cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new science–business paradigm in anticancer drug development

Abstract Studies into the molecular mechanisms of cancer have revealed that, with a few exceptions, the disease lacks a specific drug target. Therefore, new anticancer drugs not only take many years and much money to develop but also might not outperform existing drugs. However, what are assumed to be unfavorable hallmarks of cancer, for example drug resistance, can be exploited for selective anticancer therapy and for protection of normal cells. Based on this paradigm, the drug discovery can be complemented by novel use of existing agents and even ‘failed' drugs. The pharmacological industry could develop low cost, effective therapeutic modalities, by ‘re-using' already marketed and late-stage products in cancer-selective therapeutic kits.
Choice of Burst Number for Blind-Speed Avoidance

A common problem in radar system design is the choice of multiple PRF's to eliminate the blind speeds associated with coherent pulse bursts with uniform pulse spacing. This correspondence describes the procedure of selecting a set of PRF's in such a manner that the unambiguous Doppler achievable with the entire set is maximized. Based on this optimization of the set of PRF's, we determine how many PRF's the set should contain in order to minimize the required beam dwell time for a specified unambiguous Doppler.
SIMS and TDS study of the reaction of water and oxygen on Pt(111)

Abstract The reaction of H216O with 18O on Pt(111) was investigated using temperature programmed static secondary ion mass spectrometry (TPSSIMS), SSIMS and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). The TPSSIMS behavior of the H3O+ and H318O+ signals, after coadsorption of the reactants at 95 K, indicates that the isotopic exchange rate increases sharply at temperatures above 130 K. At 150 K, hydroxyl formation is indicated by a sharp drop in the H3O+ and a similar sharp increase in the H318O+ signals. Using TDS, the overall stoichiometry of the reaction was determined to be 2H2O(a)+O(a)→ 3 OH(a)+H(a). SSIMS data suggest that at least two kinds of hydroxyls are formed and that they do not interconvert at 160 K.
Measuring mining safety with injury statistics: Lost workdays as indicators of risk

Abstract Problem Mining in the United States remains one of the most hazardous industries, despite significant reductions in fatal injury rates over the last century. Coal mine fatality rates, for example, have dropped almost a thousand-fold since their peak in 1908. While incidence rates are very important indicators, lost worktime measures offer an alternative metric for evaluating job safety and health performance. The first objective of this study examined the distributions and summary statistics of all injuries reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration from 1983 through 2004. Over the period studied (1983–2004), there were 31,515,368 lost workdays associated with mining injuries, for an equivalent of 5,700 person-years lost annually. The second objective addressed the problem of comparing safety program performance in mines for situations where denominator data were lacking. By examining the consequences of injuries, comparisons can be made between disparate operations without the need for denominators. Total risk in the form of lost workday sums can help to distinguish between lower- and higher-risk operations or time periods. Method Our method was to use a beta distribution to model the losses and to compare underground coal mining to underground metal/nonmetal mining from 2000 to 2004. Results Our results showed the probability of an injury having 10 or more lost workdays was 0.52 for coal mine cases versus 0.35 for metal/nonmetal mine cases. In addition, a comparison of injuries involving continuous mining machines over 2001–2002 versus 2003–2004 showed that the ratio of average losses in the later period to those in the earlier period was approximately 1.08, suggesting increasing risks for such operations. Discussion This denominator-free safety measure will help the mining industry more effectively identify higher-risk operations and more realistically evaluate their safety improvement programs. Impact on Industry Attention to a variety of metrics concerning the performance of a job safety and health program will enhance industry's ability to manage these programs and reduce risk.
Repeated cocaine exposure attenuates the ability of 5-hydroxytryptamine to release striatal dopamine in vivo.

Cocaine was administered repeatedly to rats and striatal microdialysis performed 1, 7, 14, or 21 days after the last cocaine injection. Local perfusion of 10 microM serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) increased basal dopamine levels approximately 7-fold (664 +/- 79%, 813 +/- 104% and 669 +/- 22%, n = 6, P < 0.0001) in saline-treated controls, whereas in cocaine-treated animals the effect was significantly attenuated (432 +/- 55%, 465 +/- 61% and 497 +/- 48% n = 6-10, P < 0.03) at 1, 7 and 14 days of withdrawal. The 5-HT effect on dopamine release returned to control levels 21 days after cocaine exposure and was not altered by acute cocaine treatment (30 mg/kg, i.p. 24 h prior). The results suggest that repeated cocaine administration attenuates the effectiveness of 5-HT on striatal dopaminergic activity.
Dependency of cassava (Manihot esculanta Crantz) on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Cassava plants were started in the greenhouse either from small cuttings (2.0 mg P/cutting) or large cuttings (20.2 mg P/cutting) in a subsurface Oxisol not inoculated or inoculated with Glomus aggregatum at target soil solution P concentrations of 0.003–0.2 mg l-1. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungal colonization levels in excess of 60% were attained on cassava roots irrespective of the size of cutting material used or target soil solution P status. However, plants started from large cuttings grew faster and better than those started from smaller ones. Cassava was found to be very highly dependent on VAM fungi if grown from small cutting but only marginally dependent if grown from large cuttings. The lower dependence of cassava on VAM fungi when started from larger cuttings appears to be related to the high P reserve in these cuttings and hence the low requirement of the plants for soil P until the P reserve in the cuttings is significantly depleted.
Osteoporosis Screening Preferences of Older Adults

