cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis induction by the natural product cancer chemopreventive agent deguelin is mediated through the inhibition of mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Deguelin exhibits chemopreventive properties in animal carcinogenesis models. The mechanism underpinning the chemopreventive effects of deguelin has not been fully elucidated. However, it has been suggested that this agent reduces ornithine decarboxylase activity, and perhaps the activity of other signaling intermediates associated with tumorigenesis, by inhibiting mitochondrial bioenergetics. We sought to determine if deguelin could trigger apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial bioenergetics. Therefore, we compared and contrasted the effects of deguelin on cells from two human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (parental cells) and their respiration-deficient clones lacking mitochondrial DNA (ρ0). While deguelin promoted marked apoptosis in the parental cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, it failed to do so in the ρ0 clones. Furthermore, short-term exposure to deguelin diminished oxygen consumption by the parental cells and promoted mitochondrial permeability transition as evidenced by the dissipation of mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential, reactive oxygen species production, cardiolipin peroxidation, caspase activation, and mitochondrial swelling. Mitochondrial permeability transition was not observed in the ρ0 clones exposed to deguelin. These results demonstrate that deguelin induces apoptosis in skin cancer cells by inhibiting mitochondrial bioenergetics and provide a novel mechanism for the putative anticancer activity of this agent.
An enzyme electrode for the determination of l-glutamic acid

Abstract The feasibility of determining L-glutamic acid concentration using a potentiometric technique was explored. A S everinghaus -type pCO2 electrode measured carbon dioxide released from the substrate with L-glutamic decarboxylase. The enzyme was suspended in o.i M phosphate buffer (ph 5.0) at 37 °C. A linear relationship was observed between the electrode potential and the logarithm of L-glutamic acid concentration, The average relative error was 1.7 % for substrate concentrations of 0.4–10.0 mg % and 6 % for the extended range of 0.2–10 mg %. A soluble L-glutamic decarboxylase was insolubilized by glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The insolubilization yield was 5.5 % by weight and the activity of the insolubilized enzyme 1.4 % compared to the original enzyme. The insoluble enzyme was immobilized with cellulose or silicone adhesive. A semi-quantitative electrode response to added substrate was observed. The same technique as reported could be applied to the determination of other L-amino acids using respective decarboxylases.
Primary Care Cancer and Diabetes Complications Screening of Black Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose To determine the frequency with which Black women with type 2 diabetes receive routine primary health care screening for cancer and diabetes complications. Data Sources Pilot study data from a convenience sample of 21 Black women (mean age 46.8 years) with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions Cancer screening consisted of Pap smear, mam-mography, and colon cancer screening consistent with current American Cancer Society recommendations. Ninety percent reported having had a Pap smear, 86% mammogram and 33% colon cancer screening. Diabetes complications screening was based on the American Diabetes Association care recommendations. Fifty-five percent received screening eye exams, 40% were screened for renal proteinuria, and 50% received foot examinations and diabetes foot care instruction. Implications for Practice This sample of mid-life, Black, educated, working women with type 2 diabetes utilize healthcare services and have high rates of primary care cancer screening. Rates of diabetes complications screening are less than optimal. Because Black American women suffer disproportionately high rates of diabetes and related complications, it is imperative that they receive quality diabetes care in an effort to improve health outcomes and decrease premature mortality.
Racial diversity in professional selling: an empirical investigation of the differences in the perceptions and performance of African‐American and Caucasian salespeople

Purpose – Although a significant number of employment fields and categories have followed the trend of increasing the number of minority employees in their profession, professional selling remains a profession dominated by the presence of Caucasian males. Racial minorities and their performance in a professional selling environment have yet to be examined in depth. Understanding why there are so few African‐Americans in professional selling is important. However, analyzing and comprehending what these salespeople accomplish once they obtain professional sales positions should also be of considerable interest, which this paper seeks to examine.Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing a sample of 294 African‐American and Caucasian salespeople, the present manuscript empirically examines a variety of important work‐related perceptions and behaviors, and the performance levels of separate races of salespeople, to determine whether differences exist based on the race of the salesperson.Findings – Results indica...
Adenyl cyclase activity in human platelets.

