubers

Apparent varietal resistance toPhytophthora infestans among tubers of potato varieties differed when the tubers were inoculated through eyes, wounds of different sizes, or on freshly cut surfaces. Invasion by the fungus increased with greater concentrations of inoculum. Tubers of certain R1 varieties were infected relatively easily by race 0, especially through wounds; others were infected only rarely. R1 varieties differed in non-hypersensitive resistance when inoculated with race 1. Varieties also differed in relative tuber and foliage resistance
Validating Protestant Denominational Classifications Using the Chaves Inerrancy Scale

We validate the classification of 16 “mainline” and 97 “evangelical” Protestant denominations in Religious Congregations and Membership in the United States, 2000 based on Mark Chaves' five-point Biblical “inerrancy” scale. Using Glenmary county data, nearly perfect correlations were derived between the percentage of adherents in “evangelical” denominations and levels three-four on the Chaves scale and between the percentage of adherents in “mainline” denominations and level 1 on the Chaves scale. The distinguishing characteristic of Evangelical or Mainline Protestant denominations, therefore, is Biblical inerrancy or its absence. As a guide for future empirical research, this comprehensive listing of Evangelical and Mainline Protestant denominations should be employed in aggregate studies, especially where county-level analysis is applied to one state or a subset of states.
Disparate cell types use a shared complex of PDZ proteins for polarized protein localization

Based on their morphology and function, epithelial cells and neurons appear to have very little in common; however, growing evidence indicates that these two disparate cell types share an underlying polarization pathway responsible for sorting proteins to specific subcellular sites. An evolutionarily conserved complex of PDZ domain-containing proteins thought to be responsible for polarized protein localization has been identified from both brain and epithelial tissue, both from mammals and from the nematode C. elegans. Some of the most recent data on PDZ proteins and the proteins with which they interact are summarized. In particular, some of the more recently proposed models for their function in cells, and the in vivo and in vitro data that support these models are focussed upon.
Geopolitical proselytizing in the marketplace for loyalties: Rethinking the global gospel of American Christian Broadcasting

Christian televangelists in the United States have long sought overseas audiences for their religious broadcasts, though less notice has been taken of the geopolitical implications of that engagement. Drawing upon a review of evidence from academic literature, popular reporting, the religious press, government data, and first-hand interviews, this critical essay employs Joseph's Nye's concept of “soft power” and Monroe Price's “marketplace for loyalties” to explore relevant historical and contemporary examples, contexts, conflicts, and strategies of that global gospel. I advocate for a future research agenda that pursues more fully the consequences of that engagement from both a production and reception standpoint.
THE INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN ROOTSTOCKS AND SCIONS ON THE ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT OF POTATO TUBERS.

existed between varieties. Is this variation in ascorbic acid content due to the genetic constitution of the aerial portion or to the genetic constitution of the underground portion of the potato plant? To study this question an experiment was designed in which plants were produced with aerial and underground portions of different genetic constitution. This was done by grafting scions from varieties which produce tubers with a low ascorbic acid content on rootstocks of varieties which produce tubers with a high ascorbic acid content. The reverse combination was also made. In addition, scions of each variety were grafted on their own rootstocks. Thus, it was possible to separate the effect of the genetic constitution of underground and of aerial portions of potato plants on the ascorbic acid content of the tubers. Procedure
Electron microscopic studies on the follicle epithelial cell—oocyte cortex interface inArrhenothrips ramakrishnae Hood (Insecta: Thysanoptera)

Observations relating to nuclear and perinuclear-cytoplasmic changes in the follicular epithelial cells as well as changes at the follicle epithelial cell-oocyte cortex interface inArrhenothrips ramakrishnae Hood, based on transmission electron microscopy are presented. The significance of increased pinocytosis during the later stages of the growth phase of follicle epithelial cells, the appearance of refractile bodies, as well as the apposition of numerous mitochondria of varied configuration to the rough endoplasmic reticulum are discussed.
Low genetic variability in reproduction rates in populations of Prorocentrum micans Ehrenb. (Dinophyceae) over Georges bank

Abstract A population of Prorocentrum micans Ehrenb. from the Gulf of Maine possesses similar amounts of genetic variability in reproduction rates as observed in six other species of phytoplankton examined to date, but a population of the same species over the highly productive Georges Bank has very low genetic variability. It is hypothesized that the favorable growing conditions over Georges Bank inhibit sexual reproduction and recombination, thus leading to a reduction in the genetic variability in those populations.
Theory of high-Tc superconductors within an Anderson lattice model.

