cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zymosan-activated plasma-mediated thromboxane production by the perfused rabbit liver and isolated hepatocytes: Involvement of calcium

Abstract The present study investigates the mechanism of zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP)-mediated eicosanoid production by the isolated, perfused rabbit liver and describes ZAP-induced eicosanoid stimulation in cultured hepatocytes. Perfused livers receiving untreated plasma demonstrated no significant changes in portal venous pressure or the rates of release of lactic dehydrogenase or acid phosphatase activity (indicator of cellular injury). The control group livers demonstrated stable rates of release for 6-keto PGF1α and thromboxane B2 (TXB2). In contrast, the infusion of ZAP alone resulted in a rapid but transient releaes of TXB2 from the livers. No significant changes in perfusion pressure or enzyme release were observed following ZAP administration. Perfusion of livers with a calcium-free buffer decreased the basal rates of both 6-keto PGF1α and TXB2 production and significantly, but not completely, attenuated the ZAP-mediated increase in hepatic TXB2 production. Perfusion of livers with nifedipine (3 μM) had no effect on ZAP-mediated TXB2 production in this model. Isolated hepatocytes responded to ZAP-treatment with significant increases in TXB2 production. These data suggest that activated fluid phase complement components induce thromboxane production by specific cells within the liver and that this stimulation is partially dependent upon the release of intracellular calcium but independent of complement-mediated cellular injuiry.
The identification of five unreported lindane metabolites recovered from rat urine.

Previously unreported metabolites from the urine of rats fed lindane have been identified as 3,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol and 2,3,4,5,6-pentachloro-2-cyclohexen-1-ol. While the 3,4-dichlorophenol is a minor metabolite, the others are excreted in greater quantities than either 2,3,5- or 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, previously identified lindane metabolites. The excretion of tetrachlorophenols and PCCOL require a revision in the currently accepted theory regarding the metabolism of lindane by mammals.
In vivo Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Transgenic and Gene-Targeted Mice.

Manipulation of the mammalian genome with transgenic and gene-targeting techniques is a powerful method for unambiguously identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac development and function. Although the small size of the mouse heart and the rapid heart rates encountered have limited echocardiographic assessment of the murine heart in the past, the use of sophisticated transducers operating at a high frequency results in highly reliable and reproducible image quality. M-mode echocardiography has been shown to provide a good correlation with gravimetrically determined left ventricular mass (LV) and to estimate accurately LV dimensions and systolic function. Doppler interrogation of transvalvular flows permits assessment of global LV systolic and diastolic function independent of ventricular geometry. Linear stress-shortening relations can be determined in the adult mouse with the use of pharmacologically induced changes in systemic arterial pressure, and these relations are capable of detecting changes in myocardial contractility in vivo, relatively independent of loading conditions. The present review focuses on the current advantages and limitations of M-mode and Doppler echocardiography to evaluate cardiac function in mice. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 1997;7:129-134). © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.
A simple and efficient algorithm for connected component labeling in color images

Connected component labeling is a fundamental operation in binary image processing. A plethora of algorithms have been proposed for this low-level operation with the early ones dating back to the 1960s. However, very few of these algorithms were designed to handle color images. In this paper, we present a simple algorithm for labeling connected components in color images using an approximately linear-time seed fill algorithm. Experiments on a large set of photographic and synthetic images demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides fast and accurate labeling without requiring excessive stack space.
In-situ ultrasonic monitoring of crack growth under static and dynamic loading conditions

Successful in-situ monitoring of crack initiation and growth is a necessary prerequisite for applying ultrasonic methods to structural health monitoring. For conventional ultrasonic testing methods, a focused beam may be used to directly image the crack tip; however, this method is difficult to apply during fatigue testing because of access limitations and couplant contamination issues. However, ultrasonic sensors can be permanently attached to a specimen to detect signal changes due to crack initiation and growth if the wave path is properly directed through the area of critical defect formation. The dynamics of cracks opening and closing during the fatigue process modulate the amplitude of ultrasonic waves propagating across these crack interfaces. Thus, even very small cracks can be reliably detected using permanently mounted sensors if the ultrasonic response can be measured as a function of load. A methodology is presented here that uses this behavior to detect and monitor crack formation and growth. This methodology may also be applied to structures subjected to unknown dynamic loads by using the ultrasonic signal to both estimate the instantaneous dynamic load and interrogate the integrity of the structure. Essential to the success of this method is an initial calibration on the undamaged structure where ultrasonic response is measured as a function of known static load. Results are presented from several aluminum specimens undergoing low cycle fatigue tests, and the dynamic loading results are shown to be comparable to the static ones in terms of the response of the ultrasonic signal to crack progression.
What If: A Perspective on the Iranian Nuclear Weapon

