cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compartmentalised MAPK Pathways

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway provides cells with the means to interpret external signal cues or conditions, and respond accordingly. This cascade regulates many cell functions such as differentiation, proliferation and migration. Through modulation of both the amplitude and duration of MAPK signalling, cells can control their responses to the multiple activators of the pathway. In addition, recent work has highlighted the importance of the cellular compartment from which the signalling occurs. Cells have developed intricate systems that enable them to localise MAPK components to specific subcellular domains in response to a particular stimulus. Consequently, different factors can activate the same kinase in separate locations. Crucial to this ability are molecular scaffolds, which act as signalling modules for MAPKs, confining them to the desired compartment. The participation of the MAPK network in fundamental physiological processes, such as cell proliferation and inflammation, and the derangement of the homeostasis that occurs in disease processes, renders MAPK a highly desirable target for therapeutic intervention. As we enhance our comprehension of scaffolds and other regulatory molecules, novel targets for drug design may be discovered that will afford selective and specific MAPK modulation.
Subignited, ITER-like designs - a question of confinement margin

If the next-step International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is designed to operate at finite energy multiplication (Q [approximately] 10 to 20), as opposed to ignition (Q [approximately] [infinity]), appreciable reductions in size and cost will result. Ignition will be attainable in such a [open quotes]high-Q targeted[close quotes] device under slightly enhanced confinement conditions. For example, with the nominal design guidelines, from the ITER Conceptual Design Activity (CDA), designing for Q = 15 instead of ignition results in [approximately] 20% savings in size and cost. Ignition would still be achievable in such a reduced-size device if the L-mode energy confinement enhancement factor (i.e., H factor) is [approximately] 15% higher than the assumed nominal value of 2.0. This size/cost impact is large compared to other sensitivities, and the range of H-factor improvement needed to recoup ignition is small compared to the uncertainty in the confinement scalings themselves. 12 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Influence of pH and oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) on the dissolution of mercury-containing mine wastes from the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine

This study was undertaken as a part of the development of treatment alternatives for waste materials, primarily waste rock and roaster tailings, from sites contaminated by mercury (Hg) mining wastes. Leaching profiles of waste rock over a range of pH and oxidation-reduction (Eh) conditions were performed. Because iron (Fe) is present in large quantities in mining wastes, the effect of Fe on the leaching of Hg was also determined. Results show that the Hg concentration increased as the pH of the suspension increased until a pH value of 10.65. Thereafter, the Hg concentration decreased sharply. The Hg concentration in the presence of Fe decreased significantly (1/10th to 1/100th). Kinetics results show a relatively slow rate of leaching in the presence of ferric ions. The results obtained from the present study are being used to predict the fate and stability of Hg present in the environment and will, therefore, be useful in dictating the nature and suitability of any remediation treatment.
Chemoradiation Vs Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: A Propensity Score-weighted Comparative Analysis Using the National Cancer Database.

ABSTRACT Objective To address the overarching question whether chemoradiation therapy (CMT) offers overall survival (OS) similar to that of radical cystectomy (RC) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), we performed analyses using the National Cancer Database. Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed with MIBC in 2004-2014 who underwent RC or received primary CMT were identified in the National Cancer Database. Survival was estimated using the weighted Kaplan-Meier method, and propensity score-weighted Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate association of clinicopathologic features with outcome. Results Of 484,367 patients with a diagnosis of bladder cancer, 35,856 underwent RC and 4050 received CMT. After applying the exclusion/inclusion criteria, data for 15,854 patients who underwent RC and 2083 who received CMT were available for analysis. Five-year OS was 40.4% in the RC group and 29.4% in the CMT group (P Conclusion and Relevance OS after 1 year of treatment was increased in RC group compared to CMT group in patient with MIBC. Further studies are required to identify optimal treatment for specific patients.
Kinetics and mechanism for hydrothermal conversion of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) for wastewater valorization

Conventional wastewater treatment processes can be tailored to recover organic carbon from wastewater as intracellular polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) polymer granules while simultaneously meeting effluent discharge standards. Traditional applications of PHB as a bioplastic are hampered by its suboptimal properties (e.g., brittle), lack of efficient and sustainable approaches for recovering PHB from cells, and concerns about wastewater-derived impurities. In this study, we report on the conversion of PHB and its monomer acids – 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3HBA) and crotonic acid (CA) – under hydrothermal conditions (in condensed water at elevated temperature and pressure) to form propylene, a valuable chemical intermediate that self-separates from water. PHB depolymerization results in a mixture of 3HBA and CA, which can interconvert via (de)hydration reactions that vary with prevailing reaction conditions. Further hydrothermal conversion of the monomer acids yields propylene and CO2. Conversion of 3HBA occurs at lower temperatures than CA, and a new concerted dehydration-decarboxylation pathway is proposed, which differs from the sequential dehydration (3HBA to CA) and decarboxylation (CA to propylene and CO2) pathway reported for dry thermal conversion. A kinetics network model informed by experimental results reveals that CA conversion to propylene and CO2 proceeds predominantly via hydration to 3HBA followed by the concerted dehydration-decarboxylation pathway rather than by direct decarboxylation of CA. Demonstrative experiments using PHB-containing methanotrophic biomass show results consistent with the model, producing propylene at near-theoretical yields at lower temperatures than reported previously.
College Selectivity and Later-Life Memory Function: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.

