cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Shiitake mushroom dose on colon tumorigenesis in azoxymethane-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats

We determined the effects of diets containing dry powdered Shiitake mushroom on frequency of azoxymethane-induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and intestinal tumors in male SpragueDawley rats. Pregnant rat dams and their progeny were fed AIN-93G diets containing casein (20%; control diet) or casein supplemented with Shiitake (1% or 4% wt/wt). Casein- and 1% Shiitake–fed rats exhibited identical growth curves, whereas those fed the 4% Shiitake diet were of slightly reduced body weight. The 4% Shiitake diet elicited increased active energy expenditure and reduced adiposity of rats. Small bowel and colon tumors and colon ACF were evaluated in the male progeny at 18 weeks after azoxymethane treatment. Aberrant crypt foci and tumors were most prevalent in the mid and distal regions of the colon. Shiitake intake had no effect on the relative incidence of tumors in the colon or small intestine (duodenum). Consumption of 1% Shiitake stimulated growth of invasive adenocarcinomas in the mid colon (P b .005) and favored a nonsignificant increase in median frequency of ACF in this same region. In contrast, Shiitake at 4% intake elicited a reduction in colon tumor multiplicity. Results demonstrate stimulatory actions of 1% and inhibitory actions of 4% Shiitake mushroom on indices of rat colon tumorigenesis, which may be associated with altered metabolism.
An Investigation of the Relation between Tax Professionals, Tax Refunds, and Fees

Taxpayers in the United States are frequently advised to avoid overpaying their interim taxes. This study seeks to illuminate an underlying cause of tax refunds and a wealth‐related consequence that tax refunds may engender due to the employment of a tax professional. Results indicate that tax professionals advise taxpayers to make larger quarterly estimated tax payments when they believe that tax refunds positively influence taxpayers' willingness to pay higher tax return preparation fees. In addition, results indicate that tax professionals bill taxpayers for larger fractions of billable fees when taxpayers receive tax refunds than when they owe the IRS additional taxes, holding the tax liability and other factors constant. These results suggest that taxpayers should be cautious about using their tax position as a heuristic to evaluate the performance of tax professionals, and that the overall cost to taxpayers of receiving tax refunds may be considerably higher than is commonly believed.
Level‐set segmentation of pulmonary nodules in megavolt electronic portal images using a CT prior

Purpose: Pulmonary nodules present unique problems during radiation treatment due to nodule position uncertainty that is caused by respiration. The radiation field has to be enlarged to account for nodule motion during treatment. The purpose of this work is to provide a method of locating a pulmonary nodule in a megavolt portal image that can be used to reduce the internal target volume (ITV) during radiation therapy. A reduction in the ITV would result in a decrease in radiation toxicity to healthy tissue. Methods: Eight patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer were used in this study. CT scans that include the pulmonary nodule were captured with a GE Healthcare LightSpeed RT 16 scanner. Megavolt portal images were acquired with a Varian Trilogy unit equipped with an AS1000 electronic portal imaging device. The nodule localization method uses grayscale morphological filtering and level-set segmentation with a prior. The treatment-time portion of the algorithm is implemented on a graphical processing unit. Results: The method was retrospectively tested on eight cases that include a total of 151 megavolt portal image frames. The method reduced the nodule position uncertainty by an average of 40% for seven out of the eight cases. The treatment phase portionmore » of the method has a subsecond execution time that makes it suitable for near-real-time nodule localization. Conclusions: A method was developed to localize a pulmonary nodule in a megavolt portal image. The method uses the characteristics of the nodule in a prior CT scan to enhance the nodule in the portal image and to identify the nodule region by level-set segmentation. In a retrospective study, the method reduced the nodule position uncertainty by an average of 40% for seven out of the eight cases studied.« less
Correcting for Inbreeding in Parent‐Offspring Regression Estimates of Heritability with Non‐Additive and Genotype × Environment Effects Present

Inbreeding, non-additive genetic effects, and genotype x environment interactions (GxE) cause parent-offspring (PO) regression estimates (b) of heritability obtained from one pair of PO generations to differ from those obtained from another pair of generations. If no non-additive genetic effects and no GxE are present, the influence of inbreeding is removed by the correction of Nyquist, h 2 = b = b/[1 + F t (1 - b)], where F t is the inbreeding coefficient in the generation of line derivation (t). When b is near unity, the correction is small even with complete inbreeding. However, h 2 is only slightly more than 0.5 b when b is small and F t ≥ 0.5 (any generation greater than F 2 or S 0 in a selfing series). This paper assesses the biases from use of Nyquist's correction with GxE, and with non-additive genetic effects with and without GxE. When considering individual-plant heritabilities, values of b' were compared with b 001 , defined as the parent-offspring regression coefficient of S 1 on S 0 (or F 3 on F 2 ). In the absence of GxE, gene frequencies of 0.5 result in b' values within 0.1 absolute unit of b 001 , regardless of non-additive effects or degree of inbreeding. Gene frequencies in the range of 0.1 to 0.9 combined with additive epistasis, but with no dominance, produce no severe biases, arbitrarily defined as |b'-b 001 | ≥ 0.1 and (|b' - b 001 |/b 001 ) ≥ 0.2 occurring jointly. Dominance, with or without additive epistasis, occasionally produces severely biased values of b', which generally overestimate b 001 more strongly as inbreeding increases. Non-additive effects combined with GxE produce b' values that sometimes severely underestimate b 001 , especially as inbreeding increases. Overall conclusions were the same for family-mean heritabilities in which b' was compared to b 012 , defined as S 2 on S 1 family mean (or F 4 on F 3 ) regression. Despite some cases of severe bias, b' is generally superior to b per se as an estimator of b 001 or b o12 .
Distributional Properties of Record Values from the Geometric Distribution