On 9 October 2006, the world was rocked by an explosion on the Korean peninsula. A nuclear device was tested by North Korea, causing great concern and instability around the world. The United State...
Methionine sulfoximine-treatment and carbon starvation elicit Snf1-independent phosphorylation of the transcription activator Gln3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Tor proteins are global regulators situated at the top of a signal transduction pathway conserved from yeast to humans. Specific inhibition of the two Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tor proteins by rapamycin alters many cellular processes and the expression of hundreds of genes. Among the regulated genes are those whose expression is activated by the GATA family transcription activator, Gln3. The extent of Gln3 phosphorylation has been thought to determine its intracellular localization, with phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms accumulating in the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively. Data presented here demonstrate that rapamycin and the glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSX), although eliciting the same outcomes with respect to Gln3-Myc13 nuclear accumulation and nitrogen catabolite repression-sensitive transcription, generate diametrically opposite effects on Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation. MSX increases Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation and rapamycin decreases it. Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation levels are regulated by at least three mechanisms as follows: (i) depends on Snf1 kinase as observed during carbon starvation, (ii) is Snf1-independent as observed during both carbon starvation and MSX treatment, and (iii) is rapamycin-induced dephosphorylation. MSX and rapamycin act additively on Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation, but MSX clearly predominates. These results suggest that MSX- and rapamycin-inhibited proteins are more likely to function in separate regulatory pathways than they are to function tandemly in a single pathway as thought previously. Furthermore, as we and others have detected thus far, Gln3 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is not a demonstrably required step in achieving Gln3 nuclear localization and nitrogen catabolite repression-sensitive transcription in response to MSX or rapamycin treatment.
Integration of a Class of Transcendental Liouvillian Functions with Error-Functions, Part II

This paper extends the decision procedure for the symbolic integration of a certain class of transcendental Liouvillian functions in terms of elementary functions and error-functions given in Knowles (1992) to allow a much larger class of integrands. Examples illustrating the use of the decision procedure are given.
Corporate research and development expenditures and share value

Abstract Share-price responses to 95 announcements of increased research and development (R & D) spending are significantly positive on average, even when the announcement occurs in the face of an earnings decline. High-technology firms that announce increases in R & D spending experience positive abnormal returns on average, whereas announcements by low-technology firms are associated with negative abnormal returns. Further, in our cross-sectional analyses we find that higher R & D intensity than the industry average leads to larger stock-price increases only for firms in high-technology industries.
Differential change in specific depressive symptoms during antidepressant medication or cognitive therapy

Cognitive therapy and antidepressant medications are effective treatments for depression, but little is known about their relative efficacy in reducing individual depressive symptoms. Using data from a recent clinical trial comparing cognitive therapy, antidepressant medication, and placebo in the treatment of moderate-to-severe depression, we examined whether there was a relative advantage of any treatment in reducing the severity of specific depressive symptom clusters. The sample consisted of 231 depressed outpatients randomly assigned to: cognitive therapy for 16 weeks (n = 58); paroxetine treatment for 16 weeks (n = 116); or pill placebo for 8 weeks (n = 57). Differential change in five subsets of depressive symptoms was examined: mood, cognitive/suicide, anxiety, typical-vegetative, and atypical-vegetative symptoms. Medication led to a greater reduction in cognitive/suicide symptoms relative to placebo by 4 weeks, and both active treatments reduced these symptoms more than did placebo by 8 weeks. Cognitive therapy reduced the atypical-vegetative symptoms more than placebo by 8 weeks and more than medications throughout the trial. These findings suggest that medications and cognitive therapy led to different patterns of response to specific symptoms of depression and that the general efficacy of these two well-validated treatments may be driven in large part by changes in cognitive or atypical-vegetative symptoms.
Higher-order statistics-based input/output system identification and application to noise cancellation

Higher-than-second-order statistics-based input/output identification algorithms are proposed for linear and nonlinear system identification. The higher-than-second-order cumulant-based linear identification algorithm is shown to be insensitive to contamination of the input data by a general class of noise including additive Gaussian noise of unknown covariance, unlike its second-order counterpart. The nonlinear identification is at least as optimal as any linear identification scheme. Recursive-least-squares-type algorithms are derived for linear/nonlinear adaptive identification. As applications, the problems of adaptive noise cancellation and time-delay estimation are discussed and simulated. Consistency of the adaptive estimator is shown. Simulations are performed and compared with the second-order design.
Symbolic execution of multithreaded programs from arbitrary program contexts

