cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silane oxidation behind reflected shock waves

Several shock-tube experiments were performed to study the oxidation of argon- diluted SiH4/O2 mixtures behind reflected shock waves for temperatures between 1080 and 1780 K at pressures near 1 atm. Reaction progress was monitored using infrared emission from SiH4, FM absorption of SiH2, and chemiluminescence from OH*. Because of the difficulty in making premixed mixtures of silane and oxygen, these experiments produced the first shock- tube data on silane oxidation without the presence of another oxidizing species such as H2. A set of reactions was employed to model the OH* time history, and a reaction involving SiH + O2 was required to reproduce the OH* behavior. When compared to an existing chemical kinetics model of high-temperature silane oxidation, the agreement between data and model for the SiH2 and SiH4 measurements is not good, indicating some improvement in the mechanism is needed.
The Scope and Potential of FTC Data Protection

For more than fifteen years, the FTC has regulated privacy and data security through its authority to police deceptive and unfair trade practices as well as through powers conferred by specific statutes and international agreements. Recently, the FTC’s powers for data protection have been challenged by Wyndham Worldwide Corp. and LabMD. These recent cases raise a fundamental issue, and one that has surprisingly not been well explored: How broad are the FTC’s privacy and data security regulatory powers? How broad should they be?In this Article, we address the issue of the scope of FTC authority in the areas of privacy and data security, which together we will refer to as “data protection.” We argue that the FTC not only has the authority to regulate data protection to the extent it has been doing, but that its granted jurisdiction can expand its reach much more. Normatively, we argue that the FTC’s current scope of data protection authority is essential to the United States data protection regime and should be fully embraced to respond to the privacy harms unaddressed by existing remedies available in tort or contract, or by various statutes. In contrast to the legal theories underlying these other claims of action, the FTC can regulate with a much different and more flexible understanding of harm than one focused on monetary or physical injury.Thus far, the FTC has been quite modest in its enforcement, focusing on the most egregious offenders and enforcing the most widespread industry norms. Yet the FTC can and should push the development of norms a little more (though not in an extreme or aggressive way). We discuss steps the FTC should take to change the way it exercises its power, such as with greater transparency and more nuanced sanctioning and auditing.
Teaching in Abyssinia: a CS instructor's experience in northern Ethiopia

This paper is an experiential report on a Fulbright-sponsored teaching endeavor in Computer Science at Mekelle University in northern Ethiopia during the 2002--2003 academic year. The reader is introduced to the country of Ethiopia and the administration, teachers, and students of Mekelle University. The paper is intended to increase awareness of similar needs and challenges available through opportunities such as the Fulbright Scholar Program.
English Joachite Manuscripts and Medieval Optimism about the Role of the Jews in History: A List for Future Studies

This article contains the first ever published list of Joachite manuscript sources in England, with an introductory overview of the main ideas, usually optimistic, which such texts transmitted. The list is offered to supplement on-going work in Judaism and Insular culture.
Chapter 20 - Signaling in Copper Ion Homeostasis

This chapter reviews the recent advances in the understanding of the way cells deal with the toxic copper ions. One theme, which has largely been unfolded in the detoxification pathway and is emerging in other pathways of copper ion homeostasis, is the ways in which physiological and toxic copper ion concentrations are transduced into biological signals. Clearly, copper ion coordination by the regulatory factors plays a critical role in these mechanisms. Future elucidation of the mechanisms of copper ion signaling in transport and other pathways will lead to proper understanding of cellular homeostatic control of this metal ion. Conservation of the underlying mechanisms among species underscores the importance of using yeast as a model system to explore critical aspects of copper ion homeostasis. Yeast can also be used to re-examine and validate findings and questions from other organisms, for more understanding.
Regional distribution and molecular interaction of caveolins in bladder smooth muscle.

