cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refinement, reduction and replacement approaches to in vivo cardiovascular research

In this review, the justification and benefits of refinement, reduction and replacement (3Rs) approaches to cardiovascular research are examined using the field of platelet biology and arterial thrombosis as an example. Arterial thrombosis is a platelet-driven condition and platelets are regulated by autologous signals, but also by external factors such as the vascular endothelium. In vitro assays using isolated platelets therefore poorly reflect in vivo platelet function and human disease. As a consequence, animal models, including mouse models, are frequently used. In particular, models of thromboembolic mortality have been successfully employed to determine the role of the vascular endothelium in regulating platelet function and thrombosis in vivo. Such models raise both scientific and ethical concerns and have recently been refined permitting the use of fewer mice at a lower severity level. These refinements have been scientifically beneficial in permitting analysis of the development and progression of thrombotic diseases and in improving our understanding of the role of the vascular endothelium in regulating platelet function and thrombosis. For many, the ultimate goal in 3Rs-driven science is replacement of animal models with non-animal alternatives; this is exemplified, in the platelet field, by the development of in vitro flow systems. The development of 3Rs approaches to cardiovascular research is shown to have led to improved scientific models. Further characterization and use of these models will likely contribute to increased understanding of thrombotic disease processes and facilitate drug development in the cardiovascular field.
Targeting lymphotoxin depletes pathogenic T cells.

A monoclonal antibody directed against lymphotoxin-α (LT-α) expressed by pathogenic T cells can prompt the clearance of these cells from the body (pages 766–773). The findings bring us one step closer to targeting only the cell populations that cause harm in autoimmune diseases while leaving beneficial arms of the immune system largely intact.
Role of Social Media in Communicating Transit Disruptions

Communication with customers is important during transit service disruptions. Communication technology has changed significantly, and the use of social media has expanded greatly in the past 5 years. A majority of Americans who use the Internet use social media for a significant portion of their days. Public transit agencies can enhance communication with customers through social media, particularly during major service disruptions such as severe weather events. A case study examined the way transit systems in the New York region used one social medium, Twitter, to communicate with customers during the service shutdown associated with Hurricane Sandy, an event that disrupted transit for weeks. As Hurricane Sandy approached and passed through the New York region, three major area transit agencies transmitted more messages on Twitter than during normal periods. These messages described the shutdown, storm damage, and recovery actions of these transit systems. Large increases in followers of transit agency T...
Assessment of Recombinant Porcine Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Using a Novel Polyclonal Ectodomain Antibody

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors (FSHR) are critically involved in mediating the responses of granulosa cells and Sertoli cells to FSH. The dynamic changes in cell surface FSH receptors (FSHR) in response to FSH remain unclear in part because of the heavy reliance on ligand‐binding methodologies. This study was designed to determine the molecular and cellular properties of recombinant porcine FSHR using a novel, high‐affinity purified polyclonal antibody to the ectodomain of the pFSHR. A full‐length porcine FSHR cDNA was cloned and sequenced and recombinant pFSHR protein was stably expressed in a clonal cell line of Chinese hamster ovary cells (pFSHR‐CHO). Recombinant receptor was stably expressed in an ovarian cell line with a density similar to that of porcine ovarian cells. A specific polyclonal antibody was generated in chickens to a 100‐amino acid fragment of the pFSHR ectodomain. Immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, indirect immunofluorescence cytochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy ...
The effect of daily budesonide therapy on IL-10 in a murine model of asthma☆

Abstract Rationale IL-10 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that has been shown to decrease airway inflammation with a concomitant increase in airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). There is little data available on the effect of daily budesonide therapy on the levels of IL-10 with regards to inflammation and AHR. Hypothesis Daily budesonide therapy will 1) decrease inflammation along with an increase in IL-10 2) decrease AHR with a decrease in IL-10. Objective To determine the effect of daily budesonide therapy and IL-10 on markers of inflammation and AHR. Methods C57/Black 6 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), divided into two groups and received: (1) nebulized budesonide (20 ug) once a day for 4 weeks (BDS) (2) no treatment for 4 weeks. Normal mice were also maintained as additional controls. Samples were collected at weekly intervals for 4 weeks at the time of sacrifice for eosinophil peroxidase activity (EPO), lung histology, serum IgE and IL-10 levels. AHR to methacholine (Mch) challenge was evaluated at the same intervals. Data were analyzed to compare sensitized untreated group with the normal or BDS treated group using student t test. Results BDS therapy resulted in: 1) a significant decrease in IL-10 levels, EPO, serum IgE, and lung inflammation without Mch challenge 2) a decrease in IL-10 levels without a decrease in AHR with Mch challenge. Conclusions BDS therapy resulted in a decrease in inflammation but without a decrease in AHR. We did not find an immunomodulatory effect of IL-10 on inflammation or AHR with daily BDS therapy in a murine model of asthma.
Autofluorescence of teleostean kidneys

