cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II induces IL-6 expression and the Jak-STAT3 pathway in aortic adventitia of LDL receptor-deficient mice

Angiotensin II (A-II), the major effector peptide of the renin angiotensin system potently accelerates progression of atherosclerosis. To investigate its effects on vascular inflammatory mechanisms, we elucidated vascular cytokine expression during early lesion development in A-II-infused atherosclerosis-prone LDLR-/- mice. Male LDLR-/- mice were placed on a "Western" high-fat diet for 4 weeks, followed by sham or A-II infusion for 7 weeks. Equal blood pressures and elevations in serum lipids were seen in both groups. Mice were sacrificed when significant A-II-induced plaque development was first detectable, aortae were explanted and culture media assayed for secreted cytokines. Nine cytokines were significantly induced with interleukin-6 (IL-6) being the most highly secreted. Local IL-6 production was confirmed by in situ mRNA hybridization and immunostaining, where the most abundant IL-6 was found in the aortic adventitia, with lesser production by the medial and intimal layers. Immunofluorescence colocalization showed IL-6 expression by fibroblasts and activated macrophages. Activation of downstream IL-6 signaling mediated by the Jak-STAT3 pathway was demonstrated by inducible phospho-Tyr705-STAT3 formation in the adventitia and endothelium (of IL-6+/+ mice only). These findings define cytokine profiles in the A-II infusion model and demonstrate that IL-6, produced by activated macrophages and fibroblasts in the adventitia, induces the Jak-STAT3 pathway during early A-II-induced atherosclerosis.
Blood oxygen measurements in the assessment of intracardiac left to right shunts: A critical appraisal of methodology

Abstract The proper use of sequential diagnostic blood oxygen determinations for assessing left to right shunts requires a thorough understanding of the normal variability of blood oxygen measurements among the various right heart chambers and the influence of alterations in circulating hemoglobin levels and systemic blood flow. Oximetric measurements were obtained in 23 patients without a left to right shunt and compared with measurements obtained in 42 patients with a proved left to right shunt to examine the normal range of oxygen variability in blood samples from right heart chambers. The effect of fluctuations in hemoglobin levels was evaluated by comparing increases in percent oxygen saturation and oxygen content. Differences in percent saturation were found to be more useful than differences in oxygen content for detection of cardiac shunts. A mean difference of at least 7 percent oxygen saturation was found to be required for a firm diagnosis of a shunt at the atrial level, and 5 percent oxygen saturation for a shunt at the ventricular or great vessel level. The curvilinear relation between systemic blood flow and oxygen step-up in determining the pulmonary to systemic flow ( Q P Q S ) ratio was expressed in a series of equations and depicted by a three dimensional surface. Interventions such as exercise augment both systemic blood flow and oxygen step-up, resulting in a shift to a more steeply rising portion of the surface and a dramatic increase in shunt flow. The minimal left to right shunt detectable with oxlmetry is largely dependent on the level of systemic blood flow.
Vasomotor activity, time-dependent fluid exchange and tissue pressure

Abstract The effect of vasomotion at the level of arterioles on the exchange of fluid in the microcirculation of skeletal muscle is analyzed by means of a model. We assume that vasomotion causes intermittent flow in such a fashion that when flow stops in the capillaries, their pressure equilibrates with that of the nearest venules. Under this condition the whole capillary absorbs fluid from the interstitium. The tissue pressure is calculated by assuming the fluid in the interstitium moves freely and has the overall average hydraulic pressure which results from the exchange in flowing and nonflowing capillaries. We find that the absorption of fluid during the no-flow portion of the vasomotor cycle constitutes an additional mechanism by which fluid is extracted from the tissue, and consequently, when vasomotion is present fluid exchange as well as tissue pressure is substantially reduced. The average capillary pressure deduced from the available microvascular data is high when related to comparable values on isogravimetric capillary pressures. This causes both the overall rate of exchange and the tissue pressure to have comparatively high values. If we assume that capillary pressures in vivo and in situ correspond to those found in isogravimetric experiments, fluid exchange is comparatively lower and tissue pressure can be negative.
Liposculpture and lipectomy superficial to Scarpa's fascia

The standard treatment of patients with type II abdominal contour deformities has been liposuction and miniabdominoplasty. This can leave a flattening or even a depression in the hypogastrium at the junction of the mons and superior flap. We present a technique of liposculpture and lipectomy superficial to Scarpa's fascia that prevents this deformity and may decrease the incidence of seromas following abdominal contour surgery.
Properties of Gold-Doped Silicon