An Anderson lattice model for high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors, in particular ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}\mathrm{Cu}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, is set up and explicitly transformed into a slave-boson representation. The model is solved using a formal $\frac{1}{N}$ expansion technique, where $N$ is the degeneracy of the ${d}^{9}$ state, working to leading-$N$ approximation in the normal state and $\mathrm{O}(\frac{1}{N})$ in the superconducting state. Normal-state properties such as susceptibility, density of states, and the location of added holes are calculated and compared with experiment. The model is an $s$-wave superconductor in the present approximation for realistic parameters. The gap-to-${T}_{c}$ ratio, specific-heat jump, and ${H}_{c}(0)$ take their Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer values. The variation of ${T}_{c}$ with doping is successfully explained. A calculation of the critical region, taking into account strong tetragonal anisotropy, finds its width of order 1 K, in agreement with experiment.
Genes and risk.

In her article “Tying genetics to the risk of environmental disease” (News of the Week, 25 April, p. [563][1]), Jocelyn Kaiser writes that the Environmental Genomic Project (EGP) “will help toxicologists and other scientists calculate individual susceptibility to diseases triggered by
Characterization and Chemical Properties of Pd-Au Alloy Surfaces †

The chemisorptive behavior of CO on Pd−Au alloy films has been studied by infrared reflection−adsorption spectroscopy (IRAS). Geometric (ensemble) and electronic (ligand) effects have been addresse...
Dissociable Brain Mechanisms for Processing Social Exclusion and Rule Violation

Social exclusion inherently involves an element of expectancy violation, in that we expect other people to follow the unwritten rule to include us in social interactions. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we employed a unique modification of an interactive virtual ball-tossing game called "Cyberball" (Williams et al., 2000) and a novel paradigm called "Cybershape," in which rules are broken in the absence of social exclusion, to dissociate brain regions that process social exclusion from rule violations more generally. Our Cyberball game employed an alternating block design and removed evoked responses to events when the participant was throwing the ball in inclusion to make this condition comparable to exclusion, where participants did not throw. With these modifications, we replicated prior findings of ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC), insula, and posterior cingulate cortex activity evoked by social exclusion relative to inclusion. We also identified exclusion-evoked activity in the hippocampi, left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and left middle temporal gyrus. Comparing social exclusion and rule violation revealed a functional dissociation in the active neural systems as well as differential functional connectivity with vACC. Some overlap was observed in regions differentially modulated by social exclusion and rule violation, including the vACC and lateral parietal cortex. These overlapping brain regions showed different activation during social exclusion compared to rule violation, each relative to fair play. Comparing activation patterns to social exclusion and rule violation allowed for the dissociation of brain regions involved in the experience of exclusion versus expectancy violation.
Development of drug loaded nanoparticles for tumor targeting. Part 2: Enhancement of tumor penetration through receptor mediated transcytosis in 3D tumor models

We report that receptor mediated transcytosis can be utilized to facilitate tumor penetration by drug loaded nanoparticles (NPs). We synthesized hyaluronan (HA) coated silica nanoparticles (SNPs) containing a highly fluorescent core to target CD44 expressed on the cancer cell surface. Although prior studies have primarily focused on CD44 mediated endocytosis to facilitate cellular uptake of HA-NPs by cancer cells, we discovered that, once internalized, the HA-SNPs could be transported out of the cells with their cargo. The exported NPs could be taken up by neighboring cells. This enabled the HA-SNPs to penetrate deeper inside tumors and reach a much greater number of tumor cells in 3D tumor models, presumably through tandem cycles of CD44 mediated endocytosis and exocytosis. When doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto the NPs, better penetration of multilayered tumor cells was observed with much improved cytotoxicities against both drug sensitive and drug resistant cancer spheroids compared to the free drug. Thus, targeting receptors such as CD44 that can readily undergo recycling between the cell surface and interior of the cells can become a useful strategy to enhance the tumor penetration potential of NPs and the efficiency of drug delivery through receptor mediated transcytosis.
Biochemical and molecular analysis of LePS2;1 : a phosphate starvation induced protein phosphatase gene from tomato

