cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The anatomy and functional morphology of the large hermaphroditic duct of three species of Aplysia, with special reference to the atrial gland.

Abstract The anatomy and functional morphology of the large hermaphroditic duct of three species of gastropod mollusc (Aplysia californica, A. dactylomela, and A. brasiliana) were examined. Each duct is composed of two parallel compartments, the red hemiduct (RHD) and the white hemiduct (WHD), which are distinguishable from the outside of the duct. Four secretory regions, all exocrine in morphology, are recognizable: the RHD secretory epithelium, the atrial gland (or atrial gland-like epithelium), the WHD secretory epithelium, and the accessory gland of the copulatory duct (AGCD). Of these regions, only the atrial gland (or atrial gland-like epithelium) contains egglaying activity and only the atrial gland (or atrial gland-like epithelium) is immunocytochemically labeled by serum antibodies generated against low molecular weight A. californica atrial gland peptides. The RHD is the functional oviduct: the egg cordon passes through a channel lined by the RHD secretory epithelium and bordered by the atrial gland (or atrial gland-like epithelium); the eggs are separated from both the WHD secretory epithelium and the AGCD by internal folds of the duct. The WHD is the functional copulatory duct: the penis, exogenous sperm, and endogenous sperm pass directly by the AGCD and in close proximity to the WHD secretory epithelium; they are separated from both the RHD secretory epithelium and the atrial gland (or atrial gland-like epithelium) by internal folds. The atrial gland (or atrial gland-like epithelium) is thus not likely to have a prostatic function or to be directly stimulated by the penis during copulation; it may play a role in oviductal function.
Characterization of zfs1 as an mRNA-binding and -destabilizing protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Tristetraprolin is a vertebrate CCCH tandem zinc finger protein that can bind to and destabilize certain mRNAs containing AU-rich element binding sites. zfs1 is the single gene in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, that encodes a protein containing the critical features of the tristetraprolin zinc finger domain. zfs1 has been linked to pheromone signal transduction control and to the coordination of mitosis, but no biological function has been ascribed to the zfs1 protein. Through a functional genomics approach we compared transcript levels in wild-type and zfs1-deficient S. pombe strains; those elevated in the zfs1-deficient strain were examined for the presence of potential tristetraprolin-like binding sites. One such potential target transcript was encoded by arz1, a gene encoding a protein of unknown function that contains armadillo repeats. arz1 mRNA decay was inhibited in the zfs1-deficient strain when it was expressed under the control of a thiamine-repressible promoter. Mutations within one AU-rich element present in the arz1 3′-untranslated region protected this transcript from zfs1-promoted decay, whereas mutating another potential binding site had no effect. Binding assays confirmed a direct interaction between zfs1 and arz1 mRNA-based probes; this interaction was eliminated when key residues were mutated in either zfs1 zinc finger. zfs1 and its targets in S. pombe represent a useful model system for studies of zinc finger protein/AU-rich element interactions that result in mRNA decay.
Cholinolytic effects of 3,3-dimethylbutanol carbamate (DBC)

Abstract 3,3-Dimethylbutanol carbamate (DBC) was shown to block cholinergic responses of acetylcholine (ACh) on frog rectus abdominis muscle, guinea pig vas deferens and guinea pig ileum preparations. The blockade was reversed by washing and was non-competitive in nature. However, DBC did not block ACh responses on chick biventer cervicis preparation with concentrations up to 5.5 × 10 −3 M. In lower concentrations, DBC blocked neuromuscular transmission in the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation, but in contrast to d-tubocurarine, it preserved completely the muscular responses to exogenously applied ACh. The neuroeffector transmission in the guinea pig nerve ileum preparation was also blocked by DBC. However, in contrast to atropine, which totally abolished responses to exogenous ACh during neuroeffector blockade, DBC preserved somewhat diminished responses to exogenous ACh. DBC (7 × 10 −6 M − 7 × 10 −5 M) incubated with minced guinea pig cerebral cortex caused a marked release of ACh. Since hemicholinium, hexamecholinium and tetrodotoxin inhibit ACh release from nerve endings, DBC does not appear to work like these compounds either.
GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHMS FOR LINEARLY CONSTRAINED INDEFINITE QUADRATIC PROBLEMS

Abstract In this paper we consider the problem of finding the constrained global optimum of an indefinite quadratic function. Since such a function may have many local optima, finding the global optimum is a computationally difficult problem. We give an overview of the most important methods used, which include Benders decomposition, concave programming approaches, enumerative techniques, and bilinear programming.
The stereochemistry of addition of an alkylcarbene

Abstract 1-Norbornylcarbene can be intercepted through a stereospecific addition to alkenes.
On/off luminescence vapochromic selective sensing of benzene and its methylated derivatives by a trinuclear silver( i ) pyrazolate sensor

