cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II induces cyclooxygenase 2 expression in rat astrocytes via the angiotensin type 1 receptor.

Abstract We previously showed that Angiotensin (Ang) II stimulated pro-inflammatory and mitogenic actions in astrocytes suggesting that astrocytes are emerging as key players in neuroinflammation. Evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may contribute to central sympathetic overactivity and elevated blood pressure. Further, cyclooxygenase (Cox)-derived prostanoids were implicated in Ang II-dependent hypertension. Cox2 is one of two Cox isoenzymes that is responsible for the formation of prostanoids from arachidonic acid. Constitutively expressed Cox2 has a protective and homeostatic role in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Inducible Cox2 has been associated with pathogenic stimuli resulting in inflammatory conditions and cancers. In this study, we investigated the effect of Ang II on Cox2 protein and mRNA expression in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes, and determined whether any differences in Cox2 expression exist in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) astrocytes compared to their normotensive control Wistar rats. We demonstrated that Ang II increased Cox2 protein and mRNA levels relative to untreated controls in a time-dependent manner, in Wistar and SHR brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes. Increases in Cox2 protein expression were evident within 4 h, with subsequent sustained elevation for several hours followed by a decline at 48 h. Ang II-induced Cox2 protein levels were higher in Wistar compared to SHRs in both brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes for the majority of time points examined. The Ang II-induced Cox2 mRNA levels increased within 8 h followed by a rapid decline to almost basal levels at later time points. At the earlier time points, Cox2 mRNA elevation were higher in SHR compared to Wistar rat astrocytes. These Ang II actions were mediated by the Ang type I receptor. Our results corroborate previous reports of Ang II's ability to stimulate neuroinflammatory mediators in astrocytes. Cox2-derived prostaglandins might play a role in brain-renin angiotensin system associated hypertension, and astrocytes could be significant players.
A survey of known immune epitopes in the enteroviruses strains associated with acute flaccid myelitis

Abstract Enteroviruses are potentially linked to the emergence of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a rare but very serious condition that affects the nervous system. AFM has been associated with coxsackievirus A16, enterovirus A71 (EVA71) and enterovirus D68 (EVD68). Little is known about host-pathogen interactions for these viruses, and whether immune responses may have a protective or immunopathological role in disease presentations. Towards addressing this issue, we used the Immune Epitope Database to assess the known inventory of B and T cell epitopes from enteroviruses, focusing on data related to human hosts. The extent of conservation in areas that are targets of B and T cell immune responses were examined. This analysis sheds light on regions of the enterovirus polypeptide that can be probed to induce a specific or cross-reactive B or T cell the immune response to enteroviruses, with a particular focus on coxsackievirus A16, EVA71 and EVD68. In addition, these analyses reveal the current gap-of-knowledge in the T and B cell immune responses that future studies should aim to address.
Promoting Player Empathy for People Living with Poverty

Transformational games, i.e. games that aim to transform their players for the better, are becoming increasingly popular ways to help people engage with difficult topics. In our mobile game, BROKE: The Game (based on an original board game), we strive to transform the way our players view people who live with the condition of poverty and have more empathy for them. In this paper we discuss how we adapted a board game into a mobile game and how we designed empathy promoting mechanics into the experience to help our players better understand what living in poverty is like.
Instabilities in Aortic Length After TEVAR and Reoperation: 12 Years of Follow-Up Imaging.

Background Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains an important minimally invasive tool for the treatment of descending thoracic aneurysm. The long-term effects of these repairs in reduction of the aneurysmal sac size as well as stability of the stented portion require study. We report the results of 12 years of radiographic follow-up. Methods All patients who underwent TEVAR for descending thoracic aneurysms from January 2005 to December 2017(n = 371) were evaluated for immediate postoperative and follow-up computed tomographic scans suitable for 3-dimensional reconstruction of the aorta (excluding those with an interim reoperation). We found 62 patients who met these criteria (median duration of radiographic follow-up, 1.8 years). Measurements were taken of centerline, greater and lesser curvatures from the most distal patent brachiocephalic vessel to the first uncovered mesenteric vessel, and between proximal and distal edges of the stented portion of the aorta. Results All measured segments, except covered length, were significantly increasing in length for centerline, greater and lesser curvatures, with a median increase of 7.6 mm (interquartile range, 1.7-16 mm). Cox regression for mortality and reoperation found no significant correlation between these changes and mortality and a significant correlation between stented segment greater curvature increase and reoperation (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06; P Conclusions Increases in the centerline and greater curve length of the aorta were found to be occurring. This appears to be primarily driven by growth in the nonstented segments. However, changes in the outer curve length of the stented segment were associated with a greater risk of reoperation.
Rethinking the Role of Cost-benefit Analysis (reviewing Retaking Rationality: How Cost-benefit Analysis Can Better Protect the Environment and Our Health by Richard L. Revesz, Michael A. Livermore)

