cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the genotoxic effects of carboplatin and cisplatin in Escherichia coli

cis-Diammine(1,1,-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)platinum(II) (carboplatin) is a second generation platinum anticancer agent with antineoplastic properties like that of its parent compound, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) but with substantially less deleterious side effects in treated patients with cisplatin. We compared their genotoxic effects in Escherichia coli and found carboplatin to be less cytotoxic (measured as loss of colony forming ability) that cisplatin in that equitoxic doses required greater than 60 time more carboplatin. However, solutions of carboplatin containing chloride ion became more cytotoxic to E. coli after a 24 h incubation period than similar freshly made solutions. Two platinum conversion products which were neither present in freshly made solutions nor in solutions lacking chloride were resolved by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). One of the conversion products migrated like cisplatin and its occurrence in carboplatin solutions was associated with cisplatin-like properties, enhanced cytotoxicity and ability to induce the SOS responses in E. coli. The SOS-inducing abilities were determined by induction of a sulA::lacZ fusion. Likewise, adducts formed in end-labeled oligonucleotides treated with carboplatin appeared identical to those caused by cisplatin when carboplatin was preincubated in chloride-containing solutions but not by carboplatin in freshly made solutions. It is likely that responses evoked by carboplatin in biological systems are partly due to activation of carboplatin by its conversion of cisplatin.
The College on Problems of Drug Dependence: Benefits of Membership

CPDD Membership Committee: Thomas H. Kelly *, Alan J. Budney , Mark K. Greenwald , Annette E. Fleckenstein , Margaret Haney , Dorothy K. Hatsukami f,1 a Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536 USA b Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, S. Burlington, VT 05403 USA c Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48207 USA d Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA e Department of Psychiatry, NYSPI/Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA f Drug and Alcohol Dependence 72 (2003) 97 /98
All members of the MHC multigene family respond to thyroid hormone in a highly tissue-specific manner

In mammals different isoforms of myosin heavy chain are encoded by the members of a multigene family. The expression of each gene of this family is regulated in a tissue- and developmental stage-specific manner as well as by hormonal and various pathological stimuli. In this study the molecular basis of isoform switches induced in myosin heavy chain by thyroid hormone was investigated. The expression of the myosin heavy chain gene family was analyzed in seven different muscles of adult rats subjected to hypo- or hyperthyroidism with complementary DNA probes specific for six different myosin heavy chain genes. The results demonstrate that all six genes are responsive to thyroid hormone. More interestingly, the same myosin heavy chain gene can be regulated by thyroid hormone in highly different modes, even in opposite directions, depending on the tissue in which it is expressed. Furthermore, the skeletal embryonic and neonatal myosin heavy chain genes, so far considered specific to these two developmental stages, can be reinduced by hypothyroidism in specific adult muscles.
Human Retinal Vessels in Tissue Culture: A Preliminary Report of the Effect of Acute Glucose Poisoning on Cultured Vascular Cells

Abstract To delineate the factors involved in the pathogenesis of human retinal vasculopathies, an in vitro model of human retinal vascular cells was developed by using cadaver eyes enucleated four to eight hours after death and stored at +4 C for three to seven days. A pure, viable capillary explant was obtained by microdissection and gentle agitation; the more rapidly occurring postmortem changes in the surrounding nervous tissue of the retina facilitated separation of the vascular explants. Factor VIII indirect immunofluorescent staining revealed that 85% to 90% of the cells harvested from capillaries of 3- to 5-day-old cadaver eyes and all cells cultured from 1-week-old postmortem eyes reacted positively, indicating their endothelial nature. High-glucose medium caused degenerative changes in the cells of the initial explant as well as in the cells of confluent cultures within 24 to 72 hours. The cytotoxic effect of glucose was manifested by accumulation of PAS-positive granules, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and eventual cell degeneration.
Arzoxifene as therapy for endometrial cancer

Abstract Objective Arzoxifene, an orally active third-generation selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM), opposes the action of estrogen on the breast and endometrium but exerts an estrogen-agonist effect on bone and the lipid profile. Since this is an appealing combination for hormonal therapy of estrogen-related cancers, we initiated testing the potential of arzoxifene in women with treatment-refractory endometrial cancer. Methods Two phase I studies were conducted to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple doses of arzoxifene. In addition, two multi-institutional phase II trials have been completed on 100 women with metastatic or recurrent endometrial cancer. Results No serious adverse events were observed in the single-dose phase I study, the principal side effect being hot flashes in 5/15 healthy volunteers. In the second phase I study, conducted in 32 women with metastatic breast cancer, one patient had a serious, possibly drug-related adverse reaction (pulmonary embolism). The two multi-institutional trials demonstrated significant activity at 20 mg/day in patients with metastatic or recurrent endometrial cancer. Observed clinical response rates were 25 and 31%, with a median response duration of 19.3 and 13.9 months, respectively. Progression of the disease was stabilized in a substantial number of women. Toxicity was mild, except for two cases of pulmonary embolism that might have been drug related. Conclusions Further investigation is warranted to verify these preliminary response rates and the clinical significance of the stable disease cases, to compare clinical outcomes with those in progestin-treated women, and to elucidate the mechanisms of SERM action in this disease.
Mutational analysis of the PMS2 gene in sporadic endometrial cancers with microsatellite instability.

