cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrophage signalling upon mycobacterial infection: the MAP kinases lead the way

Summary Mycobacteria activate a series of macrophage signalling pathways upon engaging host cell receptors and during the invasion process. These signals initiate a cascade of events leading to the production of immune effector molecules including cytokines, chemokines and reactive nitrogen intermediates. This response by the macrophage is critical for the control of the mycobacterial infection and, not surprisingly, pathogenic mycobacteria have evolved mechanisms to limit this macrophage activation. Recent data has suggested that macrophages infected with pathogenic compared to non-pathogenic mycobacteria are restricted in their activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Mitogen activated protein kinase activation in macrophages appears to play an important role in promoting antimycobacterial activity and in the production of various effector molecules following a mycobacterial infection. Therefore, the ability of pathogenic mycobacteria to limit MAPK activity is likely an important virulence mechanism and may be a potential therapeutic target.
A Multitargeted, Metronomic, and Maximum-Tolerated Dose “Chemo-Switch” Regimen is Antiangiogenic, Producing Objective Responses and Survival Benefit in a Mouse Model of Cancer

Purpose A transgenic mouse model has revealed parameters of the angiogenic switch during multistep tumorigenesis of pancreatic islets, and demonstrated efficacy of antiangiogenic therapies. Pericytes have been revealed as functionally important for tumor neovasculature, using kinase inhibitors targeting their platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs). Additionally, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors and metronomic chemotherapy show modest benefit against early- but not late-stage disease. Materials and Methods Seeking to improve efficacy against otherwise intractable end-stage pancreatic islet tumors, two receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, imatinib and SU11248, were used to disrupt PDGFR-mediated pericyte support of tumor endothelial cells in concert with maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) or metronomic chemotherapy and/or VEGFR inhibition. Results Imatinib, despite equivocal efficacy as monotherapy, reduced pericyte coverage of tumor vessels and enhanced efficacy in combin...
A note on the complexity of Boolean concepts

What is the relationship between the degree of learning difficulty of a Boolean concept (i.e., a category defined by logical rules expressed in terms of Boolean operators) and the complexity of its logical description? Feldman [(2000). Minimization of Boolean complexity in human concept learning. Nature, 407(October), 630–633] investigated this question experimentally by defining the complexity of a Boolean formula (that logically describes a concept) as the length of the shortest formula logically equivalent to it. Using this measure as the independent variable in his experiment, he concludes that in general, the subjective difficulty of learning a Boolean concept is well predicted by Boolean complexity. Moreover, he claims that one of the landmark results and benchmarks in the human concept learning literature, the Shepard, Hovland, and Jenkins learning difficulty ordering, is precisely predicted by this hypothesis. However, in what follows, we introduce a heuristic procedure for reducing Boolean formulae, based in part on the well-established minimization technique from Boolean algebra known as the Quine–McCluskey (QM) method, which when applied to the SHJ Boolean concept types reveals that some of their complexity values are notably different from the approximate values obtained by Feldman. Furthermore, using the complexity values for these simpler expressions fails to predict the correct empirical difficulty ordering of the SHJ concept types. Motivated by these findings, this note includes a brief tutorial on the QM method and concludes with a brief discussion on some of the challenges facing the complexity hypothesis.
Optimization of ISOL targets based on Monte-Carlo simulations of ion release curves

Abstract A detailed model for simulating release curves from ISOL targets has been developed. The full 3D geometry is implemented using Geant-4. Produced particles are followed individually from production to release. The delay time is computed event by event. All processes involved: diffusion, effusion and decay are included to obtain the overall release curve. By fitting to the experimental data, important parameters of the release process (diffusion coefficient, sticking time, …) are extracted. They can be used to improve the efficiency of existing targets and design new ones more suitable to produce beams of rare isotopes.
A theoretical review of stress relaxation testing

Abstract Several theoretical approaches to stress relaxation testing are reviewed with the finding that all are internally consistent. The interesting results are that self-consistency identities prove that a constant dislocation mobility and a constant internal structure stress are commensurate with the assumptions that (∂σ/∂ ln ∈p)∈p is constant and (∂σ/∂∈p) is independent of strain rate. The first of two self-consistency identities leads back to the Gilman - Johnston dislocation mobility analysis. The second identity leads to Feltham's empirical equation for stress relaxation testing, viz. σ0 − σ = S log10(1 + vt) where σ0 and σ refer to stresses at time zero and time, t, and S, v are constants related to the slope and curvature of the stress relaxation data. It is shown that this consistent behavior can be easily utilized to interpret dislocation mobility constants at large strains. On the other hand, at small strains where “anomalous” stress relaxation has been observed, experimental data on polycrystalline Fe show an inconsistency with the above approaches. The conclusion is that the mobile dislocation density is not constant at strains near yield.
Ethical considerations of screening for mental health disorders during periodic well-woman exams