For almost thirty years, regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been required to perform costbenefit analyses that are subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).' Richard Revesz and Michael Livermore argue in Retaking Rationality that cost-benefit analysis (CBA) has been distorted and misused by conservative opponents of regulation. They persuasively advocate a series of useful reforms to provide more balance while keeping CBA as a key decisionmaking tool. Eschewing any desire to make CBA a "master decisionmaking procedure capable of trumping all other values," they argue only that it "can be useful without being the alpha and omega of policy analysis" (p 15). Retaking Rationality provides convincing support for environmentalist claims that CBA has been used as a screen for ideologically driven attacks on regulation.2 These critiques, as Revesz and Livermore
A Call for a Public Health Agenda for Social Media Research.

Research has revealed both the benefits and harms of social media use, but the public has very little guidance on how best to use social media to maximize the benefits to their health and well-being while minimizing the potential harms. Given that social media is intricately embedded in our lives, and we now have an entire generation of social media natives, the time has come for a public health research agenda to guide not only the public’s use of social media but also the design of social media platforms in ways that improve health and well-being. In this viewpoint we propose such a public health agenda for social media research that is framed around three broad questions: (1) How much social media use is unhealthy and what individual and contextual factors shape that relationship; (2) What are ways social media can be used to improve physical and mental well-being; and (3) How does health (mis)information spread, how does it shape attitudes, beliefs and behavior, and what policies or public health strategies are effective in disseminating legitimate health information while curbing the spread of health misinformation? We also discuss four key challenges that impede progress on this research agenda: negative sentiment about social media among the public and scientific community, a poorly regulated research landscape, poor access to social media data, and the lack of a cohesive academic field. Social media has revolutionized modern communication in ways that bring us closer to a global society, but we currently stand at an inflection point. A public health agenda for social media research will serve as a compass to guide us toward social media becoming a powerful tool for the public good.
Robotic-Assisted Parastomal Hernia Repair: Sugarbaker Repair (With and Without Component Release)

This chapter describes the repair of parastomal hernia using the combination of a transversus abdominis release with principles of a Sugarbaker repair using a robotic platform that has been modified. This modification limits mesh exposure to intraabdominal viscera and provides a wide retromuscular space for implantation of the mesh. The typical Sugarbaker repair is also presented.
Biological effects of inhaled hydraulic fracturing sand dust. VI. Cardiovascular effects.

Hydraulic fracturing is used to access oil and natural gas reserves. This process involves the high-pressure injection of fluid to fracture shale. Fracking fluid contains approximately 95% water, chemicals and 4.5% fracking sand. Workers may be exposed to fracking sand dust (FSD) during the manipulation of the sand, and negative health consequences could occur if FSD is inhaled. In the absence of any information about its potential toxicity, a comprehensive rat animal model study (see Fedan et al., 2020) was designed to investigate the bioactivities of several FSDs in comparison to MIN-U-SIL® 5, a respirable α-quartz reference dust used in previous animal models of silicosis, in several organ systems. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of inhalation of one FSD, i.e., FSD 8, on factors and tissues that affect cardiovascular function. Male rats were exposed to 10 or 30 mg/m3 FSD (6 h/d for 4 d) by whole body inhalation, with measurements made 1, 7 or 27 d post-exposure. One day following exposure to 10 mg/m3 FSD the sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction in tail arteries in vitro was increased. FSD exposure at both doses resulted in decreases in heart rate (HR), HR variability, and blood pressure in vivo. FSD induced changes in hydrogen peroxide concentrations and transcript levels for pro-inflammatory factors in heart tissues. In kidney, expression of proteins indicative of injury and remodeling was reduced after FSD exposure. When analyzed using regression analysis, changes in proteins involved in repair and remodeling were correlated. Thus, it appears that inhalation of FSD does have some prolonged effects on cardiovascular, and, possibly, renal function. The findings also provide information regarding potential mechanisms that may lead to these changes, and biomarkers that could be examined to monitor physiological changes that could be indicative of impending cardiovascular dysfunction.
Antibodies to Variable Domain 4 Linear Epitopes of the Chlamydia trachomatis Major Outer Membrane Protein Are Not Associated with Chlamydia Resolution or Reinfection in Women.

ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium. C. trachomatis infection is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women. There is no licensed vaccine for C. trachomatis prevention, in part due to gaps in our knowledge of C. trachomatis-specific immune responses elicited during human infections. Previous investigations of the antibody response to C. trachomatis have identified immunodominant antigens and antibodies that can neutralize infection in cell culture. However, epitope-specific responses to C. trachomatis are not well characterized, and the impact of these antibodies on infection outcome is unknown. We recently developed a technology called deep sequence-coupled biopanning that uses bacteriophage virus-like particles to display peptides from antigens and affinity select against human serum IgG. Here, we used this technology to map C. trachomatis-specific antibodies in groups of women with defined outcomes following C. trachomatis infection: (i) C. trachomatis negative upon presentation for treatment (“spontaneous resolvers”), (ii) C. trachomatis negative at a 3-month follow-up visit after treatment (“nonreinfected”), and (iii) C. trachomatis positive at a 3-month follow-up after treatment (“reinfected”). This analysis yielded immunodominant epitopes that had been previously described but also identified new epitopes targeted by human antibody responses to C. trachomatis. We focused on human antibody responses to the C. trachomatis variable domain 4 serovar-conserved region of the major outer membrane protein (VD4-MOMP), a previously described immunodominant epitope. All three groups of women produced IgG to the VD4-MOMP, suggesting that detection of serum antibodies to VD4-MOMP in women with urogenital C. trachomatis infection is not associated with protection against reinfection. IMPORTANCEC. trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection, and infection in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. No licensed vaccine exists to prevent C. trachomatis infection, and investigations of the natural immune response may inform the design of targeted vaccines for C. trachomatis. Our study fills a gap in knowledge regarding the epitope specificity of antibody responses that are elicited in response to C. trachomatis infection in women. We identified several new B cell epitopes for C. trachomatis antigens and confirmed B cell epitopes that have been identified by other methods. Our finding that women produce antibodies to the VD4-MOMP regardless of infection outcome provides insight into vaccine development, suggesting that vaccines targeting VD4-MOMP may need to elicit higher-titer antibody responses than natural infection imparts or that additional vaccine targets should be pursued in the future.
Modernism and the crisis of sovereignty

Preface Chapter 1: Crisis of Sovereignty: Global Civil War in Yeats, Eliot, and Woolf Chapter 2: Civil Wars of Language: Irish Performativity in Yeats Chapter 3: "Social Welfare Dream": Sovereignty, Responsibility, and Biopolitics in Yeats Chapter 4: "Compassing Material Ends": Sovereignty, Pluralism, and Professionalism in Eliot Chapter 5: Between Nation and Profession: Aesthetic Sovereignty in Woolf's Between the Acts Chapter 6: "Traditions of the Private House": Sovereignty, Civility, and Ownership Notes Bibliography Index
An Advanced One-Dimensional Finite Element Model for Incompressible Thermally Expandable Flow

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of a new one-dimensional finite element flow model for incompressible but thermally expandable flow. The flow model was developed for use in system analysis tools for whole-plant safety analysis of sodium fast reactors. Although the pressure-based formulation was implemented, the use of integral equations in the conservative form ensured the conservation laws of the fluid. A stabilization scheme based on streamline-upwind/Petrov-Galerkin and pressure-stabilizing/Petrov-Galerkin formulations is also introduced. The flow model and its implementation have been verified by many test problems, including density wave propagation, steep gradient problems, discharging between tanks, and the conjugate heat transfer in a heat exchanger.
Game Sound: An Introduction to the History, Theory, and Practice of Video Game Music and Sound Design

A distinguishing feature of video games is their interactivity, and sound plays an important role in this: a player's actions can trigger dialogue, sound effects, ambient sound, and music. And yet game sound has been neglected in the growing literature on game studies. This book fills that gap, introducing readers to the many complex aspects of game audio, from its development in early games to theoretical discussions of immersion and realism. In Game Sound, Karen Collins draws on a range of sources--including composers, sound designers, voice-over actors and other industry professionals, Internet articles, fan sites, industry conferences, magazines, patent documents, and, of course, the games themselves--to offer a broad overview of the history, theory, and production practice of video game audio. Game Sound has two underlying themes: how and why games are different from or similar to film or other linear audiovisual media; and technology and the constraints it has placed on the production of game audio. Collins focuses first on the historical development of game audio, from penny arcades through the rise of home games and the recent rapid developments in the industry. She then examines the production process for a contemporary game at a large game company, discussing the roles of composers, sound designers, voice talent, and audio programmers; considers the growing presence of licensed intellectual property (particularly popular music and films) in games; and explores the function of audio in games in theoretical terms. Finally, she discusses the difficulties posed by nonlinearity and interactivity for the composer of game music.
Inhibition of Settlement by Larvae of Balanus amphitrite and Ciona intestinalis by a Surface-Colonizing Marine Bacterium