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Caveolae are specialised regions of bladder smooth muscle (BSM) cell membranes where specific signalling pathways are regulated. Caveolin proteins are involved in caveolar biogenesis and function as signal transduction regulators. Expression of caveolin-1, -2, and -3 has been previously identified in the bladder; however, the distribution and relative expression of these proteins have not been defined. The present data show significant differences in the spatial distribution of caveolin proteins throughout the bladder wall. Region dependent variations in the co-localisation of caveolin subtypes in detrusor SM were also detected. These findings support the premise that the unique spatial pattern of caveolin proteins associated with BSM cells may enable regionally distinct functional responses to common stimuli. OBJECTIVE • To determine the regional expression profile of caveolin isoforms (integral membrane proteins abundant in caveolae), the spatial relationships among caveolin proteins within specific smooth muscle (SM) regions and the extent of their molecular interactions in bladder SM (BSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS • Regional differences in the expression of caveolin family members were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot of RNA and protein extracted from the base, body and dome of rat bladders. • To evaluate the distribution of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), Cav-2 and Cav-3 within the bladder, longitudinal tissue sections from the base to dome were processed for confocal microscopy and quantified for intensity of immunoreactivity (IR) and extent of co-localisation. • Interactions among Cav-1, Cav-2 and Cav-3 were determined by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS • Differential expression of Cav-1 and Cav-3 was detected among bladder regions, with lowest expression in the bladder base relative to the dome. • Cav-1 was highly expressed in all regions, although an increase in IR from submucosa to serosa was detected in each region. • The distribution of Cav-2 IR generally paralleled Cav-1, but progressively decreased from submucosa to serosa in each region. • Cav-3 expression predominated in the medial region of BSM increasing progressively from base to dome, but was poorly expressed in the outer SM layer particularly in the dome. • Cav-1 co-precipitated extensively with both Cav-2 and Cav-3. Co-precipitation between Cav-3 and Cav-2 was also detected. CONCLUSIONS • The isoform-specific spatial distribution and distinct molecular interactions among caveolins in BSM may contribute to the contractile heterogeneity of BSM cells and facilitate differential modulation of responses to local stimuli. • As BSM caveolae regulate key signalling processes involved in contraction, altered expression of caveolin proteins may generate a regional imbalance in contraction/relaxation responses, thus leading to bladder dysfunction.
Infectious hepatitis in the first trimester of pregnancy and its effect on the fetus.

Abstract 1.1. The literature on maternal infectious hepatitis during the first trimester of pregnancy and its effect on the fetus have been reviewed. 2.2. Two more cases have been added to the literature.
Litter Size, Adrenalectomy and High Fat Diet Alter Hypothalamic Monoamines in Genetically Lean (Fa/Fa) Zucker Rats

To determine if diet-induced obesity is associated with depressed serotonergic activity (as is genetic obesity), we examined hypothalamic biogenic amines in 11-wk-old genetically lean (Fa/Fa) male Zucker rats raised in small (3 pups/dam) or control (8-9 pups/dam) litters. Five-week-old rats were adrenalectomized or sham-operated and, 1 wk later, fed either 11% of energy as fat (low fat) or 68% of energy as fat (high fat) diets for 5 wk. Tissue punches from the ventromedial nucleus (VMN), the paraventricular nucleus and the preoptic area were assayed via HPLC. Rats fed high vs. low fat had a greater percentage of body fat and brown fat mitochondrial GDP binding, whereas serotonergic turnover was lower. Small litter vs. control litter animals had lower VMN and preoptic concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, a major metabolite of dopamine. Although adrenalectomy resulted in smaller, leaner rats, it did not differentially affect the rats that became fatter. Because VMN and preoptic dopaminergic activities were depressed in small litter vs. control litter rats but the percentage of body fat was unchanged, this decreased dopamine metabolism is probably not causal to the obesity development. However, the same cannot be said for the attenuated serotonergic activity, although such activity may not be directly related to the degree of obesity.
Algorithm fusion for automated sea mine detection and classification

The fusion of multiple detection/classification algorithms is proving a very powerful approach for dramatically reducing false alarm rate, while still maintaining a high probability of detection and classification. This has been demonstrated in several Navy sea tests. The high-resolution sonar is one of the principal sensors used by the Navy to detect and classify sea mines in mine hunting operations. For such sonar systems, substantial effort has been devoted to the development of automated detection and classification (D/C) algorithms. These have been spurred by several factors including (1) aids for operators to reduce work overload, (2) more optimal use of all available data, and (3) the introduction of unmanned mine hunting systems. The environments where sea mines are typically laid (harbor areas, shipping lanes, and the littorals) give rise to many false alarms caused by natural, biologic, and man-made clutter. The objective of the automated D/C algorithms is to eliminate most of these false alarms while still maintaining a very high probability of mine detection and classification (PdPc). The benefits of fusing the outputs of multiple D/C algorithms have been studied. We refer to this as algorithm fusion. The results have been remarkable, including reliable robustness to new environments. Even though our experience has been gained in the area of sea mine detection and classification, the principles described herein are general and can be applied to fusion of any D/C problem (e.g., automated medical diagnosis or automatic target recognition for ballistic missile defense).
Sheet on a deformable sphere: wrinkle patterns suppress curvature-induced delamination.

