cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Next Generation of Rabies Vaccines

In general vaccines to rabies are given together with a rabies virus specific immunoglobin preparation to humans after they have been bitten by an animal that is likely to be infected with rabies virus. Preventive vaccination is reserved for individuals at high risk. Although efficacious and safe vaccines are available, rabies continues to kill ~55,000 humans each year. This, in part, reflects that rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is costly and thus underutilized. Furthermore, the vaccine is poorly immunogenic requiring multiple doses to achieve protective antibody titers, which again increases cost. Development of new cost-effective vaccines is therefore justified. Here we briefly discuss ongoing research on novel vaccines for rabies emphasizing those that may be suitable for use in humans.
Tuning electronic properties of In2O3 nanowires by doping control

We present two effective routes to tune the electronic properties of single-crystalline In2O3 nanowires by controlling the doping. The first method involves using different O2 concentrations during the synthesis. Lightly (heavily) doped nanowires were produced by using high (low) O2 concentrations, respectively, as revealed by the conductances and threshold voltages of nanowire-based field-effect transistors. Our second method exploits post-synthesis baking, as baking heavily doped nanowires in ambient air led to suppressed conduction and a positive shift of the threshold voltage, whereas baking lightly doped nanowires in vacuum displayed the opposite behavior. Our approaches offer viable ways to tune the electronic properties of many nonstoichiometric metal oxide systems such as In2O3, SnO2, and ZnO nanowires for various applications.
Signaling pathways for TNFa-induced COX-2 expression: mediation through MAP kinases and NFkB, and inhibition by certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is the most common cancer in North America and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.A. (American Cancer Society, 1990). The expression of the mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) is abnormally elevated in colorectal tumors (Eberhart and Dubios, 1994; Sano et al., 1995; Kutchera et al., 1996). Rat intestinal epithelial cells overexpressing COX-2 showed increased adhesion, elevated levels of bc1-2, and reduced E-cadherin protein compared with parental cells (Tsujii and Dubois, 1995). Although these changes increase the tumorigenic potential of cells, the mechanisms by which COX-2 expression is altered and affects colon carcinogenesis remain unclear.
OII‐B‐1

BACKGROUND Rosuvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Rosuvastatin is not subject to significant metabolism and we have previously shown a role of OATP transporters for rosuvastatin uptake. AIM We assessed the extent and relevance of bile acid uptake transporters to rosuvastatin uptake. METHOD The hepatic bile acid uptake transporter NTCP and the intestinal bile acid uptake transporter apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) were expressed in HeLa cells utilizing a recombinant vaccinia system. Allelic variants of human NTCP were also assessed. NTCP expression relative to OATP mRNA was determined from a bank of human liver samples. RESULT We demonstrate the major human hepatic bile acid uptake transporter NTCP, but not rat Ntcp or ASBT, can transport rosuvastatin. Human hepatocyte studies suggest NTCP accounts for nearly 50% of rosuvastatin uptake. Remarkably, NTCP*2 (C800T; S267F), a variant associated with near complete loss of function for bile acid uptake, exhibited a profound gain of function for rosuvastatin uptake. Quantitative mRNA analysis revealed marked intersubject variability in expression of OATPs and NTCP. CONCLUSION NTCP may be a heretofore unrecognized transporter important to the hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin and possibly other drugs/statins in clinical use. Accordingly, expression and polymorphisms in NTCP may be an additional determinant of intersubject variability in response to statin therapy. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P5–P5; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.014
Phylogenetic systematics of the shelled sea slug genus Oxynoe Rafinesque, 1814 (Heterobranchia : Sacoglossa), with integrative descriptions of seven new species

An integrative approach to investigate the species-level diversity in Oxynoe (Mollusca, Heterobranchia, Sacoglossa) revealed the existence of 11 distinct taxa. Oxynoe viridis (Pease, 1861) and Oxynoe antillarum Morch, 1863 are redescribed; Oxynoe natalensis E. A. Smith, 1903 and Oxynoe azuropunctata Jensen, 1980 are regarded as valid. Species originally described from empty shells are regarded as nomina dubia. Seven new species are described, four from the tropical Indo-West Pacific: Oxynoe kylei, sp. nov., Oxynoe neridae, sp. nov., Oxynoe jordani, sp. nov. and Oxynoe jacksoni, sp. nov.; and two from the tropical Atlantic: Oxynoe struthioe, sp. nov. and Oxynoe ilani, sp. nov. The name Oxynoe panamensis Pilsbry & Olsson, 1943 has been applied to eastern Pacific specimens, but was introduced based on material collected from the Caribbean; therefore, the new name Oxynoe aliciae, sp. nov. is introduced for eastern Pacific specimens. Species are delineated using molecular and morphological traits, as well as algal host and reproductive biology. Results from morphological comparisons are concordant with molecular and integrative species delimitation analyses, providing robust evidence for species hypotheses. As Oxynoe is one of the few groups specialised to feed on the green algal genus Caulerpa, which includes highly invasive species, clarifying the taxonomy of Oxynoe may inform efforts to predict community response to disruptive algal invasions.
Collective suffering and the possibility of empathy in Karan Mahajan’s The Association of Small Bombs and Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss:

This article argues that Karan Mahajan’s The Association of Small Bombs and Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss depart from conventional literary representations of the suffering of neoliberal su...
A comparative study between direct testicular and pedal lymphography in dogs. (A preliminary report).