Measurements of the temperature dependence of resistivity and Hall coefficient in gold-doped silicon show an acceptor level at 0.54 ev from the conduction band and a donor level at 0.35 ev from the valence band. These levels appear in equal concentrations within experimental error. The location of these levels is supported by photoconductivity measurements. A search was made for other levels associated with gold centers but none were found. The distribution coefficient for gold in silicon is 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$. Gold was introduced into the crystals by growing from a gold-doped melt and by diffusion into single crystals at high temperatures. The concentrations of gold observed in solution after saturation at various temperatures is consistent with that expected from the distribution coefficient. Gold acts as a recombination center detectable at concentrations as low as ${10}^{12}$ per ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. Because the acceptor level is so close to the center of the forbidden band, it is possible to shift the Fermi level below the middle with large ratios of gold to residual donors. The acceptor level is measured in $p$-type silicon as 0.62 ev from the valence band, giving a value of band gap consistent with previous measurements by other methods.
Presentation, treatment, and outcomes of dural metastases in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: a case series.

Abstract Purpose: Men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have shown increased survival since the introduction of docetaxel-based chemotherapy in 2004. While bone metastases ...
Plasmonic Photoconductors for High-Efficiency Terahertz Generation

We present an efficient plasmonic photoconductive terahertz emitter based on a logarithmic spiral antenna that generates 100 µW of terahertz radiation in the 0.1 - 2 THz range, under a 20 mW optical pump.
Impact of Statistical Errors on Active Phased-Array Antenna Performance

Synthesis and analysis of active phased-array antennas typically assume ideal or error-free distributions of the phase and amplitude excitation coefficients. This is a necessary assumption for first-order design; however, realistic performance must be accounted for in the final implementation of the system. One must never assume that an error-free antenna pattern is realistic or achievable, particularly if expectations of large side lobe rejections are to be met. This paper presents and compares statistical sampling and linear analytical methods for analysis of phased-array antennas and the implications the errors have on different performance requirements. Applications include beam shaping, communication satellites, phased-array antennas, remote-sensing phased arrays, and Earth station phased-array antennas.
The Luna I Moon Colony: A Programmed Simulation for the Analysis of Individual and Group Decision Making:

The Luna I Moon Colony Simulation is described, and its possible uses as an instructional and research instrument in the areas of individual and group behavior are discussed. The need for such a si...
Reconnection Analysis for a Cognitive Radio Network with Unreliable Sensing

In cognitive radio networks, an initiating secondary user senses a channel that is unused by a primary user and then makes use of the idle channel. An ongoing secondary user still needs to sense when a primary user accesses its channel and then either moves to another idle channel or moves to a buffer. In the latter case, the secondary user's call waits in the buffer until either a channel becomes available or a predefined maximum waiting time expires. In this letter, an analysis of reconnection opportunity is presented for the queued secondary calls in the buffer in a cognitive radio network under unreliable sensing through developing a 3-D Markov process, where the unreliable sensing is modeled by different false alarm and misdetection events for both initiating and ongoing secondary users. A closed-form expression of the reconnection probability for an arbitrary secondary call in the buffer is obtained and the numerical computation is provided to highlight the analysis.
Canopy accession strategies and climate-growth relationships in Acer rubrum

A pervasive pattern of forest composition change is occurring throughout the Central Hardwood Forest of the eastern US. Acer rubrum has invaded the understory of Quercus stands across a variety of site types. The proliferation of A. rubrum, and that of other shade-tolerant mesophytes, inhibits the regeneration of Quercus. Without alterations in disturbance or climate regimes, composition in invaded stands is expected to shift towards A. rubrum dominance. Canopy accession strategies and climate-growth relationships of A. rubrum are critical factors in this successional shift. We quantified patterns of suppression and release during canopy accession, examined the relationships between climate variables and radial growth, and compared our findings for A. rubrum in an old-growth forest in Tennessee to other studies throughout the region to elucidate broad-scale patterns. The most common mode of A. rubrum canopy recruitment began with a tree originating in a gap followed by accession into the canopy without a period of suppression (61%). The remaining trees experienced a period of suppression before recruiting to the main canopy. A prominent establishment pulse occurred from the 1940s to the 1960s and 93% of trees that recruited to the canopy during this period established in gaps and were never suppressed. The mean age at canopy accession for individuals that experienced suppression was 24 yr. The transition from suppression to release phases in radial growth trends was abrupt. The mean interseries correlation and the average mean sensitivity of the A. rubrum tree-ring chronology were comparatively high for the region. Acer rubrum individuals were most productive during cool, wet springs preceded by wet autumns and warm winters. Our results indicate that A. rubrum will remain competitive in the coming decades without a change in current disturbance regimes and the Quercus component will be difficult for managers to maintain in similar stands of the Central Hardwood Forest.
Influence of planting depth on Potamogeton gramineus L.

