cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sgk1 mediates osmotic induction of NPR-A gene in rat inner medullary collecting duct cells.

We have shown previously that increased extracellular osmolality stimulates expression and promoter activity of the type A natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A) gene in rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells through a mechanism that involves activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase (Sgk) is thought to participate in the regulation of sodium handling in distal tubular segments. We sought to determine whether this kinase might be involved in the osmotic stimulation of NPR-A gene promoter activity. Exposure of cultured IMCD cells to an additional 75 mmol/L NaCl in culture media (final osmolality 475 mosm/kg) resulted in an ≈4-fold increase in Sgk1 protein levels after 7 hours. The Sgk1 induction was almost completely inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, indicating that NaCl activates Sgk1 through the p38 MAPK pathway. Transient transfection of a mouse Sgk1 expression vector along with a −1590 NPR-A luciferase reporter resulted in an ≈3-fold increment in reporter activity, which was significantly reduced by cotransfection with a kinase-dead Sgk1 mutant. The NaCl-dependent induction was partially blocked (≈40% inhibition) by cotransfection of the kinase-dead Sgk1 mutant. Neither Sgk1 nor the kinase-dead mutant had any effect on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) promoter activity, and the Sgk1 mutant and 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate were, to some degree, additive in reducing osmotically stimulated NPR-A promoter activity. Collectively, these data imply that Sgk1 operates over an eNOS-independent, p38 MAPK-dependent pathway in mediating osmotic induction of the NPR-A gene promoter.
Landscape instability in an experimental drainage basin

Do drainage basins develop static river networks when subject to steady forcing? While current landscape evolution models differ in formulation and implementation, they have the common characteristic that when run for long times at constant forcing, they evolve to a static steadystate configuration in which erosion everywhere balances uplift rate. This results in temporally stationary ridge and valley networks. We have constructed a physical model of a drainage basin in which we can impose constant rainfall and uplift conditions. The model landscapes never become static, and they are not sensitive to initial surface conditions. Ridges migrate laterally, change length, and undergo topographic inversion (streams occupy former ridge locations). Lateral stream migration can also produce strath terraces. This occurs without any change in external forcing, so the terraces must be considered autocyclic. The experimental drainage basin also exhibits autocyclic (internally generated) oscillations in erosion rate over a variety of time scales, despite constant forcing. The experimental landforms are clearly not perfect analogs of natural erosional networks, but the results raise the possibility that natural systems may be more dynamic than the current models would suggest, and that features like strath terraces that are generally interpreted in terms of external forcing may arise autocyclically as well.
Representation of metropolitan districts

A change in the method of apportioning members of state representative bodies is necessary in order that there may be at least a guarnetee of legislative action.
Effect of Weave Architecture on Tensile Properties and Local Strain Heterogeneity in Thin-Sheet C–SiC Composites

Room-temperature tensile properties were measured for two thin C–SiC composites fabricated from single sheets of carbon fiber fabric with nominally the same weave architecture, but different fiber packing densities. The SiC matrixes were formed by infiltration and pyrolysis of a polymer precursor (allylhydridopolycarbosilane). The tensile properties are related to microstructural characteristics, observed damage mechanisms, and measurements of local strain concentrations by speckle interferometry. Differences are observed between the responses of these thin-sheet composites and conventional CVI-matrix composites of larger thickness. Debonding between transverse and longitudinal fiber tows allows significant strains due to straightening of initial wavy fiber tows and leads to local stress concentrations. The strength and elastic modulus are affected by the waviness of the longitudinal tows.
Monitoring proton therapy with PET

Protons are being used in radiation therapy because of typically better dose conformity and reduced total energy deposited in the patient as compared with photon techniques. Both aspects are related to the finite range of a proton beam. The finite range also allows advanced dose shaping. These benefits can only be fully utilized if the end of range can be predicted accurately in the patient. The prediction of the range in tissue is associated with considerable uncertainties owing to imaging, patient set-up, beam delivery, interfractional changes in patient anatomy and dose calculation. Consequently, a significant range (of the order of several millimetres) is added to the prescribed range in order to ensure tumour coverage. Thus, reducing range uncertainties would allow a reduction of the treatment volume and reduce dose to potential organs at risk.
The style of the new war: Making the rules as we go along

It is curious to note the evolution of discussions about the moral and legal rules that apply in the fight against terrorism. Immediately after September 11, when it was clear that the United States was going to focus its new war within Afghanistan, the first question that arose was how the United States was going to assess the deaths of Afghan civilians as collateral damage . A second, major set of legal and ethical issues developed around the Bush administration's declaration that those captured in the war would face trial before military tribunals. And as the major campaigns of the war have come to a close, the celebrated issue has become the present and future legal status of the quite different fighters, supporters, and operatives of al-Qaeda and the former Taliban government who are in U. S .custody.
The TRPM6 Kinase Domain Determines the Mg·ATP Sensitivity of TRPM7/M6 Heteromeric Ion Channels