The adhesion of a stiff film onto a curved substrate often generates elastic stresses in the film that eventually give rise to its delamination. Here we predict that delamination of very thin films can be dramatically suppressed through tiny, smooth deformations of the substrate, dubbed here ``wrinklogami,'' that barely affect the macro-scale topography. This ``prolamination'' effect reflects a surprising capability of smooth wrinkles to suppress compression in elastic films even when spherical or other doubly curved topography is imposed, in a similar fashion to origami folds that enable construction of curved structures from an unstretchable paper. We show that the emergence of a wrinklogami pattern signals a nontrivial isometry of the sheet to its planar, undeformed state, in the doubly asymptotic limit of small thickness and weak tensile load exerted by the adhesive substrate. We explain how such an ``asymptotic isometry'' concept broadens the standard usage of isometries for describing the response of elastic sheets to geometric constraints and mechanical loads.
Biases in gender-role research

214 The efforts of many social work quality and extent of the service I per theorists and practitioners were realized form. when the National Association of So■ I practice social work within the cial Workers (NASW) adopted as a recognized knowledge and competence working definition of social work tbe Pr°fess'on-3 practice the phrase, "a constellation of value, purpose, sanction, knowlDICHOTOMY edge, and method. 1 The general ac-phe statements in the Code of Ethics ceptance of this working definition is notwithstanding, the fact remains that reflected in the fact that several states bjas—sex bias in particular—does have passed legislation designed to permeate the practice of social work provide certification and registration and poses a dilemma to every worker of persons engaged in social work. in {be profession. In presenting this The following excerpt from a bill of controversial viewpoint, however, the the House of Representatives in author has attempted to avoid the er Michigan is a case in point: ror frequently made by social scientists
Microtubules regulate disassembly of epithelial apical junctions

Epithelial tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) form the apical junctional complex (AJC) which regulates cell-cell adhesion, paracellular permeability and cell polarity. The AJC is anchored on cytoskeletal structures including actin microfilaments and microtubules. Such cytoskeletal interactions are thought to be important for the assembly and remodeling of apical junctions. In the present study, we investigated the role of microtubules in disassembly of the AJC in intestinal epithelial cells using a model of extracellular calcium depletion. Calcium depletion resulted in disruption and internalization of epithelial TJs and AJs along with reorganization of perijunctional F-actin into contractile rings. Microtubules reorganized into dense plaques positioned inside such F-actin rings. Depolymerization of microtubules with nocodazole prevented junctional disassembly and F-actin ring formation. Stabilization of microtubules with either docetaxel or pacitaxel blocked contraction of F-actin rings and attenuated internalization of junctional proteins into a subapical cytosolic compartment. Likewise, pharmacological inhibition of microtubule motors, kinesins, prevented contraction of F-actin rings and attenuated disassembly of apical junctions. Kinesin-1 was enriched at the AJC in cultured epithelial cells and it also accumulated at epithelial cell-cell contacts in normal human colonic mucosa. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated association of kinesin-1 with the E-cadherin-catenin complex. Our data suggest that microtubules play a role in disassembly of the AJC during calcium depletion by regulating formation of contractile F-actin rings and internalization of AJ/TJ proteins.
Influence of prior exposure to females on behavioral consistency in male Siamese fighting fish

Consistent individual differences, often referred to as behavioral syndromes, are characterized by individuals behaving in a consistent, predictable manner while differing from others. This phenomenon appears to conflict with the need to alter behavior based on experience or changes in the environment. It is possible that individuals will even exhibit ‘consistent flexibility’ responding in the same manner each time they encounter a particular type of change or experience. However, few studies have examined how recent experiences might affect patterns of consistency and flexibility. Male Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, exhibit consistent individual differences when presented with a male and female simultaneously as well as flexibility as these responses vary as a function of reproductive status. This study examined how recent experience with a female affects behavior in the presence of conflicting stimuli in the form of dummy male and female conspecifics. Males received multiple trials before exposure to a female as well as after they interacted with a live female conspecific. Overall rate of behavior was unaffected by exposure to a female. Males did not alter their relative level of responses to either dummy after experience with the female, as indicated by positive correlations before and after exposure. Consistent individual differences for all female-directed behaviors increased after exposure to the female, as shown by higher repeatability scores. Consistency for male-directed behaviors was more resistant to experience. Finally, some males changed their behavioral strategy, suggesting males differ in their levels of behavioral flexibility. This has implications for our understanding of how experience affects levels of behavioral consistency and flexibility in both courtship and aggressive situations.
Doorway states in s -, p -, and d -wave entrance channels in Pb 207 + n reaction

The $^{207}\mathrm{Pb}$+$n$ reaction has been studied by means of high resolution neutron transmission and differential elastic scattering measurement. Information pertaining to resonance parameters (${E}_{n}$, $l$, $J$, and ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{n}$) for some 118 resonances in the energy interval from 3 to 485 keV has been obtained. Distributions of neutron strengths have been determined for each value of $J$ that can be formed by $s$-, $p$-, and $d$-wave neutrons interacting with the $^{207}\mathrm{Pb}$ ground state (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=\frac{1}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$). The existence of a doorway state in the ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, $s$-wave channel at \ensuremath{\sim}500 keV is confirmed. Evidence is also found for the presence of doorway states in the $p$-wave (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={1}^{+}$) and $d$-wave (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) channels. The doorway state in the $p$-wave channel is shown to be correlated with $M1$ ground-state radiative strength in $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$. In the energy region above the doorway state, the "average" $p$-wave strength function for forming ${1}^{+}$ resonances [${S}^{1}({1}^{+})=(6.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$] is found to be equal to the sum of those for forming ${0}^{+}$ [${S}^{1}({0}^{+})=(4.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$] and ${2}^{+}$ [${S}^{1}({2}^{+})=(2.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$] resonances in agreement with predictions of the random phase assumption.
The structure of the polysaccharide produced by Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 49990)