Some distributional properties of the record values of non–identically distributed random variables having geometric distributions are discussed. Three theorems dealing with the characterization of the geometric distribution based on these distributional properties are presented. The unique minimum variance unbiased estimators of some functions of the parameters of the distribution and various predictors of the s–th record valued utilizing the first m(m<s) record values are studied.
The Results of Active Immunization of Mice and Rats with Heat-Killed Vaccines of Br. Abortus and Br. Melitensis

In a previous communication Kolmer, Bondi, Howard and Rule' reported that rabbits given subcutaneous injections of a heat-killed vaccine of Br. abortus developed agglutinin, bacteriotropin and protective antibody in their serums which passively immunized a large percentage of mice against fatal infections following intra-abdominal inoculation with virulent strains of Br. abortus and Br. melitensis. Also that rabbits im-
A hybrid computer system for detecting and quantifying spike and wave EEG patterns.

Abstract A hybrid computer technique is described which permits the on-line detection and quantification of EEG spike and wave patterns. This system represents a specific application of a more general method for detecting paroxysmal EEG abnormalities which involves, firstly, relating measurements from individual waves to the average characteristics of the EEG signal, and secondly, using several types of information to determine whether or not a particular pattern is abnormal.
Quitting the use of a habituated hedonic information system: a theoretical model and empirical examination of Facebook users

Much research has been devoted to the early adoption and the continued and habituated use of information systems (IS). Nevertheless, less is known about quitting the use of IS by individuals, espec...
Intrathrombus Administration of Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Acute Cerebrovascular Occlusion

Intraarterial thrombolysis for acute cerebrovascular occlusion has achieved recanalization at a 50-90% rate. Clinical outcome has been unpredictable. The authors sought to test the hypothesis that intrathrombus administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) would improve recanalization rate and to assess the possibility that clinical outcome would be predicted by the extent of collateral flow. Seven patients with acute cerebrovascular occlusion (less than six hours in 6, twenty-four hours in 1) were treated with intrathrombus rt-PA at 1 mg/minute. Examinations were scored on a five-point motor scale. Collateral flow was assessed angiographically. Vessels recanalized in 5 patients, 3 of whom had good outcomes. Vessels failed to recanalize in 2 patients, 1 of whom had good outcome. Good collateral flow was evident in all 4 patients with good outcome and in none of those with poor outcome. Intrathrombus administration of rt-PA is technically feasible. Favorable clinical outcome is more likely in the presence of good collateral flow. In the absence of good collateral flow, ultra-early intervention may be necessary.
Identification, Imaging, Functional Assessment and Management of Congenital Coronary Arterial Abnormalities in Children

The coronary arteries, the vessels through which both substrate and oxygen are provided to the cardiac muscle, normally arise from paired stems, right and left, each arising from a separate and distinct sinus of the aortic valve. The right coronary artery runs through the right atrioventricular groove, terminating in the majority of instances in the inferior interventricular groove. The main stem of the left coronary artery bifurcates into the anterior descending, or interventricular, and the circumflex branches. Origin of the anterior descending and circumflex arteries from separate orifices from the left sinus of Valsalva occurs in about 1% of the population, while it is also frequent to find the infundibular artery arising as a separate branch from the right sinus of Valsalva. Anomalies of the coronary arteries can result from rudimentary persistence of an embryologic coronary arterial structure, failure of normal development or normal atrophy as part of development, or misplacement of connection of a an otherwise normal coronary artery. Anomalies, therefore, can be summarized in terms of abnormal origin or course, abnormal number of coronary arteries, lack of patency of the orifice of coronary artery, or abnormal connections of the arteries. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk occurs with an incidence of approximately 1 in 300,000 children. The degree of left ventricular dysfunction produced likely relates to the development of collateral vessels that arise from the right coronary artery, and provide flow into the left system. Anomalous origin of either the right or the left coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva can be relatively innocuous, but if the anomalous artery takes an interarterial course between the pulmonary trunk and the aorta, this can underlie sudden death, almost invariably during or immediately following strenuous exercise or competitive sporting events. Distal anomalies of the coronary arteries most commonly involve abnormal connections, or fistulas, between the right or left coronary arterial systems and a chamber or vessel. We discuss the current techniques available for imaging these various lesions, along with their functional assessment, concluding with a summary of current strategies for management.
Study of phase transformations in chromium-tungsten films: microstructure and tribological properties