{[3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz]Ag}(3) (1) films exhibit selective/reversible sensing of small-organic-molecule (SAM) vapors, which readily switch-on bright-green (benzene or toluene) or bright-blue (mesitylene) luminescence that switches-off upon vapor removal. Vapors of electron-deficient SAMs or non-aromatic solvents did not attain luminescence switching and were not adsorbed.
The isoquinoline sulfonamide H7 attenuates radiation-mediated protein kinase C activation and delays the onset of x-ray-induced G2 arrest

Protein kinase C activation by ionizing radiation in human tumor cell lines participates in the transcriptional activation of genes which may be associated with the phenotypic response of cells to x-rays. We gamma-irradiated cell line RIT-3 (radiation-induced human sarcoma) and quantified the phosphorylating capacity of protein kinase C. Protein kinase C activity increased rapidly and transiently in these cells. The selective protein kinase C inhibitor H7 attenuated radiation-mediated protein kinase C activation when added to cells prior to irradiation. To determine whether protein kinase C activation is associated with radiation-induced G2 arrest, we analyzed the cell cycle distribution of cells following gamma-irradiation. Following irradiation, RIT-3 cells rapidly progressed through G1 and S and subsequently underwent a dose dependent G2 arrest. At concentrations which are selective for protein kinase C inhibition, H7 delayed the onset of radiation-induced G2 arrest. However, there was no difference in the duration of G2 arrest following the addition of inhibitor as compared to cells irradiated without inhibitor. We propose that protein kinase C activation by ionizing radiation is associated with radiation-mediated cell cycle regulation.
Earthworms, as ecosystem engineers, influence multiple aspects of a salamander’s ecology

Ecosystem engineers create habitat that can be used by other species in multiple ways, such as refuges from predators, places to breed, or areas with increased prey resources. I conducted a series of enclosure experiments to: (1) determine if salamanders use earthworm burrows, and (2) examine the potential influence of earthworm burrow use and indirect effects on salamander intra- and interspecific competition, predator avoidance, and seasonal performance. I found that one species of woodland salamander, Plethodon cinereus, used earthworm burrows 50% of the time when burrows were present. Neither adults nor juveniles of the congeneric P. glutinosus used earthworm burrows. Intraspecific, but not interspecific, competition by P. cinereus affected salamander behavior when earthworms were absent, with P. cinereus found under cover objects >70% of the time when alone or with a P. glutinosus, but only 40% of the time when with another P. cinereus. When earthworms were present, the behavior of P. cinereus was similar across salamander treatments. Earthworms decreased the amount of leaf litter and microinvertebrates, although this did not affect salamander mass. In subsequent experiments using only P. cinereus, the refuge provided by earthworm burrows increased the survival of P. cinereus over the winter and allowed P. cinereus to avoid being consumed by the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Because earthworm burrows provide a refuge for P. cinereus during intraspecific encounters, in the presence of a predator and over the winter, they may serve as an important belowground–aboveground linkage in eastern forests where salamanders are common.
Activation of glutamate transporters in the locus coeruleus paradoxically activates descending inhibition in rats.

Descending noradrenergic inhibition is an important endogenous pain-relief mechanism which can be activated by local glutamate signaling. In the present study, we examined the effect of glutamate transporter activation by riluzole in the regulation of activity of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, which provide the major inhibitory descending noradrenergic projection to the spinal cord. Local injection of riluzole into the LC dose-dependently reduced hypersensitivity in rats after L5-L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL). This anti-hypersensitivity effect of LC-injected riluzole was blocked by intrathecal administration of the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan and intra-LC co-injection of the AMPA antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and the gap-junction blockers, carbenoxolone (CBX) and meclofenamic acid (MEC). In brainstem slices from normal rats, riluzole increased phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) expressing nuclei in dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) containing cells in the LC. This riluzole-induced pCREB activation in LC neurons was also blocked by CNQX and CBX. In the primary astrocyte culture, riluzole enhanced glutamate-induced glutamate release. Contrary to expectations, these results suggest that activation of glutamate transporters in the LC results in increase of extracellular glutamate signaling, possibly via facilitation of glutamate release from astrocytes, and activation of LC neurons to induce descending inhibition, and that this paradoxical action of glutamate transporters in the LC requires gap-junction connections.
7× electrical pulse compression an inhomogeneous nonlinear transmission line

A device which directly compresses electrical pulses using the concepts of soliton propagation along an inhomogeneous nonlinear transmission line is described. Numerical simulations on SPICE indicate that a 5 V input pulse with a FWHM of 66 ps can be compressed to a ≥10 V output pulse with a FWHM ≤5 ps. A compression factor of ≥7 has been experimentally measured on a low frequency scale model compressor.
The Real-Virtual Dichotomy in Online Interaction: New Media Uses and Consequences Revisited

This synthesis of literature examines conflicting and overlapping conclusions on the uses and consequences of new media and finds that approaches in interpreting these results are frequently guided by the belief that online and offline interactions somehow take place on separate social planes. Rather than viewing this as a real versus virtual question, this review suggests these results be viewed as indicative of the human need to fine-tune social contact, manage time, and express identity in a manner that combines present and future technologies. As online media mature and newer technologies develop, an overview of the contributions and shortcomings of relevant communication research could inform scholarly investigation in the future.
Quality of life, quality enhancement, and quality assurance: Implications for program planning and evaluation in the field of mental retardation and developmental disabilities

