cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA damage and repair of human skin keratinocytes concurrently exposed to pyrene derivatives and UVA light

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of mutagenic environmental contaminants, induce toxicity through both metabolic activation and light irradiation. Pyrene, one of the most widely studied PAHs, along with its mono-substituted derivatives, 1-amino, 1-bromo, 1-hydroxy, and 1-nitropyrene, were chosen to study the effect of substituents on their phototoxicity, DNA damage and repair. Both alkaline Comet assay, which detects direct DNA damage, and Fpg endonuclease Comet assay, which detects oxidative DNA damage, were conducted at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h of incubation of the cells in a minimal growth medium after concomitant exposure to pyrene derivatives and UVA light. All these compounds are photocytotoxic and the phototoxicity is both incubation time and PAH dose dependent; whereas those without light are not toxic. The LC50 obtained are in the range of 3.5–9.3 μM. Cellular DNA damage, both direct and oxidative, is observed immediately after the cells are treated with UVA light and the pyrene derivatives at a concentration of 1.0 μM. The amount of DNA damage (both direct and oxidative) increases from 0 to 4 h of incubation. After 4 hours, subsequent damage induction declines, and this is perceived to be mainly through DNA repair. After longer incubation of 8 h, the damaged cellular DNA starts to be repaired, resulting in a greatly reduced amount of DNA damage, and the DNA damage reaches the minimum at 24 h of incubation. 1-Aminopyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene cause more DNA oxidative damage immediately after the exposure (0 h of incubation), and these damages are repaired within the same timeframe as the other tested compounds. The oxidative DNA damage caused by 1-bromopyrene is repaired starting at 2 h of incubation, earlier than the damage caused by all the other compounds.
Data safety monitoring boards: legal and ethical considerations for research accountability.

Those charged with assuring research accountability have little guidance as to how to best structure and manage data safety monitoring boards (DSMBs). One major concern is increased litigation surrounding human subject research which has led research institutions and those asked to serve on DSMBs to seek legal counsel regarding their risk of liability for DSMB activities. A major challenge is assessing the risk of potential liability. Yet, potential liability for DSMBs and their members has not been adequately addressed in the literature. The purpose of this article is to provide a legal and accountability analysis to begin to fill this gap. This article undertakes an analysis and exploration of the potential liability that exists for DSMBs and their members under negligence theory and discusses the means by which DSMBs and their members may avoid litigation or defend themselves in the face of a lawsuit. Research accountability implications of imposing liability, or not, on DSMBs are also considered. It i...
11βOH-Progesterone Affects Vascular Glucocorticoid Metabolism and Contractile Response

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contains a bidirectional isoform of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD), the enzyme that can metabolize endogenous glucocorticoids to their respective 11-dehydro derivatives. 11BetaOH-progesterone (11betaOH-P), a compound that can be produced in vivo, is as potent or more potent than licorice derivatives in inhibiting renal and hepatic 11beta-HSD. When studied in homogenates prepared from primary cultures of rat VSM, 11betaOH-P and its derivative, 11-keto-progesterone (11-keto-P), proved to be potent, directionally specific inhibitors of vascular 11beta-HSD. 11BetaOH-P selectively inhibited the forward dehydrogenase reaction (corticosterone-->11-dehydrocorticosterone), whereas 11-keto-P selectively blocked the reverse oxidoreductase reaction. To test the physiological effects, vascular rings were prepared from rat aorta. Rings were incubated in culture media containing either a submaximal concentration of corticosterone (10 nmol/L), 11-dehydrocorticosterone (100 nmol/L), 11betaOH-P (1 micromol/L), 11-keto-P (1 micromol/L), or a combination of glucocorticoid and inhibitor for 24 hours. After the 24-hour incubation, rings were briefly stimulated sequentially with phenylephrine (10 nmol/L to 1 micromol/L) and angiotensin II (1 micromol/L). The immediate contractile response in rings incubated with both corticosterone and 11betaOH-P was greater than in rings previously incubated with either the corticosterone or 11betaOH-P alone (eg, response to 100 nmol/L phenylephrine in milligrams of force, mean+/-SE: corticosterone, 728+/-56, n=9; 11betaOH-P, 325+/-105, n=4; both, 1132+/-122, n=8; corticosterone versus both, P<.01). In contrast, the immediate contractile responses to phenylephrine and to angiotensin II were attenuated in rings exposed previously to both 11-dehydrocorticosterone and 11-keto-P. Thus, 11betaOH-P and 11-keto-P (and possibly structurally similar compounds) alter the vascular effects of glucocorticoids and may play a role in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension.
Binding of nanoparticle receptors to peptide alpha-helices using amino acid-functionalized nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles provide large surface areas and controlled surface functionality and structure, making them excellent scaffolds for peptide recognition. A family of nanoparticles has been fabricated by amino acid functionalization to afford tailored surfaces. These particles are complementary to a tetraaspartate peptide (TAP) featuring cofacial anionic functionality when in the α-helical conformation. The functional groups present on these nanoparticle surfaces provide a tool to investigate the contribution of various noncovalent interactions at the nanoparticle–peptide interface. The ability of these particles to enforce the folding of the peptide into an α-helix was explored, demonstrating high helicity induction with particles featuring dicationic amino acids such as lysine or histidine, and little or no helix stabilization with hydrophobic amino acid termini. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gastrointestinal complications of renal transplantation