Abstract We aimed to examine older adults' osteoporosis screening test preferences, willingness to travel for screening, and willingness to pay for screening. A survey was mailed to 1830 women and men aged 60yr or older in Pennsylvania, assessing screening test preference (among dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA], heel quantitative ultrasound [QUS], and risk-assessment tools), willingness to travel 20 miles for a better screening test, and willingness to pay $100 for a better screening test, as well as socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate association between screening test preference, willingness to travel, willingness to pay, and potential explanatory variables. Surveys were completed by 1268 individuals (69.3%). Most respondents indicated a screening test preference (73.9%) and, of these, 78.1% preferred DXA. 78.8% of the respondents indicated that they may be willing to travel 20 miles for a better test, and 51.2% indicated that they may be willing to pay $100 for a better test. Similar trends were observed in analyses including only individuals who had not had prior osteoporosis testing or diagnosis. Many older individuals would prefer the "best" test for osteoporosis screening, and may be willing to travel or pay more to obtain a better test.
A Lumped-Parameter Model for Dynamic MR Damper Control

The dynamic behavior of a small-scale magnetorheological damper intended for use in a tremor-suppression orthosis is characterized through experimental analysis and finite element simulation. The combined frequency response of both the electromagnetic coil and the fluid particles is modeled by a secondorder transfer function. The output of this function is an effective current that, combined with piston velocity, is empirically related to resistance force of the damper. The derived model demonstrates high-fidelity to experimental testing of the damper under variable piston velocity and applied current within the expected frequency range of pathological tremor. The model is thus deemed suitable for use in a control algorithm for the mechanical suppression of tremor.
Rating industrial advertisements

Abstract Industrial advertisers can create more effective advertisements if they have some notion about the immediate effect their advertising has on the target audience. Here, a multiple item scale is developed for categorizing an audience's reactions to print ads. The proposed scale is discussed as a copytesting instrument and could be used to evaluate alternative executions in order to indicate which ads may be most effective.
Disorders of Gastrointestinal Motility in Neurologie Diseases

Neurologie diseases can affect the bowel at several levels of innervation—by altering the electrical activity that controls smooth muscle, the enteric nervous system, or the extrinsic neural pathways to the gut. This review concentrates on disorders of motility that occur in conjunction with diseases of the extrinsic neural supply (from the level of the brain to the postganglionic fibers) and those generalized disorders that affect gut smooth muscle. Modern technology, such as gastrointestinal scintigraphy and manometric techniques that measure esophageal, gastroduodenal, and anorectal motility (intraluminal pressures), has provided better methods to study the pathophysiologic aspects of gut motility in diseases of the nervous system. Distinguishing the neuropathies of the extrinsic nervous system from those of the intrinsic (enteric) nervous system is not always possible because the available techniques evaluate only the end-organ—that is, the motor function of the gut. Degenerative or infiltrative (myopathic) disorders of gut smooth muscle, however, can be distinguished from such neuropathies, and careful and systematic evaluation of autonomic function can often identify the level of disordered function in the neural-gut axis.
The treatment of bruxism: A review and proposal for future research

Abstract The epidemiology, etiology, and psychological treatment of bruxism are reviewed. A methodological critique of treatment studies is also presented. Lastly, suggestions for future research are discussed.
Cell killing and the sequencing of hyperthermia and radiation.

Abstract Previous reports have indicated that the greatest cell killing occurs when heat and radiation exposure occur simultaneously. Our studies using Chinese hamster ovary cells comparing cell killing from simultaneous exposure to radiation (500 rad) and heat (either 42.0°C for 60 min or 42.5°C for 40 min) with cell killing from irradiation at 37°C between split heat treatments indicate that these two methods may be equally effective as long as the time between heat treatments remains relatively short (less than 10 min). However, a greater increase in survival with increasing time between split heat doses was observed at 42.0°C than at 42.5°C. While these studies may indicate a more practical clinical method for obtaining maximum interaction between heat and radiation, they do not indicate whether the increased therapeutic ratio that is obtained from in vivo studies when heat and radiation are administered simultaneously will be affected. Investigations comparing the effect of equivalent heat doses (chosen to achieve equal cell killing) at different temperatures on the enhancement of cell killing by radiation either during the heating interval or exactly 3 min after heating indicate that temperatures between 42.5 and 43.5°C are the most effective in enhancing X-ray induced cell killing. Thus, the choice of temperature for the therapeutic use of hyperthermia with irradiation may prove to be an important factor in the success of the treatment
Performing illness: Crisis, collaboration and resistance

(2001). Performing illness: Crisis, collaboration and resistance. Contemporary Theatre Review: Vol. 11, No. 3-4, pp. 137-148.
Mental growth from six to sixty in an institutionalized mentally retarded sample.

