cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Space Matters: Negotiating Social Boundaries in Le Sacristain II and Le Bouchier d’Abeville

Through an analysis of Le Sacristain II (Du Segretain Moine) and Le Bouchier d’Abeville (or Eustache d’Amiens), this study theorizes a common theme in the Old French fabliaux, that of the anticlerical conflict between the merchant and priest, by identifying the “appropriate” use of social spaces of production and reproduction in the text, as defined by Lefebvre (La Production de l’espace, Editions anthropos, Paris, 1974). The successful management of space in the fabliaux—from the marketplace, to the home, to the church—promotes and protects bourgeois values as they emerge at pivotal moments of exchange in the text. The bourgeois’ wit and the ability to manage space equate to both a successful trade and a shift in power in these tales, with the fabliaux providing a literary space to envision and play out a new social order. Situating the fabliaux in its historical context, this article argues that the genre’s preoccupation with “appropriate” behavior within certain social spaces communicates an increasingly cohesive cultural ideology for the rising merchant class in thirteenth century that marginalizes the authority of the church while strengthening these ideas in northern France and throughout the European trading community.
Isolation and physicochemical and immunologic characterization of human platelet factor 3

Abstract Platelet factor 3 (PF3) has been purified from human platelets. It migrated in two protein bands of molecular weights of about 600,000 and 450,000 daltons on electrophoresis in 7% polyacrylamide gels containing 0.1% SDS. Aged as well as fresh human platelets yielded preparations of PF3 that essentially were identical physicochemically and immunologically. The amount of PF3 recovered from aged platelets was approximately 25% of that obtained from fresh platelets. PF3 is a lipo-glycoprotein. It is antigenic in rabbits, and rabbit antihuman PF3 antiserum is capable of neutralizing its thromboplastic activity. In blood, PF3 seems to be specific for platelets.
The forgotten passion sexuality and anthropology in the ages of Victoria and Bronislaw

British anthropology's mid-Victorian beginnings occurred amid widespread public interest in sexuality, domesticity, and the origins of the family. Scholarship on those topics, along with published traveller's tales and colonial expeditionary reports, contributed to the “sublimation of sensuality” that was characteristic of the era. Counter cultural movements of the fin de siecle ended the mid-century sexual repressions and sublimations. With the important exception of Polish-born Bronislaw Malinowski, however, British anthropologists in the ensuing generation were not systematic students of sexuality. By 1930, those of the “Rivers School,” led by A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, embraced a theoretical discourse that denied phenomenal sex as an object of study, thus creating intellectual avoidances and sublimations analogous to those of mid Victorianism.
Effects of Low Temperature Periodic Annealing on the Deep-Level Defects in 200 KeV Proton Irradiated AlGaAs-GaAs Solar Cells

Low temperature thermal annealing (200 to 400 °C) has been shown to be effective in reducing densities of deep-level defects induced by proton irradiation in AlGaAs-GaAs solar cells. The purpose of this paper is to report our study of the effect of periodic thermal annealing on the deep level defects induced by the 200 keV proton irradiation. The AlGaAs-GaAs mesa diodes were initially irradiated at room temperature by 200 keV protons to a fluence of 1011 P/cm2, and were annealed at 200 °C, 300 °C, and 400 °C, respectively. The samples were repeatedly irradiated by the same proton fluence and then annealed at 200, 300, and 400 °C up to four irradiation and annealing cycles. The DLTS, C-V, and I-V measurements were made on these samples to determine the defect and recombination parameters as functions of proton fluence (1011 to 4×1011 P/cm2) and annealing temperature (200 to 400 °C). The results showed that densities of both electron and hole traps as well as recombination current decrease with increasing annealing temperature. For comparison, some samples were also irradiated once at a fluence of 1011, 2×1011, 3×1011, and 4×1011 P/cm2, and annealed at 200, 300, and 400 °C for six hours, respectively. No significant difference was found in defect density between the periodic and non-periodic annealed samples. The observed main electron trap was due to Ec-0.71 eV while the main hole trap was due to Ev+0.18 eV, for the 200 keV proton irradiated GaAs solar cells.
An approach to automated registration evaluation

SAIC in support of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Synergistic Targeting Auto-Extraction and Registration (STAR) Program is conducting an evaluation of several automated registration applications developed by different vendors. A common problem when attempting to compare multiple automated registration packages is interpreting the results from the different applications in a consistent manner. Different vendors use different matching and adjustment methods as well as different output formats to store the results from automated registration. It is nearly impossible, due to the cost in terms of labor and time, to convert the results from different vendors into a common format or framework for evaluation. The approach taken by the STAR Program is to separate the automated registration process into three separate but equal components: automated data matching, data adjustment, and output format used to store the adjusted results. The results of different vendor's automated matching process will be fed into a single, common weighted least squares package for adjustment. The use of a common physics based adjustment process will allow the STAR Program Office to evaluate the results from several different automated registration applications in a consistent and fair manner. The metrics collected during the STAR Automated Registration Evaluation will include timing statistics, matching statistics, and geospatial accuracy statistics from comparisons to GPS survey sites. In this paper, we present the STAR automated registration evaluation architecture. Over the course of the next year the STAR Program Office will develop and then use this architecture to evaluate several different automated registration algorithms.
Partial reward training level and reward magnitude: Effects on acquisition and extinction