Summary Mental health concerns, particularly depression and anxiety, are common among women of all ages. Because obstetrician/gynecologists (ob/gyns) often serve as a primary source of care for women, they are in a unique position to detect and target mental health symptoms early. In this context, we define ethics as the balance between one's competency in practice, and the need to treat patients with conditions outside of that competency. This paper discusses the ethical challenges that ob/gyns may face in identifying and treating mental health conditions due to lack of expertise, training, and experience. We also focus on the ethical considerations that favor interventions on the part of ob/gyns, and how improved training could help to resolve this ethical dilemma. In addition, the expansion of collaborative care networks may help to build continuity of care.
Long-Term Recall of Event Sequences in Infancy

The first experiment shows that 11-month-olds can encode novel causal events from a brief period of observational learning, and recall much of the information after 24 h. The second experiment, using both a longitudinal and a cross-sectional design, shows recall of the same events after a delay of 3 months. The infants remembered more individual actions than whole sequences, but reproduced many of the events in their entirety (and always in correct order) after the long delay. Although they also reproduced arbitrarily ordered events immediately after being shown them at 11 months, they began to forget them after 24 h and showed essentially no recall for this type of event after 3 months. The experiments not only indicate long-lasting memory for briefly experienced events in infancy, they also suggest that the factors that organize recall at this young age are similar to those found in older children and adults.
Single-cell measurements of quantal secretion induced by α-latrotoxin from rat adrenal chromaffin cells: dependence on extracellular Ca2+

α-Latrotoxin (α-LT), from black widow spider venom, is a potent enhancer of the spontaneous quantal release of neurotransmitter from a variety of nerve terminals and clonal neurosecretory cells. Using electrochemical amperometry and estimation of membrane impedance by phase detection, we present evidence that α-LT induces exocytosis of catecholamines from rat adrenal chromaffin cells beginning as rapidly as 30 s after close application of the toxin. This release is largely dependent on adequate levels of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o). Lowering [Ca2+]o from 2 mM to ≤ 10–20 μM reduces the α-LT-induced rise in membrane capacitance by at least sixfold, on average, and nearly abolishes α-LT-induced quantal amperometric events, while still permitting insertion of non-selective cation channels. Based on these experiments, we argue that the rapid onset of α-LT action in promoting massive quantal release from chromaffin cells is primarily due to an increase in the Ca2+ permeability of the plasma membrane through non-selective cation channels.
Equilibration of Polymer Films Cast from Solutions with Different Solvent Qualities

We study the effect of film preparation on the equilibration and viscoelastic properties of polymer films. Polystyrene films with a thickness of 14 nm are spun-cast from decalin solutions at different temperatures near the theta temperature to produce films with different chain conformations. We find that the equilibration time of the films increases significantly near the theta temperature. We attribute this to the onset of a rapid collapse in the polymer coil size at the theta condition, along with an increase in the solvent concentration in the films and thereby interchain separation at the time of vitrification. We find that these effects also cause the plateau modulus and equilibrium viscosity of the films to decrease.
Perceptions of Appalachia

This article examines the boundary perceptions and images that three groups have of the Appalachian region. The analysis is based on data gathered from 2366 questionnaires administered to students ...
Scalable correlated electronic structure theory

The approach taken in Ames to advance high-level electronic structure theory has been a combination of the development and implementation of new and novel methods with the continuing development of strategies to optimize scalable computing. This work summarizes advances on both fronts. Several new methods have been implemented under the Distributed Data Interface (DDI), most recently including analytic Hessians for both Hatree- Fock and CASSCF (complete active space self-consistent field) wavefunctions, gradients for restricted open shell second order perturbation theory, and the fragment molecular orbital method (FMO). Exciting new method developments include the FMO method and the CEEIS (Correlation Energy Extrapolation by Intrinsic Scaling) method for efficiently approaching the exact energy for atomic and molecular systems.
Achieving ultralow background in a germanium spectrometer

A germanium diode gamma-ray spectrometer has been constructed that exhibits background levels three orders of magnitude lower than conventional low-background laboratory spectrometers in the energy region around 100 keV and five orders of magnitude lower in the energy region above 3 MeV. The steps necessary to achieve this reduction are described, and the application of this technology to construction of ultralow background laboratory based germanium diode gamma-ray spectrometers is discussed.
Automatic design of magazine covers

In this paper, we propose a system for automatic design of magazine covers that quantifies a number of concepts from art and aesthetics. Our solution to automatic design of this type of media has been shaped by input from professional designers, magazine art directors and editorial boards, and journalists. Consequently, a number of principles in design and rules in designing magazine covers are delineated. Several techniques are derived and employed in order to quantify and implement these principles and rules in the format of a software framework. At this stage, our framework divides the task of design into three main modules: layout of magazine cover elements, choice of color for masthead and cover lines, and typography of cover lines. Feedback from professional designers on our designs suggests that our results are congruent with their intuition.
FINANCIAL INTERMINGLING IN KOREAN-AMERICAN AND MEXICAN-AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESSES

This study explores the financial intermingling behavior of Mexican-American and Korean-American owned and operated small businesses. It posits that ethnically-owned and -operated small businesses with strong familial ties and more limited access to financial capital are more likely to intermingle financial resources than other small businesses. Mexican-American small business owners typically have very strong familial ties, while Korean-American small business owners typically have very strong community ties. Perhaps more importantly, Mexican-American small business owners have less access to pools of community capital than Korean-American small business owners. Therefore, it is expected that Mexican-American small business owners are more likely to intermingle financial resources than Korean-American small business owners. Even when controlling for the time in United States and English language spoken in the household, this study suggests Mexican-American small business owners are more likely to intermingle financial resources than Korean-American small business owners. Within these two ethnic groups, similar factors contribute to intermingling. Small business owners living in rural areas and borrowers are more likely to intermingle financial resources for both ethnic groups.
Biased random walk on a deterministic fractal.

Anisotropic diffusion on a Sierp{ital riaa}nski gasket is studied using renormalization equations for the probability densities of waiting times. The effect of an external field on a random walk is described in terms of the dependence of hopping probabilities, mean waiting times, and standard deviations on the hopping distance and on the intensity of the field. Our procedure can also be applied to other deterministic fractals.
Cross-talk between Phorbol Ester-mediated Signaling and Tyrosine Kinase Proto-oncogenes: I. ACTIVATION OF PROTEIN KINASE C STIMULATES TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION AND ACTIVATION OF ErbB2 AND ErbB3 *

The tumor-promoting phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), acutely stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins of approximately 190, 120, and 70 kDa in the well differentiated Fao rat hepatoma cell line. This phosphorylation is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) and is abolished by down-regulation of PKC or pretreatment with a PKC inhibitor. Purification of the 190-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein revealed that it consists of both ErbB2 and ErbB3. Following PMA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, ErbB2 and ErbB3 were able to associate with the SH2 domains of several signaling proteins including the p85α subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Syp, and Grb2. The 120-kDa protein phosphorylated in response to PMA consists of at least two proteins: focal adhesion kinase that exhibits a minor increase in tyrosine phosphorylation following treatment with PMA, and a major 120-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated species in PMA-stimulated Fao cells which as yet is unidentified. Similarly, the 70-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein also appears to represent more than one protein, including paxillin and a second protein of similar mobility which appears to be the major tyrosine phosphorylation in response to PMA. Both ErbB2 and paxillin also exhibit reduced migration on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis following PMA treatment, suggesting that they are also phosphorylated on serine/threonine residues. The mobility shift of both of these proteins is abolished by treatment with inhibitors of PKC or mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase. These results suggest a novel mechanism of cross-talk between the serine/threonine kinase PKC and tyrosine phosphorylation pathways. The activation of ErbB2 and ErbB3 that is initiated by PMA may contribute to the tumor promoting activity of these compounds.
P2Y(2) receptors and water transport in the kidney.

The kidneys play a critical role in the maintenance of water homeostasis. This is achieved by the inherent architecture of the nephron along with the expression of various membrane transporters and channels that are responsible for the vectorial transport of salt and water. The collecting duct has become a focus of attention by virtue of its ability to transport water independent of solutes (free-water transport), and its apparent involvement in various water balance disorders. It was originally believed that the water transport capability of the collecting duct was solely under the influence of the circulating hormone, arginine vasopressin (AVP). However, during the past decade, locally produced autocrine and/or paracrine factors have emerged as potent modulators of transport of water by the collecting duct. Recently, much attention has been focused on the purinergic regulation of renal water transport. This review focuses on the role of the P2Y2 receptor, the predominant purinergic receptor expressed in the collecting duct, in the modulation of water transport in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and its therapeutic potential as a drug target to treat water balance disorders in the clinic. Studies carried out by us and other investigators are unravelling potent interactions among AVP, prostanoid and purinergic systems in the medullary collecting duct, and the perturbations of these interactions in water balance disorders such as acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Future studies should address the potential therapeutic benefits of modulators of P2Y2 receptor signalling in water balance disorders, which are extremely prevalent in hospitalised patients irrespective of the underlying pathology.
Gamma irradiation as a quarantine treatment for apples infested by codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), larvae reared on thinning apples were exposed to gamma radiation at incremental doses up to 138 Gy (gray). Adult emergence from pupae was reduced, and larval mortality increased as dose increased. At a dose of 39.2 Gy, emergence of normal adults from irradiated younger larvae (first through third instars) was reduced, and emergence of physically deformed adults increased. At higher doses, adult emergence was further reduced, the ratio of male to female emergence increased significantly, and overall survival of larvae declined. Similar results were obtained for older larvae (third through fifth instars) except that the doses required for comparable effects were 10-25% higher than those for younger larvae. These data suggest that doses of 372 Gy would prevent first through third instars from maturing and forming cocoons. However, probit analysis showed that a dose of 187 Gy or less gave quarantine security based on preventing adult emergence from fruit infested by larvae. When an estimated 79,540 nondiapausing immature larvae infesting thinning apples were exposed to approximately 153 Gy, only 15,501 formed cocoons; of these, only 256 pupated and none emerged as adults.
Educating the Scientific/Technical Information Specialist: Description of the Program at the University of Tennessee.