Adaptation of plants to phosphate (Pi) deficiency is a complex process involving host of biochemical changes. These changes are integrated at transcriptional level by Pi starvation mediated signal transduction pathway. Many of the signaling processes are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation directed by protein kinases and protein phosphatases. In this study, we report the characterization of a protein phosphatase gene (LePS2;1) from tomato induced during phosphate starvation. The bacterially expressed recombinant LePS2;1 protein readily dephosphorylated a synthetic phospho-Ser/Thr peptide. Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, suppressed the enzyme activity. Western blot analysis revealed the Pi starvation dependent accumulation of LePS2;1 protein. Over-expression of LePS2;1 in tomato plants resulted in increased anthocyanin accumulation and acid phosphatase activity under Pi sufficient condition. Transgenic plants exhibited distinct changes in morphology and delayed flower initiation. These results provide evidence that the protein phosphatase LePS2;1, plays an important role in phosphate starvation induced processes in tomato. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive analysis of a protein phosphatase induced during phosphate starvation.
Isolation of a cigarette smoke fraction responsible for the inhibition of benzo[a]pyrene metabolism in the isolated perfused rabbit lung

Abstract Among the several thousand components of cigarette smoke is a substance or substances capable of inhibiting pulmonary metabolism of nicotine and altering the metabolite profile of procarcinogens such as benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP). This substance(s) inhibits BP metabolism in the lung in amounts present in a few puffs of cigarette smoke. By a series of extractions and chromatographic methods an active subfraction containing only 1% of the total cigarette smoke condesate (CSC), was isolated. This fraction demonstrated the same inhibition of BP metabolism in the isolate perfused lung (IPL) as the whole smoke. The inhibitor(s) present in this fraction possess amphoteric characteristics. The acidic function is believed to be a phenolic one.
Systemic morphine in combination with TENS produces an increased antihyperalgesia in rats with acute inflammation

Given that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) achieves its anti-hyperalgesia through endogenous opioid receptors, this study was undertaken to assess if TENS in combination with morphine was more effective at reducing primary hyperalgesia. Acute inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of 3% carrageenan into the rat's hindpaw. The withdrawal latency to heat and the mechanical withdrawal threshold were assessed before and after inflammation and after treatment with TENS (high- or low-frequency). Animals were divided into the following groups: Group 1, saline, no TENS; Group 2, high- or low-frequency TENS plus saline; Group 3, morphine (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]), no TENS; and Group 4, high- or low-frequency TENS plus morphine (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg, i.p.). There was an increase in inhibition of primary heat but not mechanical hyperalgesia after treatment with either high- or low-frequency TENS in combination with morphine. In combination with morphine, low-frequency TENS produced a similar reduction in mechanical hyperalgesia when compared with morphine alone. High-frequency TENS in combination with morphine produced a similar reduction in mechanical hyperalgesia when compared with the effects of high-frequency TENS alone. Thus, a lower dose of morphine could be used in combination with TENS to decrease the side effects of systemic morphine and achieve the same degree of analgesia.
Spirituality and the care of people with life-threatening illnesses

Pain management requires attention to a variety of issues that can influence a person’s perception and experience. For individuals facing a life-limiting illness, spirituality may be a major element in the way these people experience their illness. Spirituality may be expressed in a variety of ways, but it represents a basic human experience where individuals seek understanding, meaning, and strength. A serious illness always carries with it profound questions of meaning. Spiritual experience can be a way to find peace or it can be painful, confusing, and difficult. Physicians who treat pain should be aware of spirituality as part of their assessment of people who seek their care, especially those who have a life-threatening illness. This does not require the development of a new skill set for physicians but an extension of basic history and listening skills. What may be most challenging for doctors is not the spiritual experience of those for whom they care, but recognizing their own spiritual journey both as individuals and as professionals who care for those facing death.
Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Biomarker Strategy

The overwhelming need to improve preclinical models in oncology has stimulated research efforts to refine and validate robust orthotopic models that closely mimic the disease population and therefore have the potential to better predict clinical outcome with novel therapies. Sophisticated technologies including bioluminescence, contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging, positron emission tomography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been added to existing serum- and histology-based biomarkers to assist with patient selection and the design of clinical trials. The rationale for the use of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, implementation of xenograft and orthotopic animal models and utilization of available biomarkers have been discussed, providing guidelines to facilitate preclinical research for the development of treatments for HCC patients.
Susceptibility of Blastomyces dermatitidis conidia to products of oxidative metabolism