Abstract This article summarizes the current conceptualization within the MR/DD field regarding quality of life, quality enhancement, and quality assurance. The author also discusses a number of implications stemming from these issues for program planning and evaluation. Specific topics addressed include the concept of quality of life and its measurement, quality enhancement and management techniques, and a comprehensive framework for quality assurance.
Solving Refinery Corrosion Problem with Aluminum

Abstract Describes various applications of aluminum in the refining industries to control corrosion. These include offshore and marine applications, heat exchangers, piping and tubing, tank and transportation uses, tower internals and cryogenic equipment. Bibliography with 24 items given. 6.4.2
Wave‐induced pore pressure in relation to ocean floor stability of cohesionless soils

One of the important geotechnical considerations for many engineering installations, such as pipelines and anchors, in an oceanic environment involving sand deposits is that of potential ocean floor instability due to the development of high pore pressures caused by the direct action of waves. This article presents a procedure for evaluating the magnitude and distribution of wave‐induced pore pressures in ocean floor deposits. The method takes into account the distribution of wave‐induced pore pressures in ocean floor deposits. The method takes into account the distribution of cyclic shear stresses in the soil profile as well as the important factor of pore‐pressure dissipation. The variation of properties within the soil profile can also be easily incorporated into the analytical procedure. The analysis provides the complete time history of pore‐pressure response and shows clearly that failure to include the pore‐pressure dissipation effects would lead to radically conservative design. The results also p...
Surfactant in Chronic Smokers

ulmonary surfactant prevents progressive overdistention by increasing surface tension as the alveoli enlarge, and it prevents P progressive atelectasis by decreasing tension as the alveoli become smaller. Cigarette smoke applied directly to bronchial washings or to extracts from minced lung specimens has been found to reduce the effectiveness of pulmonary surfactant [I 9, 251. The present studies were done to evaluate the surfactant in bronchial washings taken from chronic cigarette smokers with and without overt pulmonary disease and from nonsmokers with pulmonary disease.
Standard Gibbs free energy of formation of neodymium oxyfluoride and borates

The Gibbs free energy of formation of neodymium oxyfluoride and borates from the constituent oxides and fluoride was determined at temperatures between 981 and 1168 K by means of electromotive force measurements of galvanic cells with a CaF2 single crystal and ZrO2( + MgO) as the solid electrolyte. The measurements resulted in ΔG °′NdOF = −30 + 9.2 × 10−3t± 6.4 kJ mol−1 (981 < T < 1168 K)ΔG °′NdBO3 = −242 + 1.4 × 10−1T ± 6.5 kJ mol−1 (1064 < T < 1164 K)ΔG °′Nd(BO2)3 = −693 + 4.6 × 10−1T ± 20 kJ mol−1 (1064 < T < 1164 K)
EFFECTS OF EARLY PRENATAL DEXAMETHASONE ON THE COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN: RESULTS OF A PILOT STUDY

The effect of early prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) exposure on cognitive and behavioral development, behavior problems, and temperament were examined in 26 consecutively identified children aged 6 mo to 5 1/2 years, whose mothers had been DEX-treated during pregnancy because their offspring was at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and compared with 14 children from untreated CAH-risk pregnancies. Three children in each group were CAH-affected. Assessments were performed by way of mother-completed standard questionnaires. No significant differences in cognitive abilities or behavior problems were identified. On temperament questionnaires, DEX-exposed children showed more Shyness (p < .004), greater Emotionality (p < .03), less Sociability (p < .04), and a trend for greater Avoidance (p < .07) than unexposed children. DEX-exposed children also had significantly higher Internalizing (p < .002) and Total Problem scores (p < .05) on the behavior problem measure for 2–3 year olds. The results should be considered preliminary until they have been replicated by the study of a larger sample and direct examination of the children.
Production and Isotopic Assignment of Long-Lived Radioactive Sulfur

Thick-target yields for the three important nuclear processes giving rise to the long-lived radioactive sulfur isotope are reported. The cross sections calculated from yield values favor the assignment of the activity to ${\mathrm{S}}^{35}$. The upper limit for the negative electrons emitted by active sulfur is found by absorption measurements in A1 and Cellophane to be 120\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15 kev. The half-life is 88\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 days. It is concluded that neutron irradiation of carbon tetrachloride affords the most efficient means whereby samples of radioactive sulfur adequate for tracer work may be obtained. The chemical extraction of the sulfur is described and the application of the procedure to large scale production found feasible. Some preliminary investigations on the chemistry of the recoil sulfur produced in the nuclear reactions studied are reported. It is observed that resonance neutrons (absorbed by Cd) are effective in producing sulfur by the ($n,p$) process analogous to the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}(n,p){\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ reaction.
TRANSVERSE INSTABILITIES IN FINITE-GEOMETRY STREAMS.