The semi-longitudinal method was used to trace changes in the mental ages of 906 institutionalized mentally retarded subjects as a function of chronological age, and equations were fitted to the re...
Utility of preoperative renal artery embolization for management of renal tumors with inferior vena caval thrombi.

OBJECTIVES To review our experience with radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy (RNIVCT) to determine the utility of preoperative embolization. Preoperative embolization has been used as an adjunctive procedure to facilitate surgical resection of complex renal tumors. METHODS From 1990 to 2007, 225 patients with renal tumors and inferior vena cava thrombus underwent RNIVCT, including 135 patients who had undergone preoperative renal artery embolization and 90 patients who had not. The effect of embolization on perioperative morbidity and mortality, transfusion requirements, blood loss, and operative time was analyzed by comparing the 2 groups. RESULTS The mean primary tumor size was similar in both groups; however, 67% of the RNIVCT embolization group vs 48% of the nonembolization group had retrohepatic (level III) or supradiaphragmatic (level IV) thrombus extension (P = .032). The RNIVCT embolization patients had a greater median number of perioperative units transfused (8 vs 4; P = .001), a longer operative time (390 vs 313 minutes; P < .001), more postoperative complications (43% vs 29%; P < .001), a longer intensive care unit stay (2 vs 0.5 days), and increased perioperative mortality (13% vs 3%; P = .017). No differences were found in intraoperative complications or length of hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed a fivefold greater risk of perioperative death (adjusted odds ratio 5.5; P = .029) and a trend toward increased blood transfusion (regression coefficient 3.9; P = .08) with preoperative embolization. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that routine preoperative renal artery embolization in patients undergoing RNIVCT does not provide any measurable benefit in reducing blood loss or complications and was associated with increased major perioperative complications and mortality.
Examining barriers to and motivations for substance abuse treatment among pregnant women: does urban-rural residence matter?

Barriers to entering and motivations for substance abuse treatment were examined among rural and urban pregnant women. All pregnant women entering inpatient detoxification at the University of Kentucky Medical Center were approached about participating in a study on health and well-being. One hundred fourteen (N = 114) pregnant women voluntarily participated. Treatment barriers and motivators were measured with open-ended questions. The Treatment Attitude Profile quantitatively measured motivation. Both groups reported approximately two treatment barriers. Top treatment motivators were pregnancy (65.8%), needing help (23.7%), family (18.4%), and being tired of the lifestyle (16.7%). Overall, Treatment Attitude Profile scores were fairly high (Mean = 74.3, SD = 10.7), representing motivation for treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between treatment motivation and gestational age (β = −0.233; p = 0.012), and a positive relationship between treatment motivation and r...
Valuation of Services Offered by Mental Health Professionals in Swat Team Members: A Study of the Lubbock, Texas Swat Team

Special weapons and tactics teams (hereafter referred to as SWAT), which typically include negotiation teams and officers with special training, often deal with the mentally ill in crisis situations. There has been a trend in the United States to use mental health professionals as either consultants or negotiators when dealing with this population (Butler et al. 1993). This has created a new field of practice for mental health professionals, but this area has received limited attention in scholarly journals because the use of deadly force is not a topic that many researchers readily discuss and research (Clark et al. 2000). Little research has been directed toward examining the relationships and interactions between law enforcement and mental health systems/professionals (Casey et al. 1992; Keilitz and Roesch 1992; Steadman 1992). Not much thought has been given to the interaction between law enforcement and mental health systems (Coggins and Pynchon 1998). Decades ago, federal and state agencies started to recognize the possible benefits of using mental health professionals as consultants to SWAT teams. Since that recognition, many law enforcement agencies have not only considered the possible benefits of using mental health professionals but have actually started using them as consultants to the negotiation team (Fuselier 1989). Existing evidence suggests that the use of mental health professionals in law enforcement is beneficial (Wolff et al. 1997). Typically, interactions between the mental health system and law enforcement involve using mental health professionals as consultants or as on-scene advisors to negotiation teams (Deane et al. 1999; Finn 1989; Hammer and van Zandt 1994; Olivero 1990). Although limited, the research in this area suggests that mental health professionals can make important contributions to the field of law enforcement, particularly in/during crisis situations involving SWAT teams. Many of the studies that examined the interactions between SWAT teams and the mental health system have limitations. Few studies, if any, have examined the value placed on the contributions of mental health professionals by SWAT team members. Previous literature has only studied the negotiators or team leaders of SWAT teams and their use of mental health professional services in crisis situations. Variables like rank, age, and previous experience with mental health professionals on-and off the job have not been examined to address whether they make a difference in the value placed on the contributions of SWAT team consultants. Nonetheless, there is a need to examine factors that might influence the acceptance by SWAT team members of the services provided by mental health professionals.
Improving fiber optic gyroscope performanceusing a laser and photonic-bandgap fiber

