cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OPTEXT: Government Publications on CD‐ROM

Video Laser Systems's (VLS) OPTEXT is, in many ways, a harbinger of things to come. It is one of the first products to use the High Sierra Group's standard for the compact disk (CD) data format, and in so doing employs CD technology to make an otherwise awkward and imposing source eminently accessible. It is so successful that it can reasonably be said to obviate use of the paper version of the Code of Federal Regulations. At the same time, it will force us to scrutinize our choice of optimal hardware configurations, while giving us an indication of idiosyncrasies that we can expect to encounter in the burgeoning CD market.
Investigations into the effects of PCB congeners on reproduction in lake trout from the Great Lakes

Abstract Eggs of feral lake trout collected in Lake Michigan were reared under laboratory conditions and monitored for egg hatchability, physical abnormalities, and survival of fry. Subsamples of eggs were also analyzed for PCB congeners. A negative correlation was found between egg hatchability and total PCBs but expressing PCB dose as dioxin equivalents did not produce as strong a correlation. No other measure of reproductive success correlated significantly with PCB concentration in the egg.
Interaction of series and parallel dead space in the lung.

Abstract The volume of ventilation delivered to unperfused zones of the respiratory system (respiratory dead space) can be divided into the volume occupied by the conducting airways (series dead space) and the volume of unperfused alveolar space (parallel dead space). The effect of the interaction between these two components of dead space on steady-state gas exchange was first evaluate with a mathematical model. The response of both parallel and series dead space was predicted to underestimate the dead space measured by the inert gas elimination technique (V D IG ). This error was largest when the volumes of parallel and series dead space were equal. The size of the parallel dead space in the model could be calculated from measurements of V D IG made before and after adding a series dead space of known volume. In 16 anesthetized dogs series and parallel dead space were quantitated using the multiple inert gas elimination technique with addition of known volumes of series daead space. In five normal dogs, the series and parallel dead space averaged 20% and 13% of the tidal volume, respectively. In eleven dogs with the left pulmonary artery occluded the parallel dead space averaged 26%. This method represents the first means of quantitating these two anatomically separate components of wasted ventilation.
In the wake of tsunami: Lessons learned from the household decision to replant mangroves in Thailand

The Indian Ocean tsunami has increased interest in replanting mangroves as natural storm barriers. This paper analyzes the household decision to replant mangroves in four case study villages in Thailand in line with existing studies on the voluntary contribution to step-level public goods and the decision by adult members of a household to devote some labor to an outside activity. The null hypothesis that dependency on mangrove-based income has no influence on participation in replanting is rejected. Awareness of community conservation efforts and of the environmental impacts of shrimp farms also motivates participation. Allocation of male and female labors to replanting is also found to be jointly determined.
Total synthesis of the potent antitumor, bis-tetrahydrofuranyl annonaceous acetogenins (+)-asimicin and (+)-bullatacin

Abstract Convergent syntheses of the title compounds involve: a bis-THF-subunit preparation via Sharpless' double asymmetric dihydroxylation and subsequent asymmetric epoxidation; preparation of the C(4)-hydroxybutenolide-containing subunit using a Stille butenolide synthesis; Pdo-mediated coupling of these vinyl iodide and alkyne subunits; and selective Wilkinson reduction of the resulting enyne.
Microcomputer analyses of performance on a portable, simple visual RT task during sustained operations

The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania There is a need for brief, portable performance measures that are free of practice effects but that reliably show the impact of sleep loss on performance during sustained work. Reaction time (RT) tasks hold considerable promise in meeting this need, if the extensive number of responses they typically yield can be processed in ways that quickly provide the essential analyses. While testing the utility of a portable visual RT task during a sustained, quasi-continuous work schedule of 54 h, we developed a microcomputer software system that inputs, edits, transforms, analyzes, and reduces the data from the RT portable audiotapes, for each 10-min trial on the task. With relatively minor modifications, the software system can be used on a minimally configured microcomputer system that supports BASIC. The software is flexible and capable of retrieving distorted data, and it generates a variety of dependent variables reflecting intratrial optimum response capacity, lapsing, and response slowing.
A Sharp Condition for Scattering of the Radial 3D Cubic Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

We consider the problem of identifying sharp criteria under which radial H1 (finite energy) solutions to the focusing 3d cubic nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS) i∂tu + Δu + |u|2u = 0 scatter, i.e., approach the solution to a linear Schrodinger equation as t → ±∞. The criteria is expressed in terms of the scale-invariant quantities \({\|u_0\|_{L^2}\|\nabla u_0\|_{L^2}}\) and M[u]E[u], where u0 denotes the initial data, and M[u] and E[u] denote the (conserved in time) mass and energy of the corresponding solution u(t). The focusing NLS possesses a soliton solution eitQ(x), where Q is the ground-state solution to a nonlinear elliptic equation, and we prove that if M[u]E[u] \|Q\|_{L^2}\|\nabla Q\|_{L^2}}\), then the solution blows-up in finite time. The technique employed is parallel to that employed by Kenig-Merle [17] in their study of the energy-critical NLS.
A defect in DNA double strand break processing in cells from unaffected parents of retinoblastoma patients and other apparently normal humans