The autofluorescence of the kidney has been investigated in nine species of teleosts, comprising marine, euryhaline and fresh water forms. Fluorescence was studied in fresh spreads of the kidney in all species; and in addition the living kidney was observed in situ in the sculpin and eel. The fundamental fluorescent tone of the renal tubules is a bluish-white, usually of rather low intensity. The fluorescence is for the most part so uniform that the attempt to identify, by distinctive fluorescence, the known subdivisions of the nephron in particular species has been almost entirely unsuccessful. Certain exceptional fluorescent pictures which have been observed in the renal tubules are described. It is concluded that, of the two lyochromes demonstrated by Ellinger in the kidney of the frog and rat, one is not present, but the other is quite possibly present at times, in the kidney of teleosts.
On the Temperature Dependence of Ferro-Magnetic Saturation

Accurate data on the saturation intensity of magnetization at low temperatures for monocrystalline materials were recently published by Allen and Constant(1) who, moreover, show that their results fit into the following interesting law: Let the saturation intensity at the temperature T be denoted by MST, the same intensity at the absolute zero of temperature by MSO and the Curie point by TC. If the ratio MST/MSO is plotted against T/TC, the points for all ferro-magnetic crystals of the cubic system fall onto one and the same universal curve. Two other curves obtain in the case of hexagonal and of ortho-rhombic crystals.
A Retrospective Comparison of Microwave Ablation vs. Radiofrequency Ablation for Colorectal Cancer Hepatic Metastases

Background Microwave (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are the most commonly used techniques for ablating colorectal-liver metastases (CRLM). The technical and oncologic differences between these modalities are unclear.
Crystal structure of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytoplasmic heme binding protein, Apo-PhuS

Iron is an essential element to all living organisms and is an important determinant of bacterial virulence. Bacteria have evolved specialized systems to sequester and transport iron from the environment or host. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, uses two outer membrane receptor mediated systems (Phu and Has) to utilize host heme as a source of iron. PhuS is a 39 kDa soluble cytoplasmic heme binding protein which interacts and transports heme from the inner membrane heme transporter to the cytoplasm where it is degraded by heme oxygenase thus releasing iron. PhuS is unique among other cytoplasmic heme transporter proteins owing to the presence of three histidines in the heme binding pocket which can potentially serve as heme ligands. Out of the three histidine residues on the heme binding helix, His 209 is conserved among heme trafficking proteins while His 210 and His 212 are unique to PhuS. Here we report the crystal structure of PhuS at 1.98 A resolution which shows a unique heme binding pocket and oligomeric structure compared to other known cytoplasmic heme transporter and accounts for some of the unusual biochemical properties of PhuS.
Nucleotide sequence analysis of Adh genes estimates the time of geographic isolation of the Bogota population of Drosophila pseudoobscura.

Abstract The population of Drosophila pseudoobscura at Bogota, Columbia, is geographically and partially reproductively isolated from populations in the main body of the species in North America. The degree of genetic differentiation and time of divergence between populations at Bogota and Apple Hill, CA, were estimated by comparison of 3388 nucleotides in the alcohol dehydrogenase region (Adh and Adh-Dup genes) of 18 strains. Of the 146 polymorphic nucleotide sites detected, 68 and 31 were unique to the Apple Hill and Bogota samples, respectively, and 53 were shared. On the basis of an observed net divergence per nucleotide site of 0.264% between the two samples, the Bogota and North American populations were estimated to have been separated for at least 155,000 years. This divergence time suggests that D. pseudoobscura extended its range from North America to South America in a period of Pleistocene glaciation, when habitat suitable for the species presumably existed in lowland Central America.
New hybrid model predicting solution to final sulfur content

Desulfurization of molten steel is a primary task in ferrous metallurgy. So the prediction of final sulfur content is an important step. According to the problem that some key parameters in prediction process are hardly to be obtained, this paper proposed a hybrid method. In this method, first, use the method which integrates AdaBoost and LS-SVM to obtain the key parameters. Then put them into the mechanism model and get the values of final sulfur content. Thus, the problem of parameters can be solved by it. At the same time, it can overcome the disadvantage that intelligent method depends on data lack of technical guidance. From the simulation results, this method can meet the production requirement; the hit frequency had reached 80%.
Medicare's use of cost-effectiveness analysis for prevention (but not for treatment).