Abstract Two groups of 10 rats each received either a large magnitude (0.90 g) or a small magnitude (0.18 g) of partial reward (PR) and seven successive acquisition-extinction sessions in the runway. The large magnitude PR group ran much faster than the small magnitude PR group in the early acquisition sessions with differences between the groups declining over sessions. In the early extinction sessions, the large magnitude PR group showed greater resistance to extinction than the small magnitude PR group, but in the late extinction sessions this relation reversed itself. Finally, resistance to extinction decreased over sessions, this decrease being greater under a large than under a small magnitude of PR.
Low-frequency modes of molecular crystals. XX - Acetaldehyde and acetaldehyde-d4

Abstract The far infrared (550-33 cm−1) and Raman (300–10 cm−1) spectra of solid CH3CHO and CD3CDO have been recorded. The torsion appears in the solid phase spectra of both techniques at approximately 205 cm−1 (V 3 = 2.10 kcal). Compared to the infrared data, the Raman data were found to be far superior, and eighteen of the twenty-one predicted intermolecular fundamentals were resolved in the Raman spectrum of solid acetaldehyde. Out of the nine predicted translations, seven could be confidently assigned and at least nine of the twelve predicted librations were observed.
The oceanic and cratonic upper mantle: Clues from joint interpretation of global velocity and attenuation models

Abstract Combined interpretation of seismic velocity and attenuation models can provide a powerful tool to investigate the physical state of the upper mantle. We jointly analyze the global shear-velocity model of Kustowski et al. (2008) and the global shear-attenuation model of Dalton et al. (2008). In plots of attenuation versus velocity at fixed depths, the seismological model values form distinct regional trends, with clear differences between oceanic and cratonic upper mantle. We compare these seismologically determined trends to the fit of experimental shear modulus and attenuation data developed by Faul and Jackson (2005). In regions where the seismologically determined trend coincides with the experimentally predicted trend, the range in velocity and attenuation can be ascribed mostly to lateral temperature variations. In regions where the seismological trends are oblique to the experimental relationship, contributions to velocity and/or attenuation in addition to lateral temperature variations are considered. We investigate possible mechanisms for the seismologically observed velocity and attenuation values that fall outside of the experimental range, including velocity dispersion due to anelasticity, the presence of melt beneath young seafloor, and compositionally distinct continental lithosphere.
The Library Web Site: Collaborative Content Creation and Management.

ABSTRACT Oakland University's Kresge Library first launched its Web site in 1996. The initial design and subsequent contributions were originally managed by a single Webmaster. In 2002, the library restructured its Web content creation and management to a distributed, collaborative method with the goal of increasing the amount, accuracy, and timeliness of the information available on the library Web site. The new model was successful, resulting in a significant increase in both the amount and timeliness of the information presented on the library Web site. This article details the fundamental structural changes to how the Web site was managed and the rationale behind it.
Interannual differences in hatching times and growth rates of pelagic juvenile cod in Newfoundland waters

Abstract Year-by-year differences in age, hatching period, growth rate, and estimated size at settlement of pelagic juvenile cod were examined for the northern cod stock (NAFO 2J3KL) over a 6-year period, 1992–1997. Cod ranged in length from 24 to 70 mm TL and in age from 41 to 99 days. Mean hatching times varied by 7 weeks among years, ranging from June to August. Mean annual growth rates ranged from 0.52 to 0.62 mm per day among years, and were significantly different (p=0.0018). Hatching occurred significantly later when water temperatures were colder, indicating that spawning was delayed during years of cold water temperatures and extensive ice cover. However, over the 6 years there was no general relationship between growth rates and ambient water temperatures experienced by larvae and pelagic juveniles. For example, lower growth rates in 1994 and 1996 were associated with high ambient water temperatures. Length of pelagic juvenile cod on common dates in the autumn varied among years, and was primarily a function of age, not growth rate. The largest year-class (1994) coincided with the earliest spawning, low growth rates, a large size at settlement, and seasonally warm water temperatures.
Evaluation of crizotinib absolute bioavailability, the bioequivalence of three oral formulations, and the effect of food on crizotinib pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects

Crizotinib (Xalkori®) is an orally administered, selective, small-molecule, ATP-competitive inhibitor of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and mesenchymal epithelial transition factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, and has recently been approved for the treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The absolute bioavailability of crizotinib, effect of a high-fat meal on crizotinib pharmacokinetics (PK), and bioequivalence of several oral formulations (powder in capsule [PIC], immediate-release tablet [IRT], and commercial formulated capsule [FC]) were evaluated in two phase I clinical studies involving healthy volunteers who received single doses of crizotinib. PK parameters for crizotinib and its metabolite, PF-06260182, were determined using non-compartmental methods. The absolute oral bioavailability of crizotinib was approximately 43%, with a slight decrease in crizotinib exposures (area under the plasma concentration-time profile and maximum plasma concentration) following a high-fat meal that was not considered clinically meaningful. The FC was bioequivalent to the clinical development IRT and PIC formulations. No serious adverse events were observed during either study and the majority of adverse events were mild, the most common being diarrhea. Single-dose crizotinib could be safely administered to healthy subjects.
Evaluation of Positive and Negative Self-Identity Changes With Brain Neoplasia

A brain neoplasm in the prefrontal cortex can have significant effects on an individual's personality or self-identity. The changes can include a loss of characteristics or a gain of certain behavi...
Characterizing sleep problems in persons with Alzheimer's disease and normal elderly

We retrospectively analyzed sleep disturbance symptoms and estimated time in bed from the intake interviews of 399 healthy, non-demented elderly (NDE) and 263 persons with a diagnosis of possible (n = 53) or probable (n = 210) Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our primary objective was to identify what symptoms might underlie an individual's perception of 'sleep problems' and to determine if these were consistent within, and across, our two cohorts. We stratified each cohort according to whether or not they (or their caregiver) indicated that they had a 'sleep problem', and compared the frequency and endorsement rates of each of 21 sleep disturbance symptoms across those who did or did not endorse 'sleep problem'. For less than half of the symptoms in persons with AD, and a quarter of those in NDE, endorsement rates were significantly different depending on whether the reporter (or their sleep partner) did or did not report a sleep problem. Differences in mean frequency ratings between individuals reporting sleep problems relative to those not reporting were observed on 10 symptoms in both cohorts; six of these were the same symptom for both cohorts. When persons with subjective sleep problems in the AD and NDE cohorts were compared, only four of 21 symptoms were endorsed in one and not the other; two symptoms were significantly more frequent in one cohort than the other. Thus, within cohorts, the differences between persons with and without 'sleep problems' were relatively pronounced while the main differences in specific sleep-related symptoms between AD and NDE were not. Observed between-cohort differences appear to be driven by who is reporting, and the high prevalence of daytime sleeping in AD. Within-cohort differences reflect a clear distinction between persons with and without sleep problems, regardless of the reporter.
High frequency C-V investigation of metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors prepared by low temperature subatmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition of SiO2 films on silicon substrates

Abstract SiO 2 films were prepared by three different methods of low temperature chemical vapour deposition (CVD): plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) (tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)-O 2 chemistry), low pressure CVD (SiH 4 O 2 chemistry) and medium pressure CVD (TEOS-O 3 chemistry). The variation in electrical characteristics of Al-CVD SiO 2 Si metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors (determined from high frequency capacitance-voltage C-V curves) with respect to wafer cleaning procedure, deposition method and subsequent thermal annealing at temperatures less than or equal to 500 °C was investigated. The modification of the electrical propeties of CVD SiO 2 films with processing parameters was interpreted in terms of physiochemical changes involved in the different processes of MOS capacitor fabrication: (i) the variation in bulk CVD SiO 2 properties (relative dielectric constant and resistivity) was interpreted in terms of the evolution of water content in the films vs . the preparation conditions; (ii) the behaviour of a parameter which characterizes the SiSiO 2 interface (positive fixed charge) was interpreted in terms of changes which occur at this interface as a result of native oxide growth and as a result of ion implantation at low energy during argon plasma etching of silicon wafers, or by ion implantation of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen atoms during the initial stage of the PECVD process.
Dynamic analysis of nuclear excursions in underground repositories containing plutonium

A recent study performed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory postulates that plutonium-239 stored in underground repositories could lead to a nuclear explosion of up to a few hundred gigajoules. The study suggests that plutonium originally contained in glass logs could escape its containment and disperse into the surrounding native rock of the repository. This dispersion would then lead to an autocatalytic process that ultimately would lead to a catastrophic nuclear explosion. A computer model that simulates this autocatalytic process has been developed at the Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility. The model has been used to determine the fission yield of such an event and the effects of that yield on the repository. The goal of this work is to quantify the consequences of the autocatalytic process, not to determine the probability of such an event occurring.
INVESTIGATION OF SINGLE MODE GEOMETRIES FOR GaAs/AlGaAs PLANAR RIDGE WAVEGUIDES