Abstract Conidia obtained from Blastomyces dermatitidis were exposed to H 2 O 2 , halide, and peroxidase, alone and in combination, and to hypochlorous acid, in order to determine fungal susceptibility to these compounds. B. dermatitidis strains V (ATCC 26199) and GA-1 (ATCC 26197) were used in this study. When exposed to H 2 O 2 , conidia from both strains were killed in a dose dependent fashion. LD 50 's for strains V and GA-1 were 7 ± 4 and 3 ± 4 m M H 2 O 2 , respectively. A study of the kinetics of killing with 2.5 m M H 2 O 2 revealed similarities in the rate of killing, except at 30 and 60 minutes, when the GA-1 strain was killed more rapidly than the V strain (59% vs 26% and 90% vs 42% dead at 30 and 60 minutes, respectively). All of the GA-1 conidia were killed within 120 minutes and 92 ± 5% of strain V were dead by this time. Exposure of conidia to KI or KCl demonstrated a lack of toxicity of either halide at concentrations up to 500 μ M . Similarly H 2 O 2 and halide together did not kill more conidia of either strain than did either agent alone. When H 2 O 2 , KI, and either myeloperoxidase or houseradish peroxidase were incubated with strain V or GA-1, complete killing was seen at 60 minutes. Hypochlorous acid (10 μ M ) was markedly fungicidal, killing 100% of both strains in 15 minutes. We conclude that both strains of B. dermatitidis conidia are susceptible to products of the phagocytic cell respiratory burst, but the concentrations of H 2 O 2 required are beyond those produced in vivo . However, peroxidase, in concert with H 2 O 2 and halide, as well as hypochlorous acid, is fungicidal in physiologically relevant concentrations.
Predictors of participation in an HIV risk reduction intervention for socially deprived Latino women: a cross sectional cohort study.

Abstract Background : Little is known about predictors of participation and attrition in HIV prevention programs for socially deprived Latino women. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine factors that predict program participation and attrition among Latino women in a community-based, culturally specific HIV risk reduction intervention. Design : This was a cross-sectional comparison of baseline data drawn from a randomized HIV risk reduction trial. Settings : Information was drawn from study subjects residing in a predominately Latino low-income community in Chicago. Participants : Among 404 study subjects in the intervention group, 214 of Latino women who had attended at least 5 of 6 intervention sessions were considered participants. One hundred and twelve women who never attended and 29 of women who attended fewer than 3 sessions were considered dropouts. Methods : The baseline data of program participants were compared to those of dropouts. The influence of the following factors on program participation was examined: sociodemographic characteristics, self-esteem, HIV knowledge, intimate partner violence, depression, and communication with partner. Results : Logistic regression analysis showed that Mexican women were more likely to participate in the intervention program than Puerto Rican women (odds ratio (OR)=1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.64, 4.23). Other significant predictors of program participation included: being older (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.03, 1.14), unemployed (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.25, 0.83), having higher risk reduction behavior intentions score (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.06, 1.26), and lower level of depressive symptoms (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95, 0.99). Conclusions : The recruitment and retention strategies should be developed by considering those important predictors of intervention participation to prevent Latino women from dropping out of the HIV prevention program.
Plant damage and herbivore performance change with latitude for two old‐field plant species, but rarely as predicted

A long standing hypothesis in biogeography is that latitudinal gradients in plant defenses (LGPD) should arise because selection for plant defenses is greater in the tropics compared to temperate areas. Previous studies have focused on plant traits thought to confer resistance, yet many traits may not actually confer resistance (putative resistance) or interact to influence herbivore performance. In this study, I used a multi-trophic approach to examine relationships between latitude, herbivore pressure, and plant resistance (measured as the growth rates of herbivores) of two old-field plant species (Solanum carolinense and Solidago altissima) using a field survey across a 12 degree gradient in the eastern US combined with laboratory bioassays measuring the performance of generalist and specialist herbivores. I used structural equation modeling to examine the direct and indirect pathways by which latitude influences herbivore pressure and plant resistance. A latitudinal gradient in plant damage was observed in the expected direction for S. caroliense (damage decreased with latitude), but the opposite relationship was observed for S. altissima. Damage to both plant species was mediated by herbivore abundances, which was in turn influenced by predator abundances. Resistance to herbivores also varied with latitude but the form of the relationship was dependent on herbivore and plant species. There were direct, non-linear relationships between latitude and resistance (for Spodoptera exigua and Schistocerca americana feeding on S. altissima; S. exigua and Manduca sexta feeding on S. carolinense). Herbivore growth rates were also mediated by the density of S. carolinense for Leptinotarsa juncta and S. americana feeding on S. carolinense. There was no relationship between plant resistance and herbivore pressure and no indication of feedbacks. Results from this study indicate that latitudinal variation in plant resistance is complex, possibly constrained by resource availability and tradeoffs in plant defenses.
Effect of internal hydrogen on the fatigue crack growth of a 12Cr1Mo steel