In 20 dogs, 12 bilateral and 8 unilateral pedal and direct testicular lymphographies were performed. Comparison between the two methods showed that pedal lymphography failed to visualize some of the regional, lymph nodes of the testicle.
The power of story.

In this guest editorial, the author introduces the reader to the value of stories as a source of vision and inspiration for caregiving.
Sustainability of Crop Production by PGPR Under Abiotic Stress Conditions

Rhizobacteria, which live around or on plant root surfaces, improve plants directly or indirectly by their plant growth-promoting abilities. Various studies about plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) show enhanced plant growth, development, and productivity under stressed and nonstressed conditions. PGPR produce some plant growth regulators, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC)-deaminase, siderophores, and release organic acids. PGPR also have N-fixing and phosphate- (P), potassium- (K), and zinc- (Zn) solubilization abilities and increase the acquisition of nitrogen and phosphorus. PGPR produces ACC-deaminase and reduces the ethylene concentration in plant tissues when the plants are exposed to stress. PGPR may also reduce the occurrence of secondary soil salinity by reducing fertilizer use. Thus, rhizobacteria can ensure sustainable agricultural production through these mechanisms in environmental stress factors.
Can we predict potentially dangerous coronary patterns in patients with transposition of the great arteries after an arterial switch operation

Introduction:Coronary artery complications are the main reason for early mortality after an arterial switch operation. Late complications are relatively rare, and there is no consensus regarding the need or indications for routine follow-up coronary artery evaluations or the best first-line assessment modality. The aim of this study was to present the long-term post-operative frequency of coronary abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with transposition of the great arteries discovered by coronary CT angiography and potential “red flags” revealed by other examinations.Patients and methods:A group of 50 consecutive asymptomatic patients who underwent routine long-term coronary artery evaluation after an arterial switch operation according to our institutional protocol were qualified for this study. This routine in-hospital visit included a detailed medical interview, electrocardiography, echocardiography, Holter electrocardiography examinations, and laboratory and cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Patients who showed significant abnormalities were qualified for perfusion scintigraphy.Results:Unfavourable coronary abnormalities were detected in 30 patients (60%) and included ostial stenosis, muscular bridge, coronary fistula, interarterial course, proximal kinking, high ellipticity index, proximal acute angulation (<30 degree) of the left coronary artery, and proximal acute angulation of the right coronary artery. These features could not be predicted based on the medical interviews, surgical reports, or non-invasive screening test results.Conclusion:Complex coronary configurations with potentially dangerous coronary features are common in patients with transposition after an arterial switch operation. Such high-risk patients cannot be identified indirectly, and coronary CT angiography provides accurate information that is useful for post-operative management.
Utilizing Mindfulness Based CBT to Address Anger and Aggression in Middle Schools

For middle school aged students, inadequate copings skills addressing feelings of anger and aggressive behaviors may lead to negative outcomes academically, socially, and emotionally. Mindfulness b...
A new frontier in pelvic fracture pain control in the ED: Successful use of the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block

The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a novel ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique derived from recent anatomic studies detailing the sensory innervation of the hip. Targeting these terminal sensory branches, the PENG block was originally developed as a potentially more effective block for perioperative hip fracture anesthesia, with the added benefit of preserving motor function. Subsequent research with higher volumes of local anesthetic demonstrated the successful utilization of PENG block for perioperative acetabular fractures. This raises the possibility that the PENG block may have a role in the Emergency Department (ED) where regional anesthesia options for pelvic fractures are lacking. Herein, we present the first description of PENG blocks successfully used for pelvic fractures in the ED setting.
Mass Transport and Chemistry at the Air–Water Interface of Atmospheric Dispersoids

Atmospheric aerosols contain a significant quantity of water in the form of both bulk water and thin water films. These provide very high surface areas and adsorptive surfaces for organic compounds of low solubility and low vapor pressures. They also provide highly active sites for oxidation reactions with hydroxyl, singlet oxygen, and ozone species in the gaseous atmosphere. Thus, organic compounds are transformed readily by the reaction at the air–water interface of fog/cloud droplets and in the thin water film in atmospheric aerosols. Mathematical models suggest that the reactions in fog and cloud droplets are not limited by gas phase diffusion or mass accommodation at the surface; rather, they primarily depend on the partition constant and reaction rates at the surface. Laboratory data on both the latter parameters are available in the literature for a variety of organic compounds and they are also supported by field data. Considerable data already exist on the aqueous processing of organic species that are highly water soluble in atmospheric aerosols. However, our works suggest that aqueous processing of organic chemicals (possessing low solubility and low vapor pressure) at the interface should also be considered in fate models for secondary organic aerosols in the atmosphere.
Efficient Deep Learning Bot Detection in Games Using Time Windows and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)

