cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aeromonas hydrophila cytotoxic enterotoxin activates mitogen-activated protein kinases and induces apoptosis in murine macrophages and human intestinal epithelial cells.

A cytotoxic enterotoxin (Act) of Aeromonas hydrophila possesses several biological activities, induces an inflammatory response in the host, and causes apoptosis of murine macrophages. In this study, we utilized five target cell types (a murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7), bone marrow-derived transformed macrophages, murine peritoneal macrophages, and two human intestinal epithelial cell lines (T84 and HT-29)) to investigate the effect of Act on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and mechanisms leading to apoptosis. As demonstrated by immunoprecipitation/kinase assays or Western blot analysis, Act activated stress-associated p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in these cells. Act also induced phosphorylation of upstream MAPK factors (MAPK kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), MKK4, and MAP/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1)) and downstream effectors (MAPK-activated protein kinase-2, activating transcription factor-2, and c-Jun). Act evoked cell membrane blebbing, caspase 3-cleavage, and activation of caspases 8 and 9 in these cells. In macrophages that do not express functional tumor necrosis factor receptors, apoptosis and caspase activities were significantly decreased. Immunoblotting of host whole cell lysates revealed Act-induced up-regulation of apoptosis-related proteins, including the mitochondrial proteins cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor. However, mitochondrial membrane depolarization was not detected in response to Act. Taken together, the data demonstrated for the first time Act-induced activation of MAPK signaling and classical caspase-associated apoptosis in macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Given the importance of MAPK pathways and apoptosis in inflammation-associated diseases, this study provided new insights into the mechanism of action of Act on host cells.
Balanced realization and model reduction of singular systems

The problem of balanced realization and model reduction of a singular system of the form E[xdot] = Ax + Bu, where E is a singular matrix, is considered. Using coordinate transformation, which can be computed by performing singular value decomposition of E, we derive our first approach to the balancing of singular systems. The second approach is based on standard form decomposition of singular systems to slow and fast subsystems and performing balanced realization on the decomposed model. In this sense model reduction can be established in two steps: first, by decomposing the singular system and second, by performing balancing transformation on the decomposed subsystems.
Tosylation of N-Phenyl-N′-(3-hydroxypropyl) urea

Two unexpected products, N -phenyl- N ′-(3-chloropropyl)urea (II) and 2-phenylimino-2,4,5,6 - tetrahydro - 1,3 - oxazine (III), are formed from the reaction of p -toluenesulfonyl chloride and N -phenyl- N ′- (3-hydroxypropyl)-urea (I).
Nothing Worth Learning Can Be Taught

(1979). Nothing Worth Learning Can Be Taught. Improving College and University Teaching: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 5-9.
Consumer choice: Implications of behavioral economics for drug use and treatment

This article examines the three recommendations made by Bickel, Madden, and Perry (1998) for drug-abuse treatment: (a) adopting methods to decrease drug availability, (b) increasing the availability of substitutable nondrug activities, and (c) using treatment methods that will increase the extent to which delayed rewards control the behavior of substance abusers. Advantages of a "consumer choice" model for both understanding individual drug use and promoting access to new treatment alternatives are considered. Implications from behavioral-economic theory for drug policy decisions and enforcement, selection of and access to treatment, and techniques utilized in cognitive-behavioral treatment methods are reviewed. Finally, because behavioral economic approaches to drug use and treatment treat drug users as consumers, ways to make the treatment environment more attractive and user-friendly through low-threshold prevention and intervention efforts are discussed. The article concludes with a brief description of the parallels between the harm-reduction model of drug treatment and behavioral economic theory.
Low cost lead glass cherenkov detectors

Abstract We have compared the optical properties of lead glass bars of three different surface qualities. One was ground and polished in the conventional manner; the other two were in the unimproved state resulting from the extrusion or casting process. We find that the three bars exhibit similar optical characteristics. Use of such unpolished lead glass Cherenkov bars in electromagnetic shower detectors should result in considerable cost savings.
Dopaminergic receptors linked to adenylate cyclase in human cerebromicrovascular endothelium.