Abstract The weight of Potamogeton gramineus L. winter buds was greatest between 6 and 10 cm deep in the sediment for samples collected from two northern California irrigation canals. The relationship between winter bud weight and depth was adequately described by a polynomial equation containing a quadratic term, but coefficients in equations were different for two canals. For buds planted at various depths, after 10 weeks growth measurements in terms of plant dry weight, shoot length, rhizome length, number of flowers, ramets, leaves, and floating leaves per plant were all negatively related to planting depth. Plants growing from greater depths had lower rates of shoot elongation, leaf production, and ramet production. Allocation of biomass to photosynthetic tissues and flowers was also influenced by initial planting depth, as was the time of emergence from the sediment. These findings suggest that predicting macrophyte growth and phenology from environmental changes alone may not be adequate.
Probeware and Handhelds in Elementary and Middle School Science

This paper reports a test on the feasibility and educational value of probeware and associated instructional materials in middle school science education. We addressed feasibility through consideration of costs, teacher professional development, and instructional design. In order to test our approach, we developed 2 middle school science curriculum units, 6 low-cost probes that interface between handheld Palm computers, and CCLabBook software for the Palms that presents the curriculum, interfaces with the probes for data collection and visualization, and supports guided exploration. The materials were tested by 30 teachers in the first year, and in a follow-up study by 8 of those teachers the second year. We found that teachers were able to conduct the investigations successfully in their classrooms, and that student learning was enhanced through the use of the probes and handhelds. Specifically, students experienced the physical correlation between phenomenon and modeling, which helped them to develop understanding and to confront misconceptions.
Stimulation of protein and RNA synthesis in the crayfish hepatopancreas by crustecdysone.

Abstract Injection of crustecdysone into intermolt crayfish was followed by subsequent incubation of the hepatopancreas in a medium containing radioactive precursor. The tissue from hormone-injected animals had a greater capacity for RNA and protein synthesis than controls, adding further indirect support for the supposition that crustedysone is the molting hormone of crustaceans.
Inclusion at the High-Water Mark? Some Thoughts on Zigmond and Baker's Case Studies of Inclusive Educational Programs

Zigmond and Baker's (this issue) case studies of students with learning disabilities, teachers, and instructional arrangements in five select schools engaged in inclusive practices (e.g., collaborative instruction) raise alarming questions about the educational program of students with learning disabilities and the future of special education. The case studies are discussed in the context of a theory of tolerance as a function of enduring cognitive, affective, and economic constraints on instructional practice. Despite differences in approach, the effect of implementing “inclusion” in each of these schools was to diminish and subordinate the role of the special education teacher, reduce the potential effectiveness of special education as a program of specialized instructional cffort, and remove the academic press for achievement by students with learning disabilities.
Cold War Geopolitics: Embassy Locations.

Abstract The geopolitics of the Cold War is illustrated by the diplomatic ties between countries, particularly the two superpowers and their respective allies. Specifically, the location of embassies abroad and those hosted by countries are examined to determine what they reflect about larger geopolitical issues. This article grew out of class projects used in introductory human geography courses to teach place name, library, writing, analytical, computer, and cartographic skills. The global patterns of embassy locations for all countries are first examined and then the particular patterns of the United States, the Soviet Union, and NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. A comparison between the location of U.S. and Soviet embassies shows that the Cold War was geographically visible only for “minor” states. The Warsaw Pact countries were ideologically more unified in the location of their embassies than the NATO countries. With the collapse of Cold War geopolitics, embassy locations are already changing, signali...
On the stationary state analysis of reaction-diffusion mechanisms for biological pattern formation

We present a biologically plausible two-variable reaction-diffusion model for the developing vertebrate limb, for which we postulate the existence of a stationary solution. A consequence of this assumption is that the stationary state depends on only a single concentration-variable. Under these circumstances, features of potential biological significance, such as the dependence of the steady-state concentration profile of this variable on parameters such as tissue size and shape, can be studied without detailed information about the rate functions. As the existence and stability of stationary solutions, which must be assumed for any biochemical system governing morphogenesis, cannot be investigated without such information, an analysis is made of the minimal requirements for stable, stationary non-uniform solutions in a general class of reaction-diffusion systems. We discuss the strategy of studying stationary-state properties of systems that are incompletely specified. Where abrupt transitions between successive compartment-sizes occur, as in the developing limb, we argue that it is reasonable to model pattern reorganization as a sequence of independent stationary states.
Hegel's Phenomenology: The Sociality of Reason

1. Why the Phenomenology of Spirit? 2. The claims to self-sufficient knowledge: sense-certainty, perception, understanding 3. The claims of self-sufficient agency: freedom and self-consciousness 4. Modern life's project of self-justification 5. Modern life's alternatives and modern life's possibilities 6. The self-reflection of the human community 7. The essential structure of modern life.
The effect of consequential thinking on trust game behavior