Abstract Context Medicare currently pays for 23 preventive services in its benefits package, the majority of which were added since 2005. In the past decade, the program has transformed from one essentially administering treatment claims, to one increasingly focused on health promotion and maintenance. What is largely unappreciated is the role cost-effectiveness analysis has played in the coverage of preventive services. Methods We review the role of cost-effectiveness analysis in Medicare coverage of preventive services and contrast it to the lack of such consideration in the coverage of treatments. Findings While not considered for coverage of treatment, cost-effectiveness analysis played a role in the coverage of nine preventive services, and was evaluated in a number of instances when the service was not added. Pneumococcal vaccine, the first preventive service added to the benefit (1981), followed a Congressionally requested cost-effectiveness analysis, which showed it to be cost-saving. More recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reviewed cost-effectiveness evidence when covering preventive services such as HIV screening (2010) and screening and behavioral counseling for alcohol misuse (2011) (studies reported cost-effectiveness ratios of $55,440 per QALY, and $1755 per QALY, respectively). Conclusions Cost-effectiveness analysis has played a longstanding role in informing the addition of preventive services to Medicare. It offers Medicare officials information they can use to help ensure health gains are achieved at reasonable cost. However, limiting cost-effectiveness evidence to prevention and not treatment is inconsistent and potentially inefficient.
Actin nucleation: Nucleation-promoting factors are not all equal

Abstract Arp2/3 complex plays a key role in regulated actin polymerization. A recent study has revealed marked differences in the ability of two nucleation-promoting factors — N-WASP and Scar/WAVE1 – to activate the Arp2/3 complex. Further insights have come from determination of the Arp2/3 crystal structure.
The acute effects of sleeper stretches on shoulder range of motion.

Abstract Context: The deceleration phase of the throwing motion creates large distraction forces at the shoulder, which may result in posterior shoulder tightness and ensuing alterations in shoulder range of motion (ROM) and may result in an increased risk of shoulder injury. Researchers have hypothesized that various stretching options increase this motion, but few data on the effectiveness of treating such tightness are available. Objective: To evaluate the acute effects of “sleeper stretches” on shoulder ROM. Design: Descriptive with repeated measures. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory and 2 separate collegiate athletic training facilities. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-three National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players (15 pitchers, 18 position players; age = 19.8 ± 1.3 years, height = 184.7 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 84.8 ± 7.7 kg) and 33 physically active male college students (age = 20.1 ± 0.6 years, height = 179.6 ± 6.6 cm, mass = 83.4 ± 11.3 kg) who reported no r...
Tumor dependence on the EGFR signaling pathway expressed by the p-EGFR:p-AKT ratio predicts erlotinib sensitivity in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells expressing wild-type EGFR gene.

Introduction This study was undertaken to identify molecular determinants of tumor dependency on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway for predicting clinical benefit from erlotinib monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with tumors expressing wild-type EGFR gene. Methods The effect of erlotinib on the total and phosphorylated protein expression of EGFR and key downstream signaling molecules was determined by immunoblots in a panel of NSCLC cells expressing wild-type EGFR gene. The parameters that correlate with cell sensitivity and resistance to erlotinib was analyzed. Results Individual assessment of total or phosphorylated protein expression of EGFR or a downstream signaling molecule does not correlate with sensitivity to erlotinib in these NSCLC tumors. Resistance of NSCLC cells to erlotinib is associated with failed inhibition of at least one phosphorylated downstream signaling molecule. The dependency of NSCLC cells on the activated EGFR axis was measured by the ratio of p-EGFR to a phosphorylated downstream protein. A high ratio should indicate that activation of a downstream signaling molecule primarily results from the activation of upstream EGFR; and a low ratio should indicate that activation of a downstream signaling molecule primarily results from the activation of a upstream receptors other than EGFR. The p-EGFR:p-AKT ratio was 10-fold higher in erlotinib-sensitive cells than erlotinib-resistant cells (p = 0.03). It was the best predictor of erlotinib sensitivity among all parameters analyzed in this panel of NSCLC cell lines. Conclusions The p-EGFR:p-AKT ratio deserves further investigation as a predictive parameter for clinical response to erlotinib in NSCLC tumors expressing wild-type EGFR gene.
Some empirical evidence for production smoothing in the agribusiness sector.

This article looks at the evidence as to whether agribusiness manufacturers use their inventories of finished products to smooth their production processes. The data lend support to the production smoothing hypothesis for the case of condensed and evaporated milk; however, that support is weakened when seasonally adjusted data are used in the analysis. There is no evidence of production smoothing in flour milling. This negative result can be explained by the production-to-order characteristics of the flour milling industry.
Cross-Linked Random Copolymer Mats As Ultrathin Nonpreferential Layers for Block Copolymer Self-Assembly

We report the effect of increasing amounts of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in random copolymers of P(S-r-MMA-r-GMA) on the formation of nonpreferential mats for the assembly of P(S-b-MMA) block copolymers. Increasing the GMA concentration in the random copolymer from 1 (PG1) to 4 (PG4) mole % increased the cross-linking efficiency and reduced the effective minimum thickness of the cross-linked mat for perpendicular alignment of P(S-b-MMA) from ∼6 nm to ∼2 nm. The compositional window (so-called perpendicular window) of PG4 was defined for both symmetric and asymmetric P(S-b-MMA). Compared to PG1, incorporation of higher amount of polar comonomer (GMA) in PG4 shifted the perpendicular window toward higher styrene fraction as a result of the increased polarity. The defined perpendicular window for P(S-r-MMA-r-GMA) is equally applicable for random copolymers prepared by both controlled living and classical free-radical polymerizations.
Random-walk model of stream network development