Cells from unaffected parents of retinoblastoma (RB) patients were previously shown to be hypersensitive to radiation induced G(1) arrest and cell killing [1]. The hypersensitivity was similar to that reported for cells from ATM heterozygotes. The latter was consistent with a mild DNA DSB rejoining defect which we demonstrated using a gamma-H2AX focus assay after low dose-rate (LDR) irradiation of non-cycling G(0) cells [2,3]. Since neither parent carried the mutant RB allele of the RB heterozygous probands, these results suggested the possibility of an enhanced germline mutation rate, perhaps resulting from some mild defect in genome maintenance. We therefore examined levels of gamma-H2AX foci for cells from these RB parents in this G(0) LDR assay, which reflects the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) capacity of cells and in a G(2)/M assay, which reflects additional contributions from other G(2)-related damage processing systems. For several of the cell strains parallel radiosensitivity comparisons were made for cell killing and for G(2) chromosomal radiosensitivities. G(0) cells from the RB parents were clearly hypersensitive both in the LDR gamma-H2AX assay, and for cell killing. In addition, cultured fibroblasts from 6 of 15 apparently normal individuals in this study (and one of six in a previous study) were also hypersensitive in the same assays. In the G(2)/M gamma-H2AX assay, the relative sensitivities were similar to those seen in the low dose-rate G(0) assay and tracked with chromosomal radiosensitivity, but some differences were observed.
Work in progress-recruiting Hispanic students into computing through community service learning

The San Jose State University College of Engineering implemented a new approach for recruiting Hispanic students into computing disciplines and careers through the Hispanic Computer Brigade (HCB) initiative. To support the HCB, we received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a one-year pilot program for Hispanic students from the San Jose East Side Union High School District. The high school students began the program with a summer camp in Summer 2009, continued to learn and engage computing throughout the 2009–2010 academic year with community service learning, and will end with a local event where students will share their computing projects with high school faculty, SJSU faculty, parents/guardians, and the community. Students are learning computer and programming skills and processes in weekly meetings with the help of high school teachers and San Jose State University student mentors.
Preservation of cosmesis with low complication risk after conservative surgery and radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

Purpose: Although the clinical outcome after treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using breast-conservation surgery and radiation therapy has been well documented, little data has been reported on cosmetic outcome or treatment complications. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate cosmesis and complications after breast-conservation treatment for DCIS and to analyze various factors that might affect cosmesis and predispose to complications. Methods and Materials: The records of 90 patients who were alive without evidence of disease with a 3-year minimum follow-up were evaluated for cosmetic results and treatment complications following breast-conservation surgery and radiation therapy for DCIS. Complete gross excision of the primary tumor had been performed in all patients. Additionally, 24 patients had undergone an axillary lymph node dissection in the earlier years of the study. The majority of the patients had received 50-50.4 Gy to the whole breast followed by an electron boost for a total dose of 60-66 Gy. Results: The cosmetic results of 90 evaluable patients at 3 years were: excellent in 69 (77%), good in 19 (21%), and fair in 2 (2%). The cosmetic results of 64 evaluable patients at 5 years were: excellent in 46 (72%), good in 16 (25%), and fair in 2 (3%). Factors associated with worse cosmetic results were an increased volume of tissue excised (>70 cm 3 ) and a negative ipsilateral breast biopsy after radiotherapy. Complications in the 24 patients with an axillary dissection were: arm edema (n = 6), cellulitis of the arm (n = 5), and axillary vein thrombosis (n = 1). Complications in the 66 patients without an axillary dissection were: cellulitis of the arm (n = 1) and cellulitis of the breast (n = 1). Discussion: Breast-conservation surgery followed by radiation therapy achieved excellent or good cosmetic results in 98 and 97% of patients at 3 years and 5 years, respectively. Complications were associated primarily with axillary dissection, which is no longer standard practice, and complications were uncommon in patients without an axillary dissection. Therefore, patients currently treated for DCIS of the breast would be expected to have a high rate of excellent or good cosmetic outcome with a low risk of complications.
Domesticated Abolitionism, the “Human Cargo” of the Zong, and the British Legal Usage of Dehumanizing Rhetoric, 1783–1807