Research has shown a consistent association between college completion and laterlife cognition. We extend this work by examining whether college selectivity—the achievement level required to gain a...
Falloposcope Modifications for Clinical Trials

We present engineering design improvements upon a prototype fallopian tube endoscope. These modifications allow for interchangeability between endoscopes and reduce complexity. The construction time for each endoscope has been significantly reduced compared to the prototype.
Oak growth and acorn production in southern Appalachian mature forests and shelterwood with reserves regeneration harvests

Abstract Oaks (Quercus) are economically important, and their seed (acorns) are a valuable food for many animals. Thus, forest managers must consider potential tradeoffs between oak growth and acorn production. I used 13 years of dbh growth and 17 years of acorn trapping data on 195 trees of five common eastern oak species to compare stand-level growth and acorn production between closed canopy mature forest (M) and recent shelterwood with reserves regeneration harvests (SW) (BA 27.3 ± 1.7 m2/ha in M; 5.1 + 0.8 m2/ha in SW at study establishment). I also examined treatment differences in dbh growth, crown expansion, and acorns/m2 crown at the individual tree level, using a subset of paired (by species and dbh) trees. Despite five times more oak trees and oak BA in M, average annual total acorn production/ha was only double (58,199/ha in M) that in SW (27,298/ha), and was statistically greater in M than SW for total oaks and white oak. Stand- and paired individual tree-level analyses indicated that average acorns/m2 crown and dbh growth was approximately 70% greater in SW than M for total oaks. Crown area increases were greater in SW than M for total oak (66%) and northern red oak (74%), and crown areas in SW expanded disproportionately to increases in dbh alone. In mixed-oak southern Appalachian forests, silvicultural treatments retaining 20–40 mature oaks/ha with fully released crowns will likely yield 50–100% of acorns produced/ha in mature closed canopy stands, as acorn production by residual trees increases. Retention of multiple oak species will reduce the likelihood of stand-level crop failure, as acorn production differs among species and years.
The Hyperactive Child

The hyperactive child is surely unique in the extent to which he has become a source of concern for parents and professionals. The last decade, in particular, has witnessed an acceleration of books, articles, and proposals of treatments for this child. Materials advocating particular viewpoints on cause and treatment of hyperactivity are readily available, although, quite clearly, there has not yet been a definitive and final statement on the subject.
Further understanding of ideal cardiovascular health score metrics and cardiovascular disease

The American Heart Association (AHA) introduced the construct of ‘cardiovascular health (CVH)’, to focus on primordial prevention to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The CVH score...
Identifying the Thematic Trends of Model Based Systems Engineering in Manufacturing and Production Engineering Domains

Manufacturing and production systems have become increasingly complex in the past decade to meet the competitive demand in a growing industry. As these systems grow in complexity and flexibility, there is a need for efficient management and analysis of these systems. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) addresses the complexity inherent with systems development with a model-centric approach that supported tailored modeling languages, methods and tools. This paper identifies the thematic evolution and trends and relationships found in the use and application of MBSE specifically in the manufacturing and production engineering domain. A collection of 471 published article from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Science Direct over the past decade were used for the analysis using text mining techniques. Due to the limitation on the access to full text information of all the articles identified, only abstracts were considered for analysis. This effort helps the researchers across the domain to explore the reason behind and understand the change of the thematic perspectives of MBSE application over the last decade. In addition, the finding of the growing interest in addressing the aspects of complexity and systems requirements, and on the aspects of the use of MBSE for identifying and addressing the challenges related to Cyber Physical Systems help in paving a path for future research.
Sweet's Syndrome: A First in Human Lung Transplantation.

Sweet's Syndrome (SS), also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is one of several cutaneous inflammatory disorders classified as neutrophilic dermatoses. Respiratory complications are described in <50 cases in the literature,1 without prior report of lung transplantation (LT). This article explains the clinical course of the first patient to receive LT for pulmonary SS and presents evidence suggesting recurrence of the primary lung disease in the allograft.
COVID-19 Outcomes Among Users of CD20 Inhibitors for Immune-Mediated Diseases: A Comparative Cohort Study