Integrated optoelectronics would ideally incorporate both devices and waveguides for signal routing onto the same substrate. This would be particularly advantageous for the characteristics of size and ease of signal coupling between components of optical circuitry. Also, since most applications require single mode operation, it is essential to consider passive guiding structures which are both compatible with current devices as well as capable of propagating single mode signals. The modeling of the passive waveguide is therefore important and is the focus of this paper.
A New Internet System to Improve Numerical Code Development

Many research areas now extensively use computer codes to calculate solutions to various situations. The use of computer programs to simulate a certain physical process requires the use of advanced numerical methods which must provide an accurate solution. The numerical methods themselves, and the results that they produce, are currently still being presented through traditional mediums such as journals and conferences. The objective of this work was to develop a new numerical code Internet system that would dramatically improve the way that numerical codes are currently developed, tested, used, and presented. The Advanced Remote Code Operating System (ARCOS) was developed with the Java programming language. The advanced features of ARCOS include the ability for remote users to access and execute existing numerical codes through a Web browser, graphically view results through a Web browser, providing a more efficient and accurate method of exchanging data, improving the evaluation of new numerical methods, and increasing accessibility of the numerical codes to interested parties, especially those who are not highly knowledgeable about the code's particular methods.
Measurement of a large impulse torque including measurand reconstruction

Abstract This paper describes a measurement system for measuring a large impulse torque generated by a high capacity impact wrench. The mechanical system and electronics were found to be durable, repetitive and accurate. Unfortunately, the impulse nature of the torque excites the dynamics of the measurement system. Typically, this problem can be addressed through measurand reconstruction. However, in this case, it is impossible to generate the known input required to tune the measurand reconstruction. The free vibration characteristics of the dynamometer are used as an approximation to the forward model and a reconstruction algorithm is proposed and implemented. Experimental results are also included for two types of impact wrenches.
Representation of three-dimensional visual space in the cerebral cortex

This article reviews two issues relevant to the topic of how three-dimensional space is represented in the cerebral cortex. The first is the question of how individual neurons encode information that might contribute to stereoscopic estimation of visual depth. Particular attention is given to the current understanding of the neural representation of motion through three-dimensional space and to the complexities that arise in interpreting neuronal responses to this complex stimulus parameter. The second issue considered is the disorderliness that exists in the retinotopic mapping of the visual field in some cortical visual areas. Several extrastriate areas have been found to contain maps of the contralateral visual hemifield that are disorderly in the sense that the representation of various parts of the visual field are often misplaced or grossly over-or under-represented. It is suggested that this disorderliness may in some cases represent adaptations to facilitate certain types of visual functions.
Score Reliability for Tests Constructed for African-American Populations

Summary Test score reliabilities and sample sizes (N) used to establish the reliabilities are described for a variety of tests constructed for African-American populations. The sample size was 341. The average internal consistency reliability was .74 (SD = .16) with a median value of .77. The median N was 131. The mean internal consistency reliability and median N for tests intended for assessment of individuals were only .72 and 96, respectively.
Use of sorbyl chloride–osmium staining for fibrillar measurements in cotton fibers

The technique for staining unsaturated additives within cotton fibers reacts osmium tetroxide with a sorbyl moiety which has been attached to the cellulose chain. Resulting electron micrographs indicate that contrast is considerably enhanced. Measurements of fibrillar size averaged 0.30 nm, closely approximating the values in the literature.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Patient 1: A-16-year-old woman, who lives on a farm and spends time outdoors had been well with no psychiatric history until 1 week prior to admission. At that time, she developed difficulty sleeping and bizarre behavior including assault, sobbing, undressing in public, and thoughts of suicide that prompted admission to the hospital. On examination, she is labile, agitated, and delusional and experiences tactile, visual, and auditory hallucinations. She is found to have impaired recall, dyscalculia, and right-sided sensory deficits. She is started on 2 mg of haloperidol orally twice a day, and she also receives 5 mg intramuscularly for worsening agitation. Within a few hours, she develops a temperature of 39.8°, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and board-like rigidity with cogwheeling, tremors, and mutism. A generalized seizure is observed. Despite administration of diphenylhydantoin, steroids, diazepam, benztropine, and three electroconvulsive treatments, she remains rigid and unresponsive with temperatures up to 40.5°.
Risk of nephropathy after intravenous administration of contrast material: a critical literature analysis.