The essay provides readers with an analysis of the dehumanizing rhetorics that were placed in the path of Granville Sharp during the 1783 debates about the “jettisoning” of 132 slaves from the Zong. The author contends that while Solicitor General Lee and the other counsel for the ship owners openly characterized African slaves as “human cargo,” Lord Mansfield advanced a more ambivalent, and moderate, legal position that was based on the notion of “absolute necessity.” The essay concludes by noting that many contemporaries have forgotten about many of the legal interpretations of insurance contracts that hindered the sentimentalists.
Technology and the Language Classroom Available Technology

0 When one thinks of technologies in language education, two things generally come to mind: the videocassette recorder (VCR) and the microcomputer. Indeed, these are the basics in terms of equipment for numerous technological approaches to language instruction. Add to this picture the capabilities of closed-captioned video, optical-disc technology such as compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) for microcomputers, interactive videodisc systems that combine the microcomputer with pictures, a plethora of software programs (see Healey & Johnson 1991; Thomas, Passentino, & Hambrook 1991), as well as the possibilities offered by satellite transmission, and the view that emerges is a complex set of technological applications that are increasingly available and popular in educational settings. The mainstay technique for the VCR is the use of prerecorded materials. Teachers record authentic video and television programs on their home VCRs (i.e., feature films, documentaries, sitcoms, news programs) and create their own instructional materials for classroom use. A 1991 pilot survey of 119 U.S.-based members of the TESOL Video Interest Section (Stempleski, 1991) revealed five major tendencies in the use of video: (a) integration of video with other course content; (b) teacher-made support materials; (c) teacher-student inhouse video production; (d) emphasis on aural/oral skills; and (e) focus on cultural content. Video producers and educational publishers are collaborating on the development and production of video-based language courses that follow a predetermined scope and sequence and are complete instructional packages including videotapes and accompanying print materials (see Thomas, Passentino, & Hambrook, 1991),
Experimental Shifts in Intraclutch Egg Color Variation Do Not Affect Egg Rejection in a Host of a Non-Egg-Mimetic Avian Brood Parasite

Avian brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, and impose the costs associated with rearing parasitic young onto these hosts. Many hosts of brood parasites defend against parasitism by removing foreign eggs from the nest. In systems where parasitic eggs mimic host eggs in coloration and patterning, extensive intraclutch variation in egg appearances may impair the host’s ability to recognize and reject parasitic eggs, but experimental investigation of this effect has produced conflicting results. The cognitive mechanism by which hosts recognize parasitic eggs may vary across brood parasite hosts, and this may explain variation in experimental outcome across studies investigating egg rejection in hosts of egg-mimicking brood parasites. In contrast, for hosts of non-egg-mimetic parasites, intraclutch egg color variation is not predicted to co-vary with foreign egg rejection, irrespective of cognitive mechanism. Here we tested for effects of intraclutch egg color variation in a host of nonmimetic brood parasite by manipulating egg color in American robins (Turdus migratorius), hosts of brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). We recorded robins’ behavioral responses to simulated cowbird parasitism in nests where color variation was artificially enhanced or reduced. We also quantified egg color variation within and between unmanipulated robin clutches as perceived by robins themselves using spectrophotometric measures and avian visual modeling. In unmanipulated nests, egg color varied more between than within robin clutches. As predicted, however, manipulation of color variation did not affect rejection rates. Overall, our results best support the scenario wherein egg rejection is the outcome of selective pressure by a nonmimetic brood parasite, because robins are efficient rejecters of foreign eggs, irrespective of the color variation within their own clutch.
Changes in lymphocyte subsets with age in perinatal cats: late gestation through eight weeks

Abstract The age-related changes in numbers and proportions of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (pan-T, CD4, CD8, Ig, and null) were evaluated by two-color flow cytometry in 16 feline fetuses (56–58 days gestational age) and 21 kittens from birth through 8 weeks of age. Populations of pan-T+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells increased in total numbers as a function of increases in total lymphocyte numbers while proportions of these subsets remained relatively static. In contrast, both the total number and proportion of Ig+ cells increased from birth to 4 weeks of age, after which there were essentially no changes. Null (pan-T−), Ig− cells were highest during late gestation and declined steadily thereafter to become a minimal component of the peripheral lymphocyte subsets. Compared with normal adult values, CD4 CD8 ratios were high throughout the 8 week study period. These results illustrate that the neonatal cat blood lymphocyte profile undergoes maturational changes and emphasize the importance of evaluating age-matched controls in studies of conditions that may alter feline lymphocyte subsets.
Transition states in Ei reactions

