cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Somatomedin-like bioactivities of a growth hormone fragment on embryonic chick cartilage and cultured human fibroblasts

Abstract Somatomedins are growth hormone-dependent peptides which appear to mediate many of the effects of growth hormone in vivo. These peptides are commonly assayed by their enhancement of proteoglycan sulfation in cartilage (or fibroblasts). We now report that fragment A-II (bovine growth hormone, 96–133) stimulates sulfation in chick embryonic cartilage and cultured fibroblasts. Enhancement of fibroblast proteoglycan sulfation by fragment A-II was log-dose dependent with maximal stimulation at 10 −8 M. The 25–100% maximal enhancement by fragment A-II was similar to that reported with a preparation of somatomedin A (Wasteson, A., Uthne, K., Westermark, B. (1973) Biochem. J. 136, 1069–1074). Sulfation of chick cartilage, in the presence of both serum (hypopituitary human) and fragment A-II was greater than the sum of the effects of each substance tested separately. Fragment A-II was tested between 10 −12 and 10 −8 M; maximal stimulation occurred at 5 · 10 −11 M. To our knowledge, no other growth hormone fragment has yet been shown to possess these somatomedin-like bioactivities. Our results suggest that fragment A-II may be very useful as a model peptide to study the actions and mechanism of naturally occurring sometomedins.
Reproducibility of Left Ventricular Mass Measurements by Two-Dimensional and M-Mode Echocardiography

Both two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography provide accurate estimates of left ventricular mass. However, their reproducibility in serial studies has not been compared, although this issue is critical to evaluation of regression of hypertrophy. To determine which technique provides more reproducible estimates of left ventricular mass, three serial studies were performed prospectively in each of eight normal adults over 5 months. Both two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiograms were obtained at each of these 24 studies. Measurements were performed by two independent observers who did not know patient identity. For the two-dimensional method, left ventricular mass was determined with use of a computer light-pen system and the truncated ellipsoid formula. For the M-mode method, mass was calculated from Penn convention measurements with use of the cube formula. At study 1 the group mean left ventricular mass by two-dimensional echocardiography (115 +/- 20 g) did not differ from that by M-mode study (127 +/- 37 g, p = NS). However, serial estimates of left ventricular mass were more reproducible by two-dimensional echocardiography. The mean difference among the three serial two-dimensional studies in each individual was 4.8 +/- 4 g (4.2 +/- 3%) by the two-dimensional method, but was 18.5 +/- 13 g (14.9 +/- 10%) by the M-mode method (p = 0.01). Interobserver results for left ventricular mass by two-dimensional echocardiography correlated closely (r = 0.95, n = 24, p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Safety and Collision Avoidance System for Industrial Robots

As more and more robots are installed in the industrial sector, the statistical likelihood for accidents involving robots increases unless careful design and implementation of safety features occurs. Some worker deaths related to robot accidents have been reported in Japan. Most workers and users of robots have embarked on a safety program depending on personnel training, preventative maintenance, and perimeter barriers and/or interlocks. Most of these necessary methods still do not address the issue of personnel required to be close to a robot during teaching, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The results of a research project underway at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to develop a computer controlled sensor system that will monitor the working envelope of a robot are discussed. If an dangerous situation occurs, this system will cause the robot to take corrective action to avoid personnel injury or damage to the robot or equipment.
On the existence of L1(R) solutions to wiener-Hopf type equations

By means of the Fourier transforms of distributions we find necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of L1(R) solutions to Wiener-Hopf type integral equations. Thus we establish general criteria for the existence of L1(R) filters operating on the observed signal to best approximate the true signal. The theorems apply to wide sense stationary stochastic processes.
Response properties in young and old Fischer-344 rat lateral superior olive neurons: A quantitative approach

Abstract Significant age-related functional deficits may result from a selective loss of inhibitory processing in the lateral superior olivary (LSO) nucleus. To test this hypothesis, methods were developed for quantitative comparisons of the excitation evoked by ipsilateral acoustic stimuli and the inhibition evoked by contralateral acoustic stimuli in neurons recorded from this binaural structure. Data were obtained from 103 LSO neurons from 22 young adult (3–6 month) and 70 LSO neurons from 14 old (20–23 month) Fischer-344 (F-344) rats. Age-related increases in the thresholds of auditory brainstem responses as well as in the inhibitory and excitatory responses of LSO neurons were observed. Spike-discharge rates were analyzed using multiple regression analysis for interaural intensity data and by calculating correlation coefficients between excitatory and inhibitory isointensity curves. Most LSO principal cells exhibited ipsilateral excitation and contralateral inhibition of similar strength for similar stimuli. Inhibitory and excitatory response areas of these neurons were similar based on visual inspection and correlation coefficients. No statistically significant age-related changes were observed for (a) rate-level functions generated by ipsilateral or contralateral stimuli; (b) maximal discharge rate; (c) conduction latencies; or (d) measures of binaural function. However, a small percentage of LSO neurons both in young and old rats displayed “unmatched” inhibitory and excitatory response areas. Quantitative methods developed in this study are used to examine age-related changes in binaural function in the inferior colliculus of F-344 rats and in the LSO of the Sprague-Dawley rat. Although no asymmetrical aging changes were observed for the F-344 rat LSO, there appear to be significant differences between the aging auditory system in the F-344 and Sprague-Dawley rats. Age-related changes have been previously described for the F-344 in other brainstem auditory structures.
New extremal self-dual doubly-even binary codes of length 88