: Cultured endothelium derived from three fractions of human cerebral microvessels was used to characterize dopamine (DA) receptors linked to adenylate cyclase activity. DA or D1 agonist, (±)-SKF-82958 hydrobromide, stimulated endothelial cyclic AMP formation in a dose-dependent manner. The selective D, antagonist, (±)SCH-23390, inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the production of cyclic AMP induced by DA. The affinity for the D1 receptor appeared to be greater in endothelium derived from large and small microvessels than from capillaries. Cholera toxin ADP-ribosylation of Gs proteins abolished the DA stimulatory effect on endothelial adenylate cyclase, whereas pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation enhanced the DA-inducible formation, indicating the presence of both D1 and D2 receptors. Agonists of α1-adrenergic receptors (phenylephrine, 6-fluoronorepinephrine) or serotonin (5-HT), which stimulated the production of cyclic AMP, had no additive effect on DA-stimulated cyclic AMP formation. Incubation of these agents with DA produced the same or lower levels of cyclic AMP as compared to that formed by DA alone. The effect of α1-adrenergic agonists or 5-HT on DA production of cyclic AMP was partially prevented by the D2 antagonist, S(-)-sulpiride, or ketanserin (5-HT2 > α1 > H1 antagonists), respectively. These findings represent the first demonstration of D1-(stimulatory) and D2-(inhibitory) receptors linked to adenylate cyclase in microvascular endothelium derived from human brain. The data also indicate that dopaminergic receptors can interact with either α1adrenergic or 5-HT receptors in endothelium on the adenylate cyclase level. These results provide strong support for the previously contemplated existence of a central dopaminergic mechanism in cerebral vessels, a notion that is clinically important.
Management information systems planning: analysis and techniques

Abstract In this paper I examine current trends and the importance of management information systems (MIS) planning, identifying crucial issues regarding effective MIS implementation, linking MIS planning and corporate strategies and summarizing approaches to MIS planning. A synthesis of the information suggests - information systems must serve the organization 's strategic plan, maintaining a balance between the provision of centralized coordination and preserving management discretion at the subunit level - top management should initiate MIS planning, being mindful of power distributions within the organization and the need for resource coordination and control - a company's competitive position influences whether MIS planning should be implemented If MIS cannot enhance an organization's performance through facilitating operations and increasing profits, MIS is unlikely to be in the company's long-term strategic interests.
Physicochemical investigation of chemical paint removers: Interactions of methylene chloride with polyurethane coatings

Abstract A variety of thermal and spectroscopic techniques have been used to investigate interactions of the widely-used paint-stripping solvent methylene chloride upon model polyurethane coatings. Thermal analysis reveals that methylene chloride penetrates and swells the polymer film and leads to a slight depression in the glass transition temperature ( T g ) after drying. The 1 H NMR spectra and T 1 and T 1ρ relaxation times show that methylene chloride is responsible for increased polymer segmental motion in the polymer due to swelling, and indicate intimate contact between the methylene chloride molecules and the polymer, with no liquid-like pools of the solvent observed. The quadrupolar-echo 2 H NMR spectra of CD 2 Cl 2 in the polyurethane over a temperature range of 24 °C to −27 °C reveal a lengthening of the rotational correlation times of the methylene chloride by over four orders of magnitude compared to the neat liquid, indicating restricted mobility due to an interaction with the polymer. Although this interaction is likely due to the electric dipoles in the solvent and the polymer backbone, the absence of significant residual nuclear quadrupole couplings due to a high degree of ordering or solvent immobilization shows that the interaction strength is weak compared to thermal energy ( kT ). Raman spectroscopy indicates that methylene chloride causes swelling by interacting with the carbonyl group responsible for inter-chain bonding, thus permitting dilation. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that methylene chloride leads to no irreversible chemical changes in the coating. A common cellulosic chemical stabilizer used in commercial paint removers has been found by XPS to deposit as a thin conformal but heterogeneous coating on the surface of the polymer, suggesting a possible important function to retard evaporation while allowing some permeation. Purpose Commercial military paint stripper is effective because it contains methylene chloride; in order to replace it, understanding its mechanism of action/interaction with the coating is crucial.
Outcome of Chronic Idiopathic Meningitis

Objective To record long-term follow-up data on patients with chronic idiopathic meningitis. Design We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 49 patients who were examined at the Mayo Clinic between 1978 and 1990. Material and Methods For all patients, symptoms, signs, laboratory values, results of imaging studies, findings on biopsies, results of any empiric treatment, and results of autopsy, if applicable, were assessed. Some of these findings were stratified on the basis of good versus poor outcome of the patients and were analyzed statistically. Results Of the 49 patients who fulfilled the criteria for chronic idiopathic meningitis, 10 had a cause identified after repeated studies, brain biopsy, or autopsy (8 of these had a neoplasm). Of 21 brain biopsies, 5 (24%) yielded a diagnosis. Follow-up of the 39 undiagnosed cases showed that 33 (85%) had a good outcome despite an often prolonged illness. Two patients (5%) died of the meningeal process. Of the eight patients treated empirically with antituberculous medications, none responded. Corticosteroid therapy was effective in 52% of the patients thus treated, but it did not influence the outcome. Conclusion In this study, 85% of undiagnosed cases of chronic meningitis were benign. No clinical or laboratory findings predicted those patients who had a fatal outcome. In our study population, the most useful empiric therapy was corticosteroids rather than antituberculous medications.
Reactions of nitrite in erythrocyte suspensions measured by membrane inlet mass spectrometry.