We describe an algorithm to perform symbolic execution of a multithreaded program starting from an arbitrary program context. We argue that this can enable more efficient symbolic exploration of deep code paths in multithreaded programs by allowing the symbolic engine to jump directly to program contexts of interest. The key challenge is modeling the initial context with reasonable precision - an overly approximate model leads to exploration of many infeasible paths during symbolic execution, while a very precise model would be so expensive to compute that computing it would defeat the purpose of jumping directly to the initial context in the first place. We propose a context-specific dataflow analysis that approximates the initial context cheaply, but precisely enough to avoid some common causes of infeasible-path explosion. This model is necessarily approximate - it may leave portions of the memory state unconstrained, leaving our symbolic execution unable to answer simple questions such as "which thread holds lock A?". For such cases, we describe a novel algorithm for evaluating symbolic synchronization during symbolic execution. Our symbolic execution semantics are sound and complete up to the limits of the underlying SMT solver. We describe initial experiments on an implementation in Cloud 9.
Acute kidney injury after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) is the leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF) during the perioperative period and patients with ALF frequently develop acute kidney injury (AKI). There is no effective therapy for AKI associated with ALF because pathomechanisms are incompletely characterized, in part due to the lack of an animal model. In this study, we characterize a novel murine model of AKI following hepatic IR. Mice subjected to approximately 70% liver IR not only developed acute liver dysfunction, but also developed severe AKI 24 h after liver injury. Mice subjected to liver IR developed histological changes of acute tubular injury including focal proximal tubular cell necrosis involving the S3 segment, cortical tubular ectasia, focal tubular simplification and granular bile/heme cast formation. In addition, there was focal interstitial edema and hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Inflammatory changes in the kidney after hepatic IR included neutrophil infiltration of the interstitium and upregulation of several proinflammatory mRNAs (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, keratinocyte-derived cytokine, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, intercellular adhesion molecule-1). In addition, marked renal endothelial cell apoptosis was detected involving peritubular interstitial capillaries, accompanied by increased renal vascular permeability. Finally, there was severe disruption of renal proximal tubule epithelial filamentous-actin. Our results show that AKI rapidly and reproducibly develops in mice after hepatic IR and is characterized by renal tubular necrosis, inflammatory changes and interstitial capillary endothelial apoptosis. Our murine model of AKI after liver injury closely mimics human AKI associated with ALF and may be useful in delineating the mechanisms and potential therapies for this common clinical condition.
A numerical code generation facility for REDUCE

Many scientific problems require mathematical modeling and symbolic derivation to produce formulas which are evaluated numerically. Computer algebra systems can be used effectively in the symbolic derivation phase and subsequently to generate numerical code. This paper describes the design of the GENTRAN code generation facility for REDUCE.
Algebraic structure of discrete-time polynomial systems

In this paper we present some new results on controllability and realization of discrete-time, finite-dimensional, constant, polynomial systems. We study the realization problem of both systems linear-in-state and systems quadratic-in-state. Explicit existence criteria for span-canonical realizations as well as space isomorphism theorems are obtained. Combining the methods used for realization of systems linear-in-state and systems quadratic-in-state we can realize any polynomial systems which may be realized by construction of a generalized Hankel matrix. A sufficient condition as well as a necessary and sufficient condition for controllability of polynomial systems are given.
Late reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures with a semitendinosus autograft technique

We compared 2 groups of patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures, 7 patients treated nonoperatively and 7 undergoing semitendinosus autograft tendon reconstruction. The mean time to surgery after the initial injury was 17 weeks. The mean clinical follow-up in the operative group was 63 months. Functional strength and endurance testing was measured at a mean of 30 months after injury in the nonoperative group and 26 months in the operative group. A 2-incision technique was used. In the allograft reconstruction group, flexion and supination strength was restored to the normal range. The nonoperative group lacked 20% of normal strength. Endurance in both groups was within the normal range. Autograft semitendinosus reconstruction in chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures improves flexion and supination strength when compared with nonoperative treatment. No radial nerve injuries or heterotopic ossification occurred, and all reconstructions remain intact.
Ordering in thin films of asymmetric diblock copolymers

The time evolution of the free surface of asymmetric diblock copolymers of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) on a strongly interacting surface was studied with atomic force microscopy. The surface morphology underwent morphological transitions to satisfy commensurability conditions. These transformations were consistent with recent self-consistent field arguments predicting the phase transitions of copolymers as a function of thickness (see M. J. Fasolka, P. Banerjee, A. M. Mayes, G. Pickett, & A. C. Balazs, Macromolecules 2000, 33, 5702).
Hand-assisted demucosalized gastrocystoplasty comparing different tissue closure methods.

Abstract Objectives. To perform experiments to determine whether a new tissue sealant (SynthaSeal) could be an alternative for suture closure in minimally invasive bladder autoaugmentation gastrocystoplasty using demucosalized stomach. Alternative methods to suture closure for tissue approximation such as laser tissue welding and fibrin glue have been reported. Methods. Minimally invasive autoaugmentation gastrocystoplasty with demucosalized stomach was performed on 14 female mongrel dogs. Two dogs were used to refine the technique. The remaining dogs were assigned to a suture group (n = 6) or a SynthaSeal group (n = 6). Anastomoses were performed using either SynthaSeal or suture. The in vivo bladder volumes and pressures of the groups were measured before and after gastrocystoplasty. The animals were studied on day 14. Samples of the anastomotic area were taken to measure the tensile strength and stress. Histologic analysis was conducted to assess tissue healing. The anastomotic time was recorded for each group. Results. The tensile strength of the anastomoses in the SynthaSeal group was significantly increased (9.99 ± 1.14 Newtons) compared with the suture group (5.66 ± 0.97 Newtons) (P Conclusions. Minimally invasive gastrocystoplasty using demucosalized stomach can be successfully performed with SynthaSeal tissue sealant. This may provide a reliable alternative to suture closure.
Using the computer as a camera