A random-walk, headward-growth model of stream network development in a region of uniform lithology and uniform slope is proposed. The principal difference from previous models is that the probability of growth is made dependent on the area contributing runoff to the stream tip. Two versions of the model have been studied in detail and shown to give satisfactory results. A major advantage is that all of the important network variables, including drainage density and outlet density, come naturally out of the simulation processes.
The use of estrogen therapy in men

Men make estrogen throughout their lives through the bioconversion of androgens by the aromatase enzyme in gonadal, as well as peripheral, tissues. The role of estrogen in men is not well understood; however, recent research interest has focused on this intriguing question. In some areas, such as the bone and cardiovascular systems, insights are beginning to be gained. Nevertheless, the clinical use of estrogen in men is limited.
Prevention of accidental extubation in newborns.

• Maintaining endotracheal intubation is critical to treating respiratory failure in newborns. To reduce accidental extubations in our neonatal intensive care unit, a prospective comparison of rates of extubation was made between two taping methods and whether or not a head restraint was used. One tape method was significantly better at preventing accidental extubations. Head restraint was not a benefit when used prospectively. Factors that preceded or were associated with accidental extubation included the time intubated, infant agitation, endotracheal tube suctioning, the infant turning its head, chest physiotherapy, loose tape, too short a tube between lip and adapter, weighing, and endotracheal tube taping. This information and the study design are valuable in developing strategies to minimize accidental endotracheal extubation and the subsequent risks of airway injury and subglottic stenosis in sick newborns. ( AJDC 1988;142:1240-1243)
The infectious and transmissible nature of the periodontal syndrome of the rice rat.

Abstract The micro-organisms responsible for the periodontal syndrome in the rice rat are readily transmitted from one subject with an actively progressing syndrome to others. Rice rats which are prone to develop the periodontal syndrome when fed diet 700 were rendered relatively inactive with respect to the development of this syndrome by a preliminary period of penicillin supplementation. After cessation of penicillin administration, inoculation of the oral cavity with the micro-organisms in faeces from rice rats with fully developed periodontal lesions resulted in rapid initiation and progression of the destructive processes. Likewise comparable oral inoculations of rice rats of the strain which does not develop this syndrome readily, resulted in a greatly increased rate of initiation and progression of lesions. In both cases, oral inoculation by a thick paste prepared with faeces in physiological saline was more effective than the suspension of faeces in the drinking water. When weanling rice rats from the two strains were caged together, an increased level of the periodontal syndrome was observed in the rice rats from the relatively inactive strain. This method of inoculation appeared to be much less effective than either of the two previous procedures. However for all three procedures for inoculation of the relatively inactive rice rats, despite the highly significant increase in the periodontal syndrome, the rate of progression was still not equal to that observed in rice rats of the strain which is prone to develop the syndrome.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 3B1 (ALDH3B1): Immunohistochemical Tissue Distribution and Cellular-specific Localization in Normal and Cancerous Human Tissues

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes are critical in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. Our previous findings indicate that the ALDH3B1 enzyme is expressed in several mouse tissues and is catalytically active toward aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation, suggesting a potential role against oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to elucidate by immunohistochemistry the tissue, cellular, and subcellular distribution of ALDH3B1 in normal human tissues and in tumors of human lung, colon, breast, and ovary. Our results indicate that ALDH3B1 is expressed in a tissue-specific manner and in a limited number of cell types, including hepatocytes, proximal convoluted tubule cells, cerebellar astrocytes, bronchiole ciliated cells, testis efferent ductule ciliated cells, and histiocytes. ALDH3B1 expression was upregulated in a high percentage of human tumors (lung > breast = ovarian > colon). Increased ALDH3B1 expression in tumor cells may confer a growth advantage or be the result of an induction mechanism mediated by increased oxidative stress. Subcellular localization of ALDH3B1 was predominantly cytosolic in tissues, with the exception of normal human lung and testis, in which localization appeared membrane-bound or membrane-associated. The specificity of ALDH3B1 distribution may prove to be directly related to the functional role of this enzyme in human tissues.
Comparison of Baghouse Test Results with the GCA/EPA Design Model

The GCA/EPA fabric filter design model Is evaluated for its ability to predict pressure drop, penetration, and dynamics of full-scale baghouses. Model predictions are compared with data measured at the Kramer station of the Nebraska Public Power District. Two different values of specific resistance coefficient (K2) and effective residual drag (SE) are used in the modeling of the Kramer baghouse. The field-measured value of K2 combined with the laboratory-measured value of SE produces the best predictions of pressure-drop performance, but the field data exhibit fluctuations that cannot be accounted for by the model. The model overpredicts penetration just after a compartment has been cleaned; but, as the dust cake on the filter grows, the discrepancy between predicted and measured values diminishes.
Assessment of a computer program to detect epileptiform spikes.