Adenyl cyclase activity occurs in all animal cells examined with the exception of non-nucleated erthrocytes. Prostaglandins known to affect platelet aggregation and NaF known to alter platelet metabolism have been reported to alter adenyl cyclase activity. This study attempts to determine whether human platelets (non-nucleated cells) contained adenyl cyclase activity which might be modified by some of these agents. Isolated human platelets obtained from blood of normal adults were centrifuged washed and sonically disrupted using a sonicator. Isolated red cells and concentrated leukocytes were likewise processed and analyzed. Adenyl cyclase activity was demonstrated in washed particles from human platelets. The control activity levels in EDTA-prepared platelets were increased approximately 10-fold by NaF and about 18-fold by PGE1. This is the first time a substance other than NaF has caused maximal stimulation of adenyl cyclase. Removal of calcium by EDTA appear to increase PGE stimulation of adenyl cyclase without altering NaF stimulation. The findings confirm the hypothesis that calcium plays a role in regulating the sentivity of cell membranes to hormones or the hormone-like prostaglandins.
Rate of outward growth of the Mediterranean ridge accretionary complex

Abstract The position as a function time of the deformation front on the southwest flank of the Mediterranean Ridge accretionary complex is constrained as follows: 1. (a) the deformation front is now active; 2. (b) the site of core BAN84-05GC was still near the abyssal plain when displaced shallow water benthic foraminifera of inferred African provenance were redeposited within an upper Pliocene age unit; 3. (c) the site of core BAN84-05GC on the outer flank of the Mediterranean Ridge was already within the topographically rugged accretionary complex when a Pliocene debris flow was emplaced; 4. (d) DSDP Site 125 had already been uplifted into a topographically elevated position when lower Pliocene pelagic ooze was deposited; 5. (e) a gypsum-bearing breccia in DSDP Site 125 requires that the site was either on the abyssal plain or within the tectonically active outer perimeter of the accretionary complex during the Messinian salinity crisis; 6. (f) DSDP Site 377 had already been uplifted into a topographically elevated position when middle Miocene age pelagic marl was deposited; 7. (g) DSDP Site 377 was still on or near the abyssal plain when early to lower-middle Miocene age, smectite-bearing turbidites of inferred African provenance were deposited; and 8. (h) the Mediterranean Ridge began to grow by offscraping against a backstop formed by the Alpine nappes of the Hellenic Arc at the time that subduction began (> 33 Ma). Together, these constraints define a range of potential growth curves for the Mediterranean Ridge, with a rate of outward growth of approximately 0.5 to 2 cm/yr. This growth rate is faster than that inferred for most other modern accretionary prisms, both as an absolute value, and as a fraction of the subduction velocity. An unusually thick incoming section and/or an unusually weak (evaporitic) decollement may contribute to the rapid growth rate. The inferred age of accretion does not increase linearly with distance from the deformation front; rather, there is an apparent acceleration of the rate of outward growth through time. This observation may reflect a true acceleration of growth rate in response to the onset of back-arc extension in the overriding plate (Aegean Sea), and/or in response to the development of a weak basal decollement following the introduction of halite into the incoming stratigraphic section. Alternatively, the non-linearity of the age vs distance curve may indicate that shortening of the offscraped sediments continues across the breadth of the Mediterranean Ridge, rather than being confined to the outer flank.
Experimental confirmation of suspended few-layered graphene on a Cu substrate grown via the CVD method and correlated with the electrical performance on a PET substrate

We present that the Raman 2D and G peak of graphene film fabricated via chemical vapour deposition (CVD) blue-shifts on the relatively even Cu foil domain, showing a rather compressive strain effect compared to the uneven domain. We experimentally figure out that the relaxing compressive strain, to minimize the adhesive interaction between the graphene and the Cu surface, has one of the critical roles in forming suspended few-layered graphene. The nanoscopic conductance investigation also reveals that the current flow is dominantly measured at the uneven nano-terrace domains rather than at the even, further signifying the importance of a detailed underlying Cu surface morphology.
Hamilton's principle and the vorticity laws for a relativistic perfect fluid

Abstract The equations for a relativistic perfect fluid result from the requirement that the total mass-energy be stationary with respect to variations δxα(a, b, c, s) in the space-time location of the fluid particle identified by Lagrangian labels (a, b, c) at the point s on its world-line. By considering variations of the Lagrangian labels that leave the specific volume and entropy unchanged, we obtain a general covariant statement of vorticity conservation. The conservation laws for circulation, potential vorticity, and helicity are simple corollaries. This Noether-theorem derivation shows that the vorticity laws have no analogues in particle mechanics, where the corresponding particle labels cannot be continuously vaned.
Randomized comparison of encircling and nonencircling left atrial ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation

Background Left atrial (LA) circumferential ablation has been reported to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether an ablation without encirclement of the pulmonary veins (PVs) is as effective as LA circumferential ablation is not clear. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation in patients with chronic AF. Methods Eighty patients with chronic AF were randomized to undergo LA circumferential ablation (n = 40) or nonencircling linear ablation (n = 40). In LA circumferential ablation, the PVs were encircled, with additional lines made in the mitral isthmus and posterior wall or roof. In nonencircling linear ablation, 4 ± 1 ablation lines were created through areas of complex electrograms, with lines in the roof (38), anterior wall (36), septum (40), mitral isthmus (32), and posterior annulus (6). The endpoint of LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation was voltage abatement. Results LA flutter occurred in 15% after LA circumferential ablation and in 18% after nonencircling linear ablation ( P = .8). A repeat ablation procedure was performed for recurrent AF in 7 and 11 patients or for atrial flutter in 6 and 4 patients after LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation, respectively ( P = .8). At 9 ± 4 months, the prevalence of AF was 28% in the LA circumferential ablation and 25% in the nonencircling linear ablation group ( P = .8). Sixty-eight percent and 60% of patients were in sinus rhythm and free of AF and atrial flutter in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug therapy after LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation, respectively ( P = .5). There were no complications. Conclusion Nonencircling linear ablation and LA circumferential ablation are equally efficacious in eliminating chronic AF. However, the advantage of nonencircling linear ablation is that it eliminates the need for ablation along the posterior wall of the LA. Therefore, nonencircling linear ablation may avoid the small but real risk of atrioesophageal fistula formation associated with LA circumferential ablation.
β2-Adrenergic receptor polymorphism and nitric oxide-dependent forearm blood flow responses to isoproterenol in humans

Previous studies have reported altered function of β2-adrenoceptors in subjects with essential hypertension (Feldman et al. 1984; Feldman, 1987) and impaired vasodilator responses to β2-agonists in normotensive persons at increased risk of developing hypertension (Lang et al. 1995; Stein et al. 1995). Moreover, vasodilator responses to β2-agonists appear to be partially dependent on endothelial generation of nitric oxide (Dawes et al. 1997), which is impaired in persons with hypertension (Panza et al. 1993). Several polymorphisms in the gene encoding the β2-receptor (Reihsaus et al. 1993) have been reported to alter receptor function in vitro (Green et al. 1993, 1994). Studies exploring associations of these polymorphisms with essential hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases have mainly focused on the change from adenine to guanine at nucleotide 46, which results in glycine instead of arginine at amino acid 16 (Svetkey et al. 1996; Kotanko et al. 1997; Bray et al. 2000) (Arg16 → Gly) and was associated with greater agonist-promoted receptor down regulation in vitro (Green et al. 1994). Relatively few studies have explored relationships between the Arg16 → Gly polymorphism of the β2-adrenoceptor and intermediate physiological characteristics that may contribute to differences in blood pressure. Systemic infusions of selective β2-agonists appeared to evoke greater vasodilation in Arg16 than Gly16 homozygotes (Gratze et al. 1999; Hoit et al. 2000), whereas local infusions of the β-agonist isoproterenol demonstrated that regional vasodilator responses were greater in Gly16 than Arg16 homozygotes (Cockcroft et al. 2000; Dishy et al. 2001). However, none of these studies assessed whether the effects of the Arg16 → Gly polymorphism were dependent on nitric oxide-dependent or -independent pathways (Dawes et al. 1997). Therefore, the present study addressed whether the Arg16 → Gly polymorphism is associated with differences in forearm blood flow responses to brachial artery administration of the β-agonist isoproterenol, and whether such differences are associated with differences in the endothelial nitric oxide pathway.
Importance of the renal nerves for basal and stimulated renin mRNA levels in fetal and adult ovine kidneys.

To investigate the effect of renal denervation on renin mRNA levels in fetal and nonpregnant adult ovine renocortical tissue and in isolated juxtaglomerular cells under basal conditions and after stimulation. The left kidney was denervated and the right kidney subjected to a sham procedure in nine ovine fetuses (136–41 days’ gestation) and 20 nonpregnant ewes. After 5–7 days the denervated and intact kidneys were obtained, and renin-containing renal cortical cells were isolated and cultured overnight. Then cells were treated with isoproterenol, forskolin, or isomethylbutyl xanthine (IBMX) for 4 hours. Total RNA was isolated and renin mRNA measured by RNase protection assay. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were measured in the incubation medium with a competitive enzyme immunoassay. In adults, basal renin mRNA levels were significantly lower in denervated than in sham-operated kidneys. No diference was noted between denervated and intact fetal kidneys. Renin mRNA levels were significantly higher in fetal than in adult kidney tissue, and cells from fetuses had greater increases in renin mRNA after stimulation than did cells from adults. Fetal cells also released more cAMP into the incubation medium, and there was a correlation between cAMP and renin mRNA levels. The data indicate the effects of renal denervation on renin mRNA expression in the kidney are age dependent and that thefetus in late gestation has a mechanism for maintaining renin mRNA levels after denervation, which is absent or nonfunctional in the adult.
Effect of administration of anti-serum to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone on gonadal function during the estrous cycle in the hamster.