Bots in video games has been gaining the interest of industry as well as academia as a problem that has been enabled by the recent advances in deep learning and reinforcement learning. In turn several studies have attempted to establish bot detectors in various video games. In this article, we introduce a bot detection model that can implemented in real-time and provide feedback on whether a player that is being observed is a bot or human. The model uses a limited feature set and amount of time of observation in order to be small and generalize easily to other domains. We trained and tested our model in a series of replays for Starcraft: Brood War and have yielded a higher accuracy than past studies and a fraction of detection time.
Fate of abstracts from American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Meetings

Objectives The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Annual Meeting provides a unique platform for the dissemination of research in laser and energy-based technologies, which are regularly utilized in cosmetic dermatology. We sought to elucidate the fate of the abstracts presented at ASLMS meetings over 3 years. Methods We conducted a literature search for all abstracts presented at ASLMS meetings in 2013, 2014, and 2015 to determine publication rate, latency to publication, and journals of publication. Results The publication rate of abstracts presented at the 2013, 2014, and 2015 ASLMS meetings was 50.3%, 49.1%, and 43.5%, respectively. Average latency to publication was 16.1 months across these three years. Publication outcomes differed across general discipline, abstract type, poster category, clinical focus, and study design. Conclusion Our findings provide insight into the likelihood of publication, as well as potential contributing factors, for abstracts presented at ASLMS. With about half of all abstracts reaching publication, our study highlights the significant volume of research presented at this unique meeting that does not reach a broader audience through publication and thus is limited in its potential clinical applications in cosmetic dermatology.
An investigation of spalling of case-hardened Nitralloy

Spalling of nitralloy (balance Fe, 0.42% C, 0.55% Mn, 0.3% Si, 1.6% Cr, and 1.0 % Al) during grinding has been studied. It was found that excess nitrogen which diffused into the α-Fe lattice during a two-step nitriding process was responsible for making the alloy surface brittle. This caused the spalling of the alloy during a subsequent machining operation. Practically feasible ways to avoid this problem have been discussed.
From Maize to Haze: Agricultural Shocks and the Growth of the Mexican Drug Sector

We examine how commodity price shocks experienced by rural producers affect the drug trade in Mexico. Our analysis exploits exogenous movements in the Mexican maize price stemming from weather conditions in U.S. maize-growing regions, as well as export flows of other major maize producers. Using data on over 2,200 municipios spanning 1990-2010, we show that lower prices differentially increased the cultivation of both marijuana and opium poppies in municipios more climatically suited to growing maize. This increase was accompanied by differentially lower rural wages, suggesting that households planted more drug crops in response to the decreased income generating potential of maize farming. We also found impacts on downstream drug-trade outcomes, including the operations of drug cartels and killings perpetrated by these criminal groups. Our findings demonstrate that maize price changes contributed to the burgeoning drug trade in Mexico, and point to the violent consequences of an expanding drug sector.
Children with Cerebral Palsy Have Altered Occipital Cortical Oscillations during a Visuospatial Attention Task.

Dynamically allocating neural resources to salient features or objects within our visual space is fundamental to making rapid and accurate decisions. Impairments in such visuospatial abilities have been consistently documented in the clinical literature on individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), although the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and oscillatory analysis methods to examine visuospatial processing in children with CP and demographically matched typically developing (TD) children. Our results indicated robust oscillations in the theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-14 Hz), and gamma (64-80 Hz) frequency bands in the occipital cortex of both groups during visuospatial processing. Importantly, the group with CP exhibited weaker cortical oscillations in the theta and gamma frequency bands, as well as slower response times and worse accuracy during task performance compared to the TD children. Furthermore, we found that weaker theta and gamma oscillations were related to greater visuospatial performance deficits across both groups. We propose that the weaker occipital oscillations seen in children with CP may reflect poor bottom-up processing of incoming visual information, which subsequently affects the higher-order visual computations essential for accurate visual perception and integration for decision-making.
The Association of the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waivers with Emergency Department Utilization among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Using the 2008-2013 Medicaid Analytic eXtract files, this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs on emergency department (ED) utilizations among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study showed that the annual ED utilization rates were 13.5% and 18.8% for individuals on autism specific and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) waivers respectively, vs. 28.5% for those without a waiver. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, compared to no waiver, autism specific waivers (adjusted odds ratio: 0.62; 95% Confidence Interval: [0.58-0.66]) and IDD waivers (0.65; [0.64-0.66]) were strongly associated with reduced ED. These findings suggest that HCBS waivers are effective in reducing the incidence of ED visits among youth with ASD.
Comprehensive Regulatory Reform

