cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ACE2/ACE imbalance and impaired vasoreparative functions of stem/progenitor cells in aging

Aging increases risk for ischemic vascular diseases. Bone marrow–derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are known to stimulate vascular regeneration. Activation of either the Mas receptor (MasR) by angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) or angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) stimulates vasoreparative functions in HSPCs. This study tested if aging is associated with decreased ACE2 expression in HSPCs and if Ang-(1-7) restores vasoreparative functions. Flow cytometric enumeration of Lin−CD45lowCD34+ cells was carried out in peripheral blood of male or female individuals (22–83 years of age). Activity of ACE2 or the classical angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was determined in lysates of HSPCs. Lin−Sca-1+cKit+ (LSK) cells were isolated from young (3–5 months) or old (20–22 months) mice, and migration and proliferation were evaluated. Old mice were treated with Ang-(1-7), and mobilization of HSPCs was determined following ischemia induced by femoral ligation. A laser Doppler blood flow meter was used to determine blood flow. Aging was associated with decreased number (Spearman r = − 0.598, P < 0.0001, n = 56), decreased ACE2 (r = − 0.677, P < 0.0004), and increased ACE activity (r = 0.872, P < 0.0001) (n = 23) in HSPCs. Migration or proliferation of LSK cells in basal or in response to stromal-derived factor-1α in old cells is attenuated compared to young, and these dysfunctions were reversed by Ang-(1-7). Ischemia increased the number of circulating LSK cells in young mice, and blood flow to ischemic areas was recovered. These responses were impaired in old mice but were restored by treatment with Ang-(1-7). These results suggest that activation of ACE2 or MasR would be a promising approach for enhancing ischemic vascular repair in aging.
Detection of actuator faults for continuous-time systems with intermittent state feedback

Abstract This paper considers the problem of detecting actuator faults on uncertain continuous-time systems, where the state can be measured only intermittently. Initially, we describe the class of faults which we want to identify, as those that create a state evolution that is incompatible with the model of the system. We then derive a necessary and sufficient condition, the verification of which allows us to detect the aforementioned inconsistencies. Relaxations are employed to make this verification computationally easier and an equivalent condition, in the ϵ − closeness sense, is obtained, through the solution of a boundary-value problem. We finally present simulation results that showcase the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm, in terms of speed and validity.
Gastric Pull Up: Open Approach

Native esophagus is always the best, and all efforts should be made to preserve the native esophagus. In circumstances where the esophagus is not available, a suitable substitute is needed to perform the function of the esophagus. All the substitutes available have their advantages and disadvantages. The best substitute would be the one which allows close to normal swallowing with minimum reflux and reduced number of complications like strictures, leaks, and dilatation.
Urban-rural residence and birth defects prevalence in Texas: a phenome-wide association study.

Some assessments indicate the prevalence of certain birth defects varies by urban–rural status. We evaluated associations between urban–rural residence and a spectrum of birth defects, using a phenome-wide association study approach in Texas, a state with large urban centers and expansive rural areas. Data for birth defects and livebirths during 1999–2015 were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and the Center for Health Statistics. Maternal residence was classified as urban or rural, and prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for any defect and 140 specific defects by Poisson regression. Overall, birth defects were less frequent in rural compared to urban counties (PR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87–0.89). Twelve specific defects were less prevalent in rural counties, including ventricular septal defects (VSDs; PR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.73–0.79) and hypospadias (PR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82–0.89). For some birth defects, including VSDs, there was evidence of decreasing prevalence with decreasing population size. In our large population-based assessment, we demonstrated that several birth defects were less prevalent in rural counties, suggesting that characteristics of urban settings may be relevant to their etiologies, diagnosis, or surveillance. Further research is needed to identify specific exposures underlying these associations.
Report on Vocal Fry in Interactional Contexts

Previous research on vocal fry has been largely one-sided, investigating its role as a vocal phenomenon for young women specifically, and focusing on countering or confirming harmful stereotypes surrounding vocal fry as perpetuated by the media. This study attempts to expand an understanding of vocal fry by investigating its production by multiple genders and ages, as well as its role in an interactional context. In this study, participants of four age and gender groups (older women, older men, younger women, and younger men) were asked to conduct a conversation with a member of each identity in order to determine the effect of identity in an interactional role on the occurrence of vocal fry. While prior studies have implied that the use of vocal fry is most heavily dependent on the identity of the speaker, this study concludes that the identity of the participant may actually play a more important role in its occurrence. It also contextualizes the prominence of female vocal fry in relation to the frequency of vocal fry by other speakers.
Measuring depth of invasion of submucosa - invasive adenocarcinoma in oesophageal endoscopic specimens: how good are we?☆.