The photos accompanying this article are from a 1985 computer-animated film that resulted from an unusual collaboration between science and art: the film, which depicts the clustering of matter in the early evolution of the universe, was produced by astrophysicist Joan M. Centrella and a Hollywood graphics company led by John Whitney Jr. and Gary Demos. Whitney and Demos won a 1985 Academy award for their work in developing a motion-picture graphics technique called digital scene simulation; their computer-generated graphics have been used in such movies as Tron, Looker, and 2010 and in the music video for Mick Jagger's “Hard Woman.” Computers In Physics asked Centrella for the scientist's perspective on her collaboration.
Formal verification of sequence controllers

Abstract Sequence controllers are widely used in the chemical processing industries due to the inherently sequential nature of many process operations. In particular, start-up and shut-down operations in continuous processes and any batch operation require sequence controls to force the time-dependent progression of the operation. One incorrect sequence embedded in a sequence control system can potentially cause severe problems. Therefore, all sequences embedded in a sequence control system need to be checked for consistency with design specifications. A formal verification methodology is developed that can systematically verify the functionality of sequence control systems represented at the logic level. Our approach is based on extensions of the recently developed implicit model checking technology, which is particularly well suited to the verification of large and complex systems. The sequence control system is represented implicitly as a system of Boolean equations, and the sequences to be verified are specified formally with temporal logic. Formal verification then requires the solution of a series of Boolean satisfiability problems, which are solved efficiently as integer programming feasibility problems. The methodology is applied to a simplified sequence control system to illustrate its application during the design of sequence control systems. Finally, the methodology is applied to an existing industrial burner management system.
Reactions of boranes and carboranes with silanes, organosilanes, and related compounds

Abstract Gas-phase thermal and electric discharge interactions of SiH4, Si2H6, and (CH3)2SiH2 with B4H10, B5H9, and 2,3-C2B4H8 were studied, as well as the reactions of (CH3)2GeH2 and (CH3)2SnH2 with 2,3-C2B4H8. In addition, several silyl-substituted derivatives of 2,3-C2B4H8 were prepared from silylacetylenes and boron hydrides, and their conversion to closo-carborane silyl derivatives was examined. All silylcarboranes obtained were C-substituted, and no volatile products containing Si B bonds were obtained in any reaction studied. Evidence for methyl derivatives of a GeC2B5H7 polyhedral cage system was obtained.
Oxidative phosphorylation of guinea-pig aorta

Bei der Untersuchung von Aorta-Homogenaten von Meerschweinchen wurde ein hoher P/O Quotient fur die oxydative Phosphorylierung gefunden.
The family, neuroscience, and academic skills: An interdisciplinary account of social class gaps in children’s test scores

Abstract Current explanations of social class gaps in children’s early academic skills tend to focus on non-cognitive skills that more advantaged children acquire in the family. Accordingly, social class matters because the cultural resources more abundant in advantaged families cultivate children’s repertories and tool kits, which allow them to more easily navigate social institutions, such as schools. Within these accounts, parenting practices matter for children’s academic success, but for seemingly arbitrary reasons. Alternatively, findings from current neuroscience research indicate that family context matters for children because it cultivates neural networks that assist in learning and the development of academic skills. That is, children’s exposure to particular parenting practices and stimulating home environments contribute to the growth in neurocognitive skills that affect later academic performance. We synthesize sociological and neuroscience accounts of developmental inequality by focusing on one such skill—fine motor skills—to illustrate how family context alters children’s early academic performance. Our findings support an interdisciplinary account of academic inequality, and extend current accounts of the family’s role in the transmission of social inequality.
Abstract A127: Combination therapy targeting EGFR/MET crosstalk using nanotechnology improves photodynamic therapy treatment of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is very difficult to treat due to its inherent resistance to most therapies. First line chemotherapy only has a 5% response rate, yielding a median survival of 6 months and a 5‐year survival rate of Targeted biological therapies in PanCa include an EGF Receptor (EGFR) antibody, C225 which has shown no survival benefits in humans either alone or in combination with other modalities. One of the mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to EGFR targeted therapy is the crosstalk between EGFR and MET signaling pathways. MET is also a growth factor receptor that is frequently deregulated in pancreatic cancer. In some cancers, the EGFR and MET signaling pathways synergistically drive proliferative and metastatic growth. To achieve effective tumor control it is vital that both EGFR and MET pathways are targeted simultaneously. In this preclinical study, we have developed an innovative nanoscale multidrug delivery system that targets the EGFR/MET crosstalk in combination with PDT. To target EGFR we are using C225 antibody while the MET activation is suppressed using a small molecule inhibitor PHA‐665752. Major findings of this work include: 1) Our nanoscale multidrug delivery system enabled higher payloads of the PDT agent and PHA‐665752 to be delivered with reduced systemic toxicity. In our nano‐construct, the C225 is now delivered intracellularly into cancer cells thus allowing the targeting of both intracellular and membrane EGFR, as opposed to carrier‐free C225 delivery which only down‐regulates the cell surface EGFR level. 2) Intracellular targeting of EGFR by encapsulated C225 sensitized the cancer cells to PDT treatment. This combination showed greater efficacy in reducing the EGFR levels and improved PDT treatment effect by showing a greater reduction of the local tumor burden, compared to using carrier‐free C225 extracellularly. 3) Blocking the EGFR/MET crosstalk with both C225 and PHA‐665752 further enhanced PDT treatment by reducing the local tumor burden. We are further investigating if this combination treatment regimen reduces tumor metastasis to distal organs and the optimal scheduling of individual biological treatments. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A127.
Effects of intensive harvesting on nutrient capitals of three forest types in New England