Based on insights from a new model of scattering in FOGs for high-coherence sources, we demonstrate experimentally that a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) can be driven with a laser of suitable linewidth and exhibit short and long-term performance matching that of a FOG driven by a broadband source. This innovation can be combined with the use of hollow-core fiber in the sensor coil to produce new FOGs exceeding current standards.
Effect of Produced HCl during the Catalysis on Micro- and Mesoporous MOFs

This paper reports the influence of alkylation reaction byproducts, particularly HCl, on MOF-5. Reaction between tert-butyl chloride and toluene or biphenyl in the presence of MOF-5 as a catalyst generates an unusual structural transformation which was proved to be due to the formation of byproduct HCl by means of powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Despite this, the highly desirable catalytic performance in terms of high conversions (>99%) and selectivity (>98%) toward the less bulky para-oriented products is maintained.
An adjustable shelf-type equalizer with separate control of frequency and limiting attenuation or amplification

This device provides for control of the high-frequency content of an audio program, allowing the operator to choose independently: 1) the frequency above which equalization is to occur, and 2) the maximum correction in signal strength which results in the range of frequencies under correction. Three operating controls are used. One control determines whether the high-frequency signals shall be increased, left unchanged, or decreased in strength relative to the low-frequency signals. A second control is calibrated in terms of the frequency above which correction shall occur. The third control adjusts the asymptote which represents the maximum correction which shall occur for frequencies considerably higher than that chosen by the frequency control described above. The circuit can be described briefly as follows: for high-frequency attenuation, the operation employs a negative feedback amplifier whose output may have high-frequency loss inserted by an RC network following the amplifier; for high-frequency boost, the RC network is inserted in the amplifier feedback path so that the amplifier output (which now becomes the system output) has a rising high-frequency response which corresponds to the attenuation of the RC network. All three controls are continuously adjustable within their ranges of operation.
Selective laser ablation/ionization for ion trap mass spectrometry: resonant laser ablation

Laser ablation provides a clean, broadly applicable ionization source for ion trap mass spectrometry. However, the ion storage capacity of an ion trap mass spectrometer requires a degree of selectivity in either the ion generation or ion storage process to allow effective interrogation of minority components. This can be accomplished by low-intensity irradiation of the sample with laser pulses tuned to a one- or two-photon resonant transition in the analyte of interest. Resonant laser ablation is a multistep process involving evaporation and subsequent ionization of a solid sample component of interest. The leading edge of a tunable laser pulse vaporizes near-surface material, which forms a plume directly above the sample. The trailing edge of the pulse preferentially excites, and subsequently ionizes, the component that is in resonance with the incident photons. In this manuscript, we report on the use of resonant laser ablation with an ion trap mass spectrometer for high sensitivity, high selectivity generation of analyte ions from a solid sample.
A comparison of hot water extraction to standard extraction methods for nitrate, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfate in arid‐zone soils

Abstract Increasing demand for soil analysis prompted by environmental and economic factors has intensified the need for an inexpensive, fast, convenient and precise extraction. Current soil analysis procedures require several extractants which limit their use in many small commercial and residential applications. This paper reports the results of tests conducted with an innovative hot water extraction method to meet these needs in the soils of the arid Western United States. Hot water under pressure generated by commonly available espresso makers was used, with an appropriate proper soil/water ratio, to extract nitrate, potassium (K), sulfate, and phosphorus (P) in as many as 38 soils. The same extract was also used to measure pH. There were high and significant correlations when comparing standard soil analysis extraction methods and the hot water extraction for nitrate, sulfate, K, and P [r=0.99, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.60, respectively (p=0.001)]. The time of extraction varied with each soil, ranging from 0...
A short introduction to numerical linked-cluster expansions