The known structure of the automorphism group of the extended binary quadratic-residue code of length 80 is used for the construction of 36 new extremal doubly-even codes of length 88. All these codes have an automorphism of order five with eight fixed points and are inequivalent to the previously known 34 codes.
Products of Baire Spaces Revisited

Generalizing a theorem of Oxtoby, it is shown that an arbitrary product of Baire spaces which are almost locally universally Kuratowski–Ulam (in particular, have countable-in-itself p-bases) is a Baire space. Also, partially answering a question of Fleissner, it is proved that a countable box product of almost locally universally Kuratowski– Ulam Baire spaces is a Baire space.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligand inhibits cell growth and invasion of human pancreatic cancer cells

Background. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is expressed in certain human cancers; ligand-induced PPARγ activation can result in growth inhibition and differentiation in these cells. However, the precise mechanism for the antiproliferative effect of PPARγ ligands is not entirely known. Aim of Study. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of PPARγ ligands on pancreatic cancer cell growth and invasiveness. Methods. The effect of two PPARγligands, 15 deoxy-Δ12,14prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) and ciglitazone, on the growth of four human pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPC-3, MIA PaCa-2, Panc-1, and L3.6) was assessed. Expression of cell-cycle and apoptotic-related proteins was measured. Finally, the effect of 15d-PGJ2 on pancreatic cancer cell invasiveness and matrix metalloproteinase expression was determined. Results. Both 15d-PGJ2 and ciglitazone inhibited the growth of all four pancreatic cancer cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Treatment of BxPC-3 cells with 15d-PGJ2 resulted in a time-dependent decrease in cyclin D1 expression associated with a concomitant induction of p21waf1 and p27kip1. In addition, 15d-PGJ2 treatment induced apoptosis through activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3. Moreover, pancreatic cancer cell invasiveness was significantly suppressed after treatment with a nontoxic dose of 15d-PGJ2, which was associated with a reduction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein levels and activity. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that PPARγ ligands have the dual advantage of inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth while reducing the invasiveness of the tumor cells, suggesting a potential role for these agents in the adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Mountain glaciers caught on camera

Many glaciers around the world are melting, and new research is showing some of the dramatic details. Ulyana Horodyskyj, a graduate student at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado at Boulder, set up cameras to take time-lapse photographs of three lakes on a glacier in Nepal. This allowed her and her colleagues to see the supraglacial lake drain in real time for the first time, making it possible to estimate how much water was involved and how long it took for the lake to drain and refill. Horodyskyj said in a press conference at the AGU Fall Meeting that such observations of supraglacial lakes are valuable because in a warming climate, melting glaciers can lead to formation of supraglacial lakes.
Superconductivity and phase transitions in compressed Si to 45 GPa

A diamond-anvil cell is used to measure the pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ in both primitive hexagonal and hexagonal-close-packed Si up to 45 GPa. The experimental results verify the prediction of superconductivity in hcp Si and the measured curve of ${T}_{c}$ versus pressure is found to be in good qualitative agreement with theory, in contrast to a recent experiment by Lin et al. who claim complete disagreement with theory.
Fertility or sterility? Darwin, Naudin and the problem of experimental hybridity

Darwin came to realize that he could never devise an experiment that would demonstrate the development of new species by crossing hybrids. Instead, he turned to the problem of sterility within a species. The difference between Darwin's experimental and theoretical approach and that of French scientists working in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris can be shown most vividly by tracking Darwin's experiments in botany and his interest in those of Charles Naudin on hybrid plants. In his discussion of Mendel, Robert Olby has provided an interesting analysis of Naudin's hereditary concepts. I have approached some of the same work here with an emphasis on the question of sterility raised by Darwin, not simply between hybrids but within members of the same species and the light that he thought this could throw on both heredity and the origin of species.
Variation of electronic transition moment in some band systems of the N2 molecule

Abstract The variation of the electronic transition moment with the internuclear separation has been studied in the first positive, the second positive and the Vegard-Kaplan band systems of N2 by using the Franck-Condon factors based on the Rydberg-Klein-Rees potential energy curves. The “smoothed” relative band strengths and the relative intensities at infinite temperature have also been reported for these band systems.
An Investigation of the Procedures for Developing and Validating the Classroom Attitude Measure Toward Educational Inquiry