G ASTROINTESTINAL complications occur with distressing frequency in patients who have undergone renal transplantation. Virtually every segment of the gastrointestinal tract can be a site of complication. The more serious of these complications, such as bowel perforation, bowel necrosis, and hemorrhage, are common causes of death in patients who have undergone successful renal transplantation ~3,12,13.16.17,21),25.29,3~~
Designing and programming self-folding sheets

Abstract This paper considers a robot in the form of a self-folding sheet that is capable of origami-style autonomous folding. The sheet is composed of triangular tiles, folding actuators and an integrated electronic substrate, and is formed as an n × m box-pleated crease pattern. The design of the sheet is generated by an automated sheet design algorithm. We control the sheet with a programming method including a hardware model and supporting algorithms. In this paper we present the programming method. We describe and analyze the algorithms that generate designs and programs for the sheet. We finally demonstrate and analyze experiments with 4×4 and 8×8 self-folding sheet devices.
Durability Study of Low Velocity Impact Responses of Conventional and Nanophased CFRP Composites Exposed to Seawater

The effect of nanoclay on the degradation of low velocity impact responses of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites manufactured by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process is experimentally investigated with and without exposure to seawater for marine applications. Nanoclay was dispersed into the matrix by using magnetic stirring. Samples (100 mm by 100 mm) exposed to seawater for 0, 6, and 12 months in laboratory conditions were impacted at 20, 30, and 40 J energy levels using a Dynatup8210. The damage sustained by the samples was evaluated by a thermographic imaging technique. Comparisons between conventional and nanophased CFRP composites both in conditioned and unconditioned cases were made in terms of peak force, absorbed energy, deflection, delamination area, and specific delamination energy. Water absorption was observed to be reduced due to nanoclay infusion. After 12 months of exposure to seawater 2% nanophased samples absorbed 0.39% moisture whereas control samples absorbed 0.67% moisture. Impact strength, toughness, and energy absorption decreased with increasing conditioning time by weakening the bond between the fiber and matrix and softening the matrix materials. However, reduction in properties is significantly extenuated by the incorporation of nanoclay in the matrix. Specific delamination energy (SDE) is observed to be higher in the nanophased CFRP compared to that of the conventional one at different aging periods indicating an enhanced toughness in the nanophased composites. The larger and stronger interfacial area produced by the nanoclay inclusion has been found to facilitate more energy absorption in the nanophased sample compared to the conventional one. Furthermore, nanoclay reduced the development of delamination by arresting the crack propagation path or by toughening the matrix. It is concluded that the excellent barrier capacity, higher surface area, and high aspect ratio of nanoclay are responsible for the superior performance of CFRP composites, which in turn, enhances the durability of composites.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Nodular sarcoid myositis of skeletal muscle diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy. A case report.

Background Symptomatic striated muscle involvement in sarcoidosis is rare. Muscle biopsy is usually required for the diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been successfully used in diagnosing soft tissue lesions. To the best of our knowledge, FNAB of sarcoid myositis has not been reported. Case A 31-year-old, black female with a history of sarcoidosis presented with an enlarging, painful, left calf mass. Infected thrombi were suspected. FNAB showed numerous loosely arranged epithelioid histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells and skeletal muscle cells. The overall cytologic picture was that of granulomatous myositis. The cytologic features coupled with the patient's history and magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested sarcoid myositis. Subsequent muscle biopsy showing noncaseating granulomata and negative stains for organisms confirmed the diagnosis of nodular sarcoid myositis. Conclusion Nodular sarcoid myositis can be suggested by FNAB cytology in a patient with a past history of sarcoidosis.
An analog computer for calculating the shunt impedance of a resonant cavity

Abstract We have developed a small, special-purpose analog computer for automatically calculating the shunt impedance of a resonant cavity from phase-shift perturbation data. Accuracy is limited by the size of the perturbing bead and precision is about 2% for a fixed experimental configuration.
Effect of Concentration of Egg Yolk and White on Fresh Scrambled Egg Flavor