Abstract Single-phase, metastable Cr-W films, with compositions from 35 to 68 at.% Cr, were deposited by co-sputtering from Cr and W targets. Phase transformations, consisting of the nucleation and growth of Cr-rich precipitates, were observed using transmission electron microscopy after the films were annealed in vacuum. These transformations occurred in films with high Cr content, 64 at.%, after annealing at 400°C for 4 h. Films with lower Cr content required higher annealing temperatures or longer annealing times to induce the phase transformations, e.g. 400°C for 8 h or 500°C for 4 h for films with 42 at.% Cr. Films about 1 μm thick were deposited onto H13 alloy steel rings for tribological testing. Unlubricated, aluminium oxide ball-on-ring wear tests showed that as-deposited the films with higher W content had lower friction and wear. After annealing ar 400°C for 4 h, the films which underwent phase transformation showed improved wear properties over their unannealed counterparts. Films which were annealed at a higher temperature or for a longer time showed a reduction in film adhesion resulting in poorer tribological performance.
1036 A NEW DEVICE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND EVACUATION OF NEONATAL PNEUMOTHORACES

A closed system (CS) device with teflon needle, sideholes, and attached stopcock was compared to a Medicut needle to determine incidence of unintentional introduction of air during diagnosis, and efficiency of evacuation of neonatal pneumothoraces (PTX). Thoracentesis was evaluated in 10 white rabbits (1.3-1.6 kg) with the CS needle in R chest and Medicut in L chest. Evacuation of free intrapleural air following thoracentesis and evacuation of intentionally injected air (20 cc) was performed on both sides of the chest. Intrapleural pressure measurements, x-rays,and number ml. air evacuated were used to quantitate each step. The CS needle produced no air entry on x-ray and no changes (P>0.05) in (mean ± SEM) inspiratory pleural pressure (IPP) (-5.2 ± 0.62 cm H2O) or expiratory pleural pressure (EPP) (-0.94 ± 0.55). Medicut taps (4.5 sec. to position stopcock) resulted in PTX on x-ray in 70% of trials and significant increase (P<0.05) of 1.28 ± 0.28 cm H2O in IPP and 1.58 ± 0.36 cm H2O EPP from baseline values. 23.7 cc (mean) air was evacuated from Medicut side. After 20 cc injection of air on CS needle side, a mean of 25.0 cc air was removed. Complete air evacuation occurred in 90% of CS needle trials vs. 60% with Medicut. The CS needle was safer, and more efficient than Medicut in evacuating air. In addition, since it is an airtight system, the CS needle can be used for diagnosis of PTX without the risk of introducing air.
Development of a new electrokinetic technique for decontamination of hexavalent chromium from low surface charged soils

A new in-situ technique was developed for hexavalent chromium removal from sand. Imposition of constant potential gradient across the soil matrix through a graphite cathode and iron anode resulted in successful migration of chromate towards the anode. The hexavalent chromium ions are reduced to harmless trivalent form by chemical reaction with the anodic dissolution product, Fe{sup 2+}. 23 refs., 14 figs.
Allia: alliance-based service discovery for ad-hoc environments

Static directory based service discovery is unsuitable for m-commerce in ad-hoc environments. In this paper, we present Allia: a peer-to-peer caching based and policy-driven agent-service discovery framework to facilitate cross-platform service discovery in ad-hoc environments for mobile electronic commerce applications. Our approach removes the problems associated with structured compound formation of agent communities in mobile commerce environment and achieves high degree of flexibility in adapting itself to the changes of the ad-hoc environment. Our framework takes into consideration device capabilities and limitations, user preferences regarding usage of the devices, application specifics with respect to mobile commerce and adapts accordingly. We also present an initial implementation of Allia over ThinkPads and iPAQs by extending the LEAP Agent Platform and using Bluetooth as the underlying network protocol.
Near-Surface Intensification of Tornado Vortices

Abstract An idealized analytical model and numerical large-eddy simulations are used to explore fluid-dynamic mechanisms by which tornadoes may be intensified near the surface relative to conditions aloft. The analytical model generalizes a simple model of Barcilon and Fiedler and Rotunno for a steady supercritical end-wall vortex to more general vortex corner flows, angular momentum distributions, and time dependence. The model illustrates the role played by the corner flow swirl ratio in determining corner flow structure and intensification; predicts an intensification of near-surface swirl velocities relative to conditions aloft of Iυ ∼ 2 for supercritical end-wall vortices in agreement with earlier analytical, numerical, and laboratory results; and suggests how larger intensification factors might be achieved in some more general corner flows. Examples of the latter are presented using large-eddy simulations. By tuning the lateral inflow boundary conditions near the surface, quasi-steady vortices exhi...
Assessing teachers' positive psychological functioning at work: Development and validation of the teacher subjective wellbeing questionnaire