ObjectivePatients with immune-mediated diseases treated with CD20 inhibitors may have worse COVID-19 outcomes due to impaired humoral immunity, but differences versus the general population are unknown. MethodsWe identified patients with immune-mediated diseases who received CD20 inhibitors within one year prior to the index date of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Comparators with COVID-19 were matched up to 5:1 by age, sex, and PCR date. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death in CD20 inhibitor users versus comparators were estimated using Cox regression. ResultsWe identified 114 cases with COVID-19 who had received CD20 inhibitors for immune-mediated diseases (mean age 55 years, 70% female) and 559 matched comparators with COVID-19 (mean age 54 years, 70% female). CD20 inhibitor-treated cases had higher mortality (aHR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.03 to 4.54) than matched comparators. Risks of hospitalization (aHR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.26) and mechanical ventilation (aHR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.87) were similar. Similar trends were seen in analyses according to type of indication (e.g., rheumatic or neurologic disease) and duration of CD20 inhibitor use (<1 or [≥]1 year), and after excluding patients with interstitial lung disease, cancer, and those on glucocorticoids prior to COVID-19 diagnosis. ConclusionsPatients who received CD20 inhibitors for immune-mediated diseases prior to COVID-19 had higher mortality following COVID-19 than matched comparators, highlighting the urgent need to mitigate excess risks in CD20 inhibitor users during the ongoing pandemic. Key MessagesO_ST_ABSWhat is already known about this subject?C_ST_ABSO_LIPatients with immune-mediated diseases treated with CD20 inhibitors may have worse COVID-19 outcomes than those treated with other immunomodulatory medications, but differences compared to the general population are unknown. C_LI What does this study add?O_LICD20 inhibitor-treated cases had over two-fold higher risk of mortality than matched general population comparators, although risks of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation were similar. C_LI How might this impact on clinical practice or future developments?O_LIThere is an urgent need for risk mitigation strategies, such as SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or booster vaccinations, for patients with immune-mediated diseases treated with CD20 inhibitors during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. C_LI
Dairy products and bone health

Bone mineral mass, geometry and microstructure, hence determinants of fracture risk, result bone accrual during growth and bone loss later in life. Peak bone mass, which is reached by the end of the second decade of life, is mainly determined by genetic factors. Among other factors influencing bone capital, dietary intakes, particularly calcium and protein, play a significant role in peak bone mass attainment. Both nutrients are provided in dairy products, which accounts for 50-60% and 20-30% of the daily calcium and protein intakes, respectively. Children avoiding dairy products are at higher risk of fracture, as are adults or older individuals following a diet devoid of dairy products, like vegans. Various intervention trials have shown some beneficial effects of dairy products on bone capital accumulation during growth and on bone turnover in adults. In observational studies, dairy products intake, particularly the fermented ones, which also provide probiotics in addition to calcium, phosphorus and protein, appear to be associated with a lower risk of hip fracture.
The chemical and physical origin of incineration ash reactivity in cementitious systems

Abstract Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ashes are byproducts of the combustion process at a waste-to-energy facility, often destined for the landfill. These ashes can be compositionally comparable to ordinary Portland cement, blast furnace slag, and coal fly ash. However, these ashes are largely unutilized as a supplementary cementitious material as their effect on cementitious systems is not well understood. This lack of understanding is primarily due to the elemental and mineralogical complexity of these ashes. To solve this problem, here we have analyzed the hydration behavior of ordinary Portland cement blended with 8 distinct and diverse MSWI ashes. Our results indicate that incorporating these MSWI ashes can either accelerate or retard cement hydration depending upon their composition. Specifically, Cu, Fe, Al, Ti, Si, K, Zn, and Sr from the MSWI ash matrix appear to retard cement hydration, while Pb, Br, S, Ca, and Cl appear to accelerate cement hydration. Based on these results, we introduce a new parameter - Incineration Ash Coefficient (IAC) - which correlates with the 7-day compressive strength of mortars incorporating MSWI ashes reasonably well (R2= 0.79). This new parameter, based on fundamental chemical and physical characteristics of ashes, is the first step towards effective screening and employment of MSWI ashes as cementitious materials.
Improved acquisition in a phase-locked loop using sliding mode control techniques

Abstract In many phase-lock loop (PLL) applications, the naturally occurring pull-in process is too slow and unreliable. Therefore, PLLs use acquisition aids to mitigate the process of locking onto the phase of some input reference signal. Commonly used acquisition aids have deficiencies with limiting effects. For voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) sweeping, deficiencies include lock detector requirements and search rate limitations. For a charge-pump subsystem, the operated sequential phase detector (PD) is less resistant to errors than an analog multiplier PD. In order to overcome the deficiencies of common acquisition aids and improve PLL robustness to perturbations, it is proposed to use a conventional or a second order sliding mode controller (SMC/2-SMC) as an acquisition aid to provide robust finite-time phase-lock in the PLL. This improvement is achieved without the use of a lock detector, and the disabling of the acquisition aid is not necessary. The PLL aided by SMC/2-SMC is studied analytically and via simulations. A significant improvement of the PLL’s performance is demonstrated; specifically, the lock time is decreased, and the steady state phase error is reduced for a frequency ramp input.
Nanotoxicology: Determining Nano-Bio Interactions and Evaluating Toxicity Using In vitro Models