Summary Five concentrations have been introduced as part of a major redesign of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Information Sciences (SIS) program. One of the concentrations currently offered is “Scientific and Technical Information.” This paper describes the background, environment, and content of the concentration, as well as plans for the future of the concentration, the program in general, and the SIS.
Growth model for metal films on oxide surfaces: Cu on ZnO(0001)-O.

The structural and electronic properties of Cu films vapor deposited on the oxygen terminated ZnO(0001)-O surface at 130 K have been characterized using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$-ion-scattering spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, work-function, and band-bending measurements, angular-resolved XPS, and CO and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O chemisorption. These results show that Cu is cationic at tiny coverages, but becomes nearly neutral at coverages beyond a few percent. The Cu clusters into two-dimensional (2D) metallic islands at these coverages. Further deposition of Cu leads to spreading of these 2D islands without forming thicker layers, until about 50% of the surface is covered. Thereafter, these Cu islands grow thicker without filling the gaps between the islands except at a rate much slower than the rate at which Cu is deposited into these clean spaces. The annealing behavior of these films has also been studied between 130 and 850 K. These results show that the Cu has a tendency to cluster into thick 3D islands which only cover a small fraction of the surface. We present a model here based on the energetics of the system which readily explains the apparent contradiction between this tendency for 3D clustering, and the dynamical effect which leads to efficient wetting for coverages up to 1/2 monolayer at low temperatures. This model shows that a large fraction of the surface can first be covered by a 2D film even when the metal's self-adsorption energy significantly exceeds its adsorption energy on the oxide, provided the difference in these energies does not exceed the energy of 2D evaporation from kinks onto terraces. This model helps to explain a variety of confusing results in the growth of metal films on oxide surfaces.
American Chemical Society assistance to chemical scientists and engineers in developing countries

The American Chemical Society, through its Office of International Activities, is engaged in a variety of activities to assist chemical scientists and engineers in developing countries. These include surveys of chemical activity in Latin America and Africa; assistance to sister chemical societies; organization of international exchange programs; production of environmental chemistry workshops; hosting invited visitors at PITTCON meetings; dona- tions of materials and, especially, chemical literature through Project Bookshare; collabora- tion in producing CHEMRAWN conferences; and environmental chemistry activities.
Solid-phase microextraction method for gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and pulsed flame photometric detection: studies of organoarsenical speciation.

AbstractThe development, optimization, and application of a novel method for arsenic speciation based on capillary gas–liquidchromatography with simultaneous quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometric (MS) detection and pulsed ﬂame photometricdetection (PFPD) is described. The method couples the sensitive arsenic-selectivity of PFPD with the structure elucidationcapability of molecular MS detection for the determination of trace levels of unknown organoarsenicals in complex matrices.The conditions that affect the PFPD response in the presence of interfering species were optimized using the sequentialSimplex algorithm for three key factors: gate delay (18.3 ms), gate width (9.1 ms), and combustion gas composition (16.6ml/min H ). Complete discrimination in the PFPD of the arsenic signal from interfering S-, C-, and OH-emitting species 2 that are problematic in existing methods was achieved. Additionally, a revised interpretation of our previously reportedmechanism [J. Chromatogr. A 807 (1998) 253] for the dithiol derivatization and subsequent GC–MS determination ofdimethylarsinic acid is presented. 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.Keywords: Detection, GC; Organoarsenic compounds; Monomethyl arsonous acid; Dimethyl arsinic acid
Eucalyptus as a specific irritant causing vocal cord dysfunction.