Abstract We calculate growth rates of the transverse instabilities in streams which have appreciable self-pinching forces. Particle drifts destabilise even cases with large applied magnetic fields.
IS RENAL BIOPSY NECESSARY IN ADULTS WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Adults presenting with nephrotic syndrome conventionally undergo renal biopsy before therapy is administered, whereas children with nephrotic syndrome receive a therapeutic trial of corticosteroids without prior renal biopsy. These two approaches are compared here by means of decision analysis. The results indicate that an initial trial of corticosteroid therapy in the adult yields as many, or more, remissions, fewer complications, and lower mortality than does routine renal biopsy. A trial of corticosteroids is an acceptable first step in management of adults as well as children with nephrotic syndrome.
Floral development in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis flower is composed of four concentric whorls of organs: the sepals, petals, stamens and carpels. The development of this pattern depends on two general processes: that of establishing a florally determined meristem, and that of establishing particular organ identities. Mutational analyses have been instrumental in defining classes of genes that participate in each of these processes. The floral meristem identity genes are required to specify a florally determined meristem, and also appear to be required in part to activate the floral homeotic genes. The floral homeotic genes function in discrete regions of the florally determined meristem to specify the different organ types. The molecular analysis of these genes is beginning to shed light on the details of their regulation and function. The challenge that remains is to understand how the action of these genes in the dividing meristematic cell population can be coordinated and maintained to result in the differentiation of the complex array of cell and tissue types that make up the Arabidopsis flower.
Role of transcription factor Sp1 and RNA binding protein HuR in the downregulation of Dr+ Escherichia coli receptor protein decay accelerating factor (DAF or CD55) by nitric oxide

We previously reported that nitric oxide (NO) reduces the rate of bacteremia and maternal mortality in pregnant rats with uterine infection by Escherichia coli expressing the Dr Fimbria (Dr(+) ). The epithelial invasion of Dr(+) E. coli is dependent on the expression level of its cellular receptor decay accelerating factor (DAF). NO reduces the rate of bacteremia by downregulating the expression of DAF. In this study, we elucidated the role of transcription factor Sp1 and RNA binding protein HuR in the downregulation of human DAF by NO. We generated a series of deletion mutant constructs of DAF gene 5'-untranslated region and mapped the NO-response region upstream to the core promoter region of the DAF gene. One of the several Sp1 binding sites in the DAF 5'-untranslated region was located within the NO-response region. The binding of Sp1 to this site was inhibited by NO. Furthermore, NO also promoted the degradation of DAF mRNA. The 3'-untranslated region of DAF harbors an AU-rich element and this element destabilized the mRNA transcript. NO promoted the rapid degradation of DAF mRNA by inhibiting the binding of mRNA stabilizing protein HuR to this AU-rich region. The inhibition of binding of HuR to the AU-rich region was due to the S-nitrosylation of one or more cysteine residues by NO. Thus, these data reveal the molecular mediators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of DAF by NO with implications in pathophysiology related to DAF.
Mechanics and molecular filtration performance of graphyne nanoweb membranes for selective water purification

Two-dimensional carbon materials such as the 2D nanoweb-like graphyne membrane are promising as molecular sieves for energy and environmental applications. Based on the application of water purification – the removal of contaminants from wastewater and seawater – here we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the interplay between mechanical forces, filtration mechanisms, and overall performance for graphyne membranes with different pore sizes. We carry out biaxial tensile tests and verify the superior mechanical robustness and tolerance of graphyne membranes against possible deformations from the membrane installation process. A possible ultimate stress in excess of 15 GPa and an ultimate strain of 1.2–2.7% are determined. We also demonstrate their excellent filtration performance with barrier-free water permeation and perfect rejection of the representative contaminants considered here, including divalent heavy metal salts (copper sulfate), hydrophobic organic chemicals (benzene and carbon tetrachloride), and inorganic monovalent salts (sodium chloride). We find that graphtriyne, with an effective pore diameter of 3.8 A, exhibits an optimal purification performance, because the contaminant rejection rate is more sensitive to pore size than water permeability. In addition, we find that the hydrophobic graphyne membranes exhibit higher rejection rates for hydrophilic contaminants compared to the hydrophobic ones. This size exclusion effect is a result of the larger hydrated radii of hydrophilic species due to stronger interactions between them and water molecules. Finally, we find that the maximum deformation of graphtriyne at the ultimate strain before material failure has only a minor impact on its filtration performance. One of the advantages of using graphyne for water purification is that no chemical functionalization or defects need to be introduced, which maintains the structural integrity of the membrane, and possibly, the long-term device performance.
Superlubricity and Near-Wearless Sliding in Carbon Films

Systematic studies on carbon-based materials and coatings in our laboratory over the past 15 years have led to the discovery of an amorphous carbon film that can provide friction coefficients as low as 0.001 and wear rates of less than 10−10 mm3 /N.m when tested in inert or vacuum test environments. This paper provides an overview of the recent progress made in the synthesis and characterization of such films and of the importance of near-surface chemistry and chemical interactions on friction and wear. Based on extensive surface analytical and tribological studies, a mechanistic model is proposed to explain the superlubricity and near-wearless sliding behavior of these carbon films.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
On the meaning and measurement of output and efficiency in the provision of urban police services