Contrary to rational Expected Monetary Value (EMV) predictions that no money will be transferred in Trust Games, in experiments players make positive transfers. Theorists have proposed modifying the Sender’s utility function while retaining utilitymaximization assumptions to account for this behavior. Such accounts assume that Senders can grasp the possible outcomes of their choices, their probabilities, and utilities. In reality, however, Senders’ choices are unexpectedly complex, and the assumption that they approximate expected utility maximization is highly implausible. Instead, we suggest that Senders are guided by general propensities to trust others. Two experiments examine the effect of inducing consequential thought on Sender behavior. One induced consequential thought directly; the other did so indirectly. The amount sent was significantly reduced following either manipulation. This suggests that models of Sender behavior in Complex Trust Games should not assume that participants routinely engage in consequential thinking (CT) of the depth that would be required for utility maximization. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INVITED ESSAY: "Spiritual Modeling: A Key to Spiritual and Religious Growth?"

Spiritual modeling is proposed as an important but neglected component of traditional religious involvement, as well as of many spiritual practices. Religious and spiritual traditions often portray spirituality as primarily "caught, not taught," as transmitted through formal and informal observation of persons serving as exemplars of how to live a spiritually meaningful life. Such spiritual models have included founders of great religions (e.g., the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad), as well as more contemporary figures (e.g., Teresa of Avila, Gandhi). Members of a person's own society or family have also served as spiritual models throughout history. We argue that understanding and facilitating spiritual modeling experiences may be a key but relatively neglected role of traditional religion and contemporary spirituality. We discuss some possible processes of spiritual modeling, links with other scientifically recognized dimensions of religion and spirituality, and implications for intervention design.
Depression After Spinal Cord Injury: Comorbidities, Mental Health Service Use, and Adequacy of Treatment

Abstract Fann JR, Bombardier CH, Richards JS, Tate DG, Wilson CS, Temkin N, for the PRISMS Investigators. Depression after spinal cord injury: comorbidities, mental health service use, and adequacy of treatment. Objective To provide data for depression rates and psychiatric comorbid conditions, mental health service use, and adequacy of depression treatment in depressed and nondepressed adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Cross-sectional survey as part of the Project to Improve Symptoms and Mood after SCI (PRISMS). Setting Community setting. Participants Community-residing people with traumatic SCI (N=947). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Depression Scale, psychiatric history questionnaire, Cornell Service Index (mental health service use), and current medication use. Results The prevalence of probable major depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) was 23%. There was a high lifetime prevalence of other psychiatric conditions, particularly anxiety disorders. In depressed participants, 29% currently were receiving any antidepressant and 11% were receiving guideline-level antidepressant dose and duration, whereas 11% had been receiving any psychotherapy in the past 3 months and 6% had been receiving guideline-level psychotherapy in the past 3 months. Serotonergic antidepressants and individual psychotherapy were the most common types of treatment received, and there was a wide range of provider types and treatment settings. Demographic and clinical variables were not associated with receipt of mental health service or guideline-level care. Conclusions Findings from this study document the low rate of mental health treatment for persons with SCI and probable major depression. These findings have implications for improving the effectiveness of depression treatment in people with SCI.
Mixed valence in alloys of SmSe with SmAs and SmP

Lattice parameter measurements are reported for a series of alloys of SmSe with SmAs and SmP. Also, magnetic susceptibility measurements are reported on the alloys of SmSe with SmAs and SmS with SmP.
Intraoperative imaging of nipple perfusion patterns and ischemic complications in nipple-sparing mastectomies.

Background Nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) have gained acceptance in the field of breast oncology. Ischemic complications involving the nipple–areolar complex (NAC) occur in 3–37 % of cases. Skin perfusion can be monitored intraoperatively using indocyanine green (IC-GREEN™, ICG) and a specialized infrared camera–computer system (SPY Elite™). The blood flow pattern to the breast skin and the NAC were evaluated and a classification scheme was developed.
Pilates and Mindfulness: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT The Pilates method as Joseph Hubertus Pilates originally defined it in the early 1920s, was called “Contrology,” or the art of control, based on the ideal of attaining a complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Joseph Pilates's early writings emphasized the value of controlling the body rather than attending to the process of body awareness. This qualitative article investigates students' experiences in a semester-long Pilates mat class to address the question of whether students experience Pilates as a mind–body activity. Student responses (n = 63) were coded and four themes emerged: (a) body awareness and centering are fundamental to making changes in daily life; (b) increases in awareness and strength boost confidence; (c) awareness, relaxation, and positive mental attitude lead to improved stress management; and (d) concentration and intuition take time to develop. The article concludes with reflections on the integration of somatic practices and implications for postsecondary dance p...
Law, endowments, and finance