Americans expect federal regulation to accomplish many important things, such as protecting the country from financial fraudsters, preventing workplace injuries, preserving clean air, and deterring terrorist attacks. Regulation also requires tradeoffs—there is no such thing as a free lunch. Depending on the regulation, consumers may pay more, workers may receive less, retirement savings may grow more slowly, and Americans may have less privacy or personal freedom. In a democratic society, these tradeoffs require government regulators to carefully and completely disclose the likely effects of individual rules and of the regulatory system as a whole. In this and other ways, our regulatory system has fallen short. Congress needs to address the shortcomings of this system with comprehensive regulatory reform.
Towards a Design Space for Emotion Recognition

Recognizing emotions through pervasive technologies has been the objective of several research studies. Still, the inherent complexities of emotion recognition result in applications that support the process rather than fully address it. Existing methods for data collection combine multiple sensors and devices. The analysis and classification of users’ and environmental data face challenges to reach high accuracy, responsiveness, and reliability. Because emotion recognition is user-dependent, it still remains as an open challenge to be resolved. This paper provides a unified view about emotion recognition, presenting a multidimensional design space that includes multiple approaches. We discuss the practicalities involved with the implementation of each approach and the deployment of emotion recognition systems. We conclude with a discussion about their advantages, limitations, and open questions.
Agency, Desire, and Power in Schnitzler's Dream Novel and Kubrick's Adaptation Eyes Wide Shut

In his article "Agency, Desire, and Power in Schnitzler's Dream Novel and Kubrick's Adaptation Eyes Wide Shut" Ari Ofengenden explores Arthur Schnitzler's novella and Stanley Kubrick's adaptation to offer insights into the ways in which desire disrupts and clashes with social structures (i.e., family, relationships, and society in general). Ofengenden shows how the dynamic in which disruptive desire is ideologically narrativized back into acquiescence with the status quo. Ofengenden interprets the narrative of the film as unique intuitions into action and agency where sources of agency are opaque to the subject and arise by an impenetrable combination of desire and power. Ari Ofengenden, "Agency, Desire, and Power in Schnitzler's Dream Novel and Kubrick's Adaptation Eyes Wide Shut" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 17.2 (2015):
Murine Anorectic Response to Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin) Is Sex-Dependent.

Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin), a common trichothecene mycotoxin found in cereal foods, dysregulates immune function and maintenance of energy balance. The purpose of this study was to determine if sex differences are similarly evident in DON’s anorectic responses in mice. A bioassay for feed refusal, previously developed by our lab, was used to compare acute i.p. exposures of 1 and 5 mg/kg bw DON in C57BL6 mice. Greater anorectic responses were seen in male than female mice. Male mice had higher organ and plasma concentrations of DON upon acute exposure than their female counterparts. A significant increase in IL-6 plasma levels was also observed in males while cholecystokinin response was higher in females. When effects of sex on food intake and body weight changes were compared after subchronic dietary exposure to 1, 2.5, and 10 ppm DON, males were found again to be more sensitive. Demonstration of male predilection to DON-induced changes in food intake and weight gain might an important consideration in future risk assessment of DON and other trichothecenes.
Chapter 1 Biomedical Agriculture: A Systematic Approach to Food Crop Improvement for Chronic Disease Prevention

Abstract Biomedical agriculture (BMA) is a transdisciplinary approach and emerging field that engages agronomists and biomedical scientists in a program of discovery, dissemination, and training. The ultimate goal of BMA is to identify specific genotypes of a food crop which, alone and when combined with other food crops, form a dietary pattern that reduces chronic disease risk, that is, risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and obesity. To achieve this goal, a systematic approach is required that investigates staple and specialty crop genotypes for bioactivity that translates into improved chronic disease biomarkers, alterations of which are associated with reduced disease risk. The primary mechanisms targeted for food‐mediated disease risk reduction are altered glucose metabolism, chronic inflammation, excessive cellular oxidation, and/or chronic endotoxemia. The crop improvement process via BMA is tiered, establishing efficacy for chronic disease prevention in molecular, cellular, and animal investigations of crop genotypes and food combinations before evaluation in cohorts of human participants. Ultimately, specific dietary plans will be tailored for individuals at risk for one or more chronic diseases. Informatics and omics technologies enable transdisciplinary collaborations, giving the agricultural and biomedical sciences a common research setting that sustains and translates progress into the community.
Evidence for Eigenfrequencies in Dendritic Growth Dynamics