Most proposals for changing the organization of police serving metropolitan areas are presented without any evidence concerning the effectiveness of differently organized police departments in serving urban areas. Assertions are simply made that large scale police departments are more effective and more efficient. This paper attempts first to define the concepts of output and efficiency for police agencies. Secondly, it attempts to develop some potential measures of output and efficiency which could be used in evaluating the comparative output and efficiency of differently organized police departments serving metropolitan areas. A simplified scheme is presented which divides police activities into four types and discusses the problems of measurement for each type. The problems of measuring output and efficiency become more and more difficult as one moves from the first through the fourth type of police activity. While extensive difficulties are present in any attempt to measure the output and efficiency of police agencies, such efforts must be undertaken in order to evaluate the success of past reforms and to be able to predict future successes or failures with higher degrees of accuracy. Without serious attempts to evaluate the consequences of reform, future changes may produce more harm than good.
Vitrification behavior of liquid salt droplet emulsions

Abstract The subdivision of a liquid into fine droplets yields an effective nucleant isolation and a substantial increase in undercooling. At extreme levels of undercooling, vitrification can supercede crystallization in droplets even at a slow cooling rate. The droplet emulsion technique has been extended recently to the production of stable dispersions of molten salts including ZnCl 2 . In fine droplet form (1–6 μ) ZnCl 2 vitrifies easily during slow cooling at 10°C/min. Thermal analysis measurements yield a glass transition for ZnCl 2 at T g = 114°C which is followed during heating by a broad crystallization starting at 190°C and involving metastable and stable products. In ZnCl 2 KCl solutions, T g is lowered to 40°C near the eutectic at 28% KCl. From an analysis of the droplet size distribution characteristics, the undercooling behavior of dispersions has been modeled in terms of a collection of active heterogeneous surface sites which tend to promote crystallization of the large droplet size classes.
Spatial Cournot competition and agglomeration in a model of location choice

Abstract Consider a two-stage non-cooperative Cournot game with location choice involving n ⩾ 2 competing firms. There are spatially contiguous markets along the interval [0,1] with relative size of the markets described by a continuous density function φ(x). The demand function for each individual consumer is the same in each market. Each firm first selects the location of its facility and then selects the quantities to supply to the markets, so as to maximize its profit. Earlier works on Cournot competition in spatial models have shown, assuming that the consumers are distributed uniformly over the markets, that firms typically tend toward central agglomeration. This paper extends the previous work by establishing the robustness of the agglomeration equilibrium to a broad class of density functions. Derived here are conditions under which: (i) agglomeration of all n firms is an equilibrium, (ii) agglomeration of duopolists is the only equilibrium, and (iii) duopolists exhibit a dispersed equilibrium. Examples of partial agglomeration are also constructed.
Reoperation for complications of renal artery reconstructive surgery undertaken for treatment of renovascular hypertension.

Abstract Seventy-two secondary operations for complications of prior renal artery reconstructive surgery were undertaken in 58 patients. This experience evolved from the management of 373 patients who underwent 425 primary operations for renovascular hypertension. Secondary operations were performed 10 times in pediatric patients following 42 primary procedures (24%); 44 times in adult fibrodysplastic patients following 199 initial operations (22%); and 18 times in atherosclerotic patients after 184 primary operations (10%). The overall reoperation rate was 15.5% (58 of 373 patients). Reoperation typically followed persistent or recurrent hypertension caused by graft thromboses, perianastomotic graft narrowing, or progressive nonanastomotic graft stenoses. Aneurysmal deterioration of vein grafts was an uncommon reason for reoperation. Secondary reconstructions included nephrectomy (31), bypass with vein grafts (15) or prosthetic grafts (8), angioplasty or reimplantation (12), thrombectomy (4), and operative dilation (2). Benefits regarding hypertension control were afforded 91% of these patients. One death occurred among the 72 reoperations, representing a 1.4% operative mortality rate. Reoperative renal artery reconstructive surgery for complications of renal revascularization may present formidable technical problems. Early diagnosis and prompt reoperation with exacting vascular surgical techniques are most likely to provide optimal results. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:133-44.)
In vitro and QSAR studies of cucurbitacins on HepG2 and HSC-T6 liver cell lines.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate cucurbitacins (Cucs) liver protective activity in vitro and conduct QSAR studies against lipophilicity and ab initio descriptors. Nine Cucs were isolated from Cucurbitaceae plants and eight prepared by C2-alkylation or C16-acylation. Ten Cucs demonstrated protective activity on human hepatocyte-derived HepG2 cells exposed to CCl4 (EC50 = 2.4–45.3 μM) with good margin to toxicity (T/A). All Cucs exhibited anti-proliferative effect on serum-activated rat stellate cells, HSC-T6 (EC50 = 0.02–4.12 μM) with high T/A. While silybin is nontoxic, its protection is lower compared to Cuc D (3), iso-D (4), I (5), B (11), E (12), I–Me (6), L-Me (7), and E-Me (13) on both cell lines. Strong correlations were found for lipophilicity with both protection and toxicity on HepG2. Lipophilicity correlated only with toxicity on HSC-T6. Consequently, we suggest that Cucs are potential hepatoprotective agents against fibrosis that deserve further examination.
Implications of oceanic intraplate seismicity for plate stresses, driving forces and rheology