Purpose: To assess the risk of nephropathy after administration of contrast material by reviewing the published literature on intravenous contrast material administration and by separating reports with appropriate control measures from those without such measures. Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE database was searched for articles published from October 1966 to September 2004 that contained the phrases “contrast,” “contrast medium,” “contrast media,” or “radiocontrast” and any of the words or phrases “nephrotoxicity,” “nephropathy,” kidney failure,” or “renal failure.” The identified publications were reviewed and limited to original clinical series. Studies were categorized according to the route of contrast material administration. Those in which an identifiable group of patients received contrast material intravenously were further evaluated to determine which studies compared results with those from a control group of patients who did not receive contrast material. Results: Only 40 (1.3%) of 3081 pu...
On wave propagation in almost periodic structures

Abstract This paper is dedicated to Garrett Birkhoff on the occasion of his 80th Birthday. It is based on a talk given at Harvard University, on June 28, 1991.
The NTHMP Tsunameter Network

A tsunameter (soo-NAHM-etter) network has been established in the Pacific by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Named by analogy with seismometers, the NOAA tsunameters provide early detection and real-time measurements of deep-ocean tsunamis as they propagate toward coastal communities, enabling the rapid assessment of their destructive potential. Development and maintenance of this network supports a State-driven, high-priority goal of the U.S. National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program to improve the speed and reliability of tsunami warnings. The network is now operational, with excellent reliability and data quality, and has proven its worth to warning center decision-makers during potentially tsunamigenic earthquake events; the data have helped avoid issuance of a tsunami warning or have led to cancellation of a tsunami warning, thus averting potentially costly and hazardous evacuations. Optimizing the operational value of the network requires implementation of real-time tsunami forecasting capabilities that integrate tsunameter data with numerical modeling technology. Expansion to a global tsunameter network is needed to accelerate advances in tsunami research and hazard mitigation, and will require a cooperative and coordinated international effort.
Frequency-Modulation Interference Rejection with Narrow-Band Limiters

Essential to the interference rejection ability of a frequency-modulation receiver is the use of the proper bandwidths in its nonlinear sections. The weaker of two competing signals (whose amplitude may approach the amplitude of the stronger signal within arbitrary limits) can be suppressed by a frequency-modulation receiver if, other requirements being met, the limiter and discriminator bandwidths exceed certain minimum necessary values. After presenting a summary of design requirements established experimentally by previous investigators, this paper presents a theoretical determination of the minimum necessary values in terms of an ideal bandpass filter that follows an ideal limiterand is followed byan amplitude-insensitive detector. The results reported here show that the bandwidth specifications prescribed, by other investigators can be cut by a factor of more than ten in the limiter bandwidth, and a factor of two in the discriminator bandwidth. The paper concludes with observations on the possibility of reducing the required discriminator bandwidth to that of the intermediate frequency by cascading enough stages of bandpass limiters.
An Assessment of the Influence of Peer Association and Identification on Drug Use among Rural High School Students.

Data were collected in 1981 from 4,859 junior and senior high school students living in two counties in southern Georgia to examine the relationship of peer group influence and psychosocial identification with the frequency of drug use. Information regarding the type and extent of drug use was collected from the students as well as peer group relationships and psychosocial identification with various groups. These data provided the opportunity to examine the merits of a theoretical perspective developed from selected components of differential association and differential identification theories. The regression analyses revealed that eighteen variables explained 72.2 percent of the variance in soft drug use (4 variables explained 68.4 percent) while nine variables explained 62.6 percent of the variance in hard drug use (4 variables explained 61.4 percent). The findings basically support the theoretical perspective as stated.
Analysis of Radar Observations of a Randomized Cloud Seeding Experiment

Abstract Magnetic tape records for radar observations of 80 moving one-hour test cases in a three-way randomized (no-seed, salt, silver iodide) cloud seeding experiment have been analyzed in terms of echoing areas and radar-estimated rainfall amounts. Individual test cases ranged from non-precipitating cumulus up to moderate thunderstorms with echoing areas exceeding 100 km2 and rainfall estimated at 3000 kT in 1 h.Out of numerous predictor variables, cloud depth is found to be the best single predictor for both echoing area and radar-estimated rainfall. The echoing area and radar-estimated rainfall are very closely correlated. A cube-root transformation of the radar-estimated rainfall improves the correlation between cloud depth and the radar-estimated rainfall for the no-seed (control) sample to 0.91. For clouds of a given depth, both the echoing area and radar-estimated rainfall are larger in seeded than in unseeded cases. The differences between no-seed and salt cases are of marginal statistical signi...
Selective IgA deficiency with unusual features: development of common variable immunodeficiency, Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

We report on a girl with selective IgA deficiency and persistently low complement component 4 (C4) levels compatible with heterozygous C4 deficiency. Deterioration of her serum immunoglobulin levels and transition to common variable immunodeficiency were observed within a 5 year follow-up. She also developed Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. While these abnormalities have been described before in various combinations, to our knowledge, they have not been reported in a single individual.
The UL55 and UL56 Genes of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Are Not Required for Viral Replication, Intraperitoneal Virulence, or Establishment of Latency in Mice