One-half ml of sheep-anti-LHRH-serum (No. 772) completely blocked ovulation when administered iv or sc at any stage of the estrous cycle in cycling hamsters. This anti-ovulatory activity lasted 12–13 days. The minimal effective iv dose (MED) of the anti-LHRH serum for completely blocking the preovulatory LH surge and ovulation when administered at 1200 h on proestrus was 0.2 ml. Injection of LHRH on the afternoon of P (proestrus) induced ovulation in the antiserum-treated hamsters when the antiserum was injected on P, but not when injected on D1(diestrus l)or D2(diestrus2). This suggests that the anti-LHRH serum acts differently in blocking ovulation during D and P, by suppressing follicular development and inhibiting preovulatory surge of gonadotropins, respectively. Serum estradiol levels, measured by radioimmunoassay, were significantly reduced but not completely suppressed after injection of 0.5 ml of anti-LHRH-serum. Histological examination of the ovaries revealed that an arrest of follicular matura...
Abstract 5621: MicroRNA 203 modulates glioma cell migration and invasion by targeting ROBO1

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate mRNA stability and protein expression, and certain miRNAs have been demonstrated to act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. A potential role for miRNAs in malignancy has been suggested by the location of the genes for several miRNAs at sites of translocation breakpoints or deletions linked to a specific neoplastic state. Allelic deletion on chromosome 14q plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GBM and was thought to harbor multiple tumor suppressor genes associated with GBM, a region which also encodes mir-203. Real-time PCR and insitu hybridization showed decreased levels of mir203 expression in anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. Exogenous expression of mir-203 using a plasmid expressing mir-203 precursor (pmir-203) suppressed cell invasion and migration in SNB19 glioblastoma cell line and 4910 xenograft cells. We determined that one relevant target of miR-203 was ROBO1, since miR-203 expression decreased mRNA and protein levels as determined by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Moreover, cotransfection experiments using luciferase-based transcription reporter assay have shown direct regulation of ROBO1 3α-UTR regions by miR-203 which was significantly abrogated when mutating the predicted miR-203 seed regions in the pMIR-REPORT UTR constructs, thereby validating the direct interaction between miR-203 and the ROBO1 3α-UTRs. Concordantly, over expressing ROBO1 expression construct with no mir-203 binding site blocked pmir-203 mediated suppression of migration and invasion. Taken together these studies demonstrate that up regulation of Robo1 in response to the decrease in mir-203 in glioma cells is responsible for glioma tumor cell migration and invasion. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5621. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5621
The Kinetics of the Fluorination of Beryllium

Reaction kinetics of fluorination of beryllium sheet by pressure drop method, giving activation energies and parabolic rate constants
Auditory imagery: Empirical findings.

The empirical literature on auditory imagery is reviewed. Data on (a) imagery for auditory features (pitch, timbre, loudness), (b) imagery for complex nonverbal auditory stimuli (musical contour, melody, harmony, tempo, notational audiation, environmental sounds), (c) imagery for verbal stimuli (speech, text, in dreams, interior monologue), (d) auditory imagery's relationship to perception and memory (detection, encoding, recall, mnemonic properties, phonological loop), and (e) individual differences in auditory imagery (in vividness, musical ability and experience, synesthesia, musical hallucinosis, schizophrenia, amusia) are considered. It is concluded that auditory imagery (a) preserves many structural and temporal properties of auditory stimuli, (b) can facilitate auditory discrimination but interfere with auditory detection, (c) involves many of the same brain areas as auditory perception, (d) is often but not necessarily influenced by subvocalization, (e) involves semantically interpreted information and expectancies, (f) involves depictive components and descriptive components, (g) can function as a mnemonic but is distinct from rehearsal, and (h) is related to musical ability and experience (although the mechanisms of that relationship are not clear).
Characterization of the cortisol response following an acute challenge with lipopolysaccharide in yellow perch and the influence of rearing density

Two experiments were performed to characterize the corticosteroid response of yellow perch Perca flavescens following an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and determine if sustained differences in rearing density alter this response. In the first experiment, yellow perch were injected with LPS (3 mg kg -1 ), saline, or handled without receiving any injection. Concentrations of cortisol in plasma were elevated in all groups relative to non-disturbed fish at 1.5 and 3 h after handling but by 6 h after injection the mean concentration of cortisol in plasma from LPS-injected yellow perch were three to five times higher than fish before injection and significantly larger than groups of fish not treated with LPS. In the second test, yellow perch were held at different rearing densities (9 v. 18-19 kg m -3 ) for 3, 7 and 14 days before injection with LPS (3 mg kg -1 ). The cortisol response of yellow perch following LPS injection of fish held for 14 days at high density was significantly lower than that of fish held at the low density for the same duration. Additionally a trend of a decreased cortisol response to LPS injection as duration of holding increased was observed among fish held at high density relative to fish held at low density. These data illustrate that the corticosteroid response of yellow perch following LPS injection is distinct from handling alone and that the magnitude of the response is impacted by rearing density.
Adsorption with axial diffusion in shallow beds