Abstract Objective. Approximately 20% of endometrial tumors have a defect in DNA mismatch repair and exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI). We assessed the role of the PMS2 DNA mismatch repair gene in MSI-positive sporadic endometrial tumors. Methods. We examined 40 sporadic endometrial tumor specimens with MSI. All 15 exons of the PMS2 gene were investigated for sequence alterations by single-strand conformational variant analysis. Results. Twelve polymorphisms were identified, 8 of which were in the coding sequence. Four specimens revealed mutations in intronic sequences that are not predicted to affect the PMS2 mRNA. No mutations were detected within the coding region of the PMS2 gene. Conclusion. We conclude that structural mutations in the PMS2 gene are not responsible for defective DNA mismatch repair in sporadic endometrial cancers with MSI. The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PMS2 locus may aid in the mapping and characterization of genetic diseases.
ON THE CYTOLOGY OF ANTHERIDIUM FORMATION IN THE FERN SPECIES ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS. I. CYTOLOGY OF CELL PLATE AND CELL WALL FORMATION

In the four-celled antheridium of the fern species Onoclea sensibilis a central spermatogenous cell is enveloped by a jacket of three cells. Starting from the base, the jacket comprises the cup-shaped basal cell, the ring cell-both of which encircle the spermatogenous cell-and the cap cell. The lower wall of the spermatogenous cell has the configuration of a funnel; its upper wall is dome shaped. The choice of whole antheridia for study instead of sectioned ones has, for the first time, made it possible to study the formation of the uniquely shaped antheridial cell plates step by step. The cell plate antecedent of the funnel wall has the configuration of a funnel. This conclusion conflicts with Davie's contention that this cell wall is oriented transversely at first and acquires funnel-shape secondarily. The present studies further show that the funnel cell plate forms from base to rim. This finding contrasts with a report that in another fern species this cell plate begins to form on one side of the initial and then proceeds circularly around it. The base of the funnel cell plate attaches to the basal wall of the antheridium initial in a separate event. The genesis of the dome-shaped upper wall of the
Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release influence metabotropic and ionotropic cytosolic Ca2+ responses in rat oligodendrocyte progenitors

1. Many physiologically important activities of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (O-2A cells), including proliferation, migration and differentiation, are regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ signals. However, little is known concerning the mechanisms of Ca2+ signalling in this cell type. We have studied the interactions between Ca2+ entry, Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ regulation by mitochondria in influencing cytosolic Ca2+ responses in O-2A cells. 2. Methacholine (MCh; 100 microM) activated Ca2+ waves that propagated from several initiation sites along O-2A processes. 3. During a Ca2+ wave evoked by MCh, mitochondrial membrane potential was often either depolarized (21 % of mitochondria) or hyperpolarized (20 % of mitochondria), as measured by changes in the fluorescence of 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3, 3'-tetraethylbenzimidazole carbocyanine iodide (JC-1). 4. Stimulation with kainate (100 microM) evoked a slowly rising, sustained cytosolic Ca2+ elevation in O-2A cells. This also, in some cases, resulted in either a depolarization (15 % of mitochondria) or hyperpolarization (12 % of mitochondria) of mitochondrial membrane potential. 5. Simultaneous measurement of cytosolic (fluo-3 AM) and mitochondrial (rhod-2 AM) Ca2+ responses revealed that Ca2+ elevations in the cytosol evoked by either MCh or kainate were translated into long-lasting Ca2+ elevations in subpopulations of mitochondria. In some mitochondria, Ca2+ signals appeared to activate Ca2+ release into the cytosol. 6. Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger by CGP-37157 (25 microM) decreased kainate Ca2+ response amplitude and increased the rate of return of the response to basal Ca2+ levels. 7. Thus, both ionotropic and metabotropic stimulation evoke changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+ levels in O-2A cells. Ca2+ uptake into some mitochondria is activated by Ca2+ entry into cells or release from stores. Mitochondrial Ca2+ release appears to play a key role in shaping kainate-evoked Ca2+ responses.
Estimation of Electronic Coupling for Intermolecular Electron Transfer from Cross-Reaction Data