Abstract Recent studies of earthquakes occurring within the oceanic lithosphere provide valuable information about stresses in the lithosphere, plate tectonic driving forces, and the rheology of the lithosphere, asthenosphere and mantle. Focal mechanisms indicate that oceanic lithosphere older than 35 million years is almost entirely in deviatoric compression. Both compressional and extensional events occur in younger lithosphere. In young lithosphere mechanisms generally indicate compressive stress in the spreading direction or extension oblique to the spreading direction; extension in the spreading direction is not observed. Using the constraint of compression in the spreading direction in old lithosphere, models of the stresses produced by a combination of ridge push and basal drag forces require the magnitude of the drag be less than a few bars for rapidly moving plates and a few tens of bars for slow moving plates. Assuming that basal drag results from mantle return flow, the upper limits on drag can be converted to constraints on the viscosity structure of the asthenosphere and mantle using simple two-dimensional models. If return flow occurs in a mantle of viscosity 10 22 poise, comparable to the results from glacial rebound studies, the predicted basal drag is too high unless a thin asthenosphere with viscosity less than 10 19 to 10 20 poise (depending on flow depth) is present. The intraplate stress data thus are consistent with the idea of oceanic plates largely decoupled from the underlying mantle. The strength of the lithosphere is constrained by the maximum depth of oceanic intraplate seismicity, which increases with lithospheric age and appears to be bounded by a 700°-800°C isotherm. This limiting depth is approximately equal to the flexural elastic thickness of the lithosphere and is consistent with experimental olivine rheologies which predict rapid weakening at high temperatures. Similar phenomena are important for estimating the fraction of seismic and aseismic slip on transform faults and in determining the extent of rupture for large trench normal faulting events.
Developing empirical models to enhance stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose. Models identifying functional indicators most strongly associated with favourable and unfavourable outcomes may bolster evidence to improve stroke rehabilitation assessment and intervention. This study examined the feasibility of decision analysis methods for developing data-driven models that examined associations between specific functional indicators and global disability.Method. Data were derived from functional assessment of 67 participants 3 months following stroke. Decision analysis methods were used to examine specific activity and body function indicators associated with global disability, and the degree of limitation or impairment that contributed to favourable and unfavourable outcomes, in 2 models. The feasibility of decision analysis methods was evaluated.Results. Of the 26 activity indicators, dressing was most strongly associated with global disability, followed by bill mailing, shopping and sweeping. Of 15 body function indicators, facial weakness and mental functions were most st...
Meta-analysis of genetic association studies supports a contribution of common variants to susceptibility to common disease.

Association studies offer a potentially powerful approach to identify genetic variants that influence susceptibility to common disease1,2,3,4, but are plagued by the impression that they are not consistently reproducible5,6. In principle, the inconsistency may be due to false positive studies, false negative studies or true variability in association among different populations4,5,6,7,8. The critical question is whether false positives overwhelmingly explain the inconsistency. We analyzed 301 published studies covering 25 different reported associations. There was a large excess of studies replicating the first positive reports, inconsistent with the hypothesis of no true positive associations (P < 10−14). This excess of replications could not be reasonably explained by publication bias and was concentrated among 11 of the 25 associations. For 8 of these 11 associations, pooled analysis of follow-up studies yielded statistically significant replication of the first report, with modest estimated genetic effects. Thus, a sizable fraction (but under half) of reported associations have strong evidence of replication; for these, false negative, underpowered studies probably contribute to inconsistent replication. We conclude that there are probably many common variants in the human genome with modest but real effects on common disease risk, and that studies using large samples will convincingly identify such variants.
The chemistry of vicinal tricarbonyls. an efficient synthesis of (±)-vasicine

Abstract Addition of 2-aminobenzylamine to the vinyl vicinal tricarbonyl reagent leads to a short synthesis of (±)-vasicine. In this reaction, the VTC reagent acts as a trielectrophile.
Assessment of ibuprofen tolerance and removal capability in Populus nigra L. by in vitro culture

Abstract Release of pharmaceuticals in the environment has been emerging as a great concern for ecosystem and human health. Ibuprofen (IBU) represents one of the most widespread pharmaceuticals in surface waters and sediments in spite of the high removal rates occurring in conventional wastewater technologies. To assess the potentiality of phytoremediation in assisting these technologies, the screening of plant species for tolerance and removal ability of pollutants is a very important issue. In this study, the effects of different IBU concentrations on callus cultures of Populus nigra L., a pioneer tree species in the riparian ecosystem, were investigated. Results evidenced a notable tolerance of poplar cells to IBU, especially at high concentrations (IBU 30 mg L −1 ), which even stimulated growth. At this concentration, the ability to withstand IBU was accompanied by inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, reduction of lipid peroxide content and increase of membrane redox activity. Irrespective of initial IBU concentrations, a complete removal of this compound from the growth medium by poplar cells during a subculture occurred. Antioxidative enzyme activities and polyamine content were stimulated by IBU 0.03 mg L −1 , while no effect was found in cells exposed to IBU 30 mg L −1 , except for a decrease of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity. These findings put in evidence a notable potential of this plant species for the phytoremediation of IBU-contaminated substrates.
Aerosol vs injected epinephrine in acute asthma