A description is given of the development of a content valid measure of attitude toward educational inquiry that emphasizes five research processes rather than content in an educational research course. Two procedures are set forth and compared for measuring change of attitude of students during a course. Although a rather complex transposed composite scoring technique yielded a higher estimate of reliability than that furnished by a single conventional scoring procedure, the much simpler approach is recommended for use by teachers, since the correlation between the two sets of resulting scores was .95 in a sample of four classes.
An application of color graphics to the display of surface curvature

In developing a mathematical representation for a surface, designers currently must use line drawing graphics to examine the curvature of a line in a plane, a two-dimensional analysis. By combining a result from differential geometry with the use of color raster graphics, the method described in this paper provides a means for the designer to examine surface curvature, a three-dimensional analysis. In particular, a formulation for the Gaussian and average curvatures is given and it is shown how these indicate the presence or absence of protrusions, hollows, etc. in a surface, i.e., how, where, and by how much the surface curves.Showing a fourth variable, curvature in this case, over a three-dimensional surface is difficult, if not impossible with traditional line drawing computer graphics. The method described solves this problem by using color as a fourth dimension. Examples are given, including both known shapes (torus) and automotive parts (hood, fender).
Flexible sigmoidoscopy by physician assistants: validation study of a computer-based simulator

Purpose: To determine if measurable variables obtained from a computer-based flexible sigmoidoscopy simulator provide an accurate assessment of the endoscopic skills of PAs. Assessing procedural competence and endoscopic skills is a complex task. With the rising demand for colon cancer screening and the limited availability of gastroenterologists (GE), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) by physician assistants (PAs) may play an increasingly significant role. To our knowledge, no data exist regarding the role of computer-based FS simulators in evaluating PAs procedural competence.
Learning numerical analysis and mathematics from interactive computing

Many concepts of numerical analysis and mathematics can be learned most readily in an interactive computing environment. The program MATLAB was developed to provide such an environment. MATLAB, an interactive computer program, serves as a convenient 'laboratory' of computations involving matrices. It provides easy access to matrix software developed by the LINPACK and EISPACK projects. The capabilities range from standard tasks such as solving simultaneous linear equations and inverting matrices, through symmetric and nonsymmetric eigenvalue problems, to fairly sophisticated matrix tools such as the singular value decomposition.
A Customer Relationship Management System to Target Customers at Cisco

This case describes the implementation of an Internet empowered Customer Relationship Management (CRM) at Cisco Systems Inc. After describing the organizational background of Cisco, the case takes the student into the issues that the executives faced after the market crash in 2001. John Chambers, Cisco CEO, and his team decided to strengthen Ciscoâ€™s relationship with the customers so that the company could emerge stronger when the markets recovered. Questions are raised as to the implementation of technology and supporting processes in a company that traditionally had not considered CRM as its core marketing strategy.
Nitrate reductase electron transport systems in mutant and in wild-type strains of Neurospora.

Summary Nitrate-inducible NADPH cytochrome c reductase (CR) activity (there is also a constitutive NADPH cytochrome c reductase) in Neurospora is stimulated by FAD, is absent from extracts of nit-2, nit-3, and nit-5, but is present in preparations of nit-1. Two components of NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity can be detected by the use of sucrose density gradient centrifugation in extracts of wild-type induced mycelia. One is a heavy component (CR I), is not associated in gradients with NADPH nitrate reductase activity, is the predominant component in extracts of uninduced wild-type, of nit-2, nit-3, and of nit-5 mycelia, is a major component of the NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity of induced wild-type preparations, and a relatively minor component of induced nit-1 preparations. It is probably the “constitutive” NADPH cytochrome c reductase. The other is a lighter NADPH cytochrome c reductase component (CR II6.8), is associated in gradients with NADPH nitrate reductase activity, is a major component of freshly prepared extracts of induced wild-type mycelia, and a minor component in preparations of uninduced wild-type, nit-2, nit-3, nit nit-5. Preparations of induced nit-1 are similar to steapsin-treated extracts of induced wild-type in that they have in addition to the omnipresent CR I component, a CR II3.8 component. The CR II3.8 component has a lower s20,w value than the CR II6.8 component of wild-type preparations. Benzyl viologen nitrate reductase activity is stimulated much less than NADPH nitrate reductase by FAD, is absent from preparations of nit-1, nit-2, and nit-5, is inducible by nitrate in the wild-type strain, and is present in extracts of nit-3. All nit mutants by definition lack NADPH nitrate reductase activity. Taken together, the above observations suggest that NADPH nitrate reductase is an aggregate of two proteins: one, under the control of nit-1, that has benzyl viologen nitrate reductase activity, and another, under the control of nit-3, that has NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity.
Position of the sulfhydryl group and the disulfide bonds of human glucocerebrosidase.