AIMS Emerging data support that submucosa-invasive (pT1b) esophageal adenocarcinomas are cured via endoscopic resection, provided that invasion measures ≤500 μm, they lack other histological features predictive of nodal metastasis and have negative margins. Hence, pathologists' measurement of the depth of submucosal invasion in endoscopic resections may dictate further management (i.e. endoscopic follow-up versus oesophagectomy). In this study, we assessed the interobserver agreement in measuring the depth of submucosal invasion in oesophageal endoscopic resections. METHODS AND RESULTS Six subspecialised gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists from five academic centres independently measured the depth of submucosal invasion in μm from the deepest muscularis mucosae on 37 oesophageal endoscopic resection slides (round 1 scoring). A consensus meeting with a systematic approach for measuring and discussion of pitfalls was undertaken and remeasuring (round 2 scoring) was conducted. Interobserver agreement was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's kappa statistics. A lack of agreement was seen among the six reviewers with a poor ICC for both rounds: 1 [0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26-0.56] and 2 (0.49, 95% CI = 0.34-0.63). When measurements were categorised as 500 μm, the overall agreement among the six reviewers was only fair for both rounds: 1 (kappa = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.22-0.53) and 2 (kappa = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12-0.46). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a lack of agreement among gastrointestinal pathologists in measuring the depth of submucosal invasion in oesophageal endoscopic resections despite formulating a consensus approach for scoring. If important management decisions continue to be based upon this parameter, more reproducible and concrete guidelines are needed.
Magnetic Resonance Guided Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy vs. Chemoradiation for Borderline and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Single Institution Overall Survival Comparison

Purpose/Objective(s) Several academic institutions have investigated stereotactic MR guided adaptive radiation therapy (SMART) to safely dose escalate for locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with initial favorable toxicity and survival outcomes. In 2018 our institution began to evaluate SMART on trial in borderline and locally advanced patients. We previously presented toxicity outcomes for standard fractionated chemoradiation (chemoRT) and SMART groups with acute grade 3+ GI toxicity in 28% vs 11% (P = 0.18) and late toxicity 43% vs 36% (P = 0.77). The purpose of this abstract was to compare overall survival (OS) between chemoRT and SMART. Materials/Methods In this IRB approved analysis, we retrospectively reviewed 115 consecutive patients from 2017-2020 with locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant radiation therapy. Initially all patients received chemoRT to a dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. In September 2018 we began to investigate SMART (50Gy in 5 fractions) for these patients. OS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analysis was also performed on multiple treatment variables. Results Of the patients included, 30 received chemoRT and 85 received SMART. Median follow up for the chemoRT group was 32.8 months and for SMART was 14.9 months from last day of RT. Groups did not have significant differences in age, gender, tumor location, or initial CA 19-9. Pancreatectomy was performed in 13.3% vs 18.8% of patients in chemoRT and SMART groups. Per NCCN.1.2021 staging in the chemoRT group 33.3% were borderline (BL), 50% were locally advanced (LA), and 16.7% medically unresectable (MU) as compared to 24.7% BL, 49.4% LA, and 25.9% MU in the SMART group. Mean months of neoadjuvant chemo was slightly higher in the SMART group at 3.6 vs 2.3 months. Patients in the chemoRT arm were 36.7% African American vs 15.3% in the SMART group. When evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test there was no difference in OS between groups (P = 0.95). Median OS from last day of RT in chemoRT and SMART groups was 10.7 vs 12.1 months. On univariate and multivariate analyses pancreatectomy was associated with improved OS, and both N2 disease at diagnosis and poor performance status (ECOG 2+) were associated with worse OS. Conclusion Dose escalated SMART for locally advanced, borderline, and medically inoperable pancreatic cancer shows similar OS to standard fractionated chemoRT at a median 14.9 month follow up in our single institution analysis. With similar toxicity and OS between treatment modalities, SMART may be preferred due to the single week treatment course in a disease with overall very poor prognosis.
Global General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation of a Tilted Black Hole Accretion Disk

This paper presents a continuation of our efforts to numerically study accretion disks that are misaligned (tilted) with respect to the rotation axis of a Kerr black hole. Here we present results of a global numerical simulation which fully incorporates the effects of the black hole spacetime as well as magnetorotational turbulence that is the primary source of angular momentum transport in the flow. This simulation shows dramatic differences from comparable simulations of untilted disks. Accretion onto the hole occurs predominantly through two opposing plunging streams that start from high latitudes with respect to both the black hole and disk midplanes. This is due to the aspherical nature of the gravitational spacetime around the rotating black hole. These plunging streams start from a larger radius than would be expected for an untilted disk. In this regard, the tilted black hole effectively acts like an untilted black hole of lesser spin. Throughout the duration of the simulation, the main body of the disk remains tilted with respect to the symmetry plane of the black hole; thus, there is no indication of a Bardeen-Petterson effect in the disk at large. The torque of the black hole instead principally causes a global precession of the main disk body. In this simulation, the precession has a frequency of 3(M☉/M) Hz, a value consistent with many observed low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations. However, this value is strongly dependent on the size of the disk, so this frequency can be expected to vary over a large range.
Public Health Preparedness Informatics Infrastructure. A Case Study in Integrated Surveillance and Response: 2004---2005 National Influenza Vaccine Shortage