The transient receptor potential melastatin member 7 (TRPM7) and member 6 (TRPM6) are divalent cation channel kinases essential for magnesium (Mg2+) homeostasis in vertebrates. It remains unclear how TRPM6 affects divalent cation transport and whether this involves functional homomeric TRPM6 plasma membrane channels or heteromeric channel assemblies with TRPM7. We show that homomeric TRPM6 is highly sensitive to intracellular free Mg2+ and therefore unlikely to be active at physiological levels of [Mg2+]i. Co-expression of TRPM7 and TRPM6 produces heteromeric TRPM7/M6 channels with altered pharmacology and sensitivity to intracellular Mg·ATP compared with homomeric TRPM7. Strikingly, the activity of heteromeric TRPM7/M6 channels is independent of intracellular Mg·ATP concentrations, essentially uncoupling channel activity from cellular energy status. Disruption of TRPM6 kinase phosphorylation activity re-introduces Mg·ATP sensitivity to the heteromeric channel similar to that of TRPM7. Thus, TRPM6 modulates the functionality of TRPM7, and the TRPM6 kinase plays a critical role in tuning the phenotype of the TRPM7·M6 channel complex.
Signal-averaged isoharmonic body surface maps of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Signal-Averaged Body Surface Maps. Introduction:Prevention of sudden arrhythmic cardiac death depends on accurate identification of individuals at high risk. Previous studies of signals recorded directly from arrhythmogenic tissue suggested that the predictive value of the signal-averaged ECG could be enhanced by expanded temporal, spectral, and spatial analysis. Accordingly, we performed a prospective study of 192-lead signal-averaged body surface maps from 43 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy referred for electrophysiologic study. Three groups were included: 15 patients with clinical ventricular tachycardia (VT), 12 patients with inducible VT, and 16 patients with non-VT. Methods and Results: The patients were well matched with regard to age, gender, infarct location, ejection fraction (28%± 9%), QRS duration, and incidence of nonsustained VT (96%). Isoharmonic maps of the entire cardiac cycle were constructed for each patient. The peaks of the 1–7 Hz isoharmonic maps distinguished patients with clinical VT from non-VT and inducible VT patients (1,152 ± 273, 852 ± 283, and 808 ± 272, respectively; P = 0.003). After prospective observation for 22 ± 16 months, the combined endpoint of spontaneous sustained VT, ventricular fibrillation, appropriate defibrillator therapy, and death was predicted by inducibility of VT (relative risk 3.8, P = 0.008) and by the signal-averaged isoharmonic body surface map (relative risk 3.1, P = 0.02). Conclusion: These results confirm the diagnostic utility of signal-averaged isoharmonic body surface maps in a rigorously defined patient population.
The Poet and the Procuress: The Lena in Latin Love Elegy

This paper investigates the figure of the lena in the elegies of Tibullus (I.5; II.6), Propertius (IV.5), and Ovid (Amores I.8). While each poet treats the character of the lena in importantly different ways, each has in common a deep interest in contrasting his own position as both lover and poet with the activities of the lena, a bawd or procuress. All three poets curse the lena, denouncing primarily her malevolent magical powers, her carmina, which are directed against them and their carmina. The lena not only preaches an erotic code which in its emphasis on remuneration and the denigration of poetry directly opposes that of the poet-lover, she also usurps his role as instructor and constructor of the elegiac puella. It is the elegiac poet's prerogative to describe and construct the elegiac mistress. By usurping his role as praeceptor, the lena threatens the poet with both sexual and literary impotence. It is precisely because the lena challenges the male poet-lover's control over these terms that she is such a potent enemy; the woman with a pen, as Pollack writes in The Poetics of Sexual Myth, ‘threatens to undermine a system of signification that defines her both as vulnerable and as victim’. If the elegiac mistress can be said to play a more masterful role as domina in Roman love poetry than in conventional Roman ideology, it must nevertheless be qualified with the reminder that she only plays a role constructed for her by elegy's first-person narrator who demands complete control over the discourse of their relationship, of the rules of the amatory game.
Modeling studies of cell response to ultrashort, high-intensity electric fields-implications for intracellular manipulation

The dynamics of electroporation in biological cells subjected to nanosecond, high-intensity pulses are studied based on a coupled scheme involving both the current continuity and Smoluchowski equations. A new distributed network model, that includes dynamic conductivities of cell membranes and substructures, is introduced for evaluations of transmembrane potential. It is shown that subcellular structures could be affected through nanosecond pulses, and that, despite the high field intensity, the processes remain nonthermal. As an example of selectivity, differences in cell responses between normal and malignant (Farage) tonsillar B-cells are compared and discussed. It is shown that ultrashort, high-intensity electric pulses could damage cancer cells. Finally, the model predicts that it is possible to target the inner mitochondrial membrane (i.e., selectivity at the organelle level), in keeping with recent experimental observations.
KINSOLVER: A simulator for computing large ensembles of biochemical and gene regulatory networks