Abstract Using a sample of 70 former colonies, this paper assesses two theories regarding the historical determinants of financial development. The law and finance theory holds that legal traditions, brought by colonizers, differ in terms of protecting the rights of private investors vis-a-vis the state, with important implications for financial markets. The endowment theory argues that the disease environment encountered by colonizers influences the formation of long-lasting institutions that shape financial development. The empirical results provide evidence for both theories. However, initial endowments explain more of the cross-country variation in financial intermediary and stock market development.
CA125 regression in ovarian cancer patients treated with intravenous versus intraperitoneal platinum-based chemotherapy: A gynecologic oncology group study

Abstract Objective CA125 is a non-specific marker of peritoneal irritation which has the potential for false elevation during intraperitoneal treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify the rate of CA125 regression during intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Methods GOG 114, a randomized control trial evaluating IP and IV treatment, includes an intensive CA125 measurement schema with weekly CA125 levels until ≤35units/ml for both IP- and IV-treated patients. Rate of CA125 normalization, median CA125 values for each treatment cycle, as well as clinical and pathologic features were compared between the treatment groups. Baseline CA125 levels and rate of CA125 decline were evaluated with respect to overall survival. Results CA125 data were available for 223 patients who received IV cisplatin/paclitaxel and for 231 patients who received IV carboplatin followed by IP cisplatin/paclitaxel. Standard prognostic criteria and baseline CA125 values were similar between the treatment groups. For treatment cycles in which IP-treatment was administered, there was no statistically significant difference in CA125 levels between IV- and IP-treated patients. The rate of CA125 normalization was similar between IV- and IP-treated patients (p=0.55). Patients with low pre-chemotherapy CA125 levels which rapidly declined during treatment demonstrated a survival advantage (p Conclusions No difference in CA125 decline was identified between IP- and IV-treated patients undergoing a weekly CA125 monitoring schedule. This data supports the utilization of standard CA125 response criteria in the therapeutic monitoring for patients receiving IP treatment.
Effectiveness of RZWQM for Simulating Alternative Great Plains Cropping Systems

layers with both CT and NT in WF in western Nebraska and concluded that cropping intensification would be The Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) is a comprehennecessary to reverse the decline. Studies oriented toward sive agricultural system model with the capacity to predict crop–environmental response to varying soil and crop management systems. amelioration of adverse impacts of WF(CT) on soil qualOur objective was to evaluate RZWQM for its ability to simulate a ity and productivity increased substantially throughout 2-yr winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow (WF) rotation and a the Great Plains in recent years. Numerous research more complex wheat–corn (Zea mays L.)–fallow (WCF) rotation un- efforts emphasized developing better cropping and tillder tilled and no-till (NT) conditions on a Weld silt loam soil in semi- age practices for optimum use of available rainfall and arid northeastern Colorado. Measured data from all phases of both minimal environmental impact (Halvorson, 1990; Anrotations were compared with simulated values using root mean derson et al., 1999). To develop environmentally sound square error (RMSE) values to quantify the agreement. Soil water croppingsystemsasalternativestoWF(CT),fieldexperin different layers, total soil profile (180 cm) water contents, and grain iments were established in 1990 on a Weld silt loam soil yield were accurately predicted with RMSEs ranging between 0.055
Raman Study of Oxygen Reduced and Re-Oxidized Strontium Titanate

We report Raman study of oxygen reduced single crystal strontium titanate. Oxygen reduction leads to the appearance of the forbidden first-order Raman peaks, as well as spectral features attributed to the local vibrational modes associated with oxygen vacancies. This assignment is supported by ab initio calculations of phonon modes in $\mathrm{Sr}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ with introduced oxygen vacancies. Raman studies of re-oxidized samples show the same spectra as the initial single crystals. Comparison of Raman spectra of $\mathrm{Sr}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ thin films and reduced $\mathrm{Sr}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ single crystals demonstrates the importance of other factors such as polar grain boundaries in the lattice dynamical behavior of thin films.
Ethics of rural health care

One quarter of the US population live in areas designated as rural. Delivery of rural health care can be difficult with unique challenges including limited access to specialists such as oncologists. The Rural Cancer Outreach Program is an alliance between an academic medical center and five rural hospitals. Due to the presence of this program, the appropriate use of narcotics for chronic pain has increased, the number of breast conserving surgeries has more than doubled and accrual to clinical trials has gone from zero to nine over the survey period. An increase in adjuvant chemotherapy has been noted. The rural hospitals and the academic center have seen a positive financial impact. The most prominent ethical issues focus on justice, especially access to health care, privacy, confidentiality, medical competency, and the blurring of personal and profession boundaries in small communities. As medical care has become more complex with an increasing number of ethical issues intertwined, the rural hospitals have begun to develop mechanisms to provide help in difficult situations. The academic center has provided expertise and continued education for staff, both individually and within groups, regarding ethical dilemmas.
Mechanical Properties Of Polyaniline / Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Films