In an attempt to isolate bacteria with inhibitory effects against settlement by larvae of sessile invertebrates, 40 marine bacterial isolates were screened for effects against laboratory-reared barnacle larvae (Balanus amphitrite) and ascidian larvae (Ciona intestinalis). Five isolates displayed non-pH-dependent inhibitory effects against the larvae. The initial characterization of a toxic component released from an isolate, designated D2 (CCUG 26757), and its effect on laboratory-reared barnacle and ascidian larvae were studied. D2 is a facultative, anaerobic, gram-negative bacterium isolated from the surface of C. intestinalis from waters off the Swedish west coast at a depth of 10 m. Results suggest that the toxic component is released by D2 during the stationary phase. Aged biofilms were more toxic to the larvae than unaged films. The biologically active compound was in the supernatant of D2 and was heat stable and <500 Da in molecular mass. No evidence of protein or peptide moieties was found. On the basis of two phase and chromatography separations, the component is polar and neutral and contains or binds to carbohydrate moieties. Metaperiodate treatment increased toxicity; undiluted supernatant from a 24-h growth culture of D2 killed barnacle and ascidian larvae within a few hours of exposure, whereas after metaperiodate treatment, the larvae were killed in approximately 30 min.
The Impact of a Video Game Intervention on the Cognitive Functioning, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, and Video Game Attitudes of Older Adults

The Impact of a Video Game Intervention on the Cognitive Functioning, SelfEfficacy, Self-Esteem, and Video Game Attitudes of Older Adults by Giovanni W. Sosa Claremont Graduate University: 2012 While a well-established body of empirical work indicates that engaging in mentally stimulating activities is linked to positive physical and mental health outcomes, relatively few studies have specifically examined the impact that video game training can have on cognitive functioning and well-being. Given the substantial implications that such work has for an ever-growing older adult population, this area of research has begun to pique the interest of researchers world-wide. The present study employed an experimental paradigm to explore the impact of a Nintendo DS video game, Brain Age, on the cognitive functioning, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and video game attitudes of adults aged 65 and older. A total of 35 participants were recruited from various Senior Centers located in the San Fernando Valley and were randomly assigned to an intervention group that played Brain Age for five weeks (three hours of supervised training per week) or a control group that was only required to complete an assessment battery before and after a five week period. Findings stemming from ANCOVA analyses in which pre-test scores (and in the case of cognitive outcome variables, a separate cognitive screener) served as covariates indicated significant group differences with regards to brief arithmetic and syllable count assessments, and marginally significant differences on the basis of the Stroop Interference Test. While all the effects for self-efficacy, self-esteem, and a newly developed video game attitudes scale were in the predicted direction, no statistically significant group differences were found. Findings across the 16 examined outcome variables also indicate larger effects among cognitive outcome variables that are directly practiced via the intervention. Such findings also indicate larger effects among timed over nontimed cognitive measures, and among cognitive over affective/attitudinal variables. Notwithstanding limitations concerning the transferability of trained skills to a broader set of cognitive abilities, the current study’s evidence suggests that playing a simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible videogame can enhance some aspects of cognitive functioning. These findings hold significant implications for the millions of older Americans looking for technologicallyoriented avenues by which to sharpen their cognitive skills.
Tight, Efficient Bounds for Chemical Kinetics Models

Abstract An efficient method for bounding the solutions of chemical kinetics models over given ranges for the reaction rate parameters and initial conditions is presented, based on the use of affine reaction invariants. Most chemical kinetics models must be solved approximately via numerical integration, so the dependence of the solution on parameters and initial conditions is rarely known in closed form. Thus, time-varying solution bounds can provide information about the parametric dependence of a model that is generally difficult to obtain otherwise, such as the propagation of uncertainty in rate constants and/or initial conditions through the model. The construction of such bounds is also a crucial part of global dynamic optimization techniques, which are used for parameter estimation in chemical kinetics models and for the global solution of optimal control problems. Finally, such bounds can be used to verify safe operating conditions for reacting systems subject to a particular range of disturbances.
HFSiF4 ratios in volcanic and magmatic gases

Abstract The possible importance of SiF4 in volcanic and magmatic gases has been neglected due to the convention of reporting analyses and basing calculations on the presence of HF. Calculated HF SiF 4 ratios for natural gas compositions serve to justify this convention by showing that SiF4 is not a significant F-bearing molecular species at high temperatures.
Probability Theory of Bit Error Rate

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Bit Error Ratio and Bit Error Rate Definitions OSNR and Spectral Matching Carrier-to-Noise Ratio Shannon's Limit Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio Probability and Statistics 101 Bit Error Probability Bit Error Contributors Bit Error Rate Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio Channel Capacity and SNR The Quality or Q-Factor Bit Error Monitoring BER and Data Patterning BER and Eye Diagram Eye-Pattern Mask References Standards
Stability of labetalol hydrochloride with selected critical care drugs during simulated Y-site injection