Abstract We provide a pedagogical introduction to numerical linked-cluster expansions (NLCEs). We sketch the algorithm for generic Hamiltonians that only connect nearest-neighbor sites in a finite cluster with open boundary conditions. We then compare results for a specific model, the Heisenberg model, in each order of the NLCE with the ones for the finite cluster calculated directly by means of full exact diagonalization. We discuss how to reduce the computational cost of the NLCE calculations by taking into account symmetries and topologies of the linked clusters. Finally, we generalize the algorithm to the thermodynamic limit, and discuss several numerical resummation techniques that can be used to accelerate the convergence of the series.
Design formulae for reactive barrier membranes

Abstract Polymers films and membranes with immobile and irreversible reactive sites can provide significant barrier properties for packaging materials. The reactive term that consumes the mobile species in the governing transport equations for such materials is a function of both the mobile species and the immobilized reactive sites, leading to non-linear partial differential equations that typically have to be solved numerically. Here we present analytic design formulae to estimate the time varying flux, kill time and time lag through homogenous reactive membranes, obviating the need to numerically solve the model's non-linear equations. Modeling reveals three regimes for the time varying flux. For early times most reactive sites are still present, and an initial flux plateau is observed. For intermediate times, a moving reaction front is found to travel across the film coupled with an increasing flux of the mobile species. Finally, for long times when most reactive sites are consumed, the transient flux approaches its steady value. Analytic design equations characterizing the flux in these three regimes are developed based on perturbation theory and matched asymptotic expansions. They agree closely with the exact numerical solutions. Algebraic formulae for the kill time, time lag and speed of the reaction front also correspond to the full numerical solutions.
Determinants of Variations in the Supply and Distribution of Dental Manpower Among Metropolitan Areas

Multiple regression techniques were used to determine the impact of several demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental characteristics of the population on the supply and distribution of dental services among 342 large and small metropolitan areas. The variables selected explained about 48% of the variance in the supply of dental services.
Observations on mammalian spermiogenesis using surface replicas.

Spermatids, which had been mechanically dissociated from the seminiferous tubule, were lysed with detergent and fixed. After fixation cell components were attached to coverslips and prepared for replica coating. Observations of replicas revealed that a number of cell components, including the manchette, Sertoli cell fibrous network, and axial filament complex with associated mitochondria remain intact following this treatment. The manchette and nuclear ring retain their shape and association, suggesting that the manchette-nuclear ring complex is composed of elements which are tightly bound together in vivo. The Sertoli cell fibrous network beneath the spermatid head often was found associated with the spermatid where it was observed to be a substantial and highly ordered structure. Replicas made of spermatids which were at a stage when the nuclear ring begins to move posteriorly, showed spherical mitochondria associated with dense fibers. Thus, mitochondria and dense fibers may have molecular structure such that they bind strongly to each other.
Influence of pH, temperature and buffers on cefepime degradation kinetics and stability predictions in aqueous solutions.

First-order rate constants (k) were determined for cefepime degradation at 45, 55, 65, and 75 °C, pH 0.5 to 8.6, using an HPLC assay. Each pH–rate profile exhibited an inflection between pH 1 and 2. The pH–rate expression was k(pH) = kH1 ƒ1(aH+) + kH2 f2(aH+) ), where 1 + kS + kOH(aOH-kH1 and kH2 are the catalytic constants (M−1 h−1) for hydrogen ion activity (aH+), kOH is the catalytic constant for hydroxyl ion activity (aOH-), and kS is the first-order rate constant (h−1) for spontaneous degradation. The protonated (f1 ) and unprotonated (f2 ) fractions were calculated from the dissociation constant, ka = (8.32 × 10−6 )e(5295)/RT where T was absolute temperature (T). Accelerated loss due to formate, acetate, phosphate, and borate buffer catalysis was quantitatively described with the catalytic constant, kGA (M−1 h−1) for the acidic component, [GA], and kGB (M-1 h-1) for the basic component, [GB], of each buffer. The temperature dependency for each rate constant was defined with experimentally determined values for A and E and the Arrhenius expression,Ae−E/RT, where kT represented kH1, kH2 , kS, kOH, kGA, or kGB. Degradation rate constants were calculated for all experimental pH, temperature, and buffer conditions by combining the contributions from pH and buffer effects to yield, k = k(pH) + kGA[GA] + kGB[GB]. The calculated k values had <10% error for 103 of the 106 experimentally determined values. Maximum stability was observed in the pH-independent region, 4 to 6. Degradation rate constants were predicted and experimentally verified for cefepime solutions stored at 30 °C, pH 4.6 and 5.6. These solutions maintained 90% of their initial concentration (T90) for ∼62 days.
Epidermal growth factor-induced rapid retinoblastoma phosphorylation at Ser780 and Ser795 is mediated by ERK1/2 in small intestine epithelial cells.