Purified human glucocerebrosidase isolated from placenta was modified with [14C]-iodoacetic acid without reduction and digested with both protease-V8 at pH 4.0 followed byα-chymotrypsin at pH 7.5. The majority of radioactivity was found in a peptide that contained the [14C]-carboxymethylated-cysteine identified as CM-Cys18. Direct sequencing of the N-terminus of the intact labeled protein confirmed the modification of Cys18. For identification of disulfide bond-containing peptides, another portion of glucocerebrosidase was alkylated with nonlabeled iodoacetic acid and then digested with protease V8 andα-chymotrypsin as before. Twenty-eight HPLC fragments were collected. These purified peaks were then reduced withβ-mercaptoethanol followed by S-carboxymethylation with [14C]-iodoacetic acid. Three peptides among these 28 peptides generated two radioactive daughter peptides. These peptides were sequenced and the position of the radioactive CM-cysteines identified. The locations of these disulfides are Cys4-Cys16, Cys23-Cys342, and Cys126-Cys248. Attempts to reproduce the free sulfhydryl labeling experiments using the glucocerebrosidase isolated from Ceredase proved unsuccessful. No label was incorporated by this enzyme prior to reduction. This result suggests that the form of the protein used in the clinic differs from the native protein.
Mediating Effect of Mental Disorders in the Pathway Between Life Events and Mental Health Services Use: Results From the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study

This study assessed the role of some common mental health conditions as mediators in the pathway between suffering life events and using mental health services. The participants were from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area cohort, interviewed in 1993 to 1996 and 2004 to 2005. Longitudinal data analysis was used to identify models with significant mediation. Only alcohol abuse/dependence disorder was a significant mediator in the pathway between suffering a life-threatening illness and using mental health services in a general medical setup. Female gender, being more than 65 years old, prior use of services and availability of health insurance were some of the factors that significantly predicted service use in that model. Some of other factors like social networks and social support, attitudes towards services, and stigma, may play a role in determining service use. Future research should investigate the role of such factors as mediators for mental health service use.
Proteomic analysis of and immune responses to Ehrlichia chaffeensis lipoproteins.

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an obligately intracellular gram-negative bacterium and is the etiologic agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME). Although E. chaffeensis induces the generation of several cytokines and chemokines by leukocytes, E. chaffeensis lacks lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. Bioinfomatic analysis of the E. chaffeensis genome, however, predicted genes encoding 15 lipoproteins and 3 posttranslational lipoprotein-processing enzymes. The present study showed that by use of multidimensional liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry, all predicted lipoproteins as well as lipoprotein-processing enzymes were expressed by E. chaffeensis cultured in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Consistent with this observation, a signal peptidase II inhibitor, globomycin, was found to inhibit E. chaffeensis infection and lipoprotein processing in HL-60 cell culture. To study in vivo E. chaffeensis lipoprotein expression and host immune responses to E. chaffeensis lipoproteins, 13 E. chaffeensis lipoprotein genes were cloned into a mammalian expression vector. When the DNA constructs were inoculated into naive dogs, or when dogs were infected with E. chaffeensis, the animals developed delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions at cutaneous sites of the DNA construct deposition and serum antibodies to these lipoproteins. This is the first demonstration of lipoprotein expression and elicitation of immune responses by a member of the order Rickettsiales. Multiple lipoproteins expressed by E. chaffeensis in vitro and in vivo may play key roles in pathogenesis and immune responses in HME.
Supportive Relationships as a Moderator of the Effects of Parent and Peer Drinking on Adolescent Drinking

The goal of this study was to explore whether supportiveness from a parent or a friend moderated the effects of the supportive person's drinking on the trajectory of adolescent alcohol abuse/dependence symptoms. High-risk adolescents recruited from shelters and a matched sample of adolescents recruited from the sheltered adolescent's former neighborhood completed assessments at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Measures included the Social Network Interview, assessing the drinking and supportiveness of everyone in the network. The alcohol module of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children was also administered. Hierarchical Linear Modeling identified predictors of the trajectory of alcohol symptoms of the 401 adolescents over 18 months. The results showed that the baseline levels of parental drinking predicted increased symptoms over time only for those with low parental support. In contrast, the baseline level of peer alcohol use predicted increased symptoms over time only for those with high peer support. The pattern of results did not differ for shelter youth compared to neighborhood controls.
WebCloud: Recruiting Social Network Users to Assist in Content Distribution