Abstract An exocellular polysaccharide produced by a clinical isolate of Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 49990) was shown by composition, methylation, periodate oxidation, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses to be composed of repeating trisaccharide units containing d -galactose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucose and pyruvic acid (2:1:1), and having the structure: The homologus smooth lipopolysaccharide of the P. vulgaris strain was determined to have an O-polysaccharide component having the same structure as the above extracellular polysaccharide.
Optical Limiting Properties of [60]Fullerene Derivatives

Optical limiting properties of methano[60]fullerene and pyrrolidino[60]fullerene derivatives in room-temperature solutions are studied systematically. The results show that the derivatives are very similar to the parent [60]fullerene in optical limiting, despite the fact that the linear absorption and emission properties of the derivatives are very different from those of [60]fullerene. The optical limiting properties of the [60]fullerene derivatives are discussed in the context of nonlinear optical effects due to reverse saturable absorption.
In vitro inhibition by dopamine of 5-hydroxytryptamine-stimulated ovarian maturation in the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Dopamine inhibits 5-hydroxytryptamine-stimulated maturation of the ovaries of the red swamp crayfish,Procambarus clarkii, in vitro just as it does in vivo. This in vitro inhibition appears to be due to inhibition of release of the gonad-stimulating hormone from the brain and thoracic ganglia. However, it is possible that in vivo dopamine also triggers release of the gonad-inhibiting hormone.
Neurodevelopmental effects of X monosomy: A volumetric imaging study

Thirty girls with Turner syndrome (TuS) were compared with 30 individually age-matched controls on volumetric brain measures derived from magnetic resonance imaging and on measures of psychological functioning. As expected, girls with TuS performed more poorly on visual-spatial and intellectual measures relative to controls, and were rated by their parents as having more significant problems in attention and social behaviors. Although no group differences in overall cerebral or subcortical volumes were observed, the regional distribution of gray and white matter differed across groups in both right and left parietal regions. Differences in total tissue volume ratios were seen for both right and left parietal areas, but differences in individual gray and white matter ratios were seen exclusively in the right parietal regions. In general, girls with TuS had a smaller proportion of tissue (gray and white) within the right and left parietal regions, and a larger proportion of tissue within the right inferior parietal-occipital region relative to girls in the control group. These data suggest a potentially important role for X chromosome genes and/or sex steroids in the development and specialization of brain structure and function.
Composite plates with a layer of fluid-filled, reticulated foam for blast protection of infrastructure

A brief review of the current explosives threat to critical infrastructure and the current state of the art technology to protect against such a threat is presented. A new design for blast mitigation and protection of infrastructure is described, consisting of a steel plate backed by a layer of low-density, reticulated, flexible, fluid-filled foam. Coupling relations for momentum conservation and the dynamic response of fluid-filled foam, a tractable method is developed to analyze the performance of the design. A parametric study is performed to identify designs that minimize the peak stress on the underlying structure, which is a measure of the damage caused by an explosive device. The effects of a number of parameters were studied, including the thickness of each layer, the properties of the fluid, and the aspect ratio of the fluid-filled foam. A configuration is presented which demonstrates the potential to substantially reduce the peak stress on an underlying structure caused by a standard blast load. The reduction is shown to be as much as 90% over a monolithic plate at an areal density less than that of state of the art blast protection devices. This configuration shows promise to outperform current blast protection devices with a greater reduction in the peak stress on the structure for a given blast plate thickness. A brief discussion of the applicability of this blast protection technology and its potential in other high rate, energy absorption applications is also given.
Differential regulation of glucose and glycogen metabolism in vascular smooth muscle by exogenous substrates.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether the pathways of glycolysis and glycogenolysis can be independently modulated by the provision of acetate or pyruvate as exogenous substrates. Hog carotid artery segments were allowed to replete glycogen stores to over 6 μ mol/g of new 13 C-labeled glycogen by incubation at 37°C with 5 m m [1- 13 C]glucose for 6–16 h and then were isometrically contracted for 3 h with 80 m m KCl in the presence of 5 m m [2- 13 C]glucose and either 2 m m sodium acetate or 5 m m sodium pyruvate. Measurements were made of total lactate production, glucose utilization, glycogen utilization, isometric force, [2- 13 C]lactate and [3- 13 C]lactate production. Compared to experiments with glucose as the sole exogenous substrate, provision of pyruvate significantly decreased glucose utilization (by 28%) but insignificantly decreased glycogen utilization. In contrast, provision of acetate resulted in a statistically insignificant decrease in glucose utilization (by 23%) and an increase in glycogen utilization (by 20%). The fraction of [3- 13 C]pyruvate derived from glycogen that was converted to [3- 13 C]lactate was significantly decreased in the presence of acetate despite the enhanced glycogen utilization. Despite these alterations in cellular energy balance, isometric force generation and maintenance was similar for all experimental groups. This differential regulation of glycolysis and glycogenolysis may either reflect the compartmentation of these pathways or suggest a novel regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in vivo .
Non-functional phosphorylations?