High molecular weight polyaniline / multi-walled carbon nanotube composite films were fabricated using solution processing. Composite films with various weight percentages of multiwalled carbon nanotubes were fabricated. Physical properties of these composites were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy. These results indicate that the addition of multiwalled nanotubes to polyaniline significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the films. In addition, metal–semiconductor (composite) (MS) contact devices were fabricated, and it was observed that the current level in the films increased with increasing multiwalled nanotube content. Furthermore, it was observed that polyaniline containing one weight percent of carbon nanotubes appears to be the most promising composition for applications in organic electronic devices.
A perspective on murine keratinocyte stem cells as targets of chemically induced skin cancer

Although ideas on the stem cell origins of cancer date more than one hundred years, critical evidence to support these theories is largely lacking. Our objective here is to outline our historical perspective on keratinocyte stem cells in the cutaneous epithelium and to summarize specific evidence suggesting that epithelial stem cells may contribute to chemically induced skin cancer. We note that, while strong evidence does support this hypothesis, experiments in progress may provide direct visualization of tumors derived from hair follicle stem cells. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Another look at leptonic photon couplings

Abstract It may be that additional gauge bosons exist that are associated with unbroken U(1) symmetries; such bosons might couple to some combination of lepton number, and have thus been coined leptonic photons. It can be shown that such gauge forces are restricted to coupling to tau minus muon number N τ − N μ . Such gauge bosons can be produced in quantity in the early Universe shortly after the Big Bang. Constraints arising from primordial nucleosynthesis data limit the coupling to α ′ ⩽ 5 × 10 − 18 , a significant improvement over previous estimates.
An attempt at synchronization of marrow cells in acute leukemia: relationship to therapeutic response.

The relationship between changes in the bone marrow labeling index and the patient's subsequent response to cycle-specific agents was studied by the South-eastern Cancer Study Group in adults with acute leukemia. Ninety-eight patients were randomized to one of two treatment regimens. Schedule 1 consisted of a single intravenous (i.v.) push of cytosine arabinoside followed in 48 hours by a large dose of oral methotrexate distributed over 24 hours and i.v. vincristine. Leucovorin rescue was employed to control the toxic effects of the high dose methotrexate and the cycle was repeated every 7 days. Schedule 2 differed only in that there were three daily injections of cytosine arabinoside preceding vincristine and methotrexate injections and each cycle was given every 10 days. Cell kinetic studies were performed in 30 patients and revealed that the majority of patients who had a response to therapy had some increase in the marrow labeling index 48 hours after cytosine arabinoside injection. In general, those patients who had no response to therapy had little change. There was no significant difference between schedules in the ability to induce an increase in labeling index 48 hours after cytosine arabinoside or in the increment achieved by the responders. However, there was a significant difference in the response rate seen with these schedules. Schedule 1 achieved only a 24% remission rate in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) while schedule 2 was associated with a 52% remission rate. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) both schedules induced a 60% remission rate while none of the four patients with blast crisis of chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) responded. Analysis of the characteristics associated with remission revealed that more females achieved a remission than males and that the presence of pretreatment infection was the greatest contributing cause of early death and thus severely limited the ability to achieve a remission. As opposed to the current regimens used in ANLL, schedule 2 did not require significant bone marrow hypoplasia (as judged by the degree of hematological toxicity) to achieve a remission and there was no decrease in response seen with increasing age. The data suggest that increased efficiency of cycle-specific, antitumor agents may occur by increasing the proportion of human leukemic cells in DNA synthesis.
Synthesis of Isozymes of Superoxide Dismutase in Maize Leaves in Response to O3, SO2 and Elevated O2

Matters, G. L. and Scandalios, J. G. 1987. Synthesis of isozymes of superoxide dismutase in maize leaves in response to 03, S02 and elevated 02.— J. exp. Bot. 38: 842-852. The activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were determined in maize leaves treated with 03 or S02 for 8 h, or with elevated levels of oxygen for up to 96 h. Neither 03 nor S02 significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase or catalase activity. However, after 72 h in an atmosphere containing 90% oxygen, superoxide dismutase activity was increased, but not the activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and malate dehydrogenase. Immunological analysis showed that amounts of the cytosolic superoxide dismutase isozymes, SOD-2 and SOD-4, were increased by the elevated oxygen but not the chroloplast (SOD-1) or mitochondrial (SOD-3) isozymes. Immunoprecipitation of translation products of leaf polysomes indicated that the higher levels of SOD-2 and SOD-4 were due to increased amounts of polysome-bound mRNA coding for these proteins. The specific response of SOD-2 and SOD-4 to 90% oxygen treatments contrasts with the increase in all SOD isozymes in maize leaves treated with the herbicide paraquat.
Noble gases in the terrestrial planets