Twenty-five patients with acute asthma were randomized prospectively into one of two double-blind treatment regimens: regimen 1 consisted of subcutaneous epinephrine combined with aerosol placebo; regimen 2 consisted of aerosol epinephrine with injected placebo. In patients with severe airway obstruction (peak expiratory flow rate less than 120, or less than 25% of predicted normal), parenteral epinephrine was superior to aerosol (P less than 0.005) at the end of one hour. However, in patients with mild to moderate asthma (PEFR greater than 120), injected and inhaled epinephrine were of equal efficacy, with the aerosol producing fewer side effects (P less than 0.001).
Modeling for isothermal and cryogenic cavitation

Cavitation typically occurs when the fluid pressure is lower than the vapor pressure at a local thermodynamic state. The goal of our overall efforts is to establish a predictive tool for turbulent cavitating flows, including those under cryogenic conditions with noticeable thermal effect associated with the phase change. The modeling framework consists of a transport-based cavitation model with ensemble-averaged fluid dynamics equations and turbulence closures. To date, the reported experimental investigations contain little information about the turbulent characteristics in the flow field. It is noted that the exchange between static and dynamic pressures has a dominant impact on the cavitation dynamics, and the viscous effect can modify the effective shape of a solid object to cause noticeable variations in the predicted multiphase flow structures. The uncertainty of the inlet turbulent flow variables at the inlet can affect the prediction outcome. A filter-based approach is utilized along with two-equation turbulence closures so that one can assess the local numerical resolution with the computed turbulence length scale, and reduce the impact of the inlet boundary conditions of the eddy viscosity. Experimental information covering both isothermal and cryogenic cavitation with different geometries is utilized to aid the model validation. Furthermore, it is shown that for cryogenic cavitation, the thermal effect on the evaporation and condensation dynamics appears via modifying the local cavitation number and the liquid/vapor density ratio.
Salt and water: a brief natural history.

Practically every patient evaluation by a nephrologist involves a review of daily weights and ins/outs to make an assessment of salt and water balance. Indeed, to help establish our modern understanding of renal physiology and evolutionary theory, Homer W. Smith spent a great deal of time studying the African lungfish, a fascinating animal that cyclically adapts its salt and water balance to aquatic and drought environments. 1 With this in mind, I looked forward to visiting a current exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City—Water: H 2 O = Life (http://www.amnh.org/water). The exhibit was in New York until May 2008 and has begun an international tour. The walk-through exhibit, beginning with a section called ‘Life in Water,’ exemplifies how various plants and animals maintain water balance in a broad range of environments. The display of diagrams, models, a few living animals, and an explanation of the chemical properties of the water molecule leads to the next section, ‘Blue Planet.’ Here a large revolving globe depicts the relative locations and proportions of fresh water on the earth, and the role of water in the planet’s climate and geography. Next, ‘Water Works’ highlights historic and modern ways in which water, particularly fresh water, is harnessed by humans — wells, dams, canals, and hydraulic power, and the allocation of fresh water for irrigation of crops and livestock — and the effect of these human-made structures on their surrounding ecologies. The next sections, ‘Water Everywhere’ and ‘Not a Drop to Drink,’ contrast life in the wettest and driest places on earth, including the Mekong River valley in Cambodia, frozen Arctic regions, the Ganges River, the Namib Desert in Africa, and the Atacama Desert in South America. Here one sees natural and human-made examples of desalination to manage the scarcity of fresh water. The ‘Healthy Water’ section follows and focuses on the high energy cost of bottled-water use, the risks of water pollution, and the important role of wetlands and microbes in the ecology and cycle of water throughout the environment. The final section, ‘Regeneration,’ describes the fragile nature of aquatic ecosystems and efforts to restore altered regions of Mesopotamia, the Mississippi Delta, and Mono Lake. The exhibit closes with sto
Effect of Hyperthermia on Blood Platelets in Male Rats

ConclusionsExposure of male rats to hyperthermia (55°-57°C) for a 15 minute period caused an immediate thrombocytosis lasting for 1 hour after removal from heat stress, a delayed thrombocytosis starting 3 hours after removal from heat stress and lasting through day 2. and a thrombocytopenia appearing 7 days after heat stress. Speculation as to the different physiological mechanisms which might have caused the thrombocytosis at these 2 time periods points toward an immediate release of platelets from their followed by a hemoconcentration due to the pituitary-adrenal stress response. The delayed thrombocytopenia has been attributed to decreased production and/or release of new platelets.
Characterization of Ribonucleoprotein Complexes and Their Binding Sites on the Neurofilament Light Subunit mRNA