Abstract The reactions of nitrite with deoxygenated human erythrocytes were examined using membrane inlet mass spectrometry to detect the accumulation of NO in an extracellular solution. In this method an inlet utilizing a silicon rubber membrane is submerged in cell suspensions and allows NO to pass from the extracellular solution into the mass spectrometer. This provides a direct, continuous, and quantitative determination of nitric oxide concentrations over long periods without the necessity of purging the suspension with inert gas. We have not observed accumulation of NO compared with controls on a physiologically relevant time scale and conclude that, within the limitations of the mass spectrometric method and our experimental conditions, erythrocytes do not generate a net efflux of NO after the addition of millimolar concentrations of nitrite. Moreover, there was no evidence at the mass spectrometer of the accumulation of a peak at mass 76 that would indicate N 2 O 3 , an intermediate that decays into NO and NO 2 . Inhibition of red cell membrane anion exchangers and aquaporins did not affect these processes.
Public Opposition To The Siting Of The High‐Level Nuclear Waste Repository: The Importance Of Trust

This paper examines several dimensions of public opposition to the proposed siting of the high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. In order to provide a context for the public's views of the repository in metropolitan Clark County, both governmental studies of the repository siting process are analyzed, as well as elements of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. This analysis suggests that one potentially key component of the public's opposition to the siting, as well as their perceptions of risk of the facility, may be the result of a lack of trust in the Department of Energy. Empirical analysis of survey data collected in Nevada in 1988 confirms the strong relationship between political trust and repository risk perceptions.
Histone-like protein and chromatin structure in the wall-less dinoflagellate Gymnodinium nelsoni

Abstract Basic nuclear proteins from the wall-less dinoflagellate Gymnodinium nelsoni were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). One major histone-like protein with a molecular weight of about 10 000 was present in acid extracts of whole nuclei and chromatin isolated from growing cultures. In addition, two minor components of 17 000 and 13 000 daltons were also noted. Chromatin fibers spread by the microcentrifugation technique showed no indication of a subunit structure, but instead appeared as smooth threads with a diameter of about 6.5 nm.
Direct complexometric determination of the calcium and magnesium in milk (Eriochromeblack T method).

Abstract A method was developed to determine the total calcium and magnesium in diluted milk by direct titration with ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA). The method yields complete recovery of the added calcium (99.86-100.02%) and values for total calcium and magnesium close to those obtained by the methods of Jenness and Bird et al. The test is not significantly affected by changes in dilution of the milk with water from a ratio of 1:10 to 1:30 or by differences in the amount of indicator added in the range of 0.025 to 0.075ml. It was found that variations in the pH of the system from 8.5 to 10.0 did not significantly affect the results. Also, the test can be performed over a broad range of buffer strength (0.5 to 1.5ml per 50-ml sample). The presence of the phosphates and proteins does not influence the results. The method is convenient, rapid, and reproducible, with a standard deviation of 0.20meq/liter of milk or 0.264% of the total calcium and magnesium in the milk, which indicates sufficient precision for most purposes.
Algal and bacterial hydrocarbons in particulate matter and interfacial sediment of the Cariaco Trench

particulate matter samples ( 53 μm size fractions) and sediment from the sediment-water interface were collected in the Cariaco Trench, an anoxic marine basin on the continental shelf of Venezuela, and analyzed for hydrocarbons. Concentrations of hydrocarbons were highest (10–20 ng/1) in oxic surface waters (0–150 m) and at the top of the anoxic zone (350–600 m), and were low (3–4 ng/l) in the low oxygen zone above the oxic-anoxic interface (150–250 m) and anoxic bottom waters (600–1150 m). Branched C25-trienes and -tetraenes dominated the hydrocarbon distributions in 53 μm particles. Particle size and depth distributions of the hydrocarbons demonstrate the importance of algal hydrocarbons in surface waters, coupled with increased abundances of bacterial hydrocarbons, especially in the <53 μm particles, in the anoxic zone. These observations illustrate the importance of oxic-anoxic interfaces, even in the oceanic water column, as zones of intense microbial alteration of organic matter and as sources of some of the organic compounds found in sediments.
Physical Property Changes in Aging Plutonium Alloys

Plutonium, because of its self-irradiation by alpha decay, ages by means of lattice damage and helium in-growth. These integrated aging effects result in microstructural and physical property changes. Because these effects would normally require decades to measure, studies are underway to asses the effects of extended aging on the physical properties of plutonium alloys by incorporating roughly 7.5 wt% of highly specific activity isotope {sup 238}Pu into weapons-grade plutonium to accelerate the aging process. This paper presents updated results of self-irradiation effects on enriched and reference alloys measured from immersion density, dilatometry, and mechanical tests. After nearly 90 equivalent years of aging, both the immersion density and dilatometry show that the enriched alloys at 35 deg. C have decreased in density by {approx}0.19% and now exhibit a near linear density decrease, without void swelling. Both tensile and compression measurements show that the aging process continues to increase the strength of plutonium alloys. (authors)
Group interpersonal psychotherapy for low-income women with posttraumatic stress disorder