Abstract Consumer and trained flavor profile panels were utilized to determine the importance of egg yolk and white flavors in the overall flavor of fresh scrambled eggs. Consumer panelists were unable to determine differences (P>.05) in flavor between scrambled eggs with a typical yolk:white ratio (34% yolk:66% white) and scrambled eggs with adjusted ratios of 20% yolk:80% white when presented in a triangle test. When tested with a reference (34%:66%, yolk:white, respectively) in a multiple comparison test, consumer panelists found no significant differences (P>.05) between the reference and four treatments (58%:42%, 53%: 47%, 15%:85%, and 10%:90% yolk:white, respectively). Trained flavor profile panelists, presented with the same treatments as presented in the multiple comparisons test, gave higher intensity values (P .05) from each other. This was due to the effect of sulfur notes that were perceived by the panelists as either too high or too low, depending on the egg white concentrations. The yolk provides the sweet aroma and flavor found in a scrambled egg because as yolk was increased the flavor and aroma score for the sweet note also increased.
Uranium fuel as byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production

The world has substantial unconventional energy resources in phosphate rock deposits and sea water which contain vast amounts of dilute uranium.
A Mutant Thyroid Hormone Receptor α Antagonizes Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Signaling in Vivo and Impairs Fatty Acid Oxidation

Thyroid hormone regulates the balance between lipolysis and lipogenesis. We previously reported that male mice with a dominant-negative P398H mutation introduced into the TRα gene have visceral obesity, hyperleptinemia, and reduced catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis in white adipose tissue. Based on our observation of hepatic steatosis in the TRα P398H male mice, we used in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the influence of the TRα P398H mutant on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) signaling. Wild-type TRα and the P398H mutant significantly reduced PPARα-mediated transcription in transient transfection assays. T3 reversed the inhibition of PPARα action by wild-type TRα but not the P398H mutant. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that the P398H mutant reduces PPARα binding to peroxisome proliferator receptor elements. In gel shift assays, the P398H mutant directly bound the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element and inhibited PPARα binding, which ...
Characterization of California aerosols—I. Size distributions of freeway aerosol☆

Aerosol along the Harbor Freeway in Los Angeles, California, was sampled and measured with the Air Resources Board Mobile Air Pollution Laboratory. Simultaneously with the taking of filter and impactor samples for chemical analysis, the aerosol particle size distribution was measured with four continuous instruments over the particle size range from approx. 0.003–40 μm. From comparisons of measurements when the wind was directly from the freeway with measurements when the wind was blowing toward the freeway, it was possible to calculate by difference the direct contribution of the freeway traffic to the aerosol mixture. It was found that morning rush hour traffic contributes about 17.1 μm3 cm−3 to the aerosol volume, predominantly in the particle size range below 0.15 μm. The freeway aerosol size distribution exhibits a typical strong combustion mode at about 0.02 μm particle size.
An Interactive Visual Interface for Online Product Catalogs

One of the key elements of e-commerce systems is the online product catalog. It provides sellers with a content management system that assembles, aggregates, normalizes, and distributes product information. It also provides potential buyers with an interactive interface that offers a multimedia representation of the product information as well as retrieval, classification and ordering services. In this paper, we discuss the interface aspect of online product catalogs, focusing on its ability to help shoppers navigate and analyze product information. Specifically, we present a new interactive interface for online product catalogs that effectively enables the shopper to navigate through the product information space and analytically select suitable products.
Multiscale Modeling of Erythrocyte Membrane: Equilibrium Shapes and Mechanical Responses

We develop a three-level information-passing multiscale approach to study the equilibrium shapes of erythrocytes and their quasi-static mechanical responses. In the whole cell model (Level III) of this method, both the lipid bilayer and skeleton network are modeled as continuum shells and solved by finite element method. The skeleton-bilayer interaction is depicted as a sliding-only contact. The lipid bilayer possesses a large area stiffness and negligibly small shear stiffness. The elastic properties of the skeleton network are obtained from a molecular-based model (Level II) of the junctional complex, together with a constitutive model (Level I) of the spectrin including its folding/unfolding reactions. Through multiscale simulations, we explore different equilibrium shapes and their dependences upon structural properties (e.g. spontaneous curvature). We also simulate cell deformations induced by micropipette aspiration and optical tweezer stretching, and get predictions consistent with existing studies in terms of cell shape and skeletal deformation. Furthermore, we predict the interaction force between the lipid bilayer and the skeleton that may cause their dissociation, and find that spectrin unfolding might significantly increase the loads upon individual linkage proteins between the lipid bilayer and the skeleton.
Cell-based biosensors

Abstract Electrochemical sensors constructed by coupling intact, viable microbial cells with potentiometric and amperometric membrane electrodes offer many unique possibilities for analytical measurements. Cell-based probes allow the simple and rapid determination of species which previously could not be determined by electrochemical methods. These probes may prove useful in the clinical analysis of biological fluids and for monitoring fermentation systems.
Hyperglycemia induced and intrinsic alterations in type 2 diabetes-derived osteoclast function.