Levels of neurofilament (NF) gene expression are important determinants of basic neuronal properties, but overexpression can lead to motoneuron degeneration in transgenic mice. In a companion study (Canete-Soler, R., Schwartz, M. L., Hua, Y., and Schlaepfer, W. W. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 12650-12654), we show that levels of NF expression are regulated by altering mRNA stability and that stability determinants are present in the 3'-coding region (3'-CR) and 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the NF light subunit (NF-L) transcript. This study characterizes the ribonucleoprotein complexes that bind to the NF-L mRNA when cytoplasmic brain extracts are incubated with radioactive probes. Gel retardation assays reveal ribonucleoprotein complexes that are selectively competed with poly(C) or poly(U))/poly(A) homoribopolymers and are referred to as C-binding and U/A-binding complexes, respectively. The C-binding complex forms on the proximal 45 nucleotides of 3'-UTR, but its assembly is markedly enhanced by 23 nucleotides of flanking 3'-CR sequence. U/A-binding complexes form at multiple binding sites in the 3'-CR and 3'-UTR. A pattern of reciprocal binding suggests that the C-binding and U/A-binding complexes interact and may compete for common components or binding sites. Cross-linking studies reveal unique polypeptides in the C-binding and U/A-binding complexes. The findings provide the basis for probing mechanisms regulating NF-L mRNA stability and the relationship between NF overexpression and motoneuron degeneration in transgenic mice.
Cellular motions and thermal fluctuations: the Brownian ratchet

We present here a model for how chemical reactions generate protrusive forces by rectifying Brownian motion. This sort of energy transduction drives a number of intracellular processes, including filopodial protrusion, propulsion of the bacterium Listeria, and protein translocation.
Scotopic thresholds for monochromatic light in the cichlid fish, Tilapia heudelotii macrocephala

Abstract By means of avoidance conditioning techniques, thresholds for monochromatic light from 400 to 675 nm were obtained in the African mouth-breeding cichlid fish ( Tilapia heudelotn macrocephala ). The light stimulus was presented through overhead illumination, and the thresholds were calculated after dark-adaptation. Light intensity was measured in terms of irradiance (μW/cm 2 ) Peak sensitivity was at 525 nm with a threshold value of −4.63 log μW/cm 2 (= 234 × 10 −5 μW/cm 2 )
A 360° Evaluation of a Night-float System for General Surgery: A Response to Mandated Work-hours Reduction

Abstract Purpose New York State Code 405 and societal/political pressure have led the RRC and ACGME to mandate strict limitations on resident work hours. In an attempt to meet these limitations, we have switched from the previous Q3 call schedule to a specialized night float (NF) system, the continuity-care system (CCS). The purpose of this CCS is to maximize resident duty time spent on direct patient care, operative experience, and outpatient clinics, while reducing duty hours spent on performing routine tasks and call coverage. The implementation of the CCS is the fundamental step in the restructuring of our residency program. In addition to a change in the call system, we added physician assistants to aid in performing some service tasks. We performed a 360° evaluation of this work in progress. Methods In May 2002, the standard Q3 call system was abolished on the general surgery services at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia campus. Two dedicated teams were created to provide day and night coverage, a day continuity-care team (DCT) and a night continuity-care team (NCT). The DCTs, consisting of PGY1-5 residents, provide daily in-house coverage from 6 AM to 5 PM with no regular weekday night-call responsibilities. The DCT residents provide Friday night, Saturday, and daytime Sunday call coverage 3 to 4 days per month. The NCT, consisting of 5 PGY1-5 residents, provides nightly continuous care, 5 PM to 6 AM, Sunday through Thursday, with no other weekend call responsibilities. This system creates a schedule with less than 80 duty hours per week, on average, with one 24-hour period off a week, one complete weekend off per month, and no more than 24 hours of consecutive duty time. After 1 year of use, the system was evaluated by a 360° method in which residents, residents' spouses, nurses, and faculty were surveyed using a Likert-type scale. Statistical significance was calculated using the Student t -test. Patient satisfaction was measured both by internal review of a patient complaint database as well as by the Press Ganey patient satisfaction surveys. Results Twenty-one residents, 10 residents' spouses, 11 general surgery faculty, and 16 nurses were surveyed. Statistically significant findings included reduced resident fatigue noted by all groups (residents, p=0.01; resident spouses, p=0.05; faculty, p Conclusions The institution of a specialized NF or CCS for in-house coverage of general surgical services in a large metropolitan university hospital has had initial success in meeting the mandated changes in resident work hours. The CCS reduced resident fatigue, improved quality of resident life, and improved patient care as judged by patients and nurse.
Apparatus noise measurement

AS THE AMERICAN STANDARD ASSOCIATION'S test code for apparatus noise measurement1 is now considered obsolete, these data are intended to serve the electrical industry as a guide in the 1- or 2-year interim before publication of a revised American Standards Association (ASA) standard.