Today, the data exchanged over online social networks (OSNs) represents a significant fraction of Internet traffic. However, OSN content is different from more traditional web content, as it is more likely to be generated at the edge of the network, to be exchanged within a local geographic region, and to possess a more even popularity distribution with fewer popular objects. Unfortunately, most OSNs still use largely centralized approaches to distribute content (e.g., CDNs and web caches), resulting in lower performance due to the different workload. In this paper, we take a first step towards addressing this situation by proposing Web Cloud, a content distribution system for OSNs that works by repurposing client web browsers to help serve content to others. When a user browses content, Web Cloud tries to serve the request from one of that user's friends' browsers, instead of from the OSN directly. Unlike other systems, Web Cloud works with existing browsers and does not require any plug-ins, and therefore can be directly applied to today's OSNs. We demonstrate the practicality of Web Cloud with micro benchmarks, simulations of a Facebook deployment, a real-world deployment, and evaluations of a proof-of-concept iOS app.
Effects of Increasing Time Delays on Pitch-Matching Accuracy in Trained Singers and Untrained Individuals

Summary Trained singers (TS) generally demonstrate accurate pitch matching, but this ability varies within the general population. Pitch-matching accuracy, given increasing silence intervals of 5, 15, and 25 seconds between target tones and vocal matches, was investigated in TS and untrained individuals. A relationship between pitch discrimination and pitch matching was also examined. Thirty-two females (20–30 years) were grouped based on individual vocal training and performance in an immediate pitch-matching task. Participants matched target pitches following time delays, and completed a pitch discrimination task, which required the classification of two tones as same or different. TS and untrained accurate participants performed comparably on all pitch-matching tasks, while untrained inaccurate participants performed significantly less accurately than the other two groups. Performances declined across groups as intervals of silence increased, suggesting degradation of pitch matching as pitch memory was taxed. A significant relationship between pitch discrimination and pitch matching was revealed across participants.
Rho-kinase directs Bazooka/Par-3 planar polarity during Drosophila axis elongation

Cell rearrangements shape the Drosophila embryo via spatially regulated changes in cell shape and adhesion. We show that Bazooka/Par-3 (Baz) is required for the planar polarized distribution of myosin II and adherens junction proteins and polarized intercalary behavior is disrupted in baz mutants. The myosin II activator Rho-kinase is asymmetrically enriched at the anterior and posterior borders of intercalating cells in a pattern complementary to Baz. Loss of Rho-kinase results in expansion of the Baz domain, and activated Rho-kinase is sufficient to exclude Baz from the cortex. The planar polarized distribution of Baz requires its C-terminal domain. Rho-kinase can phosphorylate this domain and inhibit its interaction with phosphoinositide membrane lipids, suggesting a mechanism by which Rho-kinase could regulate Baz association with the cell cortex. These results demonstrate that Rho-kinase plays an instructive role in planar polarity by targeting Baz/Par-3 and myosin II to complementary cortical domains.
The universality of electromagnetic phenomena and the immanence of God in a natural theology

Following a survey of how universal the electromagnetic interaction (EMI) and light, its radiation, are in the living experience and spirituality of men and women, the A. makes a case for the hypothesis that the EMI serves as a physical correlate for the immanence of God. This in turn will be used as partial support for the principal thesis of this article : given the vast spectrum of natural phenomena, from atoms to human brains, that operate via the EMI, we need seriously to consider the EMI in formulating a viable natural theology. The encompassing properties of the EMI provide a unifying and cohesive influence heretofore neglected by the natural theology community. The A. intends here to stimulate more rigorous study of this approach
Application of Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry to studies of chemical diffusion, sorption, and transport in natural rock

Copyright © 2012 by The Geochemical Society of Japan. versity of sample types. Materials sampled have included biological specimens such as tree rings, bone, hair, teeth, seashells, fish otoliths, fish scales, and snake tail (Raith et al., 1996; Watmough et al., 1998; Veinott, 2001; Jackson et al., 2003; Bellotto and Miekeley, 2007; Sela et al., 2007; Arora et al., 2011), airborne particulates (Wang et al., 1999; Liu et al., 2004; Hsieh et al., 2011), rocks and minerals (e.g., Fryer et al., 1993; Jackson et al., 2004; Tanaka et al., 2007), and fluid inclusions (Shepherd and Chenery, 1995; Gunther et al., 1998; Heinrich et al., 2003; Mason et al., 2008). However, publications on the use of LA-ICP-MS techniques to study diffusion, sorption, and transport of chemicals in natural rock are limited (Hu et al., 2004; Hu and Mori, 2008; Wang et al., 2011). The high spatial resolution (in the range of microns) achieved by a focused laser beam makes LA-ICPMS a very attractive tool for studies of chemical fate and transport in natural rock, where the chemical may only move a very limited distance. A rock surface of millimeter scale can be directly mapped for elemental concentration, even though the distribution of the element is limited by processes such as slow diffusion and strong sorption (Hu and Mori, 2008). Application of Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry to studies of chemical diffusion, sorption, and transport in natural rock
The value of water levels in water‐based recreation: A pooled revealed preference/contingent behavior model