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for low-income women with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) subsequent to interpersonal trauma. Non-treatment-seeking predominantly minority women were recruited in family planning and gynecology clinics. Individuals with interpersonal trauma histories (e.g., assault, abuse, and molestation) who met criteria for current PTSD (N=48) were randomly assigned to treatment or a wait list. Assessments were conducted at baseline, treatment termination, and 4-month follow-up; data analysis used a mixed-effects regression approach with an intent-to-treat sample. The results showed that IPT was significantly more effective than the wait list in reducing PTSD and depression symptom severity. IPT participants also had significantly lower scores than waitlist individuals on four interpersonal functioning subscales: Interpersonal Sensitivity, Need for Social Approval, Lack of Sociability, and Interpersonal Ambivalence.
Stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking is mediated by the kappa opioid system

Introduction Prior activation of the kappa opioid system by repeated stress or agonist administration has been previously shown to potentiate the rewarding properties of subsequently administered cocaine. In the present study, intermittent and uncontrollable footshock, a single session of forced swim, or acute administration of the kappa agonist U50,488 (5 mg/kg) were found to reinstate place preference in mice previously conditioned with cocaine (15 mg/kg) and subsequently extinguished by repeated training sessions without drug.
Familiality and partitioning the variability of femoral bone mineral density in women of child-bearing age

The contributions of polygenic loci and environmental factors to femoral bone mineral density (BMD in g/cm2) variability were estimated in modified family sets consisting of women of child-bearing age. Femoral BMDs were measured in 535 women who were members of 137 family sets consisting minimally of an index, her sister, and unrelated female control. The family set could also include multiple sisters and first cousins. Women included in these family sets were all between 20 and 40 year of age to minimize the cohort effects of maturation and menopause on measures of BMD. BMDs were measured at three femoral sites using dual photon densitometry. Values were regressed on age and Quetelet Index which explained 13–15% of the variability in BMD (dependent on site). Subsequent variance components analysis on the residuals indicated that unmeasured polygenic loci accounted for substantial additional variability: 67% for femoral neck, 58% for Wards triangle, and 45% for trochanter. These results suggest that polygenic loci account for approximately half of the variability in maxmal femoral BMD.
Shape changes in isolated outer hair cells: measurements with attached microspheres

Abstract Shape changes can be induced in isolated outer hair cells by various stimuli and quantified from digitized video-images. While overall changes in length between base and apex are easily measured, changes in defined segments of the cell require fixed landmarks on the cell body. The problem of locating such landmarks makes it difficult to assess if a change in length is uniform or largely confined to a particular segment of the cell. This information is important in identifying the location of a contractile apparatus and the elucidation of mechanisms of motility. We demonstrate here that microspheres can serve as reference points for such measurements. By attaching microspheres to cells we determined that, when outer hair cells increased their volume upon K+-depolarization, their middle segment shortened more significantly (14 ± 6%) than either the basal (10 ± 5%) or apical section (7 ± 6%; P
On the core of traveling salesman games

We define excess rate to study the core of traveling salesman games from a perspective of optimization, propose a new variant of the traveling salesman problem, and build a link between the two problems. An exact formula for the lowest achievable excess rate is found, which explains the existence of core emptiness. We then develop an implementable method to check whether empty core exists in general case. The results apply for both symmetric and asymmetric traveling salesman games.
Non-medical prescription stimulant use: Investigating modifiable risk factors

AbstractMany college students report non-medical prescription stimulant use (NPS), frequently citing cognitive enhancement benefits as their primary motive for use. One known risk factor for NPS is low grade point average (GPA), which may promote poor academic self-efficacy, leading to NPS. This may be particularly true for students who hold strong cognitive enhancement expectations for NPS. This study aimed to examine these variables as modifiable risk factors for NPS and to examine their interactive effects on intention to use. One hundred fifty-four undergraduate students completed measures to assess demographics, history of NPS and related expectancy effects and self-efficacy for learning. Strong cognitive enhancement expectancies and low academic self-efficacy were found to predict intention to engage in NPS after controlling for other known risk factors. Moreover, students with low GPA and strong cognitive enhancement expectancies appear to be particularly at risk for intent to engage in NPS. Unlike...
Bacterivory and herbivory: Key roles of phagotrophic protists in pelagic food webs.