The pyrolysis of amine oxides, sulfoxides, selenoxides, and esters to form alkenes is believed to be a concerted reaction with a cyclic transition state. Phosphine oxides, sulfones, and nitro compounds are unreactive. This study seeks to identify reasons for the lack of reactivity of the latter. Transition states were located for all substrates progressing from RHF/3-21G* to the MP2/6-31+G(d,p) level (in certain cases). For sulfones and nitro compounds, two possible reasons for lack of reactivity were considered: (1) Atoms approaching one another in the transition state may be considered to participate in a local nO σ*CH interaction. The second oxygen in the sulfone or nitro compound lowers the energy of the ‘non-bonded electrons’ at oxygen leading to a greater mismatch in energy with the antibonding CH orbital (in comparison to the sulfoxide or amine oxide). (2) The sulfone and nitro ‘lone pairs’ are not really ‘alone’, and available to react. In fact, complex bonding arrangements exist in the SO2 and NO2 groups. The situation is less clear for phosphine oxides, although ground state stability of bonds is important. Implications concerning the Hammond postulate are covered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Murine airway histology and intracellular uptake of inhaled amorphous itraconazole

Aerosolization of amorphous itraconazole may be a safe and effective method of pulmonary delivery. Our objective was to evaluate the histologic effects, immunogenic potential, and cellular uptake of aerosolized amorphous itraconazole. Mice received amorphous itraconazole (30mg/kg), excipient placebo, or saline control by nebulization every 12h for up to 12 days. Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and formalin fixation of both lungs were conducted. BAL supernatant was assayed for IL-12 by ELISA, and cellular components were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Coronal sections of the entire lung were stained, viewed by light microscopy, and the Cimolai histopathologic inflammatory score was obtained for each lobe. No evidence of bronchiolar, peribronchiolar or perivascular inflammation was found in any treatment group, nor were epithelial ulceration or repair observed. The Cimolai histopathologic scores for amorphous itraconazole, excipient, and saline control on days 3 and 8 did not differ between groups. ELISA analysis showed no cytokine induction of IL-12. Itraconazole was detected within cells collected from BAL fluid on days 1, 3, 8 and 12. Aerosolized administration of amorphous itraconazole or excipients does not cause inflammation or changes in pulmonary histology and are not associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Structure of the Human Lung Cytochrome P450 2A13

The human lung cytochrome P450 2A13 (CYP2A13) activates the nicotine-derived procarcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) into DNA-altering compounds that cause lung cancer. Another cytochrome P450, CYP2A6, is also present in human lung, but at much lower levels. Although these two enzymes are 93.5% identical, CYP2A13 metabolizes NNK with much lower Km values than does CYP2A6. To investigate the structural differences between these two enzymes the structure of CYP2A13 was determined to 2.35A by x-ray crystallography and compared with structures of CYP2A6. As expected, the overall CYP2A13 and CYP2A6 structures are very similar with an average root mean square deviation of 0.5A for the Cα atoms. Like CYP2A6, the CYP2A13 active site cavity is small and highly hydrophobic with a cluster of Phe residues composing the active site roof. Active site residue Asn297 is positioned to hydrogen bond with an adventitious ligand, identified as indole. Amino acid differences between CYP2A6 and CYP2A13 at positions 117, 300, 301, and 208 relate to different orientations of the ligand plane in the two protein structures and may underlie the significant variations observed in binding and catalysis of many CYP2A ligands. In addition, docking studies suggest that residues 365 and 366 may also contribute to differences in NNK metabolism.
Factors influencing the likelihood of overeducation: a bivariate probit with sample selection framework

Contrary to expectations, the likelihood of overeducation is shown to be inversely related to unemployment rates when not control for selectivity. Furthermore, incidence data show that overeducation is more common among men than women and among Whites than Blacks. At issue is selectivity: employment must be selected for overeducation to occur. When using bivariate probit with sample selection models, the likelihood of overeducation is found to be positively related to local unemployment rates, higher for women than men, higher for mothers of young children than other women, and lower for fathers than other males. Race, not speaking English very well, and having a disability are found to have a greater impact on the likelihood of overeducation than incidence data suggest.
Methods for the conversion of isoxazolines to β-hydroxy ketones

Abstract Two methods have been developed for converting isoxazolines to β-hydroxy ketones in a stereospecific manner.
Suppression of triglyceride secretion by epinephrine in isolated rat hepatocytes.

The effect of epinephrine on triglyceride synthesis and secretion was examined in isolated rat hepatocytes. Epinephrine potently inhibited triglyceride secretion but did not affect cellular triglyceride content or the rate of incorporation of radiolabelled glycerol into cell triglyceride. The inhibitory effect of epinephrine was abolished by inclusion of the aadrenergic antagonist prazosin but not the β-antagonist propranolol.
Systematics of the calyptridium umbellatum complex (Portulacaceae)