With the sequence of many genomes now available the major challenge of functional genomics is 'reassembling the pieces'. One functional view of a living system is as a chemical reaction network, and new genomics technologies like RNA and protein profiling are providing ways to measure the state of these networks. The goal here is being able to simulate an arbitrary ensemble of hypothesized biochemical and genetic regulatory networks to predict what a cell is doing, i.e. to Compute Life, so that these predictions may be compared with the observed state of the system. The simulator KINSOLVER solves chemical reaction networks, satisfying standard multiplicative mass-action kinetics, of arbitrary size, topology, rate constants, and initial conditions by 5 standard methods (Euler, Modified Euler, Runge-Kutta (RK), Adaptive RK-Fehlberg, and LSODES). The simulator includes a simple Web-based interface for specifying and refining a target reaction network as well as visualization tools to represent the network's behavior. The simulator is verified as rapidly solving in seconds (with benchmarks relative to GEPASI) some classic biological circuits like the lac operon and qa gene cluster as well as a new circuit, the repressilator, with oscillatory behavior. The LSODES method uniformly outperformed the other methods with a relatively large error tolerance of 0.01 and with a small error tolerance of 1E-6 for a variety of examples. The simulator is written in a nearly platform independent manner to simulate large ensembles of models and has a Web-based interface to interact with the simulator by using Java and C++ at the back-end. Software can be downloaded from http://webster.cs.uga.edu/~boanerg/mams or http://gene.genetics.uga.edu/stc.
Cost recovery and water pricing for irrigation and drainage projects

The objective of this paper is to develop guidelines for improving cost recovery and reducing water use per unit of output. The guidelines were developed from a review of studies of irrigation reforms and interviews of 20 World Bank staff members with responsibility for irrigation sector reforms in countries from Asia to Latin America (names listed in Appendix 1). From these studies and interviews, we distilled specific reforms that are important in improving cost recovery or reducing water use, or both. Reforms needed by individual countries or projects will depend on their institutional arrangements as well as the type of irrigation and its physical condition. The second section of the paper begins by listing some reasons for low collections and provides an overview of some of the reforms that have raised collection rates. In the next section, the authors review cost-recovery principles and provide some examples of what different countries have done to recover project costs and collect water charges from users. The focus in the fourth section is on designing water charges or water markets that will give farmers an incentive to make better use of their water by reducing the amount of water used per unit of output. In the fifth section, case studies are used to determine what reforms can help improve cost recovery and increase collection rates. In addition, water pricing reforms are identified that will encourage farmers to reduce their water use per unit of output. The final section provides a summary of the reforms that are important for increasing cost recovery and encouraging farmers to improve their use of water.
Bile acids induce cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human pancreatic cancer cell lines

To investigate a possible link between bile acids and the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, we determined whether conjugated or unconjugated bile acids induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3 and SU 86.86. Bile acids are known promoters of gastric and colon cancer. We demonstrated previously that COX-2, an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of prostaglandins, is over-expressed in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Both human pancreatic cell lines were treated with conjugated and unconjugated bile acids. COX-2 mRNA and protein were determined. In addition, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis was measured. Treatment with conjugated or unconjugated bile acids for 3 h up-regulated COX-2 mRNA. Chenodeoxycholate (CD) or deoxycholate at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 mM caused a dose-dependent induction of COX-2 protein with a maximal effect at 100 mM. Induction of COX-2 protein by CD and deoxycholate was detected after treatment for 6 h with maximal induction at 12 h. Taurochenodeoxycholate, a conjugated bile acid, also caused dose-dependent induction of COX-2 but higher concentrations of bile acid (200-- 1200 mM) were required. Levels of cyclooxygenase-1 were unaffected by bile acid treatment. Unconjugated and conjugated bile acids caused 7- and 4-fold increases in PGE2 production, respectively. Taken together, these findings suggest a possible role for bile acids in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer.
Nonequilibrium Dynamics between Catastrophic Disturbances and Old-Growth Forests in Ponderosa Pine Landscapes of the Black Hills