Research on “microbial loop” organisms, heterotrophic bacteria and phagotrophic protists, has been stimulated in large measure by Pomeroy's seminal paper published in BioScience in 1974. We now know that a significant fate of bacterioplankton production is grazing by 20-µm ciliates and heterotrophic dinoflagellates in the microzooplankton. Protists can grow as fast as, or faster than their phytoplankton prey. Phototrophic cells grazed by protists range from bacterial-sized prochlorophytes to large diatom chains (which are preyed upon by extracellularly-feeding dinoflagellates). Recent estimates of microzooplankton herbivory in various parts of the sea suggest that protists routinely consume from 25 to 100% of daily phytoplankton production, even in diatom-dominated upwelling blooms. Phagotrophic protists should be viewed as a dominant biotic control of both bacteria and of phytoplankton in the sea.
Learning string transformations from examples

"Robert" and "Bob" refer to the same first name but are textually far apart. Traditional string similarity functions do not allow a flexible way to account for such synonyms, abbreviations and aliases. Recently, string transformations have been proposed as a mechanism to make matching robust to such variations. However, in many domains, identifying an appropriate set of transformations is challenging as the space of possible transformations is large. In this paper, we investigate the problem of leveraging examples of matching strings to learn string transformations. We formulate an optimization problem where we are required to learn a concise set of transformations that explain most of the differences. We propose a greedy approximation algorithm for this NP-hard problem. Our experiments over real-life data illustrate the benefits of our approach.
Age-related synaptic changes in sensorimotor cortex of the Brown Norway X Fischer 344 rat

Investigations of age-related changes in synapse density have yielded contradictory conclusions. The goal of the present study was to determine whether there is a significant decline in the number of cortical synapses in old age. Therefore, brains from 10-, 15-, and 32-month-old Brown Norway X Fischer 344 rats were prepared for electron microscopy and synapses were counted in a stereotaxically-identified region of sensorimotor cortex. Within this cortical area, synapses were counted in layers 2 and 4 and the data have been presented both as number of synapses per volume of neuropil and as the ratio of synapses per neuron. Results indicated that there was a decline in synapse density between 15 and 32 months in layer 2, but not in layer 4. This decline was significant not only for total synapses, but also for subcategories of synapses when classified by presynaptic features or postsynaptic element. Specifically, there was a significant decline in presumptive inhibitory synaptic terminals, i.e., those containing nonround synaptic vesicles, as well as a significant decline in synapses that contact dendritic spines.
How Institutionalized Are Model License Use Terms? An Analysis of E-Journal License Use Rights Clauses from 2000 to 2009.

This paper explored the degree to which use terms proposed by model licenses have become institutionalized across different publishers’ licenses. It examined model license use terms in four areas: downloading, scholarly sharing, interlibrary loan, and electronic reserves. Data collection and analysis involved content analysis of 224 electronic journal licenses spanning 2000–2009. Analysis examined how use terms changed over time, differences between consortia and site license use terms and differences between commercial and noncommercial publisher license use terms. Results suggest that some model license use terms have become institutionalized while others have not. Use terms with higher institutionalization included: allowing ILL, permitting secure e-transmission for ILL, allowing e-reserves with no special permissions, and not requiring deletion of e-reserves files. Scholarly sharing showed lower institutionalization with most publishers not including scholarly sharing allowances. Other use terms showing low institutionalization included: recommendations to avoid printing requirements related to ILL and recommendations to allow hyperlinks for e-reserves. The results provide insight into the range of use terms commonly employed in e-journal licenses.
Lost forever or temporarily misplaced? The long debate about the nature of memory impairment

Studies of memory impairment in humans and experimental animals have been fundamental to learning about the organization of memory and its cellular and molecular substrates. When memory impairment occurs, especially after perturbations of the nervous system, the question inevitably arises whether the impairment reflects impaired information storage or impaired accessibility. This topic has been the subject of considerable commentary and experimental work over the years. In this reappraisal, I first consider four broad areas of behavioral study from the 1970s and 1980s that led to a dominant and compelling view of memory impairment as a deficit of information storage. Second, I identify some ambiguities that arise about how the terms "storage" and "retrieval" are applied, especially when the evidence is somewhat indirect and based on a behavioral-psychological level of analysis. I then review neurobiological findings that have been largely overlooked in these discussions. The relevant studies are ones where it has been possible to monitor neurons and synapses in direct relation to behavioral memory, for example, in animals with simple nervous systems and in single cell recordings from behaving monkeys. This work provides a straightforward and illuminating perspective on the question and confirms the view that first emerged from less direct evidence.
Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a well recognised form of chronic liver disease that has recently gained greater recognition. Originally described in the late 1950s, NAFLD is currently considered the leading cause of abnormal liver enzyme levels in the US, closely paralleling the increase in obesity and diabetes mellitus. NAFLD has a worldwide distribution, affecting both adults and children, and typically is seen in association with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and hypertriglyceridaemia. Most patients are asymptomatic and usually present with mild elevations in aminotransferases. The natural history of NAFLD is not clearly defined but progression to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease is well recognised in some patients. The accumulation of hepatic steatosis is thought to occur initially, primarily through hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance, which leads to altered glucose and free fatty acid metabolism. The progression from simple fatty liver to more severe forms of NAFLD (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis) is much less clear but evidence suggests that oxidative stress may preferentially enhance proinflammatory cytokines, which leads to cellular adaptations and dysfunction followed by development of inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis. Therapeutic modalities remain limited and are largely focused on correcting the underlying insulin resistance or reducing oxidative stress. However, at the present time, there are several limitations to the current potential therapies, mainly because of the lack of large-scale, prospective, randomised studies, as well as clearly defined histological endpoints. Ultimately, the future for potential therapeutic modalities to treat this disease are quite promising, but further research is needed to clearly demonstrate which therapy or therapies will be effective at eliminating fatty liver disease and its potential complications.
Identification of nuclear matrix protein alterations associated with renal cell carcinoma.