TheCalyptridium umbellatum complex (Portulacaceae), which has been treated as including from one to nine species, is shown to comprise three morphologically distinctive species. Two of these are common, wide-ranging, montane perennial herbs—C. umbellatum, which occurs over a large part of western North America, andC. monospermum, which largely replacesC. umbellatum in cismontane California. The third member of the complex is the rare or possibly extinctC. pulchellum. The perennial members of this complex are accorded the status of a separate genus,Spraguea, by most authors, but a comparative study of the morphology and karyology of all species ofCalyptridium shows this separation to be unwarranted. Chromosome numbers ofn = 22, obtained from eight populations ofC. umbellatum and six ofC. monospermum, constitute the first reported counts for these species. Hybridization studies involvingC. umbellatum andC. monospermum indicate that they are isolated by an incomplete noncrossability barrier.
Effects of horizontal gradients on GPS radio occultation observation operators. II: A Fast Atmospheric Refractivity Gradient Operator (FARGO)

Previous works have suggested that strong atmospheric horizontal gradients need to be accounted for in the simulation of Global Positioning System radio occultation (GPS RO) refraction measurements. The contribution of such horizontal gradients to GPS RO observables can be calculated from a background with a multi-plane two-dimensional (2D) ray tracer. In part I we showed that the effects of horizontal gradients can be separated into tangent point drift (TPD) and horizontal gradients along the ray (HGR). We present here a fast observation operator called FARGO. FARGO incorporates both TPD and HGR effects but presents computation times 48 times faster than 2D ray tracing for calculating bending angle and more than 250 times faster for refractivity. TPD effects are simulated using slanted profiles while the HGR correction is applied in one occultation plane only and limited to the vicinity of the tangent point. When compared to observation operators which assume spherical symmetry, FARGO allows for reductions in the r.m.s. of the differences between observed and calculated bending angles and refractivities which are similar to those obtained with 2D ray tracing. Such reductions of the observed minus calculated refractivity can reach 80% for an occultation which occurred perpendicular to a tropospheric refractivity ridge (axis of high values) along a warm sector containing high water vapour amounts. We found that in about 5% of the cases, accounting for horizontal gradients via FARGO reduces the differences from real data by more than a half. The method used by FARGO to account for horizontal gradients can be extended for simulating refraction measurements collected by other instruments. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Evolutionary algorithm search for network connectivities conducive to periodic behavior at sub-spiking frequencies

We use an evolutionary algorithm (EA) to search the space of leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron networks, in order to identify network connectivities producing significant rhythmic activity at sub-spiking frequencies (i.e., 'bursting-like behavior'). We find that the connectivities of the most-fit LIF networks exhibit a relatively broad in-degree distribution and a relatively narrow out-degree distribution. We examine the frequencies of connection motifs in the most-fit LIF networks as compared to random networks. In a network of more realistically modeled neurons, the most-fit network connectivities are observed to produce a broader frequency response as compared to that resulting from random network connectivities. Figure ​Figure11 shows the cumulative in- and out-degree distributions of a representative most-fit network, whose connectivity graph is illustrated in the inset. The orange line represents the cumulative in-degree distribution, and the red line the cumulative out-degree distribution. The blue bars represent the expected cumulative distribution (and error bars) for random network connectivities. Figure 1 shows the cumulative in- and out-degree distributions of a representative most-fit network, whose connectivity graph is illustrated in the inset. The orange line represents the cumulative in-degree distribution, and the red line the cumulative out-degree ...
Single-Phase Synthesis of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles

A single-phase synthesis of thiolate monolayer-protected gold clusters (MPCs) is described. This method avoids the problem of persistent ionic contamination from residual phase-transfer catalyst wh...
The wedge and sigma convergence among U.S. states

The paper attempts to empirically quantify the factors underlying sigma convergence among the contiguous states of the U.S. Using annual state data the study finds a significant effect of the wedge in explaining the variation in state per capita productivity. Employing a time series framework, the paper finds that an increase in the variation of 1 percent in the wedge will increase the variation in per capita productivity by roughly 0.12 percent in the short run and roughly 0.45 to 0.55 percent in the long run.
Seed-Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanorods: Role of the Size and Nature of the Seed

We report studies on the synthesis of gold nanorods by a three-step seeding protocol method using a variety of different gold seeds. The synthetic method is adapted from one we published earlier (Jana et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 2001, 105, 4065). The seeds chosen for these studies have average diameters in the range from 4 to 18 nm, with positively charged as well as negatively charged surface groups. In all the cases, along with a large concentration of long rods, a small number of different shapes such as triangles, hexagons, and small rods are observed. The proportion of small rods increases with an increase in the seed size used for nanorod synthesis. For long nanorods synthesized by different seeds a comparison of various parameters such as length, width, and aspect ratio has been made. A dependence of the nanorod aspect ratio on the size of the seed is observed. Increasing the seed size results in lowering of the gold nanorod aspect ratios for a constant concentration of reagents. The charge on the seed...
Childhood Sun Exposure: Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Abstract Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, accounting for about 700,000 new cases annually or approximately one-third of all new cancer cases. Sun exposure is a serious risk factor for skin cancer, particularly that which results in severe sunburn during childhood. Reducing sun exposure in early childhood, however, is dependent on sun protective behaviors undertaken by parents or caretakers on behalf of their young children. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of parents concerning the sun exposure of their young children and the relationship between these variables and the behaviors parents adopt on behalf of their children. A 48-item researcher-developed questionnaire containing demographic items and items assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors relating to sun exposure was completed by 470 parents of young children while waiting to be seen by a pediatrician in a large general pediatric practice in the southeast. Data a...
PPARα: Mechanism of species differences and hepatocarcinogenesis of peroxisome proliferators