An emerging goal of ecosystem management is to maintain ecosystems within their range of natu- ral variability, which requires attention to pre-EuroAmerican landscape-scale processes and corresponding landscape structures (e.g., old-growth forest distribution). The prevailing "equilibrium" view of ponderosa pine forest landscapes, for example, holds that frequent, low-intensity surface fires maintained open, park-like forests of large, old trees. Yet a contrasting "nonequilibrium" view suggests that some forest ecosystems are subject to unpredictable catastrophic disturbances that dramatically alter these ecosystems. To assess these views' relevance, we examined early historical accounts and records of natural disturbances in the ponde- rosa pine forests of the Black Hills in South Dakota and Wyoming (U.S.A.). There is evidence of frequent, low- intensity surface fires and large, catastrophic disturbances before EuroAmerican influence. Several large, stand-replacing fires occurred between 1730 and 1852, and, shortly after EuroAmerican settlement, a major outbreak of mountain pine beetles ( Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) occurred. The location of these severe disturbances coincides geographically with early explorers' reports of extensive tracts of relatively dense closed-canopy forests, including some very large patches (5000 1 ha) of dense old growth. This contrasts with sparse, open-canopy forests thought to be maintained by periodic, low-intensity surface fires. We suggest that the cooler, moister, central and northern Black Hills and topographically protected areas may have been dom- inated by infrequent, catastrophic disturbances that maintained large patches of dense forests, including large, contiguous patches of old growth, in a relative state of nonequilibrium. The warmer and drier southern Black Hills, south-facing slopes, and exposed areas may have been dominated by frequent, low-intensity sur- face fires and other small disturbances that maintained open-canopy forests in a relative state of equilibrium. Proposed Black Hills National Forest management plans that exclusively endorse the equilibrium view are misdirected and will move the forest ecosystem farther outside its range of natural variability.
Exploring phenotypic data at the rat genome database.

The laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, is an important model of human health and disease, and experimental findings in the rat have direct relevance to human-based research. The Rat Genome Database (RGD, http://rgd.mcw.edu) is a model-organism database that provides access to wide variety of curated rat data such as genes and their homologs, quantitative trait loci, phenotypes, comparative mapping, and genome analysis. We present an overview of the database followed by specific examples that can be used to gain experience in employing RGD to explore the wealth of functional data available for the rat. We show how to make associations with the genome and use comparative tools to link the rat with human and mouse in order to integrate results from these three species of critical biomedical importance. Keywords: Rat; database; quantitative trait; ontology; comparative genomics; genome sequence
Modulation of stress-induced and stimulated hyperprolactinemia with the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor selective agonist, LY379268

It is well recognized that glutamate is an integral excitatory neurotransmitter in the neuroendocrine control of several hormonal factors. While the ability of pharmacological agents acting at ionotropic glutamate receptors to modulate the levels of serum prolactin levels has been investigated, there have been few reports of the effects mediated by the G-protein coupled, metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. The present work was undertaken to investigate the role of the Group II mGlu receptors, mGlu2 and mGlu3 in the regulation of serum polactin levels. LY379268, a Group II selective agonist, did not alter basal levels of circulating prolactin in young (36-40 day old) male rats. However, when an immobilization stress-induced hyperprolactinemia was examined, 10 mg/kg s.c. of LY379268 significantly lowered serum prolactin levels. Similarly, pretreatment with LY379268 was able to reverse the hyperprolactinemia induced with the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (aMPT). This inhibition of hyperprolactinemia could be prevented by pretreatment with LY341495, a Group II mGlu receptor antagonist. The Group II antagonist alone had no effect on either basal nor stimulated prolactin levels. The agonist LY379268 was able to prevent the transient hyperprolactinemia associated with stimulation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors by 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI), but did not alter the high levels of circulating prolactin induced with the D2 antagonist, haloperidol. When treatment with LY379268 was delayed until 1 h after aMPT, a time demonstrated to show a full effect of aMPT on serum prolactin levels, the Group II agonist was similarly able to reverse hyperprolactinemia, suggesting LY379268 did not act by preventing the partial catecholamine depletion by aMPT. Similarly, high doses of amphetamine, a dopamine (DA) releaser, were able to reverse the aMPT-induced hyperprolactinemia, consistent with sufficient levels of dopamine remaining after aMPT treatment to modulate prolactin levels. LY379268 did not alter the hyperprolactinemia seen in estrogen-primed, ovariectomized female rats. Taken together the results indicate that stimulation of mGlu2/3 has an indirect inhibitory action on pituitary prolactin release. It is speculated that disinhibition of tubero-infundibular DA release by presynaptic Group II mGlu receptors located on inhibitory inputs to the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus is a possible explanation for the findings.
Morbidity, mortality, and parental grief: A review of the literature on the relationship between the death of a child and the subsequent health of parents

Objective:This review was undertaken to analyze the research to date and identify areas for future research regarding the associations between parental grief after the death of a child and the subsequent health of the parents, including both their mortality and morbidity risks.Methods:Relevant literature was identified through a search of OVID-Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using variations of the terms “parental grief and bereaved parents” combined with “health,” “illness,” “morbidity,” and “mortality.” Additionally, bibliographies of selected articles were reviewed to identify additional sources. The final sample includes 17 articles.Results:The literature search revealed a paucity of publications on the topic. However, it also showed that the studies that have been done examining the relationship between parental grief and health outcomes have produced conflicting results in almost every disease state examined. Additionally, several concerns with the quality of existing studies came to light that may bring their results into question. Three primary areas of concern surfaced including lack of consistency in measurement for psychological variables and “soft” self-report health outcomes, questionable methodologies in bereavement research in general, and the lack of a uniform definition of bereaved parents.Significance of results:Based on these findings, it is clear that more methodologically sound research is necessary to clarify the relationship between parental grief after the death of a child and the parents' subsequent morbidity and mortality risks.
Research and Programs for Adolescent Mothers: Missing Links and Future Promises