Microgravity dendritic growth experiments, conducted aboard the space shuttle Columbia, are described. In-situ video images reveal that pivalic acid dendrites growing in the diffusion-controlled environment of low-earth orbit exhibit a range of transient or non-steady-state behaviors. The observed transient features of the growth process are being studied with the objective of understanding the mechanisms responsible for these behaviors. Included in these observations is possible evidence for characteristic frequencies or limit cycles in the growth behavior near the tip of the dendrites. These data, and their interpretations, will be discussed.
Future U.S. X-Ray Programs Related to Timing Neutron Stars

The timing capabilities of future U.S. x-ray astronomy satellite experiments that are adapted to timing studies of neutron-stars are presented. The X-ray Timing Explorer (XTE) is specifically designed for such studies. As a non-focusing and large-aperture (0.6 m2) instrument, it is best suited to the study of the brightest ≿ 103 celestial x-ray sources. It features a continous low-background 2 – 200 keV response and flexible response to temporal phenomena by virtue of its all sky monitor and rapid maneuverability. It will carry out detailed energy-resolved studies of phenomena close to neutron stars (e.g. QPO's) because of its sub-milliscond timing (to 5 μs), its high telemetry rates (to 256 kbs), and the high-throughput of its data system (to › 2 × 105 c s-1). Two AXAF focal-plane experiments (the high-resolution camera and the CCD Imager) are also described. The Japanese mission ASTRO-D, a moderate-resolution collecting system with substantial timing capability, is also presented. There is strong U.S. participation in the ASTRO-D program which is scheduled for a 1993 laumch. The imaging/collecting systems are best suited for faint-source timing or moderate to high resolution spectral studies at energies up to ~10keV.
Engineering Code of Ethics: Beneficial Restraint on Consequential Morality

The engineer acts both as a rational agent and as a moral agent in the execution of professional responsibilities. The moral view of most engineers tends toward utilitarianism. The utilitarian conc...
Increased nod/scid repopulating potential and primitive hematopoietic function of human CD34+ cells following exposure to ANTI-CXCR4

Abstract Due to its demonstrated effects on migration of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), the CXCR4-SDF-1 receptor-ligand pair has been implicated in in vivo trafficking and homing of primitive HPC. To further define the role of CXCR4 in hematopoiesis, the contribution of CXCR4 to primitive hematopoietic function of normal human mobilized peripheral blood (MPB) and bone marrow (BM) CD34+ cells was investigated. MPB and BM were enriched for CD34+ cells, then stained for flow cytometric cell sorting with antibodies to CD34 only, or CD34 and CD90. Expression of CXCR4 on normal BM and MPB CD34+ CD90+ (++) cells ranged from
A study of beryllium exposures at a high explosive assembly test facility.

Abstract The firing of explosive assemblies containing beryllium creates a potential hazard of widespread contamination by finely divided and oxidized beryllium. A description of the facilities involved and the results of a study of the degree of contamination are presented. A program of personal hygiene and facility housekeeping for the protection of workers from beryllium contamination is described.
A psycho-social study of surviving male coronary patients and controls followed over nine years.

Abstract 28 white males who had survived at least one well-documented myocardial infarction and 28 individually matched white male healthy controls were given the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) at the onset and end of a 7 yr research project and again at 2 yr follow-up. The MMPI showed remarkable similarity between three testing periods over the 9 yr period. As a group surviving patients were similar to the controls on all of the MMPI scales, except for higher K scores among the controls, over the 9 yr period. No significant differences were found on any of the MMPI scales over the nine years when surviving patients and controls ≤ 50 years and 51 ≥ yr were compared. “White collar” patients scored significantly higher on K and Mf and lower on Ma and A than did those in the “blue collar” social classes. There were no significant differences on any of the MMPI scales between surviving patients who engaged in short-term group psychotherapy and patients who did not participate in therapy. The finding that surviving patients look more like controls on all of the MMPI scales, except K, over the 9 yr period would indicate that survivors lack the element of chronic depression previously found among non-survivors of myocardial infarction.
Head Start and Social Work

The author states that the social work profession is not sufficiently involved with Head Start. Data from a representative sample of Head Start programs shows the minimal role professional social workers play with Head Start even when ample financial resources to hire BSWs or MSWs are available. Evidence suggests, however, that Head Start is open to increased professional social work involvement. The author presents reasons social work professionals are underrepresented in Head Start and recommendations for increasing professional involvement and influence. The author also discusses the history and current status of Head Start, including a thorough description of Head Start's social service component.
Mesocaval shunt inhibits primary and metastatic hepatoma growth and enhances apoptosis.