AbstractPurpose: Neoplastic transformation, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is always accompanied by changes in nuclear morphology. Nuclear grading of RCC is based on characteristic alterations in nuclear shape, size, area and other morphologic parameters. The nuclear matrix, which forms the skeleton of the nucleus, determines nuclear morphology. Alterations in nuclear matrix protein (NMP) composition specific to tissue and cancer type have been described in a variety of human cancers. We conducted a study to analyze the nuclear matrix protein composition of renal cell carcinoma and compare it to that of normal renal tissue and renal cell carcinoma cells grown in culture.Materials and Methods: We analyzed the nuclear matrix protein composition of RCC tumor tissue and that of normal kidney tissue obtained from seventeen patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for RCC. We also analyzed the NMP composition of two renal cancer cell lines (A-498 and 769-P).Results: We were able to identify five different...
Finite element simulation of shaped ductile fiber pullout using a mixed cohesive zone/friction interface model

Abstract The fiber pullout test has long served as surrogate for estimating fracture toughness of fiber–matrix systems. In this paper, the quasi-static analysis of elastoplastic fiber pullout process is simulated by the finite element method based on an updated Lagrangian formulation. To approximate the non-linear behavior of the fiber–matrix interface, we propose a mixed ‘cohesive’ and ‘Coulomb-friction’ model. The use of such a model enables us to simulate the entire pullout process. A combination of von Mises yield criterion and associated flow rule is utilized as the constitutive model to describe the plasticity in the initially annealed copper-fiber. Through comparison with the experimental results from straight-fiber pullout, key parameters for describing the interface model are determined and the model is validated. The model is then applied to simulate the pullout of the ‘nail-head’ shaped fiber family. Simulation results are used to design an optimal shape of the head to maximize the pullout work.
Going Concerns, Futurity and Reasonable Value

A sketch of three major features of the theoretical framework developed by John R. Commons is presented in this article. Commons begins with collective action captured in dynamic going concerns rather than individual choice. Individuals operating in going concerns have power to attempt to shape institutional reform. These actions are driven by expectations or futurity. Since different going concerns compete to influence institutional reform, conflict rather than harmony is the essential nature of economic inquiry. Rationing transactions guided by due process are necessary to create order based on mutuality. This is the search for reasonable value.
Congenital panfollicular nevus: report of a new entity

The various forms of non-melanocytic nevi (hamartomas) are usually encountered in pediatric patients, and nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn is the most common to have undifferentiated pilosebaceous units. We report a unique congenital follicular nevus that fails to meet the criteria of any previously described follicular neoplasm, despite the plethora of alternatives. Clinically considered a syringocystadenoma papilliferum, the excised lesion contained multiple dermal nodules that exhibited nearly all stages of follicular differentiation. The periodicity of the follicular proliferations was akin to normal terminal hair, and a prominent perifollicular sheath surrounded each. This benign lesion of abortive hair follicles was unassociated with any established genodermatous syndrome or other adnexal neoplasm.
Ecological biogeography of North American mammals: species density and ecological structure in relation to environmental gradients