Mass spectrometric methods are revealing a very large number of protein phosphorylation sites in animal cells. For example, a recent study identified 6600 sites of phosphorylation (serine, threonine, and tyrosine) on 2244 proteins in HeLa cells [1]. Treatment of the cells with epidermal growth factor caused at least a twofold change in the extent of phosphorylation on 920 of these [1]. As of 14 May 2008, the PhosphoSitePlus database (http://www.phosphosite.org) contains 28 248 sites of phosphorylation found on 6997 unique proteins from human and mouse cells.
Procedures for analyzing block designs with censored data

Nonparsmetric procedures for analyzing block designs with right censored data are introduced and compared, Procedures are given using Gehan and logrank scores and the ranks of these scores.The large sample approximations of the procedures are presented and a conparison of the significance level and power is made via a simulation study based on different experiment sizes and block effects.
Regulation of C3a receptor signaling in human mast cells by G protein coupled receptor kinases

Background The complement component C3a activates human mast cells via its cell surface G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) C3aR. For most GPCRs, agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation leads to receptor desensitization, internalization as well as activation of downstream signaling pathways such as ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Previous studies in transfected COS cells overexpressing G protein coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) demonstrated that GRK2, GRK3, GRK5 and GRK6 participate in agonist-induced C3aR phosphorylation. However, the roles of these GRKs on the regulation of C3aR signaling and mediator release in human mast cells remain unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings We utilized lentivirus short hairpin (sh)RNA to stably knockdown the expression of GRK2, GRK3, GRK5 and GRK6 in human mast cell lines, HMC-1 and LAD2, that endogenously express C3aR. Silencing GRK2 or GRK3 expression caused a more sustained Ca2+ mobilization, attenuated C3aR desensitization, and enhanced degranulation as well as ERK1/2 phosphorylation when compared to shRNA control cells. By contrast, GRK5 or GRK6 knockdown had no effect on C3aR desensitization, but caused a significant decrease in C3a-induced mast cell degranulation. Interestingly, GRK5 or GRK6 knockdown rendered mast cells more responsive to C3a for ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusion/Significance This study demonstrates that GRK2 and GRK3 are involved in C3aR desensitization. Furthermore, it reveals the novel finding that GRK5 and GRK6 promote C3a-induced mast cell degranulation but inhibit ERK1/2 phosphorylation via C3aR desensitization-independent mechanisms. These findings thus reveal a new level of complexity for C3aR regulation by GRKs in human mast cells.
Adsorptive separations using supercritical frontal analysis chromatography

Many food products and pharmuceuticals industries are looking to integrating super-critical extraction and separations processes to fulfill processing needs due to limitations and regulations concerning the use of organic solvents. One such technology, which may affect these industries, is continuous supercritical adsorptive separation, a processing technology similar to the separation process of xylenes developed at UOP. Many products like pharmaceuticals and other human consumables could be processed more economically and with higher purity by supercritical fluid adsorption/desorption processes. Past studies, however, have focused on single-component adsorption/desorption involving a supercritical mobile phase, whereas adsorptive separations involving super-critical fluids are multicomponent systems. Accurate experimental techniques, which can determine both multicomponent solubilities in supercritical fluids and multicomponent adsorption isotherms in the presence of supercritical fluids, were developed to investigate the multicomponent supercritical adsorption phenomenon. A dynamic column model developed takes into account column dispersion as well as mass transfer and diffusive resistances. Experimental isotherm data incorporated into the model can predict the breakthrough profiles. An extension of pulse chromatography was used to identify the important hydrodynamic and transport parameters, and operating conditions are identified for optimal separations.
Synthesis and use of iodinated nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug analogs as crystallographic probes of the prostaglandin H2 synthase cyclooxygenase active site.

The cyclooxygenase activity of the membrane protein prostaglandin H2 synthase isoform 1 (PGHS-1) is the target of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The X-ray crystal structures of P...
Cartilage and bone changes during development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in selected LGXSM recombinant inbred mice.