Background Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a well-recognized clinical entity that frequently mimics asthma and is characterized by inappropriate adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration. The pathogenesis of VCD has not yet been defined. The only previous report suggested that respiratory irritants may trigger paradoxical motion of the vocal cords. Objective To report the case of a 46-year-old woman with VCD precipitated by eucalyptus exposure. Methods A masked flexible fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy was performed to confirm whether VCD occurred with eucalyptus and not with other known respiratory irritants. The patient underwent inhalation challenges consisting of water, ammonia, pine oil, and a combination of eucalyptus (dried leaves) and ammonia. Two independent observers before patient challenge could not identify eucalyptus. Results Vocal cord dysfunction occurred within minutes of exposure to eucalyptus. This is the first report to prospectively document that a specific irritant, eucalyptus, can precipitate VCD. Negative skin prick test results, total IgE level, and negative IgE eucalyptus-specific antibodies support a nonimmunologic mechanism. Conclusions A new pathogenic mechanism for this clinical entity is supported by our observations. Furthermore, a nonimmunologic mechanism in which respiratory irritants may induce VCD is suspected. Future studies to elucidate this mechanism need to be performed in individuals with irritant-specific VCD.
Mobility Velocities of Histiocytes from Normal and from Sensitized Guinea Pigs.

SummaryWith the technic described the mobility velocities of histiocytes obtained from normal guinea pigs were compared with those obtained from guinea pigs sensitized with the H37 strain of living Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The cells of the infected animals revealed a trend toward a slower rate. Statistically the difference obtained is significant as the range of the mean of the two in no point coincides. These findings may indicate a difference in surface charge.
Class dynamics of agrarian change

Class dynamics of agrarian change, by Henry Bernstein, Halifax, Fernwood Publishing, 2010, xii + 142 pp., CAD$17.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-55266-349-3 There are few people as well positioned to wr...
A neuropsychological model of pain: research and clinical implications.

Abstract This focus article argues that it may be useful to consider, and expand research into, studying the associations between psychological treatments and cortical activity. Matching our current understanding of the content and goals of psychological pain treatments with knowledge regarding the primary cortical areas involved in the processing and experience of pain provides an initial step towards a neuropsychological model of pain. This model can be used to: (1) inform research and increase knowledge about the associations between cortical activity, pain treatment, and pain experience; (2) facilitate communication about psychological treatments with patients to facilitate treatment engagement; and (3) help guide the development of more effective treatment plans. In this way, the development, testing, and modification of a neuropsychological model of pain could result in more patients receiving more effective care. Perspective A model that describes the effects of psychological treatments on specific pain-related cortical areas and processes could inform researchers who test hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of those treatments, and help pain clinicians develop more effective treatment plans.
Variation of Valence State of Eu in SrS Phosphors

Phosphors containing SrS as the base material and 0.04% Eu as the activator were prepared in various reducing or oxidizing atmospheres. Firings in reducing atmospheres produced divalent Eu and firings in oxidizing atmospheres produced decreasing amounts of divalent Eu and increasing amounts of trivalent Eu depending on the degree of oxidizing character of the atmosphere. The relative amounts of the two valence states were determined by observing the fluorescent emission and by measuring the paramagnetic resonance absorption of the samples.
On the exact theory of the slowing-down of neutrons in an infinite homogeneous medium

The object of this paper is to study the stationary energy distribution of neutrons slowed down in an infinite homogeneous absorbing medium. In particular, by confining the discussion to the field of the real variable, the following two problems will be considered: 1) The existence, for any scattering and capture law, of a formally exact solution of the Boltzmann equation; 2) The asymptotic behavior of this solution. By assuming a constant scattering cross-section, some details are given for the three practical cases of slowing down : without capture, with constant capture and with l/v-capture. For the last case, curves representing the exact solution evaluated numerically are shown.
Biological markers in breast carcinoma—clinical correlations with pseudouridine, n2,N2‐dimethylguanosine, and 1‐methylinosine