The literature on the effects of teenage parenthood on the adolescent mother herself, her child, and her mother is reviewed from the perspectives of ecological and family systems theories. Life course trajectories of the three family members and how changes due to early motherhood co-occur are described Emphasis is placed on missing links between what is known about the lives of these families and how services are provided. Recommendations are given vis-a-vis future directions for programs and services.
Optimal parallel all-nearest-neighbors using the well-separated pair decomposition

We present an optimal parallel algorithm to construct the well-separated pair decomposition of a point set P in R/sup d/. We show how this leads to a deterministic optimal O(log n) time parallel algorithm for finding the k nearest neighbors of each point in P, where k is a constant. We discuss several additional applications of the well-separated pair decomposition for which we can derive faster parallel algorithms. >
High current ignitron development

An experimental 9 in demountable ignitron has been built and tested. It has passed 178 pulses with peak currents up to 925 kA, with 39 at 740 kA or greater. Drop in ignitor resistance which is the usual failure mode, has not been significant. The discharge is nearly critically damped with 160 mu s to peak and a charge transfer of 280 coulombs with reverse current of 5% to 7%. This unique tube design has an annular stainless steel anode much closer to the memory cathode than the wall, which inhibits arc transfer to the wall. With an anode-cathode spacings of 6 mm and at 850 kA the voltage drop is about 100 V; with a spacing of 12 mm and at 925 kA it increases to 140 V. The voltage waveform is quite reproducible and free from the usual noise transients, especially with the shorter spacing. >
Use of the Ramsay Assay to Measure Fluid Secretion and Ion Flux Rates in the Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian Tubule

Modulation of renal epithelial ion transport allows organisms to maintain ionic and osmotic homeostasis in the face of varying external conditions. The Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian (renal) tubule offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the molecular mechanisms of epithelial ion transport, due to the powerful genetics of this organism and the accessibility of its renal tubules to physiological study. Here, we describe the use of the Ramsay assay to measure fluid secretion rates from isolated fly renal tubules, with the use of ion-specific electrodes to measure sodium and potassium concentrations in the secreted fluid. This assay allows study of transepithelial fluid and ion fluxes of ~20 tubules at a time, without the need to transfer the secreted fluid to a separate apparatus to measure ion concentrations. Genetically distinct tubules can be analyzed to assess the role of specific genes in transport processes. Additionally, the bathing saline can be modified to examine the effects of its chemical characteristics, or drugs or hormones added. In summary, this technique allows the molecular characterization of basic mechanisms of epithelial ion transport in the Drosophila tubule, as well as regulation of these transport mechanisms.
A case of compression of subclavian vessels by a fractured clavicle treated by excision of the first rib.

A case of compression of the subclavian vessels due to fracture of a clavicle is reported, and the pertinent literature is reviewed. Treatment by resection of the first rib, as described, gave a satisfactory result. The advantages and disadvantages of partial excision of the first rib versus clavicle are discussed.
Transfinite Automata Recursions and Weak Second Order Theory of Ordinals

We identify the ordinal α with the set of all ordinals x < α. The weak second order theory of [α, <] is the interpreted formalism WST [α, <] which makes use of: (a) the propositional connectives with usual interpretation; (b) a binary relation letter < interpreted as ordering relation on α; (c) individual variables t,x,y,z,..., ranging over α; (d) monadic predicate variables i,j,s,r,..., ranging over finite subsets of α; (e) quantifiers ∀, ∃ for both types of variables. The purpose of this paper is to provide, for any ordinal α, a clear understanding of which relations R on finite subsets of α can be defined by formulas Σ(i 1 ,...,i n ) of WST[α, <]. In addition we obtain a decision method for truth of sentences Σ in WST[α, <].
Cytochrome P450. Mechanisms of action and clinical implications

The term cytochrome P450 refers to a group of hemoproteins whose Fe(2+)-carbon monoxide complex shows an absorption spectrum with a maximum near 450 nm. There is a broad interest in the P450s because of their significance in a variety of disciplines ranging from medical genetics to inorganic chemistry. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in the metabolism of drugs, carcinogens, steroids, pesticides, hydrocarbons and natural products. The toxicity of many of these products may be modulated, either via replacement or by the various oxidations catalyzed by the cytochrome P450 enzymes. In recent years the roles of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of endogenous compounds have been partially elucidated. Physiological compounds such as steroids, fatty acids, prostanoids and other eicosanoids, fat-soluble vitamins and mammalian alkaloids have been shown to be substrates. Aside from their roles in metabolism, certain of these enzymes were found to be involved in the metabolic activation of a variety of chemical carcinogens and possibly in the overall process of chemical carcinogenesis. Studies show that alterations in cytochrome P450 activities toward various substrates have been implicated in diseases which affect human health. The roles are reviewed of the various cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of substrates which may be associated with clinical disease states.
A curse on the Great Wall

The rise of modern nationalism, the unfolding of a rural based revolution, and the quest for a new world view are the distinguishing characteristics of twentieth-century Chinese history. This complex of simultaneous processes makes the Chinese experience a paradigm for much of the Third World. It has also captured the interest of Western social theorists because of the tension between the external imperatives of modernization and the internal prerequisites of social change. One dimension of that tension, most apparent in the lives and work of critical intellectuals, has been the conflict between jiuguo and qimeng, between national salvation and enlightenment. Beneficiaries of modern education in China and abroad, these intellectuals share their compatriots' commitment to a strong, independent China. They have been integral to the success of the Chinese Revolution while, at the same time, never quite identifying its success with the realization of a new world view.
An enhanced β turn in water.