Effective Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) requires integrated information systems supporting key PHEP activities, including surveillance, alerting, situational awareness, emergency planning and response, resource assessment and management. These systems are optimized when embedded within an informatics framework supporting a community of information trading partners engaged in routine health information exchange. Seasonal influenza (flu) in the USA typically peaks in January-February and accounts for over 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually. Vaccination is the primary method of prevention and the optimal preseason time for vaccination is September-November. The October 5, 2004, announcement of significant influenza vaccine shortfalls triggered a national PHEP event, requiring a full array of integrated and heightened PHEP activities at the state and local levels. The presence of an established integrated informatics framework for health information exchange in NY State conveyed significant advantages in advanced preparedness and just-in-time response to the event. This paper describes how the framework supported and enhanced the efficacy of NY's response to a real-life hazard, details related performance metrics, and presents lessons learned from the response.
Towards an Effective Crowdsourcing Recommendation System: A Survey of the State-of-the-Art

Crowdsourcing is an approach where requesters can call for workers with different capabilities to process a task for monetary reward. With the vast amount of tasks posted every day, satisfying workers, requesters, and service providers--who are the stakeholders of any crowdsourcing system--is critical to its success. To achieve this, the system should address three objectives: (1) match the worker with a suitable task that fits the worker's interests and skills, and raise the worker's rewards; (2) give requesters more qualified solutions with lower cost and time; and (3) raise the accepted tasks rate which will raise the aggregated commissions accordingly. For these objectives, we present a critical study of the state-of-the-art in recommendation systems that are ubiquitous among crowdsourcing and other online systems to highlight the potential of the best approaches which could be applied in a crowdsourcing system, and highlight the shortcomings in the existing crowdsourcing recommendation systems that should be addressed.
A novel type of phosphofructokinase from plants.

Phosphofruetokinase (Pfk), one of two enzymes that phosphorylates Fru-6-P to Fru-1, 6-P2, catalyzes a key regulatory reaction in glycolysis. It is established that plants contain cytosolic and plastidic types of Pfk and that these types differ from one another in certain respects, e.g., response to Pi, and are similar in others, i.e., inhibition by Atp, Pep, citrate and Nadph and deinhinhibition by Fru-6-P (1–6). The plastidic type of Pfk has been purified to homogeneity from developing castor bean endosperm (1) and Chlorella (6), but the cytosolic type has not. Significantly, the regulation of plant Pfk, especially the cytosolic type, is not clear, and the subunit molecular weight is not established.
LIONEL McKENZIE ON THE EXISTENCE OF COMPETITIVE EQUILIBRIUM

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the views of Lionel Mckenzie on the existence of competitive equilibrium. It focuses on geometry in McKenzie's work. Except for the 1959 paper, all the proofs make use of intersection mappings, which involve projecting points onto the production sets. In addition, all these proofs make use of efficiency price mappings, which involve tangent spaces and their normal cones. In the 1959 paper, McKenzie exploits the observation that the difference of the vectors at which the distance between two closed convex sets is attained is a singleton. Starting from 1954, McKenzie sees the primitives of his theorems as limits of objects for which the results can be more easily proved. The general result is then obtained by taking the limit of the results for the special case. This technique is most finely tuned in the 1981 paper when strong survival and strong viability is relaxed to viability in the presence of weak irreducibility, but, in essentials, its roots lie in the extended demands of 1954.
United in Diversity:Overcoming Parochialism Through Political Science