The nanotechnology industry is a global enterprise containing approximately 10 different mass-produced engineered nanomaterials. The rise in popularity of engineered nanomaterials has consequently resulted in incorporation of nanomaterials into hundreds of consumer products and provides great promise for new technological breakthroughs. While the remarkable properties of these nano-enabled products have the potential to revolutionize several industries and many aspects of human life, human exposure to nanomaterials is inevitable through both intentional (or active) intake, such as through medical intervention or food ingestion, and unintentional contact, such as inhalation of particles or skin contact through disposal during occupational processes. Questions regarding toxicological and biological impact of nanomaterials and their safety are subjects of considerable debate. The chapter reviews the current understanding, as well as ongoing research efforts, in the area of assessing exposure and identifying mechanistic toxicological effects induced by engineered nanomaterials. More research is needed to understand if the associated nano-enabled products also induce similar adverse outcomes. The utility of in vitro studies in this regard is the cost-effective, yet rapid screening, ability to find evidence for key signal transduction pathways.
Four Ways To Improve SEC Enforcement

The enforcement program at the Securities and Exchange Commission has been the subject of severe criticism in recent years. The occasional reforms that have been adopted have not begun to root out the deeper, structural defects with the investigation and charging process at the SEC. Reforms going to the essence of the process and the way the Division of Enforcement operates are needed. The three fundamental problems with SEC enforcement are that the Commission and the Division of Enforcement (1) advance legal theories that are outside settled boundaries, (2) misunderstand or mischaracterize the factual record, and (3) fail to accord fair and impartial treatment to persons being investigated. The result is an unacceptably high number of cases that lack merit, meaning either that the extensive evidence collected by the SEC does not support the alleged violation or that the case relies on a legal theory that is not likely to be accepted by a court. The SEC can do better and be more effective. It can extend more fairness and consideration to those being investigated without any damage to tough enforcement. The paper describes four ways to improve SEC enforcement: • use established and accepted legal theories and do not base claims on new, untested liability theories, • create an objective and balanced investigative record that considers both potential wrongdoing and innocent explanations,• apply rigorous, neutral standards before opening investigations and initiating cases. A formal investigation should be based on credible evidence justifying a reasonable suspicion of a possible violation and on an evaluation of enforcement priorities. The Commissioners should not authorize a proceeding unless they believe a reasonable person would conclude that the SEC is more likely than not to prevail on the facts and the law and believe that a proceeding would serve broad and legitimate enforcement goals, and • substantially shorten investigations. Each member of the staff should make an effort to limit the number of documents requested and the number of individuals called for testimony. A fifth possible reform, discussed in an earlier article, is that the SEC should significantly narrow investigative subpoenas.
Melilotate hydroxylase. Purification of the enzyme and the nature of the prosthetic group.

Studies on highly purified melilotate hydroxylase indicate that flavin adenine dinucleotide is the prosthetic group of the enzyme. The apoenzyme, found to be homogeneous by starch gel and disc electrophoresis, has a molecular weight of approximately 65,000 as determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and Sephadex gel filtration.
Continuing Medical Education: 2009 Update on Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Therapy Part 2: Updates on Optimal Utilization for Sexual Concerns and Rare Toxicities in This Class (CME)

Abstract Introduction Highly selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5I) have been commercially available for over a decade. Our knowledge of these drugs continues to expand. Aims To review recent (since 2007) developments on the utilization of PDE5I in clinical practice. The focus of this manuscript is on the use of PDE5I for sexual concerns. Also reviewed are recent reports of rare but potentially serious toxicity. Methods Pubmed search utilizing the search terms “phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor,”“PDE5 inhibitor,”“sildenafil,”“vardenafil,” and “tadalafil.” Articles were screened for their relevance to the clinical practice of sexual medicine and/or PDE5I toxicity. Publications on routine dose PDE5I for penile rehabilitation, lower urinary tract symptoms, and stuttering priapism are summarized in a separate manuscript in this series. Main Outcome Measures Peer-reviewed publications since the last major update on PDE5I published in the medical literature. Results Recent investigations have suggested a number of interventions to potentially improve patient compliance with PDE5I therapy. Additionally, the approval in the past year of tadalafil as a daily medication signifies a potential paradigm shift in our concept of this disorder. Daily dosing may be useful in some men; however, the other available PDE5I continue to show excellent efficacy in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition to direct effects on ED, several recent reports highlight the use of PDE5I for improvement of premature ejaculation, sexual relationship status, and sexual function in women. There have also been several recent reports of rare but serious toxicity, particularly ototoxicity, associated with PDE5I use. Conclusions Recent studies have suggested new ways to optimize utilization of PDE5I not only for the management of ED but also for other sexual concerns in both men and women. Rare but serious toxicities have been reported with PDE5I and, therefore, judicious counseling is indicated before prescribing these medications. Shindel AW. 2009 update on phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy part 2: Updates on optimal utilization for sexual concerns and rare toxicities in this class. J Sex Med 2009;6:2352–2364.
A fully-integrated continuous-time programmable CCIR 601 video filter