Sixty-five electron-transfer reactions including 27 new 0, +1 couples have been added to our data set of cross-reactions between 0 and +1 couples, bringing it to 206 reactions involving 72 couples that have been studied by stopped-flow kinetics in acetonitrile containing supporting electrolyte at 25 degrees C, formal potentials determined by cyclic voltammetry, and analyzed using Marcus cross-rate theory. Perhaps surprisingly, a least-squares analysis demonstrates that intrinsic rate constants exist that predict the cross-rate constants to within a factor of 2 of the observed ones for 93% of the reactions studied, and only three of the reactions have a cross-rate constant that lies outside of the factor of 3, that corresponds to a factor of 10 uncertainty in the rate constant for an unknown couple. Many triarylamines, which have very high intrinsic reactivity, are included among the newly studied couples. The enthalpy contribution to the Marcus reorganization energy, lambda'v, has been calculated for 46 of the couples studied, at the (U)B3LYP/6-31+G (or for the larger and lower barrier compounds, at the less time-consuming (U)B3LYP/6-31G) level. In combination with a modified Levich and Dogodnadze treatment that assumes that the rate constant is proportional to (KeHab2/lambda1/2) exp[-DeltaG/RT], this allows estimation of the electronic coupling (Hab) at the transition state for intermolecular electron transfer, (more properly H'ab, the product of the square root of the encounter complex formation constant times Hab) for these couples. Although the principal factor affecting intermolecular electron-transfer rate constants is clearly lambda, H'ab effects are easily detectable, and the dynamic range in our estimates of them is over a factor of 600.
A Typology of Worship in the Gospel of Matthew

L'Evangile de Matthieu rapporte treize instances de culte que l'on peut classer en trois types. Le culte de supplication est caracterise par la dependance et la confidence (8.2; 9.18; 15.25; 18.26; 20.20). Le culte de reaction est associe a la reconnaissance et a la celebration (9.8; 11.25; 15.31). Le culte qui est en rapport avec les epiphanies eclaire et exprime la perception par les adorateurs de celui qui est celebre (2.11; 21.15-16; 28.9, 17). Dans toutes ces occurences, l'attitude est plus significative que l'humeur
Trans-resveratrol-mediated inhibition of β-oestradiol conjugation in MCF-7 cells stably expressing human sulfotransferases SULT1A1 or SULT1E1, and human liver microsomes

High concentrations of endogenous oestradiol (E2) correlate with the proliferation of cancer cells. Resveratrol (a dietary chemopreventive agent) at high concentrations has an anti-oestrogenic effect. E2 and resveratrol are conjugated via common uridine diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and sulfotransferases (SULT) enzymes. Experiments were conducted in MCF-7 mammalian cells stably expressing human SULT1A1 or SULT1E1 to observe the effect of resveratrol on E2-mediated cell proliferation. The combination of E2 and resveratrol did have a proliferative effect in cells expressing SULT1E1, but not in those expressing SULT1A1. The effect of resveratrol (1-500 microM) on the glucuronidation of E2 (0.25-2.25 microM) was characterized in human liver microsomes. The highest resveratrol concentration significantly decreased the intrinsic clearance of E2 glucuronidation. The results corroborate the reported significant inhibition of SULT1E1-mediated E2 sulfation in vitro by resveratrol. Thus, resveratrol may interact with E2 in vivo by inhibiting its conjugation.
Abstract 5557: Mutation analysis of melanoma tumor samples from ECOG 2603 clinical trial

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The BRAF kinase, a member of the MAP kinase pathway, has emerged as an attractive molecule to target in melanoma. In an initial attempt to target BRAF in melanoma, a randomized, phase III trial (ECOG 2603) of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and sorafenib versus carboplatin, paclitaxel, and placebo was performed. Patients enrolled on the trial had either unresectable, locally advanced Stage III or Stage IV melanoma. We analyzed patients’ tumor samples for 74 mutations in 13 genes using a custom iPlex (Sequenom). We have preliminarily analyzed 157 tumor samples from patients enrolled in this clinical trial. Analysis of the initial data set demonstrates that 62 samples (42%, 62/148, 95% CI 34%,50%) carried BRAF mutations - 60 samples with V600 and two samples having a BRAF V601 mutation. Thirty eight samples (26%, 38/148, 95% CI 19%,33%) were positive for NRAS mutations, with 33 with Q61, two G12 and three G13 mutations. With the exception of one tumor sample, the BRAF and NRAS mutations were negatively correlated with each other, consistent with prior observations. We also observed a number of rare mutations in our samples including one in AKT1, one in AKT3, four in CDK4, five in beta-catenin, two in GNAQ and three in KIT. The results of this study demonstrated no difference between the two treatment arms in OS and PFS and no association with treatment outcome and BRAF and NRAS mutations. Consequently, the treatment arms were collapsed, and we examined the relationship of BRAF and NRAS mutations with OS and PFS. Interestingly, our data demonstrated that the BRAF and NRAS mutations did not correlate with OS or PFS. This sample population is unique in that it provides a large data set of melanoma tumor samples, all of whom were entered on a clinical trial, unselected for pre-existing mutations. Using the Sequenom assay platform, we have identified a number of mutations in a subset of genes known to be involved in melanoma in patient tumor samples. In the future, these tumor samples will be informative as we continue to examine and identify additional genetic alterations in melanoma, providing information regarding the natural history and distribution of certain mutations. Future studies will use array comparative genomic hybridization to further investigate additional somatic mutations occurring in melanoma tumors and correlate these with clinical outcome, as well as provide insight into the pathogenesis of melanoma. These results may lead to further opportunities for clinical trials. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5557. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5557
Engineering a normally responsive bioartificial pancreas based on glucose-hypersensitive cells