Abstract This study compares an automated spike detection program to a group of 6 electroencephaographers. Since group members varied in experience, an expertise factor was devised to weight their scoring. EEGers underscored epileptiform events on 6 records in a manner analogous to the computer's storage of EEG segments. A summation of expertise factors was determined for every event. This sum was normalized and interpreted as a probability the event would be called a spike by a given EEGer. The performance of each scorer and of the computer at different amplitude thresholds was analyzed based on this probability. Higher rated scorers identified more subtle events. Lowering the threshold of the computer program produced a comparable increase in sensitivity. The increase in total events detected by the computer was linear over the range studied. While the proportion of false positive detection increased with lowering threshold, our readers have not found a moderate number of these distracting. We conclude that the computer system, while not as specific as an EEGer, can be as sensitive and can be a reliable screening editor for large amounts of monitoring data. On balance it is more effective than an EEGer for this limited purpose.
Development of pattern visual evoked potentials: longitudinal measurements in human infants.

Purpose. This experiment used longitudinal testing to trace the emergence of the major components of pattern visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in infants, using two paradigms: large-checkerboard pattern reversal and low spatial frequency pattern onset. Methods. Testing with both pattern-reversal and pattern-onset stimuli was performed on the same infants. Testing was conducted at weekly intervals during the first three postnatal months, and at intervals of 2 weeks to 1 month thereafter. Results. The pattern-reversal and early pattern-onset responses recorded within individual subjects showed remarkably systematic developmental sequences. The broad, positive component seen at 200 to 250 ms in infants could be traced readily through the developmental sequence, to become the more sharply tuned positive component seen at about 100 ms in adults. Responses to low spatial frequency pattern onsets in infants were larger and more reliable than those in adults. The late components of the pattern-onset response, generally attributed to pattern offset, emerged later and with more complex changes. In all cases, response amplitude was much more variable than response latency, both within and between subjects. Conclusions. Frequent VEP recording in a longitudinal design can reveal systematic and detailed transitions of wave-form during development.
Oblique electron transport in the presence of collinear and noncollinear magnetizations

The nonlocal real‐space Kubo approach to electron transport in magnetic multilayers is applied to a new geometry, ‘‘oblique transport,’’ whose complexity is traced back to a combination of the layering, of the nonlocal character of the linear response, and of the oblique direction transport in this new geometry. The problem is dealt with by applying a condition on the average current density vector or on the average electric‐field vector, depending upon the external driving conditions. Its solution exhibits a characteristic anisotropy and it yields the global oblique conductance and magnetoresistance as simple trigonometric expressions in terms of the in‐plane and vertical conductances and magnetoresistances, for arbitrary noncollinear‐magnetization configurations.
Should Western Corporations Ban the Use of Shari’a Arbitration Clauses in their Commercial Contracts?

In recent years, there has been an increase in the adoption of Shari’a in Europe and North America as an arbitration protocol for the resolution of potential contractual disputes. In a largely secular Western business environment, this reality raises corporate policy implications for business organizations. In particular, questions are raised about whether Shari’a is by nature too unpredictable—and too dismissive of women’s rights—to be properly and ethically permitted by Western companies as a possible dispute resolution alternative. This article examines the dynamics and factors that are involved as corporate managers decide whether Shari’a arbitration ought to be banned entirely from contractual negotiations. Arguments for and against the inclusion of a Shari’a arbitration clauses in commercial contracts and contract negotiations are presented. The article concludes that while managers should exercise great prudence and consider the moral implications of negotiating arbitration clauses, an organizational ban of the use of faith-informed arbitration generally, or Shari’a in particular, would be neither morally required nor optimally serve the interests of the organization or its stakeholders.
Mind-body identity: Cross-categorial or not?

I have tried to accomplish two tasks in this paper. The first, and more important, is to free my defense of the mind-body identity theory against the property objection from reliance on there being categories. The second is to argue that if there are categories, Rosenbaum's objections pose no threat to principle (II), or its more plausible relative, (IV). I believe I have finished both tasks. This significantly strengthens my reasons for accepting some form of the identity theory. Of course, deciding whether it is reasonable enough to accept is a much more difficult task. But if what I have argued elsewhere is correct, that task is also completed. We should, at least at present, accept what I call the ‘neutral’ or nonreductive identity theory.
Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 may account for the altered fibrinolysis by keloid fibroblasts.