Peroxisome proliferator chemicals are classic non-genotoxic carcinogens. These agents cause liver cancers when chronically administered to rats and mice. Peroxisome proliferators include the widely prescribed lipid and cholesterol lowering fibrate drugs. In contrast to the results in rodents, there is no evidence that fibrates are associated with elevated risk of liver cancer or any other neoplasms in humans thus indicating a species difference in the hepatocarcinogenic response. The biological effects of peroxisome proliferators are mediated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha. Pparalpha-null mice are resistant to all of the pleiotropic effects of peroxisome proliferators, including cell proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis. The mechanism of hepatocellular proliferation involves downregulation of the microRNA let-7c gene by PPARalpha. Let-7c controls levels of proliferative c-myc by destabilizing its mRNA. Thus, upon suppression of let-7c, c-myc mRNA and protein are elevated resulting in enhanced hepatocellular proliferation. In contrast, PPARalpha-humanized mice, that respond to Wy-14,643 by lower serum triglycerides and induction of genes encoding fatty acid metabolizing enzymes, are resistant to peroxisome proliferator-induced cell proliferation and cancer. These mice do not exhibit downregulation of let-7c gene expression thus forming the basis for the resistance to hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
Family violence: practical recommendations for physicians and the medical community.

This article presents some practical recommendations for physicians and the medical community to address the issue of family violence. Disclosure of abuse is a terrifying event in the life of a victim. Health care providers play a very important role in caring for victims of family violence since they are the very first persons whom victims would turn to for help. This gives the physician the opportunity to intervene effectively to prevent further harm or homicide. Educating oneself and colleagues towards the use of available community and national resources is one approach which can be employed. Moreover it is also important to read relevant books and articles institute mandatory and frequent domestic violence training in the work setting and understand victim presentations. Another recommendation is to be willing to change individual and institutional practices. Routinizing inquiry about abuse safety planning and taking part in Family Violence Coordinating Council and task force round table discussion with physicians making an accurate and legible documentation of the case ensuring that the hospital has a domestic violence advocate or program and integrating family violence into the curriculum were seen as beneficial strategies. Other measures discussed include initiating a comprehensive community education and developing the courage to envision the changes needed to end family violence.
Direct DNA sequencing of the rat neu oncogene transmembrane domain reveals no mutation in urinary bladder carcinomas induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine, N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide or N-methyl-N-nitrosourea

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF-related growth factors are present in the urine, and EGF has been identified as a urinary component that enhances urinary bladder tumor formation in rats. Neu oncogene encodes a cell surface receptor similar to the EGF receptor and is known to be activated by a point mutation of DNA that encodes the transmembrane domain of the neu protein (p185). In this study, we examined the possible mutational activation of neu oncogene in 50 urinary bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) induced in F344 rats by the following carcinogenesis models: (i) 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) (4 weeks)----3% uracil (20 weeks); (ii) 0.2% N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide (FANFT) (6 weeks)----5% sodium saccharin (72 weeks); and (iii) N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) 20 mg/kg body wt, i.p. twice per week for 4 weeks----3% uracil (20 weeks). The DNA sequence around the transmembrane domain of neu gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The results showed no mutation within the examined DNA sequences, indicating that neu oncogene is not activated by a point mutation in the transmembrane domain in urinary bladder carcinomas induced by BBN, FANFT or MNU.
Robust and Resilient State Dependent Control of Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems with General Performance Criteria

Abstract A novel state dependent control approach for discrete-time nonlinear systems with general performance criteria is presented. This controller is robust for unstructured model uncertainties, resilient against bounded feedback control gain perturbations in achieving optimality for general performance criteria to secure quadratic optimality with inherent asymptotic stability property together with quadratic dissipative type of disturbance reduction. For the system model, unstructured uncertainty description is assumed, which incorporates commonly used types of uncertainties, such as norm-bounded and positive real uncertainties as special cases. By solving a state dependent linear matrix inequality at each time step, sufficient condition for the control solution can be found which satisfies the general performance criteria. The results of this paper unify existing results on nonlinear quadratic regulator, H ∞ and positive real control to provide a novel robust control design. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated by simulation of the control of inverted pendulum.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE AORTIC PRESSURE CURVE DURING DIASTOLE.