Abstract Internal hydrogen concentrations of 4 appm were found to have a significant effect on the fatigue crack growth rate of a 12Cr-1Mo steel tested at 25°C. This effect was most pronounced at ΔK values lower than about 15 MPa √ m for tests conducted at a load ratio of 0.5. Hydrogen induced an intergranular fracture mode that increased in percentage of the total fracture with decreasing crack velocities at decreasing ΔK values. Hydrogen has been shown to induce intergranular fracture in this steel in precharged and dynamic tensile tests and in subcritical crack growth tests at cathodic potentials. The fatigue crack growth rate of both the hydrogen-charged and uncharged material was a function of the cyclic frequency between frequencies of 0.2 and 5 Hz; the fatigue crack growth rate increased with decreasing frequencies or increasing period. There is some evidence that the as-received hydrogen concentration of 1 appm affected the crack growth rate.
Beyond sharing: cultivating cooperative transportation systems through geographic information science

Abstract Transportation systems are facing unprecedented challenges in the 21st century. Increasing the efficiency of transportation systems alone will not solve these problems and may exacerbate them. Instead, we must extract new transportation capabilities related to more cooperative decision-making across a wide range of time horizons, spatial scales and decision contexts. This paper discusses the role of sensed transportation, geographic information science and social media to cultivate transportation systems where participants share, cooperate and act collectively to solve operational, tactical and strategic mobility and accessibility problems. This paper also provides a vision of the future by imaging a seamless multimodal transportation system combined with a virtual environment where data streams are fused, interpreted and made available with tools for human engagement and shared decision making. This paper concludes by outlining a GIScience-centric research agenda.
Chopper stabilization of MOS operational amplifiers using feed-forward techniques

A monolithic chopper amplifier system has been developed that reduces the effective offset voltage of an NMOS operational amplifier to a few microvolts without compromising bandwidth. Internally, two amplifiers are used, connected in a switched feed-forward configuration. The system is realized in a standard silicon gate enhancement/depletion process.
Synthesis and cure kinetics of liquefied wood/phenol/formaldehyde resins

Wood liquefaction was conducted at a 2/1 phenol/wood ratio in two different reactors: (1) an atmospheric three-necked flask reactor and (2) a sealed Parr reactor. The liquefied wood mixture (liquefied wood, unreacted phenol, and wood residue) was further condensed with formaldehyde under acidic conditions to synthesize two novolac-type liquefied wood/phenol/formaldehyde (LWPF) resins: LWPF1 (the atmospheric reactor) and LWPF2 (the sealed reactor). The LWPF1 resin had a higher solid content and higher molecular weight than the LWPF2 resin. The cure kinetic mechanisms of the LWPF resins were investigated with dynamic and isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The isothermal DSC data indicated that the cure reactions of both resins followed an autocatalytic mechanism. The activation energies of the liquefied wood resins were close to that of a reported lignin–phenol–formaldehyde resin but were higher than that of a typical phenol formaldehyde resin. The two liquefied wood resins followed similar cure kinetics; however, the LWPF1 resin had a higher activation energy for rate constant k1 and a lower activation energy for rate constant k2 than LWPF2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A detailed study of mean-flow solutions for stability analysis of transitional flows

A finite-volume upwind-difference parabolized Navier-Stokes code is utilized to obtain laminar mean-flow solutions at Mach 3.5 on a half-angle cone of 5 deg at an angle-of-attack of 2 deg. A detailed study is conducted on this configuration; the main focus is the velocity profiles in the leeward and windward symmetry planes at various axial locations. Comparisons of the solution profiles are made with both a central-difference code that incorporates scalar and matrix dissipation models and another state-of-the-art upwind-difference finitevolume code. The results obtained emphasize the importance of using matrix dissipation models for schemes that require explicit artificial dissipation. These results also illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the planeby-plane marching procedure for computing mean-flow solutions for predicting the onset of transition with linear instability.
The effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on epitokal metamorphosis in Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) from San Francisco Bay

Abstract The combined effects of salinity, temperature, and photoperiod on the frequency of epitokal metamorphosis in the semelparous polychaete Neanthes succinea (Frey et Leuckart) were examined in laboratory experiments. Worms metamorphosed significantly more often and sooner in salinities of 20% than of 5%. Worms maintained at 5% for 10–12 months, and then gradually exposed to higher salinities up to 20% also metamorphosed more readily than controls kept at 5%. Neither temperature nor photoperiod alone had a significant effect on the frequency of epitokal metamorphosis, but salinity and temperature had an effect on timing and synchronization.
A cautionary note on the immunohistochemical detection of BRAF v600e mutations in serrated lesions of the colon

A cautionary note on the immunohistochemical detection of braf v600e mutations in serrated lesions of the colon
The importance of a proper against-medical-advice (AMA) discharge: how signing out AMA may create significant liability protection for providers.