Abstract Background: Previous reports indicate that hepatocyte growth factor and other hepatic trophic factors reach the liver presumably by portal venous inflow and stimulate experimental hepatic tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. This study tests this hypothesis by evaluating whether a mesocaval shunt (MCS) alters hepatic tumor growth, the mitotic rate, apoptosis, and incidence and growth of lung metastasis in rats with implanted hepatoma. Methods: Morris hepatoma (1 × 10 5 ) cells were implanted intrahepatically in 19 ACl rats. One week after implantation, 10 rats underwent MCS operation and nine controls a sham operation. Rats were killed 21 days after the operation to assess tumor volume, tumor cell mitosis, apoptosis, area of tumor necrosis, pulmonary metastases and percentage of lung tumor area. Results: Mesocaval shunt induced a significant increase in the rate of tumor apoptosis (25 ± 5 v 14 ± 6, P v 13% ± 8%, P v 2,909 ± 2,572, P v 93 ± 11, P v 18.8 ± 14, P Conclusion: These observations show that growth of intrahepatic tumor is influenced by portal venous inflow and suggest that MCS or other methods of regulating portal vein flow may be useful as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of advanced hepatoma.
Mean first passage time solution of the Smoluchowski equation: Application to relaxation dynamics in myoglobin

A robust numerical approach to solving the Smoluchowski equation describing a diffusive process is presented for the case where standard procedures are not so useful, in particular, diffusion along a spatially rough potential. The approach developed here makes use of an analytical expression for the mean first passage time for a system to get from one point to another along an arbitrary rough potential, and reduces the solution of the Smoluchowski equation to the solution of a relatively small number of first-order coupled differential equations. The results of this approach are compared with a discrete approximation solution of the Smoluchowski equation as well as with the analytical solution for the special case of a smooth harmonic potential. A significant reduction of computational time is achieved over the discrete approximation method. A model of configurational diffusion along a one-dimensional harmonic potential with coordinate-dependent diffusion coefficient is used to fit the highly nonexponential relaxation dynamics observed in myoglobin following the photodissociation of the bound carbon-monoxide. The relaxation is well described with an effective diffusion coefficient that decreases exponentially along the reaction coordinate. This decrease can arise from either an increase in the roughness of the potential surface or an increase in the friction along the reaction coordinate as the system approaches equilibrium.
Concept locator: a client-server application for retrieval of UMLS Metathesaurus concepts through complex Boolean query

Concept Locator (CL) is a client-server application that accesses a Sybase relational database server containing a subset of the UMLS Metathesaurus for the purpose of retrieval of concepts corresponding to one or more query expressions supplied to it. CL's query grammar permits complex Boolean expressions, wildcard patterns, and parenthesized (nested) subexpressions. CL translates the query expressions supplied to it into one or more SQL statements that actually perform the retrieval. The generated SQL is optimized by the client to take advantage of the strengths of the server's query optimizer, and sidesteps its weaknesses, so that execution is reasonably efficient.
A CONTINUUM ANALYSIS OF SURFACE TENSION IN NONEQUILIBRIUM SYSTEMS

Abstract The intermolecular forces that cause surface tension in multiphase systems at equilibrium give rise to pressure gradients in nonequilibrium systems. The present paper treats such systems within a framework of thermodynamics and continuum mechanics and uses a generalization of the conceptual experiment of Rowlinson and Widom which applies to systems with curved interfaces and to nonequilibrium situations where the phase interfaces are not fully developed. The pressure tensor has a component pn acting in the direction normal to the concentration gradient and a component pt acting in the plane tangent to the surface of constant concentration where Pn —Pt = k(∇c)2 The concentration gradient causes an additional volumetric force not present in homogeneous fluids Here, k.- is the gradient energy parameter appearing in the Landau-Ginzburg functional, c is the concentration of the key component, 1, and R2 are the principal radii of curvature for the surface of constant constration, n is a unit vector nor...
Abstract C55: The basic helix loop helix transcription factor E2A is associated with prostate cancer

Introduction: E2A (TCF3) is a multifunctional basic helix loop helix (bHLH), transcription factor. E2A regulates transcription of target genes by homo- or heterodimerization with other bHLH proteins such as MyoD, Mash, NeuroD and Id family of helix loop helix proteins. In general, E2A promotes cell differentiation, acts as a negative regulator of cell proliferation in normal cells and cancer cell lines and is required for normal B-cell development. Given the diverse biological pathways regulated/influenced by E2A little is known about its expression in cancer. Data mining approaches suggested that E2A is highly expressed in many cancers including prostate. Experimental design: E2A protein expression was investigated in clinical prostate tumor samples on high density tissue microarray slides by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of E2A in PCA cell lines DU145 and PC3 was temporarily silenced using E2A siRNA (sc-35245, Santa Cruz Biotechnology) and its effect on the Proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase 3/7 activation was determined. The underlying mechanism of action of E2A was investigated by analyzing the expression of potential E2A regulated genes involved in cell cycle. Results: Consistent with increased E2A expression in prostate cancer suggested by meta-analysis, the E2A immunohistochemistry performed on prostate tissue microarrays demonstrated increased E2A expression in prostate cancer as compared to normal prostate. Silencing of E2A in prostate cancer cells DU145 and PC3 led to a significant reduction in proliferation due to G1 arrest that was in part mediated by increased CDKN1A(p21) and decreased Id1, Id3 and c-myc. E2A silencing in prostate cancer cell lines also resulted in increased apoptosis due to decrease in mitochondrial membrane permeability and increase in caspase 3/7 activity. Conclusion: Based on our results, we propose that E2A could be an upstream regulator of Id1 and c-Myc which are highly expressed in prostate cancer. These results for the first time demonstrate that E2A could in fact acts as a tumor promoter at least in prostate cancer. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by NIH/NCI RO1 CA128914 and NIH/NCRR/RCMI G12RR03062. Citation Format: Divya Patel, Jaideep Chaudhary. The basic helix loop helix transcription factor E2A is associated with prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr C55.
Effects of Dietary Flaxseed on Intestinal Tumorigenesis in Apc Min Mouse