Urinary levels of the minor nucleosides, pseudouridine (psi),N2, N2-dimethylguanosine (m22G), and 1-methylinosine (m1I), were investigated in patients with breast carcinoma. Elevated levels of psi were observed in 27/131 (20.6%) patients with metastatic disease, 1/14 (7.1%) preoperative patients, and 1/28 (3.6%) postoperative N+ patients. Elevated levels of m22G and M1I were observed, respectively, in 46/131 (35.1%) and 274131 (20.6%) patients with metastatic disease, 3/14 (21.4%) and 3/14 preoperative patients, and 6/28 (21.4%) and 2/28 (7.1%) postoperative N+ patients. There was no correlation between nucleoside levels and involvement of specific organ sites with metastatic disease, nor with chemotherapy response rate or time to treatment failure. During the treatment of metastatic disease there was a tendency for elevated pretherapy psi levels to decrease with attainment of a response and, if the levels subsequently rose to be associated with treatment failure. However, increasing levels of m22G and 71I occurred with both response and disease progression. These results suggest that routine measurement of the level of the urinary nucleosides would be of limited value for following the disease course in patients with breast cancer.
Mechanisms of synergism between antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone and antagonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in shrinking experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects aging men. Combined therapy with antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH or GnRH) induces prostate shrinkage in rat models. We investigated the mechanisms of action of this combination on cell cycle traverse and expression of prostatic genes. METHODS Effects of GHRH antagonist, JMR-132 (40 µg/day), the LHRH antagonist, cetrorelix (0.625 mg/kg), and their combination were evaluated on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in male Wistar rats. Influence of JMR-132, cetrorelix, and their combinations on cell viability was assessed by MTS assay in BPH-1 human prostate epithelial cells and WPMY-1 normal prostate stromal cells. Cell cycle was analyzed by laser flow cytometry. Real-time PCR arrays were performed. RESULTS The combination of antagonists caused marked shrinkage of rat prostate (29.5%). In vitro, JMR-132 plus cetrorelix (both 5µM) produced synergistic (57.4%) inhibition of growth of BPH-1 cells, but a lesser inhibition (46%) of WPMY-1 cells. Co-treatment of with JMR-132 plus cetrorelix induced a significant increase of BPH-1 cells blocked in S-phase plus cells with lower G0/G1 and G2/M DNA content. Significant changes in expression of >40 gene transcripts related to growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and signal transduction were identified. CONCLUSIONS GHRH antagonist and LHRH antagonist combination potentiates rat prostate weight reduction and synergistically inhibits of growth of BPH-1 leading to cell cycle arrest in S-phase. These effects were lesser in normal stromal prostate cell line, WPMY-1. Our findings suggest that GHRH antagonists could be useful for BPH therapy, possibly in combination with LHRH antagonists. Prostate 73: 873–883, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioethics at the Threshold of the New Millennium

A travers l'ethique medicale, les reflexions medico-theologiques et les investigations philosophiques, la diversite bioethique est analysee au seuil du nouveau millenaire
Forensic implications of Ext4

Ext4 has become the default file system on popular Linux distributions; this means that it will be the subject of digital forensic investigations. In this paper a brief overview of Ext4 is given followed by a discussion of how the differences between it and its predecessors affects file system forensics. The new file system presents some unique challenges not only to digital forensics but to privacy in general. Therefore, strides must be made in the open source forensic community for its support.
Cytologic diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei : common and uncommon causes

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP) refers to accumulation of mucus in the peritoneal cavity, regardless of cause or pathogenesis. We have reviewed 8 cases of PP diagnosed in our institution over the past 5 years. Pertinent cytologic features include a mucinous background with mesothelial cells and histiocytes. Two cases contained rare clusters of neoplastic epithelial cells, with low-grade nuclear features of malignancy. The origin and nature of the parent neoplasms were variable, with no reflection of the cytologic features of PP.
In vivo elevation of extracellular potassium in the rat amygdala increases extracellular glutamate and aspartate and damages neurons

It is well known that high potassium (K+) solutions introduced by microdialysis into normal brain increase the extracellular concentration of the excitatory amino acid glutamate, and in vitro studies suggest that a high exogenously applied glutamate concentration can produce excitotoxic neuronal death. However, only recently were in vivo studies undertaken to determine whether high-K+ exposure damages neurons. We implanted microdialysis probes into rat amygdalae bilaterally, and after a 2-h baseline period exposed one side to a modified Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate solution containing 100 mmol/l KCl for 30,50 and 70 min, followed by a 2-h recovery period, and 70 min and 3 h without a recovery period. Of 100.9 +/- 2.0 mmol/l KCl, 12.0 +/- 1.0% was extracted by amygdalar tissue in vivo. Election of the extracellular K+ concentration in the amygdala for 70 min or longer without a recovery period produced extensive neuronal damage and edematous-appearing neuropil in the tissue dialysed, as well as loss of normal neurons. Histological evidence of edema subsided in the groups with a 2-h recovery period. Although the number of damaged neurons was not significantly higher in the group with a 70 min high-K+ exposure and 2-h recovery period, the number of normal neurons was reduced, suggesting cell loss. During 70-min high-K+ exposure, the extracellular glutamate concentration increased to 242-377% of baseline during the first 60 min, and extracellular aspartate rose to 162-213% during the first 50 min; extracellular taurine rose even higher, to 316-567% of baseline, and glutamine fell to 14-27% of baseline. Extracellular serine was decreased at 20, 50 and 70 min of high-K+ exposure; extracellular glycine was unchanged. The elevated extracellular glutamate and aspartate concentrations suggest that exposure of the amygdala to high extracellular K+ may produce cell death through an excitotoxic process, and point the way to future studies to define the specific mechanisms involved.
Synergistic catalytic effect of iron metallic glass particles in direct blue dye degradation