The compatibility and stability of labetalol hydrochloride in combination with various critical care drugs was evaluated. Labetalol hydrochloride 1.0 mg/mL was combined in 5% dextrose injection with equal volumes of each of the following drugs: dobutamine 2.5 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride salt), dopamine hydrochloride 1.6 mg/mL, morphine sulfate 0.5 mg/mL, nitroglycerin 0.2 mg/mL, and ranitidine 0.6 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride salt). The mixtures were placed in duplicate Y-site administration sets. Visual inspection, pH determination, and high-performance liquid chromatography were performed in duplicate on samples removed at zero, two, and four hours. No change in pH or appearance occurred throughout the study. All drug concentrations remained above 90% of the initial concentration in each combination. Labetalol hydrochloride 1.0 mg/mL and dobutamine 2.5 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride salt), dopamine hydrochloride 1.6 mg/mL, morphine sulfate 0.5 mg/mL, nitroglycerin 0.2 mg/mL, or ranitidine 0.6 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride salt) in 5% dextrose injection were stable and compatible for up to four hours at 20-25 degrees C during simulated Y-site injection.
Estradiol regulates effects of hindbrain activator 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐riboside administration on hypothalamic adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activity and metabolic neurotransmitter mRNA and protein expression

Hindbrain adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation alters hypothalamic neuronal genomic activity in an estradiol (E)-dependent manner. This study examines the premise that E regulates metabolic effector neuron reactivity to hindbrain AMPK. Paraventricular (PVH), arcuate (ARH), and ventromedial (VMH) nuclei were micropunched from brains of E- or oil (O)-implanted ovariectomized female rats that had been injected, into the fourth ventricle, with the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-riboside (AICAR; A) or saline (S) and analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting for neurotransmitter mRNA and protein expression. PVH corticotrophin-releasing hormone gene and protein profiles were decreased in O/A and E/A animals. ARH pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA and protein were both elevated in O/A but were diminished or unchanged, respectively, in E/A animals; ARH neuropeptide Y (NPY) transcription was inhibited in O/A and E/A animals, but neuropeptide content was augmented in E/A only. VMH SF-1 mRNA and protein were reduced in O and E animals. AICAR did not alter AMPK protein in any structure but elevated PVH (E), did not alter ARH, and decreased VMH (O,E) pAMPK. Results demonstrate hypothalamic metabolic neurotransmitter and AMPK reactivity to hindbrain AMPK activation, including E-dependent adjustments in POMC and NPY transcription and protein expression. Dissimilar POMC (O vs. E) and NPY (O vs. E) neuropeptide responses to caudal fourth ventricle AICAR indicate E regulation of hindbrain AMPK signaling and/or target receptivity, implying that ARH-controlled metabolic responses may differ in the presence vs. absence of E. Evidence for variable changes in hypothalamic AMPK activity resulting from hindbrain sensor manipulation suggests that individual (or region-based groups of) AMPK-expressing neuron populations are uniquely impacted by hindbrain AMPK. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK VARIABLES, AND VISUAL FIELD DEFECTS

This study evaluates the associations of intraocular pressure with cardiovascular risk factors among 2433 participants in the Framingham Eye Study and the Framingham Heart Study. Persons with intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg in at least one eye had an increased prevalence of hypertension and diabetes; no association was found with cardiovascular disease. In multiple regression analysis, systolic blood pressure was the variable most related to intraocular pressure; vertical cup/disc ratio, diabetes, and ventricular rate were also independently related to intraocular pressure. About 6% of the variation in intraocular pressure was explained by these variables. Although blood pressure was associated with intraocular pressure in eyes without visual field defects, this association could not be detected in eyes with field defects; interaction tests found significant differences in the blood pressure-intraocular pressure relationships between visual field groups. Ratios of blood pressure to intraocular pressure were lower in eyes with visual field defects than in eyes without field defects.
Technology-based global revitalization of electromagnetic education

Electromagnetics has been and will continue to be the heart and soul of many modern technology advances ranging from wireless communications and associated phenomenal applications, to radar technologies, photonics, nanotechnology, biomedical and remote sensing and astronomy exploration. The prediction of a “flatter” world and global economy and the continued growth in reliance on technology involving wireless physical systems significantly raises the need for preparing well qualified workforce of electromagnetics (EM) engineers that would effectively enable and support the continued growth in EM-based technologies and the realization of their much anticipated benefits. To help realize this vision, it is important that educators take a fresh look at established curricula and develop ways and means for revitalization of electromagnetic courses and including the introduction of new ones dealing with modern EM applications. In addition, ways and means need to be developed to facilitate the use of modern software and hardware capabilities to help students better understand EM courses, and provide software and hard ware educational resources that will help them innovate and participate in new discoveries of EM applications.
Differential control of expression of type I and type II receptors of transforming growth factor-β in colon carcinoma cells