Abstract Background Every year, patients leave the Emergency Department against medical advice (AMA) and before an adequate evaluation can be performed. It is well known that many of these patients are at risk of subsequent complications. Objective The goal of this article is to explain the potential legal protections that may be created from a proper AMA discharge. Discussion In this article, the authors review the steps that need to be taken when performing an AMA discharge, including an assessment of capacity, proper documentation, and adequate disclosure. The authors then review the potential legal protections that can result from a properly documented and performed discharge. Among these protections are: proof that the provider's duty to the patient ended with discharge and that the patient assumed the risk of a subsequent complication. Conclusion The authors conclude that a properly executed discharge can provide significant legal protection from liability risks.
The Causes, Course, and Consequences of Anger Problems in Veterans Returning to Civilian Life

While anger is a common problem for veterans returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, veterans' understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of anger has not been explored. We conducted this qualitative study to learn veterans' perspectives about their anger problems. We identify and describe three distinct patterns of anger problems that emerged as a consequence of (a) loss of structure during reintegration to civilian life, (b) moral injury sustained through a wartime experience, and (c) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While anger problems tended to be short lived for those experiencing loss of structure, problems persisted for years for those with moral injury or PTSD. Anger following all three patterns negatively impacted veterans' experiences with reintegration. We discuss the implications of these findings.
Heating preceded by cooling ahead of crack: Macrodamage free zone

Abstract In contrast to the notion that heating prevails in the material when stressed, a period of cooling followed by heating is predicted to occur in the cracked speciment upon loading. This findings does not only confirm with the recent experiments made on AISI 316 steel [1] but it supports the existence of a damage free zone ahead of the crack within which the energy dissipation is extremely low as compared with those outside. The size of this zone can be macroscopic or otherwise depending on the scale level of observation. It is not uniquely determined by material type as it can change with the local crack tip strain rate that obviously depends on the load-time history. The idea of the material process zone that has been widely referred to in fracture mechanics must, therefore, be seriously questioned.
Structure and function of nanoparticle–protein conjugates

Conjugation of proteins to nanoparticles has numerous applications in sensing, imaging, delivery, catalysis, therapy and control of protein structure and activity. Therefore, characterizing the nanoparticle-protein interface is of great importance. A variety of covalent and non-covalent linking chemistries have been reported for nanoparticle attachment. Site-specific labeling is desirable in order to control the protein orientation on the nanoparticle, which is crucial in many applications such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We evaluate methods for successful site-specific attachment. Typically, a specific protein residue is linked directly to the nanoparticle core or to the ligand. As conjugation often affects the protein structure and function, techniques to probe structure and activity are assessed. We also examine how molecular dynamics simulations of conjugates would complete those experimental techniques in order to provide atomistic details on the effect of nanoparticle attachment. Characterization studies of nanoparticle-protein complexes show that the structure and function are influenced by the chemistry of the nanoparticle ligand, the nanoparticle size, the nanoparticle material, the stoichiometry of the conjugates, the labeling site on the protein and the nature of the linkage (covalent versus non-covalent).
Transdermal iontophoresis of amino acids and peptides in vitro

Abstract The effects of penetrant properties (lipophilicity and charge) and of vehicle pH on the iontophoretically enhanced delivery of amino acids, their N-acetylated derivatives, and eight tripeptides, of the general structure alanine-X-alanine, have been examined in vitro. The penetrants were (a) 9 amino acids (five were zwitterionic, two positively charged and two negatively charged), (b) four N-acetylated amino acids, which carry a net negative charge at pH 7.4, and (c) peptides which were blocked both at the carboxyl terminus using the mixed anhydride reaction with t-butylamine, and at the amino terminus by acetylation with 14C-acetic anhydride; the central residue (X) was varied widely by selecting one of five neutral amino acids, two negatively chargeable moieties (aspartic and glutamic acids), and a positively chargeable species (histidine). Iontophoresis at constant current (0.36 mA/cm2), using Ag/AgCl electrodes, was conducted across freshly excised hairless mouse skin. The diffusion cells used were designed so that both anode and cathode were situated on the same (epidermal) side of a single piece of skin. Overall, it was found that the results of this research support the principle of enhanced peptide delivery across the skin by iontophoresis.
Tolerance and morphine-induced cross-tolerance are not shown to Tyr-W-MIF-1 analgesia.