Abstract Effects of whole-tree clearcutting are being studied in three major forest types in the northeastern United States: a spruce-fir forest in central Maine, a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, and a central hardwood forest in Connecticut. At each site we sampled total and extractable nutrient capitals, inputs and outputs of nutrient ions in precipitation and streamflow, nutrient removals in harvested products, and nutrient accumulation in regrowth. Depending upon location, combined losses of nutrients in harvested products and increased leaching to streams were in the ranges of 374–558 kg ha−1 for Ca, 135–253 kg ha−1 for K, 50–65 kg ha−1 for Mg, 248–379 kg ha−1 for N, and 19–54 kg ha−1 for P. Opportunities for replacing these losses over the next rotation are best for N. Data on inputs in precipitation versus outputs in streamflow indicate that, once effects of harvest subside, most N in precipitation will stay within the forest. By contrast, Ca shows a net output of 8–15 kg ha−1 year−1 from uncut watersheds, and the added leaching losses due to harvest may have a serious impact on Ca capital. This is especially the case for the Connecticut site, where total site capital for Ca is only about 4000 kg ha−1.
Molecular weight of microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase of rat and human liver

Abstract Salt-washed and unwashed and aluminum oxide treated microsomes of human liver, and washed microsomes of liver of normally fed, 1 day fasted and alloxan diabetic rats were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in presence of sodium dodecylsulfate and urea. Unwashed and aluminum oxide treated microsomes showed several protein bands, but salt-washed microsomes gave only one major protein band. This major protein band which appeared in all the preparations showed glucose-6-P activity on incubation of the electrophoresed gel with the substrate and subsequent staining with ammonium sulfide. Molecular weight of this protein was estimated to be 63,000 ± 6,800. Glucose-6-P and pyrophosphatase activities were measured after subjecting lyophilized microsomes, aluminum oxide treated supernatant and residue fractions of human and rat liver to ionizing radiation in vacuo at different doses (Mrads). There was no significant difference between either the surviving fraction of glucose-6-P and pyrophosphatase activities or among the different preparations of human and rat liver at a given radiation dose. Computer analysis of the pooled data gave a value of 9.16 Mrads for 37% survival of the activity which corresponds to a molecular weight of 70,000.
Equivariant K-theory and equivariant cohomology

For T an abelian compact Lie group, we give a description of T-equivariant K-theory with complex coefficients in terms of equivariant cohomology. In the appendix we give applications of this by extending results of Chang-Skjelbred and Goresky-Kottwitz-MacPherson from equivariant cohomology to equivariant K-theory.
The Use of Learning Resource Centers in the Teaching of Pulmonary Medicine

Learning resource centers (LRC) are areas designed for individual study which contain a variety of self-instructional materials. To evaluate the use of LRC in teaching pulmonary medicine, a survey was conducted of medical school pulmonary sections; responses were obtained from 30 sections with an NHLBI Pulmonary Academic Award (PAA group), and 21 sections without PAA (non-PAA group). LRC were established in 77 percent of the PAA group but only 14 percent of the non-PAA group. A higher percentage of pulmonary fellows than students used the resource center and student use was higher when the LRC was formally integrated into the curriculum. Textbooks and journals were more heavily used than materials utilizing audiovisual educational techniques. The results of this study suggest that pulmonary LRC use is modest, LRC cost is high, and LRC educational value may not be superior to general medical libraries.
Japanese Trade Policies Towards Developing Countries

This essay has set out to examine Japan’s trade policies towards developing countries by reference to actual trade flows and by utilizing information obtained from the governments of countries of the Pacific area as regards Japanese trade practices. Section I will present empirical evidence for the year 1973 on the extent of Japanese imports of manufactured goods from developing countries in relation to the imports of the other developed nations from these countries. Section II will review changes in Japanese imports from the developing countries during the 1973–83 period, placing it again in the context of the developed country experience. In Section III, Japanese trade practices affecting imports from Pacific area developing countries will be described, drawing largely on communications received from official sources in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. In the conclusions, the available evidence will be brought together in evaluating Japanese trade policies towards developing countries in general and towards the countries of the Pacific area in particular.
Latina kitchen table planning saving communities: intersectionality and insurgencies in an anti-immigrant city