We investigated TGF-β response and the expression of TGF-β receptors in clones of MOSER colon carcinoma cells (designated MOSER II and MOSER III-10) as a function of their growth state. TGF-β1 response as assessed by induction of fibronectin expression was higher (3.0-fold) in exponentially growing cells than in quiescent cells. The expression of type I receptor (RI) mRNA was greater (2.5 to 3.0-fold) in exponentially growing cells than in quiescent cells. In contrast, the expression of type II receptor (RII) mRNA was marginally increased in quiescent cells relative to exponential cells. Nuclear run-off assays, and actinomycin-D treatment indicated that the increased expression of RI mRNA in exponentially growing cells was primarily due to an increase in transcription, while a marginal increase in mRNA level for RII in quiescent cells was primarily due to an increase in mRNA stability. Affinity cross-linking with 125I-labeled TGF-β1 showed that the exponentially growing cells displayed greater amounts of 125I TGF-β1 binding to RI and RII than quiescent cells, indicating that increased cell surface expression of receptors was correlated with increased response in the exponential growth state. Immunoblot analysis also indicated greater amounts of RI protein in exponential compared to quiescent cells; however, no difference in RII protein was observed in the two growth states. These data indicate that expression of the receptors responsible for TGF-β signal transduction are differentially controlled. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Income inequality and treatment of African American men with high-risk prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose Definitive treatment of high-risk prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy or radiation improves survival. We assessed whether racial disparities in the receipt of definitive therapy for prostate cancer vary by regional income. Patients and methods A cohort of 102,486 men (17,594 African American [AA] and 84,892 non-Hispanic white) with localized high-risk prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen >20 ng/ml or Gleason≥8 or stage≥cT2c) diagnosed from 2004 to 2010 was identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Income was measured at the census-tract-level. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess patient and cancer characteristics associated with the receipt of definitive therapy for prostate cancer. Multivariable Fine and Gray competing risks analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with prostate cancer death. Results Overall, AA men were less likely to receive definitive therapy than white men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.49–0.54; P P interaction = 0.016) such that there was a larger racial treatment disparity in the bottom income quintile (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.45–0.55; P P P = 0.001), compared with white men in the top income quintile. Conclusions Racial disparities in the receipt of definitive therapy for high-risk prostate cancer are greatest in low-income communities, suggesting that interventions to reduce racial disparities should target low-income populations first.
Effects of Isotopic Substitution on Electron Spin Resonance Signals in Photosynthetic Organisms

Effects of Isotopic Substitution on Electron Spin Resonance Signals in Photosynthetic Organisms
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIPSCHITZ EXTENSIONS, BEST APPROXIMATIONS, AND CONTINUOUS SELECTIONS

Abstract There is a close relationship that exists between Lipschitz extensions and best approximations. It is shown that for any function that satisfies the Lipschitz condition on a subset of a metric space (X, d) there always exists a best approximation in the subspace It is also shown that in this case the metric projection always has a continuous selection.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Patterns of Neurological Deficit and Recovery after Anterior Cervical Decompression

Objectives We evaluated the specific pattern of pre- and postoperative neurological signs and symptoms and functional results in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior decompressive operations. Additionally, we sought to determine which findings had predictive value for surgical outcome. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 76 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by osteophytic ridge or intervertebral disc herniation who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion performed by one surgeon. The patients were evaluated postoperatively by office visits and/or telephone interviews. Outcome was assessed by objective neurological examination and scoring with multiple functional rating scales. Results The most common preoperative symptoms were deterioration of hand use (75%), upper extremity sensory complaints (82.9%), and gait difficulties (80.3%). In the upper extremities, preoperative weakness was most common in the hand intrinsic muscles (56.6%) and triceps (28.9%), and in the lower extremities, preoperative weakness was most common in the iliopsoas (38.8%) and quadriceps (26.3%). In the lower extremities, individual muscle groups had strength improvement rates from 79.1 to 88.1 %; somewhat higher rates, from 81.3 to 90.9%, were observed in the upper extremities. When evaluated by using the Cooper myelopathy scale, lower extremity functional improvement occurred in 46.7% of the patients and upper extremity functional improvement in 75.4%. Overall functional improvement, evaluated by using a modification of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale, was noted in 79.7% of the patients who had abnormal scores preoperatively. Conclusion Strength improved at rates of approximately 80 to 90% in individual muscle groups after anterior cervical decompression. However, fewer than half of all patients experienced functional improvement in the lower extremities, a discrepancy that was probably caused by persistent spasticity rather than muscle weakness. Postoperative dysfunction in the upper extremities was caused by residual weakness as well as sensory loss. Recurrent symptomatic spondylosis at unoperated levels was calculated to occur at an incidence of 2% per year.
Regeneration of Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense from shoot apex tissues for transformation

A method of regenerating cotton plants from the shoot apical meristem of seedlings was developed for use with particle gun and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. This method was developed to circumvent the problems of genotype restriction and chromosomal damage frequently encountered in cotton regeneration in tissue culture through somatic embryogenesis. In this procedure, the cells of the shoot meristem are targeted for transformation. Normal and fertile plants of Gossypium barbadense Pima S-6, and 19 cultivars of G. hirsutum were regenerated using this method. Shoot regeneration from these tissues was direct and relatively rapid. A MS based, hormone-free medium could be used with all the varieties tested.
A method for preparing chromosomes from peripheral blood of the mouse