Abstract Tolerance and cross-tolerance between Tyr-W-MIF-1, a mixed μ-agonist/antagonist, and morphine were examined. Opiate dependence also was examined. Rats were pretreated with Tyr-W-MIF-1, morphine, or saline for 4 days. On day 5, the animals were tested for Tyr-W-MIF-1 analgesia, morphine analgesia, or naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Tyr-W-MIF-1- and morphine-pretreated animals showed similar levels of dependence. Animals pretreated with Tyr-W-MIF-1 failed to express tolerance to Tyr-W-MIF-1 analgesia but did display cross-tolerance to morphine analgesia. Animals pretreated with morphine displayed tolerance to morphine analgesia but did not express cross-tolerance to Tyr-W-MIF-1 analgesia. Therefore, tolerance and morphine-induced cross-tolerance were not expressed to Tyr-W-MIF-1 analgesia.
Cutting Down Electricity Cost in Internet Data Centers by Using Energy Storage

Electricity consumption comprises a significant fraction of total operating cost in data centers. System operators are required to reduce electricity bill as much as possible. In this paper, we consider utilizing available energy storage capability in data centers to reduce electricity bill under real- time electricity market. Laypunov optimization technique is applied to design an algorithm that achieves an explicit tradeoff between cost saving and energy storage capacity. As far as we know, our work is the first to explore the problem of electricity cost saving using energy storage in multiple data centers by considering both time- diversity and location-diversity of electricity price.
Concurrent Validity of the Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test.

In this investigation, the relationships between the Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Peabody Individual Achievement Test, and McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities were explored. The sample included 26 children randomly selected from three classes in an elementary school. The Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test correlated positively and significantly with the Peabody Individual Achievement Test's total score (.53) and most of its subtests. The Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test also correlated significantly with the Verbal, Quantitative, Memory, and General Cognitive Indexes of the McCarthy Scales (Median r = .76). The mean Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test score was 104.6 and nearly identical to the McCarthy General Cognitive Index (104.4) but significantly smaller than the Peabody Individual Achievement total test score (114.5).
The design of an OCR system for reading hand written numerals

The problem of transcribing computer input data from a human-sensible form to a machine-sensible form has grown with the computer industry. The "input gap" has also grown as the time to process a given batch of data in the CPU (central processing unit) has become smaller and smaller when compared to the time needed to manually transcribe that same batch of data. In short, today's data processing systems are capable of accepting, using, and disposing of data at much faster rates than available input devices are capable of providing, without some form of preliminary offline conversion or transcribing process.
Pets, Networks and Well-Being

ABSTRACTThis study explores two explanations for well-being among older adults: social network analysis and human–animal relations. The data are based on a stratified probability sample of community living adults, aged 60 years and over, located in several rural communities in north-eastern Oregon. The dependent variables include three distinct measures of psychological well-being: life satisfaction, locus of control, and self-esteem. The independent variables include pet ownership and various measures of the personal network of respondents, including network structural variables (range, density, and frequency of contact) and network content variables (both instrumental and expressive). Control variables include socio-demographic characteristics and a measure of physical health. Multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the effects of the independent and control variables. Pet ownership was related to two of the well-being measures – self-esteem and locus of control – but only for men. Some methodo...
Sex Work and “Date” Violence

This study employed survey and focus group methods to examine the characteristics and sex work-related behaviors of 294 female street-based sex workers in Miami that make them more likely to be victimized by their clients or “dates.” More than half the respondents had experienced date violence in the prior year. Economic desperation, using crack or heroin while working, not controlling the date location, and having sex in the car were strong predictors of victimization. The article concludes with recommendations for a harm-reduction approach to outreach and education, and it calls for increased legal protections for victimized sex workers.
How the Media Misleads the Story of School Consumerism: A Perspective From School Finance

Abstract Noting the dramatic rise in media reporting on the topic of school commercialism and consumer activity in schools, this research explores the fiscal benefits of such activities. Though a variety of activities frequently associated with school consumerism generate revenues for schools, in the example of student activity fees there is very little correlative evidence that suggests substantive and systematic shifts are under way in how schools are funded. A central argument is that the media representation of school consumerism may exaggerate the significance and effects of consumer and consumer behavior in schools, specifically in terms of the fiscal contribution of fee-based revenue. This argument is explored using quantitative methods to investigate fee-based revenue among U.S. public school systems.
Quality of life after sipuleucel-T therapy: results from a randomized, double-blind study in patients with androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