A critical determinant for intraperitoneal virulence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) strain F has been ascribed to the BamHI-B fragment of the genome. This region contains two nonessential genes, UL55 and UL56, of unknown function. To investigate the contribution of these genes to viral pathogenesis, we have generated two recombinant HSV-1 viruses, inUL55 and inUL56, in which the corresponding gene was inactivated in strain F by insertion of an ICP6::lacZ cassette. Strains inUL55 and inUL56, which did not express the UL55 and UL56 RNA, respectively, were virulent in mice inoculated intraperitoneally. Strains inUL55 and inUL56 also established latent infections in the trigeminal ganglia of mice inoculated via the cornea. These results demonstrate that the HSV-1 UL55 and UL56 genes are not critical for intraperitoneal virulence or establishment of latent infection.
In vivo pharmacodynamics of indole-3-carbinol in the inhibition of prostate cancer in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice: Involvement of Nrf2 and cell cycle/apoptosis signaling pathways†

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) found abundantly in crucifers has been shown to possess anti-cancer effects. The present study aims to examine the chemopreventive effects and the molecular mechanism of I3C, particularly the anti-oxidative stress pathway regulated by nuclear erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf2). HepG2-C8-ARE-luciferase cells were used for Nrf2-ARE activity. TRAMP C1 cells were used to investigate the effects of I3C on Nrf2-mediated genes. To test the chemopreventive efficacy of I3C, transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice were fed with 1% I3C supplemented diet for 12 or 16 wk. The expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes, cell cycle and apoptosis genes were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The protein expressions of these biomarkers were also investigated using Western blotting. I3C induced antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Treatments of TRAMP C1 cells with I3C also resulted in the induction of Nrf2-mediated genes. I3C significantly suppressed the incidence of palpable tumor and reduced the genitourinary weight in TRAMP mice. Western blots and qPCR analyses of prostate tissues showed that I3C induced the expression of Nrf2, NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) as well as cell cycle and apoptosis related biomarkers in I3C-fed TRAMP mice. This study demonstrated that the effectiveness of I3C as prostate cancer chemoprevention agent via up-regulation of a novel Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidative stress pathway. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low-cost and reliable mutual anonymity protocols in peer-to-peer networks

We present several protocols to achieve mutual communication anonymity between an information requester and a provider in a P2P information-sharing environment, such that neither the requester nor the provider can identify each other, and no other peers can identify the two communicating parties with certainty. Most existing solutions achieve mutual anonymity in pure P2P systems without any trusted central controls. Compared with two such representative ones, our protocols improve efficiency in two different ways. First, utilizing trusted third parties and aiming at both reliability and low-cost, we propose a group of mutual anonymity protocols. We show that with some limited central support, our protocols can accomplish the goals of anonymity, efficiency, and reliability. Second, we propose a mutual anonymity protocol which relies solely on self-organizations among peers without any trusted central controls. In this protocol, the returning path can be shorter than the requesting path. This protocol does not need to broadcast the requested file back to the requester so that the bandwidth is saved and efficiency is improved. In addition, this protocol does not need special nodes to keep indices of sharing files, thus eliminating the index maintenance overhead and the potential for inconsistency between index records and peer file contents. We have evaluated our techniques in a browser-sharing environment. We show that the average increase in response time caused by our protocols is negligible, and these protocols show advantages over existing protocols in a P2P system.
Synthesis of 14C-labeled 10,11-epoxyfarnesyl diazoacetate, a potential photoaffinity labeling reagent for insect juvenile hormone binding proteins

The synthesis of [14C]-10,11-Epoxy-(2E,6E)-farnesyl diazoacetate in one vessel, starting from [14C]-glyoxylic acid, is described. This compound is useful as a potential photoaffinity labeling agent for juvenile hormone binding sites.
Using the unconstrained quadratic program to model and solve Max 2-SAT problems

Satisfiability (SAT) and Max-SAT problems have been the object of considerable research effort over the past few decades. They remain a very important research area today due to their computational challenge and application importance. In this paper we investigate the use of penalty functions to recast SAT problems into the modelling framework offered by the unconstrained quadratic binary program. Computational experience is presented, illustrating how promising this approach is for Max 2-Sat problems.
Treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic marrow transplantation. Randomized study comparing corticosteroids and cyclosporine