Digitizing video signals requires high-order anti-aliasing filters that handle large signal swings with low distortion. CCIR601 standards recommend the equi-ripple gain and group delay characteristics for filtering NTSC and PAL signals. Currently, these characteristics are approximated by expensive hybrids that are not programmable for various applications. This paper introduces a method for integrating such filters using current-mode transimpedance-based structures. A single-chip solution demonstrated here matches the requirements with less than /spl plusmn/0.25 dB gain ripple, /spl plusmn/20 ns group delay variation in the passband, and more than 40 dB attenuation in the stop band. The cut-off frequency, nominally set at 5.5 MHz, is continuously programmable over a decade. The IC can drive 2 Vpp signals into 75 /spl Omega/ load drawing 35 mA quiescent current. Comparable integrated filters using other techniques require substantially larger currents.
Interfacial shear viscosity phenomena in solutions of macromolecules

Abstract The measurement of the surface viscosity of macromolecular, non-Newtonian solutions was investigated using the deep-channel surface viscometer. The assumptions in the basic model for this instrument were analyzed for their effect on the measured value of surface viscosity. It was found that non-Newtonian surface viscosities and the corresponding interfacial shear rate can be determined from experimentally measurable quantities and fit to a proposed model. The non-Newtonian behavior of the viscosity in the bulk of the liquid was shown to have a negligible effect on the measurements because of the low interfacial shear rates encountered. Correction factors were developed to account for the effect of the curved interface on the calculated value of the surface viscosity. The assumptions of a rectilinear channel to represent the circular channel and of no gap between the channel walls and the floor of the dish were found to have negligible effect on the measurement of surface viscosity for normal instrument dimensions and normal operation. The need for further work was indicated for liquid-liquid interfaces, for secondary flow, and for surface aging in the deep-channel surface viscometer.
Turnover rate of molecular species of sphingomyelin in rat brain

Turnover rate of individual molecular species of sphingomyelin of adult rat brain myelin and microsomal membranes was determined after an intracerebral injection of 100 μCi of [C3H3]choline. Myelin and microsomal membrane sphingomyelins were isolated from the rest of the lipids. The individual molecular species of benzoylated sphingomyelin were separated and quantitated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. All individual major molecular species of microsomal and myelin sphingomyelin had maximum incorporation at 6 and 15 days, respectively, after the injection. The specific radioactivity of all the various molecular species of both myelin and microsomal sphingomyelin declined at a similar rate after reaching a maximum. There was no significant difference in the turnover rate of short chain (16:0, 18:0) and long chain (>22:0) fatty acid containing sphingomyelin. The average apparent turnover rate of myelin and microsomal sphingomyelin molecular species was about 14–16 days for the fast pool and about 45 days for the slow pool. It is concluded that individual molecular species of sphingomyelin of myelin and microsomal membranes turned over at a similar rate. Thus, turnover rate of sphingomyelin in myelin and microsomal membranes is not affected by the fatty acyl composition of the lipid.
Transannular radical reactions in bicycloalkanes with ‘inside-outside’ stereochemistry. An unusual bridgehead hydroxylation☆

Barton decarboxylation of a bicyclic ketoacid with trans-intrabridgeadstereochemistry leads to the formation of the cis-bridged ketol. A series of transannular hydrogen atom abstractions produces this net epimerization of the intrabridgehead stereochemistry, a result that cannot be achieved under acidic or basic equilibrating conditions.
Age contrast in ovarian pathology.

Background. Ovarian cancer accounts for approximately 23% of all gynecologic tumors and is the most common fatal gynecologic malignancy. These tumors can Occur in women of all ages, but there are differences in the histologic types during various decades of life. During infancy and childhood, the Predominant type of neoplasms are those of germ cell origin, such as teratomas, dysgerminomas, and endodermal sinus tumors, In adults, epithelial neoplasms, or tumors that originate from the epithelium that covers the ovarian surface, are the most common, accounting for almost 85% of all neoplasms after the age of 50 years. The peak incidence of benign epithelial tumors occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Young women (30 to 40 Years of age) are frequently affected by the so-called “tumors of low malignant potential,” which have excellent prognosis. Older women, on the other hand, usually have the most aggressive forms of ovarian cancer, present with advanced disease, and have a dismal prognosis. Cancer 1993; 71:537-44.
North American Indian Anthropology: Essays on Society and Culture

North American Indian Anthropology: Essays on Society and Culture. Raymond J. Demallie, and Alfonso Ortiz, eds. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1994. + 430 pp., figures, tables, contributors, references, Index.
Comparison of the Effects of Potential Parenteral Vehicles for Poorly Water Soluble Anticancer Drugs (Organic Cosolvents and Cyclodextrin Solutions) on Cultured Endothelial Cells (HUV-EC)