Summary Introduction Little evidence is available on the natural course of osteoarthritis (OA) development and the genes that protect and predispose individuals to it. This study was designed to compare strain-dependent development of OA and its association with tissue regeneration in mice. Two recombinant inbred lines LGXSM-6 and LGXSM-33 generated from LG/J and SM/J intercross were used. Previous studies indicated that LGXSM-6 can regenerate both articular cartilage and ear hole punch while LGXSM-33 cannot. Methods Transection of the medial meniscotibial ligament was performed on 10-week-old male mice to induce OA. Cartilage damage was analyzed by histology and bone morphology was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (CT). Ear punches were performed and evaluated by measurement of residual hole diameter. Results Cartilage analysis showed that LGXSM-33 developed a significantly higher grade of OA than LGXSM-6. Bone analysis showed that LGXSM-33 had substantial subchondral bone and trabecular bone thickening 8 weeks post-surgery, while LGXSM-6 showed bone loss over time. We also confirmed that LGXSM-6 can heal ear tissues significantly better than LGXSM-33. Conclusions OA was found to be negatively correlated with the degree of tissue regeneration. LGXSM-33, a poor healer of ear tissues (and articular cartilage), developed more OA compared to LGXSM-6, which had better regenerative ability for ear tissues and articular cartilage. The phenotypic differences observed here are due to genetic differences further suggesting that similar sets of physiological processes and gene variants may mediate variation in OA development and tissue regeneration.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity in hepatic and extrahepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

The values of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in hepatic and extrahepatic metastases from primary colorectal cancer were studied. Adjacent noninvolved tissue was used as a control. Liver metastases had significant elevated ODC levels over surrounding liver (0.271vs. 0.065, respectively,P<.008). Results similar to those found in liver metastases were noted in extrahepatic metastases (median value, 0.271). This study discusses the possible reasons for these elevations and emphasizes that these differences may have potential roles in the areas of diagnosis, staging, monitoring of the disease, and therapeutic interventions in colorectal cancer and its hepatic and extrahepatic metastases.
The Role of the CANNTG Promoter Element (E box) and the Myocyte‐enhancer‐binding‐factor‐2 (MEF‐2) Site in the Transcriptional Regulation of the Chick Myogenin Gene

We have carried out an analysis of 833 bp of the chick myogenin gene 5′ flanking sequence. A 131-bp segment of this upstream region, which contains a CANNTG promoter element (E box) and a myocyte-enhancer-binding-factor-2 (MEF-2) site, acts as a full promoter. It resembles the human and the mouse myogenin promoters in the structure and disposition of regulatory elements, including a TATA box and the transcription start site. Examination of eight myogenic factor/E protein combinations co-transfected with several myogenin promoter constructs into HeLa cells, reveals that the chick myogenin/E2–5 combination maximally activates the myogenin promoter. This activation is mediated through the E box motif; the MEF-2 site limits the factor combinations that can activate the myogenin promoter and enhances activation by myogenin/E2–5. We have found previously that activation of protein kinase C inactivates the transcription of the chick myogenin gene [Huang, C.-F., Neville, C. M. & Schmidt, J. (1993) Control of myogenic factor genes by the membrane depolarization/protein kinase C cascade in chick skeletal muscle, FEBS Lett. 319, 21–25]. In this study, we show that the activation of protein kinase C inhibits the factor bound to the E box, which thereupon negatively regulates the activity of the MEF-2 binding protein.
Hook and content bijections

Abstract We provide a bijective proof of the identity ∑ x ∈ λ ( h ( x ) 2 − c ( x ) 2 ) = | λ | 2 where λ is an integer partition, h ( x ) is the hook number of the cell x ∈ λ , and c ( x ) is the content of x . A closely related identity is also proved bijectively.
Teaching an Interdisciplinary Distance Education Gerontology Course: Benefits of Diversity

This article derives from the experience of teaching an asynchronous web-based course, Communicating with Older Persons with Alzheimer's Disease, taught by a multidisciplinary team of three faculty. The students also were multidisciplinary with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and varied professional experience with older adults. Our aim in this paper is to demonstrate how the course was improved by the diversity of the faculty and students. We consider the students' diverse educational backgrounds, professional experience, personal experiences, and finally, cultural backgrounds. The class discussions and interactions were strengthened by the exchange of knowledge and varied perspectives applied to the course materials as each student applied his or her own educational background and professional and personal experiences to the various topics and readings discussed throughout the course. We demonstrate how the diversity in terms of each of these characteristics enhanced the class discussions b...
Determinants of cardiac failure after coronary bypass surgery within 30 days of acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Timing of coronary artery bypass grafting after acute myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial, especially if myocardial function is depressed. Early coronary artery bypass grafting may result in reperfusion injury causing cardiac failure. Delay, however, may risk a second ischemic event. This study was performed to determine if four preoperative factors—time after MI, ejection fraction, ischemia (need for intravenous administration of nitroglycerin), and failure (need for inotropic support)—independently predict postoperative cardiac failure. Postoperative failure was defined as the need for inotropic support or intraaortic balloon pumping. The study group consisted of 145 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between January, 1980, and July, 1985, within 4 weeks of an acute MI. Postoperatively 38 patients (26%) had cardiac failure. Five patients, all of whom had postoperative cardiac failure, died. Univariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses showed preoperative failure ( p = .0001), ejection fraction less than 45% ( p = .002), and preoperative ischemia ( p = .02) were predictors of postoperative cardiac failure. Time after MI was not found to be an independent predictor ( p = .96). We conclude that if ischemia or threatening coronary anatomy is present early after MI and clinical improvement is not occurring, operative intervention should be strongly considered at that time, as it does not appear that delay itself reduces the risk of cardiac failure and may risk a second ischemic event.
Group Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Retrospective Case Study.