In the context of an extended national immigration debate, anti-immigrant cities have emerged. The terrain of policy debate, implementation, and contestation within these cities has spread from the public domain of professional planners into more private and informal spaces. I examine the practice and implications of informal planning by Latinas in an anti-immigrant urban environment. I expose the limits of previous gendered interpretations of planning history and practice through a description of the multiple ways by which what I call kitchen table planning is carried out. A kitchen table planner is a person who works at her “kitchen table” among other spaces, both public and private, with other community and interested parties exchanging individual experience and knowledge to collectively address factors and institutional structures impacting individual and community life. Drawing on qualitative data from Chicago, I suggest that kitchen table planners employ a series of strategies that are non-linear, g...
Critical exponent γ of Europium oxide

Abstract The magnetic properties of the localized-spin ferromagnet EuO have been measured using Faraday rotation. The exponent γ describing the divergence of the susceptibility above Tc is found to have the value γ = 1.30 ± 0.02. The agreement and discrepancy between our result and those of other experiments, model calculations, and speculations on dipolar interactions are discussed.
Fabrication of one-dimensional random surfaces that display enhanced backscattering for only one specified angle of incidence

The phenomenon of enhanced backscattering in the scattering of light from a randomly rough surface is the presence of a well-defined peak in the retroreflection direction in the angular dependence of the intensity of the light scattered diffusely from the surface. A striking feature of this phenomenon is that it occurs for any angle of incidence. Suppose, however, that one would like to have a random surface that displays enhanced backscattering for only a single, specified, angle of incidence. Such a surface could be useful, for example, in situations where one wishes to position a source (and hence the detector) at a specified direction with respect to the site at which the scattering surface is situated. In this paper we show how a one-dimensional random surface can be generated that produces an enhanced backscattering peak for only a specified angle of incidence when illuminated by p-polarized light whose plane of incidence is perpendicular to the generators of the surface. This surface is defined by a power spectrum (the Fourier transform of the surface height autocorrelation function) given by g(Q) = (π)/(4(Δ)k)[θ (Q-k1+Δk)θ(k1+Δk-Q)+θ(Q-k2+Δk-Q)θ (k2+Δk-Q)+θ(-Q-k1+Δk)θ (k1+Δk+Q)+θ(-Q-k2+Δk)θ (k2+Δk+Q)], where θ(z) is the Heaviside unit step function, k1= kR-k0,k2=kR-k0, k(subscript R is the real part of the wavenumber of the surface plasmon polariton of frequency ω supported by the planar vacuum-metal interface, and k0 is related to the angle of incidence measured clockwise from the x3-axis by k0=(ω/c)sinθ0. An explanation is provided for why a surface defined by this power spectrum produces enhanced backscattering at only the angle of incidence given by θs=-θ0, and it is confirmed by numerical calculations of the angular dependence of the intensity of the light scattered diffusely from it.
Challenges of the Faculty Career for Women: Success and Sacrifice

(2009). Challenges of the Faculty Career for Women: Success and Sacrifice. NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 252-255.
UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of DNA and protein constituents of viruses: Assignments and cross sections for excitations at 257, 244, 238, and 229 nm

Ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectra of H2O and D2O solutions of the nucleoside (dA, dG, dC, dT) and aromatic amino acid (Phe, Trp, Tyr) constituents of DNA viruses have been obtained with laser excitation wavelengths of 257, 244, 238, and 229 nm. Using the 981 cm-1 marker of Na2SO4 as an internal standard, Raman frequencies and scattering cross sections were evaluated for all prominent UVRR bands at each excitation wavelength. The results show that UVRR cross sections of both the nucleosides and amino acids are strongly dependent on excitation wavelength and constitute sensitive and selective probes of the residues. The results provide a library of UVRR marker bands for structural analysis of DNA viruses and other nucleoprotein assemblies.
Lateralization of comodulated complex waveforms

This study examines the ability to lateralize a complex signal characterized by correlated temporal activity across widely separated frequency regions. The high‐frequency complex consisted of two narrow‐band stimuli. The two stimuli had common interaural delays but different carriers centered on nonoverlapping critical bands. Two basic conditions were examined: The narrow‐band stimuli had temporal envelopes which were (1) identical or (2) different. In the first experiment, narrow bands of noise were used which either had identical temporal envelopes (comodulated) or statistically independent envelopes (CFs=2550 and 3350 Hz). In the second experiment, two sinusoidally amplitude‐modulated (SAM) tones were used whose modulators either had the same starting phase or a different starting phase (CFs=2550 and 4000 Hz). Results of the first experiment showed that for bandwidths narrower than 300 Hz, comodulated bands produced significantly lower interaural‐delay thresholds compared to independent bands. Results of the second experiment showed that when the two SAM tones (100‐Hz modulation rate) had the same modulator starting phase, interaural‐delay thresholds were lowest.
Comparative study of deconvolution techniques for infrared speckle interferometry.