Objective To collect and analyze quality-of-life (QOL) data from PROvenge Treatment and Early Cancer Treatment trial (PROTECT, NCT00779402 ), a phase III, randomized controlled trial of sipuleucel-T in patients with asymptomatic androgen-dependent prostate cancer. Methods Patients experiencing prostate-specific antigen relapse after radical prostatectomy entered a 3- to 4-month run-in phase of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), followed by 2:1 randomization to sipuleucel-T or control. QOL was assessed throughout the run-in and 26-week post-randomization phases using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Linear Analog Self-Assessment (LASA) scale, Global Rating of Change (GRoC) scale, and an elicited symptoms list. Results One hundred seventy-six patients were randomized into 2 groups, the sipuleucel-T group (n = 117) or the control group (n = 59). The sample provided 80% power to detect a difference in fatigue interference score between treatment arms of 0.9 points. QOL declined predictably during ADT. At week 26, 26.2% of sipuleucel-T-treated patients and 21.6% of control-treated patients ( P = .68) reported fatigue in the previous week, and the mean score for fatigue interference in the past 24 hours was 0.9 for both arms ( P = .88). Results were comparable for usual fatigue ( P = .91) and worst fatigue ( P >.99). Mean LASA scores decreased in both groups ( P = .26). The proportion of patients reporting better overall QOL on GRoC was similar ( P = .62). Conclusion There is no clinically significant negative impact on QOL after sipuleucel-T treatment compared with control after a period of ADT in patients with asymptomatic androgen-dependent prostate cancer.
Acute Appendicitis Presenting as a Perinephric Abscess

D. S., a 59-year-old man with diabetes mellitus type I1 and hypertension, presented with diffuse abdominal pain, fever and chills 2 weeks in duration. He denied other gastrointestinal or urological complaints. Physical examination demonstrated fever of 102F, and a nonacute abdomen with minimal tenderness in the right upper quadrant and right flank. Laboratory evaluation revealed a white blood count of 11,900/mm.3 (normal 4,800 to 10,800) and urinalysis with no hematuria. The patient was hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics and hydration. Computerized tomography showed a right perinephric abscess with perirenal gas (see figure). The abscess was drained via a right flank incision and necrotic portions of Gerota’s fascia were removed. The perinephric abscess did not extend into the peritoneal cavity and the kidney appeared otherwise normal. Two days postoperatively intraoperative cultures yielded Escherichia coli, En-
Toll-like receptor-4 modulation for cancer immunotherapy.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition molecules. Since the discovery of the Toll pathway cascade (1, 2), our knowledge about the structure, function, and mechanics of TLRs in infectious and inflammatory conditions has increased remarkably. The role of TLR4 as a pathogen-pattern recognition receptor has been studied extensively. We now know that TLR4 recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) like fibronectin and hyaluronan, which are released during infectious and non-infectious inflammatory conditions. Some chronic infections and inflammatory conditions are known to promote carcinogenesis. For example, Helicobacter pylori (3) and viral hepatitis (4) infections lead to gastric and liver cancers, respectively. Also, in inflammatory bowel disease, non-infectious inflammation promotes the development of colorectal cancer (5). Evidence from recent reports suggests that increased expression and activity of TLR4 in chronic infectious and inflammatory conditions is associated with cancer progression (6–8). At the same time, additional studies suggest the protective role of TLR4 in cancer (9–14). The role of TLR4 in cancer has only recently been studied. This review article provides a brief summary of the current understanding of TLR4-signaling, its pro- and anti-cancer effects, and the therapeutic potential of TLR4 immunomodulation in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Participatory modeling and the dilemma of diffuse nitrogen management in a residential watershed

Whereas point sources of nutrients are well understood and controllable, there is growing concern about non-point sources, especially those that are related to individual property owners. Modeling tools were used to analyze and visualize the fate of nitrogen from three anthropogenic sources: septic tanks, atmospheric deposition, and fertilizer. Our results suggest that septic tanks may be a less significant contributor to surface water nitrogen pollution in the short-term whereas fertilizer used at the home scale is a more significant source than previously thought. Participation in the study was solicited from community stakeholders who were instrumental in understanding how models could be applied to local decision making, in making appropriate model assumptions, and in developing politically feasible scenarios. Stakeholders used the model results to develop recommendations for the Calvert County Board of Commissioners. Recommendations include mandating nitrogen removal septic tanks for some homes, intensive citizen education about fertilizer usage, local regulation of fertilizer sales, reduction in automobile traffic, and cooperation with regional regulatory agencies working to reduce regional NO"x emissions. We explore how the participatory process can be used to influence decision-making, management policies, and citizen education in Calvert County, MD, to reduce all anthropogenic sources of nitrogen to local waters.