In its earliest iterations, General Education served not only as an intellectual foundation, but also as a normative, homogenizing tool that instilled the “right values” to form good citizens among elites. It taught students the “adequate philosophy of life” to challenge intellectual relativism. While maintaining its holistic focus on “good citizen” creation, Gen Ed has undergone repeated redefinitions to match changing societal priorities and pedagogic paradigms. This paper analyzes the evolution of thinking about General Education at Harvard University, as it emerges from university documents, reports, books, websites and in-depth interviews with participants in the decision-making process. Political science played a crucial role in the successive recalibrations of the Core/Gen Ed curriculum, as the goal of forming responsible citizens acquired a global, cosmopolitan dimension. The pressures of globalization and an increasingly diverse student body reinforced and multiplied the functions of political science in the Gen Ed program. This essay compares the General Education in a Free Society 1945-1950 Report: The Good Man and the Citizen with the Core Curriculum of the 1980s (Guide to the Core Program and Phyllis Keller’s 1982 Getting at the Core: Curricular reform at Harvard), and the Report of the Task Force on General Education of 2007. It reveals three phases corresponding to three distinct paradigms, each emerging roughly three decades after its predecessor. The first reflects the traditional focus on forming “the good man,” “the good citizen,” and “the useful man” by instilling the “right” set of values. The second produced the Core Curriculum, which distanced itself from fixed knowledge to expose students to different “areas and approaches to knowledge.” The third, contemporary phase emphasizes “overcoming parochialism” as a guiding principle and diversity as a resource. This paradigm wants to unsettle, disorient, and defamiliarize students, so they can reorient themselves. It explicitly connects students’ liberal education to life beyond college. Differences aside, Gen Ed visions share a key dimension: their desire that the student become a zoon politikon, an engaged member of society, equipped with critical spirit, ethical awareness, and the confidence to face the challenges of the “real world.”In this context, the paper discusses the role of political science in the Gen Ed curriculum, pointing out how the discipline has capitalized on the diversity of students and faculty as a resource. The paper starts a conversation about the growing importance of political science in Gen Ed by using the case of the Government Department at Harvard.
Regulation of HIV-1 transcription in cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been shown to replicate productively in cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage, although replication occurs to a lesser extent than in infected T cells. As cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage become differentiated and activated and subsequently travel to a variety of end organs, they become a source of infectious virus and secreted viral proteins and cellular products that likely initiate pathological consequences in a number of organ systems. During this process, alterations in a number of signaling pathways, including the level and functional properties of many cellular transcription factors, alter the course of HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-directed gene expression. This process ultimately results in events that contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. First, increased transcription leads to the upregulation of infectious virus production, and the increased production of viral proteins (gp120, Tat, Nef, and Vpr), which have additional activities as extracellular proteins. Increased viral production and the presence of toxic proteins lead to enhanced deregulation of cellular functions increasing the production of toxic cellular proteins and metabolites and the resulting organ-specific pathologic consequences such as neuroAIDS. This article reviews the structural and functional features of the cis-acting elements upstream and downstream of the transcriptional start site in the retroviral LTR. It also includes a discussion of the regulation of the retroviral LTR in the monocyte-macrophage lineage during virus infection of the bone marrow, the peripheral blood, the lymphoid tissues, and end organs such as the brain. The impact of genetic variation on LTR-directed transcription during the course of retrovirus disease is also reviewed.
Toxicity of coal-distillates to Spirodela polyrrhiza.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate growth responses of an aquatic vascular plant, Spirodela polyrrhiza, to water-soluble fractions of raw and hydrotreated coal-distillates. S. polyrrhiza is easy to grow in laboratory culture and its growth responses are readily determined by macroscopic observation of changes in frond number. Raw and hydrotreated coal-distillates were chosen as test compounds because hydrotreatment of increasing severity reduced concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons in coal-distillates, thereby lessening their toxicity to algae. These distillates thus provide a means of determining the influence of sequential reductions in concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons on the growth of Spirodela polyrrhiza and for comparing the responses of this plant to those obtained with algae.
Chemotherapy-Associated Oxidative Stress: Impact on Chemotherapeutic Effectiveness

Antineoplastic agents induce oxidative stress in biological systems. During cancer chemotherapy, oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation generates numerous electrophilic aldehydes that can attack many cellular targets. These products of oxidative stress can slow cell cycle progression of cancer cells and cause cell cycle checkpoint arrest, effects that may interfere with the ability of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. The aldehydes may also inhibit drug-induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) by inactivating death receptors and inhibiting caspase activity. These effects would also diminish the efficacy of the treatment. The use of anti-oxidants during chemotherapy may enhance therapy by reducing the generation of oxidative stress-induced aldehydes.
Isolated Polyethylene Exchange versus Acetabular Revision for Polyethylene Wear

Polyethylene wear and osteolysis are not uncommon in THA mid- and long-term. In asymptomatic patients the dilemma faced by the orthopaedic surgeon is whether to revise the cup and risk damage to the supporting columns and even pelvic discontinuity or to perform isolated polyethylene exchange and risk a high rate of postoperative recurrent instability and dislocation that will necessitate further surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients (67 hips) who underwent revision arthroplasty for polywear and osteolysis. Thirty-six hips had isolated polyethylene exchange, while 31 had full acetabular revision. The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 2.8 years; range, 2–5 years). Three of 36 hips with a retained cup grafted through the cup holes failed within 5 years due to acetabular loosening. One of 31 hips with full revision underwent re-revision for aseptic cup loosening at 5 months postoperatively. Although we do not recommend prophylactic revision of all cups for polywear and osteolysis, the patient may be warned of the possibility of an approximate 10% failure rate when retaining the acetabular component. We do, however, advocate cup extraction in the following situations: damage to the locking mechanism, erosion of the femoral head through the liner and into the cup damaging the metal, and a malpositioned component that may jeopardize the stability of the revision. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A fluorescent cellular adhesion assay using insect cell produced human VCAM1