The retinoblastoma protein Rb is critical for the regulation of mammalian cell cycle entry. Hypophosphorylated Rb is considered to be the active form and directs G1 arrest, while hyperphosphorylated Rb permits the transition from G1 to S phase for cell proliferation. Upon stimulation by various growth factors, Rb appears to be phosphorylated by a cascade of phosphorylation events mediated mainly by kinases associated with cyclins D and E. Here we report that in prototype small intestine crypt stem cells (RIEC-6), stimulation with either epidermal growth factor or fetal bovine serum results in an unexpected rapid and sustained Rb phosphorylation at sites Ser780, Ser795, and Thr821 which precedes cyclin D1 expression, cyclin D1/cdk4 complex formation, and cdk4 kinase activity. Rb phosphorylation at Ser780 and Ser795 is prevented by MEK, but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, inhibitors. In vitro, Rb is directly phosphorylated by active ERK1/2 as shown by [γ-32P]ATP labeling. The phosphorylation sites are further directed to Ser780 and Ser795 by kinase assays using recombined active ERK1/2 or immunoprecipitated phospho-ERK1/2 from mitogen stimulated cells. Pull-down assays revealed that Rb interacts with active ERK1/2 but not their inactive unphosphorylated forms. Upon EGF stimulation, phosphorylated ERK1/2 co-immunoprecipitates together with phosphorylated Rb. Collectively, these results demonstrate a novel rapid Rb phosphorylation at specific sites induced by mitogen stimulation in epithelial cells of the small intestine. These data specifically identify ERK1/2 as the kinase responsible for Rb phosphorylation targeted to sites Ser780 and Ser795. It appears that ERK1/2 could be an important link between a mitogenic signal directly to Rb, thereby providing a rapid response mechanism between mitogen stimulation and cell cycle machinery.
LASER STUDIES OF SMALL RADICALS IN RICH METHANE FLAMES : OH, HCO, AND 1CH2

Chemical mechanisms for combustion processes are often developed for nearly stoichiometric flames, a perfect balance of fuel and oxidizer. As the fuel content is increased and flames become richer, these models will eventually break down because they lack reactions leading to the formation of larger hydrocarbons and ultimately soot. In this contribution, we investigate the behavior of two methane combustion models, the GRI 2.11 and Prada–Miller mechanisms, in a series of rich flames of stoichiometry 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6. Using non-intrusive laser diagnostics, laser-induced fluorescence, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy, the concentration profiles as a function of height above burner for OH, HCO, and 1CH2 have been measured in these rich low-pressure methane flames. The experimental results are compared to the calculated profiles. In general, good agreement is found for all species over the range of stoichiometries investigated. The agreement of the OH and HCO profiles with the models is particularly striking. For 1CH2, the width, position, and relative height of the profiles match the model predictions for flames of stoichiometry 1.0 and 1.2. Discrepancies are noted for the richer flames investigated, those with stoichiometrics of 1.4 and 1.6. An analysis of the models suggests that additional pathways for 1CH2 formation and removal should be considered. Even under fairly rich conditions, stoichiometry of 1.6, both models perform well for the radicals investigated here. There is no indication of the requirement for >C2 chemistry to reproduce the present data.
NEXAFS characterization of DNA components and molecular-orientation of surface-bound DNA oligomers

Abstract Single stranded DNA oligomers (ssDNA) immobilized onto solid surfaces forms the basis for several biotechnological applications such as DNA microarrays, affinity separations, and biosensors. The surface structure of the surface-bound oligomers is expected to significantly influence their biological activity and interactions with the environment. In this study near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) is used to characterize the components of DNA (nucleobases, nucleotides and nucleosides) and the orientation information of surface-bound ssDNA. The K-edges of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen have spectra with features that are characteristic of the different chemical species present in the nucleobases of DNA. The effect of addition of the DNA sugar and phosphate components on the NEXAFS K-edge spectra was also investigated. The polarization-dependent nitrogen K-edge NEXAFS data show significant changes for different orientations of surface bound ssDNA. These results establish NEXAFS as a powerful technique for chemical and structural characterization of surface-bound DNA oligomers.
Serological Identification of an Ir-Region Product

Reciprocal immunization of congenic lines differing in the middle portion of the H-2 complex leads to the production of antibodies which react with an antigen or antigens controlled by the Ir region. The antigen designated Ir-1.1 seems to be present only on a subpopulation of lymphocytes from lymph nodes and spleen. It is absent on bone marrow cells.
Identification of rabbit antibodies directed against Candida albicans.