UNLABELLED Periodontal disease-associated alveolar bone loss is a comorbidity of type-2-diabetes, where the roles of osteoclasts are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To evaluate osteoclast differentiation and function in the context of type-2-diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bone marrow-derived osteoclasts from db/db mice, a model of type-2-diabetes, as well as human osteoclasts derived from peripheral blood of individuals with type-2-diabetes were evaluated for differentiation, resorption, and soluble mediator expression. RESULTS While db/db mice were hyperglycemic at time of cell harvest, human participants were glycemically controlled. Although db/db cultures resulted in a higher number of larger osteoclasts, individual cell receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL)-mediated bone resorption was similar to that observed in diabetes-free osteoclasts. Osteoclasts derived from individuals with type-2-diabetes differentiated similarly to controls with again no difference in bone resorbing capacity. Murine and human type-2-diabetes cultures both displayed inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced deactivation and increased pro-osteoclastogenic mediator expression. CONCLUSIONS Hyperglycemia plays a role in aberrant osteoclast differentiation leading to an increased capacity for bone resorption. Osteoclasts derived from murine models of and individuals with type-2-diabetes are unable to be inhibited by LPS, again leading to increased capacity for bone resorption. Here, environmental and intrinsic mechanisms associated with the increased alveolar bone loss observed in periodontal patients with type-2-diabetes are described.
The effect of molecular weight on the physical and mechanical properties of ultra-drawn high density polyethylene

A study has been made on the effects of molecular weight on the physical and mechanical properties of cold-extruded high density polyethylene. Prior data indicate that such ultra-drawn strands contain a significant fraction of extended-chain crystals. Four samples, spanning the molecular weight range of 59,000 to 147,000, were cold-extruded under the same conditions and were examined with respect to their melting point, degree of crystallinity, linear expansion coefficient, Young' modulus, strain to break, and tensile strength. The degree of crystallinity, linear expansion coefficient, and modulus did not change significantly with molecular weight. The melting point, strain to break, and tensile strength do increase with increasing molecular weight. This leads to the conclusion that the amount of extended-chain crystals is invariant with molecular weight. Higher molecular weight polymers are seen as providing a greater number of the chains, thus giving the fiber a higher tensile strength.
Phylogenetic aspects of Cetacean origins: A morphological perspective

The evolutionary steps leading up to the origin of cetaceans involved pervasive changes in the masticatory apparatus, the ear, and limb morphology. These changes bear heavily on the phylogenetic relationships of Cetacea, and are investigated here on the basis of two of its earliest members:Pakicetus andAmbulocetus. A phylogenetic analysis of cetaceans, five groups of mesonychians, and five other groups of ungulates indicates thatPakicetus is the sister group to all other cetaceans, and that Cete (mesonychians and Cetacea) is a monophyletic group.
Prediction of Sanfilippo phenotype severity from immunoquantification of heparan-N-sulfamidase in cultured fibroblasts from mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA patients.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS-IIIA) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of heparan-N-sulfamidase (NS; EC 3.10.1.1), resulting in defective degradation and subsequent storage of heparan sulfate and leading to a clinical phenotype known as Sanfilippo syndrome. A sensitive and specific monoclonal/polyclonal-based immunoquantification assay has enabled the determination of NS protein, down to approximately 3 pg NS protein, in cultured fibroblasts from control and MPS-IIIA patients. Cultured skin fibroblasts from 15 normal controls contained 11.9 to 105 ng of NS protein/mg extracted cell protein, whereas NS protein ranged from "none detected" to 11 ng/mg in fibroblasts from 35 MPS-IIIA patients. A relationship between genotype/phenotype and amount of NS protein present in these MPS-IIIA fibroblasts was established. Immunoquantification, in combination with a specific and highly sensitive tetrasaccharide-based assay of NS activity, enabled the determination of residual specific NS activity in these fibroblasts. Specific NS activity ranged from 28 to 1289 nmol/min/mg NS protein for MPS-IIIA patients, compared to 870 nmol/min/mg of recombinant human NS. It is proposed that this immunoquantification method, in conjunction with the specific NS activity assay, may be used to predict clinical severity in MPS-IIIA patients, allowing for the selection of individuals best suited for gene- and enzyme-replacement therapy when these methods become available. Also proposed is that an enzyme-replacement therapy achieving a correction of approximately 10% of normal NS activity is required to avoid the onset of a Sanfilippo clinical phenotype.
TH‐SAMS‐AUD B‐04: Heterogeneity Corrections in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials rely on accurate dose reporting, both for the planning target volumes and organs at risk (OAR). Until recently, clinical trials have not mandated that heterogeneity corrections be applied in dose calculations. Therefore history of prescription and reported doses has been for homogenous water equivalent media. The reticence is attributed to lack of confidence in commercial treatment planning algorithms and in lack of direction as how to change prescriptions when accounting for heterogeneous media. Thorax irradiation is the most challenging example of where corrections and prescription changes are difficult but necessary. Two well reported studies, RTOG‐8808 and RTOG‐9311, required complementary parallel calculations performed. One set was the prescribed and treated homogeneous (water) based calculations, and the other was retrospective heterogeneous CT‐based calculations, but using the homogeneous based MU. The calculations demonstrated major variations in the doses that would have been reported depending if heterogeneity corrections were exclusively used. This was confirmed by dosimetric studies showing the failure of algorithms of the 1990s, particularly in regions of non‐equilibrium. As OAR, particularly lung volume, were often the limiting factor, dose calculations to the lung itself had to be accurate. High energy‐small fields had the largest deviations. The commercial introduction of superposition and Monte Carlo algorithms has remedied the situation by providing accurate calculations, provided they are implemented properly. Simultaneously, publication of AAPM's Report of TG‐65 (Inhomogeneity Corrections) gave direction to physicists as how to work with clinician partners to transition to correction based plans and change prescriptions accordingly. Educational Objectives: 1. The history of corrections for clinical trials. 2. Progression of algorithms. 3. Methods for making the transition to using heterogeneity corrections.
Ab initio method for calculating total cross sections.