Activated endothelium and some dendritic cells express the adhesion molecule VCAM1, a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. Mononuclear leukocytes display the integrin VLA4 that functions as a counterreceptor for VCAM1. The interaction of VCAM1 with VLA4 mediates cell to cell adhesion events believed to be important regulators of inflammation, cancer cell metastasis, and atherosclerosis. This report describes the development of a fluorescent adhesion assay that specifically measures T cell adhesion to recombinant human VCAM1 (rVCAM1) expressed in a baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS). We describe a simple and rapid protocol to partially purify non-denatured rVCAM1 from insect cell membrane preparations (VCAM1 infected Sf9 cells). Jurkat cells, a T cell line expressing VLA4, specifically adhered to the rVCAM1 membrane preparations coated onto 96-well plates. Jurkat cells did not adhere to control membrane preparations that lacked rVCAM1 protein. Both unstimulated and IL-2 stimulated Jurkat cells displayed functional VLA4 capable of binding to immobilized rVCAM1. Monoclonal antibodies recognizing either VCAM1 (E1/6, BBA6) or VLA4 (HP2/1) blocked specific VCAM1/VLA4 adhesion, whereas a monoclonal antibody to the alpha chain of LFA1 did not block adhesion. The methods described here could be applied to develop similar functional assays for other cell surface receptors/counterreceptors expressed in a BEVS.
The kinetics of precipitation of barium sulfate from aqueous solution

Abstract The rate of precipitation of barium sulfate has been investigated using the conductimetric technique. In direct mixing experiments all but a negligible number of precipitation nuclei form during the mixing process, probably in small local volume elements where the supersaturation is larger than it is after complete homogenization. In the earliest stages of precipitation the rate of linear growth of barium sulfate crystals is independent of their size and apparently limited by a process occurring at the crystal-solution interface. After the crystals reach a certain size their growth rate becomes limited by diffusion. It is shown that the assumption of Christiansen and Nielsen [2], that the reciprocal of the time of appearance of turbidity is directly proportional to the homogeneous nucleation frequency, is probably not valid.
Sesquiterpene lactones from Centaurea repens

Abstract Six sesquiterpene lactones have been isolated and characterized from Centaurea repens. They are identified as cynaropicrin, repin, janerin, aguerin B, repdiolide and epoxyrepdiolide.
A nonanalytic, quasistationary approximation scheme applied to a model problem

A model problem designed to incorporate several of the features of slow-motion gravity is analyzed. In common with a previous model calculation the present work supports the idea that divergent integrals which arise in analytic quasistationary perturbation schemes are artifacts of these schemes and can be eliminated by using singular perturbation techniques, in which they get replaced by finite nonanalytic terms. The new features of the present model are (1) it illustrates the necessity of straining the outgoing null coordinate to eliminate logarithmic nonuniformities in nonlinear order for large radius, and (2) it is exactly solvable for the pure-frequency case, which gives an important check on the approximation scheme. Straining the null coordinate immediately introduces time-odd terms in the near zone which are larger than the standard linear-theory damping result. However, these terms are shown to be spurious in that they are canceled by higher-order contributions in the approximation scheme. Thus the standard linear-theory damping result holds in the model, even when nonlinear effects are considered.
In vitro exposure to quercetin and genistein alters lipid peroxides and prevents the loss of glutathione in human progenitor mononuclear (U937) cells.

The effects of savonoids quercetin and genistein were investigated according to their potency to inhibit the oxidation of U937 cells via Fenton's pathway through the analysis of lipid peroxides and glutathione (GSH) levels. Human leukemia (U937) cells from the American Type Culture Collection were maintained at 37 °C for 24 h under 5% CO2 tension in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 50 units ml−1 each of penicillin and streptomycin. Cells were oxidized with iron 50 µM) or copper (50 µM) in H2O2 (0.01 mM) without or with a savonoid sample (10 or 20 µM) for the lipid peroxidation studies. The GSH levels were measured (GSH Kit) before and after oxidation as above with different concentrations of savonoids (0–40 µM). Lipid peroxide was measured by the thiobarbituric acid assay. Both quercetin and genistein at either the 10 or 20 µM level decreased lipid peroxidation signicantly compared with their respective controls (P < 0.01). Lipid peroxides by Fe compared to the Cu-treated samples did not differ signicantly from each other. However, the combination of savonoids at the doses tested signicantly (P < 0.001) decreased lipid peroxides, the effect being the same for both metal ions. The GSH levels increased signicantly before exposure to the metal ions (for the different doses for the differences between the savonoid samples and their respective untreated levels). For quercetin and genistein the increases in GSH above their untreated levels were 4.5, 8.3, 11.7 and 15 and 3.8, 7.9, 12.5 and 14.6 nmol 10−6 cells, respectively, for the 5–40 µM levels tested for each savonoid. Following the exposure to the metal ions, GSH levels remained almost the same for the different concentrations for each of the savonoids tested but signicantly above all of the controls and same for those of the untreated samples. The results indicate that both savonoids inhibited lipid peroxides and the inhibition may be attributed to the prevention of loss of intracellular GSH levels in U937 cells. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catecholamine- and endotoxin-influenced cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity in chickens.