We report on the high catalytic activity of iron based metallic glass (MG) particles in dissociating direct blue dye (C32H20N6Na4O14S4) (DBD), a toxic water pollutant. We adopted high speed mechanical milling to activate the FeMG particles (of nominal composition Fe48Cr15Mo14Y2C15B6) and optimized the morphology and the particle size to achieve complete degradation of DBD in less than 20 min. The surface morphology and the particle size of the activated particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. They were found to have corrugated edge like catalytically active surfaces after mechanical activation. The dye degradation rate of the activated MG powder was characterized via UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The rate of dye degradation was significantly faster for the activated particles (within 20 min), compared to both pristine FeMG particles as well as elemental iron particles. In addition, the dye degradation mechanism was studied using Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The catalytically activated surfaces are believed to break the–C–H–,–C–N–, and–N=N–bonds, resulting in complete degradation of DBD.
Cloning and sequence of REV7, a gene whose function is required for DNA damage-induced mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The function of the REV7 gene is required for DNA damage-induced mutagenesis in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and is therefore thought to promote replication past sites of mutagen damage in the DNA template. We have cloned this gene by complementation of the rev7-2 mutant defect, and determined its sequence. REV7 encodes a predicted protein of Mr 28 759 which is unlike any other protein in the NCBI non-redundant protein sequence data base, and which is inessential for viability. The sequence of the 3·88 kb yeast genomic fragment containing REV7 has been deposited in Genbank accession number U07228.
Matroids and integrality gaps for hypergraphic steiner tree relaxations

Until recently, LP relaxations have only played a very limited role in the design of approximation algorithms for the Steiner tree problem. In particular, no (efficiently solvable) Steiner tree relaxation was known to have an integrality gap bounded away from 2, before Byrka et al. [3] showed an upper bound of ~1.55 of a hypergraphic LP relaxation and presented a ln(4)+e ~1.39 approximation based on this relaxation. Interestingly, even though their approach is LP based, they do not compare the solution produced against the LP value. We take a fresh look at hypergraphic LP relaxations for the Steiner tree problem---one that heavily exploits methods and results from the theory of matroids and submodular functions---which leads to stronger integrality gaps, faster algorithms, and a variety of structural insights of independent interest. More precisely, along the lines of the algorithm of Byrka et al.[3], we present a deterministic ln(4)+e approximation that compares against the LP value and therefore proves a matching ln(4) upper bound on the integrality gap of hypergraphic relaxations. Similarly to [3], we iteratively fix one component and update the LP solution. However, whereas in [3] the LP is solved at every iteration after contracting a component, we show how feasibility can be maintained by a greedy procedure on a well-chosen matroid. Apart from avoiding the expensive step of solving a hypergraphic LP at each iteration, our algorithm can be analyzed using a simple potential function. This potential function gives an easy means to determine stronger approximation guarantees and integrality gaps when considering restricted graph topologies. In particular, this readily leads to a 73/60 ~1.217 upper bound on the integrality gap of hypergraphic relaxations for quasi-bipartite graphs. Additionally, for the case of quasi-bipartite graphs, we present a simple algorithm to transform an optimal solution to the bidirected cut relaxation to an optimal solution of the hypergraphic relaxation, leading to a fast 73/60 approximation for quasi-bipartite graphs. Furthermore, we show how the separation problem of the hypergraphic relaxation can be solved by computing maximum flows, which provides a way to obtain a fast independence oracle for the matroids that we use in our approach.
Circulation Control and Its Application to Extreme Short Take-Off and Landing Vehicles

Circulation Control is a high-lift method discovered in 1935 when Henry Coanda accidentally stumbled upon the technology. Research was conducted in the 1970’s and 1980’s to develop this technique, but the idea fell out of vogue until recently. Energy is introduced into the flow field by means of a jet ejected tangentially from a slot located near the trailing edge of the airfoil; thus changing the effective chamber of the airfoil and increasing lift. Extreme Short Take-Off and Landing (ESTOL) vehicles can use this technology to alleviate today’s congested airports by reutilizing the small runways that are currently unexploited due to the recent trend of bigger aircraft. By examining the angle-of-attack, flap deflection angle, and jet blowing coefficient, a design space was analyzed for lift and drag revealing three-dimensional lift coefficients up to 3.5. After collecting the data, balanced field length and landing distances were calculated. These results revealed that the shortest balanced field length of 2,400 feet would be for a flap deflection angle of thirty degrees and a blowing coefficient equal to 0.35. Similarly, the shortest landing distance was calculated to be 2,000 feet for a flap deflection angle of ninety degrees and a blowing coefficient of 0.34. Both of these values fall within the NASA defined mission requirements 46 for an ESTOL aircraft to have a balanced field length and landing distance between 2,000 to 3,000 feet, proving Circulation Control to be an extremely viable resource for ESTOL technology.
The Role of Virtual Distance in Innovation and Success