A method for calculating total cross sections without formally including nonelastic channels is presented. The idea is to use a one channel T-matrix variational principle with a complex correlation function. The derived T matrix is therefore not unitary. Elastic scattering is calculated from T-parallel-squared, but total scattering is derived from the imaginary part of T using the optical theorem. The method is applied to the spherically symmetric model of electron-hydrogen scattering. No spurious structure arises; results for sigma(el) and sigma(total) are in excellent agreement with calculations of Callaway and Oza (1984). The method has wide potential applicability.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Composite Nanodevices: Effect of Charge and Size on In Vivo Disposition

Purpose To characterize temporal exposure and elimination of 5 gold/dendrimer composite nanodevices (CNDs) (5 nm positive, negative, and neutral, 11 nm negative, 22 nm positive) in mice using a physiologically based mathematical model.
Posthospital home care for frail older adults in rural locations.

After discharge from the hospital, older patients often require continued home care, including both professional and nonprofessional services. These needs can be exacerbated by health status (i.e., frailty) and geographic residence (i.e., rurality). It was the purpose of this study to examine patterns of postdischarge home care and outcomes for frail elders from rural locations. Seventy frail older adults being discharged from an acute urban-based hospital to home in a rural setting were recruited. Baseline data were collected before discharge from the hospital, and then calls were made at 48 hr and 2 and 4 weeks after discharge to evaluate use of resources and out-of-pocket expenses. Nonprofessional services were used most frequently, and the most intense time of use was at the 2-week postdischarge period. These findings suggest that discharge planning should include obtaining information about availability of both professional and nonprofessional services in the home community and arranging for appropri...
Feminist and Fundamentalist Attitudes Toward Pornography Control

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences among feminists and between feminists and fundamentalists on attitudes toward pornography control. Gilligan's (1982) model of moral reasonin...
The role of the lysine binding sites of human plasmin in the hydrolysis of human fibrinogen.

Abstract The importance of the lysine binding sites of human plasmin for its ability to digest human fibrinogen has been assessed by analyzing the nature and rat of the products formed in the presence of a ϵ-aminocaproic acid. No major differences in this regard were found when comparing Lys 77 -plasmin and Val 442 -plasmin, in the absence of ϵ-aminocaproic acid, the latter plasmin being devoid of the lysine binding sites present on residues Glu 1 -Val 441 (K 1-4). The presence of ϵ-aminocaproic acid, at concentrations ranging from 0.5–5.0 mM, results in progressively stronger inhibition of the digestion of fibrinogen and in appearance of fibrinogen degradation products Y, D and E, for both Lys 77 -plasmin and Val 442 -plasmin, showing the importance of lysine binding regions in this property. However, since both plasmin forms were inhibited equally well at all levels of ϵ-aminocaproic acid, these studies show that lysine binding sites other than those present on region K 1-4 of Lys 77 -plasmin are of primary importance to fibrinogenolysis by plasmin.
A novel function of Drosophila eIF4A as a negative regulator of Dpp/BMP signalling that mediates SMAD degradation

Signalling by the TGF-β superfamily member and BMP orthologue Decapentaplegic (Dpp) is crucial for multiple developmental programmes and has to be tightly regulated. Here, we demonstrate that the Drosophila Dpp pathway is negatively regulated by eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A), which mediates activation-dependent degradation of the Dpp signalling components Mad and Medea. eIF4A mutants exhibit increased Dpp signalling and accumulation of Mad and phospho-Mad. Overexpression of eIF4A decreases Dpp signalling and causes loss of Mad and phospho-Mad. Furthermore, eIF4A physically associates with Mad and Medea, and promotes their degradation following activation of Dpp signalling in a translation-independent manner. Finally, we show that eIF4A acts synergistically with, but independently of, the ubiquitin ligase DSmurf, indicating that a dual system controls SMAD degradation. Thus, in addition to being an obligatory component of the cap-dependent translation initiation complex, eIF4A has a novel function as a specific inhibitor of Dpp signalling that mediates the degradation of SMAD homologues.
Characterization of electrosprayed Nafion films