An implantable bioartificial pancreas is promising for diabetes treatment; transformed cells may allow the fabrication of these tissue constructs at a medically relevant scale. However, transformed cells are generally glucose hypersensitive, i.e. insulin secretion is near maximal at much lower than physiological glucose levels. The development of a normally responsive construct based on hypersensitive cells was examined. Two systems of immobilized cells and glucose-consuming enzyme were considered: cells surrounded by the enzyme, and cells coimmobilized with the enzyme. Model simulations showed that, with properly chosen parameter values, the first system can mimic the response of normal islets.
Developing Marketing Decision Support Systems Development for Service Companies

Discusses the findings of research into the development of marketing decision support systems. States that MDSS represents a break with traditional, more rigid management information systems development, offering a developmental approach. Offers a framework for MDSS development together with possible applications for such support systems, based on case study analysis.
TECHNICAL NOTE: Weakly Ionized Plasma Arc Heat Transfer Between Geometrically Dissimilar Electrodes

A set of self-consistent conservation equations for the charged particle densities and the temperatures in a weakly ionized plasma between two dissimilar electrodes is numerically solved using an orthogonal body-fitted coordinate system. The electron number density and temperature variation in the discharge gap, and the results for the heat transfer to the anode are presented. Results have been developed for a configuration that commonly arises in microelectronic manufacturing-a thin cylindrical anode together with a planar cathode.
Heat Transfer Measurements on Surfaces with Natural Ice Castings and Modeled Roughness

An experimental method is described to measure and compare the convective heat transfer coefficient of natural and simulated ice accretion roughness and to provide a rational means for determining accretion-related enhanced heat transfer coefficients. The natural ice accretion roughness was a sample casting made from accretions at the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel (IRT). One of these castings was modeled using a Spectral Estimation Technique (SET) to produce three roughness elements patterns that simulate the actual accretion. All four samples were tested in a flat-plate boundary layer at angle of attack in a "dry" wind tunnel test. The convective heat transfer coefficient was measured using infrared thermography. It is shown that, dispite some problems in the current data set, the method does show considerable promise in determining roughness-induced heat transfer coefficients, and that, in addition to the roughness height and spacing in the flow direction, the concentration and spacing of elements in the spanwise direction are important parameters.
Emergency Department Evaluation and Management of Stroke: Acute Assessment, Stroke Teams and Care Pathways

The emergency department (ED) is the entry point into the health care system for many stroke victims. Rapid evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of stroke in the prehospital setting as well as the ED are integral to preventing morbidity and mortality. In some centers, emergency medicine physicians are the health care professionals most often able to provide thrombolytic therapy to stroke patients during the brief three-hour window for this therapy. An organized ED approach including implementing stroke care pathways and collaborating with specialized stroke teams in the ED enhance the ability to identify and manage stroke patients effectively. This approach has the potential to improve outcomes on a large scale.
A consistent modified Zerilli-Armstrong flow stress model for BCC and FCC metals for elevated temperatures

The Zerilli-Armstrong (Z-A) physical based relations that are used in polycrystalline metals at low and high strain rates and temperatures are investigated in this work. Despite the physical bases used in the derivation process, the Z-A model exhibits certain inconsistencies and predicts inaccurate results when applied to high temperatures-related problems. In the Z-A model, the thermal stress component vanishes only when T→∞. This contradicts the thermal activation mechanism that imposes an athermal behavior for the flow stress at certain finite critical temperatures. These inconsistencies, in fact, are attributed to certain assumptions used in the Z-A model formulation that causes the model parameters to be inaccurately related to the microstructural physical quantities. New relations are, therefore, suggested and proposed in this work using the same physical bases after overcoming any inappropriate assumptions. The proposed modified relations along with the Z-A relations are evaluated using the experimental results for different bcc and fcc metals. Comparisons are also made with the available experimental results over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates. The proposed model simulations, in general, show better correlation than the Z-A model particularly at temperatures values above 300K∘. Numerical identification for the physical quantities used in the definition of the proposed model parameters is also presented.
Using a Computer Simulation Game to Teach Family Time Use Concepts

A computer simulation game designed to give students insights into family time use concepts has been used in an introductory family resource management class at Ohio State University and other universities. The game allows for planning for time use changes over the family life cycle. The game can give students insights into economic and sociological models of time use. It is possible that future versions of the game could be used in family counseling.
ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF THREE SPECIES OF THE GENUS RHANTUS (COLEOPTERA: DYTISCIDAE) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ACOUSTICAL BEHAVIOR OF TWO

Two of three species of the genus Rhantus studied were found to produce sounds while in water. Sound production by both sexes of R . gutticollis and R . binotatus occurs in a behavioral context of emigration, while R . atricolor does not produce waterborne sounds. Elevated temperature, absence of suitable bottom substrate, and high densities were effective stimuli for sound production by’ the two acoustically active species. The sounds were analyzed and a mechanism previously described as being involved in preflight warm-up of the thoracic musculature was found responsible for sound production in water. Possible functions of acoustical behavior are discussed, and new information on some aspects of the habitat ecology and general behavior of adults of the three species is provided.
Vicissitudes of institutional resistance to change as exemplified in a paraprofessional training program.