This study reports on the initial development and validation of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (TSWQ) with 2 samples of educators-a general sample of 185 elementary and middle school teachers, and a target sample of 21 elementary school teachers experiencing classroom management challenges. The TSWQ is an 8-item self-report instrument for assessing teachers' subjective wellbeing, which is operationalized via subscales measuring school connectedness and teaching efficacy. The conceptualization and development processes underlying the TSWQ are described, and results from a series of preliminary psychometric and exploratory analyses are reported to establish initial construct validity. Findings indicated that the TSWQ was characterized by 2 conceptually sound latent factors, that both subscales and the composite scale demonstrated strong internal consistency, and that all scales demonstrated convergent validity with self-reported school supports and divergent validity with self-reported stress and emotional burnout. Furthermore, results indicated that TSWQ scores did not differ according to teachers' school level (i.e., elementary vs. middle), but that they did differ according to unique school environment (e.g., 1 middle school vs. another middle school) and teacher stressors (i.e., general teachers vs. teachers experiencing classroom management challenges). Results also indicated that, for teachers experiencing classroom challenges, the TSWQ had strong short-term predictive validity for psychological distress, accounting for approximately half of the variance in teacher stress and emotional burnout. Implications for theory, research, and the practice of school psychology are discussed.
A Research Perspective: Artificial Intelligence, Management and Organizations

In recent years many companies have deployed Artificial Intelligence AI, which has included neural networks, expert systems and voice-recognition systems. Yet managers and developers understand very little about how management and organizations affect or are affected by the technology. Using specific examples from practice and research, this paper discusses the interaction of AI, management and organizations, and describes some methodological approaches and theoretical models for studying those interactions. It provides direction for future research.
Becoming an Insider: Teaching Science in Urban Settings

The discourse of urban science education is often framed by discussions of achievement gaps and limited resources. Although these realities are part of the urban education landscape, they focus on deficits—what urban youth and their teachers and schools lack. We argue that it is more productive to frame urban science education as a function of place. Place, in the urban classroom, accounts not only for the physical spaces of the community but also for the historical and sociocultural dimensions that play out as people interact with and in place. We argue that becoming an insider within the multidimensions of place is critical to science teaching environments that value and sanction their students' unofficial and often non-dominant ways of knowing.
Neurosteroids, stress and depression: Potential therapeutic opportunities

Neurosteroids are potent and effective neuromodulators that are synthesized from cholesterol in the brain. These agents and their synthetic derivatives influence the function of multiple signaling pathways including receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, the major inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of neurosteroid production plays a role in the pathophysiology of stress and stress-related psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of neurosteroid action in brain with an emphasis on those neurosteroids that potently modulate the function of GABAA receptors. We then discuss evidence indicating a role for GABA and neurosteroids in stress and depression, and focus on potential strategies that can be used to manipulate CNS neurosteroid synthesis and function for therapeutic purposes.
Particle bombardment-mediated DNA vaccination with rotavirus VP6 induces high levels of serum rotavirus IgG but fails to protect mice against challenge

Abstract We recently reported that epidermal immunization using the PowderJet particle delivery device with plasmid vector pcDNA1/EDIM6 encoding rotavirus VP6 of murine strain EDIM induced high levels of serum rotavirus IgG but failed to protect mice against EDIM infection (Choi, A. H., Knowlton, D. R., McNeal, M. M., and Ward, R. L. (1997)Virology232, 129–138.). This was extended to determine whether pcDNA1/EDIM4 or pcDNA1/EDIM7, which encode either rotavirus VP4 or VP7, the rotavirus neutralization proteins, could also induce rotavirus-specific antibody responses and if these responses resulted in protection. Titers of rotavirus serum IgG increased with the first dose in mice immunized with pcDNA1/EDIM7, but little or no serum rotavirus IgG was detected in mice immunized with pcDNA1/EDIM4.In vitroassays with these plasmids in rabbit reticulocyte lysates showed that VP4 was expressed but the amount was considerably lower than VP6 or VP7. To improve expression of VP4 and induction of rotavirus-specific humoral responses, the coding region of VP4 was cloned into the high-expression plasmid WRG7054 as a fusion protein containing the 22-amino-acid secretory signal peptide of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at its N terminus.In vitroexpression of tPA::VP4 was significantly higher than unmodified VP4, and mice inoculated with WRG7054/EDIM4 generated high titers of rotavirus IgG. The coding sequence of VP7 without the first 162 nucleotides was also cloned into WRG7054, but no difference was observed between titers of serum rotavirus IgG in mice immunized with this plasmid (WRG7054/EDIM7Δ1–162) and pcDNA1/EDIM7. The rotavirus-specific IgG titers in all immune sera were predominantly IgG1 indicating induction of Th 2-type responses. None of the mice immunized with any of the VP4 or VP7 plasmids developed serum or fecal rotavirus IgA or neutralizing antibody to EDIM. When immunized mice were challenged with EDIM virus, there was no significant reduction in viral shedding relative to unimmunized controls. Therefore epidermal immunization with VP4 or VP7 alone elicited rotavirus IgG responses but did not protect against homologous rotavirus challenge.
Formation of dentin and bone matrix in magnesium‐deficient rats