Abstract 1. Catecholamines suppress cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) to intradermal phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) challenge in chickens. 2. E. coli 0127: B8 endotoxin, reserpine, and propranolol prevented a norepinephrine-induced suppress of CBH. 3. PHA-P induced CBH appeared to be mediated through a β-adrenergic receptor mechanism associated with plasma corticosterone in chickens.
Oxygen broadening parameters of water vapor: 1212–2136 cm−1

Abstract Oxygen-broadened half-widths and pressure induced frequency shifts of water vapor were measured in the (0 1 0)–(0 0 0) band between 1212 and 2136 cm−1. Over 400 observations were obtained at 0.0054 cm−1 spectral resolution using a Fourier transform spectrometer at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. The observed width coefficients ranged from 0.0057 to 0.0718 cm−1/atm and the shift coefficients fell between 0.0042 and −0.0169 cm−1/atm. Previous measurements of N2- and air-broadening of H2O by the first author over this spectral range were included in the analysis to compute air-broadening coefficients with comparisons to the observed values. The H2O+O2 measured half-widths are compared with previously measured values given in the available literature.
The triple procedure: Combined penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction and lens implantation. An expanded experience

The results of 177 triple procedures are presented from a continuous series of 197 cases recorded from 1973 to 1982. Eighty-nine percent achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better within a minimum followup period of six months. The complication rate was low, and usually managed medically. Subsequent major surgical procedures were required in only twelve (7%) of these cases (eight repeat keratoplasty, two retina repair, one resuture of graft incision, and one peripheral iridectomy). Subsequent minor surgical procedures were for discission of the posterior lens capsule in 50% of the medallion-style lens cases, and in 7% of the posterior chamber lens cases.
Surface Deformation Caused by Pressure Changes in the Fluid Core

Pressure load Love numbers are presented for the mantle deformation induced by the variation of the pressure field at the core mantle boundary (CNB). We find that the CMB geostrophic pressure fields, derived from 'frozen-flux' core surface flow estimates at epochs 1965 and 1975, produce a relative radial velocity (RRV) field in the range of 3mm/decade with uplift near the equator and subsidence near the poles. The contribution of this mechanism to the change in the length of day (l.o.d) is small --- about 2.3 x 10(exp -2) ms/decade. The contribution to the time variation of the ellipticity coefficient is more important --- -1.3 x 10(exp -11)/yr.
Kernel width adaptation in information theoretic cost functions

This paper presents an algorithm for online adaptation of the kernel width parameter in information theoretic cost functions used for adaptive system training. Training algorithms which optimize information theoretic quantities like entropy involve choosing a kernel size for their sample estimators. The kernel size essentially dictates the nature of the performace surface of the cost function over which the system parameters adapt. This, in turn, governs factors like speed of adaptation and presence of local minima. We show results of using the Minimum Error Entropy (MEE) criterion with the proposed adaptive kernel algorithm for training a time delay neural network. Our simulations show that having an adaptive kernel width results in faster convergence of parameters as compared to having fixed values.
Evidence of a Double Surface Crossing between Open- and Closed-Shell Surfaces in the Photodissociation of Cyclopropyl Iodide

Gas-phase photodissociations of cyclopropyl iodide were conducted at 266 and 279.7 nm, and the radical products were probed by multiphoton ionization, with imaging of the resulting ions and their corresponding electrons. Solution-phase photodissociations of cyclopropyl iodide were also conducted with TEMPO-trapping of the radical dissociation products. In both gas and solution phases, allyl radical was found to be a direct product of the cyclopropyl iodide photodissociation. CASSCF calculations indicate that the allyl radical could be formed directly from photoexcited cyclopropyl iodide by way of two surface crossings between open- and closed-shell potential energy surfaces. Each surface crossing represents a point of potential bifurcation in the reaction dynamics. Thus, cyclopropyl iodide that is excited to a 1 (n,U*) state can remain on an open-shell surface and generate the cyclopropyl radical and an iodine atom or can cross to a closed-shell (ion-pair) surface. The cyclopropyl cation that results from the surface crossing can undergo barrierless ring opening to the allyl cation before crossing back to an open-shell surface to generate allyl radical and an iodine atom. In this manner, both cyclopropyl radical and allyl radical can be formed as direct products of cyclopropyl iodide photodissociation.
A Robust Installation for Brick-Mold Windows and Doors Using Self-Adhered Flashing