Aortic diastolic pressure curves calculated on the basis of a constant peripheral resistance do not predict humps like those found in actual clinical records. The present study considers the form of the aortic pressure curve to be expected during diastole if blood flowed out of the aorta against a peripheral resistance (R) that changed in response to baroreceptor stimulation. Assumptions are (1) baroreceptor stimulation is provided by arterial pressures above a threshold pressureP *; (2) pressures aboveP * occur during late systole and early diastole; (3) peripheral resistance starts to respond a given time interval Δ afterP reachesP * in systole; (4) Δ is less than the duration of time betweenP * occurring during early diastole and the end of the cardiac cycle. The present analysis predicts humps in the diastolic pressure curve, the humps occurring at times when the peripheral resistance time course alters. Initially,R is considered constant at its maximal valueR 0, then it changes in response to pressures during systole (assumed to have a parabolic time course), then changes in response to pressures during early diastole (assumed to have an exponential time course), and then changes in response to pressures later in diastole. The humps so predicted occur at times consistent with the location of humps in clinical records. What is more, this analysis predicts no humps in association with an unresponsive peripheral resistance as in essential hypertension, in agreement with clinical findings.
Ethics Beyond the IRB: An Introductory Essay

Qualitative sociologists confront thorny ethical issues, many of which are beyond the scope of institutional review board procedures and protocols. This essay presents the broad themes of this special issue by reviewing major approaches to scholarly ethical practice, offering a set of orienting propositions, and introducing the contributions of and connections among the articles that follow.
Simulation in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Simulation provides a means to educate, monitor, evaluate, and potentially document the competency of emergency physicians. The evolution of high-fidelity simulators has led to a surge of enhanced medical applications that fit nicely into the core of emergency medicine training. Simulation can facilitate training in resuscitation, procedures, CRM, and mass casualty management. Although improved outcomes from simulation are not well established, there is a general consensus regarding the added value over current training. And finally, simulation provides the ability to construct training to match the current educational efforts related to individual physicians or system-level improvements in communication and patient safety.
INFORMATION SOURCES FOR NINETEENTH CENTURY MIDWESTERN MIGRATION

A variety of sources provides different levels of information about the origins of nineteenth century migrants to the Midwest. The advantages and disadvantages of four of the most common records, the federal census, land office records, genealogical collections, and county histories/biographies/atlases, are examined. Characteristics considered are the specific types of data provided, extent of coverage, level of detail, statistical reliability, and accessibility. Examples of studies using each record type are cited.
How the US Drug Safety System Should Be Changed

READING A RECENT NEWSPAPER MIGHT REMIND ONE of the above quote. One of the questions the nation is currently confronted with is what should be done to address the safety of drugs. In this Commentary, the current system of drug safety monitoring will be described and the limitations of the current system will be highlighted. A potential solution will then be proposed that will require legislation to implement.
Decomposing complete graphs into cubes

This paper concerns when the complete graph on n vertices can be decomposed into d-dimensional cubes, where d is odd and n is even. (All other cases have been settled.) Necessary conditions are that n be congruent to 1 modulo d and 0 modulo 2 d . These are known to be su‐cient for d equal to 3 or 5. For larger values of d, the necessary conditions are asymptotically su‐cient by Wilson’s results. We prove that for each odd d there is an inflnite arithmetic progression of even integers n for which a decomposition exists. This lends further weight to a long-standing conjecture of Kotzig.
Apoptotic human lymphocytes have diminished CD4 and CD8 receptor expression.

Abstract We used quantitative multiparameter flow cytometric assays to simultaneously detect viable, apoptotic, and necrotic human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and immunophenotyped lymphocyte subsets within the PBMC. Apoptosis was induced by a spectrum of treatments, including camptothecin, cisplatin, dexamethasone, hyperthermia, staurosporine, and etoposide in anti-CD3 mAb-stimulated cells and by cyclohexamide in both quiescent and stimulated cells; apoptosis in the latter was augmented by anti-fas mAb. We found that CD4+and CD8+cells were significantly underrepresented in the apoptotic PBMC and that the percentage of CD4+and CD8+PBMC each markedly decreased as apoptosis increased. This suggested that surface expression of these receptors was lessened on apoptotic CD4+and CD8+cells. This was directly confirmed by observation of sorted CD4+PBMC. This analysis of a wide variety of apoptotic stimuli demonstrates that diminished CD4 and CD8 surface receptor expression is a common feature of human T lymphocyte apoptosis.
East African long rains declined abruptly