Abstract Approach to constant pattern behavior and breakthrough behavior are analyzed for adsorption in fixed beds with axial diffusion. Local equilibrium between fluid and solid phases is assumed, with concentrations related by favorable Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Results are presented as midheight slopes of internal and actual breakthrough curves and as breadths of actual breakthrough curves. The solutions merge smoothly with asymptotic limits appropriate for deep beds and results obtained here for very short beds. It is shown that breakthrough curves are sharper than corresponding internal breakthrough curves for beds of any length, with the difference being even more pronounced in shallow beds than in deep beds. The principal factor that determines whether or not a breakthrough curve differs significantly from the corresponding internal breakthrough curve, regardless of whether the bed is long or short or the isotherm very favorable or linear, is the breadth of the adsorption wave near the bed outlet.
Using Auxiliary Information to Improve Wildlife Disease Surveillance When Infected Animals Are Not Detected: A Bayesian Approach

There are numerous situations in which it is important to determine whether a particular disease of interest is present in a free-ranging wildlife population. However adequate disease surveillance can be labor-intensive and expensive and thus there is substantial motivation to conduct it as efficiently as possible. Surveillance is often based on the assumption of a simple random sample, but this can almost always be improved upon if there is auxiliary information available about disease risk factors. We present a Bayesian approach to disease surveillance when auxiliary risk information is available which will usually allow for substantial improvements over simple random sampling. Others have employed risk weights in surveillance, but this can result in overly optimistic statements regarding freedom from disease due to not accounting for the uncertainty in the auxiliary information; our approach remedies this. We compare our Bayesian approach to a published example of risk weights applied to chronic wasting disease in deer in Colorado, and we also present calculations to examine when uncertainty in the auxiliary information has a serious impact on the risk weights approach. Our approach allows "apples-to-apples" comparisons of surveillance efficiencies between units where heterogeneous samples were collected.
Trinuclear, tetranuclear and octanuclear chalcogenido clusters of molybdenum and tungsten supported by trimethylphosphine ligands

Abstract A variety of trinuclear, tetranuclear and octanuclear chalcogenido compounds of molybdenum and tungsten that are supported by PMe3 ligands has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. For example, the tetranuclear sulfido cluster, Mo4S6(SH)2(PMe3)6, has been obtained by reaction of Mo(PMe3)6 with H2S, while the trinuclear selenido and tellurido compounds, Mo3Se5(PMe3)6 and Mo3Te5(PMe3)6, may be obtained by thermolysis of Mo(PMe3)4Se2 and Mo(PMe3)4Te2, respectively. In contrast to the formation of a trinuclear compound analogous to Mo3E5(PMe3)6 (E = Se, Te), thermolysis of the tungsten complex, W(PMe3)4S2, produces the octanuclear sulfido cluster, W8S16(PMe3)10. Of these compounds, Mo4S6(SH)2(PMe3)6 and W8S16(PMe3)10 possess M:S stoichiometries of 1:2 and so may be regarded as molecular derivatives of the respective disulfides, MS2, which are important components of hydrotreating catalysts.
Empirical Models of Political Risks in U.S. Oil Production Operations in Venezuela

In 9 of the years between 1961 and 1978, Venezuelan regimes took actions adverse to the profitability of U.S oil companies' local production operations. In this study 2 time-series discriminant models were developed for classifying each of the 18 years according to the occurrence of such action. In the first model, adverse government action was found more likely to occur following years of economic decline and periods when U.S. companies earned high profits from petroleum investments in Venezuela. In the second model, government action tended to occur after periods of relative deprivation experienced by Venezuelans. To illustrate the use of discriminant models in forecasting political risks, hypothetical scenarios were formulated from which projections were made through 1985 of the likelihood of government action against those U.S. oil companies' operations remaining since the nationalization of petroleum.
Kinetics and heat transfer analysis of carbon catalyzed solar cracking process

Abstract Solar thermochemical processing offers production of many fuels and commodities via reduced emission footprint. Although solar reactor design and flow configuration play a key role in process efficiency, use of the right catalyst further enhances the overall efficiency. Solar cracking of methane provides an excellent example of the direct effect of carbon catalyst on the heat transfer which in turn affects the feedstock decomposition rate. In this paper, a compilation of our research results on the testing of carbon catalyst using thermogravimetry, and its impact on the heat transfer are summarized along with a thorough kinetics analysis of methane decomposition. It is seen that carbon seeding uniforms the reactor temperature and the volumetric heating caused by the suspended carbon particles substantially improves the reactor performance. 37 chemical gas-phase reactions and rate constants were considered to simulate the non-catalyzed methane cracking, whereas 8 chemical surface reactions and rate constants were considered for methane cracking with carbon catalyst. As for the heat transfer analysis, thermal interaction of gas-particle flow and the thermal hydraulics between gas flow and particle were studied by two way coupled Euler-Lagrange approach. Discrete ordinate model was used to solve radiative transport between reactor walls and entrained particles. The results show that when carbon loading is increased from 0.2 g/min to 0.6 g/min, the product gas temperature reduces from 1121 K to 1010 K, whereas mass fractions of methane shows 30% increase in efficiency.
48. Cidofovir treatment prevents invasion of invasive HPV-16-positive anal keratinocytes