Abstract Nafion has long served as a benchmark material when evaluating the performance of proton conducting membranes used in PEM fuel cells. Traditionally, the membranes are either extruded from dry polymer or cast from a liquid polymer solvent solution. Recently, a different technique for fabricating membranes has been developed. The new approach exploits electrostatic spraying, or electrospraying, to deposit PEM films, with the longer-term goal of fabricating membrane-electrode assemblies using this technique. The focus of this paper is to compare the proton transport and physical properties of electrosprayed membranes with those of extruded Nafion. Audio frequency complex impedance studies of the electrosprayed membranes were conducted at a variety of temperatures and pressures over a wide range of membrane water contents. The results are compared with similar data for Nafion 117 and for membranes cast from the electrosprayed solutions. Water uptake, dimensional changes, and electrical conductivity measurements indicate that extruded, cast, and electrosprayed Nafion films are similar, with the exception that the electrosprayed Nafion absorbs as much as 15 wt.% water more than the other two membranes with only a slight increase in conductivity. The activation volumes for electrosprayed Nafion are also consistent with those for Nafion 117 and concur with proposed mechanisms for proton transport in Nafion membranes. As in Nafion 117, a dielectric loss peak appeared in the electrosprayed Nafion at low temperatures after heating in vacuum at 380 K, further demonstrating the similarity between the two materials.
Growth slow‐down and growth arrest of human colon carcinoma cells HCT‐8 in vitro after exposure to 5‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxyuridine

Cellular heterogeneity in drug response denotes a mixed response among individual cells in a drug treated population. Individual cell responses may be more complex than 'cell kill' and 'no response'. In this study we employed a colony formation assay and high-resolution image analysis to detect the various responses such as immediate and delayed cessation of growth, growth delay and growth slow-down, at the level of the individual colony. The evaluation was carried out using a human ileocaecal adenocarcinoma cell line (HCT-8) and the anti-tumour agent 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdUrd). In the presence of a drug concentration which, in standard monolayer assays, inhibits the growth to about 50% (IC50) only about 20% of the colonies ceased to grow and the remaining colonies grew at a growth rate of about 70% of control. At an FdUrd concentration which, in standard monolayer assays, reduced growth by > 90% (> IC90), about 50% of the cells grew, with growth rates of about 30% of control. The slowing of growth, most prominent at lower drug concentrations, should be considered in determining mechanisms of drug action at the individual cell level. In clinical situations in which high drug doses are precluded by toxicity to normal tissues, growth slow-down may play a significant role in tumour response.
Characterization of Annealed HPSI 4H-SiC for Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches

Annealing of high purity semi-insulating (HPSI) 4H-SiC is investigated as a method to improve bulk photoconductive semiconductor switches through recombination lifetime modification. Five samples of HPSI 4H-SiC were annealed at 1810 °C for lengths of time ranging from 3 to 300 minutes. The recombination lifetime of the unannealed and annealed samples was measured using a contactless microwave photoconductivity decay (MPCD) system. The MPCD system consists of a 35 GHz continuous microwave probe and a tripled Nd:YAG pulsed laser. The recombination lifetime was increased from 6 ns, as received, up to 185 ns by annealing for 300 minutes. To experimentally verify switch improvements, identical switches from unannealed and annealed material were fabricated and tested at low voltage. The unannealed device generated a 15 ns pulse with a 2 ns rise-time. The annealed device conducted for upwards of 300 ns with a comparable 2 ns rise-time. The increased recombination lifetime resulted in lower on-state resistance and increased energy transfer.
Treatment of colorectal cancer hepatic metastases by hepatic artery chemotherapy.

Our clinical experience with 69 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver treated with hepatic artery chemotherapy is reviewed. All patients have had a minimum of six months follow-up. The Infusaid® implantable drug delivery system was used by direct laparotomy in one third, and via the transaxillary approach in the remaining two thirds. Two thirds of the patients had at least 25 percent of the liver replaced with tumor. Chemotherapeutic agents included FUdR, mitomycin C, and BCNU. The overall response rate was 51 percent and 69 percent for the three-drug combination. Efficacy was not different in patients who had received prior systemic fluorouracil. Median survival from start of hepatic artery chemotherapy was one year.
Effects of the European financial and economic crisis in Kosovo and the Balkans: modes of integration and transmission belts of crisis in the “super-periphery”