Current standardized practices for window and door installation methodologies are typically based on fenestration products that feature integral flanges that form a continuous surface to mount and integrate the fenestration product to the water resistive barrier (WRB)/drainage plane of the wall. While these types of units form the majority of fenestration products available, there are several “non-integral” flange type systems that are also utilized in the construction industry. These include “brick-mold” windows and doors, field-applied flange windows, and non-flanged “box” windows. Due to the discontinuity between the mounting system and the window frame, these types of fenestration systems pose special challenges to achieve a robust, continuous, and water-resistant integration between the fenestration product and the wall, which is not adequately addressed by ASTM E2112, “Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors, and Skylights” or other standardized methods. The paper describes an installation method for windows and doors with factory-applied brick-mold exterior casings and presents the performance characteristics in laboratory testing of units installed using the method.
Use of spreadsheets in the kinetic analysis of two consecutive first-order reactions

Abstract The present author developed an expression in a previous report that could be applied to the determination of the two rate constants, k 1 and k 2 , for two consecutive irreversible first-order reactions (2CIFR). This expression was solved utilizing various computer methods and rate data (which could be obtained from conversion (α) versus time ( t ) curves). Thus, BASICA (IBM), Lotus spreadsheets, and the Paradox data base were employed. The usual expressions developed for 2CIFR can be converted into dimensionless parameters and variables (DPV). One investigator (to be mentioned subsequently) developed a procedure whereby these DPV could be used to solve for k 1 and k 2 in 2CIFR. His method was rather tedious in that it involved plotting, superposing, and displacement measurements. In the present paper, a Lotus spreadsheet will be utilized to analyze 2CIFR for k -values. By means of this analysis, which utilizes dimensionless variables, these k -values will be obtainable in a matter of seconds once the experimental data is provided.
Two effects of high-fat diets on the satiating potency of cholecystokinin-8

Chronic ingestion of diets containing 34% or 54% fat have been reported [Peptides 19 (1998) 1407] to decrease the inhibitory effect on food intake of doses of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) less than 1 microg/kg i.p. We attempted to replicate this phenomenon in three experiments by comparing the effect of high-fat and low-fat diets on the threshold dose of CCK-8 for inhibition and on the dose-response function for doses of CCK-8 that ranged from 0.125 to 2.0 microg/kg. The first experiment tested rats five times per week. Rats on a 34% fat diet had a higher threshold (1.0 microg/kg) than rats on a 5% fat diet (0.25 microg/kg). The dose-response functions, however, were not significantly different. This result replicated the earlier report [Peptides 19 (1998) 1407]. The second experiment tested rats maintained on the same diets every other day as in the original report. It failed, however, to replicate the results of the first experiment or the earlier report because the threshold doses and the dose-response functions of CCK-8 were not significantly different between rats on 34% and 5% fat diets. The third experiment compared the potency of CCK-8 in rats on a 60% fat diet with the potency in rats on a 5% fat diet. CCK-8 was significantly more potent in the rats on the 60% fat diet because the threshold dose of these rats was lower (0.125 microg/kg) than in rats on the 5% fat diet (0.25 microg/kg), and the dose-response function in rats on the 60% fat diet was significantly more potent than in rats on the 5% fat diet. Thus, we observed two effects of the chronic ingestion of high-fat diets on the inhibitory potency of CCK-8: (1). A 34% fat diet increased the threshold dose of CCK-8 without changing the dose-response function in one of two experiments. (2). A 60% fat diet increased the potency of CCK-8 because it decreased the threshold dose and increased the dose-response function significantly.
Rates of convergence for linear rank statistics with dependent data

Abstract Asymptotic distributions and rates of convergence are obtained for linear rank statistics with dependent random variables. It is assumed that the dependent random variables can be written as a set of N independent random vectors. The lengths of the independent random vectors are allowed to be unequal, but bounded; and the distribution functions of the vectors are arbitrary. Some results are given for certain unbounded score functions with approximate scores; most results assume that the score function has a bounded second derivative. The results are especially suitable for deriving asymptotic rank tests for models with dependent observations and unequal cell sizes, such as stratified random effects models and repeated measures designs with missing observations.
Chemical-Shift-Selective Acquisition of Multiple-Quantum-Filtered23Na Signal