Development of a new paraprofessional training program, in a large psychiatric hospital, afforded the opportunity to study institutional resistance to change in detail. In addition to the varieties of resistance and their methods of production, resistance was examined in relation to the variables of project phase, self-awareness, degree of emotional investment, agency interdependency conflicts and counter-resistances. Creating a new, potentially encroaching discipline in mental health was the major threat perceived by personnel. While resistance encountered during program development is a formidable obstacle, it is also an essential concomitant to significant change and can be utilized to enhance its productivity.
Improving FH and FH/PN spread spectrum communications through PN M-ary phase sequences and signal editing

Pseudo-noise (PN) or direct sequence (DS) modulation, frequency hopping (FH) and their combination (i.e. the hybrid FH/PN approach) are common spread spectrum (SS) communications techniques used to achieve anti-jamming (AJ) and/or low probability of intercept (LPI). This study investigates the following FH and FH/PN related issues: (i) derive and apply M-ary phases of PN sequences to increase the AJ and transmission efficiency, (ii) use of erasure channel to reduce received errors and unreliable data, (iii) employ error correction coding and signal editing (SE) to improve communication surviv-ability, and (iv) adopt surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices to simplify the synchronization procedure in PN correlation. A special example is also given to illustrate the potential AJ improvement when an SS communications system employs both concatenated coding and concatenated SE techniques.
Report of the US Preventive Services Task Force.

In 1984 the Assistant Secretary for Health formed the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), asking the members to develop age-, sex-, and other risk factor—specific recommendations concerning the appropriate use of preventive interventions in the clinical setting. The article by Greene et al 1 in this issue completes the series of background articles and recommendations by the USPSTF published in JAMA . Since the April 1987 report on breast cancer screening, 2 12 articles and an introductory editorial have been published inThe Journal. 1-13 These background articles were prepared by task force members for use in their deliberations and aided in the development of their final report, the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of 169 Interventions . 14 The guide provides recommendations for clinical practice on 169 interventions for the prevention of 60 target conditions. These interventions include screening tests, immunizations, chemoprophylaxis, and patient counseling.
Inter-molecular degradation of signal peptidase I in vitro.

Abstract Highly purified preparations of signal peptidase I (36 kDa) were found to undergo an apparent inter-autocatalytic degradation at 4°C and 37° C. The disappearance of the 36 kDa protein coincided with the stable appearance of a 31 kDa and a 5 kDa species. Amino-terminal sequencing of the 31 kDa product indicated a site specific cleavage following Ala38-Gln-Ala of signal peptidase I. The 31 kDa fragment was purified and shown to have 100-fold less activity than the native enzyme, with pre-maltose binding protein as a substrate.
Internet coverage rate and traditional retailers

With the rapid development of the internet, an important strategic impact on online and traditional retailers is the internet coverage rate in a market population, especially in some rapidly developing countries, such as China, India, etc. where a growing population is within the reach of the internet. In this study, we focus on the role played by the internet coverage rate in a market population, and the competition it caused between online markets and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. We use a game theoretic approach to examine the effect of internet coverage rate on the prices and profits of online and traditional retailers. In particular, we examine this problem under the Stackelberg competitive setting, as this model captures the essence of most of the competition on the web. First, we obtain the optimal prices, demands, and profits under this model. And then we run comparative statistics to determine policy decisions. Based on our results, we propose the appropriate strategy for the online and traditional retailers to adopt in a Stackelberg competitive market.
EEG and ERP response to chronic ethanol exposure in rats.