Aim To evaluate the relationship of climate and physiography to species density and ecological diversity of North American mammals. Location North America, including Mexico and Central America. Methods Species density, size structure and trophic structure of mammalian faunas and nine environmental variables were documented for quadrats covering the entire continent. Spatial autocorrelation of species density and the environmental variables illustrated differences in their spatial structure at the continental scale. We used principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the climatic variables, linear multiple regression to determine which environmental variables best predict species density for the continent and several regions of the continent, and canonical ordination to evaluate how well the environmental variables predict ecological structure of mammalian faunas over North America. Results In the best regression model, five environmental variables, representing seasonal extremes of temperature, annual energy and moisture, and elevation, predicted 88% of the variation in species density for the whole continent. Among different regions of North America, the environmental variables that predicted species density vary. Changes in the size and trophic structure of mammalian faunas accompany changes in species density. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that environmental variables representing winter temperature, frostfree period, potential and actual evapotranspiration, and elevation account for 77% of the variation in ecological structure. Main conclusions The latitudinal gradient in mammalian species density is strong, but most of it is explained by variation in the environmental variables. Each ecological category peaks in species richness under particular environmental conditions. The changes of greatest magnitude involve the smallest size categories (< 10 g, 11–100 g), aerial insectivores and frugivores. Species in these categories, mostly bats, increase along a gradient of decreasing winter temperature and increasing annual moisture and frostfree period, trends correlated with latitude. At the opposite end of this gradient, species in the largest size category (101–1000 kg) increase in frequency. Species in size categories 3 (101–1000 g), 5 (11–100 kg) and 6 (101–1000 kg), herbivores, and granivores increase along a longitudinal gradient of increasing annual potential evapotranspiration and elevation. Much of the spatial pattern is consistent with ecological sorting of species ranges along environmental gradients, but differential rates of speciation and extinction also may have shaped the ecological diversity of extant North American mammals.
Tensile Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Films Produced by a Thermal Compaction Technique

Soy protein isolate (SPI) was utilized as a biopolymer and glycerol was used as a plasticizer to successfully produce light-yellow, transparent protein films by a thermal compaction technique. Flexible films, approximately 180 micrometers, could be produced at a processing temperature of 150 °C and compaction pressure and time of 10 MPa and 2 min, respectively. The dispersion of glycerol among SPI macromolecules was found to be a diffusion-limited process that could be accelerated by intensive mixing. Films containing 30 wt% glycerol made from intensively mixed material had average tensile strength and elongation values that were, respectively, 6% and 300% higher than those of films made from unaged, manually mixed material.
The Multi-Phase Absorption Systems Toward PG 1206 + 459

We present the high-resolution ultraviolet HST/STIS (R = 30,000) spectrum of the three Mg II-selected absorption systems at z = 0.9254, 0.9276, and 0.9343 along the line of sight toward quasar PG 1206 + 459. The association between host galaxies and the three MgII absorption systems is discussed. In system A, complex structures are resolved in the N V profiles, which indicates that this system is unlikely to represent a traditional disk/corona. In system B, the N V profiles are smooth and broad, without apparent structure. This suggests that system B could be associated with a coronal structure that is similar to the Milky Way.
Integrated Analysis of Global mRNA and Protein Expression Data in HEK293 Cells Overexpressing PRL-1

Background The protein tyrosine phosphatase PRL-1 represents a putative oncogene with wide-ranging cellular effects. Overexpression of PRL-1 can promote cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, and metastasis, but the underlying mechanisms by which it influences these processes remain poorly understood. Methodology To increase our comprehension of PRL-1 mediated signaling events, we employed transcriptional profiling (DNA microarray) and proteomics (mass spectrometry) to perform a thorough characterization of the global molecular changes in gene expression that occur in response to stable PRL-1 overexpression in a relevant model system (HEK293). Principal Findings Overexpression of PRL-1 led to several significant changes in the mRNA and protein expression profiles of HEK293 cells. The differentially expressed gene set was highly enriched in genes involved in cytoskeletal remodeling, integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesion, and RNA recognition and splicing. In particular, members of the Rho signaling pathway and molecules that converge on this pathway were heavily influenced by PRL-1 overexpression, supporting observations from previous studies that link PRL-1 to the Rho GTPase signaling network. In addition, several genes not previously associated with PRL-1 were found to be significantly altered by its expression. Most notable among these were Filamin A, RhoGDIα, SPARC, hnRNPH2, and PRDX2. Conclusions and Significance This systems-level approach sheds new light on the molecular networks underlying PRL-1 action and presents several novel directions for future, hypothesis-based studies.
The relationship between cognitive disequilibrium, emotions and individual differences on student question generation

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of cognitive disequilibrium and individual differences on student question generation. Students were placed in a state of cognitive disequilibrium while they learned topics of computer literacy. During the course of the study a confederate was present to answer any questions that the participant may have had. Additional analyses examined any potential influence the confederates had on student question asking. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between emotions and cognitive disequilibrium. Lastly, we examined any relationship between individual differences (e.g., personality and motivation) on question generation. Results revealed that participants who were not placed in a state of cognitive disequilibrium generated a significantly higher proportion of questions. Results did reveal significant main effects as a function of time for certain facial action units. Lastly, it was discovered that certain measures of individual differences were related to student question generation.
How to use probabilities in reasoning

Probabilities are important in belief updating, but probabilistic reasoning does not subsume everything else (as the Bayesian would have it). On the contrary, Bayesian reasoning presupposes knowledge that cannot itself be obtained by Bayesian reasoning, making generic Bayesianism an incoherent theory of belief updating. Instead, it is indefinite probabilities that are of principal importance in belief updating. Knowledge of such indefinite probabilities is obtained by some form of statistical induction, and inferences to non-probabilistic conclusions are carried out in accordance with the statistical syllogism. Such inferences have been the focus of much attention in the nonmonotonic reasoning literature, but the logical complexity of such inference has not been adequately appreciated.
Changes in hepatocyte ploidy in response to chromium, analyzed by computer-assisted microscopy.