Dietary flaxseed has been shown to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancers in male Fisher rats. The present study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of dietary flaxseed on the development of intestinal tumors in Apc(Min) mice. Apc(Min) mice were divided into five different groups, fed with control (AIN-93M meal), corn meal, flaxseed meal, corn oil, and flaxseed oil supplemented diets. Results showed that dietary flaxseed significantly decreased (P < 0.05) tumor multiplicity and size in the small intestine and colon as compared to control, corn-treated groups. Intestine, colon, and serum samples of corn-treated groups showed higher levels of omega -6 fatty acids, whereas the flaxseed treated groups exhibited higher levels of omega -3 fatty acids. Lignans were detected in the serum, intestine, and colon samples for flaxseed meal group. COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the colon samples from the flaxseed meal group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) as compared to the corn meal group. Dietary flaxseed may be chemopreventive for intestinal tumor development in Apc(Min) mice possibly by increasing omega -3 fatty acid levels, lignans, and decreasing COX-1 and COX-2 levels.
First-principles investigations of F and Cl impurities in NaAlH4

Abstract We study halide interactions with NaAlH4 using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. First, we determine which products can be formed when TiX3 ( X = F , Cl) is ball milled with NaAlH4. Then we investigate impurity incorporation, finding that fluorine may substitute for hydrogen, or form a charged interstitial defect. Fluorine substitution for hydrogen has been proposed as a means of destabilizing hydrides, but we find this to be unlikely for either NaAlH4 or Na3AlH6. Fluorine interstitials are most stable as charged defects; however, their concentration will likely be too low to shift the Fermi level. The migration barrier for interstitial fluorine is low enough to easily allow diffusion during cycling through the hydride phases. Chlorine has a large size mismatch with hydrogen and every chlorine-related defect studied is found to have a high formation energy. Chlorine is therefore unlikely to incorporate in NaAlH4.
Biosynthesis of Gossypol by Excised Cotton Roots

GOSSYPOL, a toxic phenol, occurs primarily in the resin glands of cotton seed but also has been isolated from the tap-root bark of the cotton plant1. A study of the distribution of gossypol in the cotton plant revealed that the roots, especially the feeder roots, contained high levels of gossypol. This was true for strains of cotton in which the plants and seed were free of resin glands as well as for strains which contained many glands in plants and seed. The high levels of gossypol in the roots and the minute amounts in the seed of the glandless plants suggest that the gossypol was synthesized in the root tissue.
Toughness of materials

Abstract Toughness as a property of a material has comparative value only until the geometry of the member or structure and type of loading are established. Service failures are so frequently associated with sharp notches, flaws or cracks that “Crack Toughness” recently has been recognized as the property of primary importance. The concept of “Crack Toughness” based on linear elastic fracture mechanics and characterized by a critical value of K or G is introduced. The influence of geometry of member and geometry of crack on crack toughness is discussed. A fracture mode transition from slant (shear) fracture to flat (brittle) fracture is associated with increased thickness constraint. The variation of crack toughness with temperature and strain rate are mentioned. The fracture mode transition from flat to slant fracture as the temperature is increased is also associated with a change of transverse constraint. Finally the relation of crack toughness to other mechanical properties is discussed.
Dynamic Models for Sales Promotion Policies

This paper presents several models for decisions on budget and operational details (price-off and duration) of a sales promotion for consuLmer goods industries and retail sector. The solutions to the one-period problem are generalized using the dynamic programming methods to the more common case of a multi-period-situation. Several special cases of the general dynamic programming model are discussed along with numerical examples. Finally, the ways of utilizing historical data for an ongoing firm for estimating the parameters of the models are presented.
Reversibility of chronic obstructive lung disease in infants following repair of ventricular septal defect

The signs of obstructive lung disease dominated the clinical course of ten infants with ventricular septal defects and large left-to-right shunts. Airway obstruction in these patients can be attributed (1) to increase in large airway resistance as the result of compression by enlarged pulmonary arteries or cardiac chambers and (2) to increase in small airway resistance as the result of accumulation of peribronchiolar fluid. The rapid regression of the signs of obstructive airway disease following open heart repair of the ventricular septal defect indicates that the lung disease observed in these infants is secondary to the ventricular septal defect, rather than a primary process. The most effective management in the refractory patient is that of open heart repair of the defect.
Arterial thromboembolic events in patients with the factor V Leiden mutation.