Although prior research has tended to dichotomize work teams as virtual or non-virtual, most project teams today involve some mix of face-to-face and virtual interaction. We develop a construct called Virtual Distance ® that includes temporal, spatial and relational facets and apply it to 115 project teams. We propose that virtual distance will influence trust, goal clarity and organizational citizenship and will indirectly have an influence on innovativeness and project success. Our results showed that virtual distance had significant influences on trust, goal clarity and OCB and indirectly influenced innovation and success. The results have implications for the selection and management of teams that are geographically dispersed and interact virtually.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY (SMA) SYNDROME is a rare clinical entity in which the SMA compresses the third portion of the duodenum, causing a mechanical obstruction. SMA syndrome was first described by Rokitansky in 1861. The initial surgical treatment was described by Bloodgood as a duodenojejunostomy. This appears to be the first reported case in the literature of SMA syndrome after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.
REGULATION OF PROTEIN PHOSPHORYLATION DURING SPERM CAPACITATION

After leaving the testis, mammalian spermatozoa from many species are morphologically differentiated but have acquired neither progressive motility nor the ability to fertilize a metaphase II-arrested egg. During epididymal transit, sperm acquire the ability to move progressively; however, they are still fertilization incompetent. Fertilization capacity is gained after residence in the female tract for a finite period of time. The physiological changes that confer on the sperm the ability to fertilize are collectively called ‘‘capacitation.’’ Capacitation was first described and defined independently by Chang [1, 2] and Austin [3, 4]. The definition of this poorly understood phenomenon has been modified and narrowed over the years. Although fertilization still represents the benchmark endpoint of a capacitated sperm, the ability of the sperm to undergo a regulated acrosome reaction (e.g., in response to the zona pellucida) can be taken as an earlier, upstream endpoint of this extratesticular maturational event. It must be stressed at this point that capacitation is also correlated with changes in sperm motility patterns, designated as sperm hyperactivation, in a number of species [5, 6]. There are examples of cases in which capacitation and hyperactivation can be dissociated experimentally [7], but one cannot yet argue that hyperactivation of motility represents an event completely independent of the capacitation process [6]. Therefore, when one attempts to understand the process of capacitation at the molecular level, it is necessary to consider events occurring both in the head (i.e., acrosome reaction) and in the tail (i.e., motility changes). The physiological site of capacitation in vivo is the oviduct or the uterus, depending on the species [5]. However, capacitation in vitro has been accomplished using cauda and/or ejaculated sperm incubated under a variety of conditions in defined media that mimic the electrolyte composition of the oviduct fluid. In most cases, these media contain energy substrates such as pyruvate, lactate, and glucose (depending on the species); a protein source that usually is serum albumin; NaHCO3; and Ca21. The action of these media components to promote capacitation at the molecular level is poorly understood and will be discussed in this review. This review is not intended to provide an ex-
Mechanism of ELF radiation from sprites

Charge and current systems associated with sprites constitute a part of the large scale atmospheric electric circuit, providing a context for physical understanding of recently discovered ELF radiation originating from currents flowing within the body of sprites. It is shown that the impulse of the electric current driven in the conducting body of the sprite by lightning generated transient quasi-electrostatic fields produces significant electromagnetic radiation in the ELF range of frequencies, comparable to that radiated by the causative lightning discharge.
Convergence Across Divergence: Understanding the Gap in the Online News Choices of Journalists and Consumers in Western Europe and Latin America

This article contributes to understanding whether there is a thematic gap between journalists’ and consumers’ preferences, and whether the media converge or diverge across nations. The concurrent news choices of journalists and consumers in 11 online newspapers from six countries in Western Europe and Latin America were examined. A comparison of the most prominently displayed stories on the homepages of each of these sites and the most frequently clicked stories on these sites shows a pattern of convergence across divergence: A thematic gap in the online news choices of journalists and consumers that is shared by all sites despite different levels of preference for public affairs reportage (news about political, economic, and international topics). The theoretical implications and social relevance of these findings are discussed.
Homophobia in Jamaica: A Study of Cultural Heterosexism in Praxis

In Jamaica, the persecution of LGBTQ people is ubiquitous to a degree that is hard for a non-Jamaican to understand. They are oppressed politically, socially, and economically; they are widely and publicly referred to through disparaging slurs; and Dancehall DJs and preachers scapegoat and call for the violent death of all LGBTQ people as a way of purging the country of its misfortunes and bringing about a social and spiritual rebirth. Further, while men suspected of being gay are primarily targeted for violence, lesbians live in fear of “corrective rape,” a crime virtually ignored by law enforcement. In this Paper, I examine the historical, social, and cultural construction of homophobia in Jamaica and, through interviews with Jamaican men, its widespread effects on Jamaican society today. Using a theoretical framework of cultural heterosexism to understand the role of popular music and gender ideologies in Jamaica, this Paper presents a novel analysis of the root causes of the violent and pervasive forms of homophobia that pervade Jamaica today.