Abstract BDF1 mice were given single injections of sodium dichromate (25 mg/kg) on an acute (6 hr to 7 days) or intermediate (2–4 weeks) basis, or multiple injections (12.5 mg/kg) on a chronic (4.5 months) basis. Observed hepatic changes included programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the periportal region with acute exposure and fusion of liver lobes with chronic exposure. Response to chromate exposure was measured by change in hepatocyte nuclear ploidy state (e.g., the proportion of diploid, tetraploid, and octaploid nuclei) based on computer-assisted imaging from histological sections. The computer-assisted imaging system used in this study was superior to traditional methods because it (1) allows rapid ploidy determinations from histological material and (2) can be used to collect regional information. Regional differences in ploidy were seen to occur in a consistent fashion among both control and treated animals. Nuclei adjacent to the portal triad had the lowest ploidy value (highest proportion of diploid nuclei), an intermediate value was found adjacent to the central vein, and the highest ploidy was found in the midzone. These three ploidy-based zones roughly correspond to the three functional zones of A. M. Rappaport (1973, Microvasc. Res. 6, 212–228) and W. H. Lamers et al. W. H. Lamers, A. Hilberts, E. Furt, J. Smith, G. N. Jonges, J. F. Van Noorden, J. W. G. Janzen, R. Charles, and A. F. M. Moorman, 1989 , Hepatology, 10, 72–76. Temporal changes in ploidy were seen among control animals (all zones), with young animals (56 days) displaying relatively low ploidy values compared to older animals (184 days). Chromate exposure caused increased ploidy (all zones) among animals treated on an acute basis (the youngest animals). Chromate had no apparent effect on ploidy among animals treated for longer periods of time, probably because of age-related factors.
Modeling tonal and broadband interaction noise

Abstract The fan interaction noise is modeled as an annular cascade in terms of the Euler equations linearized about a nonuniform rotational flow. The model accounts for the inflow-fan-duct coupling and the high frequency of the interaction process. An efficient split velocity formulation is developed, making it suitable for broadband calculations. The validity of the inviscid approach for loaded cascades is supported by recent LES simulations of an airfoil in a gust indicating that the interaction process is dominated by inertia forces. Analytical and numerical analysis of disturbances in rotational flows is developed and exact inflow/outflow boundary conditions are derived, yielding directly the radiated acoustics. The upstream disturbances evolve in rotational flows and as a result the aerodynamic-aeroacoustic response of the annular cascade depends on the initial conditions location. Comparison with a linear cascade model shows a significant change of the blade sectional lift and the acoustic response. The model is extended to broadband noise calculations using the method of multiple scales. Comparison with NASA SDT data shows excellent agreement.
Combination pharmacotherapy in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to develop prospective data on the effectiveness of combination pharmacotherapy of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder during a 6-month period of prospective, semi-naturalistic treatment. Methods Thirty-five subjects, with a mean age of 11 years, were treated in the extension phase of this study after having received 6–8 weeks of acute treatment with a single mood stabilizer. The extension phase of this study lasted for another 16 weeks, for a total of 24 weeks of prospective treatment. During this study phase, subjects were openly treated, and they could have their acute-phase mood stabilizer switched or augmented with another mood stabilizer, a stimulant, an antidepressant agent, or antipsychotic agent, if they were assessed to be a nonresponder to monotherapy with their initial mood stabilizer. Results During the extension phase of treatment, 20 of 35 subjects (58%) required treatment with one or two mood stabilizers and either a stimulant, an atypical antipsychotic agent, or an antidepressant agent. The response rate to combination therapy was very good, with 80% of subjects treated responding to combination therapy with two mood stabilizers after not responding to monotherapy with a mood stabilizer. Conclusions This study suggests that children and adolescents with bipolar disorder are similar to adults with bipolar disorder, who also frequently require combination therapy.
Pneumocystis carinii: a fungus resistant to antifungal therapies — mechanisms of action of antipneumocystis drugs

Pneumocystis carinii is a pathogen that causes a potentially lethal pneumonia in patients with AIDS and other immunodeficiency states. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of four classes of antipneumocystis agents: inhibitors of ergosterol synthesis and function, 1,3-beta-glucan synthase inhibitors, antifolates and DNA binding agents. Investigations of P. carinii's biologic pathways affected by the antipneumocystis actions of each of these classes of agents has generated important insights into the organism's basic biology and supports the organism's classification as a fungus. In addition, this review discusses some recent P. carinii research and its potential impact on drug development.