SummaryThe nature of antibody globulins produced by rabbits immunized with heat-killed Candida albicans was investigated. Most of the antibodies were directed against a cell wall antigen rich in mannan. The agglutinin activity of immune serum, purified IgG, and a preparation highly enriched in IgM could be removed by absorption with mannan. In addition, when the IgM-containing preparation was reduced with 2-ME and alkylated, antibody activity was lost. We concluded that the rabbit makes antibodies of the IgG and IgM classes in response to intravenous injections of killed Candida albicans.
Exercise-induced cardiac preconditioning: how exercise protects your achy-breaky heart

The ability of exercise to protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is well known in both human epidemiological studies and experimental animal models. In this review article, we describe what is currently known about the ability of exercise to precondition the heart against infarction. Just 1 day of exercise can protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion damage, and this protection is upheld with months of exercise, making exercise one of the few sustainable preconditioning stimuli. Exercise preconditioning depends on the model and intensity of exercise, and appears to involve heightened oxidant buffering capacity, upregulated subunits of sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and adaptations to cardiac mitochondria. We review the putative mechanisms involved in exercise preconditioning and point out many areas where future research is necessary to advance our understanding of how this stimulus confers resistance against I/R damage.
Laboratory culture of submersed freshwater macrophytes on natural sediments

Abstract Recent information on the relative roles of sediment and water as nutrient sources for rooted submersed freshwater macrophytes has facilitated the development of methods for culturing these plants. The use of natural sediments rather than culture solutions as the source of nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients largely prevents the occurrence of algal blooms and, for many purposes, obviates the need for axenic cultures. Growth requirements of submersed macrophytes are reviewed with regard to the provision of suitable culture conditions. Sediment substrate requirements are considered in relation to the role of sediment as a nutrient source. Two types of culture solution formulations are provided with procedures for establishing and maintaining submersed macrophyte cultures for experimental research.
Relationship of extraversion, neuroticism, alienation, and divorce incidence with pet-ownership

100 freshman women completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory, the Alienation Scale, and a researcher-constructed questionnaire to determine the association of pet-ownership with extraversion, with neuroticism, with alienation, with incidence of parental divorce, and with several demographic variables. Pearson product-moment and point-biserial correlations rested for significance and a stepwise multiple regression were applied to the data. The predicted positive correlation between pet-ownership and extraversion was not found. Hypotheses predicting pet-ownership to be negatively correlated with neuroticism, alienation, and incidence of parental divorce were all supported by correlations of low magnitude.
Methadone increases mouse brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

METHADONE, a synthetic narcotic with many similarities to morphine, is currently being used extensively as a crucial part of treatment-rehabilitation programmes for heroin addiction. In the doses used for “methadone maintenance”, this compound has minor tranquillizing effects, blocks the euphoric effects of heroin, eliminates drug craving, and prevents narcotic withdrawal symptoms. Although the mechanism of action of methadone is unknown, there are a number of recent reports which suggest that 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) is involved in the perception of pain and in the mechanism of action of narcotic analgesics. For instance, Tenen first showed that p-chlorophenylalanine, which depletes tissues of serotonin by inhibiting synthesis, lowered the pain threshold of rats as measured by a flinch-jump technique1. He further found that p-chlorophenylalanine pretreatment lowered the analgesic effect of several major narcotics, including morphine and methadone2. Lints and Harvey made lesions in the medial forebrain bundle, septal area, and dorsomedial tegmentum of rats and concluded that the resulting increased sensitivity to electric shock and decreased telencephalic serotonin content were causally related3. Both effects were reversed by L-5-hydroxytryptophan but not by L-dihydroxyphenylalanine4. Rogers and Thornton showed that increased serotonin levels (but not dopamine or norepinephrine levels) were highly correlated with increased toxicity of principal narcotic analgesics following monoamine oxidase inhibitors5. Way et al. found that chronic morphinization of mice followed by pargyline administration resulted in a more rapid rise in brain serotonin compared with controls6. These investigators also showed that tolerance of and physical dependence on morphine in these animals was antagonized by p-chlorophenylalanine pretreatment and related the effects of morphine on serotonin metabolism to the development of tolerance and physical dependence. Haubrich and Blake found increased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) in rat brain after acute and chronic doses of morphine7. These studies strongly support the idea that sensations of pain and certain effects of narcotic analgesics are mediated by serotoninergic systems. To compare methadone to morphine with regard to serotonin metabolism we performed the following experiments.
Myotonometry: A Method for Estimating Tenseness and Anxiety by Measuring Muscle Hardness

A method is described for estimating tenseness and the underlying anxiety which tenseness may be presumed to connote. The instrument, the myotonometer, measures directly the hardness of muscles. The data from the myotonometer are different from those yielded by the electromyograph in that the actual state of the muscles is measured and not the electrical activity at the motor end plates. Additional exploration of the method is suggested. The method appears to be a promising means of evaluating physiological and psychotherapeutic processes and outcomes.
The rice genome project in Japan