Collagen formation and the sulfation of protein-polysaccharides in the organic matrix of bone and dentin was studied in young, magnesium-deficient rats of the Long-Evans strain. Autoradiography was employed to assess the incorporation of tritiated proline into collagen, and 35S sulfate was utilized to study the sulfation of protein-polysaccharides. Our observations on the uptake of these radioactive precursors indicate that a deficiency of magnesium interferes both with collagen formation and the sulfation of glycosaminoglycuronoglycans in the organic matrices of bone and dentin. Alkaline phosphatase activity, determined in serum samples and observed histochemically in calcifying tissues, was depressed in the magnesium-deficient animals as compared with controls. The localization of alkaline phosphatase activity in bone and dentin forming tissues from experimental rats was found to be similar to that of the controls, but the intensity of the staining reaction was reduced in the tissues from the magnesium-deficient animals. Suppression of enzyme systems known to be activated by magnesium and related to protein and protein-polysaccharide biosynthesis would, in part, explain the results of this experiment.
The effect of changing monetary policy regimes on stock prices

Abstract This paper revisits an old issue: the linkage between money announcements and stock prices. More specifically, it is shown that the magnitude of the time-varying response of stock prices to an unanticipated money announcement is mainly driven by agents' expectations of the Federal Reserve's response to the deviation of the actual money supply from prespecified target. The inference is, the magnitude of the response of stock prices to economic announcements depends on expectations about the announcements and the monetary policy response.
Project ART-ED: alcohol reduction and HIV testing in the emergency department

Unhealthy alcohol use and HIV risk often co-occur. To intervene on this association, we are conducting a pilot study to determine the feasibility and impact of providing brief alcohol- and sexual-risk reduction counseling with rapid HIV testing in a large urban emergency department (ED). We are recruiting ED patients aged 18-40 years who 1) meet National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria for at-risk drinking, 2) have >1 sexual-risk behavior, 3) have negative or unknown HIV status, and 4) are willing to undergo HIV testing. We are conducting a brief, manual-guided intervention combining an alcohol- and sexual-risk reduction counseling session with rapid HIV testing followed by a booster telephone call at two weeks. At baseline and eight weeks, we assess alcohol consumption with the Timeline Follow-Back for alcohol consumption and a modified HIV Risk Behavior Scale to characterize sexual risk behaviors. Statistical analyses include Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, McNemar test, and two-way ANOVA. Of the 82 participants enrolled to date, 60% are male, the mean age is 25 years, 63% are white, 83% are unmarried, 59% are college-educated, 41% are without primary care, and 79% have an AUDIT score of >8. All tested HIV negative. Among the 62 with follow-up data so far, alcohol consumption decreased with fewer average weekly drinks (25.5 versus 10.4, p < 0.0001) and binge drinking episodes (2.03 versus 0.99, p < 0.0001). This decrease was greater in men than women (p < 0.0002). Post-intervention, participants endorsed increased condom use (median change = 3 points on a 5-point scale, W = 275, p < 0.0001) and decreased episodes of sex while intoxicated (RR = 0.14, p < 0.0001). Mean intervention duration was 44 minutes. Preliminary analyses demonstrate that a brief intervention combining alcohol- and sexual-risk reduction counseling with rapid HIV testing in the ED is feasible and effective for reducing alcohol use and HIV risk behaviors among young unhealthy drinkers.
Subcellular Distribution of Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Cerebellar Granule Cells Undergoing Cytosine Arabinoside‐Induced Apoptosis

We have previously shown that cytosine arabinoside (AraC)-induced apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) results in an increase of a 38-kDa band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; EC 1.2.1.12). Antisense oligonucleotides to GAPDH mRNA afford acutely plated CGCs significant protection against AraC-induced apoptosis. We used differential centrifugation to examine which subcellular components are affected. Treated and untreated cells were sonicated in 0.32 M sucrose and sequentially centrifuged at 1,000, 20,000, and 200,000 g, to obtain crude nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions. Western blotting showed that the levels of GAPDH protein were markedly increased in the 1,000- and 20,000-g pellets. The levels in the cytosolic supernatant were decreased dramatically by AraC in acutely plated CGCs but not in cells 24 h after plating. It is noteworthy that although GAPDH protein in the pellet fractions increased, the dehydrogenase activity of GAPDH decreased. Two other dehydrogenases, lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49), were not similarly affected, suggesting that the effect was GAPDH specific. These observations suggest that GAPDH levels change in specific organelles during apoptosis for reasons that are separate from its function as a glycolytic enzyme. The accumulation of GAPDH protein in specific subcellular loci may play a role in neuronal apoptosis.
Endothelin-1 contributes to normocapnic hyperoxic pial artery vasoconstriction.