A modified Triman et al. (1975) procedure for preparing metaphase chromosomes from mouse peripheral blood is described. Modifications include: isolation of white blood cells using a ficoll-hypaque gradient; seeding cultures with a known concentration of leucocytes such that the PHA/cell concentration can be controlled for optimum stimulation through 72 h with no media change; and visual monitoring of cell growth to determine when there should be sufficient numbers of dividing cells for harvest and thus eliminate unnecessary harvest of non-productive cultures. We have found this modified procedure to be highly reproducible with the final 0.5 ml fixed cell suspension yielding 50-75 quality metaphase spreads per drop.
A clinician's approach to the ballistocardiogram

Abstract In this section I have outlined some of my experiences with the ballistocardiogram from a clinical point of view. By citing a few examples I have tried to show how I find the ballistocardiogram useful and stimulating in clinical practice. By means of the ballistocardiogram I am hopeful that we can use information about the strength and weakness of the hearts of our patients to their advantage in a way which has been hitherto impossible. If in this paper I have succeeded in adding something to the clinician's understanding of the ballistocardiogram, Dr. Isaac Starr deserves the credit for his careful editing and patient encouragement.
Estudio experimental de juntas de hormigonado en estructuras de edificios

El plan elaborado para el desarrollo de la investigacion analiza una serie de variables tales como posicion rugosidad inclinacion estado de humedad grado de compactacion y tiempo de apertura las que estudiadas en forma sistematica mediante el ensayo hasta rotura de vigas de 20x40 cms. De seccion y 5.00 mts. De longitud nos permite realizar recomendaciones y procedimientos fiables para la ejecucion de juntas de hormigonado. Los resultados obtenidos establecen que juntas de hormigonado dispuestas entre el cuarto y mitad de la luz no afectan el buen comportamiento estructural de la pieza.
Lunar cryptomaria: Physical characteristics, distribution, and implications for ancient volcanism

Cryptomaria, lunar volcanic deposits obscured by crater and basin impact ejecta, can provide important information about the thermal and volcanic history of the Moon. The timing of cryptomare deposition has implications for the duration and flux of mare basalt volcanism. In addition, knowing the distribution of cryptomaria can provide information about mantle convection and lunar magma ocean solidification. Here we use multiple datasets (e.g., M3, LOLA, LROC, Diviner) to undertake a global analysis to identify the general characteristics (e.g., topography, surface roughness, rock abundance, albedo, etc.) of lunar light plains in order to better distinguish between ancient volcanic deposits (cryptomaria) and impact basin and crater ejecta deposits. We find 20 discrete regions of cryptomaria, covering approximately 2% of the Moon, which increase the total area covered by mare volcanism to 18% of the lunar surface. Comparisons of light plains deposits indicate that the two deposit types (volcanic and impact-produced) are best distinguished by mineralogic data. On the basis of cryptomaria locations, the distribution of mare volcanism does not appear to have changed in the time prior to its exposed mare basalt distribution. There are several hypotheses explaining the distribution of mare basalts, which include the influence of crustal thickness, mantle convection patterns, asymmetric distribution of source regions, KREEP distribution, and the influence of a proposed Procellarum impact basin. The paucity of farside mare basalts means that multiple factors, such as crustal thickness variations and mantle convection, are likely to play a role in mare basalt emplacement.
Instructional design and interaction style for educational adaptive hypermedia

Learning styles have been attracting the attention of many researchers in educational adaptive hypermedia. We define educational adaptive hypermedia as a learning system designed to tailor online presentations of content for individuals over time. The general approach is based on learning styles psychometric instruments to categorize students and adapt the system accordingly. However, the validity of such assessment instruments is questionable, which might compromise the whole adaptation process. We investigate a cyclical instructional design able to satisfy different learning styles. Observing individuals' interaction styles with this learning cycle revealed to us some hints on how to personalize lessons so that individual learning is improved.
Infra-red spectra of some vinyl and ethyl compounds of mercury, cadmium, zinc, tin and phosphorus

Abstract The infra-red spectra of divinylmercury, ethylvinylmercury, diethylmercury, divinylzinc, diethylzinc, diethylcadmium, tetraethyltin, tetravinyltin, triethylphosphine and trivinylphosphine have been examined in the liquid state over the region from 650–3500 cm −1 . For each spectrum many of the vibrational frequencies have been assigned. In the 1100–3000 cm −1 region the vinyl and the ethyl compounds each show a characteristic band pattern which is almost independent of the nature of the metal or metalloid atom bonded to the vinyl or to the ethyl groups.
Detection of an organophosphorus compound with a supported metallic island film