Abstract Equations describing the multiple-quantum (MQ) signal produced by an MQ pulse sequence are systematically derived in both absence and presence of refocusing RF pulses. When the RF pulses in an MQ pulse sequence satisfy certain conditions, these equations may be arranged in a factorized form. The off-resonance effects on the MQ signal due to chemical shift can then be analyzed separately during the preparation and evolution times. Using the reformulated equations, the dependence of the amplitude of an MQ signal on the phase shift induced by the resonance offset during the preparation and evolution times is demonstrated. By use of the new equations, it is shown that the off-resonance effects, occurring during both the preparation and evolution times, may be described in terms of the same physical process, i.e., interference between echo and antiecho. In applying the off-resonance effects for the elimination of the MQ signal in the presence of chemical shift, it is possible to suppress the MQ signal over a wider off-resonance bandwidth by use of the nonrefocused preparation and evolution times than by use of a single time. Furthermore, by taking an alternative approach in deriving the equations, the interference between echo and antiecho due to the resonance offset is shown to be insensitive to the flip angle of the creation RF pulse (usually the second π/2 RF pulse). The theoretical findings were experimentally verified by use of a phantom containing sodium in agarose.
Management Control Systems for J.I.T.: An Empirical Comparison of Japan and the U.S.

Just-in-Time manufacturing (J.I.T.), an essential component of the Japanese manufacturing model, is increasingly emulated by western corporations. While J.I.T. has received considerable conceptual and empirical attention, suitable management control systems, which are essential to successful implementation, have been sorely neglected. This study provides large-scale empirical evidence comparing management control systems as they relate to J.I.T. in the U.S. and Japan.
Introduction: Domestic disturbances

ADAM TRUEMAN: Where's this woman that's not at home in her own house? (Anna Cora Mowatt, Fashion, 1845) ODEILIA PANDAHR: ThisOne thanks you for the great gift of the tatted dishtowels. They have be...
“Recurrence” of cyclosporine nephropathy in a heart transplant recipient

CYCLOSPORINE has led to major improvements in the outcome of solid organ transplantation. 1 However, renal dysfunction and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have been reported in patients receiving cyclosporine. 1-3 We report a case of a heart transplant recipient who developed ESRD attributable to cyclosporine nephropathy that, subsequently, developed similar lesions after a kidney transplantation from a living-related donor.
Prenatal Narrowing or Closure of the Foramen Ovale

In the current study cases are presented in which a prenatally narrowed or closed foramen ovale was associated with left heart chambers of normal or near-normal size. Such infants develop an increased pulmonary arterial muscle mass with hypertrophy and dilation of the right cardiac chambers during fetal life. Much of the arterial muscle mass persists after birth and may well be responsible for the early neonatal death of the infants. The longer asymptomatic survival of one infant suggests that therapy may be possible.
Reengineering an urban slum: a case study of Dharavi, India

The Maharashtra Government in India has given the green light on the Dharavi slum redevelopment project in the heart of the business district of Mumbai in India. A total of 535 acres will have to be reengineered to resettle about 600,000 current residents of this slum neighbourhood. This project, which began in 2007, will cost Rs. 10,000 crores ($2.5 billion) over 7 years. We begin by using a historical analysis to understand the growth of Dharavi over the past century, and then appraise the proposed reengineering project using a holistic stakeholder approach, and simultaneously examine potential caveats of the proposal. According to a recent UN-HABITAT report, rural to urban migration will continue to spiral in the next few decades, thus creating larger urban slum populations throughout the developing world. If successful, the Dharavi project has a wide potential of being replicated in reengineering other urban slums in India and elsewhere.
Effect of Sanguinin, an antibacterial agent from blood, on streptococcal infection in mice.

Summary and ConclusionsThe blood hydrolysate Sanguinin was tested in vivo in 268 albino mice accompanied by 221 untreated controls for its effectiveness against the beta-hemolytic Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Sanguinin solution (20 mg/ml) was inoculated subcutaneously (0.25 to 1.0 mg/mouse daily, usually for 4-6 days) either prior or after infection. Suppressive effect on the course of the infection was noted in all series of treated mice. A significant increase in survival time was noted in the pretreated series with an average survival percentage of 38.9 compared with 6.0 of the total of untreated controls. It does not appear that a direct correlation can be established between the survival rates and the intake of Sanguinin or the length of its administration, however, pretreatment seems to be of decisive value.
Adrenocortical function and anxiety

Abstract 1. The nature of the adrenocortical-anxiety relationship is reexamined and affirmed to be a specific relationship rather than a nonspecific one. 2. The suggestion is offered that a shift from glucocorticoid to mineralocorticoid secretion results in a concomitant shift from euphoric to dysphoric mood. 3. Recent advances in assessment of adrenocortical function are reviewed, particularly hormone production rate measurement and nonprotein-bound cortisol determination (functionally active hormone). 4. Recent work on the psychological correlates of adrenocortical function are also reviewed and particular emphasis attached to predictive studies based on elucidation of components of the diagnostic evaluative interview as well as to the social setting of the experimental situation.