Chronic ethanol exposure has been described in humans to produce a series of long and short term electrophysiological consequences. Interpretation of the electrophysiological findings in human subjects, however, is made difficult due to concomitant factors, such as nutritional status, premorbid functioning and differences in genetic susceptibility to the effects of ethanol. In the present study, electroencephalograms (EEGs) and auditory event related potentials (ERPs) were utilized to explore the short and longer term effects of chronic ethanol exposure in rats. Rats were continuously exposed to ethanol vapors for a period for 1 month. This treatment produced a mean blood ethanol level of 178 ± 13.86 mg%. EEGs and ERPs were subsequently collected at 10 min, 24 h, and 2 weeks following termination of ethanol exposure. Significant changes in the EEGs and ERPs of these rats could be demonstrated. EEG amplitude increases, as quantified by spectral analysis, were most prominent at the 24h time period, perhaps reflecting a state of “rebound excitability”. EEG responses were normalized in ethanol-treated rats by 2 weeks post-withdrawal. In contrast, reductions in the N1 and P2 amplitudes of the rat ERPs were prominent after chronic ethanol exposure and following 2 weeks withdrawal, suggesting that ethanol may produce some longer term effects on response to ERP stimuli. Taken together, these studies suggest that ethanol may produce differential effects on EEG and ERPs and that this model may provide a useful substrate for the evaluation of the mechanisms underlying the effects of chronic ethanol exposure.
In vitro adherence of Lactobacillus species to vaginal epithelial cells.

Abstract Because of the reported useof yogurt douches for the treatment of vaginitis, the adherence of Lactobacillus species to normal human vaginal epithelial cells was tested by in vitro methods. L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus isolated from three commercial yogurts were compared to L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. cellobiosus , and L. casei isolated from clinical specimens and from American Type Culture Collection cultures. L. acidophilus isolated from Lactinex tablets was also tested. No significant difference was found among the 19 clinical isolates, the American Type Culture Collection cultures, and the Lactinex isolate, but all showed significantly higher (p Lactobacillus isolated from yogurt. The presence of Gardnerella vaginalis , which adheres strongly to vaginal epithelial cells, was found to interfere with the adherence of lactobacilli from all sources studied.
4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzoic Acid Methyl Ester: A Curcumin Derivative Targets Akt/NFκB Cell Survival Signaling Pathway: Potential for Prostate Cancer Management

Transcription factor NFκB and the serine/threonine kinase Akt play critical roles in mammalian cell survival signaling and have been shown to be activated in various malignancies including prostate cancer (PCA). We have developed an analogue of curcumin called 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid methyl ester (HMBME) that targets the Akt/NFκB signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrate the ability of this novel compound to inhibit the proliferation of human and mouse PCA cells. HMBME-induced apoptosis in these cells was tested by using multiple biochemical approaches, in addition to morphological analysis. Overexpression of constitutively active Akt reversed the HMBME-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis, illustrating the direct role of Akt signaling in HMBME-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis. Further, investigation of the molecular events associated with its action in LNCaP cells shows that: 1) HMBME reduces the level of activated form of Akt (phosphorylated Akt); and 2) inhibits the Akt kinase activity. Further, the transcriptional activity of NFκB, the DNA-binding activity of NFκB, and levels of p65 were all significantly reduced following treatment with HMBME. Overexpression of constitutively active Akt, but not the kinase dead mutant of Akt, activated the basal NFκB transcriptional activity. HMBME treatment had no influence on this constitutively active Aktaugmented NFκB transcriptional activity. These data indicate that HMBME-mediated inhibition of Akt kinase activity may have a potential in suppressing/decreasing the activity of major survival/antiapoptotic pathways. The potential use of HMBME as an agent that targets survival mechanisms in PCA cells is discussed.
Explaining high-occupancy-toll lane use

Abstract In recent years, high-occupancy-toll lanes have emerged as an increasingly popular alternative to high-occupancy-vehicle lanes for solving the problems of traffic congestion and air pollution. However, the existing literature on the use of high-occupancy-toll lanes has attended much to their impacts to the neglect of their determinants. An understanding of why people choose to use high-occupancy-toll lanes will shed light on policy decisions concerning high-occupancy-toll lane investments and developments. To fill this void, this study examines the determinants of high-occupancy-toll lane use with the first comprehensive survey data on the State Route 91 Express Lanes in California and multivariate logistic regression models. The results show that controlling for other variables, household income, vehicle occupancy, commute trip, and age are important predictors of high-occupancy-toll lane use, but gender, trip length, trip frequency, and other household characteristics make no significant differences in high-occupancy-toll lane use. Moreover, contrary to the conventional wisdom, work-to-home trips are found to be more likely to use high-occupancy-toll lanes than home-to-work and other trips. These findings provide some useful indications for the implementation of high-occupancy-toll lanes and future research.
Effect of Thermal Annealing on the Optical and Morphological Properties of (AETH)PbX4 (X = Br, I) Perovskite Films Prepared Using Single Source Thermal Ablation

Films of the new organic−inorganic hybrid materials AETHPbX4 (AETH = 1,6-bis[5‘-(2‘ ‘-aminoethyl)-2‘-thienyl]hexane; X = Br, I) were fabricated using single source thermal ablation (SSTA). The as-deposited films were optically smooth and nominally amorphous. The progressive effects of annealing on the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the films were monitored using powder X-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Short duration postdeposition annealing at mild temperatures resulted in well-crystallized films of the AETHPbX4 hybrid perovskites. It was found that up to some critical annealing temperature (∼120 °C), the emission wavelength and the exciton absorption of the compounds shifted to lower energies as the annealing temperature increased. As confirmed with AFM measurements, this shift in optical properties suggests a gradual increase of the grain size with annealing temperature. When the samples were annealed at higher temperatures (>180 °C) their...
Sacral neural crest cell migration to the gut is dependent upon the migratory environment and not cell-autonomous migratory properties.