In 2010–2011 the East African region suffered a severe drought that affected millions of people. The drought was a consequence of the failure of both the seasonal “short rains,” which typically run from October to December, and the following “long rains,” which typically run from March to May. The failure of the short rains was predictable given a well-established connection with La Nina, but the failure of the long rains was not. In a new study, Lyon and DeWitt show that the most recent long rains failure is consistent with a recurrent large-scale precipitation pattern that began with an abrupt shift around 1999. The authors used observations and climate model simulations to show that the abrupt decline in the East African long rains was linked to similarly abrupt changes in sea surface temperatures, mainly in the tropical Pacific basin. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL050337, 2012) —EB
Education and Culture The Crisis of the African Intellectual

From an African-centered perspective it has been observed that in Western-oriented societies, schooling is used as a site for inculcating values and beliefs antithetical to the well-being of African children. In this way, African energies and resources are more easily controlled to accommodate European interests. As bearers of culture, African mothers have herstorically provided the unrecognized leadership toward resisting this condition and therefore European domination. How are these mothers able to see outside Europe's debased construction of Africa and her people? This question raises issues around the ability of African people, particularly European trained educators, to critique the dominant culture's impact on their own intellectual development and, therefore, their allegiance to African people.
Influence of a Visual Diurnal Rhythm on Flicker Response Contours of Dytiscus.

Conclusions1. The flicker fusion frequency-intensity relations differ for the light-adapted day and night-phase eyes. 2. This difference is marked in the high intensity range and decreases as the threshold intensities are approached. 3. In view of data published elsewhere the reversal of sensitivity relationships indicates that the process of light-adaptation is much more pronounced in the nightphase than in the day-phase eye. 4. The flicker response contour and other relationships confirm the conclusion, made elsewhere, that the diurnal rhythm present in the eyes of these beetles results in two physiological states which are so different that they may be considered functionally as separate and distinct photoreceptors.
Inorganic nanofibers with tailored placement of nanocatalysts for hydrogen production via alkaline hydrolysis of glucose

Monoaxial silica nanofibers containing iron species as well as coaxial nanofibers with a pure silica core and a silica shell containing high concentrations of iron nanocrystals were fabricated via electrospinning precursor solutions, followed by thermal treatment. Tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS) and iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) were used as the precursors for the silica and iron phases, respectively. Thermal treatments of as-spun precursor fibers were applied to generate nanocrystals of iron with various oxidation states (pure iron and hematite). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to probe the fiber morphology and crystal structures. The results indicated that the size, phase, and placement of iron nanocrystals can be tuned by varying the precursor concentration, thermal treatment conditions, and processing scheme. The resulting nanofiber/metal systems obtained via both monoaxial and coaxial electrospinning were applied as catalysts to the alkaline hydrolysis of glucose for the production of fuel gas. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and bulk weight change in a furnace with residual gas analysis (RGA) were used to evaluate the performance of the catalysts for various ratios of both Fe to Si, and catalyst to glucose, and the oxidation state of the iron nanocrystals. The product gas is composed of mostly H2 (>96 mol%) and CH4 with very low concentrations of CO2 and CO. Due to the clear separation of reaction temperature for H2 and CH4 production, pure hydrogen can be obtained at low reaction temperatures. Our coaxial approach demonstrates that placing the iron species selectively near the fiber surface can lead to two to three fold reduction in catalytic consumption compared to the monoaxial fibers with uniform distribution of catalysts.
Effect of feeding frequency on gastric evacuation and the return of appetite in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

The rate at which food is consumed and the efficiency with which it is utilized are prime factors in determining growth rate. There is a positive relation between growth and feeding frequency. Additionally, feeding frequency is strongly correlated with gastric evacuation time (GET). Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were fed to satiation with a pelleted diet at two different feeding frequencies (three meals day−1 and five meals day−1) to evaluate the effects of feeding frequency on gastric evacuation and the return of appetite. Ferric oxide was used as an inert indicator to follow gastric evacuation and gastrointestinal (GI) transit. Following an initial meal to satiation with the ferric oxide containing diet, fish were serially dissected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-prandially. The fish remaining in the treatments receiving three meals day−1 were fed to satiation again at 1200 and 1700 h. The fish remaining in the treatments receiving five meals day−1 were fed to satiation again at 1000, 1200, 1500, and 1700 h. Gastric evacuation rates (GER) for both treatments were curvilinear and were best described by a surface-area dependent model. The equation describing GER for fish fed three meals day−1 was VT=67.0e−0.153(x) and for fish fed five meals day−1 was VT=85.0e−0.149(x). The instantaneous evacuation rates obtained by linearizing the data were not significantly different and suggest gastric evacuation is independent of feeding frequency. Fish fed at 4–5-h intervals consume as much as they have evacuated. Fish receiving meals at 2–3-h intervals exhibit gastric overload. The return of appetite following a satiation meal is approximately 4 h in Nile tilapia held at 28°C. Satiation feeding of tilapia at 4-h intervals should increase production efficiency.