Background The nucleotide analogue cidofovir has been shown to be effective in treating precancerous HPV-associated lesions located in the respiratory tract, cervix, vulva and anus. Cidofovir has been shown to have a 51% efficacy in the short-term treatment of high-grade perianal squamous intraepithelial lesions in HIV-infected persons. Less is known about the effect of cidofovir in treating more advanced stages of HPV-associated disease such as invasive cancer. Methods: We established an immortalised anal keratinocyte cell line (AKC2) following transfection of the HPV-16 genome into primary anal keratinocytes and long-term culture. AKC2 cells were invasive using in vitro collagen invasion assays. To determine the effect of cidofovir on invasion, AKC2 cells were treated for up to 7 days with different concentrations of cidofovir (10, 25 and 50 µg mL–1) and studied using the collagen invasion assays. Untreated cells served as a control. Results: We detected a decrease in invasion of AKC2 cells (50%, 70% and 90% decrease) with 10, 25 and 50 µg mL–1 cidofovir, respectively. Cellular toxicity was not detected in any of the cidofovir-treated samples. Preliminary data suggest that cidofovir directly or indirectly impairs the formation of actin filaments and cellular filopodia, which are known to play a role in cellular invasion. Conclusions: Cidofovir inhibits invasion of HPV-16-transformed anal keratinocytes potentially through affecting pathways that are involved in actin filament formation. Cidofovir could potentially be useful as an adjuvant treatment for invasive anal cancers, and its mechanism of action in inhibiting cellular invasion requires further study.
Impact of a home-based physical activity intervention upon exercise behaviors and anthropometric measures in women undergoing treatment for early stage breast cancer.

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts Abstract #1117 Women who gain weight after breast cancer diagnosis have a worse prognosis compared to women who avoid weight gain. Weight gain is especially common in women treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, many of whom develop sarcopenic obesity which involves an increase in body fat and loss of lean muscle mass. This type of weight gain has been associated with increases in insulin and other metabolic hormones linked to breast cancer risk and prognosis. Studies have demonstrated that weight gain in breast cancer patients occurs, at least in part, due to decreases in physical activity during and after treatment. Methods: In this single arm pilot study, sedentary women with early stage breast cancer participated in a home-based exercise intervention during adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation. The target activity goal was 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. Participants underwent evaluation of anthropometric measures, fitness (measured by modified Bruce ramp protocol treadmill test), fatigue and quality of life at baseline and after the 12 week intervention. Change in these measures over time was assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank test of the change scores (post-pre values). Results: Forty-one women were enrolled in the study and 33 (80%) completed the 12 week protocol. Average age of participants was 47, and women were an average of 4.5 months from diagnosis at the time of enrollment. All but one of the women (98%) received adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Baseline and week 12 values for study variables are presented in table 1. Participants were sedentary at baseline, engaging in an average of 13 minutes of weekly activity. Physical activity increased significantly during the study period, with participants averaging 105 minutes of activity per week. Participants avoided weight gain and increases in body fat over the course of the study, and experienced significant improvements in fitness, quality of life and fatigue scores. ![][1] Discussion: Women who completed a 12-week home-based exercise intervention during adjuvant therapy significantly increased activity and avoided weight gain, which has been associated with poor prognosis in early stage breast cancer. This trial, in conjunction with other exercise studies in breast cancer patients, provides preliminary data to help guide the design of randomized trials examining the impact of exercise upon breast cancer outcomes. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1117. [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Division of labor between scouts and recruits: genetic influence and mechanisms

Every recruitment system in social insects requires some individuals that serve as scouts, foragers that search independently for food sources. It is not well understood which factors influence whether an individual becomes a scout or a recruit, nor how the division of labor between the two forager groups is regulated. It is shown here for honeybees (Apis mellifera), using two different molecular techniques, that there is a genetically based difference in the probability that individuals will scout independently for food. In contrast to earlier suggestions, experimental tests showed that the age of a bee does not seem to influence its probability of becoming a scout or a recruit. Furthermore, scout bees do not search opportunistically for either pollen or nectar but, rather, individuals have preferences that are genetically based. These findings are discussed in the framework of foraging regulation by specialization in honeybees and the adaptive significance of polyandry.
Radiolucent ureterocele calculus