This paper examines the varied ways in which the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and the eurozone crisis affected the economies of the Balkan “super-periphery”. This paper shows that economic shocks are transmitted differently based on how globalised or dependent the mode of integration of each Balkan state is with the wider European political economy. This paper finds export-dependent and investment-dependent states to have suffered the most as a result of the crisis, while remittance-dependent states such as Kosovo have suffered the impact of secondary consequences of global crisis such as rising global food prices.
Depicting the behavior of girders with corrugated webs up to failure using non-linear finite element analysis

Abstract The use of corrugated webs to increase the out-of-plane stiffness and buckling strength without the use of vertical stiffeners has been considered for some time, first in aircraft design and later for civil engineering applications in buildings and bridges. Finite element models of test specimens of steel girders with corrugated webs were developed using thin shell elements. The specimens were tested under shear, uniform bending and local discrete compressive loads on the top flange. Non-linear finite element analysis, which considers both geometric and material non-linearities, was performed. The finite element mesh size, the magnitude of the load increment and the effect of initial imperfection were investigated. The test results as well as the results from the finite element analysis are presented, compared and discussed. The analysis was able to depict the test results to a very good degree of accuracy under the three aforementioned loading conditions. The behavior up to failure, the failure mode and the ultimate capacity calculated were in good agreement with the test results.
“Almost discrete” Γ-distributed chemical species and reactions

Abstract Properties, such as rate constants or permeabilities of slightly impure chemical species may vary about some mean value and call for representation by a continuous distribution with a fairly sharp peak. In this sense, they may be regarded as “almost discrete” species and, if represented by Γ-distributions, are characterized by a single parameter, namely the variance. Almost discrete catalysis, nonmonotonicity of rate constant and a continuous step polymerization are considered. Corrections to the discrete case in terms of powers of the variance can often be obtained.
The evolution of coronal magnetic fields

Slow photospheric motions can produce flow speeds in the corona which are fast enough to violate quasi-static evolution. Therefore, high-speed flows observed in the corona are not necessarily due to a loss of equilibrium or stability. This paper presents an example where the flow speed increases indefinitely with height while the coronal magnetic energy increases quadratically with time.
Oil and water? Lessons from Maryland's effrort to protect safety net providers in moving to Medicaid managed care

Studies have highlighted the tensions that can arise between Medicaid managed care organizations and safety net providers. This article seeks to identify what other states can learn from Maryland's effort to include protections for safety net providers in its Medicaid managed care program—HealthChoice. Under HealthChoice, traditional provider systems can sponsor managed care organizations, historical providers are assured of having a role, patients can self-refer and have open access to certain public health providers, and capitation rates are risk adjusted through the use of adjusted clinical groups and claims data. The article is based on a week-long site visit to Maryland in fall 1998 that was one part of a seven-state study. Maryland's experience suggests that states have much to gain in the way of “good” public policy by considering the impact of their Medicaid managed care programs on the safety net, but states should not underestimate the challenges involved in balancing the need to protect the safety net with the need to contain costs and minimize the administrative burden on providers. No amount of protection can compensate for a poorly designed or implemented program. As the health care environment continues to change, so may the need for and the types of protections change. It also may be most difficult to guarantee adequate protections to those who need it most—among relatively financially insecure providers that have a limited management infrastructure and that depend heavily on Medicaid and the state for funds to care for the uninsured.
Commentary: virtual tourism - the ultimate ecotourism?

Abstract The advent of the Internet has become one of the most important events of the twentieth century. On it we can access live weather reports, make travel reservations and visit a foreign destination without leaving our computer. Surfing the Net in anticipation of a trip is an important element of the total experience. Although it is unlikely that a virtual field trip will replace the actual travel experience, it may be the second best alternative. This paper explores some of the potential elements of virtual ecotourism and cautions of the potential impact of visitors exposed to a virtual visit.
Wave Overtopping of Levees and Overwash of Dunes

Abstract Earthen levees are designed for little wave overtopping during a design storm, but excessive overtopping and overflow can occur due to the combined effects of an extreme storm, sea level rise, and land subsidence. The transition from little wave overtopping to excessive wave overtopping and overflow on an impermeable smooth levee is examined in wave-flume experiments consisting of 107 tests. Existing empirical formulas are shown to be applicable to the cases of excessive wave overtopping and overflow in these tests. A numerical model based on time-averaged continuity, momentum, and wave action equations is connected to a new probabilistic model for the wet-and-dry zone, in order to predict the cross-shore variations of the mean and standard deviation of the free surface elevation and depth-averaged fluid velocity from outside the surf zone to the inner slope of the levee. The new model is calibrated to predict the measured overtopping and overflow rates within a factor of about two. The agreement...
Specific labeling of protein domains with antibody fragments.