Abstract The present study was designed to determine if hyperoxia elicits pial artery vasoconstriction and to characterize the contribution of endothelin-1 (ET-1) to that vascular response in newborn pigs equipped with a closed cranial window. Hyperoxic conditions were established by ventilating the piglets with 100% O2 during normocapnia and concomitantly topically applying artificial CSF that had been bubbled with 100% O2. Hyperoxia elevated CSF ET-1 from 23±1 to 45±4 pg/ml. Hyperoxia also elicited pial artery vasoconstriction that was attenuated by BQ123 (10−6 M), an ET-1 antagonist (−15±1 vs. −5±1%). These data indicate that ET-1 contributes to hyperoxic pial artery vasoconstriction.
Bilingualism in international schools: a model for enriching language education

Bilingualism in international schools: a model for enriching language education, by Maurice Carder, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters, 2007, xvi+207pp., £19.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-85359-940-8 If t...
Exploiting time-independent Hamiltonian structure as controls for manipulating quantum dynamics

The opportunities offered by utilizing time-independent Hamiltonian structure as controls are explored for manipulating quantum dynamics. Two scenarios are investigated using different manifestations of Hamiltonian structure to illustrate the generality of the concept. In scenario I, optimally shaped electrostatic potentials are generated to flexibly control electron scattering in a two-dimensional subsurface plane of a semiconductor. A simulation is performed showing the utility of optimally setting the individual voltages applied to a multi-pixel surface gate array in order to produce a spatially inhomogeneous potential within the subsurface scattering plane. The coherent constructive and destructive electron wave interferences are manipulated by optimally adjusting the potential shapes to alter the scattering patterns. In scenario II, molecular vibrational wave packets are controlled by means of optimally selecting the Hamiltonian structure in cooperation with an applied field. As an illustration of the concept, a collection (i.e., a level set) of dipole functions is identified where each member serves with the same applied electric field to produce the desired final transition probability. The level set algorithm additionally found Hamiltonian structure controls exhibiting desirable physical properties. The prospects of utilizing the applied field and Hamiltonian structure simultaneously as controls is also explored. The control scenarios I and II indicate the gains offered by algorithmically guided molecular or material discovery for manipulating quantum dynamics phenomenon.
Further Thoughts on Research Funding

This commentary expands on concepts on research funding within emergency medicine as developed in Part I of the Future of Emergency Medicine Research Conference proceedings. Specifically, this article focuses on strategies to enhance the support of research emergency medicine and development of the research infrastructure in the specialty.
Rodent models for targeted oncogenesis of the prostate gland

Currently, prostate cancer ranks as the most frequent non-skin malignancy detected in males [1]. Yet, of the major human cancers, it remains one of the least understood in terms of its molecular and genetic basis. Research on prostate cancer has been limited by the paucity of tissues available for study. Much of the tissue obtained through surgery for localized prostate cancer will be required for pathological staging and grading. The more aggressive forms of prostate cancer are usually detected subsequent to metastatic involvement at which point there is little reason to surgically remove the prostate tumor(s). A final complication is the propensity of prostate cancer to metastasize to the bone, a site extremely difficult to obtain suitable biopsies for study. Further hindering research efforts on prostate cancer is the lack of suitable animal models for study [2, 3]. In contrast to its frequent occurrence in humans, prostate cancer is a rare event in most other mammalian species, particularly laboratory rodents. Therefore, in order to make this disease more amenable for study, there is a growing effort to identify or develop a means to target oncogenesis to the prostate gland of rodents. As will be reviewed here, this goal is being approached with the use of 3 different methods; one that takes advantage of the unique androgenic hormone requirement for prostate growth to exaggerate the effects of carcinogens at that site and two methods (recombinant retrovirus transduction prior to organ reconstitution and transgenic targeting) that allow direct genetic manipulation of cells in the prostate gland leading to the development of prostatic malignancy.
Neurorestorative Targets of Dietary Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Neurological Injury

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-O3PUFAs) exhibit therapeutic potential for the treatment and prevention of the neurological deficits associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the mechanisms implicated in these protective responses remain unclear. The objective of the present functional metabolomics study was to identify and define the dominant metabolic pathways targeted by dietary LC-O3PUFAs. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed rodent purified chows containing menhaden fish oil-derived LC-O3PUFAs for 8 weeks before being subjected to sham or spinal cord contusion surgeries. We show, through untargeted metabolomics, that dietary LC-O3PUFAs regulate important biochemical signatures associated with amino acid metabolism and free radical scavenging in both the injured and sham-operated spinal cord. Of particular significance, the spinal cord metabolome of animals fed with LC-O3PUFAs exhibited reduced glucose levels (−48 %) and polar uncharged/hydrophobic amino acids (less than −20 %) while showing significant increases in the levels of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory amino acids and peptides metabolites, including β-alanine (+24 %), carnosine (+33 %), homocarnosine (+27 %), kynurenine (+88 %), when compared to animals receiving control diets (p < 0.05). Further, we found that dietary LC-O3PUFAs impacted the levels of neurotransmitters and the mitochondrial metabolism, as evidenced by significant increases in the levels of N-acetylglutamate (+43 %) and acetyl CoA levels (+27 %), respectively. Interestingly, this dietary intervention resulted in a global correction of the pro-oxidant metabolic profile that characterized the SCI-mediated sensorimotor dysfunction. In summary, the significant benefits of metabolic homeostasis and increased antioxidant defenses unlock important neurorestorative pathways of dietary LC-O3PUFAs against SCI.
Nonequilibrium effects on shock-layer radiometry during earth entry.