Avian neural crest cells from the vagal (somite level 1-7) and the sacral (somite level 28 and posterior) axial levels migrate into the gut and differentiate into the neurons and glial cells of the enteric nervous system. Neural crest cells that emigrate from the cervical and thoracic levels stop short of the dorsal mesentery and do not enter the gut. In this study we tested the hypothesis that neural crest cells derived from the sacral level have cell-autonomous migratory properties that allow them to reach and invade the gut mesenchyme. We heterotopically grafted neural crest cells from the sacral axial level to the thoracic level and vice versa and observed that the neural crest cells behaved according to their new position, rather than their site of origin. Our results show that the environment at the sacral level is sufficient to allow neural crest cells from other axial levels to enter the mesentery and gut mesenchyme. Our study further suggests that at least two environmental conditions at the sacral level enhance ventral migration. First, sacral neural crest cells take a ventral rather than a medial-to-lateral path through the somites and consequently arrive near the gut mesenchyme many hours earlier than their counterparts at the thoracic level. Our experimental evidence reveals only a narrow window of opportunity to invade the mesenchyme of the mesentery and the gut, so that earlier arrival assures the sacral neural crest of gaining access to the gut. Second, the gut endoderm is more dorsally situated at the sacral level than at the thoracic level. Thus, sacral neural crest cells take a more direct path to the gut than the thoracic neural crest, and also their target is closer to the site from which they initiate migration. In addition, there appears to be a barrier to migration at the thoracic level that prevents neural crest cells at that axial level from migrating ventral to the dorsal aorta and into the mesentery, which is the portal to the gut.
Epilepsy Surgery Outcome in Children With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Evaluated With α-[11C]Methyl-L-Tryptophan Positron Emission Tomography (PET):

Tuberous sclerosis complex is commonly associated with medically intractable seizures. We previously demonstrated that high uptake of α-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan (AMT) on positron emission tomography (PET) occurs in a subset of epileptogenic tubers consistent with the location of seizure focus. In the present study, we analyzed the surgical outcome of children with tuberous sclerosis complex in relation to AMT PET results. Seventeen children (mean age 4.7 years) underwent epilepsy surgery, guided by long-term videoelectroencephalography (EEG) (including intracranial EEG in 14 cases), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and AMT PET. AMT uptake values of cortical tubers were measured using regions of interest delineated on coregistered MRI and were divided by the value for normal-appearing cortex to obtain an AMT uptake ratio. Based on surgical outcome data, tubers showing increased AMT uptake (uptake ratio greater than 1.00) were classified into three categories: (1) epileptogenic (tubers within an EEG-define...
Distribution of control decisions in remote manipulation

The particular characteristics of the problem of distributing control decisions between man and computer in remotely controlled manipulation are discussed. State of the art is reviewed from two viewpoints: (1) Specifications of both control commands and control context of sensor signals the operator inputs to the manipulator control computer. (2) Operations the manipulator control computer performs on operator commands and realtime sensor signals to control the manipulator for a specified task. JPL breadboard systems, system components, and control experiments are described related to the development and evaluation of manipulator control systems with capabilities of distributing control decisions between man and computer.
Effect of Transient Voltages on Power Transformer Design-IV Transition of Lightning Waves from One Circuit to Another Through Transformers

Three preceding papers of the same general title have dealt with transient voltage stresses developed within high-voltage transformer windings. The most important conclusions arrived at by the author and presented in these papers and the discussions are: 1. Transformers of all conventional constructions undergo oscillations when subjected to lightning or switching surges. 2. The amplitudes of these oscillations may be dangerously high, depending on the amplitude and the shape of the applied voltage. Their frequencies range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand cycles per second.1,2 3. A lightning wave of a given shape produces very different stresses in different transformers.1,2 4. In practical design, neither amplitude nor frequency of these oscillations can be controlled by arrangement or proportions of windings.1,2 5. A lightning wave chopped by flashover of line insulation can produce stresses in transformer windings equal to or even in excess of those produced by a long wave of the same amplitude and front.1,2 6. Unless means are taken to obtain uniform distribution under all lightning conditions it is entirely possible to design transformers that will pass A.I.E.E. test which are inadequate for service conditions. This follows because test voltages in neither magnitude nor distribution of stresses correspond to that produced by transient voltages in transformers of ordinary construction. This difference is particularly great in transformers with solidly grounded neutrals, where the potential test allows the insulation from high-voltage winding to low-voltage winding and ground to be reduced as the neutral is approached.1,2 7.
Recent Field Studies of Personal and Indoor Exposures to Environmental Pollutants