Aiming to design short linear peptides featuring strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds in water, a series of tetrapeptides based on the sequence Ac-Ala-Pro-Ala-Ala-NH2 containing all possible combinations of l- and d-amino acids was synthesized. A regiospecific combination of heterochiral residues (ddll or its mirror image lldd) can be used to increase turn formation and stability within short peptides in water.
Temperature and Frequency Dependent Characteristics of Amorphous Silicon thin film Transistors

On the basis of our experimental studies of the temperature dependence of amorphous silicon thin film transistor current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics, we have developed an analytical device model suitable for implementation in circuit simulators. This model describes the above-threshold (on) current and the subthreshold (off) current [1]. In addition, the model is able to incorporate changes in the distribution of localized states which arise from thermal and/or bias stress. In this paper, we identify the temperature-dependent parameters, which describe the temperature dependence of both the on and off currents, and we model the leakage current at large negative gate biases. The modeling results are in good agreement with our experimental data. We also discuss capacitance-voltage characteristics of amorphous silicon thin film transistors for varying gate lengths, temperatures, and frequencies. The measured capacitance-voltage characteristics show strong frequency dispersion, which is related to the trap-limited transport of carriers in the channel. The characteristic time constant, which determines when the channel capacitance becomes dependent on frequency, is on the order of the transit time calculated with the field-effect mobility and the electric field. The field-effect mobility takes into account carrier trapping by the localized states and is a function of gate voltage and temperature.
Application of chloropicrin to control laminated root rot : Research design and seasonal dynamics of control populations of soil arthropods

A methodology using soil arthropods as a nontarget assay of chloropicrin fumigation against Phellinus root rot is described. Significant differences in seasonal abundances in control plot populations occurred for each of the 6 most common trophic guilds. Population densities were highest for springtails (Collembola) and oribatid mites (Cryptostigmata) during the late summer dry season; densities were highest in early spring for worms (Oligochaeta), mesostigmatid mites, and fungivorous macroarthropods. Biomass was highest for worms and mesostigmatid mites in spring, but fungivorous macroarthropods peaked in late summer. Springtails and oribatids were equivalent throughout the year measured as biomass; population peaks in dry summer are composed primarily of immatures. Nearly all individual species of springtails and oribatid mites had population densities that differed significantly by season; individual springtail abundances fluctuated with greater amplitudes than those of oribatids. Both springtails and oribatid mites increased significantly in population density and biomass from the 1st to the 2nd yr postharvest. Experiments using soil arthropods as bioindicators in forest soils beneath c1earcuttings should be monitored throughout the year to avoid confusing treatment effects with normal life history cycles.
Biology of the Predaceous Mite, Pergamasus quisquiliarum on the Garden Symphylan, Scutigerella immaculata in the Laboratory

The parasitid mite, Permagasus quisquiliarum Canestrini, was observed preying on the garden symphylan, Scutigerella immaculata (Newport), in a field near Corvallis, OR. All stages, except larvae, were collected in April and successfully reared on symphylans in the laboratory. The life cycle of P. quisquiliarum from oviposition to adult was 16.9±5.1 days at 20±1.0°C in the laboratory. The average developmental period for eggs was 4.6±0.7 days, larvae 1.2±0.4 days, protonymphs 5.4±1.9 days, and deutonymphs 5.7±2.1 days. The average number of immature symphylans consumed during the protoand deutonymphal stages was 3.6±1.3 and 3.7±1.3, respectively. Larvae did not feed. Adult mites lived an average of 37.0±12.8 days, during which time an average of 4.8±2.1 symphylans was consumed (1:1 ratio). The number of symphylans consumed in 1:2 and 1:5 predatorprey ratios was 7.7±3.4 and 11.0±5.5, respectively. The average number of eggs deposited per female was 32.6, with an average of 14.2 symphylans consumed/♀.
Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk in the California Teachers Study Cohort