Radiative enhancement factors for the CN violet and N2(+) first negative band systems caused by nonequilibrium thermochemistry in the shock layer of a blunt-nosed vehicle during earth entry are reported. The results are based on radiometric measurements obtained with the aid of a combustion-driven shock tube. The technique of converting the shock-tube measurements into predictions of the enhancement factors for the blunt-body case is described, showing it to be useful for similar applications of other shock-tube measurements.
Spatial patterns of brain atrophy in MCI patients, identified via high-dimensional pattern classification, predict subsequent cognitive decline.

Spatial patterns of brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were measured via methods of computational neuroanatomy. These patterns were spatially complex and involved many brain regions. In addition to the hippocampus and the medial temporal lobe gray matter, a number of other regions displayed significant atrophy, including orbitofrontal and medial-prefrontal grey matter, cingulate (mainly posterior), insula, uncus, and temporal lobe white matter. Approximately 2/3 of the MCI group presented patterns of atrophy that overlapped with AD, whereas the remaining 1/3 overlapped with cognitively normal individuals, thereby indicating that some, but not all, MCI patients have significant and extensive brain atrophy in this cohort of MCI patients. Importantly, the group with AD-like patterns presented much higher rate of MMSE decline in follow-up visits; conversely, pattern classification provided relatively high classification accuracy (87%) of the individuals that presented relatively higher MMSE decline within a year from baseline. High-dimensional pattern classification, a nonlinear multivariate analysis, provided measures of structural abnormality that can potentially be useful for individual patient classification, as well as for predicting progression and examining multivariate relationships in group analyses.
Helper cell function of human fetal thymocytes.

The role of human fetal thymocytes in the regulation of IgG and IgM production was examined. In pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-driven cocultures between thymocytes and normal adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMs) significantly enhanced secretion of both IgM (350% expected; P < 0.02) and IgG (450% expected; P < 0.001) was observed. In contrast, adult PBMs or adult T cells neither suppressed nor enhanced IgM or IgG production in coculture with allogeneic adult PBMs. Enhanced immunoglobulin secretion was not found when fetal thymocytes were cocultured with the T-cell-depleted fraction of adult PBMs. These results suggest that human fetal thymocytes (as early as 12 weeks gestational age) can provide helper cell function for both IgM and IgG secretion in PWM-driven cell cultures; however, a more mature T-cell effector is required for expression of this helper function.
Bilateral Tibial Marrow Ablation in Rats Induces a Rapid Hypercalcemia Arising from Extratibial Bone Resorption Inhibitable by Methylprednisolone or Deflazacort

The goals of this study were to quantitate biochemical markers of bone metabolism on days 1–15 after bilateral tibial marrow ablation surgery in young adult rats and to determine the effect of a single dose of methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg) or deflazacort (2.5 mg/kg) given at the time of ablation. Unexpectedly, serum calcium levels rose to a maximum of 15.9 mg/dl on day 7 after marrow ablation and remained above normal through day 15. This increase was blocked by a single intramedullary injection of methylprednisolone or deflazacort immediately following ablation; however, the fact that both drugs produced a characteristic rapid 3- to 10-fold increase in the serum α2-macroglobulin level demonstrates that the drugs rapidly reached the circulation. Both methylprednisolone and deflazacort also inhibited intramedullary deposition of collagen by 40–60% on day 7, a time near which operated control animals achieved maximal accumulation of new bone in this model. Histological comparisons among the three experimental groups were largely consistent with biochemical results. The urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio for the operated control group doubled on day 3 and then returned to presurgical levels on day 7 and later. The timing and size of the hydroxyproline/creatinine peak, as well as the fact that the intratibial osteoclastic response peaks on days 8–10 after ablation, suggests it results from extratibial bone resorption induced by marrow ablation. Consistent with this rationale, urinary calcium excretion in operated controls rose 9-fold from day 0 to day 3 and appeared to plateau over the period from day 3 to day 9, before returning to a near presurgical level on day 15. Elevated excretion of calcium noted on days 9–15 in deflazacort-treated animals, which occurs in the absence of a detectable increase in resorption marker hydroxyproline, may however be due to the known action of glucocorticoids in increasing kidney filtration of calcium. In summary, this is the first report to show that bilateral tibial marrow ablation in rats causes a rapid hypercalcemia and calciuria which is accompanied initially by a peak of bone resorption marker urinary hydroxyproline. We speculate that the source of calcium and hydroxyproline is extratibial osteoclastic bone resorption induced by circulating cytokines whose release from ablated tibias or osteoclastogenic action is inhibitable by methylprednisolone and deflazacort.
Affective and cognitive responses to disease detection and health promotion behaviors.