In this paper we present estimated recreation values for preventing a decline in water levels at, and even the total loss of, a large western lake that is drying up. We use a Poisson version of the count data travel cost model; however, in addition to and in combination with revealed preference (RP) data, we employ contingent behavior (CB) responses to hypothetical questions on alternative water levels and number of trips. The pooled model used allows for tests of differences between results using RP and CB data. This particular pooled RP/CB approach has not to our knowledge previously been applied to examine the values of alternative water quantities in water-based recreation.
Recent Change in the Annual Pattern of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States

This study analyzed the 1999 to 2003 database of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for seasonal and longer-term time trends in the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States. Linear regression was used to ascertain time trends, and a linear mixed auto-regression model was applied to determine the statistical significance of the major peaks relative to the annualized time series mean. A statistically significant increasing trend during the 5 yr span was documented only in the incidence of chlamydia. No clear annual periodicity was detected in any of the STDs; instead, significant three-month cycles were documented in all the STDs, with prominent peaks evident in March, May, August, and November. The March and May peaks could be associated with the sexual activities of young adults during spring break, which for different colleges and universities, commences as early as mid- to late-February and concludes as late as early- to mid-April, when huge numbers of sexually active youth congregate at beach resort settings. We propose the August peak is representative of summer sexual activity, in particular, of youths during school recess when adult supervision is poor. Finally, the autumn peak seems to be an expression of an endogenous annual rhythm in human reproductive biology, exemplified by elevated levels of testosterone in young males and sexual activity at this time of the year.
Interruption of phonological coding in conduction aphasia

A case study of conduction aphasia, investigating single word repetition, phonological coding, and short-term memory, is reported. Evidence from intact adults suggests that repetition can occur through either a lexical route or a direct auditory-articulatory link. For this conduction aphasic, E.A., the direct link was impaired, although the lexical route could be used to produce accurate single word repetition. Several experiments demonstrated a significant impairment in the generation and maintenance of an abstract phonological code. The consequences of a disruption of phonological coding on speech perception and on verbal short-term memory are discussed.
HMGB1 Release by Urothelial Carcinoma Cells in Response to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Functions as a Paracrine Factor to Potentiate the Direct Cellular Effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Purpose: Prior study demonstrated that HMGB1 release by urothelial carcinoma cells in response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin is required for an in vivo antitumor effect. We evaluated the direct effects of HMGB1 on the in vitro response of urothelial carcinoma cells to bacillus Calmette-Guerin.Materials and Methods: Two human urothelial carcinoma cell lines were used to study the effect of exogenous HMGB1 alone and combined with bacillus Calmette-Guerin on the tumor cell response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Antibody mediated blockade of receptors for HMGB1 or HMGB1 protein was used to determine the contribution of paracrine HMGB1 release to bacillus Calmette-Guerin biological effects. Response end points evaluated included the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, gene transactivation and cytotoxicity.Results: Urothelial carcinoma cells expressed the receptor for HMGB1 signaling. Antibody blockade of the RAGE receptor confirmed the dependence of signaling in response to HMGB1 on RAGE function. Exo...
The risk of developing second cancers among survivors of childhood soft tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that children who are treated for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) are at increased risk for developing second cancers. However, the risk for specific cancer sites and variations in risk by treatment and STS histology remain unclear. METHODS The study evaluated 1499 children (age < 18 years) who survived for ≥ 1 year after they were diagnosed with STS and who were reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population-based cancer registries from 1973 to 2000. RESULTS Twenty-seven children developed 28 subsequent primary malignancies, compared with 4.5 expected malignances based on general population rates (observed-to-expected [O/E] ratio = 6.3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4.2–9.1). The risk of developing a subsequent malignancy was increased among children with rhabdomyosarcoma (observed = 11 malignancies; O/E ratio = 7.7), fibromatous neoplasms (observed = 9 malignancies; O/E ratio = 5.8), and other specified STS (observed = 7 malignancies; O/E ratio = 6.5). Initial therapy with radiation and chemotherapeutic agents was associated with a significantly higher risk of second malignancies compared with surgery alone (O/E ratio = 15.2 vs. 1.4; P < 0.0001). Elevated risks were observed for acute myeloid leukemia, cutaneous melanoma, female breast cancer, and sarcomas of the bone and soft tissue, with generally higher risks among patients who initially received combined modality therapy. Excess cancers of the oral cavity were prominent among long-term survivors. For several children, the pattern of multiple malignancies was consistent with a genetic syndrome, particularly neurofibromatosis type 1 and Li–Fraumeni syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The risk of second malignancies was increased for all histologic types of childhood STS and was particularly high among patients who received combined modality therapy. Cancer 2005. Published 2005 by the American Cancer Society.
Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy and peritoneal lavage in the intensive care unit