Alcohol consumption of approximately two drinks or more per day has been associated with elevated breast cancer risk in the California Teachers Study cohort as well as in many other populations. The objective of this analysis is to examine effects of age at drinking and drinking patterns and to identify effect modifiers. Of the 103,460 at-risk cohort members, age /=20 g/day versus nondrinkers], with no clear pattern for consumption during earlier periods of life. This elevation in risk was 32% among postmenopausal women (95% CI: 1.06-1.63) and 21% among pre/perimenopausal women (95% CI: 0.76-1.92). Highest risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption were observed among postmenopausal women with a history of biopsy-diagnosed benign breast disease (RR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.39-2.79 compared to nondrinkers without benign breast disease) or who had used combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (RR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.59-3.14 compared to nondrinkers who never used HRT). Recent alcohol consumption equivalent to two or more drinks per day increases the risk of invasive breast cancer, with the greatest RRs observed among heavy drinkers who are also postmenopausal and have a history of benign breast disease or who use HRT.
Vapor degreasing with chlorinated solvents

ABSTRACTVapor degreasing with the chlorinated solvents trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and perchloroethylene is a historically important source of environmental release and contamination. After describing how a vapor degreaser works and the solvents used, we provide a brief history of vapor degreasing in the United States, focusing on specific time periods. The practice originated in about 1930 and was quickly adopted, including by key manufacturers. Its use grew rapidly, particularly during World War II. However, it wasn't until about 1976 with the passage of RCRA that commercial waste haulers became available. During an interim period after the passage of RCRA disposal of liquid spent solvents and sludges was to landfills, thereby simply moving the location of the eventual contamination. Finally, we discuss the most common types of vapor degreaser releases to the environment and some ways that they can be identified. Understanding how a release occurred can help in allocating liability or deve...
A planar heterostructure diode W-band mixer using monolithic balanced integrated approach on InP

The design, fabrication, and experimental characteristics of a balanced InAlAs/InGaAs heterostructure diode mixer are presented. The mixer is monolithically integrated on InP substrates and shows a minimum conversion loss of 12.4 dB with a 91 GHz LO (local oscillator) drive of 12 dBm and an IF (intermediate frequency) of 2 GHz. A reasonably flat RF response has been found from 86.5 GHz to 95.5 GHz (10% bandwidth). The characteristics of the planar heterostructure diodes are studied, and the impact of their parameters on the mixer conversion loss is investigated. This diode design is the same as for high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) and offers the possibility of easy monolithic integration with FET components as necessary for millimeter-wave modules. >
Sundown syndrome: etiology and management

1. Although no clear definition of "sundowning" or "sundown syndrome" exists in the literature, most health care professionals affix either of these terms to the behavior observed in patients with dementia associated with increased agitation and confusion that occurs in the late afternoon. 2. Specific etiologic hypotheses that relate to sundowning behavior include disturbance in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, episodes of sleep apnea, and a deterioration of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. 3. Management of sundowning behavior includes the identification and treatment of any physiologic factors, low doses of specific neuroleptics, and nonpharmacological interventions such as restriction of daytime sleep, exposure to bright lights during the day, and mild activity schedules.
Efficacy of daratumumab-based therapies in patients with relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma treated outside of clinical trials.

Outside of clinical trials, experience with daratumumab-based combination therapies (DCTs) using bortezomib (V)/lenalidomide (R)/pomalidomide (P), and dexamethasone (d) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is limited. We reviewed the outcomes of 126 patients who received ≥ 1 cycle of any DCT. Median age at DCT initiation was 67 (range, 43-93) years. High-risk cytogenetics was present in 33% patients. Median number of prior therapies was 4 (range, 1-14) and time to first DCT from diagnosis was 4.3 years (range, 0.4-13.0). Seventeen (13%) patients were refractory to single agent daratumumab. Fifty-two (41%), 34 (27%), 23 (18%) and 17 (14%) received DPd, DRd, DVd and ‘other' DCTs, respectively. Overall response rate was 47%. Median follow-up was 5.5 months (95%CI, 4.2-6.1). Median progression free survival (PFS) was 5.5 months (95%CI, 4.2-7.8). Median overall survival was not reached (NR) with any regimen. Median PFS (months) was worst for penta-refractory MM (n=8) vs quadruple refractory MM (n=18) and others (n=100) (2.2 [95%CI, 1-2.4] vs 3.1 [95%CI, 2.1-NR] vs 5.9 [95%CI, 5.0-NR]; p 2 prior therapies vs others (5.0 months [95%CI, 3.7-5.9] vs NR [95%CI, NR-NR]; p=0.002). Non-hematologic toxicities included infections (38%), fatigue (32%), and infusion reactions (18%). Grade 3 or higher hematological toxicities were seen in 41% of patients. DCTs are effective in RRMM. ORR and PFS in heavily pre-treated patients are lower than those reported in clinical trials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Long-term outcome of upper extremity arteriovenous fistula using pSLOT: single-center longitudinal follow-up using a protocol-based approach.