Abundances of primordial noble gases are lower for Mars than for Earth, but are higher for Venus. The data for Venus are attributed to implantation of solar wind in small preplanetary particles. Results for Mars are explained by escape of gas from planetesimals with radius between 5 and 100 km which form within the first 107 yr of the Solar System. Volatile loss is associated with melting caused by short-lived radioisotopes such as 26Al.
Self-portrait: A tool for understanding the teaching of mathematics

In a course labelled “math methods” for preservice elementary school teachers, the focus is on constructivist philosophy and teaching as synonymous with research. The participants consciously view themselves as teacher-learners by continuously looking at their perception of self in a set of written responses: “Self-portrait as a Teacher.” Three of these self-reflections are collected over ten weeks. The data show that the initial stage is a general, often vague, perception and description of a mathematics teacher, reflecting the media portrayal of the necessity of mathematics in schools, followed by confusion and frustration of not knowing mathematics in sufficient depth to explain it to others. The final portrait shows some resolution of conflict and self-discovery in “doing” mathematics. In all, the practice of self-regulation becomes progressively more evident. Although teaching is acknowledged as a reflective practice, ways of facilitating the self reflection of preservice teachers are not widely known. The use of self-portraits brings out the profile of a learner, which helps provide individual and group preparation, and assists in building a learning community of teachers.
An approximation of central-axis absorbed dose in narrow photon beams

In narrow photon beams of therapeutic energy range, the absorbed dose derived from experimental measurements is subject to a significant error. The error stems from high dose gradients characteristic to small radiation fields and from finite probe dimensions. In this study, a simple model for the narrow-beam absorbed dose is described. It is shown that broad-beam dose data are sufficient to predict a narrow-beam dose. The dose is calculated as a sum of primary and scatter components given in the form of respective analytical functions. For both functions, numerical coefficients are determined in broad-beam geometry. The model is evaluated by comparing calculated dose values with the Monte Carlo simulated narrow-beam dose data for 6 and 15 MV x rays.
Membrane function in cystic fibrosis. II. Methionine transport in normal and cystic fibrosis fibroblasts

Putrescine transport was examined in normal and cystic fibrosis fibroblasts. No differences were observed in accumulation pattern, kinetics of uptake, or efflux between CF and normal cells. In both growing and growth-arrested CF and normal fibroblasts, exogenously supplied putrescine remained unchanged for at least 60 min. Some differences were observed in the response of CF and normal cells to environmental (media) changes.
Laser-induced Fluorescence in Kerosene/Air and Gasoline/Air Flames

Recently, laser-excited flame fluorescence spectroscopy has been applied to flame diagnostic measurements of spatial concentrations and temperatures. Laser excitation of species in flames permits measurement of various types of fluorescence processes difficult to observe with conventional sources.
Model for End Stage Liver Disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: a moving target

The institution of the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score has been a successful refinement to the allocation for cadaveric liver allografts. Likewise, transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within defined criteria (Milan) has been shown to be very efficacious. The placement of patients with HCC in the allocation scheme with a MELD exception score has been an ongoing process of adjustments. The most recent data would suggest that patients with HCC continue to benefit from enhanced access to transplantation compared with patients without HCC. Development of a continuous HCC score, similar to the MELD score, maybe a more consistent and impartial way to equate access to cadaveric liver allografts for candidates with HCC and those without HCC.
Abnormal 5-HT modulation of stress behaviors in the Kv4.2 knockout mouse

The Kv4.2 gene codes for an essential subunit of voltage-gated A-type potassium channels that are involved in dendritic signal integration and synaptic plasticity. Detailed cellular characterization in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus has shown that knocking out the Kv4.2 gene increases neuronal excitability and promotes long-term potentiation. However, the overall behavioral consequences of these modifications have not been fully explored. Given the growing connection between neuronal plasticity and affect processing in the hippocampus and other Kv4.2 expressing regions, we proposed to investigate whether the absence of this gene would alter the stress response of mice to the forced swimming and tail suspension tests (TSTs) for depression-like behavior. Kv4.2 knockout (KO) mice, generated in the 129SvEv background, demonstrated elevated immobility and a loss of swimming, as well as antidepressant resistance to the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (FLX). Characterization of a relatively new head movement behavior category, responsive to serotonergic treatment in wildtype (WT) mice, supported conclusions of abnormal 5-HT modulation. Electrophysiology recordings in the prefrontal cortex showed a blunting of postsynaptic response to direct 5-HT application following a single period of swim stress only in the animals without the Kv4.2 subunit. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that Kv4.2 KO mice may have an exaggerated 5-HT response to stress leading to a premature desensitization of postsynaptic receptors and a loss of continued behavior modulation. These results may shed some light on the involvement of A-type potassium channels in the effective action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants.
Markers of Acute Lung Inflammation Are Increased in Infants with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension Independent of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy

Markers of Acute Lung Inflammation Are Increased in Infants with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension Independent of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy
A Simple Method for Determining Thermal EHL Correction Factors for Rolling Element Bearings and Gears

The Murch and Wilson thermal EHL analysis is used together with data on commercial mineral and synthetic lubricants to develop simple charts from which thermal correction factors can be determined for rolling element bearings and gears. It was found that for bearings operating at or below their maximum catalogued speed, with a lubricant viscosity giving an operating specific film thickness, λ, of 1.5, the thermal effects are not very significant. For high-speed bearings and gears, or with high-viscosity lubricants, the charts give simple, yet accurate, information on thermal effects. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASLE/ASME Lubrication Conference in Dayton, Ohio, October 16–18, 1979
Distribution of a macrophage-specific antigen

Abstract Macrophage specific antigens were detected with fluorescein and 125 I-labeled rabbit antibodies to anti-guinea pig macrophages on surface membranes of 85–100% of peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM), 35–90% of alveolar macrophages (AVM), 35–50% of splenic macrophages, and 10% of peripheral blood monocytes. None was detected in bone marrow cells, the source of precursor macrophages. Phagocytosis in vitro was not accompanied by an increase of labeled cells in bone marrow, blood, or spleen. Neither trypsin nor neuraminidase reduced macrophage-specific antigens on surface membranes of PEM nor uncovered such antigens in greater quantity in mononuclear phagocytes of bone marrow, blood or spleen. Neuraminidase augmented the binding of 125 I-labeled antimacrophage globulins (AMG) and normal rabbit globulins to monocytes/macrophages.
Formation, Function, and Persistence of the Corpora Lutea of the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Between 1956 and 1967, 146 female African elephants were collected in Uganda and 23 sets of ovaries from pregnant animals were collected in Zambia. These were examined for number and diameter of corpora lutea, corpora rubra, and Graafian follicles. Histological sections were made of corpora lutea, corpora rubra, and ovarian stroma. In each corpus luteum 15 microscopic fields were examined. In each field 100 points were examined and cells at each point were classified as one of four classes. Presence of vascularity and cytoplasmic vacuolation was noted. Follicular development is repressed during gestation, especially in the 5 to 16 months of gestation. Lactation has little apparent influence on follicular development. Ovaries of all pregnant elephants contained more than one corpus luteum. In the Zambian collection the mean number of corpora lutea with stigmata of ovulation (2.4 was significantly different, P < .01) than the mean number without stigmata (3.5). Mean diameter of corpora lutea with stigmata was significantly ( P < .01) larger than those without stigmata. Corpora lutea resulting from ovulation are formed in the first few months of pregnancy, whereas corpora lutea formed by luteinization of nonovulated follicles can be formed at all stages. The elephants of this sample had approximately 2.2 estrous cycles before becoming pregnant. The mean number of corpora lutea from 41 pregnant elephants was 6.0. There was no difference in the number or diameter of corpora lutea from the first or second halves of pregnancy. The mean number of corpora rubra in pregnant animals was 10.8 and the mean maximum diameter was 7.1 millimeters. In the ovaries of some animals in the late stages of pregnancy or shortly after parturition, there were no corpora rubra. The number of corpora rubra in the last half of pregnancy was not significantly greater than those in the first half. The average time of persistence of corpora rubra was about 77 months. Cell types within corpora lutea are heterogeneously distributed within individual corpora lutea. Within a single elephant there may be two or more groups of similar corpora lutea. Typical lutein cells were less abundant in the late stages of pregnancy. Cell types were not correlated with the presence or absence of stigmata of ovulation. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was more abundant in the second to thirteenth month of gestation. The corpora lutea of elephants are probably secreting hormones most actively during 2 to 14 months of gestation.
East Asia, the Pacific and the West: Strategic Trends and Implications: Part I

Last week I had the privilege of meeting Prime Minister Nakasone, and he asked me what I would speak about at Kyoto. I gave him the topic. I said it was quite striking how different the perceptions of security were in Asia from Europe. And he said something to me which he authorized me to quote. He said, ‘The difference is the difference between European paintings and Japanese paintings. In Europe, in a European painting every detail is filled in and very little is left to the imagination. In a Japanese painting it is the empty spaces which give meaning to the design and they leave a great deal therefore to the perception of the observer’. I think he states the issue very well. The Western debate on security has more or less run into the sand. The positions of the chief protagonists are quite fixed. The basic theories were developed thirty years ago on both strategy and arms control. They tend to be repeated almost by rote, in my view to the extraordinary detriment of creative policy. Asian security has been less systematically addressed, at least in these circles.