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal pathology in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients remains a clinical challenge. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of portable, bedside diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) in the ICU for patients suspected of intra-abdominal pathology, and to contrast its accuracy with diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL).
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Induces cFOS and Strongly Potentiates Glutamate-Mediated Cell Death in the Rat Spinal Cord

Excitotoxic cell death due to glutamate release is important in the secondary injury following CNS trauma or ischemia. Proinflammatory cytokines also play a role. Both glutamate and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF(alpha)) are released immediately after spinal cord injury. Neurophysiological studies show that TNF(alpha) can potentiate the effects of glutamatergic afferent input to produce hyperactivation of brain-stem sensory neurons. Therefore, we hypothesized that TNF(alpha) might act cooperatively with glutamate to affect cell death in the spinal cord as well. Nanoinjections of either TNF(alpha) (60 pg) or kainate (KA; 32 ng) alone into the thoracic gray resulted in almost no tissue damage or cell death 90 min after injection. However, the combination of TNF(alpha) plus KA at these same doses produced a large area of tissue necrosis and neuronal cell death, an effect which was blocked by the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX (17 ng). These results suggest that secondary injury may involve potentiation of AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory cell death by TNF(alpha).
An Analytic Solution of the Warehouse Problem

In a recent paper, [Bellman, Richard. 1956. On the theory of dynamic programming---a warehousing problem. Management Sci.2 3, April 272.], Bellman uses dynamic programming to establish a computational algorithm for the solution of the “warehouse” problem. The present paper also employs the dynamic-programming approach and shows that the structure of the solution can be determined analytically, with numerical results easily obtained via recursive formulas.
Synergism Between N-Formimidoyl Thienamycin and Gentamicin or Tobramycin Against Enterococci

By the time-kill curve method, the combination of N-formimidoyl thienamycin and gentamicin showed synergism against 47 of 48 strains of enterococci, whereas the combination of N-formimidoyl thienamycin and tobramycin was synergistic against 46 strains.
Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining of monocytes in gaucher disease

Cytochemical studies were performed on peripheral blood from 30 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease. In 29 of the patients, peripheral blood monocytes stained positively for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, whereas monocytes from 18 normal individuals and 14 patients with monocytosis did not. In the Gaucher patients, the percentage of monocyte positivity for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase ranged from 2 to 97. There was no correlation between the percent monocyte staining and the degree of disease severity, as measured by hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, or extent of bone disease, for the group as a whole. In Gaucher patients who had not undergone splenectomy, however, there was a significant correlation between percent monocyte staining and the degree of hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The presence of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase may be secondary to the lysosomal accumulation of glucosyl ceramide within these monocytes, although this remains to be confirmed. If so, these circulating cells may represent precursors of the Gaucher cells in tissues. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining of peripheral blood monocytes may be useful as a diagnostic marker for Gaucher type 1 disease and for further studies on the pathogenesis of the disease.
Theoretical analysis of R -line shifts of ruby subjected to different deformation conditions

A theoretical approach to analyzing ruby R-line wavelength shifts under different types of deformation (uniaxial-strain compression and tension under shock loading, hydrostatic compression, and uniaxial-stress compression) and for different crystallographic orientations is presented. A symmetry-adapted representation of the various loading conditions in conjunction with crystal-field theory, but no point-ion model, is used to relate the shift of the R lines to deformation. The parameters needed in the model are obtained from shock-wave-compression data along the c and a axes. Without further iteration, these parameters are used in a consistent manner to analyze all remaining data: shock-wave-tension results, hydrostatic results, and uniaxial-stress results for different crystal orientations. Very good agreement is obtained between theoretical predictions and measurements. Changes in local site symmetry have been related to macroscopic deformation. For nonhydrostatic loading, effects of crystal orientation are important in analyzing R-line wavelength shifts. Suggestions for using ruby calibration at high pressures in diamond-anvil-cell measurements are presented. Implications of the present work for understanding shock-wave deformation in crystalline solids are indicated.
Exploring the Requirements for the Hydrophobic Scaffold and Polar Amine in inhibitors of M2 from Influenza A Virus.