Three deconvolution techniques, CLEAN, Maximum Entropy Method (MEM), and L. B. Lucy's algorithm, are compared through both one-dimensional computer simulation and real astronomical data obtained at high angular resolution. These algorithms are evaluated according to speed, noise sensitivity, and resolution gain. For the simulations, we define the resolution gain needed to separate the components of an equal double as the ratio of the FWHM of the point spread function to the double separation. CLEAN is at least two orders of magnitude faster than the other two algorithms but is limited in usefulness to resolution gains near unity. Lucy's algorithm converges rapidly at first and achieves a resolution gain near two but requires smoothing techniques to reduce its sensitivity to noise. MEM is less sensitive to noise and is capable of resolution gains as high as four. These conclusions are also demonstrated with real astronomical data where MEM again produces the smoothest image consistent with the signal-to-noise.
Metabolism of substance P and bradykinin by human neutrophils

Abstract The catabolism of substance P and bradykinin, two peptides involved in inflammation, by human neutrophils was investigated. Substance P was cleaved by unstimulated neutrophils, but the rate of hydrolysis increased greatly (about 4-fold) when the cells were lysed by freezing and thawing or stimulated to release with fMet-Leu-Phe and cytochalasin B. The enzyme responsible for cleaving substance P was cathepsin G, hydrolyzing the Phe 7 -Phe 8 bond. Neutral endopeptidase 24,11 (enkephalinase) became the main inactivating enzyme only when neutrophil cytoplasts (containing plasma membrane but no subcellular particles) or washed plasma membrane enriched high speed sediments were tested. Subcellular fractionation showed the highest substance P degrading activity to be in the granules. Purified cathepsin G readily cleaved substance P with a K m of 1.13mM, a k cat of 6.35 sec −1 and a k cat K m of 5639 M 1 sec −1 , similar to kinetic constants previously reported for the best peptide substrates of cathepsin G. Despite the high K m , purified cathepsin G did hydrolyze SP at a much lower substrate concentration (down to 1 nM) as determined by radioimmunoassay. Bradykinin was also hydrolyzed by intact neutrophils but, in contrast, was not inactivated by cathepsin G, but by neutral endopeptidase at the Pro 7 -Phe 8 bond. The inactivation of bradykinin by intact neutrophils was decreased by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, probably due to down-regulation by endocytosis of the neutral endopeptidase on the plasma membrane. Thus, both bradykinin and substance P are inactivated by human neutrophils, although by different enzymes. In spite of the less favorable kinetics in vitro than with neutral endopeptidase, cathepsin G is the main inactivator of substance P in neutrophils. This may he due to the estimated 300 to 3600-fold higher concentration of cathepsin G in neutrophils than that of the neutral endopeptidase.
Risk factors for perioperative stroke during thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVAR).

Purpose:To determine the clinical and anatomical risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).Methods:Between September 2000 and December 2006, 196 patients (135 men; mean age 68.6±13.5 years, range 17–92) underwent TEVAR for a variety of aortic pathologies. The majority (156, 79.6%) were treated with the TAG stent-graft. Demographics, pathologies, intraoperative procedure-related measures, device usage, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. CVA was defined as a new focal or global neurological (motor or sensory) deficit lasting >48 hours associated with acute intracranial abnormalities on computed tomography or magnetic resonance brain imaging. Spinal cord ischemia was excluded. In a subset of patients with planned left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage and an incomplete circle of Willis or a dominant left vertebral artery, prophylactic carotid-subclavian bypasses were performed.Results:Nine (4.6%) patients suffered a CVA. Factors ...
Increased ventricular fibrillation threshold with severe myocardial ischemia

The ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) is a measure of myocardial electrical vulnerability to exogenous electrical stimulation. Previous studies have shown that the VFT is inversely related to ischemia. We studied the relation of the VFT to myocardial blood flow (MBF) during ischemia produced by interruption of blood flow to the left anterior descending coronary artery, and severe ischemia produced by retrograde bleeding an ischemic segment of myocardium. The VFT with severe ischemia (8.6 +/- 1.3 mA; MBF 0.024 +/- 0.01 ml/min/gm tissue), although lower than nonischemic control values (14.2 +/- 2.0 mA; 0.76 +/- 0.05; both p less than 0.05), was higher than that obtained with moderate ischemia (4.6 +/- 0.9 mA; 0.15 +/- 0.02 ml/min/gm; both, p less than 0.05). Thus the relationship between the VFT and MBF is nonlinear. Interventions which cause the VFT to rise may do so by worsening rather than improving regional MBF.
Chronic Anemia Is Not a Predictor for Poor Outcome after Heart Transplantation