Abstract □ The effect of dilution of parenteral vehicles (organic cosolvent and 0.1 M cyclodextrin solutions) on cultured endothelial cells (HUV-EC) were compared in vitro. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast light microscopy and cell viability by measuring 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction or intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and total protein. Disruption of the HUV-EC monolayer was observed at dilutions of 1 in 20 for the melphalan and PEP cosolvents, 1 in 100 for an investigational drug cosolvent, and 1 in 10 for 0.1 M dimethyl- β -cyclodextrin. In comparison, 0.1 M SBE 7M - and HP- β -cyclodextrin caused only minor disruption at a 1 in 5 dilution. MTT reduction, intracellular LDH, and total protein were decreased following exposure to 1 in 10 dilution of the melphalan cosolvent. For other test solutions, intracellular LDH activity and total protein were measured, and reductions were observed following exposure to 1 in 10, 20, and 50 dilutions of the investigational drug cosolvent and 1 in 5 dilution of DM- β -cyclodextrin (0.1 M). At a dilution of 1 in 10, no delayed toxicity was observed for cosolvents or cyclodextrin solutions. Hence, 0.1 M SBE 7M - or HP- β -cyclodextrin formulations may be less damaging to the venous endothelium at the site of injection than organic cosolvent formulations.
Developing a Culturally Sensitive Treatment Modality for Bilingual Spanish‐Speaking Clients: Incorporating Language and Culture in Counseling

The article examines the role of language and culture in the mental health treatment of Hispanics. Although mental health practitioners and researchers have turned their attention to developing culturally sensitive therapeutic practices, an integrative framework is lacking. The proposed conceptual framework illustrates how the dimensions of acculturation, language dominance and preference, and cultural norms, values, and beliefs affect the assessment ofpsychological and physical health. Furthermore, a number of intervention strategies are described in a cultural context. This framework provides a meaningful method of developing an effective treatment program for the bilingual Spanish-speaking client.
The up-and-down method substantially reduces the number of animals required to determine antinociceptive ED50 values.

Abstract As a consequence of an awareness of animal welfare concerns, one of the goals in biomedical research is to reduce, whenever possible, the number of laboratory animals used for experimentation. The up-and-down method is a procedure that has been confirmed to reduce the number of animals needed to determine LD 50 values without compromising reliability. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the up-and-down method could be applied to reduce the number of animals required to obtain the ED 50 values of various antinociceptive agents. The ED 50 values of morphine, heroin, fentanyl, codeine, meperidine, Δ 9 -THC, CP 55,940, nicotine, and epibatidine for mice in the tail-flick test did not differ between the up-and-down method and a traditional dose–response procedure. Whereas a mean of 28 mice/drug were used in the dose–response procedure, only eight mice/drug were used in the up-and-down method. Moreover, the ED 50 values calculated by both methods were highly correlated with each other ( r = 0.99). Similarly, intracerebroventricular administration of either Δ 9 -THC or CP 55,940 to rats resulted in nearly identical ED 50 values for both methods. These results support the use of the up-and-down method as an effective procedure to reduce substantially the number of animals needed to determine ED 50 values of a variety of antinociceptive drugs.
Taxol-mediated changes in fibrosarcoma-induced immune cell function: Modulation of antitumor activities

The anticancer drug taxol (paclitaxel) inhibits tumors through multiple cytotoxic and cytostatic mechanisms. Independently of these mechanisms, taxol induces distinct immunological efficacy when it acts as a second signal for activation of tumoricidal activity by interferon-γ(IFNγ)-primed murine normal host macrophages. We reported that tumor-distal macrophages, which mediate immunosuppression through dysregulated nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) production, are differentially regulated by taxol. Because taxol influences tumor cell growth dynamics and activates immune cell populations, we assessed the ex vivo immunosuppressive and antitumor activities of taxol-treated normal host and tumor-bearing host (TBH) macrophages. Pretreatment of such cells with taxol partly reconstituted T cell alloantigen reactivity, suggesting that taxol mediates a limited reversal of TBH macrophage immunosuppressive activity. Taxol-treated TBH macrophages significantly suppressed the growth of fibrosarcoma cells (Meth-KDE) through soluble effector molecules and promoted direct cell-mediated cytotoxicity, indicating that taxol enhanced tumor-induced macrophage antitumor activities. Tumor-induced helper T cells, however, showed a higher sensitivity to direct taxol-induced suppression. These data demonstrate that taxol exerts pleiotropic effects on antitumor immune responses with the capacity to abate the immunosuppressive activities of macrophages and promote macrophage-mediated anti-tumor activities simultaneously, but also directly modulating T cell reactivity. Collectively, these studies suggest that the antineoplastic drug taxol may impart antitumor activity through an immunotherapeutic capacity.
Far and Yet Close: Multiple Viewpoints for the Perfect Portrait