IntroductionFunctional arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the best vascular access for end-stage renal disease patients. AVF maturation is variable and many require additional interventions to achieve ...
The limit set of a discrete group of hyperbolic motions

Consider a discrete group Γ of Mobius transformations acting in the unit ball of R n (n ≥ 2). The limit set of T is that subset of the unit sphere where T orbits accumulate and, as such, is the set of points where T fails to act discontinuously. Over the last several years much work has been done on the classification of limit points—a major impetus in this direction has been provided by the application of ergodic theory to discrete groups. Put simply, in order to understand the dynamics of the flow along a geodesic, for example, one must have information about the (limit) point situated at the “end” of the geodesic. In order to obtain general theorems about the classes of groups for which certain flows exhibit ergodic properties, one needs information on the size of various subsets of the limit set. Similarly the existence, or otherwise, of wandering sets under the group action on the sphere depends solely on the size of some other subsets of the limit set. Many subclasses of the limit set have been identified and their properties explored. The literature is now very extensive and, due to the differing definitions and notations, is somewhat confusing.
A novel technology to model pressure-induced cellular injuries in the brain

Abstract Background Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) accompanying a number of neurological emergencies is poorly understood, and lacks a model to determine cellular pathophysiology. This limits our ability to identify cellular and molecular biomarkers associated with the pathological progression from physiologic to pathologic ICP. New method We developed an ex vivo model of pressure-induced brain injury, which combines 3D neural cell cultures and a newly developed Pressure Controlled Cell Culture Incubator (PC 3 I). Human astrocytes and neurons maintained in 3D peptide-conjugated alginate hydrogels were subjected to pressures that mimic both physiologic and pathologic levels of ICP for up to 48 h to evaluate the earliest impacts of isolated pressure on cellular viability and quantify early indicators of pressure-induced cellular injury. Results Compared to control cell cultures grown under physiologic pressure, sustained pathologic pressure exposure increased the release of intracellular ATP in a cell-specific manner. Eighteen hours of sustained pressure resulted in increased ATP release from neurons but not astrocytes. Comparison with existing methods Cell culture incubators maintain cultures at normal atmospheric pressure. Based on multiple literature searches, we are not aware of any other cell culture incubator systems that modify the pressure at which primary CNS cells are maintained. Conclusion This model simulates the clinical features of elevated ICP encountered in patients with hydrocephalus, and provides a first estimate of the pathological signaling encountered during the earliest perid of progression in neonatal hydrocephalus. This model should provide a means to better understand the pathological biomarkers associated with the earliest stages of elevated ICP.
Measurement of Judgmental Responses to Multi-Attribute Marketing Stimuli

A set of three interrelated research designs are presented and solutions are illustrated with synthetic data. The problems include (a) measuring the relative importance of a group of product benefits, (b) selecting a package design that best connotes the psychological imagery of a subset of the selected benefits, and (c) determining what point-of-purchase display materials, brand name, and brand pricing strategy to employ in initial market introduction. Structurally, all three problems involve non-numerical, judgmental responses to multi-attribute marketing stimuli. All three problems are "solved" by conjoint measurement. This approach, recently developed in mathematical psychology, draws upon previous work in experimental design, unidimensional psychophysics and data theory. The paper concludes with a discussion of current limitations of the approach and potential marketing application areas.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with BRCA1 or RAD51C methylated versus mutated ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract Objective In ovarian carcinoma, mutations in homologous recombination DNA repair (HRR) genes, including BRCA1 and RAD51C , are associated with increased survival and specific clinical features. Promoter hypermethylation is another mechanism of reducing gene expression. We assessed whether BRCA1 and RAD51C promoter hypermethylation is associated with similar survival and clinical characteristics. Methods Promoter methylation of BRCA1 and RAD51C was evaluated using methylation-sensitive PCR in 332 primary ovarian carcinomas. Damaging germline and somatic mutations in 16 HRR genes were identified using BROCA sequencing. Results BRCA1 methylation was detected in 22 carcinomas (6.6%) and RAD51C methylation in 9 carcinomas (2.7%). These small numbers limited the power to detect differences in survival and platinum sensitivity. Mutations in one or more HRR genes were found in 95 carcinomas (29%). Methylation of BRCA1 or RAD51C was mutually exclusive with mutations in these genes ( P =0.001). Patients whose carcinomas had BRCA1 methylation (57.7years±2.5) or BRCA1 mutations (54.1years±1.4) were younger than those without (63.3years±0.8; P =0.029, P BRCA1 methylation and germline BRCA1 mutation were associated with high grade serous (HGS) histology ( P =0.045, P =0.001). BRCA1 mutations were associated with increased sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy while BRCA1 methylation was not ( P =0.034, P =0.803). Unlike HRR mutations, methylation was not associated with improved overall survival compared to cases without methylation or mutation. Conclusions Patients with BRCA1 -methylated carcinomas share clinical characteristics with patients with BRCA1 -mutated carcinomas including younger age and predominantly HGS histology. However, unlike mutation, RAD51C and BRCA1 methylation were not associated with improved survival or greater sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy.
Exploring Elementary Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Confidence in Implementing the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices

The aim of this study was to assess elementary teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of and confidence in their ability to support students in enacting the science and engineering practices...