In a 30-year-old man a radiolucent stone in an orthoptic, nonobstructing ureterocele was detected by ultrasonography of the bladder. The stone was impacted in the ureteral orifice. Endoscopic ureteral meatotomy was performed in preference to endoscopic incision of the ureterocele, and the stone was disintegrated at ureterorenoscopy via the enlarged orifice
Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke Within 3 Hours Versus Between 3 and 4.5 Hours of Symptom Onset

Data from randomized clinical trials have supported the safety and efficacy of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV tPA) for acute ischemic stroke when administered within 3 hours of symptom onset, and regulatory approvals for this indication have been in place for almost 20 years. However, recent clinical trials have provided evidence that IV tPA may be safe and effective in selected patients up to 4.5 hours after symptom onset, thereby increasing the proportion of patients that may be eligible for treatment. Although professional organizations in the United States and many regulatory agencies internationally have supported this expanded time window for IV tPA, the US Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve this expanded indication and so this use of IV tPA has remained off-label in the United States. Here we review the current evidence for IV tPA in the standard and the expanded time windows and the data on current clinical practice in the United States as it relates to IV tPA treatment for acute stroke within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
The Quest for ‘A Common Word’: Initial Christian Responses to a Muslim Initiative

To a world experiencing heightened suspicion and distrust between Christians and Muslims, a call for dialogue and understanding between the two faiths may seem a welcome event. Such a call was issued in October of 2007 when 138 Muslims from around the world sent an invitation to Christian leaders to cease their mutual fear and diatribe, find some measure of theological common ground, and work together for world peace. What motivated such an initiative, and how has it been received? In this essay we will examine some of the reasons for the call, the content of the invitation, and the kinds of responses given by Christian individuals, denominations and communities.
Molecular mechanisms of hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury

Hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (HALI) is characterized by an influx of inflammatory cells, increased pulmonary permeability, endothelial and epithelial cell death. Reactive oxygen species have been postulated to have a significant role in HALI, in part, by inducing cell death responses regulated by shared common mediators of apoptotic and necrotic pathways. Significant differences exist in the response of the mature and developing lung to HALI.
The effect of intravenous verapamil on acute migraine headache.

SYNOPSIS We conducted a double blind placebo controlled study on the effect of intravenous injection of verapamil in 12 patients with acute migraine headache who sought medical help in the emergency room. Changes in the intensity of headache were scored every 10 minutes up to one hour following administration of 10 mg of Verapamil or placebo. After infusion of placebo, one patient reported complete improvement, one had moderate improvement, and three had no improvement. Of those receiving verapamil, two reported moderate improvement, two had no improvement, and three were worse. Our results indicate no beneficial effect of intravenous verapamil injection on acute migraine headache in progress.
Improved stator current spectral analysis technique for bearing fault diagnosis

Although detection of bearing faults from vibration signal has been extensively used, detection using electrical signal such as the stator current has also proven to be interesting and relevant, but improvements of the stator current spectrum are necessary so as to assist in a more readable signal. In this paper, two improvements have been proposed and discussed. Firstly, the proposition of a designed and realized anti-aliasing filter to be inserted in the acquisition chain so as to improve the processed signals quality. Secondly, the proposition of a developed algorithm to enable the maxima localization in a given frequency band for a more readable stator current spectrum. The experimental results obtained, show the merit and effectiveness of the proposed contribution. Keywords—Bearings faults; Current Spectrum; Antialiasing filter; Maximum localization.
Expanding the scope of the ATIS task: the ATIS-3 corpus

The Air Travel Information System (ATIS) domain serves as the common evaluation task for ARPA spoken language system developers. To support this task, the Multi-Site ATIS Data COllection Working group (MADCOW) coordinates data collection activities. This paper describes recent MADCOW activities. In particular, this paper describes the migration of the ATIS task to a richer relational database and development corpus (ATIS-3) and describes the ATIS-3 corpus. The expanded database, which includes information on 46 US and Canadian cities and 23,457 flights, was released in the fall of 1992, and data collection for the ATIS-3 corpus began shortly thereafter. The ATIS-3 corpus now consists of a total of 8297 released training utterances and 3211 utterances reserved for testing, collected at BBN, CMU, MIT, NIST and SRI. 2906 of the training utterances have been annotated with the correct information from the database. This paper describes the ATIS-3 corpus in detail, including breakdowns of data by type (e.g. context-independent, context-dependent, and unevaluable)and variations in the data collected at different sites. This paper also includes a description of the ATIS-3 database. Finally, we discuss future data collection and evaluation plans.
Plasmonic transparent conducting metal oxide nanoparticles and nanoparticle films for optical sensing applications