Realistic pictures, whether paintings, photographs or rendered images of models, are traditionally obtained using classical perspective projection. Here I focus on pictures of people and discuss evi- dence suggesting that, for best results, full-length realistic-looking portraits should be produced by combining multiple viewpoints. I test this prediction experimentally and find that full-length portraits look more compelling if appropriate multiple viewpoints are chosen. I notice that multi-viewpoint portraiture has likely been used since the Renaissance, although no explicit mention of it is found in the literature.
Wireless Advertising Messaging: Legal Analysis and Public Policy Issues:

Abstract Wireless advertising messaging is a newly developing form of advertising in the United States that includes short text messages sent to cellular telephones, personal data assistants, and other wireless devices. This article examines the legal and public policy issues raised by this novel form of advertising.
Chomsky and the Question of Palestine

CHOMSKY' s work in linguistics and politics is much better known amongst Jews and Jewish communities than it is amongst Arabs and Arab communities. This is not entirely because Chomsky himself is a Jew who has written on subjects like Israel and Middle East politics that affect Jews very closely. Rather, I think, it is because Chomsky deals in terms as well as subjects in which Jews have been and continue to be prominent: his principal intellectual and professional contributions are to linguistics, a science whose existence is virtually dependent upon the university, which is where, more demonstrably and effectively than elsewhere in the United States, the Jewish presence is at once irresistibly attractive on some moral and most intellectual grounds and deeply troubled on some political ones. Moreover Chomsky has not only appropriated for himself the turf of political philosophy and hard contemporary analysis; he has done it with great moral authority, a style recognized by many Jews to be central to an important Judaic tradition in the West (which it is), and here Chomsky begins to be problematic for Jews with an insistence that no subject, not even Israel, can be exempt from rational analysis. I suspect that to many Jews Chomsky is a Jew who has pushed his Jewishness too far and too wastefully. As a brilliant Jewish colleague of mine put it to me recently, Chomsky hates Israel with such evidence and in such tones of harsh judgement that only a Jew could have done his hating so effectively. By contrast, those Arabs who know Chomsky or his work are likely to have a far less prickly sense of him. Not only has there been very little Arab knowledge of his professional accomplishments: there is a rather limited Arab familiarity with the terms, as well as the settings, of his political work. To us generally he is either known as a big name of some sort, or as someone to whom we can point with fairly uncompli-
Associative asymmetry in paired associate to serial transfer

This experiment involved transfer from a double function paired associate list to either a forward (S-R) or backward (R-S) list derived from the serial list. In contrast to a control group the results indicated significant transfer in the S-R condition but not in the R-S condition. Although the presence of strong interference effects in the learning of a double function list makes it impossible to offer an unambiguous interpretation of these results, it does seem clear that the principle of associative symmetry cannot apply to both acquisition and unlearning.
The neurological consequences of explosives

Neurological injuries produced by explosive blasts are the result of a cascade of events that begin with the initial explosion and evolve from the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary effects that the explosion engenders [Lavonis EJ. Blast Injuries. EMedicine.htm]. Only the results of the primary blast are predictable, and subsequent actions ripple outward in an increasingly random and chance sequence. This article reviews and explains how the ensuing chain of circumstances injures the nervous system, and what examining physicians should anticipate when they treat these patients.
Theoretical treatment of excited electronic states of adsorbates on metals: Electron attachment to CO2 adsorbed on Pt(111)

Abstract Theoretical studies of photoinduced processes involving electron attachment to CO 2 adsorbed on Pt(1 1 1) in the presence of a coadsorbed K atom are reported. First principles theoretical methods suitable for describing electronic states embedded in a near continuum of metal to metal excitations are described. Wave functions are constructed by ab initio configuration interaction methods which allow a rigorous resolution of states and differentiation between competing pathways of molecular desorption and dissociation. An embedding theory is used to achieve high accuracy in the adsorbate-surface region. Compared to CO 2 adsorbed on Pt(1 1 1), the K promoter lowers the work function of the system from 5.6 to 5.2 eV and decreases the energy required to form the electron attached excited electronic state from 6.8 to 5.6 eV. However, stabilization of CO 2 depends strongly on orientation and proximity to the K adatom. The most favorable pathway leading to dissociation requires that CO 2 be adsorbed at a site that does not share Pt atoms with the K adsorption site, i.e., at next-nearest neighbor sites. As was found for Pt(1 1 1) without a K adatom, the dissociation pathway involves bending of CO 2 in the excited state followed by possible dissociation on the excited state surface where the barrier height is reduced from its value of 1.0 eV on the Pt surface to 0.34 eV. As is the case for the unmodified surface, dissociation could also occur after return to the ground state potential energy surface via vibrational processes.
Likelihood ratio and a Bayesian approach were superior to standard noninferiority analysis when the noninferiority margin varied with the control event rate