Using a 3-dimensional fibrin gel model system simulating fibroplasia of wound repair, we investigated the interaction between keloid fibroblasts and fibrin matrix and compared it with that of normal fibroblasts. Normal skin fibroblasts caused fibrin gel degradation under serum-free conditions, whereas keloid fibroblasts did not cause microscopically detectable gel degradation. Fibrin gel degradation occurred through plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis, which was initiated by fibroblast-secreted urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). With regular and reverse fibrin overlay assays, normal fibroblasts exhibited high uPA but low plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activities, and transforming growth factor- β 1 prevented fibrinolysis of normal fibroblasts by upregulating PAI-1 while downregulating uPA activities. In contrast, keloid fibroblasts exhibited an intrinsically high level of PAI-1 and a low level of uPA. This change in the ratio of activator and inhibitor activities was attributed to altered fibrin degradation by keloid fibroblasts. The PAI-1 increase was also demonstrated at the RNA level by Northern analysis. In terms of the pivotal role of the plasmin/plasminogen activator system in matrix remodeling, the elevated PAT-1 level exhibited by keloid fibroblasts may have significant consequences not only in altered fibrin degradation, but also in subsequent repair steps that lead to keloids and fibrosis.
Building Educational Resilience and Social Support: The Effects of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program Among First- and Second-Generation College Students

The ability to be resilient in the face of adversity is a critical topic of investigation for educators and psychologists. If educators and psychologists gain greater understanding of the processes that promote resilience in youth, they will be in a better position to support strengths and coping. Educational resilience is one such line of inquiry that refers to “students who despite economic, cultural, and social barriers still succeed at high levels” (Cabrera & Padilla, 2004, p. 152). Much of the educational research on resilient youth has been focused on protective factors that help them succeed in school. This line of inquiry fits with recent resilience literature that has begun to consider how communities can promote protective factors and increase resilience. Gonzalez and Padilla (1997) discovered that academic support and a sense of belonging in school promoted resilience among Mexican American students. Phinney and Haas (2003) reported on 30 ethnic minority college freshman most of whom were the first to attend college in their families. Students with more social support and a greater sense of self-efficacy were better able to cope with stress. The shift from high school to college involves a change in identity from that of high school student to college attendee. Having a sense of identity is a key developmental milestone for adolescents (Erikson, 1968). Ethnic identity is one aspect of the individual’s larger identity that refers to “feelings of ethnic belonging and pride, a secure sense of group membership, and positive attitudes towards one’s ethnic group” (Phinney & Alipuria, 1996, p. 142). Like social support, another possibility was that an increased sense of ethnic identity contributes to greater resilience and coping among firstand second-generation college students. Clauss-Ehlers, Yang, & Chen (2006) explored resilience among diverse college-aged women and found that learning about one’s ethnic identity and having an androgynous gender identity were associated with greater resilience amidst adverse situations. Although the above studies revealed important findings, missing from the literature is consideration of how programmatic efforts that promote social support, resilience, and ethnic identity can have a positive impact on the experience of firstand second-generation college students. John H. Schuh, associate editor Research in Brief
Inmates' Perception of the Helpfulness of Three Counselor Responses.

The use of a Carkhuff level 3 response, a Carkhuff level 5 response, and probing with regard to their perceived helpfulness was investigated by having inmates view a videotape of eight role-played counselor-inmate interactions. Each interaction consisted of the statement of a problem by a role-playing inmate followed by three separate responses to the statement by a role-playing counselor. Subjects were 94 inmates in a prerelease and aftercare services program who ranked the counselor responses of each interaction from "most helpful" to "least helpful." The level 5 response was perceived as the most helpful response, followed by probing and then the level 3 response. Implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are made.
A Comparison of Neodymium:YAG end Argon Laser Iridotomies

A prospective short-term clinical study evaluated argon and Q-switched neodymium:YAG laser iridotomies in 40 eyes of 20 patients with primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma. All patients had bilateral iridotomies with one eye randomly assigned to argon laser and the fellow eye to neodymium:YAG laser therapy. In all eyes a patent iridotomy was created in one treatment session. A mean of 12 +/- 11 and 0.033 +/- 0.025 J were needed for iridotomy formation in argon and neodymium:YAG treated eyes respectively. No neodymium:YAG and six (30%) argon iridotomies had marked closure requiring retreatment. Immediate postoperative intraocular pressure elevation greater than 10 mmHg was seen in seven (35%) argon and six (30%) neodymium:YAG-treated eyes. Nine (45%) eyes treated with the neodymium:YAG laser had bleeding from the iridotomy site. No acute lens damage was found in the neodymium:YAG eyes while seven (35%) lenses in the argon group had focal opacities. Seven (35%) neodymium:YAG and five (25%) argon treated eyes had focal nonprogressive corneal opacities above the iridotomy site. Specular microscopy showed a significant central corneal endothelial loss in argon laser treated eyes. No eyes had detectable retinal damage.
What is the future of ribavirin therapy for hepatitis C