In this set of studies an attempt was made to distinguish between disease detection and health promotion behaviors. Disease detection behaviors were defined as behaviors designed to detect physical pathology (e.g., cholesterol check) and health promotion behaviors were defined as behaviors that may directly improve health (e.g., eating a low-fat diet). It was proposed that the decision to engage in detection behaviors is associated more with affect and that the decision to engage in promotion behaviors is associated more with cognition. Two studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. In Study 1 participants' affective and cognitive responses to five detection behaviors and five promotion behaviors were measured. Consistent with our hypothesis, detection behaviors were associated with more affective responses. Study 2 used a different procedure to measure affect and cognition and replicated the findings of Study 1. In addition, Study 2 examined how promotion and detection behaviors respond to information and emotional persuasive messages.
The use of silk-based devices for fracture fixation

Metallic fixation systems are currently the gold standard for fracture fixation but have problems including stress shielding, palpability and temperature sensitivity. Recently, resorbable systems have gained interest because they avoid removal and may improve bone remodelling due to the lack of stress shielding. However, their use is limited to paediatric craniofacial procedures mainly due to the laborious implantation requirements. Here we prepare and characterize a new family of resorbable screws prepared from silk fibroin for craniofacial fracture repair. In vivo assessment in rat femurs shows the screws to be self-tapping, remain fixed in the bone for 4 and 8 weeks, exhibit biocompatibility and promote bone remodelling. The silk-based devices compare favourably with current poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid fixation systems, however, silk-based devices offer numerous advantages including ease of implantation, conformal fit to the repair site, sterilization by autoclaving and minimal inflammatory response.
Direct cardiac action of E. coli endotoxin.

SummaryE. coli endotoxin exerts a direct vasoconstrictor effect on the coronary vessels. E. coli endotoxin also causes an initial increase in aortic blood flow, myocardial contractile force, and left ventricular work done. These initial cardiac responses can be attenuated by depleting catecholamines or by blocking beta-adrenergic receptor sites. The initial responses are somewhat modified by depletion of histamine indicating that catecholamines are not the sole mediators for the initial effects of endotoxin.The author gratefully acknowledges the advice of Professor Shoji Saito (Nihon University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo, Japan) and the technical assistance of Mr. M. H. Hayman and Miss L. A. Anderson (both senior Medical Students at LSU Medical School in New Orleans). This study was partially supported by the Institutional Research Grant from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans (No. 456-99-8602).
Framing ICT usage in the real estate industry

The presence of agency renders real estate unique from other industries where goods and services trade hands. The rise of various information and communication technologies (ICT) over the course of the past 25 years may have led to new challenges for real estate agents and allied professionals. Some scholars surmise that the increased prevalence of ICTs in various industries can become disruptive to those industries, causing individuals and organisations working within them to either adapt accordingly or become obsolete (Bower and Christensen, 1995; Markus et al., 2006). The authors have examined transcripts of interviews with staff of the National Association of REALTORS® to determine whether agents now view ICTs as a threat to their profession, or instead as tools that are generally beneficial to their business. Their findings indicate that a distinction must be made between ICT usage by consumers and ICT usage by the real estate agents themselves. While the interviews lead the authors to believe that the rise of ICTs has been disruptive but generally productive for agents, more research is necessary to determine the precise extent to which agents are using information and communication technologies to enhance their business model.
Enhancing the Response to Parenteral Nutrition in Critical Care

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an essential component in the support of critically ill patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Although PN cannot fully reverse hypermetabolism and accelerated skeletal muscle breakdown observed during periods of critical illness, it can prevent the adverse effects associated with malnutrition. The use of PN is not without complications, so care must be taken to ensure successful clinical outcomes with this complex therapy. Strategies have been developed by practitioners to promote safe practices with implementation of PN therapy and optimize a patient's response to PN. Identification of appropriate patient populations, strict glucose control, and manipulation of macro- and micronutrients are techniques being used to augment a patient's response to PN administration. This article will review the novel methods used to enhance benefits received from PN during critical illness.
Evidence and implications of haemoglobin cycling in anaemia management.

Treatment with erythropoietic-stimulating agents (ESA) has been a major advance for improving the lives of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment, however, differs greatly from normal erythropoietic biology. The ESA drugs are administered episodically, resulting in great fluxes in serum erythropoietin levels. While the erythropoietic efficacy of treatment is clear, there are aspects of pharmacological response that are important to consider if we are to optimize treatment. One such phenomenon recently described, haemoglobin (Hb) cycling, is the repeated, cyclical, up and down movement of Hb levels during ESA treatment. This review will describe the phenomenon of Hb cycling, highlighting potential contributing factors and discussing the possible clinical implications.