Abstract The ability to monitor gas species selectively, sensitively, and reliably in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions is critically important for more efficient energy production using conventional fossil energy based production technologies, enabling advanced technologies for fossil based power plants of the future, and improving efficiency in domestic manufacturing industries. Optical waveguide based sensing platforms have become increasingly important but a need exists for materials that exhibit useful changes in optical properties in response to changing gas atmospheres at high temperatures. In this manuscript, the onset of a near-IR absorption associated with an increase in free carrier density in doped metal oxide nanoparticles to form so-called conducting metal oxides is discussed in the context of results obtained for undoped and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticle based films. Detailed film characterization results are presented along with measured changes in optical absorption resulting from various high temperature treatments in a range of gas atmospheres. Optical property changes are also discussed in the context of a simple model for optical absorption in conducting metal oxide nanoparticles and thin films. The combination of experimental results and theoretical modeling presented here suggests that such materials have potential for high temperature optical gas sensing applications. Simulated sensing experiments were performed at 500 °C and a useful, rapid, and reproducible near-IR optical sensing response to H 2 confirms that this class of materials shows great promise for optical gas sensing.
Some observations on the stable carbon isotope composition of dissolved and particulate organic carbon in the marine environment

Abstract δ 13 C PDB compositions for 39 samples of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the Gulf of Mexico-Caribbean Sea-Atlantic Ocean system, the South Pacific and Ross Sea are reported. Deep water values are similar with a mean of −21.8%. attesting to the homogeneity of the oceanic DOC pool. In Antarctic waters, a 5%. difference between DOC and particulate organic carbon (POC), with POC having values similar to modern plankton ( δ 13 C PDB approx −27%.) supports the idea of the transient nature of POC as compared to DOC. Total, lipid, acid hydrolyzed, amino acid and residue fractions of POC are about 5, 3, 7, 5 and 3%. respectively, more negative in 2000 m water as compared to surface water samples from the Gulf of Mexico.
Compression of bright optical pulses by dark solitons

We show that bright optical pulses can be compressed in the wavelength region of normal group-velocity dispersion by using dark optical solitons. Various cases of the pulse compression are studied numerically for dark soliton pulses with a background of finite temporal duration.
ALTERNATIVES IN CHILD REARING IN THE 1970s

Drawing upon pilot interviews and home observations representing 50 families from rural and urban communes, single middle-class mothers, and “unmarried marrieds,” the child-rearing practices, values, and beliefs of counter-culture groups are examined and compared with those of two-parent nuclear families of the 1970s. Attitudes and practices of “new” families bring into focus a number of fundamental issues, such as effects of multiple caretaking, anti-sexist attitudes, heightened interest in social relationships, and generalized trust of adults on the psychological growth of the child.
Random attractors for stochastic sine-Gordon lattice systems with multiplicative white noise

We study the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the stochastic sine-Gordon lattice equations with multiplicative white noise. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions, and then establish the existence of tempered random bounded absorbing sets and global random attractors.
Efficient algorithm for additive and multiplicative models in data envelopment analysis

An efficient algorithm is proposed for the additive and multiplicative models in data envelopment analysis (DEA). In simulation studies the algorithm executed in less than 60% of the cpu time required by the revised simplex method.
Relative importance of lattice valency versus system dimensionality in markovian models of diffusion-controlled processes

Abstract Lattice models of reaction-diffusion processes require the specification of the total number N of sites of the underlying lattice, its dimensionality d and valency v . Earlier calculations are summarized and new calculations reported for the average walk length −[ n −] (a measure of the mean lifetime τ) of a reactive species migrating on a lattice with a centrosymmetric trap. We calculate exactly −[ n −] as a function of the variables ( N, d, v ) in order to assess the relative importance of changes in the dimensionality and/or valency of the reaction space of the system. The principal conclusion drawn from the numerical results reported here is that changes in the dimensionality are of greater consequence in influencing the efficiency of the process than changes in the valency of the reaction space.
Synchronization of a periodically forced Duffing oscillator with a periodically excited pendulum

Abstract In this paper, the analytical conditions for a periodically forced Duffing oscillator synchronized with a chaotic pendulum are developed through the theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. From the analytical conditions, the synchronization invariant domains are developed. For a better understanding of synchronization of two different dynamical systems, the partial and full synchronizations of the Duffing oscillator with the chaotic pendulum are presented for illustrations. The control parameter map is developed from the analytical conditions. Under special parameters, the two systems can be fully and partially synchronized. Since the forced pendulum has librational and rotational chaotic motions, the periodically forced Duffing oscillator can be synchronized only with the librational chaotic motions of the pendulum. It is impossible for the forced Duffing oscillator to be synchronized with the rotational chaotic motions.