An investigation was conducted of the electronic properties modified by the exposure of a supported island film of copper+cuprous oxide to low concentrations (1-650 p.p.m.) of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) and of the merit of integrating these films with a distributed RC notch network detection device. Electron microscopy and diffraction measurements confirmed the film's structure and composition; Auger spectroscopy verified the absorption of DIMP. DIMP exposure sensitivity is maximized for films with thicknesses less than 80 AA operated at 90 degrees C which have an applied direct current bias greater than 10 V. The absorption of DIMP is quasi-reversible. >
Existence and stability of periodic solutions for competing species diffusion systems with dirichlet boundary conditions

The article considers positive t-periodic solutions for a periodic system of competing-species diffusion-reaction equations with zero or positive Dirichlet boundary conditions. The asymptotic orbital stability of the periodic solution is also investigated. Some results are applicable to cases when interspecies interactions are not small
Hydrolysis of fibrinogen Paris I by plasmin

Abstract Fibrinogen Paris I structure is characterized by the presence of elongated mutant γ chains termed γParis I (mol. wt. 52,500) which replace a large proportion of the normal γ chain population. The degradative sequence of plasmic attack on the Paris I fibrinogen molecule has been studied by dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of digest samples before and after disulfide bridge reduction. Two core remnant chains unique to the Paris I digest have been found and termed p1 (mol. wt. 45,500) and p2 (mol. wt. 29,900), respectively. Remnant p1 appears transiently during stage 2 digestion and probably evolves from γ Paris I chains. Further attack on p1 results in remnants which migrate in a position (designated /γ1, /β4) occupied simultaneously by derivatives of normal γ and Bβ chains. Remnant p2, whose precursor cannot be deduced with certainty, is evolved during intermediate phases of stage 3 digestion from chains (mol. wt. - 42,000) migrating in the /γ1, /β4 position; it disappears at more advanced phases of stage 3 digestion. The presence of p2 in digest samples is correlated with that of a unique form of Fragment D termed D Paris I .
Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) DNA-Binding Activity is Present in Retinal Pigment Cells. A Possible Role for HIF-1 in the Retinopathy of Prematurity.• 1062

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neovascularizing disease that causes blindness in premature infants. ROP is initiated by an arrest of normal retinal blood vessel development. Subsequently, the non-perfused peripheral retina becomes hypoxic leading to retinal neovascularization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in playing a role in the pathogenesis of ROP. HIF-1 is a heterodimeric DNA binding protein consisting of an α and β subunit. HIF-1 protein expression and DNA binding increases in response to hypoxia. HIF-1 binding sites are present in several hypoxia inducible genes and HIF-1 has been implicated in the activation of VEGF transcription in response to hypoxia. It is therefore possible that HIF-1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of ROP.
A comparison of two methods on non-uniqueness for a class of two-point boundary value problems

We consider two methods that have been used in [1] to prove multiple non-negative solutions for nonlinear boundary value problems of the form-u′(x) =λf(u(x)) ; x ϵ (0,1)u(0) = 0 =u(1) ,namely (A) using a quadrature technique and (B) using sub-super solutions. In this short paper we compare these methods and give an interesting proof showing that (A) is often sharper than (B) for establishing non-uniqueness. However, we also point out the advantage of (B) over (A)
Relic behaviours, coevolution and the retention versus loss of host defences after episodes of avian brood parasitism.

Most previous studies of brood parasitism have stressed that host defences, such as egg recognition, are lost in the absence of parasitism. Such losses could result in coevolutionary cycles in which parasites shift away from well-defended hosts only to switch back to them later at a time when these hosts have lost much or all of their defences and the parasite's current hosts have built up effective defences. However, the alternative ‘single trajectory’ model predicts that parasites rarely switch back to old hosts because ex-hosts retain egg recognition for long periods in the absence of parasitism. If true, egg recognition by the host may be a ‘relic behaviour’, because in the absence of parasitism its adaptive value is close to neutral. Using artificial nonmimetic eggs, I tested for egg recognition in two populations that are currently unparasitized but that are descended from lineages likely to have been parasitized in the past: the grey catbird,Dumetella carolinensis , on Bermuda and the loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus, in California. Both of these populations showed long-term retention, ejecting nonmimetic eggs at rates of nearly 100%. Because potential present-day selection pressures, such as conspecific parasitism, do not explain this egg recognition, Bermuda catbirds apparently retain recognition from North American conspecifics that were cowbird hosts before colonizing Bermuda and shrikes retain recognition from Old World congeners that were hosts of cuckoos. Retention is also indicated by passerines in California and the Caribbean that had high rejection rates of nonmimetic eggs before coming into contact with cowbirds. These new data suggest that both the coevolutionary cycles and single trajectory models have importance and that rejection behaviour can have insignificant costs, which is consistent with evolutionary lag explanations for the acceptance of parasitic eggs shown by some cuckoo and many cowbird hosts.