Abstract Background: The factor V Leiden mutation affects 6% of the United States population and is known to be associated with venous thrombosis. We identify, herein, 30 individuals with the Leiden mutation and known arterial thromboembolic events. Methods: The factor V mutation was assessed using polymerase chain reaction. Results: In the 16 patients sustaining a cerebrovascular accident, the mean age was 44.1 and 11 (69%) were younger than 50. Similarly, the 13 patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction were relatively young with a mean age of 45.5, and 9 (65%) patients presented at less than 50 years of age. Radiographic information was available for 19 patients in this study. No significant arterial atherosclerotic disease was demonstrated in 18 (95%) of these patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between the factor V Leiden mutation and the development of unexplained arterial thromboembolic events, especially in younger patients without existing atherosclerotic disease.
Capillary sieving electrophoresis‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography fully automated two‐dimensional capillary electrophoresis analysis of Deinococcus radiodurans protein homogenate

We report the one- and two-dimensional (1-D and 2-D) capillary electrophoresis separation of Deinococcus radiodurans protein homogenate. Proteins are labeled with the fluorogenic reagent 3-(2-furoyl)quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (FQ), which reacts with lysine residues and creates a highly fluorescent product. Detection is by laser-induced fluorescence. 1-D capillary sieving electrophoresis (CSE) produces over 150,000 plates and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) produces over 900,000 plates for components in a D. radiodurans protein homogenate. In a 2-D separation, proteins are first separated by CSE. Fractions are repetitively transferred to a second capillary for further separation based on MEKC. The 2-D separation has a approximately 550 spot capacity. Over 150 components are partially resolved from the homogenate. Resolution is limited in the first dimension by diffusion of proteins during the long separation period and in the second dimension by the combination of a long fraction-transfer time and short separation period.
Direito à universalização da Educação Básica

The political thesis of the universalization of basic education is discussed on the basis of a political pamphlet by Kant and the legal hermeneutics proposed by Bobbio for the doctrine of Human Rights. Thus, the article presents the Enlightenment’s political-educational thesis that citizenship is the condition for an individual to have rights. It briefl y examines the critique of individualism in the modern view of citizenship and of the state’s role in basic education. With this theoretical basis, the article analyzes the universalization of basic education proposed in the Brazilian educational legislation. The confrontation between theory and legislation makes it possible to propose a political, theoretical and practical defi nition of universalization, establishing criteria to examine the universalization of basic education in the municipality of Canoas/RS and showing the distance between that political thesis and the performance of the educational systems
After the puzzle boxes: thorndike in the 20th century.

From the beginning of this century, following the publication of his dissertation, Thorndike made many significant contributions to psychology, some related to animal and human learning and others to various areas of educational psychology. This paper concentrates on the former and mentions some of the latter, in the context of personal and professional aspects of his life.
Some Comments on Formal Analysis of Grammatical and Semantic Systems

serious methodological question in social science. It arises in a number of forms. It has recently been prominent in discussions of componential analysis and generative grammar but has also been of some interest in more general social theory (for example, Does a clan need to be a named group? Is there class structure in a society without class consciousness-and, of course, the much larger problems of the relationship beteen stated norms and observed practices). The attribution of more fundamental "truth" to the native's structuring than to the analyst's structuring often goes unquestioned. The more fundamental truth, then, quite naturally, becomes the criterion of validity for the analyst's work. Consideration of all the ontological and epistemological assumptions underlying this approach would be a very large undertaking; but it may be worthwhile to consider the implications of a few of these assumptions, with particular reference to two somewhat related areas of work in which they seem currently to be especially relevant. To focus the discussion, major attention will be given to specific works by Wallace (1962) on semantic or componential analysis, and Chomsky (1957) on transformational or generative grammar. The main issue hinges on the distinction between open and closed systems, and the relationship between empirical and formal analysis. Related to this are questions about the appropriateness of formal and empirical criteria of adequacy for structural analysis, about the nature of change and how it relates
In vitro glucuronidation of xanthohumol, a flavonoid in hop and beer, by rat and human liver microsomes

Xanthohumol (XN) is the major prenylated flavonoid of hop plants and has been detected in beer. Previous studies suggest a variety of potential cancer chemopreventive effects for XN, but there is no information on its metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro glucuronidation of XN by rat and human liver microsomes. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, two major glucuronides of XN were found with either rat or human liver microsomes. Release of the aglycone by enzymatic hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that these were C-4′ and C-4 monoglucuronides of XN.