With the introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the field is rapidly evolving towards interferon-free regimens with high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates. The ultimate goal of therapy in chronic HCV infection should include an easily dosed all-oral regimen that is highly effective, inexpensive, pan-genotypic, safe and tolerable, with minimal to no resistance. Various investigational DAA regimens are currently under evaluation with and without ribavirin (Rbv). With the projected arrival of improved therapies over the next 5years, the future role of Rbv comes into question. Despite being plagued by the lack of understanding of its mechanism of action and significant side effects such as anemia, Rbv has been a part of the standard-of-care therapies in chronic HCV infection for more than 10years. As we look towards the future HCV therapy, Rbv may still have utility in the care of patients infected with HCV because of its low cost and potentially added value in combination with other DAAs. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Hepatitis C: next steps toward global eradication."
Comparison of In Vitro Activity of Trovafloxacin Against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Organisms with Quinolones and β-Lactam Antimicrobial Agents

The in vitro activity of trovafloxacin against 721 Gram-negative and 498 Gram-positive organisms was determined by the standard microdilution broth method using commercially prepared frozen microtiter plates. The activity of trovafloxacin was compared to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin/sulbactam (1:1), piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftriaxone, and imipenem. Trovafloxacin had equal or greater activity compared with the other agents tested against Citrobacter diversus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Serratia marcescens, staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, group G streptococci, Enterococcus faecalis, and E. faecium. The reliability of the commercially prepared plates for testing the in vitro activity of the quinolones was evaluated by comparing identical isolates also tested by broth microdilution using laboratory prepared plates. The commercially prepared plates generally correlated, within one- to twofold dilutions, with the laboratory prepared plates. There was, however, a large discrepancy obtained when testing Enterobacter agglomerans and E. cloacae, where the commercially prepared plates yielded a significantly higher MIC90 value.
Numerical modeling of flows in flotation columns

Abstract Flotation columns are widely used in the mineral processing and coal preparation industry. Conventional mathematical modeling of flotation columns has utilized axial dispersion or tanks-in-series models. However, for design and scale up purposes these models are somewhat lacking because they do not provide detailed information on the flow fields within the column. This paper presents a two-dimensional, two-phase, fluid-dynamic model with numerical solutions for some cases encountered in column flotation. The MAC (Marker And Cell) method was employed to obtain the numerical solutions. The simulated flow field reveals the presence of a circulating flow structure in flotation columns, which could be one of the primary reasons for mixing in column flotation. The effects of some parameters such as superficial gas and liquid velocities on the characteristics of the flow structure in flotation columns were also tested with the numerical model.
Multiple Cytochrome P450 Genes: Their Constitutive Overexpression and Permethrin Induction in Insecticide Resistant Mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus

Four cytochrome P450 cDNAs, CYP6AA7, CYP9J40, CYP9J34, and CYP9M10, were isolated from mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus. The P450 gene expression and induction by permethrin were compared for three different mosquito populations bearing different resistance phenotypes, ranging from susceptible (S-Lab), through intermediate (HAmCqG0, the field parental population) to highly resistant (HAmCqG8, the 8th generation of permethrin selected offspring of HAmCqG0). A strong correlation was found for P450 gene expression with the levels of resistance and following permethrin selection at the larval stage of mosquitoes, with the highest expression levels identified in HAmCqG8, suggesting the importance of CYP6AA7, CYP9J40, CYP9J34, and CYP9M10 in the permethrin resistance of larva mosquitoes. Only CYP6AA7 showed a significant overexpression in HAmCqG8 adult mosquitoes. Other P450 genes had similar expression levels among the mosquito populations tested, suggesting different P450 genes may be involved in the response to insecticide pressure in different developmental stages. The expression of CYP6AA7, CYP9J34, and CYP9M10 was further induced by permethrin in resistant mosquitoes. Taken together, these results indicate that multiple P450 genes are up-regulated in insecticide resistant mosquitoes through both constitutive overexpression and induction mechanisms, thus increasing the overall expression levels of P450 genes.
Helicobacter pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease: the bug may not be all bad

Peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer of the antrum and body have been declining in the 20th century. In contrast, a new group of diseases are increasingly rapidly in Western countries: gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. Recent studies suggest this phenomenon may be related to the simultaneous fall in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization, especially by the virulent cagA + strains. H. pylori infection with the cagA+ strain is potentially protective against the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease because it lowers intragastric acidity as the result of a pangastritis, frequently with multifocal gastric atrophy and possibly increased intragastric ammonia production. Assuming that some types of H. pylori strains are protective, our entire approach to the worldwide elimination of this organism, sometimes indiscriminately, will need critical reevaluation.
High NaCl diets increase α2-adrenoceptors in renal cortex and medulla of NaCl-sensitive spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract Diets high in NaCl simultaneously elevate renal α 2 -adrenoceptor binding and exacerbate hypertension in young NaCl-sensitive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-S). The present study tests the hypothesis that in SHR-S on a high NaCl diet, an upregulation of renal α 2 -adrenoceptors is present in densely innervated areas of the kidney, and this precedes the increase in blood pressure. Seven week old SHR-S fed on a high (8%) compared to basal (1%) NaCl diet for 2 weeks displayed significantly exacerbated hypertension and elevated renal α 2 -adrenoceptor binding in both cortex and medulla. In contrast one week on the high NaCl diet did not alter renal α 2 -adrenoceptor number or blood pressure in SHR-S. Autoradiographic experiments demonstrated that the NaCl-induced upregulation of α 2 -adrenoceptors occurs in all areas of the renal cortex and medulla. None of these differences were observed in NaCl-resistant, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Further, the high NaCl diet did not alter renal α 1 -adrenoceptor binding in SHR-S or WKY. Together with previous findings, these data suggest that the NaCl-induced upregulation of renal α 2 -adrenoceptors is not specific to densely innervated regions of the kidney.
Validation of crystallographic models containing TLS or other descriptions of anisotropy

The use of TLS (translation/libration/screw) models to describe anisotropic displacement of atoms within a protein crystal structure has become increasingly common. These models may be used purely as an improved methodology for crystallographic refinement or as the basis for analyzing inter-domain and other large-scale motions implied by the crystal structure. In either case it is desirable to validate that the crystallographic model, including the TLS description of anisotropy, conforms to our best understanding of protein structures and their modes of flexibility. A set of validation tests has been implemented that can be integrated into ongoing crystallographic refinement or run afterwards to evaluate a previously refined structure. In either case validation can serve to increase confidence that the model is correct, to highlight aspects of the model that may be improved or to strengthen the evidence supporting specific modes of flexibility inferred from the refined TLS model. Automated validation checks have been added to the PARVATI and TLSMD web servers and incorporated into the CCP4i user interface.
Distributed Computation In Neural Networks And Their Optical Analogs

A continuum model for a neural network with lateral inhibition biased near threshold behaves like a dispersive optical medium with convective gain in a narrow band of wave numbers. A quadratic memory nonlinearity causes a long-lived change in an excitability parameter with continued excitation, imprinting multiplexed volume holographic gratings in the medium. Pairs, Chains, and Cycles of associated images may then be reconstructed by multiple Bragg scattering, corresponding to the recognition of patterns of images invariant under groups of transformations. An optical analog of the neural medium is suggested which could implement pattern recognition tasks on noncoherent inputs within a single crystal.© (1985) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transient Air-to-Fuel Ratio Control of an Spark Ignited Engine Using Linear Quadratic Tracking

Modern spark ignited (SI) internal combustion engines maintain their air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) at a desired level to maximize the three-way catalyst conversion efficiency and durability. However, maintaining the engine AFR during its transient operation is quite challenging due to rapid changes of driver demand or engine throttle. Conventional transient AFR control is based upon the inverse dynamics of the engine fueling dynamics and the measured mass air flow (MAF) rate to obtain the desired AFR of the gas mixture trapped in the cylinder. This paper develops a linear quadratic (LQ) tracking controller to regulate the transient AFR based upon a control-oriented model of the engine port fuel injection (PFI) wall wetting dynamics and the air intake dynamics from the measured airflow to the manifold pressure. The LQ tracking controller is designed to optimally track the desired AFR by minimizing the error between the trapped in-cylinder air mass and the product of the desired AFR and fuel mass over a given time interval. The performance of the optimal LQ tracking controller was compared with the conventional transient fueling control based on the inverse fueling dynamics through simulations and showed improvement over the baseline conventional inverse fueling dynamics controller. To validate the control strategy on an actual engine, a 0.4 l single cylinder direct-injection (DI) engine was used. The PFI wall wetting dynamics were simulated in the engine controller after the DI injector control signal. Engine load transition tests for the simulated PFI case were conducted on an engine dynamometer, and the results showed improvement over the baseline transient fueling controller based on the inverse fueling dynamics.
Race and Gender Wage Gaps in the Market for Recent College Graduates

Using a large sample of recent college graduates, the study tests the hypothesis that observed race and gender wage differentials reflect between-group differences in the type and quality of education attained rather than labor market discrimination. After controlling for narrowly defined college major, college grade point average, and the exact educational institution attended, white male and Hispanic male graduates earn 10 to 15 percent more per hour than comparable female, black male, or Asian male graduates.
Just Say Yes: Reengineering Library User Services for the 21st Century

Abstract The corporate literature on reengineering has much to offer academic libraries. This article describes how reengineering can be applied in library settings, trends affecting library user services operations, and the reengineering effort that is ongoing at Rice University where user services operations have been transformed through collaborative reengineering efforts between the library and computing.