Since 1991, the Rice Genome Research Program in Japan has carried out rice genomics, such as large-scale cDNA analysis, construction of a fine-scale restriction fragment length polymorphism map, and physical mapping of the rice genome with yeast artificial chromosome clones. These studies have made a great impact on research into grass genomes and made rice a model plant for other cereal crop research. Starting in 1998, the Rice Genome Research Program will step into a new stage of genomics—that of genome sequencing. This project eventually should reveal all of the genomic sequence information in the rice plant and be an indispensable aid in understanding the genomics of other grass species.
Inability of Rous sarcoma virus to cause sarcomas in the avian embryo

The injection of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) into the wing web of newly hatched chicks causes a rapidly growing sarcomatous tumour which is palpable within 1 week of inoculation; and cultures of fibroblasts derived from chick embryos (CEF) and infected with RSV become rapidly transformed. Genetic studies have determined that expression of a single viral gene, designated v-src, is necessary for neoplastic transformation. This gene codes for a 60,000-molecular weight phosphoprotein termed pp60SPC , which possesses a protein kinase activity that phosphorylates polypeptides on tyrosine residues and is constitutively expressed in infected CEF cells. It has been suggested that transformation, and possibly tumorigenesis, may result solely from the consequences of this increase in tyrosine phosphorylations. The pathogenicity of RSV in chick embryos in ovo is less clear. Murphy and Rous suggested that RSV may have caused tumours in "various tissues" of "some embryos", but the subsequent studies of Milford and Duran - Reynals , as well as several other laboratories, failed to find any evidence of intraembryonic tumours in RSV-infected early embryos. The findings of Duran - Reynals , if correct, cannot be explained easily in view of our present understanding of RSV tumorigenicity. Thus, we have re-examined the interaction of RSV with the avian embryo and confirm here that RSV is nontumorigenic and non-teratogenic when microinjected into day 4 chicken embryos. In addition, we found that (1) the virus not only replicates in the embryo, but it also expresses an active src-specific protein kinase and (2) once the cells from the infected limbs are disrupted and placed in culture, they are capable of expressing the transformed phenotype after a 24-h delay.
Risk factors for coronary artery bypass graft chest surgical site infections in New York State, 2008.

Background All hospitals in New York State (NYS) are required to report surgical site infections (SSIs) occurring after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This report describes the risk adjustment method used by NYS for reporting hospital SSI rates, and additional methods used to explore remaining differences in infection rates. Methods All patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery in NYS in 2008 were monitored for chest SSI following the National Healthcare Safety Network protocol. The NYS Cardiac Surgery Reporting System and a survey of hospital infection prevention practices provided additional risk information. Models were developed to standardize hospital-specific infection rates and to assess additional risk factors and practices. Results The National Healthcare Safety Network risk score based on duration of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and wound class were not highly predictive of chest SSIs. The addition of diabetes, obesity, end-stage renal disease, sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Medicaid payer to the model improved the discrimination between procedures that resulted in SSI and those that did not by 25%. Hospital-reported infection prevention practices were not significantly related to SSI rates. Conclusions Additional risk factors collected using a secondary database improved the prediction of SSIs, however, there remained unexplained variation in rates between hospitals.
Provider perceptions of barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccination in a high-risk community☆

Abstract Background Maximizing HPV vaccine uptake among those at highest risk for cervical cancer is critical. We explored healthcare provider perspectives on factors influencing HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in a community with high cervical cancer rates. Methods From March to May 2009, we conducted in-depth interviews with 21 medical staff providing care to adolescent girls at two clinics in Los Angeles, CA, serving a predominantly Hispanic population with high cervical cancer rates. Interviews were recorded and transcribed data were reviewed for coding and thematic content related to potential barriers and facilitators of HPV vaccination. Results Providers and medical staff overwhelmingly focused on parental beliefs as barriers to HPV vaccination. Perceived parental misconceptions acting as barriers included the belief that adolescents do not need vaccinations and that no-cost vaccine programs like Vaccines for Children are only available for younger children. Perceived parental concerns that the vaccine will promote sexual activity were prevalent, which prompted providers to frame HPV vaccine as a “routine” vaccine. However, the medical staff felt mothers with a friend or relative supportive of HPV vaccination were more likely to request the vaccine. The staff also noted that for Hispanic parents the “preferred” source of information is peers; if the “right people” in the community were supportive of HPV vaccine, parents were more willing to vaccinate. Other barriers included lack of immunization records among immigrant parents and a difficult-to-reach, mobile clientele. Conclusions Providers noted a number of barriers to HPV vaccination, including some perceived parental misconceptions that could be addressed with education about the need for adolescent vaccines and available free vaccine programs. Because community support appears particularly important to Hispanic parents, the use of promotoras – peer liaisons between health organizations and the community – may increase HPV vaccine uptake in this population.