An increasing amount of research supports group therapy as an effective treatment option for eating disorders (Moreno, 1994). In an attempt to further delineate therapeutic factors associated with productive group work, this study represents an exploratory, descriptive analysis of client and therapist perspectives on group process and outcome. Specifically, this retrospective study investigated what clients and their therapist considered important, helpful, and problematic in an aftercare group for hospitalized patients with eating disorders. The therapist and client perspectives were considered separately. These data were then classified into four categories: importance, benefits, problems, and critical incidents. A follow-up discussion explores similarities and differences between therapist and client perspectives. Implications for practice and research are presented.
Nitrogen fixation to cyanide at a molybdenum center

Facile methoxymethylation of N2-derived nitride NMo(N[tBu]Ar)3 provided the imido cation [MeOCH2NMo(N[tBu]Ar)3]+ as its triflate salt in 88% yield. Treatment of the latter with LiN(SiMe3)2 provided blue methoxyketimide complex MeO(H)CNMo(N[tBu]Ar)3 in 95% yield. Conversion of the latter to the terminal cyanide complex NCMo(N[tBu]Ar)3, which was the subject of a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, was accomplished in 51% yield upon treatment with a combination of SnCl2 and Me2NSiMe3.
A noise-aware method for building radiation hybrid maps

The large numbers of markers in high-resolution radiation hybrid (RH) maps, increasingly necessitates the use of data mining techniques for reducing both the computational complexity and the impact of noise of the original data. Traditionally, the RH mapping process has been treated as equivalent to the traveling salesman problem, with the correspondingly high computational complexity. These techniques are also susceptible to noise, and unreliable marker can result in major disruptions of the overall order. In this paper, we propose a new approach that recognizes that the focus on nearest-neighbor distances that characterizes the traveling-salesman model, is no longer appropriate for the large number of markers in modern high-resolution mapping experiments. The proposed approach splits the mapping process into two levels, where the higher level only operates on the most stable markers of the lower level. A divide and conquer strategy, which is applied at the lower level, removes much of the impact of noise. Because of the high density of markers, only the most stable representatives from the lower level are then used at the higher level. The groupings within the lower level are so small that exhaustive search can be used. Markers are then mapped iteratively, while excluding problematic markers. The results for RH mapping dataset of the human genome show that the proposed approach can construct high-resolution maps with high agreement with the physical maps in a comparatively very short time.
Radiation techniques for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease with combined modality therapy or radiation alone

This article reviews radiation techniques including field arrangements, anatomic borders, and doses for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease when radiotherapy is being used as the sole treatment and when it is part of a planned combined modality program with chemotherapy. We describe the techniques currently in use at Duke University Medical Center. Particular emphasis is placed on the evidence regarding the appropriate extent of the treatment field and the doses of radiation necessary to achieve local control. These issues assume increasing importance as we attempt to maintain high cure rates for Hodgkin's disease but lower the frequency of serious long-term complications.
6-Mercaptopurine/Azathioprine remains an important contributor in managing Crohn's disease

Two large studies concluded that AZA started early after diagnosis of Crohn’s disease have no late maintenance value. This is contrary to previous studies on 6MP for Crohn’s disease and could lead to negating the value of two of the few drugs that have been proven successful. We here outline the many reasons why 6MP remains a valuable drug in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
A nuclear import pathway for a protein involved in tRNA maturation.

A limited number of transport factors, or karyopherins, ferry particular substrates between the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. We identified the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene YDR395w/ SXM1 as a potential karyopherin on the basis of limited sequence similarity to known karyopherins. From yeast cytosol, we isolated Sxm1p in complex with several potential import substrates. These substrates included Lhp1p, the yeast homologue of the human autoantigen La that has recently been shown to facilitate maturation of pre-tRNA, and three distinct ribosomal proteins, Rpl16p, Rpl25p, and Rpl34p. Further, we demonstrate that Lhp1p is specifically imported by Sxm1p. In the absence of Sxm1p, Lhp1p was mislocalized to the cytoplasm. Sxm1p and Lhp1p represent the karyopherin and a cognate substrate of a unique nuclear import pathway, one that operates upstream of a major pathway of pre-tRNA maturation, which itself is upstream of tRNA export in wild-type cells. In addition, through its association with ribosomal proteins, Sxm1p may have a role in coordinating ribosome biogenesis with tRNA processing.
Evidence for Bilayer Assembly of Cationic Surfactants on the Surface of Gold Nanorods