Abstract Objective To present and compare three statistical approaches for analyzing a noninferiority trial when the noninferiority margin depends on the control event rate. Study design and setting In noninferiority trials with a binary outcome, the noninferiority margin is often defined as a fixed δ, the largest clinically acceptable difference in event rates between treatment groups. An alternative and more flexible approach is to allow δ to vary according to the true event rate in the control group. The appropriate statistical method for evaluating noninferiority with a variable noninferiority margin is not apparent. Three statistical approaches are proposed and compared: an observed event rate (OER) approach based on equating the true control rate to the observed rate, a Bayesian approach, and a likelihood ratio test. Results and conclusions Simulations studies indicate that the proportion of trials in which noninferiority was erroneously demonstrated was higher for the OER approach than with the Bayesian and likelihood ratio approaches. In some cases, the Type I error rate exceeded 10% for the OER approach. The OER approach is not recommended for the analysis of noninferiority trials with a variable margin of equivalence. The Bayesian and likelihood ratio methods yielded better operating characteristics.
Retirement proximity's role in the prediction of satisfaction in academe

As of January 1, 1994, the Amendments to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act eliminated mandatory retirement of college faculty. This change allowed faculty to schedule their retirement in accordance to a personal timetable and not necessarily by chronological age. This study proposes a conceptual model of faculty satisfaction as applied to three subgroups, defined by the number of years until voluntary retirement from academe. Findings suggest the model to be moderately predictive in determining the diverse proportions of factors for each group.
Balancing Performance Measures

type="main" xml:lang="en"> This paper uses an agency theory model in which the agent's actions are multi-dimensional to analyze the optimal weights to apply to performance measures in a compensation contract. We show how the optimal contract trades off the congruity of the overall performance measure with the desire to minimize the risk imposed upon the agent. In contrast to the single action case, we find that an increase in the sensitivity of a performance measure to an agent's action does not necessarily increase the weight placed on that performance measure, even if that measure is perfectly congruent with the firm's outcome.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide regulates extracellular adenosine levels in rat cortical cultures.

Abstract Adenosine is an important inhibitory neuromodulator in the cerebral cortex, yet it remains unclear how extracellular adenosine concentrations are regulated. Recently, it has been shown that β-adrenergic receptor stimulation in rat cortical cultures causes the accumulation of extracellular adenosine derived by enzymatic hydrolysis from adenosine cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) transported into the extracellular space. In this study we show that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), in addition to activating adenylyl cyclase and promoting the accumulation of intracellular cAMP in rat cortical cultures, also causes transport of cAMP and accumulation of extracellular adenosine. We further show that the extracellular accumulation of adenosine in response to VIP can be blocked by inhibition of cAMP transport, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity, and 5′-nucleotidase, indicating that extracellular cAMP is the source of the adenosine. Cyclic AMP transport may be a general mechanism by which a variety of neuromodulators that act upon receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase might regulate extracellular adenosine levels and thereby inhibitory tone in the cerebral cortex.
Raman and Infrared Spectra of Thymine. A Matrix Isolation and DFT Study

The Raman spectrum has been measured for thymine isolated in an Ar matrix using an FTRA instrument with infrared excitation at 1.064 μm, thereby avoiding complications due to resonance Raman and fluorescence effects. This spectrum is used, together with the newly measured infrared spectrum, to establish the assignment of the vibrational spectra of isolated thymine. The assignment is assisted by DFT calculations made at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory, using GAUSSIAN 98W. The calculated spectra, including the Raman spectrum, are in surprisingly good agreement with the experimental spectra. The discrepancies that are observed for some parts of the spectrum result primarily from the failure of the harmonic approximation made in the calculation. The effect of the neglect of anharmonicity has been investigated by determining a set of effective force constants that reproduce the experimental frequencies and intensity patterns in the infrared and Raman spectra and by examining how the predicted spectra (int...
Variation in enantiospecific attraction of Ips avulsus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to the pheromone ipsdienol in Georgia.

ABSTRACT In 2006, we tested the responses of the small southern pine engraver, Ips avulsus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), to multiple-funnel traps baited with (+)-, (-)-, and (±)ipsdienol. Three experiments were conducted in Georgia with all traps co-baited with one of the following lure combinations, respectively: experiment 1, ipsenol; experiment 2, lanierone and (-)α-pinene; and experiment 3, ipsenol, lanierone, and (-)-α-pinene. Ipsdienol and lanierone are aggregation pheromones used by I. avulsus, whereas ipsenol is an aggregation pheromone used by the eastern fivespined ips, Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff), a sympatric species also breeding in pines. In all experiments, the highest catches of I. avulsus were obtained in traps baited with (±) -ipsdienol. The relative attractiveness of (+)-ipsdienol varied across the three experiments. When traps were cobaited with ipsenol, lanierone, and (-)-α-pinene, catches of I. avulsus in traps baited with (+)ipsdienol were high and no different from those i...