Purpose Chronic anemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure, but the impact of chronic anemia has not been studied in heart transplant recipients. Anemia in heart transplant recipients may be related to immunosuppression as well as renal dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of chronic anemia on heart transplant outcomes. Methods and Materials We evaluated 386 patients transplanted 1994 to 2010. To eliminate the confounder of renal insufficiency, patients with creatinine (Cr) > 1.5mg/dl were excluded. Patients were divided by the average of 10 hemoglobin (Hgb) measurements in the first transplant year: Hgb > 13 g/dL, Hgb 11-13 g/dL, and Hgb Results Chronic anemia did not impact post-transplant 5-year survival, CAV, or NF-MACE (Table). In the multivariate analysis, Cr had the strongest impact on survival. For every 1 mg/dL increase in Cr, there was a 4.3-fold increase in the risk of death (p = 0.027). Conclusions Chronic anemia in the first year does not impact survival after heart transplantation. However, even in a population of heart transplant recipients with normal creatinine, higher serum creatinine increases the risk of death post-transplantation. Further study is needed to determine if protocols to minimize renal insufficiency will improve outcomes in these patients. Outcomes Hgb Hgb 11-13 (N=301) Hgb > 13 (N=18) Log-Rank p-value Subsequent 5-Year Actuarial Survival 79% 85% 94% 0.217 Subsequent 5-Year Freedom from CAV 78% 70% 78% 0.467 Subsequent 5-Year Freedom from NF-MACE 91% 90% 89% 0.954
Effect of reduced blood cholesterol on sterol and steroid metabolism by rat luteal tissue.

The role of blood cholesterol in ovarian function was studied by treating superovulated rats with 4-aminopyrazolo [3,4,-cd]pyrimidine (APP) a drug which inhibits hepatic secretion of lipoproteins. Reduction of plasma cholesterol and progesterone concentrations and ovarian content of cholesteryl esters were related to dose and duration of APP treatment; ovarian concentrations of free cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides and ovarian weight were not altered. Progestin content of luteal tissue was also reduced by APP treatment. These changes were reversible, since concentrations of plasma progesterone and cholesterol and ovarian concentrations of cholesteryl esters returned to control values 5 days after stopping treatment. Dispersed ovarian cells from APP-treated rats incorporated [14C]- acetate into free cholesterol at a 10-fold greater rate than control cells. Luteal cells from both groups incorporated [14C]acetate into cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, triglycerides, and 14CO2 at similar rates. ...
Alogliptin: a new, highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Background: Alogliptin is a potent, highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor now undergoing clinical testing to support a new drug application for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Objective: To provide an overview of the mechanism by which alogliptin reduces hyperglycemia and to summarize the pharmacology, efficacy and safety of the drug. Methods: A Medline search was conducted and abstracts and presentations from recent American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meetings were reviewed. The results of Phase II and Phase III human studies were evaluated for clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability in patients with type 2 diabetes. Results/conclusions: Alogliptin is effective as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, either as monotherapy or in combination with metformin, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas and insulin. It is well tolerated and has an excellent safety profile. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of alog...
New surgical procedure for management of peyronie disease

Abstract Surgical excision of fibrotic plaques and replacement of the defect by grafts may be necessary in advanced Peyronie disease. Synthetic, absorbable mesh for grafting the defect, was used in 6 mongrel dogs. An area of tunica albuginea 1.5 by 2.5 cm was removed from the corpus cavernosum, thus exposing the spongy cavernous tissue. A Dexon mesh of the same dimensions, woven in our laboratory from polyglycolic acid fibers of 308 denier thickness, was sutured to the defect by 3-0 Dexon sutures. The mesh caused hemostasis and the animals' postoperative course was uneventful. Posterection cavernosograms showed no curvature of the penis, bulging of the operative area, or obstruction of the corpora cavernosa. Histologic studies at three weeks, and two, four, and six months after surgery showed complete healing and gradual replacement of the Dexon mesh by fibrous connective tissue.
Purified integrin adhesion complexes exhibit actin-polymerization activity.

Summary Background Cell adhesion and motility are accomplished through a functional linkage of the extracellular matrix with the actin cytoskeleton via adhesion complexes composed of integrin receptors and associated proteins. To determine whether this linkage is attained actively or passively, we isolated integrin complexes from nonadherent hematopoietic cells and determined their influence on the polymerization of actin. Results We observed that α V β 3 complexes are capable of dramatically accelerating the rate of actin assembly, resulting in actin fibers tethered at their growing ends by clustered integrins. The ability to enhance actin polymerization was dependent upon Arg-Gly-Asp-ligand-induced β 3 tyrosine phosphorylation, agonist-induced cellular activation, sequestration of Diaphanous formins, and clustering of the receptor. Conclusions These results suggest that adhesion complexes actively promote actin assembly from their cytosolic face in order to establish a mechanical linkage with the extracellular matrix.