Inhibitors targeting the influenza A virus M2 (A/M2) proton channel have lost their effectiveness due to widespread resistance. As a first step in the development of new inhibitors that address this problem, we have screened several focused collections of small molecules using two-electrode voltage patch clamp assays (TEVC) on Xenopus laevis oocytes. Diverse head groups and scaffolds of A/M2 inhibitors have been explored. It has been found that not only amine but also hydroxyl, aminooxyl, guanidine, and amidine compounds are active against the A/M2 proton channel. Moreover, the channel is able to accommodate a wide range of structural variation in the apolar scaffold. This study offers information to guide the next generation of A/M2 proton channel inhibitor design.
Hierarchical local symmetries

We present a new 2D shape representation technique called hierarchical local symmetries (HLS) which eliminates redundant information in the Brady's smoothed local symmetries and organizes the axis information by the tangent difference between two boundary points forming a local symmetry.
Susceptibility of pacific herring to viral hemorrhagic septicemia is influenced by diet

Abstract Groups of specific-pathogen-free Pacific herring Clupea pallasii were highly susceptible to infection by viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV); however, the level of mortality was influenced by diet during the 40–71 d before, during, and after the first exposure to the virus. Cumulative mortality was highest among the herring maintained on an experimental soy-based pellet, intermediate among those maintained on a commercially available fish-meal-based pellet, and lowest among those maintained on a second commercially available fish-meal-based pellet containing β-glucans. Additionally, the herring maintained on the experimental soy-based feed demonstrated less growth than those on the commercially available feeds. The results indicate the importance of standardizing diet during empirical determinations of disease susceptibility and provide insights into the risk factors affecting VHS susceptibility in wild populations. Received August 26, 2011; accepted November 4, 2011
Cell signalling: Nutrient sensing lost in cancer

Cells can sense and respond to fluctuations in nutrient availability. Mutations that disrupt such lines of nutrient communication with the cellular growth machinery seem to contribute to the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
Chloride transport by lobster hepatopancreas is facilitated by several anion antiport mechanisms

Abstract Three anion antiporters have previously been demonstrated in lobster hepatopancreatic basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) to perform vital physiological functions in the crustacean. Cl− was shown to be transported by all three of the documented antiporters. The stilbene, 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, also known as SITS, strongly inhibited Cl−/SO42−, Cl−/oxalate2− and Cl−/HCO3− exchange. It was concluded that Cl− could be transported by different modes of the documented existing anion antiporters in the lobster hepatopancreatic BLMV.
Silicone rubber temporomandibular joint (TMJ) meniscal replacements: postimplant histopathologic and material evaluation.

Medical grade silicone rubber has long been considered a suitable meniscal replacement, but there has been increasing concern about migration of this material into adjacent tissues. The objectives of this study were to determine the definitive composition of tissue-incorporated material which is presumed by light microscopy to be silicone and to identify long term histopathologic sequelae of meniscal replacements. Adult female patients underwent meniscectomy and replacement with silicone rubber (Silastic) implants. After 12 to 18 months, recurrence of symptoms in 8% of these cases led to implant removal with excision of peri-implant fibrous pseudo-capsules. Excised tissues, including one preauricular lymph node and implants were submitted for light microscopy, SEM, and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDX) for the identification of elemental composition, critical surface tension measurement, and internal reflection infrared spectroscopy. EDX revealed prominent peaks for silicon in both pseudocapsular and nodal tissues. Morphologic findings surrounding the long-term implants included foreign body reaction, synovitis, dystrophic calcification, fibrocartilaginous metaplasia, hyalinization, and scarring. Particulate silicone debris induced a pathologic response in the tissues and migrated to nodes. These findings suggest that periodic evaluation be performed over the life of such implants to rule out breakdown under function. These findings should intensify the search for improvements or replacements for silicone rubber as an interpositional material in the temporomandibular joint.
Patricide and the Plot of The Prince : Cesare Borgia and Machiavelli's Italy.

An understanding of Machiavelli's assessment of Cesare Borgia in The Prince is essential for interpreting his view of politics, but the ambiguity of that assessment has led to vastly different conclusions about Machiavelli's political teaching and Cesare's significance. We approach Machiavelli's ultimate intentions through a consideration of his more immediate concern for Italy. Machiavelli's great interest in Cesare and his criticism of this potential hero stem from the historical context of an Italy divided due to the Church. Cesare possessed—yet squandered—an opportunity to rid Italy of the evils plaguing it by killing his father, Pope Alexander, and by eliminating the College of Cardinals. Machiavelli's suggested denouement to the plot of The Prince is an assault on the ecclesiastical power. He invites his reader to contemplate the vulnerability of the Church and to act where Cesare and others shrank. Machiavelli ultimately counsels us to break our reliance on God or fortune and thus create the conditions for a reinvigorated civil life.
Dynamic stability analysis of linkages with elastic members via analog simulation

Small-amplitude flexural vibration of a slightly deformable binary link in a planar linkage is governed by a fourth-order parabolic partial differential equation. Specifically, for a slider- crank mechanism with an elastic connecting rod, stability charts are obtained via analog simulation on the basis of the principal modal equation of vibration. It is found that stability of the mechanism depends on three nondimensional parameters - length ratio, mass ratio, and rigidity-speed ratio. The procedure of dynamic stability analysis via analog simulation for the slider-crank may be applied to other planar linkages with elastic binary links.