The surface structure of gold nanorods (NRs) capped with cationic surfactants in water was studied by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For gold nanorods, the FTIR results show the formation of new bands, which indicate binding of the surfactant headgroup to the surface of the NR. These bands are stable at temperatures as high as 350 °C. For a surfactant mixture (used as capping material), TGA shows a weak weight loss peak at 235 °C and a strong peak at 298 °C assigned to the surfactant molecules in monomer and aggregated forms, respectively. For gold nanorods, three weight loss peaks at about 230, 273, and 344 °C are observed. For gold nanospheres (NSs), TGA shows a strong mass loss at 225 °C and two weak mass loss peaks at 255 and 288 °C. The released material after combustion in the TGA process was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and found to be CO2. Our results suggest the following for both NRs and NSs: (1) There are two different binding modes for the...
Acute lung injury in patients with traumatic injuries: utility of a panel of biomarkers for diagnosis and pathogenesis.

Background:The diagnosis of acute lung injury (ALI) is based on a consensus clinical definition. Despite the simplicity of this definition, ALI remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Severe trauma is a well-described cause of ALI that represents a relatively homogeneous subset of patients with ALI
Automated Design of Adaptive Controllers for Modular Robots using Reinforcement Learning

Designing distributed controllers for self-reconfiguring modular robots has been consistently challenging. We have developed a reinforcement learning approach which can be used both to automate controller design and to adapt robot behavior on-line. In this paper, we report on our study of reinforcement learning in the domain of self-reconfigurable modular robots: the underlying assumptions, the applicable algorithms and the issues of partial observability, large search spaces and local optima. We propose and validate experimentally in simulation a number of techniques designed to address these and other scalability issues that arise in applying machine learning to distributed systems such as modular robots. We discuss ways to make learning faster, more robust and amenable to on-line application by giving scaffolding to the learning agents in the form of policy representation, structured experience and additional information. With enough structure modular robots can run learning algorithms to both automate the generation of distributed controllers, and adapt to the changing environment and deliver on the self-organization promise with less interference from human designers, programmers and operators.
The clinical use and immunologic impact of thrombin in surgery

Thrombin is a naturally derived enzyme that has been widely characterized for its roles in hemostasis, inflammation, and cell signaling. Thrombin has been purified from numerous sources and used as a clinical aid for topical hemostasis for more than 60 years. Due to both its ease of use and apparent effectiveness, thrombin has become used routinely as an aid for topical hemostasis in nearly all types of surgical procedures, including but not limited to cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurologic, general, gynecologic, and dental procedures. Due to the widespread acceptance of thrombin in the surgical setting, it is conservatively estimated that at least 1 million patients in the United States are treated with topical applications of thrombin each year. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a wide array of topical and biologic products to stop surgical bleeding, the only thrombin that is currently FDA approved as a stand-alone hemostatic product in the United States is derived from bovine sources. Bovine-derived thrombin has potent biologic activity in its ability to convert fibrinogen to fibrin, activate platelets, and induce vascular contraction. However, it has also been shown to induce a robust immune response following human exposure. Numerous reports have documented an array of clinical events that follow bovine thrombin exposure, which include the development of antibodies against thrombin, prothrombin, factor V, and cardiolipin. In some well-described cases, these antibodies have led to clinical syndromes that range from severe postoperative bleeding to high rates of vascular bypass graft thrombosis. Furthermore, experimental applications of bovine thrombin to various strains of mice have induced a postexposure autoimmune syndrome that was pathologically identical to lupus. Thrombin-derived products are well accepted by the surgical community for use as an aid for hemostasis, but the bovine-derived products have an unacceptably high and unnecessary association with immunologic side effects. If a nonimmunologic and effective thrombin were developed, one would expect it to be rapidly adopted by the clinical community.
Molecular Dynamic Studies of Z[WC] DNA and the B to Z-DNA Transition

Although DNA is most commonly found in the right-handed B-DNA structure, it is known that biologically active systems also contain left-handed ZII-DNA. We investigate the possibility that Z[WC]-DNA serves as an intermediate structure in the B to ZII transition. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that Z[WC] nonamers are stable structures with the current AMBER nucleic acid force field. Steered molecular dynamics simulations indicate that, for collective transitions of the whole strand, the B-Z[WC]-ZII pathway may have a lower free-energy barrier than the direct B-ZII pathway. We then used both steered and targeted molecular dynamics in combination with umbrella sampling to produce potentials of mean force for the B to ZII transition along both pathways.