Three TEAM studies have been carried out: on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and pesticides. A fourth study is about halfway through the field effort as we speak. Several smaller-scale studies of VOCs were also performed. Two other groups of studies, the Harvard Six-City Study of particles and the Southern California Gas Company and Gas Research Institute Studies of nitrogen dioxide (NO,) in Los Angeles, have also employed the characteristics of a probability sample of the population coupled with indoor air sampling of all subjects. Probably the one central finding of all five of these studies has been the following: The major sources of exposure to all chemical groups studied have been small and close to the person-usually inside his home. I hope to illustrate this and other points in the following discussion.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from the chestnut‐backed antbird, Myrmeciza exsul

We describe nine microsatellite loci from the chestnut-backed antbird (Myrmeciza exsul), and one locus from the spotted antbird (Hylophylax naevioides) that cross-amplifies in chestnut-backed antbirds. The chestnut-backed antbird is a common understorey insectivore in Neotropical lowland rain forests ranging from eastern Nicaragua to western Ecuador. Primers were developed in order to assess population structure in a fragmented landscape and to study dispersal at a local scale. Primers were tested on 60–62 individuals from a single population in the Sarapiqui Province of Costa Rica. Loci had varying degrees of polymorphism, ranging from two to 19 alleles.
External fixation in patients with panvertebral osteomyelitis and paraplegia

Vertebral osteomyelitis is a difficult problem in the spinal cord injured patient. We present three such cases treated with extensive debridement followed by grafting and stabilization with external fixation. In all three patients the infection resolved. We feel this is a viable option for treating this condition.
Some further thoughts on accident in history: a reply to Professor Crafts'

Crafts is a brilliant and ingenious cliometrician. He has developed numerical measures and estimates, repeatedly corrected and refined them, and told us much about aggregate aspects of British industrial growth. We are all in his debt. I am pleased to see that, on the basis of newer figures, he has now abandoned some of his earlier belief in Anglo-French parity (in rate of industrial growth and readiness for technological change) in the eighteenth century. He maintains, however, his faith in the possibility of major accidents in history. One cannot argue with faith, but I would make a few brief comments. Crafts argues from Mokyr's classification of inventions into macroand microinventions and his stipulation of the British cotton spinning machines as macroinventions, that is, by Mokyr's definition derived ab nihilo, that they would not 'necessarily' (Crafts's word, not mine) have been invented in England; that they might well (just as well?) have been found in France.2 Far be it from me to disagree with Mokyr indirectly (via Crafts), but I would be most surprised if Mokyr thought that the cotton spinning machines of Arkwright and Crompton just appeared out of nowhere. In any event, Crafts's method of argument here is flawed: one does not infer substance from classification, but the reverse. Secondly, the statement that something would not 'necessarily' have happened as it did is intrinsically weak and a straw man. I never said anything about necessity. I argued that it was not an accident that Britain produced the cotton inventions, that this was explicable in terms of need and opportunity. (This would fit with Usher's Gestalt approach).3 If I were to resort to Crafts's formulation in terms of probabilities, I would say that the ex ante odds of these novelties appearing in England rather than elsewhere were very high, say, 0.95; and, what's more, if they had occurred elsewhere, it would have been the British who would most quickly have developed them. (In Mokyr's terminology, the microinventions-the detail improvements-would have been British.) This assertion rests not only on the situation of the British textile industry vis-A-vis those of competitors, but on the superior British pool of mechanicians-which superiority may be inferred from the time it took continental makers to copy and keep up with these machines, even with British example and help.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Techniques

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction rates in skeletally immature patients have risen recently because of increased injury frequency combined with growing awareness of the importance of treating them in an acute setting. Concerns over potential growth disturbances caused by traditional tunnel placement have prompted the description of several partial and complete physeal-sparing techniques.Hypothesis: Native knee kinematics will most closely be restored by the all-epiphyseal technique because it best re-creates the intra-articular ACL anatomy.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: Six cadaveric knees were subjected to static anteroposterior, varus, and internal rotation forces at 0°,15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. Displacement and rotation of the tibia with respect to the femur were measured in the intact knee, after ACL disruption, and again after ACL reconstruction using all-epiphyseal, transtibial over-the-top, and iliotibial band physeal-sparing techniques.Re...
OPTIMAL FISH HARVESTING FOR A POPULATION MODELED BY A NONLINEAR PARABOLIC PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

As the human population continues to grow, there is a need for better management of our natural resources in order for our planet to be able to produce enough to sustain us. One important resource we must consider is marine fish populations. We use the tool of optimal control to investigate harvesting strategies for maximizing yield of a fish population in a heterogeneous, finite domain. We determine whether these solutions include no-take marine reserves as part of the optimal solution. The fishery stock is modeled using a nonlinear, parabolic partial differential equation with logistic growth, movement by diffusion and advection, and with Robin boundary conditions. The objective for the problem is to find the harvest rate that maximizes the discounted yield. Optimal harvesting strategies are found numerically.