Abstract Seventy-seven patients (age 12 to 46 years) who underwent allogeneic marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancy or aplastic anemia and who had grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease despite methotrexate prophylaxis were randomly assigned to receive methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg per day intravenously (n = 39) or cyclosporine (n = 38) either 12 to 15 mg/kg per day orally or 3 to 5 mg/kg per day intravenously. In both groups, clinical and histologic evidence of graft-versus-host disease was detected at medians of 16 and 25 days, respectively. Drugs were given for a minimum of 14 days unless significant deterioration occurred. If graft-versus-host disease did not improve with this therapy, treatment with a second agent was Initiated. Treatment responses were scored after reviewing clinical and laboratory data collected before, during, and after the 14-day treatment period. Possible scores were as follows: −1, worse; 0, no change; +1, improvement in one organ system (skin, liver, gut) with no deterioration in the other two; +2, complete resolution of all Involved systems. The median response score among 39 methylprednisolone-treated patients was 0. Sixteen patients (41 percent) showed response to treatment, 11 with partial and five with complete response. The median response score among 38 cyclosporine-treated patients was +1. Twenty-three patients (61 percent) showed response to treatment, 15 with partial and eight with complete response (p = 0.039). Twenty patients receiving methylprednisolone and 18 receiving cyclosporine required additional therapy. The incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease was similar In both groups. It developed in all nonresponding patients at risk who had received secondary therapy. Among responding patients (scores +1 or +2) who were not given additional treatment, chronic graft-versus-host disease developed in eight of 11 (72 percent) receiving methylprednisolone and five of ten (50 percent) receiving cyclosporine. Survival beyond 17 months was similar In the two groups (28 percent and 24 percent, respectively). These data suggest that cyclosporine is a useful agent for the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease, comparable in its efficacy to methylprednisolone.
Interpersonal Sensitivity, Status, and Stereotype Accuracy

A classic question in social and organizational psychology is whether low-status persons are more accurate in the perception of their high-status partners than the latter are in their perception of their subordinates. In a series of studies, Snodgrass (1985, 1992) tested this idea. She found that subordinates were more accurate at judging how their bosses viewed them than bosses were at judging how their subordinates viewed them, but that bosses were more accurate at judging how subordinates viewed themselves than subordinates were at judging how bosses viewed themselves. We believe, however, that these results were obscured by stereotype accuracy. Using previously collected data, we found that stereotype accuracy does lead to the pattern previously observed by Snodgrass. We also discovered that when we controlled for stereotype accuracy, subordinates' perceptions were generally more accurate than those of their bosses, which supports Snodgrass's original hypothesis.
Depression, rumination and the default network

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been characterized by excessive default-network activation and connectivity with the subgenual cingulate. These hyper-connectivities are often interpreted as reflecting rumination, where MDDs perseverate on negative, self-referential thoughts. However, the relationship between connectivity and rumination has not been established. Furthermore, previous research has not examined how connectivity with the subgenual cingulate differs when individuals are engaged in a task or not. The purpose of the present study was to examine connectivity of the default network specifically in the subgenual cingulate both on- and off-task, and to examine the relationship between connectivity and rumination. Analyses using a seed-based connectivity approach revealed that MDDs show more neural functional connectivity between the posterior-cingulate cortex and the subgenual-cingulate cortex than healthy individuals during rest periods, but not during task engagement. Importantly, these rest-period connectivities correlated with behavioral measures of rumination and brooding, but not reflection.
The Absence of Activator Protein 1-dependent Gene Expression in THP-1 Macrophages Stimulated with Phorbol Esters Is Due to Lack of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Activation *

Activator protein 1 (AP-1) binds to the promoters of many genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. We have previously shown that the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase regulates NF-κB-dependent gene expression by modulating the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of TATA-binding protein (TBP). In this study, we asked whether the p38 MAP kinase regulated the transcriptional activity of AP-1. We found that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was unable to drive the AP-1-dependent reporter gene in THP-1 cells. PMA activated both the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase MAP kinases, but it did not activate the p38 MAP kinase. We found that cells expressing MAP kinase kinase 6(Glu), which is the upstream kinase that activates the p38 MAP kinase, had significantly increased AP-1-dependent gene expression alone and when stimulated with PMA. These cells also had increased phosphorylation of native c-Jun, suggesting that both c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 MAP kinases phosphorylate c-Jun. More importantly, expression of a constitutive active MAP kinase kinase 6(Glu) resulted in the phosphorylation of a His-TBP fusion protein and increased direct interaction of TBP with c-Jun. These findings suggest that in macrophages, the p38 MAP kinase regulates AP-1-driven transcription by modulating the activation of TBP.
The Soybean Isoflavonoid Equol Blocks Ritonavir-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Porcine Pulmonary Arteries and Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells

HIV protease inhibitor (PI) ritonavir (RTV) may cause vascular injury through oxidative stress. Our purpose in this study was to determine whether equol, a soy isoflavone, could prevent RTV-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine pulmonary arteries and in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC). Fresh porcine pulmonary artery rings were treated with 15 μmol/L of RTV and/or equol in concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 μmol/L for 24 h. A control was set with no amount of equol or RTV administered. Based on myograph tension analysis, RTV significantly reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to bradykinin in the artery rings compared with untreated vessels, whereas the antioxidant equol effectively reversed the RTV effect in a concentration-dependent manner. RTV also reduced the contraction of artery rings in response to thromboxane A(2) analogue U46619 and this reduction was blocked by equol. In addition, RTV treatment significantly reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in both porcine pulmonary arteries and HPAEC, whereas equol effectively blocked RTV-induced eNOS downregulation. Furthermore, RTV significantly increased superoxide anion production, whereas equol reversed this effect of RTV in porcine pulmonary arteries. Thus, the antioxidant equol effectively protects vascular function from the detrimental effects of HIV PI RTV in both porcine pulmonary arteries and HPAEC via a reduction in the vasomotor dysfunction, eNOS downregulation, and oxidative stress induced by RTV. These novel data suggest that equol may have a clinical application in preventing HIV-associated cardiovascular complications.
Design of Cooling Towers by the Effectiveness-NTU Method

Developpement de la methode NUT-efficacite pour la conception de tours de refroidissement: introduction de l'enthalpie de l'air sature en parametre et definition du nombre d'increments correspondant a la precision desiree. Presentation de la methode LMED (difference d'enthalpie logarithmique moyenne) et comparaison des deux methodes sur des exemples
Engineering the elongation factor Tu for efficient selenoprotein synthesis

Selenocysteine (Sec) is naturally co-translationally incorporated into proteins by recoding the UGA opal codon with a specialized elongation factor (SelB in bacteria) and an RNA structural signal (SECIS element). We have recently developed a SECIS-free selenoprotein synthesis system that site-specifically--using the UAG amber codon--inserts Sec depending on the elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). Here, we describe the engineering of EF-Tu for improved selenoprotein synthesis. A Sec-specific selection system was established by expression of human protein O(6)-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (hAGT), in which the active site cysteine codon has been replaced by the UAG amber codon. The formed hAGT selenoprotein repairs the DNA damage caused by the methylating agent N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, and thereby enables Escherichia coli to grow in the presence of this mutagen. An EF-Tu library was created in which codons specifying the amino acid binding pocket were randomized. Selection was carried out for enhanced Sec incorporation into hAGT; the resulting EF-Tu variants contained highly conserved amino acid changes within members of the library. The improved UTu-system with EF-Sel1 raises the efficiency of UAG-specific Sec incorporation to >90%, and also doubles the yield of selenoprotein production.
Petrology of the Late Precambrian Tillite(?) Association in Northern Utah

The late Precambrian subgraywackes of northern Utah and adjacent areas are poorly sorted and commonly graded, and contain bent and twisted, reworked subgraywacke fragments. Such features suggest a turbidity current origin. The laminated subgraywackes differ strikingly from Pleistocene varves of the same thickness in that they contain a considerably larger amount of coarse particles and that their carbonaceous matter is not concentrated at the top of each bed. The presence of bent and twisted subgraywacke fragments and contorted beds in the conglomeratic subgraywackes (tillites?) and the common lateral gradation of these rocks into subgraywackes suggests that they are of subaqueous mudflow origin. Although textural and structural evidence in the subgraywackes and conglomeratic subgraywackes suggests a turbidity current and subaqueous mud-flow origin, the possibility of contemporary glaciation cannot be eliminated inasmuch as glacial sediments may be redeposited by these agents. The possibility of reworking, mixing, and redepositing of sediments derived from contemporary (or extinct) glaciers with sediments of nonglacial origin greatly complicates and temporarily renders insoluble the problem of determining the prevailing climatic conditions at the time these rocks were redeposited. The subgraywackes and conglomeratic subgraywackes consist chiefly of rounded clastic quartz and minor feldspar grains together with rock fragments in a diagenetic or metamorphic matrix of predominantly mica, chlorite, and quartz. Although the preserved clastic components suggest plutonic- and quartzite-rich source areas, the nature and origin of the original matrix minerals is unknown. It is suggested that they were derived from erosion and redeposition of a weathered mantle on plutonic source areas. Differences in mineralogy and major and trace element concentrations occur between unmetamorphosed and low-grade metamorphic subgraywacke and conglomeratic subgraywacke sections. Such differences appear to be related to a combination of variability in original sediment compositions and compositional changes accompanying progressive metamorphism. Widespread compositional uniformity of low-grade metamorphic plagioclase, chlorite, and to a lesser degree muscovite and paragonite, suggests that chemical equilibrium was approached in these phases during metamorphism.