Monovalent antibody Fab fragments, prepared from antisera raised against two different types of crystalline arrays made of either intact, or a proteolytic fragment of bacteriophage T4 major capsid protein, gp23*, were employed to stoichiometrically label different gp23* protein domains on the outer surface of a tubular variant (i.e., “polyheads”) of bacteriophage T4 capsids. Computer filtrations of both negatively stained and freeze-dried/metal-shadowed specimens permitted approximate mapping of the Fab binding sites within the capsomere of the polyheads.
Parameter Sweep and Optimization of Loosely Coupled Simulations Using the DAKOTA Toolkit

The increasing availability of large scale computing capabilities has accelerated the development of high-fidelity coupled simulations. Such simulations typically involve the integration of models that implement various aspects of the complex phenomena under investigation. Coupled simulations are playing an integral role in fields such as climate modeling, earth systems modeling, rocket simulations, computational chemistry, fusion research, and many other computational fields. Model coupling provides scientists with systematic ways to virtually explore the physical, mathematical, and omputational aspects of the problem. Such exploration is rarely done using a single execution of a simulation, but rather by aggregating the results from many simulation runs that, together, serve to bring to light novel knowledge about the system under investigation. Furthermore, it is often the case (particularly in engineering disciplines) that the study of the underlying system takes the form of an optimization regime, where the control parameter space is explored to optimize an objective functions that captures system realizability, cost, performance, or a combination thereof. Novel and flexible frameworks that facilitate the integration of the disparate models into a holistic simulation are used to perform this research, while making efficient use of the available computational resources. In this paper, we describe the integration of the DAKOTA optimization and parameter sweep toolkit with the Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS), a component-based framework for loosely coupled simulations. The integration allows DAKOTA to exploit the internal task and resource management of the IPS to dynamically instantiate simulation instances within a single IPS instance, allowing for greater control over the trade-off between efficiency of resource utilization and time to completion. We present a case study showing the use of the combined DAKOTA-IPS system to aid in the design of a lithium ion battery (LIB) cell, by studying a coupled system involving the electrochemistry and ion transport at the lower length scales and thermal energy transport at the device scales. The DAKOTA-IPS system provides a flexible tool for use in optimization and parameter sweep studies involving loosely coupled simulations that is suitable for use in situations where changes to the constituent components in the coupled simulation are impractical due to intellectual property or code heritage issues.
A note of the differentiation of market participants by search cost

Abstract The paper deals with a search model where both buyers and sellers are differentiated by search cost. A searcher with a large search cost is shown to search less time and can expect to pay a higher price. When both buyers and sellers are searching, this means that buyers with high costs will contract predominantly with sellers with low costs. This result is tested in an actual housing market.
The challenge of business self-regulation: revisiting the foundations

The rise of international businesses' self-regulation regimes offers a challenging case study for those interested in the relationship between ethics and business. Regulation without external enforcement has always been a focal point for explorations into the relationship between morality and economic behaviour. Are self-regulatory arrangements viable? Are they stable? What are the factors and conditions that determine their stability and viability? Using these questions as a vehicle, the article explores the functional anatomy of self-regulation. As such, it is an attempt to offer a broad conceptual picture in a way that creates a bridge between the current developments in the literature and the intellectual traditions that have framed the setting of the current intellectual efforts exploring the issue. Therefore the article may be seen as a conceptual and theoretical introduction to the topic as well as an attempt to frame it in a way that connects and integrates it to a broader intellectual perspective.
Micro-force sensing in robot assisted membrane peeling for vitreoretinal surgery

Vitreoretinal surgeons use 0.5mm diameter instruments to manipulate delicate tissue inside the eye while applying imperceptible forces that can cause damage to the retina. We present a system which robotically regulates user-applied forces to the tissue, to minimize the risk of retinal hemorrhage or tear during membrane peeling, a common task in vitreoretinal surgery. Our research platform is based on a cooperatively controlled microsurgery robot. It integrates a custom micro-force sensing surgical pick, which provides conventional surgical function and real time force information. We report the development of a new phantom, which is used to assess robot control, force feedback methods, and our newly implemented auditory sensory substitution to specifically assist membrane peeling. Our findings show that auditory sensory substitution decreased peeling forces in all tests, and that robotic force scaling with audio feedback is the most promising aid in reducing peeling forces and task completion time.
Housing Patterns of Homeless People: The Ecology of the Street in the Era of Urban Renewal:

In this article, the authors examine the political and economic community dynamics of the street homeless as well as other groups involved in conflicts regarding the process of urban renewal. Since postwar suburban flight, homeless people have lived largely in the shadows of vacated city centers. But “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) battles over the homeless have become increasingly common, especially as the influx of comfortably housed residents bring suburban expectations to urban centers, generating conflicts that affect homeless urban camp communities. Drawing on four years of ethnographic data, the authors describe social conflicts revolving around homelessness and urban renewal. Moreover, through examining the patterns of economy and polity among sectors with different economic positions in the city, the authors illustrate how “problematic” groups of people, such as the homeless, are not antithetical to community. Instead, they are key stakeholders in urban communities with goals, concerns, and desired ...